A Different Way of Living

I spoke with someone today who said that Bach had 32 children.  I drew the conclusion that Bach must have been promiscuous and said, "I thought he was Christian."  This person commented, "Maybe he was, but what difference does it make?"

A brief investigation showed me that Bach had 20 children, seven with his first wife and 13 with his second wife. History does not point to Bach being promiscuous.  I hope and pray that our Christian faith causes us to live markedly different lives, based on wholesome values.  (Not perfect, and struggling, we press on toward the goal for which Christ has called us heavenward.)

"When he was 48, Johann Sebastian Bach acquired a copy of Luther's three-volume translation of the Bible. He pored over it as if it were a long-lost treasure...  Near 1 Chronicles 25 (a listing of Davidic musicians) he wrote, "This chapter is the true foundation of all God-pleasing music." At 2 Chronicles 5:13 (which speaks of temple musicians praising God), he noted, "At a reverent performance of music, God is always at hand with his gracious presence."  (Christian History.net)

TV~ (Today's verse)
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
[Romans 12:2]

Two Teens and a Baby

I learned recently of a beautiful baby born to an unmarried teenage couple.  No longer together, they now share the custody of their child, each taking the baby every other week.  The dad awakes at 5:30 a.m. daily for a landscaping job.  The mom is cleaning houses. Their responsibilities limit their job and education options.

There once was a younger son who left home.  He wanted to be "free."  It was fun for a while, until his money ran out and he became a farm hand, feeding the pigs.

The best part of the story....
When the younger son decided to return home, physically and spiritually, he was welcomed with open arms.

TV~
There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. [Proverbs 14:12]

Stuck in the Muck

There are seasons in which we become stuck.  It is horrible.  We may be stuck in anger, or unforgivenss, or grief, or.....
If we are unable to climb out, we can cry out and ask God to rescue us.

TV~  (Today's Verse)
He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

The Downward Spiral of Temptation

Here are the five steps downward: 

1.  We are drawn away by our own evil desires.
2.  Our desire conceives.
3.  Our desire gives birth to sin.
4.  Sin becomes full-grown.
5.  Sin brings forth death.  (Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy.)

TV~  (Today's Verse)
But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.  Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. 

The Truth Within

In our relativistic society, truth can be a shifting term.  However, we are assured that if the Holy Spirit is within us, we have the spirit of truth.

TV~  (Today's Verse)

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. [John 8:32]

Remembering Evelyn

My pastor recently spoke of a saintly woman he once knew who had worked as a nurse to the impoverished in rural Canada.  He had the privilege of being by her bedside at the time of her passing on into glory.  She kept repeating the same scripture, over and over.  Praise the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.  (Psalm 103:1)

Oh that we all would be able to praise God even unto our dying breath.

TV~  (Today's Verse)
While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.
 [Psalm 146:2]

Little Bits of Encouragement

There's a church in my town that has a sign offering a short, encouraging word each time I drive by... 

There's an egg company that prints the gospel on all of its egg cartons...

Today I opened up a math lesson CD, and a Bible verse was the first window that popped up.  It encouraged me and is the verse for today.

TV~ (Today's Verse)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. [Isaiah 41:10]