I thought I would do a couple of blogs on pain and the Bible. This will be therapeutic for me also. So before we take a look at the Bible and what it says about pain. I thought I would write about my journey. See I have Fibromyalgia. For you that don’t know what this is. I will put it in my terms (PAIN) . It is muscle and nerve pain. It also comes with a lot of different symptoms. From IBS and memory problems ,can’t sleep, muscle spasms.. A bunch of other things. Ever have the flu and after you ache, well that’s me all the time. It also affects my teeth. I always have teeth pain. That is the one thing about this that drives me nuts. I can deal with pain but in the teeth it isn’t something I don’t handle well. It can be such a joy stealer. If you let it! I have to say I let this thing steal my joy a lot. See people just don’t understand this at times. I look fine, I work and I stay busy. So what the deal! Well, let me tell you. I put one foot in front of the other and go on what else can you do. The memory fog is what I am dealing with a lot lately. Ever have a moment when you can’t remember something. People call them senior moments. I call it fibro fog. The other day I could not tell you what a tablecloth was( I was holding it in my hand, and could not tell you what it was) or I was going to take bread pudding out. But could not remember how to say bread pudding. Or you walk into a store only to walk out because you can’t remember what you went in for. I have my stove burners marked because I forget which burner is which. I also have a hard time going out to eat. Because, it might upset my stomach. You always look where the bathroom is in a store. The pain in the muscles is easier to handle then the other stuff. Don’t get me wrong I am not whining ( o.k. maybe a little) I just want you to understand I know what I am talking about. So this is one of the reasons I wanted to blog. Maybe I can help someone also. Thru all this I can say God knows and I know that for some reason it is His will that I have this. So it will be ok. . So the next blog I will start my study on pain and the Bible.

February

1. Lev 12-14 Give chapter and verse where God states, “I put the plague of leprosy in a house”. ________________________

2. Lev 15-19 The priest of God were to dress in holy garments, but before they put them on what were they to do? ____________________________________________________

3. Lev 20-22 What was to happen to one who curseth their father or mother? ___________

4. Lev 23-25 What is to be observed by the Israelites on the 14th day of the first month? ______________________________________________________________________

5. Lev 26-27 All the tithe of the Land is what unto the Lord? ______________________

6. Num 1-3 What was the total number of men able to go forth to war in Israel? ________

7. Num 4-6 Write Out Numbers 6:25 _________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________

8. Num 7-9 What was it that Israel followed when it moved and stopped when it stopped during their journey? __________________________________________________

9. Num 10-14 The servant of Moses known as Jehoshua (Joshua) originally was called by what name? __________________________

10. Num 15-17 Korah, Dathan, and Abiram along with 250 princes of the assembly gathered against Moses, give a description of who the 250 princes were? ___________________ __________________________________________________________________

11. Num 18-20 How long did the house of Israel mourn for Aaron after his death? ______

12. Num 21-23 Who was the king of the Moabites that wanted Balaam to curse Israel? ___________

13. Num 24-26 Whom did Balak claim kept back honor from Balaam? _______________

14. Num 27-29 What numerical day and numerical is the Passover of the Lord? ________ ______________________________________________________

15. Num 30-32 Write out Numbers 30:2 _______________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________

16. Num 33-36 How many cities were given as cities of refuge? ____________________

17. Deu 1-3 Was Moses allowed by God to cross Jordan and go into the land of Canaan? ___

18. Deu 4-6 What are the benefits of keeping God’s statutes and commandments which God commanded? ____________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________

19. Deu 7-9 Remember the Lord thy God giveth thee power to get what? ______________

20. Deu 10-12 God tells us whatever He commands to observe to do we are to do, then tells us what not to do. What is it we are not to do? ________________________________

21. Deu 13-15 List 5 types of birds that were not to be eaten? ______________________ ______________________________________________________________________

22. Deu 16-18 A King is not to multiply what things to himself? _____________________ _______________________________________

23. Deu 19-23 What principle is found in Deu 22:5? ______________________________ ______________________________________________________________________

24. Deu 24-26 God tells his people “that thou shalt blot out the remembrance of” who? ___________________________________________________

25. Deu 27-29 The secret things belong unto who? __________________________

26. Deu 30-34 How old was Moses when he died? __________________________

27. Josh 1-3 Write out Joshua 1:9 _____________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________

28. Josh 4-6 Why did the Lord tell Joshua to loose his shoe from off his foot? __________ _______________________________________________________________________

Sometimes quotes we say actually came from the Bible. Here are a few:

1. A man after his own heart - 1 Samuel 13:14 But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the Lord sought him a man after his own heart...

2. Out of the mouth of babes - Psalm 8:2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies...

3.Twinkling of an eye - 1 Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye ...

Here are a few that don't have the exact wording but you will be able to see where we get the saying from.

1. Going the extra mile - Matthew 5:41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

2. United we stand, "divided we fall" - Matthew 12:25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.

3. By the sweat of your brow - Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread...

4. Pride comes before a fall - Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall

5. Spare the rod, spoil the child - Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

6. Rise and Shine - Isaiah 60:1 ARSIE, SHINE, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.

7. A leopard can't change his spots - Jeremiah13:23 Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the lepard his spots?...

There is even more saying we get from the Bible These are just a few. See how many you can find!

Psalms16:11 – Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

God’s word tells us that He will guide us along on the path of life. But God also gives us a choice to stay on that path and follow it or go a different direction. Can you read a road map? I can’t! If we were traveling and my husband handed me a road map and asked to get us to Kansas City, we would be taking so many detours because I didn’t stay on the correct path. I need to learn how to read a map! The above verse talks about the path of life. We find the directions to that path of life in our Bibles. We need to be reading it to know that path. When we stay on that path we will have joy and pleasures forever! In our life we get off the path by many detours in our life. Things in this world seem to pull us away from God. Ever here that saying, the grass is greener on the other side. Have you ever been tempted and instead of staying on the path we gave in. Or we get worn down and it is easier to just give in? There is a song years ago It is a secular song so it isn’t any good. But when I heard it there was a part I seem to remember – Looking for love in all the wrong places. I can tell you where you will find that true love. It isn’t getting off the path it is staying on and going straight to the Saviour. That is where you will find true love.
Also, I thought about this we can think we are going the way God wants and not be. Several weeks back we went up to Sioux Falls, S.D.. My husband is great! We took the longer way there. I do not like interstate. Anyway, we stopped and ate lunch. After we ate we headed on the road we were on. I hauled a book out to read. Anyway, after a bit I looked up and the area wasn’t at all familiar to me. He never saw the 18 sign. So we were still on the same road never turned. Then we saw the Sign that said Minnesota. We still got to Sioux Falls just went about it the back door way. We thought we were on the right road. I think that happens when we think we are on the road God has for us and sometimes God wants to see us change directions. We get so busy doing for God that we forget to listen to God.

Isa 55:8 - For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD

My husband had this come thru his e-mail. I have seen this before but I thought I would post it.
Hymns for all Professions:
Dentist's Hymn: Crown Him with Many Crowns
Weatherman's Hymn: There Shall Be Showers of Blessings
Contractor's Hymn: The Church's One Foundation
Tailor's Hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy
Golfer's Hymn: There's A Green Hill Far Away
Politician's Hymn: Standing on the Promise
Optometrist's Hymn: Open My Eyes That I Might See
IRS Agent's Hymn: I Surrender All
Gossip's Hymn: Pass It On
Electrician's Hymn: Send The Light
Shopper's Hymn: Sweet By and By
Realtor's Hymn: I've Got a Mansion, Just Over the Hilltop
Massage Therapist's Hymn: He Touched Me
Doctor's Hymn: The Great Physician
Geologist's Hymn: The Solid Rock
Laundress's Hymn: Are You Washed in The Blood
Sailor's Hymn: We Have A Anchor
Usher's Hymn: Bring Them In
Postman's Hymn: He Is Able To Deliver Thee
Pawn Shop Owner's Hymn: Redeemed
Highway Patrolman's Hymn: Pass me not, O gentile Saviour
CPR Instructor's Hymn: Revive Us Again
Transfusionist's Hymn: Saved By The Blood
Shepherd's Hymn: Saviour Like A Shepherd Lead Us
Astronomer's Hymn: It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
Soldier's Hymn: Sound The Battle Cry
Surveyor's Hymn: When I Survey The Wondrous Crosss
Teacher's Hymn: When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder
Job Counselor"s Hymn: We'll Work Till Jesus Comes

I have this prayer pasted in the cover of my Bible. It is based on Ephesians 6: 10-20. I have had this so long I can't tell you even where I got it or who wrote it. It is called A Warrior's Prayer -
HEAVENLY FATHER,
YOUR WARRIOR PREPARES FOR BATTLE.
TODAY I CLAIM VICTORY OVER SATAN BY PUTTING ON THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD!
I PUT ON THE GIRDLE OF TRUTH!
MAY I STAND FIRM IN THE TRUTH OF YOUR WORD
SO I WILL NOT BE A VICTIM OF SATAN'S LIES.
I PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS!
MAY I GUARD MY HEART FROM EVIL
SO I WILL REMAIN PURE AND HOLY,
PROTECTED UNDER THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST.
I PUT ON SHOES OF PEACE!
MAY I STAND FIRM IN THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL
SO YOUR PEACE WILL SHINE THROUGH ME
AND BE A LIGHT TO ALL I ENCOUNTER.
I TAKE THE SHIELD OF FAITH!
MAY I BE READY FOR SATAN'S FIERY DARTS
OF DOUBT, DENIAL, AND DECEIT
SO I WILL NOT BE VULNERABLE TO SPIRITUAL DEFEAT
AND KEEP THE ENEMY UNDER MY FEET.
I PUT ON THE HELMET OF SALVATION!
MAY I KEEP MY MIND FOCUSED ON YOU LORD
SO SATAN WILL NOT HAVE A STRONGHOLD
ON MY THOUGHTS.
I TAKE THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT!
MAY THE TWO-EDGED SWORD OF YOUR WORD
BE READY IN MY HANDS
SO I CAN EXPOSE THE TEMPTING WORDS OF SATAN.
BY FAITH, YOUR WARRIOR HAS PUT ON
THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD!
I AM PREPARED TO LIVE THIS DAY IN VICTORY!
THIS IS MY RECEIVING DAY!
IN JESUS NAME AMEN!

Psalm 1 is one of my favorite, verse 2-3 reads: But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
When we delight in God's word and meditate on his word, God compares us to a tree. A tree that grows by water, grows strong and tall growing toward the sunlight. When we mediate on God and his word we grow strong and grow to the Sonlight. Then we see the section that reads- that bringeth forth his fruit in his season. When we study God's word and meditate on it we are going to bear fruit. Galations 5:22-23 reads, But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such there is no law. If we apply the Fruits of the Spirit to our lives we will grow strong in the Lord. When people see these fruits in our lives we will be able to point them to the one we delight in. Then we see the next section: Whose leaf shall not wither. This is a promise from God! If we remain in Him our leaves will not wither. We will be renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not, but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. Last section - whatsoever he doth shall prosper. When we meditate and grow in God, He will give us strength to with stand the day. We will prosper! We will stand firm like the tree planted by the rivers of water. Ever see a storm and go thru and it knocks down some trees. They were not firmly planted. And they toppled. If we are not planted firmly in God and His word we will topple. That is why it is so important to meditate on God and His word. We want to be firmly planted!

Matt. 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you.
I heard a message about a Pastor that was hated by a certain man. No matter what he did he could never make this man like him. So one day he decided that he was going to stop doing and just love the man. He loved the man with kindness. And guess what, he is best friends with this man now. So it does work! It might take lots of time and lots of patience but it works. Sometimes it is not a easy thing to do. Our human nature makes us want to do the opposite. Lets take a closer look at Matt. 5:44.
There are 4 phrases or words that show our enemy: curse you, hate you, and despitefully use you and persecute you. We are also shown in this verse how to deal with them that do this to you.
First part, says love your enemies. Isn't it our nature to want to hate the one who hates us. But in this verse Jesus is telling us to LOVE your enemies. We may not love what they did but we can still love them. Love them with kindness. Love is a attribute of God.
Another section I see is, Bless those who curse you. Wow, that can be a hard one but with Jesus you can do it. When people use words that hurt make sure you don't throw hurtful words back. Remember love them with kindness. Bless is a attribute of God.
Then we have, do good to those who hate you. When we know that someone hates us we tend to shy away from them. We might even let our thoughts not be good. But, this is not the attitude that we that our Christians should have. Remember the first part of the verse says love your enemies. We can show love by words and actions. Kindness! Good is a attribute of God.
The last part of this verse says, pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you. Pray! I think that prayer can change a person's heart. We as Christians know the power of God. Prayer is a attribute of God.
I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing this. Thanks for reading.

As I was looking out the nursery window into the church sanctuary during the am service, I was looking at all the empty pews. What a sad feeling that was. Each spot in the pew represents a person that won't hear the gospel today. I thought of the people that have never came but more so of the people that are not faithful. Have they never read Hebrews 10:25- Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. I looked up the word faithful in the dictionary it used the words loyal, constant, staunch, steadfast, resolute. People say they are faithful to God but they are not faithful to his church. If that is the case I can't say they are faithful to God. God wants us in church! Also, when you are not in church how can you lift up the brethren? I have heard all the excuses and that is just what they are excuses! I am glad God doesn't make excuses. We make plans for our jobs, our activities...etc. but many don't make plans to be in church. There is something wrong with this. You think about this there are only about 4 hours a week of church services that is not much. Also, a little time of praying and reading your Bible the other days. Still not much. We find time for our jobs (people give 40 hours to that), we read novels ( but not much of the Bible). We watch movies ( 2 hours each), we talk on the phone for hours (but hardly any prayer time). We make plans to get together with friends ( a couple hours a week ). But give God hardly any of our time. As we start the new week lets be aware how we spend our time. A while ago I kept track of how I spend my time. I wrote down on paper what I did each day and how much time I spent. It sure was a eye opener to me. Maybe that would be something that you would want to do just to see were you actually spend your time. It might surprise you. Anyway, give God the time!

This story I thought would be interesting to post. The author is unknown. The title of the story is The Geese and the Snowstorm. (this title looked interesting because we just had another snowstorm) Here is the story:
There was once a man who did not believe in either the virgin birth of Christ nor the spiritual meaning behind it, and was skeptical even about God. He and his family lived in a farm community. His wife was a devout believer and diligently raised her children in the faith. He sometimes gave her a hard time about her belief and mocked her religious observances.
"It's all nonsense--why would God lower himself and become a human like us? It's such a ridiculous story,"he said.
One snowy day, she and the children left for church while he stayed home. After they had departed, the winds grew stronger and the snow turned into a blinding snowstorm. He sat down to relax before the fire for the evening.
Then he heard a loud thump, something hitting against the window...And, still another thump. He looked outside but could not see anything. So he ventured outside for a better view. In the field near his house he saw, of all the strangest things, a flock of geese. They were apparently flying to look for a warmer area down south, but they had been caught in the snowstorm. The strom had become too blinding and violent for the geese to fly or see their way. They were stranded on his farm, with no food or shelter, unable to do more than flutter their wings and fly in aimless circles. He had compassion for them and wanted to help them. He thought to himself, the barn would be a great place for them to stay. It is warm and safe; surely they could spend the night and wait out the storm. So he opened the barn doors for them.
He waited, watching them, hoping they would notice the open barn and go inside. Neverthless, they did not notice the barn or realize what it could mean for them. He moved closer toward them to get their attention, but they just moved away from him out of fear.
He went into the house and came back with some bread, broke it up, and made a bread trail to the barn. They still did not catch on.
Starting to get frustrated, he went over and tried to shoo them toward the barn. They panicked and scattered into every direction except toward the barn. Nothing he did could get them to go into the barn where there was warmth, safety, and shelter. Feeling totally frustrated, he exclaimed, "Why don't they follow me? Can't they see this is the only place they can survive the storm? How can I possible get them into the one place to save them?"
He thought for a moment and ralized that they just would not follow a human. He said to himself,"How can I possibly save them? The only way would be for me to become like those geese. If only I could become like one of them. Then I could save them. They would follow me and I would lead them to safety."
At that moment, he stopped and considered what he had said. The words reverberated in his mind: If only I could become like one of them, then I could save them. Then, at last, he understood God's heart towards mankind... and he fell on his knees in the snow.

Thats the end of the story. Think about this since we just came thru the Christmas season. That is exactly what Christ did for us. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everylasting life.

I found this and thought it was interesting. Don't know who wrote it.

What if God Had Voice Mail???

" Thank you for calling My Father's House.
Please select one of the following four options:
*Press 1 for requests
*Press 2 for thanksgiving
*Press 3 for complaints
*For all other inquiries, press 4

*All of the angels are busy helping other customers right now. Please stay on the line...Your call is important to us and will be answered in the order it was received.
*If you need to speak to God "in person" please call back between the hours of 9 and 5 your time. Monday thru Friday. Thank you.
*All the angels are busy helping other customers right now. Please stay on the line...your call is important to us and will be answered in the order it was received.
*If you would like to speak with Gabriel press 1
Sorry... *All of the angels are busy helping other customers right now. Please stay on the line...Your call is important to us abnd will be answered in the order it was received.
* Michael press 2
Sorry...* All of the angels are busy helping other customers right now. Please stay on the line...Your call is important to us and will be answered in the order it was received.
*For all other angels press 3
Sorry...*All of the angels are busy helping other customers right now. Please stay on the line...Your call is important to us and will be answered in the order it was received.
Our computers shows that you have already called once today already. Please hang up immediately and try again tomorrow during regular business hours, Thank you

I left out a chunk of this story. Every made a phone call and it was like that! Aren't you glad that this isn't the way we have to go to talk to God! We can call all the time never a limit and never a busy signal! All we have to do is pray.

If Christ comes in 2010 will we be ready? He could come! It could even be today! Are you prepared? In our day we get busy preparing for other things that it takes are focus off of Christ. When that happens the Devil has us right were he wants us. If we get to busy doing other things we cannot keep our focus on God. We have to be careful that we don't get so busy that we don't hear God speaking to us, or that day has gone by with no prayer time, or we haven't even picked up His word today. We have to be prepared for His coming. I don't want to find myself unprepared. Sometimes I get so busy with everything I have to do that I get tired just thinking about it then I don't do any of it! Before I know it the day is gone and I didn't do even the things I should have done. Then that day the Devil has won! I don't like that! I am going to work on being better prepared for Christ in 2010. Want to join me and make the devil mad by being prepared better for Christ return!

Well, I am a little late in saying Happy New Year! I usually don't stay up and see the new year in. I did work some on New Years day, then off to see my girls in Sioux falls. We finally were able to get together and exchange gifts. Also celebrate my middle childs birthday. Which is actually Sun.. Happy Birthday Kayla! We were suppose to get together Christmas day but with all that snow we could not do it. It was a strange Christmas this year but it was nice. Anyway, the Sun. after Christmas at church I was just getting ready to complain about all this snow and how it messed with alot of peoples plans! When a dear sweet lady said you know all I am hearing is people complaining about the weather. She said you know they are complaining about God. Because God is in charge of the weather and he must have felt we need the snow. I thought Ouch! (glad I didn't get to say what I was about to) But you know she was right. God is in control and so when we complain about things we are complaining about God. So it was a lesson learned! Happy New Year 2010