'The resurrection shows us that God is alive. He is really there. He speaks and out of nothing calls reality into being. His mighty acts in history are unquestionable. The common word for this in the bible is the "living God." The ancient Hebrews who used this term were not interested merely in whether God existed, as if he were simply a prime mover or the last step in a philosopher's syllogism. What mattered to them was that he was alive and personal. He was involved in the affairs of this planet. His presence made a real difference.

Life in the Bible as a whole means something that is vibrant and dynamic. To speak of God as the "living God' is to make the claim that God is actively present, here and now. He is a person who has qualities: he loves, hates, pities, has compassion. We in return can ignore him, hate him, argue with him, reject him, know him, only because he is alive!' Rebecca Manley Pippert.

What IS the Bible?

The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.

It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter. Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.

Christ is its grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of God its end.

It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.

Have You Heard About the Gideons?

The Gideons International is an Association of Christian business and professional men, banded together in more than 175 countries for fellowship and service. The purpose of the Association is the promotion of the Gospel of Christ to all people, to the end that they might come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour.

With the help of Christian friends of many different churches, Gideons have been able to place and distribute over 1.2 billion Bibles and New Testaments to hotels, motels, hospitals, penal institutions, members of the armed forces, school students and those in the public nursing field.

They also accept monetary donations for the purchase of bibles, which they will happily find homes for. (click above for their website)

God's Grace is Amazing

My pastor used the song Amazing Grace in his sermon yesterday. He was talking about a funeral for an infant. The parents, the pastor and just a few people were at the grave. The mother requested pastor sing Amazing Grace. He never sung at a grave side without instuments, etc, before.

But he asked another lady to sing it with him and he said the spirit filled the air around them and it was so powerful, moving, beautiful. Made everyone feel much better, realizing God had everything under control. He had the baby in His arms now, and they could just lean on Him for comfort and peace.

Do you have a bible you enjoy reading? I have a mother's bible and used to have a women's bible, but gave it away. I find them much more enjoyable and easy to read that the earlier versions. I guess they're called NIV, but these also include little notes written by women that relate what you are reading in the bible, to everyday things. The print is larger and the pages are laid out in a visually appealing way, with boarders, etc.:)

I have never read the entire bible, but plan to have that accomplished over the next year. I always feel so good after reading it and don't want to stop once I get started. I should start getting up a little earlier in the mornings to read it, while the house is quiet and I am more awake.:)

Like exercise, once the day starts, I often don't get around to doing the things I want to do. Getting better at saying No to laundry, etc, and not trying to get "finished" cause that will never happen. lol