Illegal Aliens September 22 w/ update

Haven't posted much of these lately - haven't been in the mood, I guess.
Try this:
4 men arrested in headless body case
We must have had a shortage of those who like to commit murder and then dismember the bodies. I guess we needed to import some. Thanks for nothing, W. Thanks for nothing, McCain. Thanks for nothing, Mel Martinez. Thanks for nothing, Ted Kennedy (spit, spit). Thanks for nothing, Lindsay Graham. Thanks for nothing, Mike Chertoff.

UPDATE: Forgot this one earlier. Woman with knife fends off attacker
Yes, three of those ''just doing the things Americans won't'' sent one of their bravest to attack a 3-month-pregnant woman. She won, by the way, using a pocketknife that probably would have gotten HER arrested in Merrie Old England. So, now in jail (briefly, I'm sure, Mike Chertoff and GW Bush will fret until they're freed) are three ILLEGAL ALIENS. Hear that, W? ILLEGAL ALIENS attacking pregnant women. So we get Filemon Del Hoyo, 18, Abel Lorenzo Reyes, 18, and Isidro Mendoza, 22, all of Mesa. Oh, by the way, one had just been deported Monday, and managed to re-invade by Thursday. Seems we don't yet have a FENCE! And it seems that one of these illegitimate sons of whores may even be released, even though he's known to be an illegal.

Thanks for nothing, W.

Backlink to the Anchoress part 2

Let me say first that I respect and admire the owner of the site. That she is a devout Roman Catholic, and I am not; that she has her take on a number of issues that is not in perfect agreement with mine, does not alter that in the least. Reasonable people may differ on range of issues and not descend into bitter rancor. I thank her for her devotion and tone of respect.
Just for the record, and perhaps some self-aggrandizement, I am showing below the backlinks to some comments that I made on a recent thread on the issues surrounding illegal aliens in America. She by no means agrees with me, but has nevertheless graciously posted my rather lengthy comments. Your are invited to examine the entire colloquy.
It begins here
My comments are here , here, and here.
Again, I have profound admiration and respect for her, even in principled disagreement. May her tribe increase.

Today's Reading September 22

Happy Saturday to you. I hope the day finds you well.
This morning's reading is from the Song of Solomon, chapters 4 and 5.
I really don't want to comment on this very much. It reminds me of all the love of first beginning that goes on between a newly married couple. Or it should. This is very very intense stuff. I don't recall it ever being preached or taught in that little country church I grew up in, ever, and it's rarely mentioned in the, umm, months since I turned 21. But it's worth reading. Starting with

1 Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes within thy locks: thy hair is as a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead.
2 Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn, which came up from the washing; whereof every one bear twins, and none is barren among them.
3 Thy lips are like a thread of scarlet, and thy speech is comely: thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate within thy locks.
4 Thy neck is like the tower of David builded for an armoury, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men.
5 Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies.
6 Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.
7 Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.

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This evening's passage is 2nd Corinthians chapter 13. This completes Paul's letter to them. In it, he ties up the loose ends and summarizes what he has said,

5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.
10 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.
11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
12 Greet one another with an holy kiss.
13 All the saints salute you.
14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

Clearly, a great deal of the art of writing letters has been lost in the time since this was written.

Today's Episode of the North American Union folly

Easiest thing to do is to just post the link. Go here, and read
Mexican official urges North American Union
Tells Denver trade conference EU is 'model we need to follow quickly
yeah, this is what the ''right'' people want. Guess they didn't think it necessary to ask our opinion of the matter.

Today's Reading September 21

Happy Friday to you
This morning's reading is from The Song of Solomon, chapters 1, 2, and 3
This is intense stuff, so much so that I am sometimes uncomfortable reading it out loud.

1 The song of songs, which is Solomon's.
2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.
3 Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.
4 Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee.
5 I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.
6 Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother's children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept.
7 Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?
8 If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds' tents.
9 I have compared thee, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh's chariots.
10 Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold.
11 We will make thee borders of gold with studs of silver.
12 While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof.
13 A bundle of myrrh is my well-beloved unto me; he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts.
14 My beloved is unto me as a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi.
15 Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes.
16 Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant: also our bed is green.
17 The beams of our house are cedar, and our rafters of fir.

Who says that the people of the Almighty God are those without passion? Who repeats such nonsense. It is not true, it has never been true.
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This evening's reading is 2nd Corinthians chapter 12. IN the last few readings, Paul speaks somewhat of his own ministry, the struggles and trials and persecutions that he has personally undergone. Do not make light of them. He was nearly beaten to death, legally, on several occasions and most of the time is life was in danger. And now he goes on from there.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
11 I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.
12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
13 For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.
14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not your's but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

This is not the ''cheap grace'' that we see in too many places today.

Today's Reading September 20

This morning's reading is Ecclesiastes chapters 10, 11, 12 This ends the book, and I recommend chapter 12 above all. Great wisdom there.

Chapter 12
1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;
2 While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain:
3 In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened,
4 And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low;
5 Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:
6 Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.
7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
8 Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.
9 And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.
10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.
11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.
12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

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This evening's passage is from 2nd Corinthians chapter 11, verses 16 through 33.
There are a few ways to take this passage. Here is one.
We are buried under a wave of 'easy-beliefism'', the notion that Christianity leads to popularity, worldly wealth, an easy life, the 'right' to live for yourself and in any way you wish. Scripture does not support that as we will see. Neither does any reasonable examination of the life of believers in places like China, Cuba, any place infested by the evil of Islam, any place over-run by socialism. If they world ran to crucify our Lord Jesus, why do any believe it will not do the same to us? Paul lists his past:

16 I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.
17 That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
18 Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.
19 For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.
20 For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.
21 I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.
22 Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.
23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?
30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.
31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.
32 In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:
33 And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.

Today's Reading September 19

Where has the year gone? It seems only yesterday that we were celebrating the new year. Now we are more than half the way through the 9th month of the year. And the daily highs here have dipped down into the mid-80's.
This morning's reading is from the book of Ecclesiastes, chapters 7, 8, and 9. You may recognize this snippet from chapter 9

9 Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.
10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
11 I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
This evening's reading is 2nd Corinthians, chapter 11, verses 1 through 15.
Paul is spending some effort here to justify his own authority to teach and to proclaim ''thus says the Lord!''. Even in those early days, disputes arose, some deliberately fomented by the Devil, some I'm sure from disagreements over emphases here and there, some just the product of being imperfect people in a fallen world. Regardless, Paul takes some effort to establish his own bona fides.

1 Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.
2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
5 For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.
6 But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.
7 Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?
8 I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.
9 And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.
10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.
11 Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.
12 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Today's Reading September 18

Good morning.
This morning we continue in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapters 4,5, and 6. The Preacher has considered the things that occupy us, and has found them wanting, vain pointless pursuits of the here and now, and without eternal significance, without real meaning. That was perceptive, something we normally forget.

11 Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?
12 For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?

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This evening's reading is 2nd Corinthians chapter 10. I particularly like verse 5. It's a good life lesson.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.

and also

17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
Jer 9:24
18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

Today's Reading September 17

Short shrift again this morning for which I apologize. Short night, long day ahead.
This morning we again change course and begin in the book of Ecclesiastes with chapters 1, 2, and 3. This is not light reading. What things are important, really? Read in this book and you'll find yourself asking that question.

Chapter 1
1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
2 Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.
3 What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?
4 One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.
5 The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose.
6 The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.
7 All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.
8 All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.
9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
10 Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.
11 There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.

Chapter 3
1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

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This afternoon we turn to 2nd Corinthians chapter 9

6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
Prov 22:9
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

Today's Reading September 16

Happy Sunday. This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
This morning's reading concludes our journey through the Proverbs with Proverbs 30 and 31. Most of the Proverbs were, if not written by Solomon, at least compiled by him. These last ones were done by others, but rank up there with any of them. Proverbs 31 deserves pride of place. It is the honor paid to a worthy woman and I see no reason to not to reproduce much of it here.

10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Sounds a lot like the woman that the Lord sent to share my life.
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This evening we turn to chapter 8 of 2nd Corinthians.

9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
10 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

Backlink to the Anchoress

The Anchoress, a lady whose blog I read regularly and always respect, has posted today on the subject of illegal aliens and the proper remedy. She is a decent and kind person, but I had to take issue with her approach. You can find her original statements here and you may, if you wish, scroll down to read my post here.
I repeat - I respect her position and I respect her. I don't agree with her, but she is Good People.

Illegal Aliens Again, Sept 15 (morning)

The title simply recognizes that there will be further issues today.
Try this one, out of Michigan (not bordering the southern border, last I looked). Driver facing 8th DWI in country illegally
No, you just can't make these things up. You really can be an illegal alien, a criminal. a creep, a crook. And you can get caught over and over, violating the law, endangering citizens, damaging the entire community. And you will be excused, the Chief Magistrate of the nation will make excuses for you, and those who swore solemn oaths to uphold the law in the community will be revealed as liars, and oath-breakers, and knaves. But you will be excused, and you, who have NO RIGHT to even pollute our streets, will still be here.

New link on the evil that is Islam

Try Prophet of Doom

Today's Reading September 15

This morning we look at Proverbs 28 and 29
Everywhere you look here you find good words to live by

28:1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

28:4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

29:12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.

and leading

22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
26 Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.
27 An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.

When we began this brief survey of the Proverbs, I said that there are those who make it part of their regular study, to look at one chapter of Proverbs every day, month after month. The first of every month, to look at Proverbs 1, the third of the month Proverbs 3, and so on. Year after year. To make these part of their lives, part of their world view. I can thing of worse practices, we see them every day.

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This evening's reading is 2nd Corinthians chapter 7.
Paul is reviewing a bit of history here, as recalling some exchanges between the church in Corinth and him, exchanges on issues that required some painful changes in individuals and in that body of believers. Yet he takes pains to present these as ultimately beneficial and part of a growing process, and so they are.

1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
2 Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.
3 I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.
4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
6 Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
7 And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.

9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

Leading to

16 I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.

Would you not be happy if that were said of you?

Illegal alien outrage of the day, 14September

Hat tip to Michelle Malkin. How's this for a headline, ''“Undocumented residents” arrested in brazen NJ rape''.
Once again, political correctness, once again the refusal to enforce the law and the borders has lead to evil.
Oh, and two of the three rapists were able to be on welfare. Just what is it that they are doing that Americans won't? I think we have quite enough rapists here already. We need not import any more, and we certainly don't need to provide a stipend to support them.

Today's Reading September 14

Good morning and a very Happy Friday to you.
This morning's passage out of Proverbs is 25, 26, and 27. You find them part of the life of God's people forever.

21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
Rom 12:20
22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.
Rom 12:20

Where have we seen that before? And if you want an example of how God's people are supposed to be in word and deed, here are two. And rarely obeyed, either.
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This evening's passage is 2nd Corinthians chapter 6
The entirety is shown below, but I draw particular attention this morning to verses 14 through 18

Chapter 6
1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
Isa 49:8
3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;
9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;
10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
11 O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.
12 Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.
13 Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.
14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Lev 26:12
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
Isa 52:11
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
2 Sam 7:14

We are commanded to be set apart. The very human urge to be just like everyone else can not be heeded, we are to be different, because we are different. Much of the church has forgotten that.

Today's Reading September 13

Short shrift again this morning. As Pogo used to say, ''Friday the 13th came on a Thursday this month''.
This morning we continue in Proverbs with 23 and 24

23:17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.

19 Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.
20 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:
21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.
22 Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.
23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.
25 Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.
26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.
27 For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.
28 She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.
29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.
34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.
35 They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

1 Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.
2 For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.
3 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:

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This evening, 2nd Corinthians chapter 5.

Chapter 5
1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:
3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.
4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.
5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
12 For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.
13 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.
14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Today's Reading September 12

Running VERY late. Will try to post later
Morning reading Proverbs 21 and 22

hapter 21
1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.

Evening reading 2nd Corinthians chapter 4

Chapter 4
1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
Psa 116:10
14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Today's Reading September 11

Today will be a somber day of reflection. It is good to do that periodically. I do not know what the day will bring. But I know who, or better yet Who, wins in the end.
Short of time this morning. The Old Testament passage is Proverbs 19 and 20

20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

20:5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.
6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.

11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

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The evening's New Testament passage is 2nd Corinthians chapter 3

Chapter 3
1 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?
2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.
11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.
12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
13 And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:
14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.
17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Todays Reading September 10

Today is our wedding anniversary, the date that my beloved and I said, ''I do'', and , ''I will'' in front of God and a whole lot of people. I am so grateful for her and that He put us together. As I said here a year ago in very different circumstances, I will always be struck by the contrast between today and the love it represents, and tomorrow's anniversary of the evil done by Islam on 9/11 (and every other day of the year, for that matter).
This morning, continuing in the Proverbs, we take up chapters 17 and 18. Like all the Proverbs, these contain some you will probably recognize. These are good teaching tools, good rules for life. They don't get you into Heaven, but if followed by all would make life on Earth better.

10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

or

19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
23 The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

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This evening's New Testament reading is 2nd Corinthians Chapter 2.

14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:
16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

A tale of the evil that is Islam

Mohammad was a demon-possessed child molester, the product of the homosexual union of a swine and a dog. He resides in Hell along with his master. May his name be cursed forever.
Allah is the name of a demon
Islam is a lie
The Koran is only good for toilet paper. It's not particularly good for that, but that's about all that it is good for. It is a pack of lies waved by monsters.

Islam must be destroyed, sent back to the pits of Hell from whence it came, along with its close relatives, the worship of Marduk, and Baal, and Astoreth, and all the other false gods.

You want some good examples of the evil that is Islam? Go here. Listen to Brigitte Gabriel, one of those who have experienced this vile evil. I do not understand why allow Muslims to pollute our land. I do not understand why we allow their mosques, a temple to a false god, to be built anywhere.

Today's Reading September 9

Good Sunday morning to you.
This morning's Old Testament reading is Proverbs 15 and 16.
At one time, I understand, it was common for those of certain religious persuasions to have their school-children copy these out, that thereby they might be committed to memory and be a guide to them. I only wish we did that today. It might be somewhat of a defense against the mass foolishness that we see all about us. These are all short, barely a sentence in most of these verses. But good practical instruction for all walks and stages of life.

16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

You don't see that much on American Idol. Or

16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.

And

15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

These are so contrary to the world we inhabit, and we are the worse for it. We abandoned the search for wisdom and truth, in many cases denying that such things even exist. And we are reaping the bitter harvest now.

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This evening's New Testament portion is chapter 1 of 2nd Corinthians. This is a very personal letter of Paul's, very autobiographical, and some believe that he had no anticipation nor intention that it ever be circulated. And yet it was and we are glad of it. Paul here acknowledges that, contrary to today's messages of 'easy-beliefism' and ''cheap grace'', the life of a believer is going to be one of struggle and strife and it will not be easy. It wasn't then and it isn't today either. Someone once said that if your not being opposed by the Devil, then perhaps it means you're walking in the direction that he wanted you going. I don't know how high-end theologically approved that is, but there's a great deal of truth in it. Paul didn't have that situation and he frankly admits here to the existence of opposition and despair almost to the point of death. Yet he did not give up. He continued on, going here and there, an unwelcome stranger almost everywhere, greeted with open hostility and opprobrium. But he just kept on going. Our lives are sometimes like that - I recall reading of missionaries who labored diligently in a mission field for 20 years or more and saw little or no signs of success - the visible success came later, in the ground that they had plowed and tended so diligently out of a sense of obedience to the calling. We too, all of us who claim the name of Christ, have a calling too, more than one in fact. All of us have our own unique gifts, talents, and calling. But some things are commanded of ALL, and that includes the Great Commission. Paul was faithful to his, obedient no matter the cost. What will it cost each of us? Are we willing, as was he?

3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
7 And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.
8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;

and later

18 But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.
19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.
20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;

Today's Reading September 8

Running very late this morning, perhaps more later
The morning's passage is Proverbs 13 and 14. Read carefully, there are some real nuggets here.

9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.
10 The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.
11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.
12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

See if you can find some others.
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This afternoon we finish 1st Corinthians, reading all of chapter 16. Part of this is, like many of his letters, a greeting to those in that particular city, persons we will not know until Heaven, part final admonitions.

13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
14 Let all your things be done with charity.

Good advice today as well.

Today's Reading September 7

Happy Friday, all.
This morning we turn to Proverbs 11 and 12 as our Old Testament portion.
These are more of the 'contrasting proverbs', spoken in the 'this, but that' form.

22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.

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This evening our New Testament portion is 1st Corinthians, chapter 15, verses 33 through 58. Paul is speaking here of the Christian's victory over death. It is certainly a very important part of our faith - Death, that old enemy, has been vanquished. And out of that come some very memorable writings, including this:

49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
Isa 25:8
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
Hos 13:14
56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

And that is Very Good indeed. My mother passed away this spring. But, because of our Lord, I know that I shall see her again, and all those who died in Christ.

Today's Reading September 6

In a bit of a rush this morning.
Today's Old Testament reading is Proverbs 9 and 10.
Proverbs 10 is full of contrasting statements, 'this, but that'. So, for example,

1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.
2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.

Very good teaching here.
Proverbs 9 contains more of the teaching on wisdom.

9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
11 For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.

====================
The evening's New Testament reading is 1st Corinthians, chapter 15, verses 1 through 32. This is Paul making a strong proclamation of the faith, addressing on the way some questions, doubts, and errors that were creeping into the church. Some of those same errors are with us and there are those, including in leadership positions unfortunately, who encourage such. Paul would have none of it.

Chapter 15
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
11 Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
Ps 110:1 Matt 22:44 Luke 20:43 Acts 2:34 Heb 1:13
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
Psa 8:6 Eph 1:22 Heb 2:8
28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?
30 And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?
31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
32 If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.
Isa 22:13

Today's Reading September 5

G'morning
This morning we look at Proverbs 7 and 8
Proverbs 7 deals primarily with a warning against immorality, particularly adultery.
Proverbs 8 is about wisdom.

1 Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?
2 She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.
3 She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.
4 Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.
5 O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.
6 Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.
7 For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.
9 They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.
10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
11 For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
12 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

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This evening's reading is from 1st Corinthians chapter 14, verses 21 through 40. This continues with Paul's words on three contentious issues - the gifts of tongues, the gift of prophecy, and women in the church. I do not have the insight - and perhaps the courage - to properly address any of these. Living in the Deep South as I do, the gift of tongues is a bit more a part of the landscape than one might find in Massachusetts or Maine, and while I have some private reservations on the matter, I have no objections. Likewise, I believe that the gift of prophecy, rightly understood, is still with us. The issue of women in the church is a contentious one, one that I don't feel led to comment upon right now. Perhaps in the future, but not today. Let the text speak for itself.

21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
Isa 28:11,12
22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.
35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?
37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

New link

I'm adding a new link over in the sidebar. Generally I don't make an announcement of that - there are some very very good ones there. But take a look at this one. It's from the Investigative Project on Terrorism

Today's Reading September 4

Hope everyone is doing well this morning.
This morning's Old Testament passage is Proverbs chapters 5 and 6. These are just packed with good advice for living the sort of life that we should be living, developing that godly character out of practice. Consider, for example, these verses from Proverbs 6

6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.

which was at one time embodied and reinforced in stories told to children.
Or

16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

which sounds like the sort of thing our society now praises.
and a warning against adultery

24 To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.
25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
26 For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adultress will hunt for the precious life.
27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?
29 So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.
30 Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;
31 But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.
32 But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
33 A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.
34 For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
35 He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.

We've all seen that one played out, have we not?

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This afternoon we look at 1st Corinthians, Chapter 14, verses 1 through 20. Paul is speaking still of spiritual gifts, and speaking in particular of the gift of prophecy.

Chapter 14

1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
5 I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

As was said previously, the issue of spiritual gifts is one that we've heard a lot of discussion about, discussion that frequently generated more heat than light, and the issue of prophecy is one of the most contentious of them. There are many who point out, quite correctly, that with the closing of the canon, meaning the completion of the Bible, that the situation has changed. Up to that point, and the time of this letter is certainly before the New Testament was completed, the Lord spoke through prophets, those who had the authority to say ''thus says the Lord!''. With the Bible, there is no longer a call for such. And they point out, with some justice, the number of false prophets in history, and the regrettable record of those in our own time who claim the title of prophet (or, recently, Prophetess) whose record include public immorality and fraud.
While acknowledging all of that, I am not so sure. While it puts me into somewhat of a minority position, I believe that there is still a place for prophecy in the church today. The gift is, I believe, still extant in many preachers and teachers, and I say that with this definition: that the gift is used not in the sense of revelation, but of illumination; not of foretelling (as in the future) but of forthtelling, as in ''pay attention to this, look at this passage this way''.

Mass Poisoning by the UN

You may already be familiar with the term ''Law of Unintended Consequences''. It's one of those terms that describes the observable fact that an action taken to address an issue may have side effects. It's sometimes known as trading up from one problem to several new and more interesting ones. It's also sometimes known as Do-Gooder Damage.
Dr. Theodore Dalrymple has reported of one such in some detail, and mentioned others in passing. It's worth a read, perhaps several. The Unintended Consequences of Foreign Aid: Theodore Dalrymple explains how Western policies have poisoned the water supplies of 70 million in Bangladesh.
I'm one of those who, as a kid, dutifully went Trick-or-Treating with a little UNICEF money collection can, sure that the United Nations was a key to a New and Better World. I no longer believe that, in fact I think the world would be far better off if that crapulent organization and the leeches that feed off it were to vanish today.
The story speaks for itself - how bumblers are responsible for wide-spread Arsenic poisoning in that unhappy nation. Had Dow Chemical, or 3M, or Bayer Chemical, been responsible for such, there would be howls for the heads of the guilty. But, since it's the UN, the whole thing is hushed up, and the guilty go to bed at night feeling mighty good about themselves.
A pox on them all.

Today's Reading September 3

Today is Labor Day in the US, which is translated into most people doing no labor. I hope your day is a good one.
Our morning reading is Proverbs 3 and 4. The Proverbs are that mix of phrases that immediately jump out at you, and others that you must ''chew over'' to get the essence. One of my very favorites is from chapter 3,

5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct thy paths.

That's one of those to hang on the wall and keep close to your heart. It will change how you live, it will affect how you live this life.

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This evening's passage is 1st Corinthians chapter 13. This is one of the most beloved passages in all of Paul's letters, the chapter on love. Better and wiser persons than I have commented on this, there are books, sermons, articles aplenty.

1 THOUGH I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;
5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;
6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;
7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.
9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Today's Reading Septermber 2

Off to church in just a bit here.
This morning we begin a too-quick journey in Proverbs, chapters 1 and 2. There are those, and perhaps I should be one of them, who make it part of their routine to read through one of the chapters of Proverbs every day. So on the first of the month, every month, they read through Proverbs 1, and continue that. It's an idea worth trying. We could all stand more wisdom.
I will not reproduce the entire passage here. I do want to call attention to a short section of chapter
1. The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:
2 To know wisdom and instruction,To perceive the words of understanding,
3 To receive the instruction of wisdom,Justice, judgment, and equity;
4 To give prudence to the simple,To the young man knowledge and discretion--
5 A wise man will hear and increase learning,And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,
6 To understand a proverb and an enigma,
The words of the wise and their riddles.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

I have often gotten rather full of myself and thought myself smarter than anyone else. But had forgotten the fear of the Lord. That didn't make me wise, it made me foolish, and I proved it to all who could see. Now I have reason to be a lot more modest than I once was. The fear of the Lord needs to be foundational, a part of our inner character, not a thin coat of paint to hide the rough spots of the structure.
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This evening we continue in 1st Corinthians, chapter 12
Today and the next few days in Corinthians are some of my favorite passages.
Paul gets into the matter of spiritual gifts. I fear that this issue, an extremely important one, is an issue which has led to quite a bit of wrangling and dispute, all too often in ways that I find troubling. And while I agree that it is important, not only to the individual but to the entire Body of Christ, it's not always dealt with in ways that honor the Lord.

12

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant:
2 You know that [fn1] you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led.
3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.
4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,
9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,
10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
/snip/
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.
28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?
30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?
31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

The last verses lead to tomorrow's passage on love. But do not just consider them to be a transitional section. The Lord does grant those spiritual gifts, and they are granted for His purposes and according to His plan. At the risk of great criticism, I personally believe that all of the gifts are still granted, though perhaps manifested differently than in Paul's time. That would put me in bad stead with some, and I'm prepared to be persuaded otherwise.

Today's Quote 01September

The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil Constitution, are worth defending at all hazards; and it is our duty to defend them against all attacks. We have received them as a fair inheritance from our worthy ancestors: they purchased them for us with toil and danger and expense of treasure and blood, and transmitted them to us with care and diligence. It will bring an everlasting mark of infamy on the present generation, enlightened as it is, if we should suffer them to be wrested from us by violence without a struggle, or to be cheated out of them by the artifices of false and designing men.

~Samuel Adams~

Today's Reading Septermber 1

Welcome to September. The year is now about 2/3 gone.
This morning we finish up the Psalms with 148, 149, 150. If that seems like rather a lot, it is. But the hymnbook in the church of your choice has more, probably. I find it interesting to ponder what was going on in the lives of the authors of these psalms, some were in the midst of great trouble , or had enjoyed some great blessing, and were pouring out their heart to the Lord. We all have had great troubles (and if you haven't, some are coming) and many of us have known the Lord's blessings as well. I wish I'd been granted the eloquence of the psalmists to make my gratitude a public record. It is hard to imagine a more fitting endpiece for the psalms than the last one.

Chapter 150

1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

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This evening's New Testament passage comes from 1st Corinthians, chapter 11, verses 16 through 34. Paul is speaking here about the proper conduct when the church body comes together and reminds them (us) of what it is all about. I want to lift out of it a section that attracts my attention most today,

23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Our coming together, our service of worship, is important. We should treat it as if it is important. I fear greatly that too often it becomes routine, it becomes something to treat casually, lightly, of less importance than the other matters of our lives, rather than the centerpoint of our lives. Nothing good comes of that.

Ilegal aliens, 31August

The headline pretty well says it. A man in the country illegally is arrested for attempted sexual assault The girl that this SOB was trying to rape is only 13 years old.
I don't want to crack the jokes about 'raping the kids that Americans won't'. They're just not funny anymore. I want to know why he isn't hanging from the nearest tree. I don't like the idea of lynchings, particularly considering the area I live in. I don't like some of the implications of Committees of Vigilance. But I also know that these creep is here illegally, that those whose duty it is to prevent is presence and to remove him expeditiously if found, can't be bothered to do their duty, and spend their time trying to prevent any one else from doing it for them. I know that historically, Committees of Vigilance come to pass when the normal mechanisms of preserving order break down. Well, they have broken down.
I want the law obeyed and enforced. I want every single illegal alien out of this country, NOW. And I don't want ANY of them EVER permitted back in for any reason. Not ever. And I want those who have forsworn their oaths of office up on charges. Starting with Mr. Chertoff.

Today's Reading August 31

Happy Friday to all.
Today we are the next-to-last day in the Psalms. Back on July 10th, when we began to go through the Psalms, I wrote ''we'll be here a while''. That was certainly true. This morning we will look into Psalms 145, 146, and 147.

Chapter 146
1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul.
2 While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.
3 Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.
4 His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.
5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:
6 Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:
7 Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:
8 The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous:
9 The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.
10 The LORD shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the LORD.

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This evening, in the New Testament portion, we turn our attention to 1st Corinthians, Chapter 11, verses 1 through 15. I love the beginning here

1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

Today's Reading August 30

This morning's Old Testament reading -- Psalms 142, 143, and 144. As with the others, these Psalms are best read aloud, perhaps as a responsive reading. Psalm 144 has some things in it that those among us who are of the pacifist inclination are likely to be uncomfortable with. It starts out wiht:

1 Blessed be the LORD my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:
2 My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.
3 LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!
4 Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.
5 Bow thy heavens, O LORD, and come down: touch the mountains, and they shall smoke.
6 Cast forth lightning, and scatter them: shoot out thine arrows, and destroy them.

and continues in that vein.
But this morning I am drawn to Psalm 142:

Chapter 142
1 I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication.
2 I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble.
3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.
4 I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.
5 I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.
6 Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.
7 Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.

I do cry out to the Lord with my voice; where else should I go for help from One who is always faithful?
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This evening's New Testament completes chapter 10 of 1st Corinthians, beginning with verse 14 and continuing through verse 33. More about the life of a Christian.

14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?
19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?
20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
Deut 32:17
21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.
25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:
26 For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.
Psa 24:1
27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.
28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:
Psa 24:1
29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?
30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?
31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

Today's Reading August 29

Still dark here, around 0530
This morning's reading includes Psalms 139, 140, 141. These are, all three, Psalms of David. The middle one is not one of those I know well. Psalm 141 has some things in it that mirror what I personally am going through now. But the first, Psalm 139 is to me a classic. I have been looking at that one since I was a kid and it holds enormous personal meaning.

Chapter 139

1 O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
19 Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.
20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.
21 Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?
22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Tonight's reading is from 1stCorinthians chapter 10, verses 1 through 13
More admonitions, more teaching of good doctrine, I particularly like verse 13, it's one of those verses you can make a sermon or lesson from.

7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
Exod 32:6
8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.