Sunday, December 25, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
From A Star To The Cross
By Bary Bennett
Wise men sought him out by crossing dry and arrid lands
Following a star that led them through the desert sands
With gifts in tow, their hearts and minds were set on just one thing
They would be among the first to see the new born king
Following the star above, they knew the time was near
The days were hot, the nights were cold, the skys were crystal clear
Angels watched anticipating what was to be
A child born to bear a cross, "That was meant for you and me"
Jesus Christ "The son of God" would give his life for all
Who turn away from sin and shame, to heed the masters call
From first a star then to the cross, He came and then he died
He shed his blood so we may run, to His arms open wide
I pray that everyone may search and heed our saviors call
Twas first a star and then the cross, "The greatest gifts of all"
Wise men sought him out by crossing dry and arrid lands
Following a star that led them through the desert sands
With gifts in tow, their hearts and minds were set on just one thing
They would be among the first to see the new born king
Following the star above, they knew the time was near
The days were hot, the nights were cold, the skys were crystal clear
Angels watched anticipating what was to be
A child born to bear a cross, "That was meant for you and me"
Jesus Christ "The son of God" would give his life for all
Who turn away from sin and shame, to heed the masters call
From first a star then to the cross, He came and then he died
He shed his blood so we may run, to His arms open wide
I pray that everyone may search and heed our saviors call
Twas first a star and then the cross, "The greatest gifts of all"
Sunday, December 18, 2011
School
I graduated from high school in 1979. Three months later I got married. Soon after that, I was having kids, three of them. I never had the time to go back to school, and I've always felt a bit ashamed of that. Sometimes I've even felt like a failure by the worlds standards, that was until I looked at my life with Christian colored glasses on.
I've been writing stories about my experiences and the Christian lessons that I've learned, since 1995, around the time my youngest son, michael was born.
Once in a while I take one of the stories over to my mom, if I think it's something she might like. About a month ago, I brought her a story called, "The Blood" She read the story, looked up at me and said, "How do you know all of this?" She, being 82 years old and a life time Catholic, asking me how I know all of this, was a compliment. I answered, "I studied the bible, Mom."
Later, when I had time to really think about it, I realized that there was more to it than that. I did study the Bible, 2 Timothy 2:15 says, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."
I have also be taught by the Holy Spirit, Hebrews 10:15 says, "The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First He says, this is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts and I will write them on their minds," Also John 2:27 says, "As for you, the anointing you received from Him, remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit- just as it has taught you, remain in Him."
As in school I have been tested and re-tested as you can see in thessalonians 2:4, "We speak as men approved by God, who tests our hearts."
I may not make a lot of money, or have a degree from a prominent school, but I feel that I have a long way to go , but when I graduate, some day in heaven, I will have accomplished something very special.
I've been writing stories about my experiences and the Christian lessons that I've learned, since 1995, around the time my youngest son, michael was born.
Once in a while I take one of the stories over to my mom, if I think it's something she might like. About a month ago, I brought her a story called, "The Blood" She read the story, looked up at me and said, "How do you know all of this?" She, being 82 years old and a life time Catholic, asking me how I know all of this, was a compliment. I answered, "I studied the bible, Mom."
Later, when I had time to really think about it, I realized that there was more to it than that. I did study the Bible, 2 Timothy 2:15 says, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."
I have also be taught by the Holy Spirit, Hebrews 10:15 says, "The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First He says, this is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts and I will write them on their minds," Also John 2:27 says, "As for you, the anointing you received from Him, remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit- just as it has taught you, remain in Him."
As in school I have been tested and re-tested as you can see in thessalonians 2:4, "We speak as men approved by God, who tests our hearts."
I may not make a lot of money, or have a degree from a prominent school, but I feel that I have a long way to go , but when I graduate, some day in heaven, I will have accomplished something very special.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Relationships, Misunderstandings and Forgiveness
Good relationships are maintained through a good balance. A person needs a good balance to stay physically healthy and a person also needs a balance to stay spiritually healthy or have healthy relationships. It's an every day thing. We have to eat every day to maintain a physical well being and the same principals apply to our spiritual life. The word of God is our spiritual food. Jesus said, in John 6:27, "Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the son of man will give you. On him, God the father has placed the seal of approval." We have to study the Bible every day. Pick a subject or a project and put aside time for it. Get a concordance, look up every scripture about the Holy Spirit, or health, marriage, or love, just pick a topic and get into it. Just like anything else it will take some time and effort until you make it a routine. Your flesh will fight it, but soon you will want to do it. It's exciting and God will bless you. Make it strictly Bible, the word, your spiritual food. Then pray.
We need exercise to be physically strong. We need prayer and ministry to be spiritually strong. Pray all day, pray about everything. Tell Jesus exactally how you feel. Tell Him everything. Look deep inside yourself and pray, and along with prayer comes ministry.
To stay healthy, your body needs rest. And we also need to rest in the Lord. Sing to God. Worship Jesus every day. Turn on some music and sing to it, dance in the spirit, let your mind rest in Him. Then mentally let go of bitterness. Forgive those who have made you angry. You don't have to physically go to each person and say, "I forgive you." Just don't cling to anger. Picture your anger, hate and bitterness, put that big black mass of anger in a nice mental basket and say, "Here Lord, you can have these feelings, help me to receive your peace." Ask God to change the hearts and atrtitudes of those that you are having problems with. Then knowing that God answeres prayers, stand firm, nothing wavering, believe. Also be still, take some time to just sit and listen.
If you are like me you have tried to change others on your own and that doesn't work. So try giving it to God, and let it go! It may not happen all at once but soon you will see a change in yourself and others. Some things may take time and you are going to have to get to the root of your feelings, but God will help, He is faithful.
You are going to have to want help. Maybe you think you do, but deep down you think it's too hard. Or maybe you kind of like feeling angry. So if you honestly can't pray, "Lord help me to forgive." then pray, "Lord help me want to forgive, help me to want to change, help me to want to love others." Then pray for those people that are causing you trouble. Honestly pray, "God help them to understand how I feel." Then your relationships will get better. And the things that seemed irritating and impossible will soon seem petty and small.
One more thing, before you talk to anyone you are having problems with, pray that the Holy Spirit will fill you and give you the right words and feelings. Most arguements are because of misunderstandings, so make sure when you talk, that you are both understanding the real feelings behind the words. And like I so often say, Listen for Gods voice and follow.
We need exercise to be physically strong. We need prayer and ministry to be spiritually strong. Pray all day, pray about everything. Tell Jesus exactally how you feel. Tell Him everything. Look deep inside yourself and pray, and along with prayer comes ministry.
To stay healthy, your body needs rest. And we also need to rest in the Lord. Sing to God. Worship Jesus every day. Turn on some music and sing to it, dance in the spirit, let your mind rest in Him. Then mentally let go of bitterness. Forgive those who have made you angry. You don't have to physically go to each person and say, "I forgive you." Just don't cling to anger. Picture your anger, hate and bitterness, put that big black mass of anger in a nice mental basket and say, "Here Lord, you can have these feelings, help me to receive your peace." Ask God to change the hearts and atrtitudes of those that you are having problems with. Then knowing that God answeres prayers, stand firm, nothing wavering, believe. Also be still, take some time to just sit and listen.
If you are like me you have tried to change others on your own and that doesn't work. So try giving it to God, and let it go! It may not happen all at once but soon you will see a change in yourself and others. Some things may take time and you are going to have to get to the root of your feelings, but God will help, He is faithful.
You are going to have to want help. Maybe you think you do, but deep down you think it's too hard. Or maybe you kind of like feeling angry. So if you honestly can't pray, "Lord help me to forgive." then pray, "Lord help me want to forgive, help me to want to change, help me to want to love others." Then pray for those people that are causing you trouble. Honestly pray, "God help them to understand how I feel." Then your relationships will get better. And the things that seemed irritating and impossible will soon seem petty and small.
One more thing, before you talk to anyone you are having problems with, pray that the Holy Spirit will fill you and give you the right words and feelings. Most arguements are because of misunderstandings, so make sure when you talk, that you are both understanding the real feelings behind the words. And like I so often say, Listen for Gods voice and follow.
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