Stay Alert
(My words are in BLUE; the rest are from THE WORD and in black.)
Luke 10:33-35 - "But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. `Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have'."
Last night, we watched 'DATELINE' about internet scams..... Amazing that so many folks, in the name of being a Good Samaritan, fall for these schemes. I personally know two people who fell victim. The first 'red light' should be by someone you've never heard contacting you online, has a 'sad story', and needs cash for the doctor, hospital, etc. As Christians, the very first thing we should feel for another is love and/or charity. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that.
1 Corinthians 13:13 - "Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love."
However, there are times when the devil uses that against us.
1 Peter 5:8 - "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour."
'STAY ALERT'
Use the good common sense - wisdom - that God gives us.
Colossians 3:16 - "Instruct and direct one another using good common sense..........."
Job 34:1-4 - "Elihu continued: 'So, my fine friends—listen to me, and see what you think of this.
as common as the sense of taste— to put our heads together and figure out what's going on here?"
Ephesians 1:8 - "He has showered His kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding."
The second 'red light' is they usually live overseas, i.e. Nigeria (the very worse origin), seem totally 'official', and prey on one's greed - exchanging a little for a lot.
as common as the sense of taste— to put our heads together and figure out what's going on here?"
Ephesians 1:8 - "He has showered His kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding."
The second 'red light' is they usually live overseas, i.e. Nigeria (the very worse origin), seem totally 'official', and prey on one's greed - exchanging a little for a lot.
Psalm 57:4 - "I am surrounded by fierce lions who greedily devour human prey — whose teeth pierce like spears and arrows, and whose tongues cut like swords."
Luke 12:15 - "Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own .”
Proverbs 24:5 - "It's better to be wise than strong; intelligence outranks muscle any day.
Proverbs 24:5 - "It's better to be wise than strong; intelligence outranks muscle any day.
And, what is that 'good counsel'? I would say God, the Bible, and the true wisdom of others.
Psalm 37:30 - "The godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong."
Proverbs 20:18 - "Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice."
Colossians 3:16 - "Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all
Proverbs 20:18 - "Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice."
Colossians 3:16 - "Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all
the wisdom He gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts."
Hope you have a protected and safe day. Maggie
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Put First the Word
"For skillful and godly Wisdom is the principal thing.... Prize Wisdom highly and exalt her,
"For skillful and godly Wisdom is the principal thing.... Prize Wisdom highly and exalt her,
and she will exalt and promote you; she will bring you to honor when you embrace her."
(Proverbs 4:7-8)
(Proverbs 4:7-8)
I want to tell you the only real secret to getting ahead in this world. It's simple. Put the Word of God first place in your daily life.
"Well," you may be saying, "I've heard that before. It's no secret." But when you understand what I mean, it could be a revelation to you.
You see, the Bible is not just a textbook, a storybook, or a history book. It's a handbook for living. It's the wisdom of Almighty God written down so that you can apply it to your everyday circumstances.
God says that wisdom is the "principal thing." Principal means "first in importance." That means the Word of God needs to occupy the place of highest importance in all of your activities. I know from experience what an impact that can have on your life.
Twenty years ago I decided to read the gospels and the book of Acts three times in 30 days. It seemed an impossible task at the time. With two small children and my house turned upside down from a recent move, I couldn't see how I could possibly spend that much time reading the Word and still get everything done. But I set myself to put other things aside and do it anyway.
Surprisingly enough, at the end of the first day I had accomplished more than I would have under normal circumstances. And by the end of that 30 days, I'd not only read the gospels and Acts three times, I'd kept all my housework done, taken care of my children, and refinished several pieces of furniture to boot! I was amazed.
You'll be amazed at what happens in your life too, if you give God's Word priority. But let me warn you, don't wait until you think you have the time. Satan will see to it that you never do.
Just do like I did and set other things aside. Invest your time in the Word first and that investment will soon be paying off in every area of your life.
"Well," you may be saying, "I've heard that before. It's no secret." But when you understand what I mean, it could be a revelation to you.
You see, the Bible is not just a textbook, a storybook, or a history book. It's a handbook for living. It's the wisdom of Almighty God written down so that you can apply it to your everyday circumstances.
God says that wisdom is the "principal thing." Principal means "first in importance." That means the Word of God needs to occupy the place of highest importance in all of your activities. I know from experience what an impact that can have on your life.
Twenty years ago I decided to read the gospels and the book of Acts three times in 30 days. It seemed an impossible task at the time. With two small children and my house turned upside down from a recent move, I couldn't see how I could possibly spend that much time reading the Word and still get everything done. But I set myself to put other things aside and do it anyway.
Surprisingly enough, at the end of the first day I had accomplished more than I would have under normal circumstances. And by the end of that 30 days, I'd not only read the gospels and Acts three times, I'd kept all my housework done, taken care of my children, and refinished several pieces of furniture to boot! I was amazed.
You'll be amazed at what happens in your life too, if you give God's Word priority. But let me warn you, don't wait until you think you have the time. Satan will see to it that you never do.
Just do like I did and set other things aside. Invest your time in the Word first and that investment will soon be paying off in every area of your life.
~~~~Gloria Copeland
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