Tuesday 24 February 2015

Bible Study for Older Men

Titus 2:1-2 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

As we begin our Bible Study in Titus chapter 2, we see that Paul is giving instructions to Titus as to what he is to teach various groups of people. In this chapter, he will give instructions concerning older men, older women, younger women and younger men. These instructions are applicable to us today. God does not change and His instructions and guidelines for living do not change with the changing times. Some of these instructions that he gives are going to sound old fashioned to some of you but we need to remember that God created marriage and family and He does know best. He sets the boundaries and not we ourselves. So lets begin.

picture thanks to fitnnessthrroughfasting.com

Verse 1 - But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

The Words of the Bible are the Words of God, Words of Wisdom. Sound doctrine is the basis for holy living and for producing characteristics and qualities that a Christian possesses. These are qualities that identify us as true Christians. This includes living a life of faith in our Lord Jesus, and trusting Him with our lives. It includes living a life of love, love in action. A good definition of the word love is "you before me" - that is the putting the needs of others ahead of what we think we need or want. We care for others - this includes those in our immediate family. It can be easy to neglect those closest to us, when these are to be our first priority.

Verse 2 - That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

We see here a list of characteristics that are to be evident in the life of an aged ( or older ) gentleman. Let's go through them word by word.

*sober - this means to be clear minded, level headed and serious in how one lives, not thoughtless or careless, but rather making right choices intentionally with purpose.

* grave - this is to be self controlled and live with dignity

* temperate - this means to show moderation and self restraint

*sound in faith - this means to be solidly grounded in the Lord, living the faith you profess to have. This would include having a personal relationship with the Lord and being in prayer and in His Word daily, saturating yourself in it, keeping your mind focused on the things of the Lord throughout the day.

* in charity - we understand charity to mean love - this is not romantic or puppy love or lust for younger or older women. It is not listening to love songs on the radio all day stirring up your flesh. It is a pure desire to bless another in the Name of Jesus. This includes helping the poor, and widows and widowers, a neighbor in need, those who are lonely, donating to honorable causes and charities etc. but also just putting others in your family ahead of yourself.

* patience - this is being steadfast and willing to wait. Sometimes the answers to our prayers are delayed, and as we wait on the Lord, we need to keep strong in our faith, and not begin to doubt that He is indeed good, that He loves us and He has planned the very best for us.

That concludes our study on instructions from the book of Titus specifically written to older men.

Deuteronomy 11:16 Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them;

I am studying through the book of Titus on my Live By Faith Blog, please feel free to check out other studies, there is a study for young men, women, the workplace and other studies - link to the blog here Live By Faith Online Bible Studies

May God bless each one of you!

Sunday 22 February 2015

Faith in the Fire

Hey Sister Mary! This is the post I spoke to you about.
I first posted this story in October of 2012. It is a great testimony of what real faith looks like...

Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

1 Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Yesterday a community in southern Manitoba experienced tragedy when a horrific fire passed through the small town of Vita. With strong south winds blowing, a grass fire quickly moved into the town forcing the entire town to be evacuated on very short notice. Four houses burned down as well as a bridge on the highway leading into the town of Vita. What caught my attention has been the faith of one particular family who lost everything and escaped with just the clothes on their backs. Their names are Jacob and Margaretha Marten. Mrs Marten was interviewed by both CBC radio and also by the Winnipeg Free Press.

This is what's left of the Marten's home ( picture from Winnipeg Free Press)

Through this tragedy, Margaretha Marten is sharing her faith and being a shining witness for the Lord. Here is what the Winnipeg Free Press reported :

"We don’t turn from the Lord now," said Margaretha Marten. "We are safe and we don’t question His ways."

She and her husband, Jacob, returned to Vita this morning to see the charred aftermath of a wild fire that swept thourgh the edge of town on Tuesday afternoon.

While they have their faith, they no longer have material possessions.
When firefighters pounded on their door at 12:50 p.m. Tuesday, and warned that a raging fire was only minutes away, they fled with only the clothes on their backs.
This morning, Jacob peered into the smoldering ruins, trying to see a metal strongbox that held the couple's personal papers, including insurance policy on the house that had an estimated value of $125,000.
The couple said it's too early to say if they will continue to live in Vita. For now, they are being surrounded by the loving support of their seven grown children, several of whom inspected the rubble with their parents, and their church family at Sommerfeld Mennonite Church in New Bothwell.

This reminds me of the importance of becoming grounded solidly in faith in the Lord Jesus before hard times come into our lives. Then if and when tragedy strikes in our lives, we can stand strong like the Martens are doing, trusting in the Lord regardless of our circumstances. We do not need to wonder if God is good or if He has forgotten us or how we will carry on. Through faith in the Lord Jesus, we can be confident and have assurance that - Yes, God is good, and He will never forget about us and He never leaves those who trust in Him.
Hebrews 3:5-6 for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Matthew 28:20 lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Prophecy Update - JDFarag February 22,2015 ( discussion on ISIS, terror, deception )

For some time now I have been listening to the Prophecy Update each week by Pastor J.D. Farag and it is something that I look forward to each week. So now on a weekly basis I want to share the link with you here on my blog so that together we can be watching for the Lord's return as that is what He instructed us to do.

Mark 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

A few main points that Pastor Farag points out in this week's Prophecy Update are as follows:

* - he started with this headline from nowtheendbegins.com -

BROTHER OF SLAIN COPTIC CHRISTIANS THANKS ISIS FOR ALLOWING MARTYRS TO PROCLAIM JESUS BEFORE DYING -Now The End Begins

* - he shared a statement from Franklin Graham's Facebook page

"The evil of ISIS really shouldn’t shock us--it is fully in keeping with their ultimate agenda of hastening a final apocalypse. God’s Word tells us that there will be a final battle one day, but it will result in the defeat of Satan and all those allied with him. One thing is for sure—one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." ( Franklin Graham)

* - he shared an overview of the religion of islam and said that islam was manufactured by a demon possessed man namely Mohammed. Jews and Christians rejected Mohammed. Therefore Mohammed turned on Christians and Jews and has instructed in the Koran to kill them. The Koran states that those who do not submit to allah and the koran are to be beheaded. Christians are called people of the book, namely the Bible. The Muslim endtime prophecy is a counterfeit of Biblical endtime prophecy. Islam is a false religion and allah is a false god.

We must remember that as Christians, no one can lay a hand on us or touch us without our Father in heaven seeing it and allowing it. Our Heavenly Father is above all!

Satan will be defeated. One day every knee will bow to the Lord Jesus Christ. Please pray for the Muslims to be saved, that many will come to salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ. He died to save each of us.

Acts 2:21

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Please do take the time to watch this week's Prophecy Update from Pastor Farag.

Here is the link to this week's Prophecy Update from JD Farag, Prophecy Update JDFarag - February 22, 2015

Pastor J.D. talks about the Islamic beheading of 21 Egyptian Christians in Libya and the demonic deception on the part of those who continue with their false narrative concerning this unspeakable evil

Thursday 19 February 2015

Kids need love

Photo thanks to TheMankindProject

A Letter to Cancer by Jeremy Bradley - ( Southeast Journal )

This is an article in our local newspaper "The Southeast Journal". The article is written by Jeremy Bradley. It is a letter written to "cancer", this is a must read for anyone who has lost a loved one to cancer. You can link to the newspaper here - Southeast Journal

I took this picture of the article

Jeremy Bradley writes the following in the article in the Southeast Journal:

To the Point” By Jeremy Bradley World Cancer Day was earlier this week. Here’s my open letter:

Dear cancer, There are a lot of things in life that I don’t like. Rarely would I say I hate them but I truly do hate you. You have physically hurt and devastated so many people’s lives. People who I love dearly and who will never get back what they lost from your disastrous grip. It’s like a chokehold you instil in people’s lives forever. For that, I will never forgive you. You are a murderer. You’re an elusive homicidal maniac that no one can catch. If you were a person you’d be locked up forever. The worst part is everybody knows you but very few have the power to stop you. You are so wellknown that every single person in the world will somehow be connected to you. Whether you will directly affect us or someone we care about, we all have to deal with you sooner or later. Y o u d e s t r o y everything you touch. I’m not a violent person but I wish I could destroy you. People cringe at the thought of you. People get sick because of you. You are singlehandedly responsible for the deaths of my grandfather, my aunt, my uncle, my friends and what’s your response? You just move on to your next victim. Is there ever an apology? Is there ever any remorse? What do we get from you besides heartache and pain? Are you there to comfort us? Do you see us crying at the gravesite of our loved ones? Or are you too busy plotting, scheming and surveying the crowd to see who you’re going to attack next? I’ve written many things in my day but never has this letter meant so much. I am confident in saying that I hate you and I hope to never have to battle you myself. Because if I do, watch out. I’m a fighter. Hatefully yours, JB That’s my point. What’s yours? Tell me at www.speakfreewithjb. com.

Sunday 15 February 2015

Prophecy Update JD Farag - February 15,2015 - prophetic significance of recent rise of world leader...

Mark 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

picture JD Farag ( youtube.com )

So here is the link to this week's Prophecy Update from JD Farag, JDFarag Prophecy Update - February 15, 2015

Pastor J.D. explains the prophetic significance of the recent rise of a world leader who has now captured the attention of students and teachers of Bible prophecy.

Friday 13 February 2015

Franklin Graham Points to Jezebel Scriptures to Describe America from charismanews.com

"Nearly half of all marriages end in divorce, and couples who cohabitate before marriage are even more likely to split. Some studies show that the proliferation of pornography available on the Internet has likely contributed to the declining marriage rate." Franklin Graham

The following is an article written by Franklin Graham. I found it on charismanews.com

This is a very important message, I really hope you will take the time to read the entire article.

You can find the article here at this link: Franklin Graham Points to Jezebel Scriptures to Describe America

Franklin Graham Points to Jezebel Scriptures to Describe America

The sexual revolution that began in earnest five decades ago with promises of new and liberating sexual freedoms has instead left behind a shattered moral landscape that has undermined the fabric and foundation of our nation. Casting off what was perceived as the puritanical restraints of previous generations, the '60s and '70s launched a new era of sexual experimentation. The revolution, publicly inaugurated by 1967's "Summer of Love" in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district, promised an enlightened age of sexual morality.

The new thinking said cohabitation wasn't really a problem. Divorce wasn't nearly as harmful as once thought. Promiscuity presented no clear and present danger to the family unit. Same-sex attraction was perfectly normal. Pornography was little cause for concern. Indeed, an entire industry developed around its spurious allure.

Fifty years later, we can see that the results have been catastrophic.

In many respects the American family is completely unrecognizable, courtesy of a failed sexual revolution that has left a devastating wake of destruction.

In certain segments of American culture, more than 70 percent of children are born to single parents and remain in single-parent households. Nationally, more than 1 in 4 children today live in households with only one parent. Demographers predict that by age 18, nearly 50 percent of all children will have lived with just a mom or dad.

Nearly half of all marriages end in divorce, and couples who cohabitate before marriage are even more likely to split. Some studies show that the proliferation of pornography available on the Internet has likely contributed to the declining marriage rate.

The freedoms promised by the sexual revolution have instead given way to ever increasing slavery and captivity to sin. The attempt to cast off moral restraint has only opened wide the devil's destructive, deadly toolbox. "For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved" (2 Pet. 2:19).

The plague of immorality has so swept across the American landscape that there is virtually no place where its corrosive influence is not felt. The pervasive, immoral reach of popular media, which actively promotes every type of sexual misconduct imaginable, constantly agitates against the biblical norms of upright, godly behavior.

The Scripture is clear: "But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you. ... For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous ... has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God" (Eph. 5:3, 5).

Today, what our society seems to value most is the freedom to do whatever we want, whatever makes us feel good. Anyone who would try to stop us from doing what we want—even when what we want is destructive to ourselves and to others—is mocked and vilified.

But God's laws and commands are given for our good. Sexuality is a gift from God to be used within His wise restraints. Like the levees that hold back mighty rivers from destructive floods, God's Word and ways are designed to keep our thoughts, passions and desires in godly bounds. They are for our good, not our harm.

"The body is not meant for sexual immorality," wrote the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian church, "but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body'" (1 Cor. 6:13). Our bodies, which one day will be redeemed, glorified bodies, are made by God for God. To flaunt His design is, in essence, to commit idolatry by prizing and delighting in what God hates.

Our culture, like ancient cultures that ultimately were destroyed in large part due to their own moral depravity, has been severely weakened. A stable family unit committed to the truth and precepts of the Bible was once the foundation and backbone of our nation. That model is now the exception, not the rule.

We know that as the end draws near, this world will be characterized by escalating violence and rampant sexual immorality. In Revelation 17 and 18, Babylon represents the "great prostitute" of the earth. It stands for the unbridled pursuit of sensual pleasures. The earth, about to be judged by the King of kings and Lord of lords, has become completely intoxicated by wanton pleasures. "For all the nations have drunk ... of her [Babylon's] sexual immorality" (Rev. 18:3).

As Christ is about to return, shouts of triumph break out as multitudes in the heavenlies declare: "Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality" (Rev. 19:1-2).

The only answer I know for any society in any era is the strong word of the Lord to the church in Thyatira who, though faithful in some ways, apparently tolerated sexual permissiveness that spread through the church: "I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality" (Rev. 2:21).

There is still time to repent. That is why Jesus is delaying His return, "not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance" (2 Pet. 3:9).

My prayer is that we do not refuse that offer while there is still time.

Wednesday 11 February 2015

Brian Williams - the lies are uncovered

Numbers 32:23 - ... behold, ye have sinned against the Lord:

and be sure your sin will find you out.

Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Many of us turn to NBC every night for the news. It is something I do almost every day. I would not have ever imagined that Brian Williams was not a truthful man. First I want to post the story and then I want to share some thoughts about it. So first the story-

The following is the story as reported by CBS news: You can link directly to the story here:

NBC News anchor Brian Williams suspended

CBS NEWSFebruary 10, 2015, 8:07 PM

NBC News anchor Brian Williams suspended 6 months without pay

Last Updated Feb 11, 2015 11:09 AM EST

Brian Williams, the NBC "Nightly News" anchor who admitted he falsely recounted a story that he was in a helicopter that was hit by ground fire in Iraq in 2003, was suspended without pay by for six months, according to an internal NBC News memo.

Play VIDEO

David Carr of the New York Times talks about Brian Williams' suspension

The memo, written by NBC News President Deborah Turness, says Williams was notified of the suspension Tuesday and that an investigation into his actions continues. She said Williams "misrepresented events," which she called "wrong and completely inappropriate for someone in Brian's position."

NBC chief executive officer Steve Burke included a statement in Turness's memo, saying Williams "deserves a second chance and we are rooting for him. Brian has shared his deep remorse with me and he is committed to winning back everyone's trust."

An interview with Star and Stripes newspaper conducted last week and published Monday provided a more detailed look at the embattled anchor's recollection of the events 12 years ago. Williams backed out of scheduled appearance on David Letterman's "Late Show" this coming Thursday.

Play VIDEO

Brian Williams suspended six months by NBC News

Williams, who has apologized for telling the false story, told Stars and Stripes that being a "scared" civilian made his recollection of events far different that the soldiers he was covering.

"Adding to the fear of the moment was the fact that we unhooked, our load master let loose a huge, our cargo, so you go through this over-torque where you rise in the air before you settle, despite what was some dandy piloting by the crews of all three aircraft," Williams told Stars and Stripes. "It was like landing on the surface of the moon. And I'm going to have a far different recollection than the professionals."

Williams said that he "assumed" that the Chinook helicopter he was on was just one of several that was damaged by ground fire.

"I don't know what screwed up in my mind that caused me to conflate one aircraft from the other," he said. "The fact is, I remember three aircraft going down. I was on one of them."

Williams told the false story on the air recently during a story about Tim Terpak, an Army officer who he had befriended when Terpak was assigned to protect the NBC crew. Williams told Stars and Stripes he was "very frustrated" that his false account would undermine his effort to honor the veteran.

The full memo from Turness follows below:

------

We have decided today to suspend Brian Williams as Managing Editor and Anchor of NBC Nightly News for six months. The suspension will be without pay and is effective immediately. We let Brian know of our decision earlier today. Lester Holt will continue to substitute Anchor the NBC Nightly News.

Our review, which is being led by Richard Esposito working closely with NBCUniversal General Counsel Kim Harris, is ongoing, but I think it is important to take you through our thought process in coming to this decision.

While on Nightly News on Friday, January 30, 2015, Brian misrepresented events which occurred while he was covering the Iraq War in 2003. It then became clear that on other occasions Brian had done the same while telling that story in other venues. This was wrong and completely inappropriate for someone in Brian's position.

In addition, we have concerns about comments that occurred outside NBC News while Brian was talking about his experiences in the field.

As Managing Editor and Anchor of Nightly News, Brian has a responsibility to be truthful and to uphold the high standards of the news division at all times.

Steve Burke, Pat Fili and I came to this decision together. We felt it would have been wrong to disregard the good work Brian has done and the special relationship he has forged with our viewers over 22 years. Millions of Americans have turned to him every day, and he has been an important and well-respected part of our organization.

As I'm sure you understand, this was a very hard decision. Certainly there will be those who disagree. But we believe this suspension is the appropriate and proportionate action.

This has been a difficult time. But NBC News is bigger than this moment. You work so hard and dedicate yourselves each and every day to the important work of bringing trusted, credible news to our audience. Because of you, your loyalty, your dedication, NBC News is an organization we can - and should - all be proud of. We will get through this together.

Steve Burke asked me to share the following message.

"This has been a painful period for all concerned and we appreciate your patience while we gathered the available facts. By his actions, Brian has jeopardized the trust millions of Americans place in NBC News. His actions are inexcusable and this suspension is severe and appropriate. Brian's life's work is delivering the news. I know Brian loves his country, NBC News and his colleagues. He deserves a second chance and we are rooting for him. Brian has shared his deep remorse with me and he is committed to winning back everyone's trust."

.............................................................................................................................

End of story from CBS News

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My thoughts:

My first thought is - Every time a big lie or a dark secret gets exposed, I am reminded again and again that the Bible is completely true. The Bible teaches that what is done in secret will be brought out into the light, the Bible teaches that we should be sure our sin will be found out. You cannot get away with lies, and other forms of evil. God sees and knows everything that is going on. The Bible teaches the law of the harvest - that is we reap what we sow. Eventually what you do will come out, it will be made known and you have to face the consequences. Just as in planting and harvesting in your garden, the fruit of the seed planted ( the lie or dark secret ) the fruit does not appear immediately, it takes time - sometimes months or even years go by as is the case with Brian Williams, but surely it will be known and justice will be done either here in this life or in eternity. None of us ever really get away with our lies and sin.

Another thought to remember is that satan is the father of lies, satan comes to deceive, destroy and to kill. Satan has been successful in destroying Brian William's career and reputation. Things will never again be the same for Mr Williams. Once you have lost the trust and respect of people who trusted you, you cannot expect to be trusted again for a very long time to come. Lying and deceiving others is just not worth it - it is that plain and simple really!

Numbers 32:23 - ..... behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out. KJV

But if you don’t do as you have said, then you will have sinned against the Lord, and you may be sure that your sin will catch up with you. TLB

Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Isaiah 5:20-21 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!

1Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

Monday 9 February 2015

Prophecy Update - JD Farag February 8,2015 ( Comments on ISIS, Obama Prayer Breakfast )

Mark 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

picture of JD Farag ( youtube.com )

So here is the link to this week's Prophecy Update from JD Farag, Prophecy Update February 8, 2015

Pastor J.D. addresses the astonishing remarks at the annual Prayer Breakfast concerning the President drawing a moral equivalence between the Islamic State and Christianity.

Sunday 1 February 2015

Prophecy Update - JD Farag February 1,2015

Mark 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

So here is the link to this week's Prophecy Update from JD Farag,
JD Farag Prophecy Update February 1, 2015

Published on Feb 1, 2015

Pastor J.D. talks about the prophetic significance of the US efforts to defeat Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the upcoming elections in March.

JD Farag - ontheedgeagain.wordpress

Sharing The Faith

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