n0klu's Rants

  May 16, 2022 at 1:30 AM CST Topic: +DEV+ Made For Peace Made For Peace "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, Abba, Father." Romans 8:15 Scripture Focus: Romans 8:15-18 We were created for peace, but we have not been born into it. The void within us where true peace is to reside cannot be filled or fully satisfied through human relationship or materials. Every one of     us will be hurt in a relationship and will ourselves cause wounds. Lasting peace must come from a source greater than human or earthly resources.   We are     born in     need of love,     acceptance, and encouragement. When people fail us and bring harm, we can become     paralyzed by pain. We sink into hopelessness or live fearful lives. Soon we find we are willing to sacrifice precious things for approval and appreciation. Our pursuits appear to be worthy investment...

  May 11, 2022 at 12:40 AM CST Topic: +DEV+     Humility Brings Peace Humility Brings Peace "But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God." Nehemiah 9:31   Scripture Focus: Palms 51:1-10 David's life     story contains     chapters of victory and joy, and chapters of rebellion, struggle, and grief. When confronted with his sin, he did not make excuses, but confessed his wrongdoing while seeking purification. "Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow" (Psalm 51:7). Hyssop was the plant used as a paintbrush to apply blood from the slaughtered, sacrificial lambs to the Israelites' doorframes during the first Passover, sparing them from death. David's reference to it here indicates he knows his sin warrants death, yet     the blood of His merciful God has washed over him.   Being made into the likeness of     Jesus is...

  May 10, 2022 at 12:43 AM CST Topic: +DEV+     Family Peace Family Peace "Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard."       Isaiah 58:8 Scripture Focus: Isaiah 58:3-12 The Jews thought their fasting rituals could please the Lord and move Him to bless them. They complained that their sacrificial fasting brought them no benefits. In this Isaiah passage we are reminded     the Lord desires deliverance for the oppressed. His people are to show generosity, hospitality, and graciousness toward others. He rejects malicious accusations and the cutting off of family.   Several of our friends who are counselors say they are seeing an increase in clients refusing to work on reconciliation. One counselor from a Christian ministry said the turning away from family is becoming an epidemic. In believing and non-believing...

  May 9, 2022 at 12:00 AM CST Topic: +DEV+   War and Peace War and Peace "He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death, he said to them. Stay here and keep watch."     Mark 14:33-34   Scripture Focus: Mark 14:32-50 I heard a radio interview with a famous entrepreneur who enjoyed abundant wealth. The host asked what was left since he had what many people spend their lives striving to attain. I was surprised by his answer: "I want to be brave."   Jesus was agonizing over the     battle ahead that would cost His life. His closest friends failed Him in His darkest hours. Think of our soldiers in various branches of the military who know how fearsome it is to step onto the enemy battlefield. But if they don't, their families will be ruled by that enemy. They must be brave. Jesus defeated the devil and the power of sin which separates us from the...

  Feb X, 2022 at X:XX AM CST Topic: +DEV+     Pursuing Peace Pursuing Peace "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."       Romans 12:18 Scripture Focus: Colossians 3:12-17 Since the fall of man, relationships have been penetrated and weighed down by sin. Selfishness, jealously, pride, bitterness, and unforgiving spirits are only some of the dark forces at work against peaceful relationships.   Just as it was said, "The greatest problem with communication is the illusion that it has been accomplished," so a great obstacle to healthy relationships is the illusion that they occur naturally. In order to experience a fruitful relationship, there must be a commitment to following the example of Christ's love. It takes work! Truly peace-filled relationships operate under God's authority and principles. Untested relationships start out pleasantly, but when under fire and without regard for Christ's principles, they will de...

  April 27, 2022 at 12:01 AM CST Topic: +DEV+     Peace with Our Portion Peace with Our Portion "They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything-all she had to live on." Mark 12:44 "Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing."       Psalm 34:10 Scripture Focus: Mark 12:41-44 The Lord is not impressed by the dollar amounts we place in offering plates. He is moved by our faithfulness to believe He will do what He says He will do.   The widow in Mark 12 had great faith in a God of miraculous provisions who would keep His promises from Scripture. "They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, The LORD is upright; he is my Rock" (Psalm 92:14-15). She trusted in the One who always took care of her. The widow had confidence in God's provisions, even as she gave the last of her money.   Having been in business most of our lives, we experienced some good years and a few just plain bad ...