31Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; 33just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved.

.VI. The apostle takes occasion from this discourse to lay down a rule for Christians’ conduct, and apply it to this particular case (v. 31, v. 32), namely, that in eating and drinking, and in all we do, we should aim at the glory of God, at pleasing and honouring him. This is the fundamental principle of practical godliness. The great end of all practical religion must direct us where particular and express rules are wanting. Nothing must be done against the glory of God, and the good of our neighbours, connected with it. Nay, the tendency of our behaviour to the common good, and the credit of our holy religion, should give direction to it. And therefore nothing should be done by us to offend any, whether Jew, or Gentile, or the church, v. 32. The Jews should not be unnecessarily grieved nor prejudiced, who have such an abhorrence of idols that they reckon every thing offered to them thereby defiled, and that it will pollute and render culpable all who partake of it; nor should heathens be countenanced in their idolatry by any behaviour of ours, which they may construe as homage or honour done to their idols; nor young converts from Gentilism take any encouragement from our conduct to retain any veneration for the heathen gods and worship, which they have renounced: nor should we do any thing that may be a means to pervert any members of the church from their Christian profession or practice. Our own humour and appetite must not determine our practice, but the honour of God and the good and edification of the church. We should not so much consult our own pleasure and interest as the advancement of the kingdom of God among men. Note, A Christian should be a man devoted to God, and of a public spirit.VII. He presses all upon them by his own example: Even as I please all men (or study to do it) in all things (that I lawfully can), not seeking my own profit, but that of many, that they may be saved, v. 33. Note, A preacher may press his advice home with boldness and authority when he can enforce it with his own example. He is most likely to promote a public spirit in others who can give evidence of it in himself. And it is highly commendable in a minister to neglect his own advantage that he may promote the salvation of his hearers. This shows that he has a spirit suitable to his function. It is a station for public usefulness, and can never be faithfully discharged by a man of a narrow spirit and selfish principles.  FAMILY THIS WAS TAKING FROM MATTHEW HENRY COMMENTARY ON 1 CORINTHIANS 

1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-26

 12For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

      14For the body is not one member, but many. 15If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 16And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am nota part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. 19If they were all one member, where would the body be?20But now there are many members, but one body. 21And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; 23and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, 24whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to thatmember which lacked, 25so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

 v. 24. So should the members of Christ’s body behave towards their fellow-members: instead of despising them, or reproaching them, for their infirmities, they should endeavour to cover and conceal them, and put the best face upon them that they can. 6. Divine wisdom has contrived and ordered things in this manner that the members of the body should not be schismatics, divided from each other and acting upon separate interests, but well affected to each other, tenderly concerned for each other, having a fellow-feeling of each other’s griefs and a communion in each other’s pleasures and joys,v. 25, v. 26. God has tempered the members of the body natural in the manner mentioned, thatthere might be no schism in the body (v. 25), no rupture nor disunion among the members, nor so much as the least mutual disregard. This should be avoided also in the spiritual body of Christ. There should be no schism in this body, but the members should be closely united by the strongest bonds of love. All decays of this affection are the seeds of schism. Where Christians grow cold towards each other, they will be careless and unconcerned for each other. And this mutual disregard is a schism begun. The members of the natural body are made to have a care and concern for each other, to prevent a schism in it. So should it be in Christ’s body; the members should sympathize with each other. As in the natural body the pain of the one part afflicts the whole, the ease and pleasure of one part affects the whole, so should Christians reckon themselves honoured in the honours of their fellow-christians, and should suffer in their sufferings. Note, Christian sympathy is a great branch of Christian duty. We should be so far from slighting our brethren’s sufferings that we should suffer with them, so far from envying their honours that we should rejoice with them and reckon ourselves honoured in them.  THIS WAS TAKING FROM MATTHEW HENRY COMMENTARY ON 1 CORINTHIANS 12 :24-26

My Dear Brother Al

   That we continue to strive for unity.  That we humble our wills and ways unto the Lord but, also for one another.  For whatever it takes for us to fit together as One.  We yield or assist so another can make a goal.  That we listen far more then we speak.  Not only out of respect, but so we do not miss His Wisdom shared through another.  Since we are One Body, it does not matter who does what where, for we all enjoy the Victory and Wisdom gained.  Bless you Brother and your Family on this day.

YES,YES MY BROTHER YOUR WORD ARE CONFIRMATION  OF WHAT THE SPIRIT HAS PLACED IN MY HEART FOR THE PASS TWO DAYS,  MAY YOU AND YOUR FAMILY CONTINUE TO SHINE THROUGH ALL THAT satan TRY TO SEND AT YOU AND ME TOO ,AND MAY WE CONTINUE TO DRAW ON THE WORDS OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER THROUGH HIS SON AND OUR BIG BROTHER AND HIGH PRIEST JESUS WHO DEFEATED satan AND GAVE US THE VICTORY TO WIN IN ALL THAT satan TRY TO SEND OUR WAY IF WE JUST CAST IT ON JESUS  

EPHESIANS 5:8-20

      6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7Therefore do not be partakers with them; 8for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light 9(for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), 10trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. 11Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; 12for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. 13But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.

14For this reason it says,
         “Awake, sleeper,
         And arise from the dead,
         And Christ will shine on you.”

      15Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, 19speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; 21and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.

FAMILY ,WE ARE IN A WAR satan DOES NOT LET UP AND WILL USE ANYONE WHO IS WEAK AND DON'T KNOW HIS TACTIC SO WE MUST KEEP OUR ARMOUR ON AT ALL TIME, I DID A JOB FOR A CUSTOM AT LABORER AND MATERIEL COST ONLY THE LABORER COST JUST COVER MY HELPER FOR I WAS WILLING TO CUT THE COST TO THE LOWEST SO I COULD  GET THE JOB AND USE IT FOR ADVERTISEMENT FOR THEY LIVED IN A REAL NICE HOUSE AND THE STREET THAT THE HOUSE IS ON IS A BUSY STREET SO I FELT THAT I WOULD GET MUCH RESPONSE FROM THE JOB ,AND THANK TO OUR HEAVENLY FATHER ,IT HAS REALLY PAID OFF IN THAT WAY BUT AFTER WE DID THE FIRST PHRASE ALTHOUGH THEY AGREE TO THE COLOR FOR THE CONCRETE ,THEY FELT THAT IT WAS TOO LIGHT ,SO I TOLD THEM THAT I WOULD TAINT IT DARKER ,BUT I DID NOT CHARGE THEM FOR THE TAINT AND WHEN I TAINTED IT IT DID NOT COME OUT THE WAY THAT I OR THEM THOUGHT THAT IT WOULD ,SO I TRIED IT AGAIN AND THAT TIME IT EVEN CAME OUT WORST ,SO YESTERDAY I GAVE IT A SOLID TAINT AND WOW THEY HAVE A FIX ABOUT THAT COLOR ALSO ,NOW THINK ABOUT THIS THEY DID NOT PAY A EXTRA CENT FOR NONE OF THIS EXTRA WORK PLUS THE FIRST PRICE WAS WAY UNDER THE COST OF THE REAL PRICE FOR THE JOB SO PLEASE LIFT ME AND THEM UP TO THE THRONE OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER ,BECAUSE RIGHT NOW I FEEL THAT I'DON'T HAVE TO DO ANYTHING ELSE FREE PLUS I TOLD MY LAWYER THAT I MIGHT NEED HIM TO WRITE THEM A NICE LETTER BECAUSE ALL THE PRAISES AND YAHOO THEY GAVE US ABOUT THE JOB AND THE WAY WE WORKED SEEM LIKE IT WAS JUST TALK WITH NO REALNESS NOW SO I'M TRYING TO LET THE HOLY SPIRIT LEAD ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION ,BECAUSE RIGHT NOW I'M IN THE STATE OF MIND TO NOT EVEN SAY OR DO ANYTHING ELSE TO OR FOR THEM ,FREE OR FOR MONEY ,THANKS AGAIN FOR THE PRAYERS IN ADVANCE 

THE PICTURE OF THE JOB IS ON MY PAGE 

Father in Jesus Name I stand in agreement with these Prayers of Faith.  Lord, I Thank You for Your Wisdom to shower down on, Your Son ans our Brother in Christ Alcedes.  We know Your Word to be True.  I know our Brother will know what to do.  I know he wants and needs to provide for his business, and his family.  I also know he wants Jesus to be Glorified.  Your Wisdom is and will always be the perfect fit, for all these situations.  Father I also Praise Your Name that Your Spirit, works in and through Alcedes.  This is how it has been, and how it will continue to be, In Jesus Holy Name. I also Thank You for Your Peace, that will guide him, not his emotions.  I know this is what our Dear Brother not only wants, but Lives for.  In Jesus Holy Name.

Love ya Brother and keeping you and your in our thoughts and Prayers.

THANK YOU MY BELOVED SISTER AND BROTHER AND MAY OUR HEAVENLY FATHER GET ALL THE GLORY FROM THIS SITUATION IN JESUS MIGHTY NAME 

Ephesians 6:10-19

The Armor of God

      10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17And takeTHE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

      18With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, 19and pray on my behalf             TO GOD BE THE GLORY 

MATTHEW HENRY COMMENTARY ON EPHESIANS 6 (CON'T)

 We must pray with all prayer and supplication, with all kinds of prayer: public, private, and secret, social and solitary, solemn and sudden; with all the parts of prayer: confession of sin, petition for mercy, and thanksgivings for favours received. We must prayin the Spirit; our spirits must be employed in the duty and we must do it by the grace of God’s good Spirit. We must watch thereunto, endeavouring to keep our hearts in a praying frame, and taking all occasions, and improving all opportunities, for the duty: we must watch to all the motions of our own hearts towards the duty. When God says, Seek my face, our hearts must comply, Ps. 27:8 . This we must do with all perseverance. We must abide by the duty of prayer, whatever change there may be in our outward circumstances; and we must continue in it as long as we live in the world. We must persevere in a particular prayer; not cutting it short, when our hearts are disposed to enlarge, and there is time for it, and our occasions call for it. We must likewise persevere in particular requests, notwithstanding some present discouragements and repulses. And we must pray with supplication, not for ourselves only, but for all saints; for we are members one of another. Observe, None are so much saints, and in so good a condition in this world, but they need our prayers, and they ought to have them. The apostle passes hence to the conclusion of the epistle.

MATTHEW HENRY COMMENTARY ON EPHESIANS 6 (CON'T)

 Consider faith as it is the evidence of things not seen and the substance of things hoped for, and it will appear to be of admirable use for this purpose. Faith, as receiving Christ and the benefits of redemption, so deriving grace from him, is like a shield, a sort of universal defence. Our enemy the devil is here called the wicked one. He is wicked himself, and he endeavours to make us wicked. His temptations are called darts, because of their swift and undiscerned flight, and the deep wounds that they give to the soul; fiery darts, by way of allusion to the poisonous darts which were wont to inflame the parts which were wounded with them, and therefore were so called, as the serpents with poisonous stings are called fiery serpents. Violent temptations, by which the soul is set on fire of hell, are the darts which Satan shoots at us. Faith is the shield with which we must quench these fiery darts, wherein we should receive them, and so render them ineffectual, that they may not hit us, or at least that they may not hurt us. Observe, Faith, acted upon the word of God and applying that, acted upon the grace of Christ and improving that, quenches the darts of temptation. [5.] Salvation must be our helmet (v. 17); that is,hope, which has salvation for its object; so 1 Th. 5:8 . The helmet secures the head. A good hope of salvation, well founded and well built, will both purify the soul and keep it from being defiled by Satan, and it will comfort the soul and keep it from being troubled and tormented by Satan. He would tempt us to despair; but good hope keeps us trusting in God, and rejoicing in him. [6.] The word of God is the sword of the Spirit. The sword is a very necessary and useful part of a soldier’s furniture. The word of God is very necessary, and of great use to the Christian, in order to his maintaining the spiritual warfare and succeeding in it. It is called the sword of the Spirit, because it is of the Spirit’s inditing and he renders it efficacious and powerful, and sharper than a two-edged sword. Like Goliath’s sword, none like that; with this we assault the assailants. Scripture-arguments are the most powerful arguments to repel temptation with. Christ himself resisted Satan’s temptations with, It is written, Mt. 4:4, Mt. 4:6, Mt. 4:7, Mt. 4:10 . This, being hid in the heart, will preserve from sin (Ps. 119:11 ), and will mortify and kill those lusts and corruptions that are latent there. [7.] Prayer must buckle on all the other parts of our Christian armour, v. 18. We must join prayer with all these graces, for our defence against these spiritual enemies, imploring help and assistance of God, as the case requires: and we must pray always. Not as though we were to do nothing else but pray, for there are other duties of religion and of our respective stations in the world that are to be done in their place and season; but we should keep up constant times of prayer, and be constant to them.

MATTHEW HENRY COMMENTARY ON EPHESIANS 6 (CON'T)

2.] Righteousness must be our breast-plate. The breast-plate secures the vitals, shelters the heart. The righteousness of Christ imputed to us is our breast-plate against the arrows of divine wrath. The righteousness of Christ implanted in us is our breast-plate to fortify the heart against the attacks which Satan makes against us. The apostle explains this in 1 Th. 5:8 , Putting on the breast-plate of faith and love. Faith and love include all Christian graces; for by faith we are united to Christ and by love to our brethren. These will infer a diligent observance of our duty to God, and a righteous deportment towards men, in all the offices of justice, truth, and charity. [3.] Resolution must be as the greaves to our legs: And their feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, v. 15. Shoes, or greaves of brass, or the like, were formerly part of the military armour (1 Sa. 17:6 ): the use of them was to defend the feet against the gall-traps, and sharp sticks, which were wont to be laid privily in the way, to obstruct the marching of the enemy, those who fell upon them being unfit to march. The preparation of the gospel of peace signifies a prepared and resolved frame of heart, to adhere to the gospel and abide by it, which will enable us to walk with a steady pace in the way of religion, notwithstanding the difficulties and dangers that may be in it. It is styled the gospel of peace because it brings all sorts of peace, peace with God, with ourselves, and with one another. It may also be meant of that which prepares for the entertainment of the gospel, namely, repentance. With this our feet must be shod: for by living a life of repentance we are armed against temptations to sin, and the designs of our great enemy. Dr. Whitby thinks this may be the sense of the words: "That you may be ready for the combat, be shod with the gospel of peace, endeavour after that peaceable and quiet mind which the gospel calls for. Be not easily provoked, nor prone to quarrel: but show all gentleness and all long-suffering to all men, and this will certainly preserve you from many great temptations and persecutions, as did those shoes of brass the soldiers from those galltraps,’’ etc. [4.] Faith must be our shield: Above all, or chiefly, taking the shield of faith, v. 16. This is more necessary than any of them. Faith is all in all to us in an hour of temptation. The breast-plate secures the vitals; but with the shield we turn every way. This is the victory over the world, even our faith. We are to be fully persuaded of the truth of all God’s promises and threatenings, such a faith being of great use against temptations

MATTHEW HENRY COMMENTARY ON EPHESIANS 6 (CON'T)

 Our enemies strive to prevent our ascent to heaven, to deprive us of heavenly blessings and to obstruct our communion with heaven. They assault us in the things that belong to our souls, and labour to deface the heavenly image in our hearts; and therefore we have need to be upon our guard against them. We have need of faith in our Christian warfare, because we have spiritual enemies to grapple with, as well as of faith in our Christian work, because we have spiritual strength to fetch in. Thus you see your danger.2. What our duty is: to take and put on the whole armour of God, and then to stand our ground, and withstand our enemies.(1.) We must withstand, v. 13. We must not yield to the devil’s allurements and assaults, but oppose them. Satan is said to stand up against us, 1 Chr. 21:1 . If he stand up against us, we must stand against him; set up, and keep up, an interest in opposition to the devil. Satan is the wicked one, and his kingdom is the kingdom of sin: to stand against Satan is to strive against sin. That you may be able to withstand in the evil day, in the day of temptation, or of any sore affliction.(2.) We must stand our ground: And, having done all, to stand. We must resolve, by God’s grace, not to yield to Satan. Resist him, and he will flee. If we distrust our cause, or our leader, or our armour, we give him advantage. Our present business is to withstand the assaults of the devil, and to stand it out; and then, having done all that is incumbent on the good soldiers of Jesus Christ, our warfare will be accomplished, and we shall be finally victorious.(3.) We must stand armed; and this is here most enlarged upon. Here is a Christian in complete armour: and the armour is divine: Armour of God, armour of light,Rom. 13:12 . Armour of righteousness, 2 Co. 6:7 . The apostle specifies the particulars of this armour, both offensive and defensive. The military girdle or belt, the breast-plate, the greaves (or soldier’s shoes), the shield, the helmet, and the sword. It is observable that, among them all, there is none for the back; if we turn our back upon the enemy, we lie exposed. [1.] Truth or sincerity is our girdle, v. 14. It was prophesied of Christ (Isa. 11:5 ) that righteousness should be the girdle of his loins and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. That which Christ was girded with all Christians must be girded with. God desires truth, that is, sincerity, in the inward parts. This is the strength of our loins; and it girds on all other pieces of our armour, and therefore is first mentioned. I know no religion without sincerity. Some understand it of the doctrine of the truths of the gospel: they should cleave to us as the girdle does to the loins, Jer. 13:11 . This will restrain from libertinism and licentiousness, as a girdle restrains and keeps in the body. This is the Christian soldier’s belt: ungirded with this, he is unblessed

MATTHEW HENRY COMMENTARY ON EPHESIANS 6 (CON'T)

 They must be well armed: "Put on the whole armour of God (v. 11), make use of all the proper defensitives and weapons for repelling the temptations and stratagems of Satan—get and exercise all the Christian graces, the whole armour, that no part be naked and exposed to the enemy.’’ Observe, Those who would approve themselves to have true grace must aim at all grace, the whole armour. It is called the armour of God, because he both prepares and bestows it. We have no armour of our own that will be armour of proof in a trying time. Nothing will stand us in stead but the armour of God. This armour is prepared for us, but we must put it on; that is, we must pray for grace, we must use the grace given us, and draw it out into act and exercise as there is occasion. The reason assigned why the Christian should be completely armed is that he may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil—that he may be able to hold out, and to overcome, notwithstanding all the devil’s assaults, both of force and fraud, all the deceits he puts upon us, all the snares he lays for us, and all his machinations against us. This the apostle enlarges upon here, and shows,1. What our danger is, and what need we have to put on this whole armour, considering what sort of enemies we have to deal with—the devil and all the powers of darkness: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,etc., v. 12. The combat for which we are to be prepared is not against ordinary human enemies, not barely against men compounded of flesh and blood, nor against our own corrupt natures singly considered, but against the several ranks of devils, who have a government which they exercise in this world. (1.) We have to do with a subtle enemy, an enemy who uses wiles and stratagems, as v. 11. He has a thousand ways of beguiling unstable souls: hence he is called a serpent for subtlety, an old serpent, experienced in the art and trade of tempting. (2.) He is a powerful enemy: Principalities, and powers, and rulers. They are numerous, they are vigorous; and rule in those heathen nations which are yet in darkness. The dark parts of the world are the seat of Satan’s empire. Yea, they are usurping princes over all men who are yet in a state of sin and ignorance. Satan’s is a kingdom of darkness; whereas Christ’s is a kingdom of light. (3.) They are spiritual enemies: Spiritual wickedness in high places, or wicked spirits, as some translate it. The devil is a spirit, a wicked spirit; and our danger is the greater from our enemies because they are unseen, and assault us ere we are aware of them. The devils are wicked spirits, and they chiefly annoy the saints with, and provoke them to, spiritual wickednesses, pride, envy, malice, etc. These enemies are said to be in high places, or in heavenly places, so the word is, taking heaven (as one says) for the whole expansum, or spreading out of the air between the earth and the stars, the air being the place from which the devils assault us. Or the meaning may be, "We wrestleabout heavenly places or heavenly things;’’ so some of the ancients interpret it.

MATTHEW HENRY COMMENTARY ON EPHESIANS 6, The Armor of God

Verses 10-18 Here is a general exhortation to constancy in our Christian course, and to encourage in our Christian warfare. Is not our life a warfare? It is so; for we struggle with the common calamities of human life. Is not our religion much more a warfare? It is so; for we struggle with the opposition of the powers of darkness, and with many enemies who would keep us from God and heaven. We have enemies to fight against, a captain to fight for, a banner to fight under, and certain rules of war by which we are to govern ourselves. "Finally, my brethren (v. 10), it yet remains that you apply yourselves to your work and duty as Christian soldiers.’’ Now it is requisite that a soldier be both stout-hearted and well armed. If Christians be soldiers of Jesus Christ,I. They must see that they be stout-hearted. This is prescribed here: Be strong in the Lord, etc. Those who have so many battles to fight, and who, in their way to heaven, must dispute every pass, with dint of sword, have need of a great deal of courage. Be strong therefore, strong for service, strong for suffering, strong for fighting. Let a soldier be ever so well armed without, if he have not within a good heart, his armour will stand him in little stead. Note, spiritual strength and courage are very necessary for our spiritual warfare. Be strong in the Lord, either in his cause and for his sake or rather in his strength. We have no sufficient strength of our own. Our natural courage is as perfect cowardice, and our natural strength as perfect weakness; but all our sufficiency is of God. In his strength we must go forth and go on. By the actings of faith, we must fetch in grace and help from heaven to enable us to do that which of ourselves we cannot do, in our Christian work and warfare. We should stir up ourselves to resist temptations in a reliance upon God’s all-sufficiency and the omnipotence of his might

GREAT FOOD FOR THE SOUL 


About The Berean | Archives | Random Berean | Subscriptions




Printer version

1 Timothy 6:6-8

(6) But godliness with contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. (8) But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 
New International Version Change Bible versions
When we are thankful, it means that we have been impressed with a sense of kindness that has been expressed toward us, and we desire to acknowledge it. Essentially, it indicates that we are grateful. Thankfulness is the actual expression of our gratitude and acknowledgement of the kindness done to us. Thankfulness is also a state of mind, an attitude. It is a content and positive perspective, which does not focus on what one does not have, but rather values what one does have, no matter how basic.
Paul continues this thought in the following verses, explaining that greediness creates a great many problems, ultimately bringing upon us discontent and unhappiness. This is just the opposite of the thankfulness that real contentment generates.
Reading these verses on greed and considering the greedy state of man's mind, a popular bumper sticker from several years ago comes to mind: "He who dies with the most things . . . wins." Of course, it did not take long for those whose thinking ran counter to this to reply with their own that read, "He who dies with the most things . . . is dead." This is true; the pursuit of material gain to the exclusion of all else ends in death.
Being thankful is part of being content. Unfortunately, many people feel that being content means that they have to give up on their dreams and goals. It does not. Like thankfulness, contentment is a state of mind. God wants us to be content with and thankful for what we have been given. That does not mean that we cannot want better and work to make our situations better, but it does mean that we should not approach our proper desire for more with a greedy, covetous attitude.
Nor can we compare what others have and what we may not have from an attitude that we deserve the same or even better. Maybe we do deserve it, but right now God has chosen not to give it to us, and we must be content with that and thankful for what we have been given.
How thankful and content we are can be seen in the illustration of water in a glass. Is the glass half-full or half-empty? Our answer depends on and reveals our state of mind.

Mark S. Baker 
Excerpted from:
Daily Thanksgiving

family I just got to share this 

The only infallible Being is Jesus Himself, but finding others along the way who love Him deeply despite their imperfections is a great gift. 

2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”  Sometimes people will let us down and do wrong by us, but Christ will never fail us.  Thus, He is our only ultimate failsafe.  However, He gives us people in life who love Him dearly and who can be a great encouragement to us.  Sure, they will make mistakes at times, but so will we.  Yet our hope is that we all have a Savior who never makes mistakes and Who is ready and willing to forgive us when we do.  It is this shared hope in Christ that can truly bind two spirits together on earth in deep fellowship.  Paul says of Timothy in Philippians 2:20 says, “For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare.”  Paul had the opportunity to fellowship with other men of faith throughout his life, and he enjoyed their support as he went on various missionary journeys.  Barnabas was known for his encouragement, and Silas sang praises with him while they were imprisoned together.  Timothy was a kindred spirit of Paul’s because he had full confidence that Timothy would care for the believers just as Paul would if he was there.  He knew Timothy’s heart, and he was confident that Timothy’s genuine concern for his fellow Christians would be exactly what they needed. 

Paul didn’t have a naïve view of the world as though he was the only faithful person alive on the planet.  He knew there were others, albeit a small minority of others, who shared a devoted faith in Christ, and these were a great encouragement to him throughout his life.  They could support one another in prayer, they could partner together in ministry, and they could count on one another to do what they would have done if they themselves could be in two places at once.  This kindred spirit is Christ in each of them motivating them to the same goals, same purposes, same ambitions, same desires, and same unity.  As Philippians 2:1-2 says, “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.”  True unity and real kindred spirits are possible only because of the same Holy Spirit in the hearts of our brothers and sisters in Christ Who is very able to help us learn affection, show compassion, hold to sound doctrine, love, and focus on the same things that define our purpose on earth.  Only Christ is perfect, but we can sure be encouraged by friends Who rejoice in Christ and who walk in His ways just as we also seek to do.  A kindred spirit forms the basis of the deepest and most encouraging relationships this side of heaven.

it was taking from RELEVANT BIBLE TEACHING 

Bless you Brother for what you share here, it make all the difference.  How often do we experience this?  Sometimes people will let us down and do wrong by us, but Christ will never fail us.  Thus, He is our only ultimate failsafe.  Then one of the next lines I have not thought of in these terms.  Known them but did not think in this way.  Yet our hope is that we all have a Savior who never makes mistakes and Who is ready and willing to forgive us when we do.   This knowledge we must keep front and center in our thinking.  To know Love this way.  To know we are Loved this way.  Lifts the burden off our shoulders in so many ways.

 This kindred spirit is Christ in each of them motivating them to the same goals, same purposes, same ambitions, same desires, and same unity.  As Philippians 2:1-2 says, “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.”   And, that is it, we are here for one another.  We are here to support and be there for each of us.  

Again, Bless you Brother you are a True Blessing from which God's Love flows.  Love ya Alcedes

Thank you my beloved brother ,but as always all glory goes to our Heavenly Father through his son and our big brother Jesus ,I 'm just Humble and Grateful that he find me worthy enough to allow his Holy Sprite to dwell in me and guide me to the things that I share or send them to me and when they lift my Sprite then I feel it is my Christian duty to share and that is all that I'm doing ,love you too my brother and may we all continue to do all things for the glory of our Heavenly Father

Be Like Christ

      1Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

PHILIPPIANS 2;14-18

  14Do all things without grumbling or disputing; 15so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, 16holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. 17But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. 18You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me

Grace and Peace to you and your family my beloved sister how is your husband doing 

yes I will for our Heavenly Father is still in the healing BUSINESS  

Sister, be still and know that Our Lord is in control.  His ways are not our ways and

and His mercies endure forever.

Remain blessed! 

Eph 3:14-21 14 This is the reason I kneel in the presence of the Father 15 from whom all the family in heaven and on earth receives its name. 16I'm asking God to give you a gift from the wealth of His glory. I pray that He would give you inner strength and power through His Spirit. 17Then Christ will live in you through faith. I also pray that love may be the ground into which you sink your roots and on which you have your foundation. 18This way, with all of God's people you will be able to understand how wide, long, high, and deep his love is. 19 You will know Christ's love, which goes far beyond any knowledge. I am praying this so that you may be completely filled with God.  20 Glory belongs to God, whose power is at work in us. By this power he can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. 21 Glory belongs to God in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time and eternity! Amen

Eph 3:12 gives us a very clear message: "We can go to God with bold confidence through faith in Christ."  Our Faith in Christ gives us access.  We are able to go with Bold Confidence to God.  This is so far beyond "back stage passes."  Paul here is telling us to, "Go to God with  Bold Confidence!"  The freedom and liberty is without compare.  This is how Paul is telling us to come to God.  Not to let anyone or anything impend how we approach God.  

LET FREEDOM  REIGN WITH BOLD CONFIDENCE.  For this confidence is not based on us, but on HIM.  These are parts of the Building Blocks, on which we stand.  Amen, and Glory to God in the Highest.     

Today's Bible Verse:

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (ESV)

Today's Inspiring Thought: Rejoice, Pray, Give Thanks

This passage contains very short verses: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances ..." But, they tell us a great deal about the will of God in three important areas of everyday life. They are simple commands, beginning withrejoice always. This is only possible because of the supernatural joy of the Holy Spirit bubbling up from the inside. So, our rejoicing is not dependent upon happy experiences.

Next is to pray without ceasing. This means constant communion and close relationship with the divine giver of joy. It's a humble, devoted trust in God's provision.

And lastly, we're to give thanks in all circumstances. This requires complete surrender and peaceful abandon to worship the God who holds every moment of our lives securely in his grip.

Godly Living

      1Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. 3For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. 4But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. 9But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, 11knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.

Thank You for opening my eyes and ears for I know I will never be the same again.

All glory goes to our Heavenly Father ,for he alone knows what each of his Children needs and he uses his willing vessels to do his will down here ,love you my beloved sister 

The Sermon on the Mount; The Beatitudes

      1When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. 2He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,

      3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

      4“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

      5“Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

      6“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

      7“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

      8“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

      9“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

      10“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

      11“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you

GREAT FOOD FOR THE SOUL

.V. The merciful are happy, v. 7. This, like the rest, is a paradox; for the merciful are not taken to be the wisest, nor are likely to be the richest; yet Christ pronounces them blessed. Those are the merciful, who are piously and charitably inclined to pity, help, and succour persons in misery. A man may be truly merciful, who has not wherewithal to be bountiful or liberal; and then God accepts the willing mind. We must not only bear our own afflictions patiently, but we must, by Christian sympathy, partake of the afflictions of our brethren; pity must be shown (Job. 6:14 ), and bowels of mercy put on (Col. 3:12 ); and, being put on, they must put forth themselves in contributing all we can for the assistance of those who are any way in misery. We must have compassion on the souls of others, and help them; pity the ignorant, and instruct them; the careless, and warn them; those who are in a state of sin, and snatch them asbrands out of the burning. We must have compassion on those who are melancholy and in sorrow, and comfort them (Job. 16:5 ); on those whom we have advantage against, and not be rigorous and severe with them; on those who are in want, and supply them; which if we refuse to do, whatever we pretend, we shut up the bowels of our compassion, James. 2:15, James. 2:16 ; 1 Jn. 3:17 . Draw out they soul by dealing thy bread to the hungry, Isa. 58:7, Isa. 58:10 . Nay, a good man is merciful to his beast. Now as to the merciful. 1. They are blessed; so it was said in the Old Testament; Blessed is he that considers the poor, Ps. 41:1 . Herein they resemble God, whose goodness is his glory; in being merciful as he is merciful, we are, in our measure, perfect as he is perfect. It is an evidence of love to God; it will be a satisfaction to ourselves, to be any way instrumental for the benefit of others. One of the purest and most refined delights in this world, is that of doing good. In this word, Blessed are the merciful, is included that saying of Christ, which otherwise we find not in the gospels, It is more blessed to give than to receive, Acts. 20:35 .    THIS WAS TAKING FROM MATTHEW HENRY COMMENTARY ON  THE BOOK OF MATTHEW THE 5 CHAPTER ,TO ME IT WAS GREAT FOOD FOR MY SOUL IN IT ENTIRETY 

FAMILY PLEASE COVER ME AND MY FAMILY IN PRAYERS ,WE HAVE FARM LAND THAT IS GROWING UP WITH WEEDS AND IS NOT BEING USED FOR ANYTHING AND I WOULD LOVE TO TURN IT INTO A 2 TO 4 MEGAWATT SOLAR FARMS SO PLEASE PRAY THAT IF IT IS OUR HEAVENLY FATHER WILL THAT HE WILL GUIDE MY EVERY STEP AND OPEN THE DOORS THAT I NEED OPEN TO DO IT IF IT IS HIS WILL THANK YOU ALL IN ADVANCE AND I WILL KEEP YOU ALL UPDATED BUT IT IS NOT A OVERNIGHT  THING THAT IS FOR SURE FROM THE RESEARCH THAT I HAS ALREADY DONE   

thank you my beloved sister and may our Heavenly Father continue to shower down on you and your family and I pray that all is well with you and your family 

Dear Father, You are the giver of all good things and I pray that You give this brother of mine, wisdom to do what is right by You.  Let his plans which has been conceived in his mind manifest in the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen.

Brother Alcedes, I know the Lord is with you and whatever you ask Him in His Son's name, you shall receive.

Thank you my beloved sister and may our Heavenly Father continue to rain down his many blessing on you and your loves ones in the mighty name of Jesus our big brother 

No my sister ,not me any way, but keep him lifted up in prayer tho ok

Bless you all for keeping me in your Prayers.  I am Believing I will be back according to His Will.  I have been Praying for you all as well.  We seem to get hit harder, as we begin to break through in areas in our lives.  Will share far more soon.  Lord Bless you All.

We serve a mighty Heavenly Father ,for He who is in us is mighty then he who is in the world ,yes my brother that is so true ,because satan don't want us to see the GLORY OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER ,so he try to keep us looking at the natural side of things and not the spiritual side which the real side to look from LOVE YOU MY BROTHER 

“But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved. Hebrews 10:38-39

Please keep my family in prayers.............I lost my father in law last night, and if that was'nt enough, my nephew/godson also died of a massive heart attack at only age 32, just 4 hours after dad

Liz, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss but be assured that the Lord knows best.

Father Lord, I pray that You touch the hearts of all the member's of Liz's family and strengthen them in their time of grief.

Sister be comforted in the words of 2 Corinthians 1 : 3 - 7 . God offers Comfort to All.

Be comforted in His promise in the midst of your pain.

Let our desire to become Christ like, be the strongest desire we entertain.  The world that are in at this time, has and prompts many distraction.  As they are of this world, so they are not a part of who we really are.  The more and more we become Christ like, the less and less we desire anything of this world.  Our desire to become Christ like, is Not in vain.  Because this desire Only wants Jesus to be Glorified, we seek no glory for ourselves.  

You All are showing that this desire to be Christ like, is and will continue to be who and what you are about.

 Lord Bless you All, I have missed All of you so.