December 4. A very chilly, wet day. We praise the Lord for the rain. It has been much needed. We took the van to church this morning. Our Sunday school class was a blessing as we divided up into groups and each group studied the life of a mother in the Bible and the influence she had on her child, either for good or for evil. Toward the end of class time, a spokeswoman for each group reported on their conclusions and principles or applications from the Scripture passage. Pastor Ogle preached on James 5:12, “Is Your Word Good?” “As a person changed by the power of the Gospel, your word should always be your bond.” Our yes should mean yes, and our no should mean no. We should not have to swear with an oath. And in conclusion, ”Honesty is making your words conform to reality. Integrity is making reality conform to your words.” This evening, he brought out some thoughts mostly from Matthew chapters 1 and 2 and Luke chapters 1 and 2 about things that were not what they appeared to be. We are thankful that they were not as they seemed. It appeared 1. to others that Mary was unfaithful 2. that Herod wanted to worship the Lord 3. that Elisabeth would have no children 4. that certain things were necessary for child bearing 5. that God was unkind to make Mary travel 6. that a stable is not a nice place for a birth 7. that the shepherds were in trouble rather than in triumph 8. that it is strange to be worshipping a child 9. that Jesus should have had a more glorious entrance into the world 10. that Jesus is not a king. Applications included 1. Absence of faith results in displeasure (Zacharias) 2. Questions can be asked, but not those of doubt 3. Obedience is required no matter the circumstances 4. God is watching so it really doesn’t matter what men think 5. God will provide your needs 6. Bible knowledge alone is not good enough; you must personally apply it 7. Don’t jump to conclusions. We went to church a little early this evening so Carlos could check over Christy’s car. Enjoyed some time to talk with Andrea before the meeting and with Lazara afterward. This afternoon, I completed the gift I was making for my secret sister. Today I also started making a doily for my sister Ruth. “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” II Corinthians 5:1 We know for sure that if our temporary earthly residence were to be destroyed, what does it matter? For we have a permanent, and eternal residence that has not been made with hands. It is in heaven. Nobody can destroy it.
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