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Understanding Lamentations: Sorrow and Hope in Jerusalem’s Fall

Lamentations 2:11(NKJV) My eyes fail with tears, My heart is troubled; My bile is poured on the ground Because of the destruction of the daughter of my people, Because the children and the infants Faint in the streets of the city.


Author

  • Jeremiah the weeping prophet


Date

  • 587 B.C.


Theme

  • The sorrow and suffering as a result of the consequences of sin.


Purpose

  • A poetic expression of the sorrow and suffering that occurs as a result of disobedience and the promise of God’s salvation and deliverance.
  • Lamentations 3:22-26(NKJV)
    22 Through the LORD’S mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail no
    23 They are new every morning Great is Your faithfulness.
    24 The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!”
    25 The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him.
    26 It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the LORD.


Content

  • 5 poems
  • Chapters 1, 2, 4, and 5 each contain 22 verses, each verse corresponds with the 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet
  • Jerusalem’s destruction Lamentations 1:1-22
    • Lamentations 1:1(NKJV) How lonely sits the city That was full of people! How like a widow is she, Who was great among the nations! The princess among the provinces Has become a slave!
  • God’s anger and search for comfort Lamentations 2:1-22
    • Lamentations 2:1(NKJV) How the Lord has covered the daughter of Zion With a cloud in His anger! He cast down from heaven to the earth The beauty of Israel, And did not remember His footstool In the day of His anger.
  • Suffering and hope in God Lamentations 3:1-66
  • Lamentations 3:19-23(NKJV) Remember my affliction and roaming, The wormwood and the gall. My soul still remembers And sinks within me. This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. Through the LORD’S mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
  • The old glory of Jerusalem Lamentations 4:1-22
  • Lamentations 4:1(NKJV) How the gold has become dim! How changed the fine gold! The stones of the sanctuary are scattered at the head of every street.
  • God’s mercy Lamentations 5:1-22
    • Lamentations 5:1(NKJV) Remember, O LORD, what has come upon us; Look, and behold our reproach!


Christ in the Book of Lamentations

  • Lamentations 3:58(NKJV) O Lord, You have pleaded the case for my soul; You have redeemed my life.
  • Christ redeems us from the curse of the law

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Understanding the Armor of God in Daily Life

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). For this reason, we need to put on the whole armor of God. We must have the complete covering. Yes, when we accept Jesus we are sealed with the Holy Spirit.

  • Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

However, for daily living we need to put on the armor of God. We must daily choose to put it on. This armor is freely offered to all of God’s children. God, in his word, has commanded us to put it on.

  • Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
  • Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

What is the armor of God?

  • Belt of truth
    • Ephesians 6:14 So stand firm and hold your ground, having tightened the wide band of truth (personal integrity, moral courage) around your waist and having put on the breastplate of righteousness (an upright heart)
    • The belt holds your clothes up. This belt is what holds everything together.
  • Breast plate of Righteousness
    • Ephesians 6:14 So, stand firm and hold your ground, having tightened the wide band of truth (personal integrity, moral courage) around your waist and having put on the breastplate of righteousness (an upright heart)
    • Protects your heart and soul
  • Shoes of the gospel
    • Ephesians 6:15 and having strapped on your feet the gospel of peace in preparation [to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news].
    • Allows you to boldly share the Gospel with others.
  • Shield of Faith
    • Ephesians 6:16 Above all, lift up the [protective] shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 
    • Protects you from attack
  • Helmet of Salvation
    • Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
    • Protects your thinking.
    • Directs your thinking
      • helps us to think like and have the attitude of Christ
        • Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
  • Sword of the Spirit
    • Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
    • The Word of God is likened to a sword.
      •  Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
  • Prayer (this could be likened to a spear)
    • There is power in prayer. As a spear is thrown at enemies (problems), we send out prayers when we need help.
    • Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
    • Psalm 149:6-9 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand; To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the Lord.

God’s armor covers us from head to toe. Our armor and weapons are of a spiritual nature.

  •  2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Our weapons work best when we pray and read the Bible daily.

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El Arca de Noé: Un Viaje de Fe y Obediencia

The picture shows the ark being built and the ark coming to rest on the mountain with a rainbow.

La familia justa preservada

Fe y obediencia requeridas
  • Mientras Dios hizo un camino de escape para Noé, requirió fe obediente.
  • Dios le dio a Noé instrucciones específicas sobre cómo debía construirse el arca.
    • Génesis 6:14-16 Hazte un arca de madera de gofer; harás aposentos en el arca, y la calafatearás con brea por dentro y por fuera. 15 Y de esta manera la harás: de trescientos codos la longitud del arca, de cincuenta codos su anchura, y de treinta codos su altura. 16 Una ventana harás al arca, y la acabarás a un codo de elevación por la parte de arriba; y pondrás la puerta del arca a su lado; y le harás piso bajo, segundo y tercero.    
      • Características de Ark
        • 1 puerta
        • 3 pisos
        • 137.5 metros de largo
        • 13.72 metros de alto
        • 22.86 metros de ancho
    • Génesis 7:1 Dijo luego Jehová a Noé: Entra tú y toda tu casa en el arca; porque a ti he visto justo delante de mí en esta generación.
  • Dios incluso le dijo a Noé cuántos y qué tipo de animales llevar.
    • Génesis7:2 De todo animal limpio tomarás siete parejas, macho y su hembra; mas de los animales que no son limpios, una pareja, el macho y su hembra.
Un Plan de Escape
  • Dios nunca ha perdonado a aquellos que fueron desobedientes a Su palabra.
    • Debido al pecado de Adán y Eva, tuvieron que abandonar el jardín.
    • Debido al pecado de Caín, una marca estaba sobre él y fue desterrado de la presencia del Señor.
  • 1 Pedro 3:20  los que en otro tiempo desobedecieron, cuando una vez esperaba la paciencia de Dios en los días de Noé, mientras se preparaba el arca, en la cual pocas personas, es decir, ocho, fueron salvadas por agua. 
  • 2 Pedro 2:5 y si no perdonó al mundo antiguo, sino que guardó a Noé, pregonero de justicia, con otras siete personas, trayendo el diluvio sobre el mundo de los impíos;
  • Dios ha dicho,
    • Génesis 6:3  Y dijo Jehová: No contenderá mi espíritu con el hombre para siempre, porque ciertamente él es carne; mas serán sus días ciento veinte años. 
El Lugar de Seguridad
  • Una semana antes del diluvio, Dios guió a Noé, a los animales y a su familia hacia el arca.
  • Dios cerró la puerta.
    • Génesis 7:15-16 Vinieron, pues, con Noé al arca, de dos en dos de toda carne en que había espíritu de vida. 16 Y los que vinieron, macho y hembra de toda carne vinieron, como le había mandado Dios; y Jehová le cerró la puerta.
  • Las lluvias cayeron durante 40 días; el agua se mantuvo a un nivel durante 110 días.
  • Al final de 150 días, el arca descansó sobre las montañas de Ararat.
  • Después de otros 40 días, Noé abrió la ventana y envió un cuervo y una paloma.

Noé recibe una promesa

  • Una de las primeras cosas que Noé hizo al salir del arca fue construir un altar sobre el cual ofreció ofrendas quemadas al Señor.
  • Esto no fue el final de la comunicación de Dios con Noé.
  • Dios le dijo a Noé y a su familia que se multiplicaran y llenaran la tierra.
  • Dios dijo que a partir de ese momento los animales temerían a los humanos y podrían ser utilizados como alimento.
    • Génesis 9:1-4 Bendijo Dios a Noé y a sus hijos, y les dijo: Fructificad y multiplicaos, y llenad la tierra. 2 El temor y el miedo de vosotros estarán sobre todo animal de la tierra, y sobre toda ave de los cielos, en todo lo que se mueva sobre la tierra, y en todos los peces del mar; en vuestra mano son entregados. 3 Todo lo que se mueve y vive, os será para mantenimiento: así como las legumbres y plantas verdes, os lo he dado todo. 4 Pero carne con su vida, que es su sangre, no comeréis.
    • Antes de este tiempo solo se comían plantas.
      • Génesis 2:8-9  Y Jehová Dios plantó un huerto en Edén, al oriente; y puso allí al hombre que había formado. 9 Y Jehová Dios hizo nacer de la tierra todo árbol delicioso a la vista, y bueno para comer; también el árbol de vida en medio del huerto, y el árbol de la ciencia del bien y del mal. 
      • Recuerda que la muerte fue el resultado del pecado. Eso incluía la muerte de los animales.
  • Dios también instituyó el gobierno humano
    • Génesis 9:9-13  He aquí que yo establezco mi pacto con vosotros, y con vuestros descendientes después de vosotros; 10 y con todo ser viviente que está con vosotros; aves, animales y toda bestia de la tierra que está con vosotros, desde todos los que salieron del arca hasta todo animal de la tierra. 11 Estableceré mi pacto con vosotros, y no exterminaré ya más toda carne con aguas de diluvio, ni habrá más diluvio para destruir la tierra. 12 Y dijo Dios: Esta es la señal del pacto que yo establezco entre mí y vosotros y todo ser viviente que está con vosotros, por siglos perpetuos: 13 Mi arco he puesto en las nubes, el cual será por señal del pacto entre mí y la tierra.
Explorando la Biblia: Historia desde Génesis hasta Apocalipsis

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The Importance of Worthy Communion Practices

Communion is not to be taken lightly. If taken unworthily you are eating and drinking damnation because you are not discerning the Lord’s Body.

Words to know:

  • damnation: κρίμα kríma, kree’-mah; from G2919; a decision (the function or the effect, for or against (“crime”)):—avenge, condemned, condemnation, damnation, + go to law, judgment.
  • unworthily: ἀναξίως anaxíōs, an-ax-ee’-oce; adverb from G370; irreverently:—unworthily. in an unworthy manner
  • sleep: κοιμάω koimáō, koy-mah’-o; from G2749; to put to sleep, i.e. (passively or reflexively) to slumber; figuratively, to decease:—(be a-, fall a-, fall on) sleep, be dead.

Look at 1 Corinthians 11:27-32 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Notice that the Apostle Paul explains to the church at Corinth that many of them are and some are dead because of eating and drinking the Lord’s Supper unworthily to examine ourselves so that we are not judged.

Look at what Jesus foretold about communion. John 6:53-58 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.

Later at the last Supper, which was the Passover, we see Jesus telling the disciples after blessing it to “Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” (Matthew 26:26-28)

Communion can be a blessing or a damnation. Look at 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.

Notice that is says cup of blessing. The choice is ours. We can judge ourselves and make corrections to stop living in sin or God will judge us and give chastisement (punishment). We can partake worthily and be blessed, or we can partake unworthily and receive damnation.

I hope and pray everyone who reads this chooses to heed the warning. It is much better to receive a blessing.

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Biblical flowers, Herbs and Spices in the Bible


In the Bible, there were so many things three of these things are flower, herbs, and spices.

Herb and spices were used to stop food from going bad, to make it taste better, as perfume for the body or the air, and for healing.

We still used the same kinds of herb today, like Mint, Dill, Lumin, coriander, Rue, Cinamon, Saffron.

Flowers were not grown in gardens, so when we read about them in the Bible, they were grown the in the wild = wildflowers.

In spring and summer, the hills and valleys of Galilee were bright with wildflowers (Lilies, Irises, Anemones, Dassies) and so many more.


Word meanings

  • Wildflower: A wildflower is a flowering plant that grows spontaneously in natural environments such as meadows, forests, prairies, deserts, and fields, without human intervention. 
  • Herb: the green, leafy part of the plant.
  • Herbalist: Is a person that used edible and medicinal plants for healing people or for other things.
  • Spices: come from the root, stem, seed, fruit, flower, or bark of the tree or plant.

Different kind of herb and spices

  • Myrrh was a sweet-smelling resin collected from the branches of a small thorny tree that grew in Arabia and Africa. It was used to make medicine and an oil. When Nicodemus went to help bury Jesus he brought with him a mixture of Myrrh. see John 19:39-41
  • Gall was a name used for the poisonous hemlock plant or pain-killing opium plant. Jesus was offered wine mixed with gall when he was dying on the cross. See Matthew 27:34
  • Frankincense is a whitish gum, collected from cuts made in branches of a large tree that grew in Arabia and Africa. It was burned to make a Scented smoked. The wise men who visited the baby Jesus, brought him gifts frankincense, myrrh, and gold. See Matthew 2:11
  • Spikenard is in the same family as honeysuckle, and it holds a special place in Biblical history as the key ingredient in the ointment used by Mary Sister of Lazarus to anoint the feet of Jesus, See John 12:3, Mark14:3-9, Matthew 26:6-13
    • It is a small spiky plant that grew from in India, Oil collected from the spikes were also used as a perfume.

Different wildflowers in and around Israel, Jerusalem, and Galilee

Baby Sun Rose

  • Baby sun rose is primarily planted for ornamental purposes in gardens and urban spaces.
  • This species is considered fast-growing and is often planted as ground cover in flower boxes and public areas.
  • It can be easily propagated from cuttings and outcompetes weeds when grown in the same area.
  • Height: The Baby Sun Rose generally reaches 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) tall. Some giant cultivars can grow up to about 18 inches (45 cm) tall, while dwarf varieties remain smaller, around 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm).
  • Spread: This plant is well-known for its spreading habit, with mature width reaching 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm), forming dense mats that effectively cover ground and suppress weeds
  • They like sandy or dry sow and needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best growth Their blooming season primarily spans early spring through summer.

Poppy Anemones

  • It features poppy-like blooms with colors ranging from blue-purple, red, pink, to white, and it has a black dot in the center. 
  • Poppy anemones thrive in well-drained soil and prefer full sun to partial shade. 
  • They are often planted in mixed flower beds, pairing beautifully with other spring-flowering bulbs like tulips and Daffodil bulbs
  • Growth Size: Poppy Anemone typically grows to a height of 10-16 inches (25-40 cm) and spread of 6-9 inches (15-22 cm), making it an ideal plant for borders, containers, and small garden spaces.
  • Blooming Season: This flower usually blooms in the mid of late spring. They usually last up to 4 weeks, providing a burst of color when many other plants have not started coming out
  • In warmer climates, they may bloom throughout the winter. Easy to grow, these color bursting garden plants will bloom year after year after planted.

Rose of Sharon

  • Rose of Sharon, also called Althaea, is a lovely rose, that color can range to be white, purple, or blue.
  • It flowers is about 3 inches (8 centimeters) wide. The flowers appear in September, when a few other shrubs are in bloom.
  • The rose of Sharon grows about 12 feet (3.7 meters) high and has three large leaves.
  • The Rose of Sharon typically need 6 to 10 feet of space between the plants to allow proper growth
  • They like moist, well drained soil and can thrive in full sun or partial shade.
  • It gets its name after a biblical passage, Song of Solomon 2:1 which talks about the Rose of Sharon.

Oleander

  • In Israel, the Oleander (Nerium oleander) commonly displays pink flowers with five petals. While pink is the most frequent color, oleanders can also be white, red, yellow, and Orange
  • Oleander,  is a popular  flowering shrub. The oleander sometimes grows 15 feet (4.6 meters) tall.
  • It has lance-shaped leaves and colorful roselike flowers. The oleander is native to the warm parts of Asia.
  • All parts of the oleander are poisonous to eat.
  • They like to grow in moist, rich soil.
  • Oleanders need 6 to 8 feet of space between each plant to make sure they have each have nutrient and water that they need to have to live.
  • Oleander hails from Mediterranean regions where the soil is anything but rich and fluffy. It prefers gritty, poor, even slightly rocky soil that drains fast and stays dry between waterings. Rich, moisture-retentive soil often leads to lush, leafy growth but few flowers.

I hope this will help you in your study of the bible.

Bible Studies by Bell

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Comforting Bible Verses for Grieving Pet Owners

When a beloved pet passes away it can be hard to find the right words to comfort the ones grieving the loss of a pet. It can be especially difficult when a child is one of the ones grieving.

I have been through process as a child, as an adult, and as a parent. Here are some Bible verses I have taken comfort with and have comforted my children with.

The following verses talks about the future earth. Animals were a part of the original creation and animals will be a part of the future when Jesus reigns on earth. Notice that the animals get to live on God’s Holy Mountain.

  • Isaiah 11:6-9 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.
  • Isaiah 65:25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the Lord.

The Bible says that God makes covenants with animals.

  • Genesis 9:12-17 And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.
  • Hosea 2:15 And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field and with the fowls of heaven, and with the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely.

God greatly cares about the needs of animals and takes them into consideration before doing some things.

  • Deuteronomy 25:4 “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing [to prevent him from eating any of the grain].
  • Psalm 104:21 The young lions roar after their prey And seek their food from God.
  • Jonah 4:11 And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?
  • Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow [seed] nor reap [the harvest] nor gather [the crops] into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they? 
  • Matthew 10:31 Are not two little sparrows sold for a copper coin? And yet not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.

The Bible says that animals praise the Lord and know his word.

  • Job 12:7-10 “Now ask the animals, and let them teach you [that God does not deal with His creatures according to their character]; And ask the birds of the air, and let them tell you; Or speak to the earth [with its many forms of life], and it will teach you; And let the fish of the sea declare [this truth] to you. “Who among all these does not recognize [in all these things that good and evil are randomly scattered throughout nature and human life] That the hand of the Lord has done this, In whose hand is the life of every living thing, And the breath of all mankind?
  • Psalm 69:34 Let heaven and earth praise Him, The seas and everything that moves in them.
  • Psalm 148:7-10 Praise the Lord from the earth, Sea monsters and all deeps; Lightning and hail, snow and fog; Stormy wind, fulfilling His orders; Mountains and all hills; Fruitful trees and all cedars; Beasts and all cattle; Creeping things and winged birds;
  • Psalm 150:6 Let everything that has breath, and every breath of life praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)
  • Isaiah 43:20 “The beasts of the field will honor Me, Jackals and ostriches, Because I have given waters in the wilderness And rivers in the desert, To give drink to My people, My chosen.

The Bible says that God owns all of the animals. It also says that animals will be in Heaven.

  • Psalm 50:10-11 “For every beast of the forest is Mine, And the cattle on a thousand hills. “I know every bird of the mountains, And everything that moves in the field is Mine.
  • Revelation 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

Remember God loves the animals. He created the animals. He even takes notice when one falls to the ground (dies). He also cares for you and loves you.

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Joyful Days at the Rainbow Playground

There is a playground where all the children play. They all are different, yes, they know but they also know God loves to see them all play. Jesus loves the children of the world. He loves to see them play all day on the swing that flies up so high. On the seesaw and on the monkey bars they play so happily.

Playground by Bell

The playground is so pretty like a rainbow in the sky. The playground is full of color all around. Every color that you know. The children don’t just play but read to their dogs. Jesus loves to see them play and be happy. On the slide and merry-go-round. They play so happily because the children know that God loves all of them

The children love to run around playing happily in the sun all day long on the rainbow playground. They play because they know that God loves them so.

By Bell

Poems and stories by Bell

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Bible Studies by Bell

Bell studies the Bible and shares insights on Noah’s sons, the Tower of Babel, Jesus’ disciples, and biblical plants. More topics and studies are coming in the coming weeks and months.

More coming in the next coming weeks

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Exploring How the Church Functions as Christ’s Body

Paul compares the church to the body of Christ. We are collectively called to be the body of Christ on earth. We are called to be His eyes, ears, nose, mouth, hands, and feet. This basically means we are to carry on His work. Jesus told His disciples that we would do greater work that he did.

  • John 14:12-14 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

However, different people in the church are better equipped to preform different roles.

  • 1 Corinthians 12:12-30 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by[c] one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.
  • Romans 12:4-8 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

What are the different types of jobs in the Body of the Church? Keeping with the comparison that Paul made let’s looks at the different body parts mentioned in the Bible.

  • Head
    • Jesus is the head
      • Ephesians 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.
      • Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.
  • Eye
    • The job of the nature eye is to see. The job of the “eye” in the body of Christ is to likewise see. Some people are naturally more observant than others. However, we all need to try to see how Jesus would see.
      • The eye sees a need and meets it.
        • 1 John 3:17-18 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
      • The eye sees God’s work and participates in doing it.
        • John 4:35 Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest
  • Nose
    • Shares the sweetness of God’s Presence everywhere
      • 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us spreads and makes evident everywhere the sweet fragrance of the knowledge of Him. 15 For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which ascends] to God, [discernible both] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing;16 to the latter one an aroma from death to death [a fatal, offensive odor], but to the other an aroma from life to life [a vital fragrance, living and fresh]. And who is adequate and sufficiently qualified for these things? 
  • Ears
    • Hears Jesus’s voice and follows Him.
      •  John 10:27 The sheep that are My own hear My (Jesus) voice and listen to Me; I know them, and they follow Me. 
    • Hears the word of God and does it.
      •  James 1:22 But prove yourselves doers of the word [actively and continually obeying God’s precepts], and not merely listeners [who hear the word but fail to internalize its meaning], deluding yourselves [by unsound reasoning contrary to the truth].
  • Mouth
    • Represents God with one’s words
      • 1 Peter 4:11 Whoever speaks [to the congregation], is to do so as one who speaks the oracles (utterances, the very words) of God. Whoever serves [the congregation] is to do so as one who serves by the strength which God [abundantly] supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified [honored and magnified] through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
    • Speaks the Truth in love
      • Ephesians 4:15  But speaking the truth in love [in all things—both our speech and our lives expressing His truth], let us grow up in all things into Him [following His example] who is the Head—Christ. 
    • Speaks truthfully to others
      • Ephesians 4:25 Therefore, rejecting all falsehood [whether lying, defrauding, telling half-truths, spreading rumors, any such as these], speak truth each one with his neighbor, for we are all parts of one another [and we are all parts of the body of Christ]
  • Hands
    • Helps in times of need
      • James 2:15-17 If a brother or sister is without [adequate] clothing and lacks [enough] food for each day, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace [with my blessing], [keep] warm and feed yourselves,” but he does not give them the necessities for the body, what good does that do? 17 So too, faith, if it does not have works [to back it up], is by itself dead [inoperative and ineffective].
    • Humbly serves others
      • Galatians 5:13 or you, my brothers, were called to freedom; only do not let your freedom become an opportunity for the sinful nature (worldliness, selfishness), but through love serve and seek the best for one another. 
      • 1 Peter 4:11 Whoever speaks [to the congregation], is to do so as one who speaks the oracles (utterances, the very words) of God. Whoever serves [the congregation] is to do so as one who serves by the strength which God [abundantly] supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified [honored and magnified] through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
    • Serves to honor God, not to exalt self
      • Matthew 6:2-4
    • Is motived by compassion and kindness
      • Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you.
  • Feet
    • Goes and shares the Gospel with others
      • Mark 16:15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
    • Goes to bring good news, peace, and salvation to others
      • Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful and delightful on the mountains
        Are the feet of him who brings good news,
        Who announces peace,
        Who brings good news of good [things],
        Who announces salvation,
        Who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
    • Goes to make and baptize disciples
      • Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.”

Everyone is capable of doing these things. Some people are able to do a bit better than others in some of these jobs. However, we should all hear the voice of Jesus and strive to do His work here on earth.

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Moses Striking the Rock

MOSES STRIKING THE ROCK

After the Israelites left Egypt they crossed the Red Sea, whose waters divided so that they passed through on dry land. Then they travelled through the wilderness toward Mount Sinai. Passing onward, they wanted water and food; and forgetting the great things God had already done for them, they began to murmur. At a place called Marah they found the water too bitter to drink; so they grumbled, saying to Moses, “What shall we drink?” He asked God; who showed him a tree, which, when cast into the water, made it sweet.

Next the people murmured for food, and God sent them manna, which they gathered every day except the Sabbath; but with all God’s care and kindness the Israelites continued to grumble whenever any difficulty arose. Journeying forward, they entered another wilderness, called the Desert of Sin, and came to a place named Rephidim, where they found no water. They were very thirsty, and came to Moses murmuring and saying, “Give us water that we may drink.” How could Moses do that? He was grieved with them, and said, “Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the Lord?” But the people grew so angry that they were ready to stone him. Then Moses told God all the trouble, and God showed him what to do. He was to go before the people, taking the elders of Israel with him, and his rod, and God would stand before him on a rock among the mountains of Horeb. This rock he was to strike, when water would gush forth.

Moses did as God commanded. He went forward with the elders, struck the rock with his rod; and the pure, clear water gushed out, so that all the people were able to drink.

STRIKING THE ROCK
MOTHER STORIES From the Old Testament

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