Tysthatbind

January 26, 2013 Philippians 3:12-14 (KJV) "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before   I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Dear Friend, The theme for the International Sunday School Lesson for January 27, 2013 is based in part on the verses listed above.  The topic. "Stand Firm in Christ."  Paul is letting us know of his own walk with the Lord that he does not claim to fully understand his calling, mission, or purpose in Christ -- his assignment.  Certainly he has not reached perfection.  He is clear in stating:  "Look although I don't have it all together and may not understand all the pieces and ...

January 24, 2013 "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body." - II Corinthians 4:8-10 Dear Friend, "Daughter if you don't believe the songs you're singing you just ought to stop singing them." These words from my late  father in-law Rev. Edward Tyus often come to mind.  This saying and others were a springboard for discussion as he encouraged me to consider the Source of my Faith.  As time passed the Lord gave me my own "handle" to share, "it don't matter what it looks like it only matters what it is!"   It often looks like trouble that surrounds us will overtake us,  that we are alone in our struggles and that there is no way out.  Peace seems like it will never surface and the shades have...

January 23, 2013                "Let all things be done decently and in order." - I Corinthians 14:40 Dear Friend, Decently can be defined as to be done properly, orderly, in the right way. (definitions.net) It is interesting therefore to note that Paul in I Corinthians chose to indicate decency as the standard and reiterate its importance by lending a definition in the same verse. More astounding is the scope of decency commanded,  decency is to be observed in "all things".  "Let all things be done decently and in order." I heard a preacher say once, "all means all."  Inclusive.  When we read all in the Bible to describe the scope of a matter:  Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God"; Jesus said in St. John 16:15 " All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you."; In St. Ma...

January 22, 2013 "  For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."                 - St. Matthew 18:20 Dear Friend, Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend a wonderful celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  The annual event brought together people from all walks of life.  The event was particularly significant  this year because we also witnessed the inauguration of the second term of this country's first African American President. I have attended several such events over the years but this one was different.  Starting off the event were high school poets who challenged the social consciousness of those in attendance.  Yet, more so they challenged the stereotypical thinking of those who have labeled without investigation or consideration today's young people as a generation without purpose or direction....

January 17, 2013 " Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. "       - Philippians 4:8 Dear Friend, There are so many things that capture are attention from news reports, televisions ads, phone conversations, emails, overheard conversations, that are often questionable, just, or pure.  Much around us is not pure or lovely.  Finding the beautiful often means we have to search or dig for it even when it is right in front of us.  Rev. Tyus used to say: "if you play around with trash some will get in your eyes."  Well perhaps trash in the eyes has clouded the vision, polluted it, making it harder to see or trust the beautiful.  In Psalm 48:1-3 we read: "  Great is the Lord , an...

January 14, 2013 "...remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive."  - Acts:20:35 cf As a little girl I remember that we sang one song most Sundays for offering: "You can't beat God giving, no matter how you try.  Just as sure as you are living and the Lord is in heaven on high.  The more you give, the more He gives to you.  Just keep on giving, because its really true.  You can't beat God's giving, no matter how you try." I loved offering time.  We were taught as children to have our envelopes ready the night before.  Offering time was sacred but it was also exciting.  It was special  to have something to give, whether a dime, nickel or quarter to put in the envelope and then in the collection plate.  It was a privilege to do my part to contribute to the Lord's work.  I sang fervently with everyone else.  I believed with my child's heart that I could not beat God giving...

January 11, 2013 "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.   Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."  - St. Matthew 5:11-12 I will often hear people say, "I don't care what people say about me."  I find that this response is usually a defensive one when a person has been the object of hurtful or mean comments or gossip.  While I do believe that we should not dwell on negative talk because we cannot control what other people say,  when we find ourselves the target of another person's untruthful remarks it is can be especially hurtful. When we meditate however, on today's scripture we are instructed by the Lord Himself that we are blessed when we are reviled that is to be criticized with abusive language. Jesus says we are blessed when we are persecuted, when we just can...