A Devotional Study of the Living Word of God

Psalm 119:54 While our homes tell a lot about who we are, it is this house of flesh that tells me who I am. When the statutes of the LORD are joyfully abiding, my soul is sweet, and songs of praise are falling from my lips, such joy is to wonderful to comprehend or express.

Good Morning

The physical scares of determination will last a lifetime. I am reminded of another person many years ago who was determined to have things their own way. With family and friends this person was very intimidating, loud and demanding. It was abnormal but they enjoyed hurting the people they loved. A slight show of affection from a family member was almost always taken wrong and rage would explode from this family member, yet it was okay for them to be abusive and demanding. Accidental events like playfully stepping over the boundaries of safe play was taken as aggressive behavior and a physical confrontation would develop. The last physical fight I had with my father was in 1963 when he literally tried to destroy my family, I was twenty three. Why am I telling you this? Abusive behavior carries unresolvable mental scares. The circumstance of physical, spiritual, sexual and mental abuse will never go away. Many of us suffer from this, it is sort of like the victim becomes the perpetrator in many cases. I know that there are people reading these emails that are involved with family abuse. Who ever you are you need to STOP! Seek counsel, seek forgiveness and seek restoration. It is not your life that is hanging in the balance. It is your families. There is no temptation that is not common, all of us are tempted to do evil, God is not mocked in this and He will take the side of the widow and orphan, He will repay. It matters not if you are saved or unsaved. God does not make allowances for His relationship with you in these matters.

Acts 16

Acts 16:11-12 The trip we made to Ukraine was the best trip I have ever taken and I have been to a lot of places. Paul's trip a few thousand years apart to a place called Philippi reminds me of the joys of serving God. We just do not do enough meeting with the people of whom God would send us to if we were open to His continual command to go. Of all the trips I've taken, I miss that two week missionary trip to Ukraine. A trip can be as short as walking across a twelve by fourteen living room, or as long as halfway around the world. If God is sending you. It will be a joyful experience.

Acts 16:13 I imagine that Ukraine is still a peaceful place, even though there is alarming news of Russia becoming more aggressive in these small countries. The peace I am talking of though is much like that described here in Acts. The people of Ukraine have a daily peace of walking, talking, resting in grassy places by the river and the feeling of being safe in these places, even while alone. We cannot say that about our country. Our country is abusive and evil minded, peace is a word only and without meaning on our lips.

Acts 16:14-15 We should not think that this is all they do all day long, they certainly have jobs, raise a family just as anyone else in the world, which leads to their needs. Physical, spiritual, mental and sexual needs. In that regard they are no different than us. They become aware of the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come to faith, they get baptized and they invite us in their homes for fellowship. This is what it is all about. Nothing else matters. The kingdom of heaven is at hand, enjoy it!

Now if you do not have your bible with you, the following is a link you can go to and find the verses of scripture I have referenced herein. Bible Gateway at: www.biblegateway.com/