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A FLOCK OF BIRDS

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By Ken Blue

“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.

There are a few things said to us in life that become milestones; we never forget them. When I was a young man, in my twenties, I worked for the Boeing Aircraft Company in Seattle. I was a new Christian and struggling with old thoughts and habits.

I was attending church, reading my Bible and had a desire to live for God. But the attacks on my mind seemed to be demonic. I informed another Christian of my struggle. His reply was one of those bits of wisdom I never forgot. He said, “Ken, you can’t keep the birds from flying over your head, but you don’t have to let the nest in your hair.”

Over the years I’ve had opportunity to give this advice to others and apply it to myself as well. However, as true as the advice was, I’ve considered that there might also be a way of thinning out the flock. Since these birds fly over uninvited, let’s consider where some may be coming from.

Perhaps if we guarded our mind in the first place, there would be fewer birds to contend with. One way to do that is limit the profanity and filth talk we expose ourselves to. Controlling what we see and read would greatly thin out the flock. Do not make friends with those who have no respect for your Christian beliefs. Remember, in five years from now you will be the same person you are today, except for the books you read and the people you associate with.

So, if the birds are flying over your head, as they do all of us, thinning out the flock will help. Remember, it only takes one or more to bring you down. “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.

THE WORST DAY OF YOUR LIFE MAY BE YOUR BEST DAY

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NAAMAN THE SYRIAN

Naaman

By Ken Blue
“And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman’s wife.” 2 Kings 5:2.

Did you ever pause to think that the worst day of your life might be the beginning of your greatest accomplishments? I’m sure that few of us, if any, ever looked at it that way.

Israel and Syria were at war constantly. On one occasion, Israel was defeated and many of them were slain or taken captive. One unknown family had a young daughter. My guess she was between 10 and 12 years old; only a guess.

We have no idea about the circumstances surrounding her capture. Were her parents murdered before her eyes, or were they too transported to Syria and then separated? Certainly, she was in shock over the ordeal. She is taken from her homeland, and in a strange land where people spoke a different language. In addition, she is assigned the position of a slave girl to serve in a strange home.

However, by the providence of God, she was placed in the home of a great man by the name of Naaman. He was greatly respected and loved by the King and the people; but he had leprosy.

The little maid said to her mistress that if Naaman could get to the prophet in Israel, he could be healed of his leprosy. By the grace of God and diplomatic channels, Naaman arrived at the home of Elisha. Elisha sent word for Naaman to dip in the Jordan River seven times and he would be clean. At first he protested, but his servant persuaded him to dip and be clean.

We can only imagine the joy and excitement when Naaman came up from the river with his flesh made whole! He offered to pay Elisha, but all offers were refused. He then requested a few sacks of earth from Israel that he might kneel on and pray to the LORD. His request was granted.

Let us try to visualize the scene at the homecoming in Syria. The servants have much to tell. Naaman’s wife runs out to greet him. His servants who remained home bowed to the earth before him, and his children expressed joy unspeakable over the miraculous healing.

But there was one who remained on the porch. She has not been acknowledged yet. You can see the satisfaction on her face. She is happy for Naaman and his family. But, perhaps she is most satisfied because of all the people who now believe in the one true God and others who will believe because of their word.

What a glorious day the worst day of her life accomplished. Don’t be discouraged or dismayed by the worst events that come your way. They may be the beginning of the best thing that could happen to you, the cause of Christ, and the salvation of others.

HOW TO ORGANIZE THE OLD TESTAMENT

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By Ken Blue

 

Once we get the larger picture, the pieces begin to come together. This is so true of Scripture that every believer should learn these. There are 39 books in the Old Testament and these are divided into five logical sections. Learn the sections first, and then memorize the books in each section.

They are:

1. Geneses, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy=5. Law.

2. Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther.=12. History.

3. Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon. =5. Poetry.

4. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel. =5. Major Prophets.

5. Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. =12. Minor Prophets.

You will notice that there are five divisions. These five consist of 5, 12, 5, 5, 12=39. It’s easy, just say to yourself, 5,12,5,5,12, and you will have it!

IS GOD JEALOUS OF OPRAH WINFREY

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By Ken Blue

Oprah Winfrey says that at age 20 she began to question the teaching about God when her pastor said God is a jealous God. Oprah could not reconcile her concept of God with the thought that He could be jealous of her. From that point forward, she began to build her own religion and concept of God and Jesus. The God Oprah promotes today is not the God of the Bible, and Oprah has led hundreds of her bimbo admirers into her false religion. The major mistake of Oprah is that God is not jealous of HER or any person.

If Oprah had taken the time, she would have discovered that God is not jealous of anyone. He is jealous for his people and His name. To be jealous for your name or family means you do not want anything or anyone to harm or tarnish them.

Oprah, herself, is jealous for her name, business and her friends. There is a world of difference between being jealous of someone and for someone. If Oprah had read her Bible, she would not have made the tragic error, nor would she be leading millions astray with her personal religion of good works. Every Christian should be jealous for their name and testimony.

WHAT CHRISTMAS CAN MEAN TO YOU

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By Ken Blue

Christmas means different things to different people. Here are some things it can mean for you.

1. God loves you and came to save you
2. God became flesh so He could die for you
3. The Bible prophecies are true
4. God humbled Himself to be a servant and sacrifice
5. The world did not know or receive Him at His coming
6. God became a man, thus understands everything you suffer
7. If He is your Savior, you have much to be thankful for