That we deeply yearn for security. So begins a column in our local paper, (The Northland Age, Thursday, July 28, 2016).

We yearn for physical security. We yearn for economic security. Another column on the same page says, “Kids living in a secure environment will do better at school and life.”

At the end of the first column mentioned, we are told what we must do to encourage economic security in the long-run. We are told that we need to promote a culture of patience, discipline and sacrifice.

SECURITY

Reading about patience, discipline and sacrifice, reminds me of the Bible. (I am a reader of the Bible.)

A. THE BIBLE ON PATIENCE.

Patience is commanded. Romans 12:12 says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Read also First Thessalonians 5:14

B. THE BIBLE ON DISCIPLINE.

The Bible says a lot about discipline, especially in Proverbs. Proverbs 13:18, “He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame …” Proverbs 15:32, “He who ignores discipline despises himself, … ”

“Discipline is the master key,” says Jim Rohn.

C. THE BIBLE ON SACRIFICE.

First John 2:2, “He [the Lord Jesus Christ] is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, …” Romans 12:1, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, …”

Let us also remember that the Bible tells us about THE ETERNAL SECURITY OF THE BELIEVER.

What does it say in First John 5:13, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

Beach Flowers

“O LAND, LAND, LAND,HEAR THE WORD OF THE LORD.” – Jeremiah 22:29

Reading again “A FLOWER HAS TO GO THROUGH A LOT OF DIRT BEFORE IT CAN BLOOM,” on the sign which you find on Commerce Street here in Kaitaia, this morning, a verse from the Bible came to my mind, namely Acts 14:22, where it says:

“WE MUST GO THROUGH MANY HARDSHIPS TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD.”

Looking up the word ‘hardship’ in the Bible I learned this:

“A Flower …”

1.  We must endure hardship.
2. We must endure hardship like a good soldier of Christ.
3. We must endure hardship as discipline.
4. Paul says that as servants of God we commend ourselves in great hardships.
5. Paul says also that for Christ’s sake he delights in hardships.
6. This is said to the Church in Ephesus: You have endured hardships.

“It is ordained of old that the cross of trouble should be engraved on every vessel of mercy, as a royal mark whereby the King’s vessels of honor are distinguished,” says Charles Haddon Spurgeon

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Second Timothy 4:5; Second Timothy 2:3; Hebrews 12:7; Second Corinthians 6:4; Second Corinthians 12:10; Revelation 2:3; Romans 8:35

“Caring for our community,” and “Dedicated to looking after you,” I am reading on the small paper bag I received at the Pharmacy with my medicine inside.

The Lost Sheep

That the Lord Jesus Christ cares for me teaches the Bible. (N.T.) The same verse in the Bible tells me also to cast all my anxious thoughts on him.

I am a sheep of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Bible (O.T.) I read, that the Lord Jesus Christ is looking after me. He is my shepherd.

The small paper bag including the words on it will pass away, but the promises of the Lord will never pass away.

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First Peter 5:7; Ezekiel 34:11,12; Matthew 24:35

“Read this leaflet carefully before using [name of medicine],” and “Keep this leaflet for future reference.”

That’s how leaflets usually begin you find enclosed in medicine packages.

I would like to say, “Read the Bible carefully before using your life.” That’s where the parents come in. The parents must teach their children the word of God.

I would als like to say, “Keep the Bible for the rest of your life and read it.”

Relationships again.

In the paper (Northern News, July 27, 2016),  I am told about a couple celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary. What is the secret of reaching the special milestone?

FIVE THINGS:

1. They shared everything.
2. They had no secrets.
3. They did everything together.
4. They were great friends.
5. They got on well together.

The milestone is also called the blue sapphire anniversary.

What can I (you) learn from this relationship?

Soup & Bread

“SOAP, SOUP, SALVATION”

I have been told that’s how William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army reached the people.

I don’t think England was a Welfare State at that time; but New Zealand is a Welfare State and I think now it should be:

SALVATION – SOUP AND SOAP.

In their own publication it says that “The Salvation Army is often described as simply a ‘charity,'” and “Many people are surprised to find that The Salvation Army is a Christian church and not solely a social services provider.”