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Tammie Tarell (@souldiva) · DIRTY

Tammie Tarell

@souldiva

God's Child

1.394 Folgt1.532 Follower4.277 Posts

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Tammie Tarell@souldiva· Jul 16

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 2 Timothy 1:12 King James Bible App. Inspiration: We will face hard times. As Christians, we will be persecuted. However, we have no reason to be ashamed of our sufferings because they do not define us. We have placed our trust in Jesus Christ and believe we will join together with Him when He returns. Our eternal hope is founded in this promise; therefore, we are able to bear all things.
Prayer: Dear God, while I am going through this hardship, help me to cling to Your promises. I know the only way I will be able to face these difficulties is by placing my trust in You. You give me strength. Thank you, O Lord, for sending Your son so that we may have eternal hope. May I never be ashamed of You or where You lead me, Father. In Jesus' name, amen.

Tammie Tarell@souldiva· Jul 16

A few weeks ago, we were reflecting on this passage at my Monday night Bible Study and one of the women was disturbed by it. She didn't like the image of being baptized into Christ's death and wondered what it meant. I can understand why she was upset by it as one of her grandchildren as well as her brother had recently died. These words are often included in funeral rite so I told her that it was meant to be a reassurance of our resurrection as well as the reality of living as a Christian. If we are baptized into Christ's death then we need to put to death all those parts of ourselves that are not according to God's will. Just as Jesus subjected his will to that of the Father's by accepting his death on the cross, we need to subject ourselves to his will. We need to root out those bad habits that lead us to sin. We need to put God and others before ourselves. We need to reach out to others who are in need, even if it means going out of our comfort zone. Dying to self, leads us to a life of love which brings us a happiness that is richer for its simplicity. When we die to self, we're not concerned with what we don't have, we feel blessed for what we do have. And the reward is eternal life with Christ in the heavenly Kingdom.

Tammie Tarell@souldiva· Jul 16

O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. Psalms 95:1-2 King James Bible App.
Inspiration: Between the lines of thousands of verses within the Bible, one may find the joy and exultation of celebrating the name of the Lord. Ours is not as some might claim, a God of pure vengeance. He is as a Father unto us, endowing us with the gift of light, love, and even laughter. David's Psalms particularly details this joy, of celebration, recommending we sing our thanks and praises to our God in whatever manner we see fit. In David's time, literally singing was a popular activity, owing to how affordable it was. Whilst this method is still available to all –even the tone deaf-, many more ways of praising his name is open to us today, 'singing' here need not be literal; what matters is the sentiment. Prayer: Rejoice! Hosanna in the highest, my pure and almighty God! Praise be your name and blessed be my soul for trusting in your salvation. For you are my rock, my light, my alpha and omega. Praise be your name in the most sacred of psalms, praise be your name in the highest of thrones in Heaven. With love and joy I rejoice with David, O Lord, hear my hymn! Hosanna in the highest! Amen.

Tammie Tarell@souldiva· Jul 15

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. John 20:19 King James Bible App.
Inspiration: Jesus may be our comfort and calm within the storm, wishing us peace when we are in doubt or fear. After this passage, Jesus also showed His disciples His wounds. Despite the well-known 'Doubting Thomas', we may note that the disciples were overcome with joy for their friend and Savoir returned. One might wonder if a friend appeared to us from the dead, would our first reaction also be joy? More likely it might be fear, doubt or confusion. But joy is what we might feel for a perfect friend, for someone as sacred as Christ and His miracles. In matters of Christ then, doubt not the divine!
Prayer: Dear God, my Heavenly Father, who sent His only begotten Son to us, show us peace and mercy. Like the disciples reunited again with Christ, give me joy Lord, in reconnecting with Your miracles and wonders. For joy is what my heart wants, and joy is what it shall receive, accepting Your blessings and Your everlasting embrace. Amen.

Tammie Tarell@souldiva· Jul 15

What would it take for the people to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, the Christ? It turns out, that it would take his resurrection. His miracles were not enough. His teachings were not enough. In spite of everything he had done, they would allow themselves to call for his death. Only his resurrection made at least some of them see the error of their ways and repent. In many ways, the spread of Christianity is a miracle. Only because of the preaching of the apostles who were witnesses of the resurrection and believed in the teachings and the promises of Christ, did the Good News of salvation reach into all areas of the known world. It is only because of the wisdom of those who realized that future generations needed to know about Jesus and wrote down his works and his teachings that we are aware of all that he did for us. But knowledge is not enough. Belief is not enough. What we need is repentance and a lifestyle change that goes along with that knowledge and belief. This is not always easy, and usually goes in stages. The more we learn about Jesus and his promises, the more we want to know. As our knowledge of Jesus' teachings grows, we realize the areas of our lives where repentance is necessary. As we grow in faith, we understand where we have failed. We see that gossip can harm. Our eyes are open to those who are suffering and need our help. No more can we ignore those bad habits that lead us into sin. Let's work on repenting so that we will be acceptable on the Day of Judgment.

Tammie Tarell@souldiva· Jul 15

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18 King James Bible App.
Inspiration: Looking back there may seem to be mistakes and sins we've committed we may never be forgiven for. Even if, somehow, one is absolved by others, the shame of having committed them may cause such intense guilt that it turns to self-hatred, of feeling unworthy in the eyes of others. Yet, in front of the eyes of our Heavenly Father, we were and always will be naked. Our nature is sin, whilst Gods' is forgiveness. We cannot hide our misdeeds from Him; we can only be forgiven in confessing them. Only if we have the courage to trust in the mercy of our Lord, in admitting to our darkest wrongs, can we be made pure again.
Prayer: Merciful Father, who sees all that dwells within the heart, please wash my body of its scarlet sins, so that I may become pure as snow. Take my hand, and lead it to the Riverbanks of Jordon, wherein I may cleanse all my trespassings within the Holiest of waters. Bathe me in your mercy, so that I may emerge pure as a lamb, forever thankful, and forever in your debt. Amen.

Tammie Tarell@souldiva· Jul 14

Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel. Psalms 69:6 King James Bible App.
Inspiration: As devotees to Christ, it is important to remember we walk on this earth as representatives for Him. For people who do not yet know His name, or are skeptical, be good in all you do, and in all you meet. Understand that your actions have the power to convert, or turn others away. Let them not attach negative connotations unto the Christian faith through seeing in you a bad example, but rather let them see your joy for God, your strength and character. Let them see that this is the only way to truly rejoice in life, and to find salvation.
Prayer: Lord Almighty God, I pray that You may make of me an instrument of Your message of peace and glory. Help me become a better person, molded from the image of our savior Jesus Christ, so that I may walk this earth doing justice to Your name, and represent the goodness in all You do. Amen.

Tammie Tarell@souldiva· Jul 14

What does God expect us to do? This makes it pretty clear! When I read Scripture, I notice how the sentences often run long with anywhere from three to five clauses at times. Here, we have commands. There is no misunderstanding of what God wants! Although God is speaking to the Israelites, he is also speaking to us. Here again is the main theme of justice. I know that I have mentioned this before, but in my travels I have found those who have the least are the most generous. I have been very fortunate to visit both Haiti and Tanzania on mission trips. The people in these countries, especially in Haiti, do not have a lot. The people need to hunt for drinkable water. There are areas where there is little or no electricity. When we visited, people shared what they had. They cooked meals for us, killed their animals to supply us with meat for out meals, and were more than willing to help their neighbors who had less then themselves, even taking in the children who were left orphans. I know that there are people who live in wealthier countries who reach out to others, but not on the scale that I witnessed in those two countries and not with the attitude that this kind of behavior was normal; they did not see it as extraordinary or themselves as heroes. With all the things they did not have, they were happy. Life was a struggle, but the people were happy. I also found that they had faith. Not always Christian faith, but they believed in God and felt that they were blessed by their God that they were able to help one another. We have a lot to learn about loving our neighbor.

Tammie Tarell@souldiva· Jul 14

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 King James Bible App.
Inspiration: Today, temptation and the false path is often confused with salvation, which comes in many forms and guises. This 'salvation' may for some include the diversions of drugs, sex, idolatries, consumption, or in the form of false prophets offering quick fixes. Often, the worst perpetrator may even be ourselves once we forget God is in the driving seat. Thus, it is only through Christ's divination that we may understand true and everlasting salvation in the eyes of our heavenly father. It is only with our faith in the Lord, and not in oneself or other false prophets, that we may find grace.
Prayer: Our Lord in Heaven, hallowed be thy name, and hallowed be the sacrament between man and your majesty. Lead me not into the temptations of false salvation, or to heed and follow the words of lost prophets. Help me find the courage to strengthen my faith in thee and only thee, my Lord, in whom all true redemption and grace is found. Amen.

Tammie Tarell@souldiva· Jul 13

Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved. Psalms 80:7 King James Bible App.
Inspiration: It is never too late to turn back to the Lord, to see His light. There is almost nothing in this world more beautiful, more memorable as ministers than seeing His children admitting into the faith and finding their salvation, to see this very illumination of Gods grace upon their faces. We should know that even those of us who have been devout followers all our lives, this turning towards God can be just as new and just as beautiful, just as new, should always strive to look for His light in every aspect of our lives.
Prayer: Lord God my savior and salvation, clothe my spirit in Your warmth and mercy and ordain me once again into Your Paradise. Grant Your light to all Your children, old and new, for under Your roof we know there is always room, always light. Amen.

Tammie Tarell@souldiva· Jul 13

The parable of the sower and the seed is a very familiar one and one of the few that Jesus explains to the disciples. However, I don't usually connect this passage from Isaiah with the parable. I find it interesting to compare the rain and snow with God's word. We take rain for granted most of the time, unless we live in an area of drought or in the desert. We plant our gardens, and we wait for the rain to come and help the flowers or the vegetables grow. We know that when the rain or snow has done it's work, it evaporates and the clouds grow heavy and eventually it will fall and water another part of the earth. When there is no rain, or not enough rain, the ground becomes dry and the flowers and vegetables don't grow, but wither and die. The word of God is given to us for a purpose. God tells us that it will not return to him without accomplishing his plan. It was God who spoke the world into being. It is the word of God that promised us salvation, and it is the Word of God who came into the world to redeem it by his life, death and resurrection. God's words are still at work in our world and need to be spoken through us as well as through the reading of the Scriptures. This word is the seed of faith which has been sown in each one of us and needs to be sown by us so that it will continue to accomplish the will of God in generations to come. The purpose of God's word will not be accomplished until the final harvest, but we must do our part so that the harvest will be plentiful.

Tammie Tarell@souldiva· Jul 13

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Romans 3:23-24 King James Bible App.
Inspiration: I constantly compare myself to Jesus Christ. Although I think that it is a good thing to contemplate how you live and compare it to Christ, it can also be very difficult. Jesus is the Son of God. It would be impossible for us to ever be as good as him because he was created without flaws. God sent him to earth as a mortal man, as a sinner, so that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5: 21) It is an impossible standard to reach, but is there any other person that you would rather be more similar to?
Prayer: Divine God, powerful creator of both Heaven and earth, I pray that these words convey my sincere gratitude to you for sending Jesus to us. Forgive me, Father, for I am selfish and weak, acting directly against your heavenly mandate. I know that Jesus Christ has shown light on a darkened path, and I shall march forward on the path to heaven, where I hope to one day join you, O Lord. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Tammie Tarell@souldiva· Jul 8

In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. Psalms 56:4 King James Bible App.
Inspiration: As mentioned in previous verses, the motif of our flesh or material world coming to pass whilst the soul lives on is a common one. It serves to illustrate one of the most sacred of our doctrines, that the spirit is and belongs to God in everlasting life. Even Christ Himself, perhaps the most extreme example, embodied this for all to see. His flesh was torn, ripped, nailed, whipped, tortured and bruised, yet after the third day He rose again, and eventually entered up into heaven to sit on the right hand of God. Through Him, our soul lives on, the body may fail or break, but our spirit is limitless.
Prayer: My God and my Father, and to the Holy Messiah, I give thanks and praise Your name. May our spirits be lifted into Your Heavenly Kingdom and reside amongst the angels at the foot of Your throne. Grant me the faith and wisdom to follow You Lord, through the footsteps of Your only begotten Son whose blood was shed for the salvation of each and everyone. Amen.

Tammie Tarell@souldiva· Jul 8

Did the Israelites really believe that God couldn't figure out that their words were not in line with their actions? How could they claim to be acknowledging God while at the same time making idols to worship? Hosea is just one more prophet who tries to convince the Israelites to return to the Lord before it's too late. They didn't listen. Time and again, the Israelites have been warned. It wouldn't be long before the Assyrians would overtake the North and the Babylonians the South. The people of the North, Israel, were either killed or dispersed into all the neighboring countries. The people of the South, Judah, were either killed or brought into exile into Babylon. Their idols didn't save them. We are called to place our trust in God; our confidence in the salvation earned for us by Jesus. The question of whom we trust is still with us today. Do we trust that God knows what is best for us, or do we listen to others? Do you know anyone who reads their horoscope every day? Or maybe someone who goes to a fortune teller, or psychic to help them know how to live their lives? I think that everyone looks at these things once in a while for fun, and I'm not discounting the possibility that some may have psychic powers. But, the question is still do we base our decisions on what these people tell us, or do we trust God? There are cultures where a person will not buy a house or rent an apartment with certain numbers on them. They also consult fortune tellers to set the date for weddings, etc. However, these are not Christian cultures. We who claim to be Christian, who believe in the Supreme power of God, and deny the existence of other gods, are called to support that belief with our actions, just like the Israelites were called to do. When we need to make a decision, we can pray and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Superstition has no place in our world. Let us place our trust in God and his promises. God will not disappoint.

Tammie Tarell@souldiva· Jul 8

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 King James Bible App.
Inspiration: One of the most popular passages in the Bible at weddings, this verse explains that love cannot be self-seeking: love is about other people. Think about it: if your loving actions are done with others in mind, loving your neighbors as yourself and even your enemies, how easy would it be to love yourself? It is when we hold hate in our heart that evil flows out. It isn't always easy to control our own egos and not demand attention for our good deeds, but is the love that we spread and feel for ourselves after not enough? It surely is enough.
Prayer: Infinitely loving God, I will praise you with all of my heart for all of my days. Assist me in my struggles with selfishness, O Lord, so that I can truly love the people around me that need it most. As you selflessly sent your only son, Jesus Christ, to die for us, help me to see the grander picture and commit to loving actions without thought of acknowledgment. I vow to love more freely and easily, praying these words to your holy name. Amen.

Tammie Tarell@souldiva· Jul 7

For the LORD your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over:That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever. Joshua 4:23-24 King James Bible App. Inspiration: God has proven His power and might many times over within the Bible. This power is to be feared by all those who court His wraith or seek to injure Him, yet for the faithful, we have nothing to fear, for we know God to be on our side, kind and merciful towards all those who seek His light and guidance. All ye faithful, do not fear God but exalt His name!
Prayer: Almighty Heavenly Father, I pray for You to show mercy upon all who praise Your name and works. For You are our master and savior and all-powerful creator. Let me not fear You, as unbelievers who seek our injury might, but know that You are on my side through Your miracles and mercy. I implore You once more Lord, show us mercy in Your light! Amen.

Tammie Tarell@souldiva· Jul 7

Can you imagine what the people must have thought? Today, people know about CPR and have defibrillators and all sorts of equipment to save someone who has a heart attack or suddenly stops breathing, and we take for granted that medical science can save people in so many situations. In Jesus time, it you couldn't feel or hear someone breathe, they were dead. And, in fact, they usually did die because there was no way to save them. They must have been both happy and fearful that Jesus saved this child. Happy because she was alive and could rejoin her family; and afraid because they couldn't understand how one could bring anyone back to life. In Luke's version of this miracle, the ruler comes to Jesus because his daughter is sick and asks him to come so that she won't die and while they are on the way, servants come and say she has died, and he shouldn't bother Jesus any longer. Regardless of how it happened, the child lives. But just like the son of the widow of Naim and Lazarus, and those whom medical science is able to bring back to life, they all died. So will we! But Jesus does bring them and us back to life – eternal life! Whether we are one who was able to be resuscitated or not, like the child in the miracle we will one day die and enter eternal life. Jesus healed those in the Gospels, and God has given the scientists of today the ability to heal as well as to prolong life but this is not our permanent home. Our home in heaven will be so much better as there will be no more suffering or pain. We will live on eternally with all those who have gone before us. Like the ruler in this passage, the widow of Naim and Martha and Mary, we too need to believe.

Tammie Tarell@souldiva· Jul 7

For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. Psalms 86:5 King James Bible App. Inspiration: Think of a grudge that you held on for a long time. Did you feel better from holding this grudge? Now think about this deeper: what if God held a grudge against us? Wow, how blessed we are that he forgives our sins! He leads by example, forgiving those of us that do exactly what he asks us not to do. We all should all be more forgiving, like God is to us.
Prayer: You sent your only son to the world to die so that we may be forgiven, merciful God. Forgive me, once again, for being too selfish and proud to not forgive those that trespass against me. I wish that I can sin less and ask for forgiveness and guidance when I need it. I thank you for sending your son to us, Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.

Tammie Tarell@souldiva· Jul 6

For many people, it's a tough choice – pleasure today or eternal life tomorrow. We are so into instant gratification. We find it hard to wait for anything, especially pleasure. We almost want what we want yesterday! We have problems waiting for food, our vacation, and even sex. Even waiting for our computers to warm up seems to take forever! I can remember the early days when you first had to load the operating system and then the disc for whatever program you were using, and then you could begin. It was once considered "forward" to kiss on the first date! A few years ago, I met a young woman whose boyfriend couldn't understand why she wouldn't have intercourse with him after a few dates, and told her that there must be something wrong with her. Really! Television programs about men and women looking for love portray them as becoming sexual partners indiscriminately and then wonder why their relationships aren't permanent. Both men and women are damaged by this. Pornography makes us think that the perfect partner will never grow older or lose their hair, or have any other physical change, so people end marriages because they no longer have the "perfect" partner. There's a big difference between love and lust, but today's world doesn't see it. Whether it is lust, greed or gluttony, sins of the flesh abound. If we attempt to delay any pleasure until it is right, we are considered old-fashioned. However, those who look for love in a healthy way, who know that God has a plan, and are willing to wait, find happiness and joy that others deny themselves. It is never too late to begin to live according to the Spirit; and the rewards in the present as well as in the future are worth it.

Tammie Tarell@souldiva· Jul 6

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Galatians 6:7-8 King James Bible App.
Inspiration: Good things generally happen to good people. If you commit good deeds, think good thoughts, and surround yourself with good people, in time you will be rewarded with a good harvest. However, it doesn't take many rotten apples to ruin a harvest, so think carefully with, how you spend your energy, how you spend your time, and who you spend it with.
Prayer: Everyday we are surrounded with the beautiful reminders of your creation God: flowers, trees, animals, people. I pray that you make me work, to use me as a vessel to blossom and spread my gifts to the world, spreading your joy to all that encounter me, just as you did with Jesus Christ. His eternal harvest is one that keeps on giving, and I pray that you help me give all that I can in my time. Amen.

Tammie Tarell@souldiva· Jul 5

Let us hear what God will speak! God speaks peace. Unfortunately, most of us turn again to folly. Mercy and truth will help to bring peace. Peace comes only when people speak the truth and work for justice for everyone. Truth is an interesting thing. It usually depends on whom we trust to tell the truth. It used to be that people thought that what they read in the newspapers or what they saw on the television news was the truth. We now know that that was not always the case. It all depended on what the newspapers or the television newscasters wanted us to believe. Now social media is telling another kind of "truth." Politicians use what are called "spin doctors" to influence us to accept their candidate as the one who will solve all our problems and bring peace. Lies! Now we talk about "fake news." What is fake news but more lies! Lies caused the people of Germany to follow Hitler into the horror of the Holocaust. Lies have caused and still cause racial discrimination and fear of the other. Under the skin we are all the same: blood, bone and flesh. When we are merciful and just, we bring peace. If lies separate us, then truth brings us together. Jesus came for all of us. It should be interesting in heaven when people find out who's there! Today in the United States we celebrate freedom, and the second line of the Declaration of Independence begins: "We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal…" As a country we have not always acted as if we believe this, but we keep trying to live up to it. We have come to believe that until we do, we, too, will be turning again to folly. May we pray that one day righteousness will reign.

Tammie Tarell@souldiva· Jul 5

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:15-16 King James Bible App.
Inspiration: We can all remember the people that have taught us the most. People often exemplify the successful, rich, powerful, and beautiful, thinking that they will be happier and feel better if they were more like them. How often do we follow in the footsteps of the people that are the most holy around us? How often do we actively attempt to follow in the footsteps of Jesus? He gave his life for us to even have that chance and thankfully the Bible has written the guidelines for how we need to live our lives. Prayer: My holy God, help me realize that I too can be holy through you. When I stray from the path of righteousness, I ask that you push me back towards the path, remembering and realizing all that you have taught me. Finally, I ask that you remind me of the sacrifices that you have made, giving your only son as a sacrifice so that I could also know what it is to be holy. In your son's holy name I pray. Amen.

Tammie Tarell@souldiva· Jul 4

I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. John 10:14-15 King James Bible App. Inspiration: As looked at before in a previous passage by John [10:7,9-10], the metaphor for Jesus as a shepherd is one that provides an exquisite metaphor for the relationship between Him and His followers. Extended here, this relationship takes on a dialectal dimension, with the shepherd being known to the sheep, just as Jesus mentions He is known to His Father and His Father to Him. This alludes to the fact that whilst the relationship may appear one-sided and paternal in nature, it is also reciprocal; we must know Jesus as much as He knows us, we must endeavor in understanding God as much as He already understands everything. Prayer: To the son Jesus, and His Heavenly Father, hallowed be Your names, and sacred be the bond between us. Grant to me, the faculty to lift my soul and sacrament, and seek to understand better my light and my shepherd. In the name of the Son the Father, and the Holy Spirit which moves between us, Amen.

Tammie Tarell@souldiva· Jul 4

In the time of Jesus, you couldn't just Google someone famous and find out the names of his parents, where they were born, how old they are, where they grew up, went to school, who his brothers or sisters were. They knew that Jesus came from Galilee because of his accent. We only know this because of Peter for when he was approached by the maid servant when Jesus was arrested; she said that she could tell Peter was also a Galilean because of his accent. So, they wouldn't know that he was born in Bethlehem unless they asked him. And why would they do that? But what would it matter where he was born anyway? If they thought that he was a prophet, would they listen to him with more attention if he had been from somewhere else? Do we only listen to people who come from someplace special? And who decides what is special? Does it matter if someone is from Washington, London, Amsterdam or L'Asile? The important thing is the person, not where he or she comes from. Perhaps the people of Jesus' time had prejudices similar to people today. Remember when Philip brought Nathanael to Jesus, he commented, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" After Nathanael met Jesus, he believed. This is an important lesson for us. We know that we shouldn't judge anyone, but we should never write someone off before we meet them and get to know them. Not everyone will become a friend, but how will we know if we don't try. I remember a scene in one of my favorite TV shows when someone impressed with himself ignores the main character. When confronted with his rudeness, he apologizes and states that he didn't realize she was "someone." He was told that where she lives they're polite to everyone.

Tammie Tarell@souldiva· Jul 4

He came unto his own, and his own received him not. John 1:11
Inspiration: Jesus tried to minister to the people in his town, but they rejected that he was the son of God. They only saw him as the son of a carpenter. There are many other Jews, who were referred to as God's own, who rejected Jesus Christ as the son of God, too. This is how Jesus ended up being crucified. But this did not deter Christ from His mission. He held nothing against anyone who rejected them. He forgave them and prayed that they would be saved.
Prayer: Dear God, I thank you for your son, Jesus Christ, who loved us so much, he did not hold it against any man when they wronged Him. Lord, I pray that I can exemplify this kind of love in my life too. I cannot do that without your help, Lord. May you help me to follow the example your son set for me, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Tammie Tarell@souldiva· Jul 3

Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: Hebrews 12:28 King James Bible App.
Inspiration: Being made of men, earthly kingdoms will inevitably be overturned under the might of God. Since all who follow Him are inheritors to an afterlife, it was declared by the Apostles themselves that Christ has made His people kings beyond these earthly empires. After they have all but passed away, only that of the Kingdom of God will remain, unshaken. Prayer: Mighty Lord, glory to Your Kingdom everlasting! Lead me not to falter in improvidence for earthy powers, but open my heart instead to accept the word of Christ in His undying wisdom. For thy Kingdom is endless, thy divine law imperishable, and Your grace and blessing boundless. To You Lord, I owe my ultimate obedience. In praise of Your name, Amen.

Tammie Tarell@souldiva· Jul 3

Money can be lost in so many different ways. In the nineteen twenties and early thirties, there was a world-wide depression. Many people lost all of their savings in the stock markets; banks crashed and couldn't give people back their savings; jobs were lost and many lost their homes. There have been times since then when people lost everything, but not quite as widespread as at that time. All can be lost in a storm or if someone had a catastrophic illness that takes all their savings. If we trust in money to save us, we are wrong. God is telling us in this passage from the Book of Psalms that nothing on earth can prevent death. However, we know because of Jesus, that death of the body comes to us all, but that life is not ended for those who believe and follow him. And eternal life is available to both the wealthy and the poor alike. We can't buy love, happiness and we can't buy eternal life. God is the only true source of love and happiness and has gifted us with eternal life, if only we choose to accept it. I have known families that were torn apart over money that they expected when a parent died. The money either wasn't there or wasn't as much as they thought it would be, or it went to someone or something else. The question for us is, "Where do we place our trust?" If we place our trust in money or any other thing, we are bound to be disappointed, but when we place our trust in God, we will never be disappointed, for God will always be there with his love and his care.

Tammie Tarell@souldiva· Jul 3

Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:9 King James Bible App.
Inspiration: When it comes to judging situations, we should never be partial in our reasoning. If we try to favor one party, instead of being just, we are doing a great injustice to the wronged person, and we are also doing a great disservice to ourselves as children of God. Be fair in every situation and strive to do the right thing. There is no honor in partiality. Prayer: Dear God, I ask for your wisdom when I am asked to mediate situations. Lord, may I never be swayed by money, or anything else that could cause me to be partial. May my reasoning be just and pleasing before you, and may it be the truth I speak and nothing else, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Tammie Tarell@souldiva· Jul 2

Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights. Psalms 119:143 King James Bible App.
Inspiration: Problems come and go, but the word of the Lord remains our only constant. We may have problems at work, with relationships or finances. However as the teachings of the Apostles have shown, not to mention the countless examples of impoverished Saints thereafter, happiness is still and always will be attainable within God, and in service to Him. Perhaps, the strength of our devotion can be measured not be simply our service to Him, but precisely by one's willingness to serve in the hardest of times.
Prayer: Lord God above, I pray to You today for strength in my endeavors. Cause me not to stray from Your path in the face of adversities, but to remain as a rock, steadfast to Your word. May my praises to You be sung the sweetest amidst my hardships, may my spirit echo it song as it continues to serve Your name. Amen.

Tammie Tarell@souldiva· Jul 2

The Israelites just don't get it! Although they go through the motions of worshiping God, their hearts are far from him. What does God want? Justice! Throughout the Old and New Testament, this is the theme. Sometimes I think you may get tired of my reflecting on justice, but if we are reflecting on Scripture, we can't help but continue to examine ourselves and how we work for justice. If we truly listen to this passage, we can go to church, pray, offer sacrifices to God and still not pay attention to what is important to him. If you are one of the people who is discriminated against, you understand the need for justice. If you are working three jobs and have to choose between buying food and paying for heat or electricity, you understand. There was a time when I needed help to pay for food even though I was working full time and I remember standing in line at the grocery store and the woman behind me looked at the cashier and said, "If I bring in my Monopoly money, can I pay for my groceries too?" My daughter who was with me was embarrassed that we needed to use food stamps. I hope that this woman never has to ask for help; I'm not sure that she would be able to handle it. I sometimes think that everyone should have to live like those in poverty or who are discriminated against for their language or color for a week or two so that they would have a better idea of how important justice is. When we work for justice for the poor and the vulnerable, God will accept our prayers, our worship, our sacrifices. Let us strive to make the world a better place for all of God's children.

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