Evil schemes stopped with mysterious words..

FAITH:
2 Timothy 3:1--4:8
Paul warned that godlessness and evil schemes would increase as the end of history approached. People would follow false teachers who would tell them what they wanted to hear. Paul's words warned and encouraged Timothy to teach the Scriptures soundly.
Christians must guard against deceit by knowing what Scripture teaches.
The apostle Paul warned that many will follow the false teachers, not knowing that in feeding upon what these people say they are taking the devil's poison into their own lives. Thousands of people in every walk of life are being deceived today.
The world cannot understand God's wisdom, and God reveals the mystery of the gospel to us when the Holy Spirit opens our spiritual eyes.
Men are always seeking for greater wisdom, but they usually bypass the Ultimate Source of wisdom. The scriptures clearly point this direction. They
reveal. "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Proverbs 9:10). But what has man done with this tremendous resource at his fingertips? Ignored it!! "For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools.(Romans 1:21-22)

Since God's wisdom resides in His Word, it is imperative to know what He has revealed, but even many Christians ignore a regular time reading studying the Scriptures. Therefore many of their decisions are foolish, because they've not consulted the Ultimate Source of wisdom.
by Rick Yohn

Applying it: Do you read God's Word faithfully? Create a notebook of observations. Keep track of new discoveries and old truths. Let them strengthen your faith and share them in your conversations. You will find strength in the true gospel to keep false teachers out of your life and your family from side tracked lives.
Exploring it: False teachers--Deuteronomy 13:1-3; Matthew 7:15; 24:11;
2 Corinthians 11:3-4; 1 John 1:8-10; 1 Timothy 4:1-2;Renewing your mind--Proverbs 15:14; Romans 12:2; Philippians 4:8

FRIENDS:
Father, We want only to please you. We, your children, cherish your promise to take care of us. And yet we often come to you with confusion because we are unsure of what is best, uncertain of your will. You have provided the answers for us and Father, your word is always there to calm, reassure, correct, direct and to teach us that you will forgive us and that there is no sin too deep for your hand of forgiveness to reach. Thank you Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen

THE CHALLENGE....by Corie Ten Boom
If you really want to know God, you should read the book He wrote. It's called the Bible, and it's one of the most important tools that God uses to direct your steps and transform your life. As you seek to build a deeper understanding with your Creator, you must decide whether God's word will be a bright spotlight that guides your path every day or a tiny night light that occasionally flickers in the dark. The decision to study the Bible--or not--is yours and yours alone. But make no mistake: the way that you choose to use your Bible will have a profound impact on your and your loved ones. Your Bible is waiting patiently on your bookshelf....now what are you going to do about it?


This paragraph by the famous Corrie Ten Boom was the catalyst to my re-reading the Bible through this coming year. I have done the plan before but it was many years ago and it was such a benefit and blessing to me then. But unfortunately my Bible reading habits have gotten sloppy, again. Is this where you are?
As the devotional suggested, this time I am going to keep a notebook to write down my observations in.
Please join me in committing to a year of daily Bible reading.

65 THINGS I HAVE LEARNED -part 2
21-When you're on vacation, sometimes it's better to buy postcards of
the scenery rather than trying to get pictures of it yourself.
22-People who talk about other people to you are probably talking
about you to other people.
23-No one looks ugly when they're smiling.
24-You can catch a lot more flies with honey than you can with
vinegar. (Favorite saying of my mother who died in 1975.)
25-Words actually can hurt a lot more than sticks and stones.
26-Often it's very wise not to share what you really think.
27-Butter makes almost anything taste better.
28-Whether you feel really bad or really good, it usually doesn't last for long.
29-It's much easier to stay in shape than it is to get back into shape.
30-When the day finally comes for your hair appointment, your hair
will look better than it has for weeks.
31-Remember that 100 years from now no one will know the difference.
(another one of Mother's sayings)
32-It's much easier to criticize things you don't like than it is to fix them.
33- If you don't have children of your own, ask a friend to share
theirs. It's a good compromise for all.
34-Most every problem will seem less serious after a few days have gone by.
35-Most parents seldom remember what it felt like to be a child,
that's what Grandparents are for.
36-If you have bad news to deliver, if at all possible, do it in person.
37-Flowers will ease the bumps out of even the worst day.
38-If you can grow your own herbs it will help you to become a better cook.
39-Price has very little if anything to do with the quality of restaurant food
40-The book is almost always better than the movie.

FOOD:
Serving snacks to friends for New Years Eve or New Years Day...how about this one?
Over 1,000 people on my food list said it's a 5 star recipe.

Buffalo Chicken Dip (serve warm)
2 (10 ounce) cans chunk chicken, drained
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup Ranch dressing
3/4 cup pepper sauce, such as Franks Red Hot
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 bunch celery, cleaned and cut into 4 inch pieces
1 (8 ounce) box chicken-flavored crackers
Heat chicken and hot sauce in a skillet over medium heat, until heated through. Stir in cream cheese and ranch dressing. Cook, stirring until well blended and warm. Mix in half of the shredded cheese, and transfer the mixture to a slow cooker. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover, and cook on Low setting until hot and bubbly. Serve with celery sticks and crackers

FUN:
Q: What's the true definition of mixed emotions?
A: When you see your mother-in-law backing off a cliff in your brand new car

(if you love your MIL and are offended by this, Sorry)
(if not, go ahead and laugh, it's called a joke, not a wish)