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Writings by Dale Marsh Th.B. |
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Please read our about writing page
for a disclaimer.
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Food for Thought |
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12/14/08 |
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The Sword of the Spirit
Ephesians 4:17 And
take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the
word of God.
Hebrew 4:12 For the
word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged
sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of
the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of
the heart.
I am going to center
in on these two verses, but I am going to start this little food for
thought with this verse:
Matthew 10 : 43.
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send
peace, but a sword.
I know that we are
about to enter into the “Holiday Season” where everybody is looking for
peace; desiring peace; wishing for peace; singing songs about peace on
earth good will to men and letting peace have a chance; confessing peace
in the hope that with mind over matter things surely will get better.
Right? But Jesus said… what? War!
Why Jesus, that is
not a very friendly peaceful message for our troubled souls. That is
what we call a declaration of war. If you read the following verses in
that chapter He has not only declared war on earth, but war with in your
own family. Ever since that declaration which Christ made things have
become divided and the war has been on for 2000 years.
So what does this
have to do with the sword of the Spirit?
As you may read in
Ephesians 4:17 the sword of the Spirit is the word of God. That is what
has been given to us to use to get through this world. Based upon the
book, we can take our thoughts captive and run them through with the
sword of the spirit; to split apart that which is evil and that which is
good. We can take the things of the “spirit” and shine the light of the
sword on them to discern who is talking. If light stands in the light
then there should be no fear. But if false light stands in the light,
then false light will be darkened.
You must have a
brighter, mirror shine on your sword. We are coming to an age when we
need to polish up our swords because the enemy has been polishing up
his. His sword is causing the world to turn from the true light to the
false light because we have not kept our swords shined. This also
includes us keeping our swords sharp, so they can divide between flesh
and spirit or between joint and morrow.
Jesus did not
declare war on humans or on God’s creation. He declared war on the “god
of this world” which we humans have not been too smart knowing who is
who, and who is really running the show around here. So, Jesus came to
divide between truth and lie; between those that will follow after him
and those that will not. If the deception is so strong that light
becomes dark and dark becomes light, we will need the sword of the
Spirit (to be able to divide those thoughts to see the difference
between flesh and spirit.)
There is one major
rule you must know to use the sword. It must be wielded out of a heart
of love and not out of hate.
© Dale J. Marsh
Th.B., Th.M. 12/14/2008 |
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11/4/2007 |
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2 plus 2 = 4 minus 2
= 2 times 2 = 4 Divided by 2 = 2 to the 2nd power is 4
You are already
wondering “Ok what does this, have to do with anything?” So, you can add
and subtract multiply and divide, great. Well, what I have done is shown
you the basic math principles. What can be added can be subtracted, what
can be multiplied can be divided. Everybody knows that these are basic
math principles that we live by starting at age 2 and up. Every kid
knows that if you are given one piece of candy and you eat it you have
no pieces of candy. Simple adding and subtracting right? Therefore one
goes to the great candy source in the home and ask for more.
This is just a basic
principle of life. Principle: 1. A. a comprehensive and fundamental
law, doctrine, or assumption. B: (1) a rule or code of conduct. (2)
Habitual devotion to right principle’s. C: the laws or facts of nature
underlying the workings of an artificial device. 2. A primary source:
origin. 3. A distinguishable ingredient that exhibits or imparts a
characteristic quality. 4 a divine principle: God. (Webster’s Seventh
New Collegiate Dictionary)
I am going to use the
first definition A. “A comprehensive and fundamental law, doctrine, or
assumption” to work with in this food for thought. As stated above we
know the principles of adding and subtracting and multiplying and
dividing. We know that by taking that same principle and doing the
numbering differently you don’t get what you are looking for. For
example 2 minus 4 = -2 or 2 divide by 4 = .05. The principles are the
same but your answer may not be what you wanted because you misapplied
the principle.
You may be saying:
“thank you for the math lesson what is the point of all this?”
God’s Principles work
the same way. Without faith it is impossible to please who? God. Faith
is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things what? Not
seen. Right? So if there are principles in blessing and cursing is it
not the same as saying; 2 + 2 = 4 that is the blessing side of it, but
if you take 2 – 4 = -2 is that not the cursing side of it? With me so
far? This is the basics, but life is complicated and it is not always
easy to get the answers (blessings). Just like math you have to a start
off with the basics and work your way through the other principles of
math that help you get your answers.
-2 + 6 - 4 x [5 x
(-6)+8 divide by 4] + 4 x 28 = X. yes there are other principles to
follow. Sometimes because we have been at something so long we think we
know the principles that are solid and the ones that look like they bend
the rules and try to apply them. This my friend is where we get in
trouble. If we take a principle and misinterpret it, or misapply it we
do not get the results we want. This is why we need to understand the
whole principle (law) in order to get the answers we need. In reality it
is sometimes back to basics 2 + 2 = 4
By the way the answer
should be 4 = X that is if I followed the principles of math right.
© 11/04/2007 Dale
Marsh Th.B. |
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| 03/13/05 |
I
have started reading Jeremiah and to start this food for thought out, how
many times have you been asked what do you see? Usually someone puts a
piece of paper on the table with a dot on it and what you focus on
determines whether you are a big picture person, or a little picture
person. Depending upon your answer you either get praised, or ridiculed.
Jeremiah 1:11 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree. 12
Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word
to perform it.
In Jeremiah' case if you look at the verse you see he picked out the
detail the rod of the almond tree. Which is a bud in the middle of a
season where there were no buds yet. And that was to give hope.
If you notice throughout the bible the phrase “what seest thou?” shows
up in many forms. Take Elisha and his servant at Dothan 2 kings 6:19 where
the Syrians surrounded the city. He thought it was Elisha and his doom.
Elisha came out and said "Fear not for they that be with us are more
than they that be with them" and prayed that his servants eyes would
be open, he saw chariots of fire around about Elisha and on the mountains.
What comfort. A little scary, but to know that you had back up, no
problem, Bring it on.
What do you see modern terminology?
In the next verse of Jeremiah 1:13 And the word of the LORD came unto me
the second time, saying, What seest thou? And I said, I see a seething
pot; and the face thereof is toward{b toward...: Heb. from the face of the
north} the north. 14 Then the LORD said unto me, Out of the north an
evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land.
Jeremiah saw the destruction of his nation and what was going to
happen. This time the picture was plain and there was no detail to
look for. And all this was the confirmation of his calling. He would speak
words to lift up and words to tear down. I gave you those examples
for a reason. The question still remains, what do you see? Some
times we get so close to the picture of our lives and miss the plan that
God has for us. Some times we see the plan and do not realize the details
of how it is going to come to pass. You may think this sounds confusing in
what I have just said. But lets stop and think about it for a minute. What
are you focusing upon? The problems of everyday life, and all the
wrongs that have been done to you. Or are you focusing on the big
picture and are missing out on the opportunities to get the plan in
motion. What do you see? Lets take Health: Do you see the Lord God
healing thee when we may be denied medical care by the government some
day. I know absent from the body is present with the Lord. What
about leading others into that healing power. How about Provision: Do you
see the Lord providing for you when things get tough? What do you believe
about the word of God that is suppose to be our daily bread? What do
you see according to his word? What do you see? Notice that the Lord
told Jeremiah you seest correctly. Are you seeing correctly or are you
misinterpreting the picture? The world sees peace with out us religious
fanatics (and I am using that in the broadest sense) to bug them. The
environmentalist sees the world with out man interfering with the
ecosystem. Lucifer sees all mankind bowing down to him and in nothing but
torment and biting and devouring one another. God sees all mankind
coming to him and having peace and an ecosystem that works together like
in the Garden of Eden. This is the cliff’s notes version. What Do You
See?
© Dale. J. Marsh Th.B. 03/13/2005 |
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| 02/27/05 |
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning
his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward,
not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to
repentance.
In the beginning a lamb was slain for the sins of Adam and Eve
Psalm 118: 1O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his
mercy endureth forever.
2 Peter 3::9The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men
count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any
should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Before Moses was the Law of Conscience.
Psalm 118: 1O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his
mercy endureth forever.
2 Peter 3: 9The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men
count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any
should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
During the time of Moses the law was established
Psalm 118: 1O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his
mercy endureth forever.
2 Peter 3: 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men
count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any
should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
During the Kings you had the word of the Prophets
Psalm 118: 1O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his
mercy endureth forever.
2 Peter 3: 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men
count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any
should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
With the return of Israel to its homeland after 70 years, you had
only the hearts of the people to do the will of the word of Lord spoken
through a few prophets and princes
Psalm 118: 1O giv thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his
mercy endureth forever.
2 Peter 3: 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men
count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any
should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
For about a 400 year period it was silent
Psalm 118: 1O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because
his mercy endureth forever.
2 Peter 3: 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men
count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any
should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Then Christ came, and a Lamb was slain for the sins of the world
Psalm 118: 1O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his
mercy endureth forever.
2 Peter 3: 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men
count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any
should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
During the time of the establishing of the church, you had God
breathing new Law
Psalm 118: 1O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his
mercy endureth forever.
Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some
men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any
should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
After the founding disciples had died, it became silent
Psalm 118: 1O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his
mercy endureth forever.
2 Peter 3: 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men
count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any
should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
The reformation came and salvation was preached again.
Psalm 118: 1O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his
mercy endureth forever.
2 Peter 3: 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men
count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any
should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
In the early 1900's the Baptism of the Holy Ghost fell and people were
getting filled with God’s Spirit
Psalm 118: 1O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his
mercy endureth forever.
2 Peter 3: 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men
count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any
should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
The gifts of the Spirit started flowing; healing miracle's, words of
knowledge, and words of wisdom
Psalm 118: 1O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his
mercy endureth forever.
2 Peter 3: 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men
count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any
should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Today we have Prophets and Apostles
Psalm 118: 1O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his
mercy endureth forever.
2 Peter 3: 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men
count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any
should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Then Signs and Wonders
Psalm 118: 1O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his
mercy endureth forever.
2 Peter 3: 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men
count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any
should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
All of this for; not willing that any should
perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Psalm 138: 8 The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy,
O LORD, endureth forever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.
2 Peter 3: 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men
count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any
should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
We then go home for eternity.
Psalm 118: 1O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his
mercy endureth forever.
© 2/27/2005 Dale J. Marsh Th.B. |
06/06/04 |
To think that early man knew the difference between
East, West, North, and South, along with knowing which direction they
pointed is amazing in its own self. One could ask how did they find that
out. Yet it still took several hundred years to figure out longitude, and
it was not tell just prior to the time of Columbus that they figured out
latitude. A lot of this information was developed from the stars of
heaven and the time of day. One of the greatest advantages of all this
wealth of information from our ancestors was to tell you where you are and
where you are going, and how to get there.
Today we have what is called a GPS (Global Positioning
System) system that if asked can tell you exactly where you are, and how
far you have travel both in time and space. The purpose of all that high
tech gear is so that if for some reason you are caught in a storm you can
at least have a fighting chance to get out. Plus still know where you are
at when everything turns dark, and hard to see when there is very little
light to go by. What is more amazing is that even with all that wonderful
equipment we have. There is some basic good old technology that still
exists; Like a foghorn, a lighthouse, a Radio Beacon, sextant, and a map
and compass just to name a few. All that is to help in case the other
fails. About now you may say so what does that have to do with anything?
Well the scripture say this about direction.
Vision:
Proverbs 29: 18 Where there is no
vision, the people perish { perish: or, is made naked}: but he that
keepeth the law, happy is he.
Habakkuk 2: 2 And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and
make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. 3 For the
vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and
not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it
will not tarry.
Voice:
John 10: 27 My sheep hear my voice,
and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life;
and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my
hand.
Psalm 95: 7 For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and
the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your
heart, as in the provocation { provocation: Heb. contention}, and as in
the day of temptation in the wilderness:
Light:
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again
unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall
not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Psalm 34: 3 O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them
bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles. 4Then will I go unto
the altar of God, unto God my exceeding { my exceeding...: Heb. the
gladness of my joy} joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my
God.
Truth: John 14: 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the
life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 8: 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
And all that is in one book that was developed over the
centuries for the purpose that if you ever get lost in a storm you will
have a least a fighting chance to get out. If nothing more then to know
where you are so you can move forward toward home, when there is very
little light to go by. Just remember it is the enemy that is trying to
turn things around where light is dark and dark is light. It was fore told
in the
Scriptures. .
© 6/6/04 Dale J. Marsh Th.B. |
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| 10/19/03 |
Have you ever-considered Light?
Yes you read it right, Light. I am talking about the thing that
illuminates our lives. The thing we take for granted on a daily
basis until it goes out, and we get all in a snit because we cannot see
where we are going, or doing. Yes that light.
Light has several characteristics that if you think about are really quite
phenomenal. Let me explain;
1. Under the right circumstances a 60-watt light bulb or even a cigarette
butt can be seen for a great distance, and yet it only illuminates the
area around its influence.
2. It is very hard to contain light. As the scripture says:
Matthew 5: 14 … A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a
candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Now if you think about this just for a moment, Jesus is indicating here
that if you put a city on a hill and it cannot be hid, how in the world
are you going to hide light. Even if you put it in the tightest weave
basket for carrying grain. I am sorry, the light is going to leak out some
how. It will shine.
3. The next point I would like to bring up is this; Light provides heat.
Now the type of light you use will determine the type of heat you
get. A standard light bulb will only give off x amount of heat, where your
heat lamp will give off greater heat. I could carry this analogy all the
way to the sun.
I know that there are other characteristics about light that could be
mentioned but for now these will do.
Matthew 5: 14 Ye are the light of the world. …
So being a light to the world means that you not only provide
illumination to the world around us, even to those at a distance, you also
will provide heat depending upon the type of light you are. You do not
want to blind the world with light but be and influence to those around
about who are stumbling in the darkness. Your light will also drive away
the darkness, because darkness cannot stand the light. So let your light
shine and you will bring hope, life, peace and warmth.
Matthew 5: 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see
your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
© Dale J. Marsh, Th.B. 10/19/2003
Scripture References taken from the King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge)
1769
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| 6/08/03 |
Food for thought as we approach Fathers Day:
I recently had the pleasure in helping a friend move. The group was
making some effort getting things loaded in the trucks. While my friend
and I were discussing some things in regard to what was to be moved next.
She heard her dad's voice and became elated that her dad had showed up to
help. As I watched this scene unveil itself. I was prompted by the Holy
Ghost to make note. “Daddy is here.” (Her words) Watching her
countenance change form doing what she could to be positive in the
situation, to really positive, and noted all worry and anxiety had left.
You may ask why? "Because Daddy is here". Now it would be
understandable to expect to see this type of reaction on a child who is
having a rough day, because every child knows that when daddy is home,
everything is going to be ok. Especially when they have had a rough day.
But I am pleased to say this Friend of mine did not hold back her feelings
about the topic and it really was a blessing to experience the scene.
The point is just a simple truth that sometimes we need to be reminded
of. Our Father who is in Heaven is here. Daddy is here. For he hath said I
will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
He promised: That he would meet all our needs according to his riches
and glory. He promised too: And we know that all things work together for
good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his
purpose.
With men this is impossible; but with God all
things are possible.
He has promised: that when we are tempted or in a trial that he would
make away of escape. Why? Because Daddy is here, and because he loves all
his children no matter who or where they are.
Some of you may say; “that is nice but I lost my natural father”.
The Father in Heaven has promised he is the father of the fatherless.
Daddy is here for you also.
So the next time you are down in the dumps because things are not going
according to plan or the other side of the coin where things are going
great. Just remember even though we think it is neat when we hear our sons
and daughters say "Daddy is here". We are just bigger kids and
should not be afraid to say "MY Dad is here, and everything is going
to be all right".
© 6/08/03 Dale J. Marsh Th.B.
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| 4/13/03 |
As promised
this will be the conclusion to this little mini series. Since it has been
3 weeks since I listed the benefits of paying your taxes that were
corruptible. Let me list the benefits of paying your Tithes and offerings,
or your spiritual tax. Do you remember the 12 points? Well here they are
again
1. You have a defense that fights against our enemies that try to
attack us from without.
Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper…
2. We have protection from those who want to kill steal and destroy our
personal lives on our home front.
Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them
that put their trust in him.
3. We have a local government that helps give guidelines to keep us
form hurting ourselves
Hebrew 13:7 Remember them which have the rule {… or, are the
guides} over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose
faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. 17 Obey them
that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for
your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with
joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
4. There is the ability to have justice when we need justice on those
that harm us, and the execution of judgment when we do wrong.
Psalms 34:17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth
them out of all their troubles. 18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of
a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. .
We have fire protection in case of accidents or fires.
It is he who believes upon him shall have eternal
life and be spared form the lake of fire.
6. We send representatives to tell how good our
government is, and do we have a product for you. They are called
Evangelist.
Matthew 28: 19 Go ye therefore, and teach {b
teach...: or, make disciples, or, Christians of all nations} all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Ghost:
7. We have research and development for new products in
the form of revivals.
1 Corinthians 12: 1 Now concerning spiritual gifts,
brethren, I would not have you ignorant… 4 Now there are diversities
of gifts, but the same Spirit.
8. We have a transportation system that allows us
access to the world.
Being in the spirit
Acts 8: 39 And when they were come up out of the
water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw
him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip was found
at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he
came to Caesarea.
God will provide away for you to get where you need
to be.
9. We have access to education to help us better
understand the world we are in.
Acts 15:35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in
Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others
also.
10. We have medical benefits that can help us at any
time we ask.
Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that
believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with
new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any
deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the
sick, and they shall recover.
11. We have support that helps us during times of
financial and physical hardships.
Psalms 37: 25 I have been young, and now am old;
yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging
bread.
12. We have a retirement plan that is suppose to
activate when we die.
Revelation 21: 3 And I heard a great voice out of
heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will
dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall
be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears
from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor
crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things
are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I
make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are
true and faithful.
So in conclusion to this mini series: Think of the
benefits when you are a cheerful giver. Because depending upon your
attitude when you pay your taxes can carry over when you pay your tithes
© 4/13/2003 Dale. J. Marsh Th. B |
| 4/6/03 |
Mathew 17: 24 And when they were come to
Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth
not your master pay tribute? 25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into
the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom
do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children,
or of strangers? 26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto
him, Then are the children free. 27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend
them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that
first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a
piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.
If paying taxes were only that easy a lot of people would take up
fishing.
The word Tribute in reality is called a tax and it was required to be
paid. My point is this; did you know that if you look in the Old
Testament, that which is called a tenth and offering was not a volunteer
thing to do? It was something God required his people to do. It was a way
for the nation to take care of it priesthood so they could stand before
God and do the spiritual business that they were required to do before the
Lord. If you looked at the life of a priest, he was to offer up
sacrifices, do hearings when someone clung to the horns of the alter, and
lead the people into worship, and praise. They also were to help them to
come to a better understanding of God’s word both written and spoken,
plus keep a written log of what God was saying. I am sure there were other
duties they had to perform, but for now this will do. You will find that
information in the Pentateuch (The books of the Law). Next week I will
bring the conclusion to this story
© Dale Marsh Th.B. 4/06/2003 |
3/23/03 |
Mathew 22:19 Shew me the
tribute money. And they brought unto him a pennya{a penny: in value seven
pence halfpenny}. 20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and
superscription { or, inscription}? 21 They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then
saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are
Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
In this verse it is the Herodians (your local politicians) that are
challenging Jesus about the aspect of paying tax's to Caesar, and you see
what Jesus answer is. Also notice that it was only a half a penny. They
could not challenge him with a $100 dollar bill, but that is not the point
of this lesson.
I know that what I am about to say is possibly a bad thing to say at
this time of year, but I wanted you to think about taxes. I know that
during this season it is a bad three-letter word. Ok adding the plural and
it becomes five. But stop and think for a moment about all the benefits
you get from a corruptible tax system. I am using the word taxes in the
broadest sense not just the Federal Tax, but all taxes.
We have a defense that fights against our enemies that try to attack
us from without.
We have Police protection form those who want to kill, steal, and
destroy our personal lives on our home front.
We have local governments that help give guidelines to keep us from
hurting ourselves.
There is the ability to have justice when we need justice on those
that harmed us. And the execution of judgment when we do wrong.
We have fire protection in case of accidents or fires.
We send representatives to tell how good our government is, and do we
have a product for you.
We have research and development for new products in the form of
Government Grants
We have transportation system that allows us access to the world.
We have accesses to education to help us better understand the world
we are in.
We have Medical benefits that help us more specifically when we get
older, in some cases when we are young.
We have support groups that help us during times of financial and
physical hardships. Unemployment and Social Security just to name a few.
We have a retirement plan that is supposed to activate when we
retire.
Now you may say “well, that is well and good, but it still hurts that
I have to give the Government my money. So what does that have to do with
anything?” Stay tuned for next week's lesson.
© Dale Marsh Th.B. 3/23/2003 |
| 2/16/03 |
Mirror; mirror on the wall who is the
fairest of them all? “It is I” says one man. “And why might that be”
asked the Mirror. “Because of my beauty” says the man. “I mean look
at this hunk of flesh how such fine shape it is. In fact I do a lot of
good works can you not see.” “Well”, says the mirror “stand in
front of me and I will see.” As the man stands in front of the mirror,
low and behold the man cries in such terror “How could this be? I have
been deceived, I am over weight and not has strong has I though has I
might be. All those works, which I thought, were so great. O such a sinner
I am without hope for me it is to late.”
“Mirror; mirror on the wall who is the fairest of them all. Why it is
I” says the second man. “And why might that be?” asked the Mirror.
“Well I have kept the law I have followed and practiced all my religious
duties to the crossing of the T’s and the dotting of the I’s. I am
almost as perfect as thee.” “Well,” says the Mirror “stand in
front of me and we shall see.” As the man stood in front of the mirror
he gleefully said “look at me see how white I am and how perfect I am
close to thee. There is nothing wrong with me says the second man. Little
did he know or was willing to see that he was naked and white has a ghost,
for there was no life in him to see.”
“Mirror; mirror on the wall who is the fairest of them all. Jesus in
me” said the third man. “And why do you say that” asked the mirror.
“Because he covered my sins and took away my pain and healed my heart
and soul that I might have eternal life forever ever.” “Well,” said
the mirror “let me see.” As the man stood in front of the mirror all
you could see was the man's robe's that had been washed in blood and
turning has white has snow. Where the man's head, was the face of Jesus
starring back at the mirror with a big smile. And the mirror said “Enter
thou in, thy good and faithful servant.”
Mirror; mirror on the wall who is the fairest of them all? What will
your response be when you stand in front of the mirror?
© Dale J. Marsh Th. B 02/16/2003 |
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| 02/24/2002 |
Have you ever wondered why Israel felt like they were
like grasshoppers against their enemies? In Numbers 13:33 “And there we
saw the giants, the sons of A'nak, which come of the giants: and we were
in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight”.
I find it interesting that Israel was delivered out of
Egypt with a mighty hand, and with spoil to boot. They were protected from
Pharaoh, and even watched their enemy get washed up (no pun intended).
They were provided for many times with food and water, even if it was
quail. Their cloths never wore out especially their shoes. (Mine last only
1 year at best) They were lead by fire at night, which kept them warm and
smoke during the day (I am blessed if I get the still small voice
correct). He showed himself strong when they went to war with a few of the
enemies that wanted to destroy them. The Lord established their government
and priest hood. Today when you look at some of the war torn nations
around, you see how that is difficult to do in our
own selves. Why then with all this goodness did Israel feel like they were
grasshoppers when it came time to take the promised land? Well, lets look
at there history of thoughts and actions:
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When Moses stepped up to lead Israel they questioned
him after he went to talk to Pharaoh the first time because things got
tuff. Exodus: chapters 5 & 6
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They leave Egypt and meet their first obstacle, the
Red Sea and Pharaoh is hot on their trail. Opening line Exodus 14:12 “for
it was better to serve the Egyptian then that we would die in the
wilderness”.
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They saw the lord and were afraid that they might
perish.
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They broke His commandments before they even came off
the mount and had to eat their golden idol for that.
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A couple of times the leadership had infighting, in
one case the women was put out of the camp until she became clean. In
another case the earth swallowed up a whole band.
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And they always questioned were the water was going
to come from. I know there are some other points to be made. The main
point is you look at their thoughts and actions, and you can see why
they became like grasshoppers in their enemy sights. You think about it,
it wasn't even the enemy that thought it, .because 40 yr.'s. later their
enemies were in fear of this nation.
I do believe that the key words in this could be summed
up in the following verse. Numbers 14:24 “But my servant Caleb because
he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I
bring into the land where into he went; and his seed shall possess it”.
Caleb had another spirit about him. So the question to
you is what spirit is about you that makes you feel or think (what are you
listening to) successful or like a grasshopper? What actions have you been
doing to that make you successful or a grasshopper?
I think we need that spirit that Caleb had and not only
that but to follow God fully.
© 2002 Dale J. Marsh Th.B. |
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March 29, 1999 |
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TO LISTEN FOR HIM |
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How majestic are the mountains and
the little hills that |
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testify of thy great beauty. How
wonderful are the trees that |
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clap their hands and wave and bow in
worship to thee. |
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In all of that, it is the still small
voice |
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that man must listen for every day. |
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How beautiful are the voices of all
creatures great, |
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and small, who sing praise and
thankfulness to thee. |
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In all of that, it is the still small
voice |
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that man must listen for and obey. |
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How mighty is the roar of the ocean
that crashes against the seashore to glorify thy name, How mighty is the
trickling of |
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water to the mighty river that bring
life from heaven’s throne. |
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In all of that, it is the still small
voice that man |
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must listen for in each step he
takes. |
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How powerful is the thunder, and
lightening that strikes at thy will. How powerful is the wind that
represents the moving of |
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your spirit both in violence and in a
cool gentle blowing breeze. |
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In all of that, it is the still small
voice that man must |
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listen for that bring peace and rest
for his soul. |
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How vast is the heavens, that is your
throne, and the |
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earth is your footstool, so that we
are not far from thee. |
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It is the still small voice that man
must listen for |
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that says I love you, come spend time
with me. |
| © Dale J. Marsh Th.B. March 29, 1999 |
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5/18/2008 |
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| © Dale J. Marsh Th.B. May 18, 2008 |
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Original Quote by Pastor Anthony |
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To Fly With The Eagles, You Must Soar In Heart First!
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This site was last modified on 10/10/2007
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