tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44803246357483523712012-01-24T14:12:28.388-06:00Humbly Studying God's Word. Learning of My Many Failures. Finding That I Need His Grace and Mercy.Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.comBlogger671100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-58927565851663108522010-12-19T06:34:00.005-06:002010-12-19T06:57:22.535-06:00

Growing up our family always celebrated Christmas with Santa Claus and presents under the tree, decorating the house, lots of great food and family gatherings. While at church however, we might have mentioned that this is the “time of year that Christ was born” we seemed preoccupied with the notion that since we couldn’t exactly pinpoint his birth date, we couldn’t properly celebrate Christ’s

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-11307789901983884762010-01-14T23:17:00.009-06:002010-01-21T07:41:11.129-06:00

A Psalm of David.1 I will thank the LORD at all times. My lips will always praise him.2 I will honor the Lord. Let those who are hurting hear and be joyful.3 Join me in giving glory to the Lord. Let us honor him together.4 I looked to the Lord, and he answered me. He saved me from everything I was afraid of.5 Those who look to him beam with joy. They are never put to shame.6 This poor man called

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-22086679686918214572009-11-15T22:17:00.000-06:002009-11-15T22:23:13.316-06:00

image attributed to http://www.wordle.net/.Images of Wordles are licensed

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-62831792157182643072009-09-28T23:06:00.005-05:002010-01-21T07:47:12.687-06:00

Holy Father, find me. Search for me quickly! I feel as though I am adrift at sea and no one can spot me. I am but a speck, at a great distance away, too small to find. Father, your great waters are bobbing me up and down so that I am sick. I am unable to rescue myself, and no one else can hear my cry for help. I have sent out distress signals, but no one is watching. Everyone is busy emptying

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-64695003177667968602009-09-04T06:39:00.004-05:002010-01-21T07:51:30.573-06:00

1 A Psalm of David. To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.2 O my God, I trust in You; Let me not be ashamed; Let not my enemies triumph over me.3 Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed; Let those be ashamed who deal treacherously without cause.4 Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths.5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.6

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-80769921985333306842009-06-27T09:07:00.004-05:002009-06-27T09:13:22.036-05:00

Sometimes, it's hard to be motivated when bad things are happening all around, and also to yourself. In fact, when bad things happen to me, I'm often guilty of blaming God, or asking God why these things are happening. I am learning that our God is a perfect father in every way. That's not to say I believe if something bad happens, it's because God caused it to happen. Remember Job, God

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-83316957913108790512009-05-25T08:19:00.002-05:002009-05-25T08:21:51.843-05:00

The other morning I was driving along on my way to work, listening to another good sermon on the radio. By the time I was getting close to the office, the signal was starting to cut out. The radio signal apparently comes all the way from St. Louis and reaches to parts of Memphis. This happens each day for me. Some days, If I leave later, I can hear the end of the program. If I leave sooner,

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-210656394311430882009-04-23T23:26:00.004-05:002009-04-23T23:36:42.387-05:00

There was a wedding in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there. Jesus and his disciples were guests also. When they started running low on wine at the wedding banquet, Jesus' mother told him, "They're just about out of wine." Jesus said, "Is that any of our business, Mother - yours or mine? This isn't my time. Don't push me." She went ahead anyway, telling the servants, "Whatever

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-23860030361912527312009-04-14T22:40:00.002-05:002009-04-14T22:51:57.817-05:00

Last month I started planting lots of seeds for my upcoming flower garden. For me, seeds that are planted and come to life are a reminder that God is our creator, and through His creation we can believe and come to know Him. Romans 1:20, Colossians 1:16.You can see in the picture above that the plants that are now visible are casting off their old bodies. Do you see the seed shells of the

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-80961621396042129292009-04-01T22:56:00.003-05:002009-04-01T22:58:54.434-05:00

Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-8344859485105575962009-02-28T16:01:00.001-06:002009-02-28T16:06:08.421-06:00

At about four o'clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them [the disciples in the boat] walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. "A ghost!" they said, crying out in terror. But Jesus was quick to comfort them. "Courage, it's me. Don't be afraid." Peter, suddenly bold, said, "Master, if it's really you, call me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come ahead." But when he

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-85931746290951688592009-02-07T13:11:00.005-06:002009-02-07T13:26:48.986-06:00

Yesterday at work, I started singing this great old song that popped into my head. I hadn’t sung it in a while, but it really was a great encouragement for me. The song was Seeking the Lost written by William A. Ogden in 1886 at the age of 45 years old. The song is a tender song showing the passion that Jesus had when he came into the world to bring salvation to mankind. He knew full well that

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-165255972886102002009-01-28T10:49:00.003-06:002009-01-28T10:55:57.252-06:00

Most every year, I seem to get a good dose of Poison Ivy. I haven’t gotten it yet this year, but the past couple of years I always seem to get it during the winter months. For those of you who have never had Poison Ivy, let me explain that you don’t even need to touch or handle the plant to get it. In fact the past several years I’ve gotten it, has been thanks to my oldest son who’s “given” it

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-64679719125348830702009-01-26T10:28:00.003-06:002009-01-26T10:31:10.579-06:00

Feet are funny, feet are fat.Some are White, Red, Tan, or Black.Feet can run, and feet can jump,Feet can smell just like a skunk.Brand new feet are soft and cuddly,Older feet are hard and crusty.Brand new feet must walk on grass,Older feet can walk on glass.Oh, to have the feet of a child,To be a youngster, meek and mild.To put away my older habits,And run and play like baby rabbits.If I could

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-3027656639526457582009-01-10T08:28:00.002-06:002009-01-10T08:31:47.985-06:00

God works in wonderful ways. It’s hard or even impossible for me to understand. But I’ve seen things in my own life – after the fact that I look back and say, wow! It gives me chills down my back to realize that at that time, when I didn’t even realize it, God was directing me. And I shutter to think of the outcome had it not been for Him being beside me. I’d rather not get off on trying to

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-12861218318254774082008-12-30T23:10:00.007-06:002008-12-30T23:30:25.243-06:00

Today I heard a radio contest and it brought back memories of the one and only time I ever won anything from a radio show. The gift was nice, but I had to head on over to Memphis to pick up free coupon. As I thought about this FREE ticket contest, it reminded me that even though something wonderful and exciting can be free, there is always a price to pay to obtain it. But the FREE gift usually

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-18730403111131867912008-12-26T23:31:00.003-06:002008-12-26T23:36:20.454-06:00

I've rewritten or paraphrased a couple of passages from the bible, to help me study and understand these pasages a little clearer. God is so good in that he provided us with His holy scriptures, so that we might come to learn from Him.GOD - Israel, I have loved you.Israel - Ha! How have you loved us?GOD - Was Esau not the rightful son who should have been blessed? GOD - Wasn’t

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-23024778960783982072008-12-17T23:39:00.005-06:002008-12-17T23:45:36.732-06:00

I’ve been cooped up inside at night for several nights over the past few weeks as the weather has been cloudy, rainy and cold. Typically, I like to spend several minutes outside at night on my back porch – just staring up at the stars and the moon. I obviously lead a rather simple life, but I have to say that spending some time alone on the back porch in the cold night air, looking up at the

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-91670022609553183122008-12-11T11:26:00.003-06:002008-12-11T11:32:47.657-06:00

Reports out just this week confirm that the U.S. has plans to increase its troop presence in Afghanistan as early as this summer. In fact, building construction is already underway in preparation for housing the expected 20,000 individual military troops. In a "change of strategy" admission by the U.S., Defense Secretary Robert Gates says that the new plan under the new president will be to "

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-30450654557006464042008-12-10T07:44:00.005-06:002008-12-10T07:49:37.923-06:00

Something you might find interesting about me is that by late August, I am already thinking about the upcoming Christmas season. More specifically, I am already launching my Christmas music play-list in my computer media player. I can listen to Christmas music for months. Not the music that you hear non-stop on the radio the day after Thanksgiving, but the more quiet, contemplative stuff –

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-27016283451316237982008-12-04T16:42:00.005-06:002008-12-04T16:50:04.182-06:00

In our lives, we place a great amount of importance on being first. I am reminded by my younger son, the competitive nature in some children to be the first person in their class to finish their school work. I can remember wanting to be first in line to go to the lunch room, water fountain, or even to the playground. Often times as an adult, I find myself wanting to get something done first

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-33293999496233561392008-11-26T22:46:00.005-06:002008-11-26T23:00:28.622-06:00

Today was just beautiful! It was a nice, cool day with temps in the mid 60’s and mostly sunny. Perfect. I was also able to leave work early – even before lunch. As a result of my early departure from work, I took advantage of the extra time to go and get some Christmas shopping done. I found just what I wanted for the kids and nothing more. I swung by a food joint after my shopping to pick me up

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-28343290650712681282008-11-25T23:01:00.004-06:002008-11-25T23:09:06.734-06:00

Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. He traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men met him. They had a skin disease. They were standing close by. And they called out in a loud voice, "Jesus! Master! Have pity on us!" Jesus saw them and said, "Go. Show yourselves to the priests." While they were on the way, they were healed. When one of them saw

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-91355096607444136122008-11-19T22:38:00.005-06:002008-11-20T06:32:24.334-06:00

Jesus sent out two of his disciples. He said to them, "Go to the village ahead of you. As soon as you get there, you will find a donkey's colt tied up. No one has ever ridden it. Untie it and bring it here. Someone may ask you, 'Why are you untying it?' If so, say, 'The Lord needs it.'" Those who were sent ahead went and found the young donkey. It was there just as Jesus had told them. They were

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-13162764943868933962008-11-17T08:10:00.000-06:002008-11-17T08:10:00.855-06:00

Lawn season is pretty much over in my part of the country – thank goodness. I had a pretty good Summer with a lot of help from my oldest son in mowing the yard. As I stare out over my relatively small yard today, there are patches of tan – dying grass mixed among the still green Bermuda. Again, I love this time of year. However, all is not well in my lawn, as I have already started to see

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-84359725960681795872008-11-12T19:12:00.004-06:002008-11-12T19:20:01.085-06:00

The other morning as I was sitting on my back porch drinking some coffee, I noticed my neighbor’s dog chained up in their back yard. The chain was attached to the corner of their shed, and the dog paced back and forth in an arc from one side of the shed to the other. I’d seen this same image before growing up. I too had a dog I had to tie up because no matter what, she would manage to dig out

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-10946449964936211852008-11-04T12:32:00.010-06:002008-11-04T13:08:09.759-06:00

The other day, my wife had bought a box of glazed donuts from the store. Ahhh… Now if there were ever a weakness to tempt me – this would be it. I cannot help but love the fresh hot gooey goodness that comes from a card-board box. Well, there are donuts, and then there’s pizza too. By the time I got to the donuts later that same day, I had a chuckle as I opened the box. It reminded me of that

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-65485857944728280212008-10-28T22:48:00.003-05:002008-10-28T22:58:14.520-05:00

This is my favorite time of year. Actually, this is the start of my favorite time of year. I just love the cooler weather, the cooler days and nights. My area of the country doesn’t get just freezing cold. And, at this time of year, we're still dealing with flies and mosquitos. But, if it’s not raining, then most evenings I’m out on my back porch staring up at the stars and watching my

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-33447343372660037942008-10-26T22:24:00.009-05:002008-10-29T06:34:10.810-05:00

Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-71402345005389639272008-10-24T08:59:00.004-05:002008-10-24T09:12:09.558-05:00

Duck tape is a great substitute for Glue or Nails. Tofu is a great substitute for Meat. Olive Oil is a great substitute for Butter. A healthy smoothie is a great substitute for a traditional fatty meal. Yogurt is a great substitute for cream. Pasta is a great substitute for Rice. There are substitutes for Sugar, Milk, Eggs, Fish, Stone, Wood, Glass, and Fiber. There are substitutes for

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-41845171319411710492008-10-08T12:18:00.002-05:002008-10-08T12:33:34.940-05:00

From time to time, I find myself struggling with making a right or wrong choice. Okay, that may sound like I only have an occasional problem. Actually, every day - throughout the day, I find myself struggling with making the right or wrong decision. I pray to God to help me make the right choices. I pray to God to help keep me strong. The thought re-occurred to me today and as soon as I had

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-23985111173633105322008-10-02T12:09:00.005-05:002008-10-02T12:21:39.061-05:00

Samuel also said to Saul, "The Lord sent me to anoint you king over His people, over Israel. Now therefore, heed the voice of the words of the Lord. Thus says the Lord of hosts: 'I will punish Amalek for what he did to Israel, how he ambushed him on the way when he came up from Egypt. Now go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and do not spare them. But kill both man and

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-90977845771278947832008-08-26T10:08:00.004-05:002008-08-26T10:16:01.627-05:00

I've been challenged, tho not directly or even as a dare, but rather invited to participate with a group of Brothers in an evening of prayer. I've got to admit that I'm struggling to find the courage to attend this prayer meeting. In short, it would be the best thing that we could do, IMHO. But the courage to open myself up, and to be real with each other is also humbling. It is definitely an

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-18932430608198867022008-08-23T22:42:00.003-05:002008-08-24T15:44:52.591-05:00

In the time that I’ve spent studying through the gospels, (which is not as much as I should) I’ve easily noticed an antagonistic people called the Pharisees. I can see all that is written about them in the New Testament, and knew briefly what kind of people they were. But in case you’re like me, and could use a little refresher, here’s a little more background on them:The Pharisees (the Hebrew

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-15438115246282431082008-08-17T22:42:00.003-05:002008-11-13T13:06:28.769-06:00

Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today,I’m learning a little more each day, that this life is a hard life, and one that is impossible to live on my own. In fact, I am so glad that I have such a great family, such a great church, and recently, such a great support group in my closest group of friends. For without all of my associations, I certainly would find

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-4143931992798570652008-08-12T19:28:00.006-05:002008-10-08T09:50:33.697-05:00

two little spiders sitting on a thread.one says hi and the other turns her head.one smiles wide and the other blows a kiss.one gets closer but he's sure to miss.he raises his arms and he spins around,but he's soon to wind up on the ground.he's never heard the story from his dad,how he pulled the same moves just like he had.he thinks he's smooth, he thinks he's slick,but she's fixing to lure him

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-51632082777806073382008-08-08T20:30:00.001-05:002008-08-08T20:38:10.445-05:00

Driving to work the other morning, I was listening to an NPR story about the imminent cost of heating oil on the Northeast part of the country. Yes, we’re in the middle of a very hot summer. But so far, after every summer comes fall, and then Winter. So far, it’s been a sure bet. Heating oil prices have almost doubled over the last year, as well as most every other type of fuel. The local

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-20629841654436436082008-08-04T23:05:00.003-05:002008-12-10T09:58:18.685-06:00

I’m horrible about judging people. At times, if I’m not careful, I pass judgement onto people before I even consider my sin filled life in God’s eyes. At times, I have a “holier than thou” attitude toward my fellow man – yet if I stop and think about it, I’m a pretty pitiful sight in God’s eyes. Yet, I’m thankful for God’s plan, and for His love that He and His son Jesus Christ offered toward

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-42462076246191024872008-07-29T07:04:00.002-05:002008-12-10T09:58:18.980-06:00

It’s so human for us to see the character flaws of people all around us, and at times it’s so easy for us to point the finger at the other person, so as not to draw attention to ourselves. For me personally, I’m often quick to point out how others are “not minding God” only to be reminded of “when’s the last time I went to the hospital to visit the sick”, or take your pick. No, I admit that I am

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-11596270475684209072008-07-21T22:50:00.005-05:002008-12-10T09:58:19.125-06:00

The story of David is such an interesting one to me. From just a very young man, he was chosen by God. One story is told found in 1 Samuel 16 when God told the prophet Samuel that He had rejected Saul as being king over Israel. He told Samuel to go and anoint a new king over Israel that would be found among the sons of Jesse - but He didn't tell him who it would be. Upon seeing Jesse's first son,

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-79259212357408308712008-07-01T07:57:00.006-05:002008-12-10T09:58:19.375-06:00

I have been at a loss for words for several days. I haven't been focused. I haven't been able to say what I feel, because I don't know what I feel right now. In just a few days, my wife and oldest son and myself will be taking a very long trip to Crownpoint, NM to share the gospel with some Navajo people. We've never been there, and we don't know what to expect. Also, this is so much out of my

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-78024612998529751742008-06-19T08:39:00.002-05:002008-12-10T09:58:19.511-06:00

Psalms 142:3 When I grow weak, you know what I'm going through. In the path where I walk, people have hidden a trap to catch me. Matthew 6:13 Keep us from falling into sin when we are tempted. Save us from the evil one.Matthew 26:41 "Watch and pray. Then you won't fall into sin when you are tempted. The spirit is willing. But the body is weak." 1 Peter 5:8 Control yourselves. Be on your guard.

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-50375238833499436452008-06-17T21:38:00.002-05:002008-12-10T09:58:19.668-06:00

The Mockingbird is the most widely-known songbird in America. It is the state bird of Arkansas, Tennessee, Florida, Mississippi, and Texas. It is best known for its singing abilities. Not only can it perform songs from 39 other species of birds, but it also can mimic sounds such as that of a barking dog, squeaky hinges, notes from a piano and even a cackling hen, so expertly that even an

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-83563210940626613682008-06-14T22:08:00.002-05:002008-12-10T09:58:19.805-06:00

Psalms 5:8 Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; Make Your way straight before my face. Proverbs 4:25 Let your eyes look straight ahead,Ecclesiastes 1:15 What is crooked cannot be made straight,Isaiah 45:2 I will go before you And make the crooked places straight; Luke 3:4 as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying: "The voice of one crying in

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-91201345851570560682008-06-09T22:31:00.002-05:002008-12-10T09:58:19.947-06:00

Psalms 8:1 O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! 2 From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. 3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? 5 You

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-28682362916877751622008-06-05T22:39:00.010-05:002008-12-10T09:58:20.148-06:00

Jesus' life was a whirl-wind of events. Not much at all is spoken about the first thirty years of his life. But the next three years were well documented extensively as found in the four gospels. But, even still, there remains an extremely large amount of events that are not even talked about. These are some of the areas that we claim to have to "wait and ask him some day". Truly there will be

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-45231467366293797872008-06-01T21:34:00.005-05:002008-12-10T09:58:20.405-06:00

Here's another study for me. If I click the link below, I will see a new window showing a number of verses with that specific phrase, "In Christ Jesus".In Christ JesusWhat I've done here is to combine several of the attributes found in those scriptures of being In Christ and put them together here in one paragraph. It is very comforting. In Christ Jesus, I am justified by His grace and redeemed

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-80970271980984544002008-05-26T07:39:00.004-05:002008-12-10T09:58:20.557-06:00

Job 2:11 Now when Job's three friends heard of all this adversity that had come upon him, each one came from his own place--Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. For they had made an appointment together to come and mourn with him, and to comfort him. 12 And when they raised their eyes from afar, and did not recognize him, they lifted their voices and wept; and each

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-79026050509157580802008-05-23T22:06:00.002-05:002008-12-10T09:58:20.856-06:00

Many times in deep despair,I go to God in fervant prayer.Lord, I ask why it's been so hard?I've been trying you, Son. Trying you hard.Lord, I ask did I pass the test?You've done well, but not your best.Lord, I ask what You'd have me do.Study to show thyself approved.Lord, I ask please help keep me safe.You must obey Me and increase your Faith.Lord, I said, it's so hard to cope.You will survive if

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-54482302125741273782008-05-19T22:40:00.000-05:002008-12-10T09:58:21.021-06:00

Matthew 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Matthew 13:45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: 46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-17822233400006541562008-05-13T22:48:00.003-05:002008-12-10T09:58:21.211-06:00

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-30195907233450611502008-05-12T09:11:00.005-05:002008-12-10T09:58:21.425-06:00

Joshua 6:1 Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. 2 Then the Lord said to Joshua, "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. 3 March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. 4 Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams' horns in front of the ark. On the

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-37038328812551451602008-04-25T10:14:00.008-05:002009-01-07T09:56:12.468-06:00

Examine the picture for a moment, and then think on these things: Rope can be bendable, stiff, soft, brittle, strong, or weak. Rope can be stretchy, can sink or float, can burn or is fire resistant, can tangle and fray. Rope can be used for good or for bad. Rope can be used to bind or to loosen. Rope can be used to kill or to set free. Rope can be used to move objects or to restrain objects. Rope

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-735309663729920302008-04-20T22:29:00.003-05:002008-12-10T09:58:21.733-06:00

I learned something about myself, that I never really knew. Or maybe the thought crossed my mind, but didn't fully know or realize it. This morning, in our new Married class in church, which focuses on building better marriages by learning to become a better person, I learned a lot about myself that I didn't know. Why do I act a certain way? Why do I interact with others a certain way? Why do my

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-76190130505801310372008-04-07T21:38:00.003-05:002008-12-10T09:58:21.905-06:00

Matthew 7:6 "Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces."Matthew 7:13 "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-26390124560675542182008-03-31T22:52:00.004-05:002008-12-10T09:58:22.130-06:00

1 Peter 4:7-117 The end of all things is near. So keep a clear mind. Control yourselves. Then you can pray. 8 Most of all, love one another deeply. Love erases many sins by forgiving them.9 Welcome others into your homes without complaining. 10 God's gifts of grace come in many forms. Each of you has received a gift in order to serve others. You should use it faithfully. 11 If you speak, you

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-82624926441542675412008-03-24T11:48:00.005-05:002008-04-01T10:00:32.710-05:00

After the emotional lesson I heard yesterday at church, my mind could not stop thinking about God's love. I spent several hours yesterday going through tons of my photos and putting together this short video. It's kind of rough, as this was my first attempt to do this. But God's world is amazing. However, as amazing as it is, it's only temporary. But His message is timeless. More to come about

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-35142394901831279022008-03-22T16:24:00.003-05:002008-12-10T09:58:22.355-06:00

We know that the law is holy. But I am not. I have been sold to be a slave of sin. I don't understand what I do. I don't do what I want to do. Instead, I do what I hate to do. I do what I don't want to do. So I agree that the law is good. As it is, I am no longer the one who does these things. It is sin living in me that does them. I know there is nothing good in my sinful nature. I want to do

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-14234535591955167612008-03-16T21:58:00.004-05:002008-12-10T09:58:22.515-06:00

Genesis 6:13 Then God said to Noah, "I have decided to put an end to all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence because of them; therefore I am going to destroy them along with the earth. 14 "Make yourself an ark of gofer wood. Make rooms in the ark, and cover it with pitch inside and outside. 15 This is how you are to make it: The ark will be 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high.

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-82862967890784054552008-03-06T20:44:00.015-06:002008-12-10T09:58:22.665-06:00

Numbers 16:16 Moses said to Korah, "You and all of your followers must stand in front of the Lord tomorrow. You must appear there along with Aaron. 17 Each man must get his shallow cup. He must put incense in it. There will be a total of 250 incense cups. Each man must bring his cup to the Lord. You and Aaron must also bring your cups." 18 So each man got his cup. He put fire and incense in it.

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-15774702960930882632008-03-01T07:38:00.004-06:002008-12-10T09:58:22.860-06:00

I have a Saturday ritual that I look forward to each week -- as long as it's not cloudy and raining. The night before, I make sure the coffee pot is set, so that the next morning I can get up early and sit on my back porch just as the sun is starting to rise. I love the quiet times with no one around, before the world wakes up in my own little back yard. It is definitely a reflective time when I

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-79854545573963813202008-02-28T20:31:00.007-06:002008-12-10T09:58:22.995-06:00

Luke 5:3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then He sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." 5 Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because You say so, I will let

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-41813632420627786642008-02-17T21:55:00.005-06:002008-12-10T09:58:23.265-06:00

John 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-70865141017958035832008-02-16T22:46:00.011-06:002008-12-10T09:58:23.505-06:00

Luke 13:6 Then Jesus told a story. "A man had a fig tree," he said. "It had been planted in his vineyard. When he went to look for fruit on it, he didn't find any. 7 So he went to the man who took care of the vineyard. He said, 'For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree. But I haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?' 8 "'Sir,' the man replied,

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-53055966893329080372008-02-13T21:36:00.012-06:002008-12-10T09:58:23.998-06:00

Mark 4:1-9 (Today's New International Version)1 Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people were along the shore at the water's edge. 2 He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said: 3 "Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-62068494458506878392008-02-11T21:20:00.006-06:002008-12-10T09:58:24.179-06:00

1 Peter 2:1-3 (New International Version)1 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.If you’ve ever been around a baby, you know that every few hours, they gotta eat. They will let you know

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4480324635748352371.post-1622336176579070422008-02-11T14:04:00.003-06:002008-12-10T09:58:24.625-06:00

Luke 16:19-26Jesus Said:19 "Once there was a rich man. He was dressed in purple cloth and fine linen. He lived an easy life every day. 20 A man named Lazarus was placed at his gate. Lazarus was a beggar. His body was covered with sores. 21 Even dogs came and licked his sores. All he wanted was to eat what fell from the rich man's table. 22 "The time came when the beggar died. The angels carried

Paul Fordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280048917176407967noreply@blogger.com0