August 16th Sunday and another gift day from The LORD.We had a good time in SS class, when everyone got there, and we were able to read together some of the Psalms. The exercise today was geared toward being a good hearer of The Word. I read some portion from Nehemiah and the requirement for the class was to identify the attributes and traits of GOD relative to His Genuineness, Greatness and Goodness. The class has been meeting since mid January and this was the 28th lesson and I sense they are growing in their ability to read to know Him better. My test criteria for my own success as a teacher is that if the students are not changed and becoming more like The Lord Jesus Christ because of my teaching, then I have failed. During my oral exam drill it appears the majority have made very positive growth and The Lord is happy with their progress. He is also expecting many great things from each student. We all must strive for holiness and being like Jesus, until He comes. Then the final exam will be in heaven and all of the books will be opened and we will give our personal accounting for our stewardship since salvation. Even so.......

Nehemiah 11:1-12:26 The final chapters are being written. The history lesson as recorded by Nehemiah are complete and all the players are noted. What have you learned about GOD by reading all these names? How would you like for your genealogy to include good words like 11:14? If Nehemiah acts as the prophet, Ezra as the priest, where is the king? Bottom line question may be do all the people of your congregation offer willingly? If not, why not? We practice stewardship daily.

1st Corinthians 10:15-11:2 The question is, have your heard and are you wise in the matters of GOD? These verses provide information so that believers can be wise, make smart godly decisions and being well informed coupled with being filled and led by The Spirit of GOD, we can walk in/at liberty.We are to be stepping stones not stumbling blocks.If you are saved, then you must accept the fact that v11:1-2 are given to remind us of our personal obligation.

Psalm 34:11-22 The invitation is open. Open your ears and hear Him calling you today. Observe v17,18,19 and 22 as promise verses.You may know about Him, but does He know you by your salvation experience?Was He(The Lord)there when you got saved?

Proverbs 21:14-16 How is your conduct? Are you a giver? If not, why not? This appears to be similar to giving alms. We owe our tithe. We give an offering after our our tithe to/through the church. When the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing and we give without recognition and reward to a needy person, then this is alms giving.This is a biblical process and priority. If we sacrifice first and yet have not been obedient, our giving is in vain.

To all the students that are going away to college, we pray they maintain their daily habit of putting GOD, The LORD first.Stewardship.Choose the BEST!!! E-mail me your prayer request.We love and respect you all. pj