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Created by the talented [Link To User poulynoe]")  }   Jesus tells us in Matthew 22:35-40 that the second greatest commandment is to love our fellow man as much as we love ourselves. What does that mean? Love is misunderstood in society today. Part of the misunderstanding may come from the fact that we only have one English word for love and that word has various meanings understood only by the context in which it is used. Wuest reports that Greek on the other hand had four words for love. These were "eran, stergein, philein, and agapan." Each had a different meaning. "Eran" meant physical love or the act of love making or sex. "Stergein" means "kindly affection" or "natural affection" such as the "I like this person type of attraction. "Philein" means brotherly love and the City of Philadelphia derives its name from it. The fourth type of love is "agapan" often spelled "agapao". See footnote. It refers to an unconditional love that puts the needs of others ahead of one's own needs. It was "agapan" that Jesus used in this passage and it means that Jesus expects believers to always put the needs of others ahead of our needs. Do you want to be truly happy? The key to contentment I have found is living an "other-centered" life. I am happy when I can serve others. I am a preacher and I spend a great deal of time preparing sermons or studying the Bible. That's because God comes first. The remainder of my time is spent doing for others. It may be something as simple as opening the housekeeping closet and preparing a bucket of water so somebody can mop their floor. It could also be something as complicated as preparing a PowerPoint presentation and delivering the free classes I give every Thursday afternoon in the Recreation auditorium here at the facility I live in during a group I call Vets Helping Vets. Right now I am teaching on active listening. I spend about twenty minutes discussing the various aspects of active listening. Then I divide the group into small groups of two and we practice the technique we just learned. What it all means is that Jesus is telling us that "agapan" love is a serving love. It is not self-serving and never, ever thinks of itself. It is always looking for opportunities to serve others. Service is what we are made for. We were not created to be selfish and place our needs first. Augustine and Luther used the Latin term "homo in curvatus" to describe the human condition after the fall. Basically it means that our eyes got turned around backward in our hearts and all we can see is ourselves. We were not made to be self-centered. When we act only in our own best interest it creates anxiety in us because we are going against nature. To be truly blessed and happy we need to serve others with our whole being. I am always blessed when I serve others. Preaching on Sunday morning and presenting the lecture on Thursday afternoons is work. It can be tiring. Yet the rewards of getting outside of myself and meeting the needs of others is outstanding. I need no pay except the blessing I get from God who always smiles and says "Well done, good and faithful servant." I may not hear those words audibly but they are spoken in my heart. I declare that I remember sending out a prompt last night, but this morning I cannot find it. I guess I just dreamed it or something. Anyhoo, lol, today I found a superstar. This star is not only a physically very beautiful lady, but charming and kind-hearted as well. She also likes Star Trek, which makes her a 10 in my eyes. Please give your opinion of
  and review it if you would.First of all, let me say that you want to be careful with that Klingnon Raktajino. The only thing harder is Romulun ale. Both of them are cleaners. They clean your pipes while at the same time cleaning your plow! I always liked Star Trek. I did not know this forum existed until I bumped into it today. I guess I should have though. Maryann has been a superstar on WDC for a long time. She is always active with her group. I'd love to recruit her for
Star Trek was the first science fiction show I ever watched. I was not allowed to watch it often as a child because my dad hated it. We also had an old antenna system that usually did not get the channel. When the wind blew just right though we would pick it up and Dad would tolerate my watching it. It always fascinated me. I will try to frequent the Star Trek forum though I make no promises. I will forget it in five minutes. Prompt: "This was our first month of trying something different in BCoF. How did you do? What keeps you blogging or not blogging? What do you see your blog as... is it a writing warmup, a place to store memories, poems, prayers, daily events?"I think I did okay. There were a few days that I simply could not blog because the Internet was down. Then I missed one or two days because Of doctor's appointments. I live at the West Virginia Veterans Home in Barboursville WV where I am also the chaplain, a floor leader, and peer support specialist. So I have times when I get extremely busy and have to cut corners. Sometimes even my own forums and groups are left incomplete. However, I am committed to this group and I love to blog when time permits. I have blogged every day I possibly could, even if it was only a few words. Why do I blog? I usually blog because I find the prompt provocative or challenging. I love to write. I have a lot of people who are not yet members of WDC who follow my blog here. I occasionally post a link to it on social media and other sites and that brings readers. Now I am self-publishing a book using www.readersmagnet.com self-publishing company and I have followers from there who encourage me to continue blogging here because they enjoy reading my work. I have to admit, when I first heard of Readers Magnet I was a bit apprehensive. I thought they were a scam. After researching them, I found that the one complaint they had lodged with the Better Business Bureau was more a misunderstanding than a complaint and they are a legitimate business. I blog however, because I enjoy blogging. I have a gift for words and grammar. English, Reading, Writing, and any other subject associated with words were my strong point in elementary school, high school, and college. Now in seminary I am making straight As because it is writing intensive. I was given a gift to understand grammar and words. Spelling Bees were always my favorite contests because I typically placed high in them. One of my teachers recognized my talent for words and had me copy a dictionary word for word, improving my vocabulary. I hated him for other reasons, but I love him for doing that. My vocabulary IQ has tested in the genius range due to the talent I have for words. So blogging comes naturally to me. Prompt: "Tell us about your favorite room in your house."My "house" is the Barboursville West Virginia Veterans Home. It is a 150 bed facility with several individual rooms and several multiple person rooms. God has blessed me by making me a floor leader. One of the perks of being floor leader is that you have an individual room. I was the only person in the biggest room in the entire complex when I became floor leader. It is actually a three man dorm room but since I am floor leader I have it all to myself. That works out great because it basically gives me double the space. Instead of having two wall lockers, I have the use of four wall lockers. Instead of having three small cabinets I have six. I also have two tables, one of which serves as my desk and a 32" flat screen television to attach to my computer via HDMI for a monitor. God has really blessed me. I thank Him every day for this place. It gave me companionship. It gave me a job and a purpose. Most of all, it gave me a home. Thank you, Jesus. I love you.        |
| } "Prompt: "4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. 5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock." (Psalm 27:4-5, KJV) In good times where is the best place for a Christian to live? In troublesome times where is the best place for a Christian to hide?" I think the best place for a Christian to live all the time is in the shadow of the Almighty. When darkness sets in and the shadow cannot be seen then we must maintain our place, knowing that we are still in the shadow but the shadow is simply hidden in the darkness. God never leaves us. If we believe that we can face any trial and come through it unharmed. The trial may even kill us but we will still be victorious. Christians cannot lose. Prompt: I am cruising solo. Chris (397) is on a space mission so I will be doing the prompt. I visited this planet again
Write about rainbows today. I love rainbows. I am not crazy about what they have become associated with in today's politically correct society but I still love rainbows. They are God's symbol of His promise never to destroy the earth by water again. |
| } Prompt: "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1, KJV) When the Lord has been given His rightful place in our hearts, what becomes the rightful place for fear? Fear has no place in the life of a Christian. It really depends on our spiritual age though. Immature Christians may be physically sixty years of age, but if they are relatively new in the Lord they will deal with anxiety and fear because they have not yet learned that Jesus has everything under control. I have learned like the Apostle Paul, to be content in all things because I know Jesus has it in His control. I was just told by the doctor yesterday that I probably have cancer. There are suspicious spots on my face and scalp. Then today a different doctor told me that I may need back surgery. I guess Satan is having a hay day with my body, but I know that Jesus has this too under control. If I have cancer and it was terminal it would do nothing but promote me to glory. I am no longer a victim to Satan and I refuse to become one by taking my eyes off the prize. Jesus is the prize. He conquered sin and death. I have 100% trust in Him and nothing Satan can do is ever going to change that. Prompt: “Heroes didn't leap tall buildings or stop bullets with an outstretched hand; they didn't wear boots and capes. They bled, and they bruised, and their superpowers were as simple as listening, or loving. Heroes were ordinary people who knew that even if their own lives were impossibly knotted, they could untangle someone else's. And maybe that one act could lead someone to rescue you right back.”― Jodi Picoult,This has been a trying year, looking back upon 2020, who's your hero? Why?" Jesus Christ is my hero. He brought me through 2020 and He will take me through eternity unscathed. Prompt:"A poet dips words into springtime to season her poems with beauty." Tom Guillemets Use this quote in your Blog entry today."I agree with this quote. |
| } Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." (Psalm 23:5-6, KJV) What benefits come to the child of God, simply on the basis of this title and status? I have an appointment early this morning so I probably won't get to completely this until this afternoon. However, I wanted to get a start on it. What are the benefits of being a child of God? Wow! That is a tough question on which entire books have been written. I'll try to summarize but don't know if I can. I guess the best way would be to ask what are the benefits of having everything God has: eternal life, everlasting peace, eternal serenity, eternal wealth, everything at your disposal. We are joint-heirs with Jesus. Just as He will inherit God's throne, so do we. I have to go now. Prompt: I was cruising the galaxy with Princess Leia and found this planet:
Write your views about this poem. I went to the doctor today for the first time in about a year. He said that I've got some suspicious growths on my cheek, nose, and scalp that he suspects are cancerous. He scheduled me for a dermatology consult and if they are cancerous, he will rush me to cosmetic surgery to have the ones on my face taken care of if the dermatologist cannot give me a cream to take care of them. He said that if it was cancer, it was very treatable and I should survive it. I also have a few other medical issues but they are no big deal. This poem is about the heart of a kitten. I like cats, but am more of a dog person. I don't have any pets where I live now. I really could not afford one anyway. "Prompt: Share a link to an essay, poem, or short story that struck a chord with you. Tell us why it struck a chord with you. Or if you have something in your port you would like to share, post the link and let us know what you need focused on in the review."I wrote a paper for business and personal research if you all could critique it I'd appreciate it.
"Prompt: "One place suits one person. Another place suits another person . For my part: I prefer to live in the country." Timmy Willie of Beatrix Potter stories. Which place suits you just fine?Wherever my pillow falls suits me fine. Image #2159373 over display limit. -?- Image #2164523 over display limit. -?- Image #2191828 over display limit. -?- |
| Image #2235354 over display limit. -?- } Image #1997652 over display limit. -?- Image #1971183 over display limit. -?- Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." (Psalm 23:5-6, KJV) What benefits come to the child of God, simply on the basis of this title and status? |
| Image #2235354 over display limit. -?- } Image #1997652 over display limit. -?- Image #1971183 over display limit. -?- Image #2235060 over display limit. -?- Prompt: "3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." (Psalm 23:3-4, KJV) The way we walk and the paths upon which we walk demonstrate a great deal about the lives we live. How can our walking come into agreement with the One, Who determines the important direction of our lives? I have always felt that it is of utmost importance to walk justly before the Lord. An old cliche says that "Christians are the only Bible many sinners will ever read. I have found this to be true. If I act like the world then the world does not see Jesus. They see the world. If I act like Jesus they see Jesus and they know there is something different about me. The difference attracts them. Image #2235354 over display limit. -?- "Prompt: I am back. My internet is back, so Houston, I don't have a problem. Love and Hugs to (396) for filling in for me. I was following a satellite to Mars and found this planet:
Write about Starless nights. First of all I want to thank whoever nominated Space Blog for a Quill Award. The group appreciates it and I love you for it. Starless nights can be good if it's winter because that means the temperature is usually above freezing. Otherwise, the haze would not be there are the stars would be clear. |
| Prompt: "3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." (Psalm 23:3-4, KJV) The way we walk and the paths upon which we walk demonstrate a great deal about the lives we live. How can our walking come into agreement with the One, Who determines the important direction of our lives? |
| Image #2235354 over display limit. -?- } Image #1997652 over display limit. -?- Image #1971183 over display limit. -?- Prompt: "1 (A Psalm of David.) The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters." (Psalm 23:1-2, KJV) These verses indicate, that God has the role of Shepherd and His redeemed ones (aka Christians) have the role of sheep. What needs is the Lord meeting in verses one and two? I'm still not fully awake! The mail has been fouled up around here due to the weather-related power outages. The doctor I see for narcolepsy has been closed due to the pandemic. She normally mails my narcolepsy medicine. So the prescription is stuck someplace in limbo and so am I. Therefore I hope I make sense today. I think what David is saying is that believers are like sheep to God. Sheep are not very intelligent animals. They are pretty helpless. God takes care of us just as a shepherd takes care of sheep. The first need God meets is providing us life and all we need to sustain it. The second need is salvation and spiritual protection. Image #2235354 over display limit. -?- "Princess Megan Snow Rose   is on shore leave without Internet due to the storms. God bless Princess!I visited the star Samberine Everose  this morning. She writes of friendship in
Friendship to me is brotherly love. It's a special bond between me and another person. Image #1971183 over display limit. -?- "Prompt: When we say subtle untruths, even for the best of reasons, we are avoiding something. Why do we resort to untruths when in a bind, and do you think we may be betraying ourselves when we do that?" I wouldn't know anything about it, being Honest Abe. lol. The reality is that we betray God when we lie. Image #1997652 over display limit. -?- Prompt: I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy. Rabindranath Tagore Let this quote inspire your blog entry. I agree with this quote. I found a long time ago that the best way to quit feeling sorry for myself was to serve others. Image #2187503 over display limit. -?- Image #2098718 over display limit. -?- Image #2118746 over display limit. -?- Image #2147967 over display limit. -?- Image #2187984 over display limit. -?- Image #2159373 over display limit. -?- Image #2164523 over display limit. -?- Image #2191828 over display limit. -?- |
| Image #2235354 over display limit. -?- } Image #1997652 over display limit. -?- Image #1971183 over display limit. -?- Image #2235060 over display limit. -?- Prompt: "2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:2-4, KJV) How does an adult come to Jesus as a little child? I think what Jesus is saying here is that we are to be completely obedient,, completely trusting, and completely open to Him. Children are like sponges when they are little. They are flexible and pliable. They believe everything and question nothing. They are wide open for whatever life throws at them and would even trust a rattlesnake because they know no better. They take everything at face value. I think this is what Jesus is saying we are to do with Him. We are to take Him at face value and be completely open and even gullible with Him. We must trust Him no matter what and be willing to go where He leads and value what He values. We must lay aside the walls and defenses we build as adults and become clean slates for Him to mark on. Image #2235354 over display limit. -?- Today, cruising through the WDC galaxy, we found a giant star. Lornda  writes about the antics of a cat in The Crazy Cat (E) or
I have never really been a cat person. Cats are to territorial and don't seem to communicate as well as dogs. I have had several dogs though. My favorite dogs are Pomeranians. I had a female Pom named Sandy who I could have sworn could almost speak! Her actions let you know that she was capable of analyzing situations and reaching logical conclusions. One time for instance, I was arguing with my wife over something trivial. Sandy knew I was wrong. I laid down on the bed and she jumped up on my chest and gave me a look that would have wilted dandelions! I knew she was scolding me. I apologized to my wife and kissed my wife. Sandy again pounced on me and began licking my face. I think she would have smiled if she could. It got to the point where I wanted to make the dog proud of me! Image #1997652 over display limit. -?- Prompt: “I used to try to decide which was the worst month of the year. In the winter I would choose February. I had it figured out that the reason God made February short a few days was because he knew that by the time people came to the end of it they would die if they had to stand one more cold day.” ― Katherine Paterson Use this quote to inspire your entry today." I read something on social media last night that I immediately stole. "2020 is the year Hell took over. 2021 is the year Hell froze over." I think February 2021 is the month in which Hell froze over. Image #1971183 over display limit. -?- Prompt: "If you were given a bag of groceries and three hours to create a signature dish for one million would you accept the challenge? What marvelous creation would you create? Would you get stressed or take it in stride?" I would have to be like some of the guys in the peer support group I run each week and say "I need more information." I usually give a role play assignment and instead of doing the role play, they want to analyze the situation and know all the details instead of simply role-playing. In this case they would ask "What kind of groceries? What ethnic group of people?" Etc. Image #2187503 over display limit. -?- Image #2098718 over display limit. -?- Image #2118746 over display limit. -?- Image #2147967 over display limit. -?- Image #2187984 over display limit. -?- Image #2159373 over display limit. -?- Image #2164523 over display limit. -?- Image #2191828 over display limit. -?- |
| Image #2235354 over display limit. -?- } Image #1997652 over display limit. -?- Image #1971183 over display limit. -?- I was informed last night that my publisher was doing a special promotion for me. I was chosen Author of the Week and given a big page. Then they decided that since I was helping them out by making referrals and advertising for them that they wanted to give me a special promo page for my upcoming book. Other publicity is in the works as well. The link to the new page is https://www.readersmagnet.club/who-is-chris-breva-marvin-d-schrebe-aka-chris-bre.... Come and check it out. Image #2235060 over display limit. -?- Matthew 4:1-11 is the demonstration of Jesus dealing with Satan's temptations after forty days of fasting in the wilderness. What can we learn from Jesus' example, that will help us in our daily battle with sin and Satan, the author of sin. Satan is always prowling looking for ways to take us down. He wants to kill our spirituality. It is not a matter of "if" he attacks. It is a matter f "when" because he will attack. He is waiting for the right opportunity and he will send temptation our way right when he knows we will fall for it. The only way to be prepared for the inevitable attack is to stay close to Jesus, stay in the word, and stay near Christians. Image #2235354 over display limit. -?- Today I wrote about spidey  and her
My breaking point is technology. It makes me feel stupid and helpless. I flash back to other times when I really was helpless. Then I melt down like Cherynoble. Image #2187503 over display limit. -?- Image #2098718 over display limit. -?- Image #2118746 over display limit. -?- Image #2147967 over display limit. -?- Image #2187984 over display limit. -?- Image #2159373 over display limit. -?- Image #2164523 over display limit. -?- Image #2191828 over display limit. -?- |
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