THURSDAY, MAY 5., 2022 SPIRITUAL EMPHASIS

 THURSDAY, MAY 5., 2022 SPIRITUAL EMPHASIS

First some humor for Cinco de Mayo Day:

As you know, many Mexican foods use salsa or queso.  But at one time, almost all Mexicans used mayonnaise as their main condiment.  

During World War I, a top-secret shipment of English mayonnaise was being shipped to Mexico.  But, as fate would have it, the Germans thought it was loaded with weapons for the United States who was going to enter the war.  So, a German U-Boat sank the shipment.  Mexicans denied their favorite condiment and suddenly had to find another way to enhance their foods, and thus salsa and queso became the standard add-on for Mexican cuisine.

And, of course, the event was called SINKO DE MAYO - which over the years has become Cinco de Mayo!!!  And many remember the day with gusto!!

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This week I have looked at families - and especially at families that have been torn apart.  The picture is of my sister and myself last week in Arizona.  (I love my sister!!)

So, today, some Bible verses relating to parenting:

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Ephesians 6

Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do.  “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise:  If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

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Sirach 3

For the Lord honors a father above his children,  and he confirms a mother’s right over her children. Those who honor their father atone for sins, and those who respect their mother are like those who lay up treasure. Those who honor their father will have joy in their own children, and when they pray they will be heard.

Those who respect their father will have a long life, and those who honor their mother obey the Lord; they will serve their parents as their masters. Honor your father by word and deed, that his blessing may come upon you. A father’s blessing strengthens the houses of the children, but a mother’s curse uproots their foundations.

Do not glorify yourself by dishonoring your father, for your father’s dishonor is no glory to you. The glory of one’s father is one’s own glory, and it is a disgrace for children not to respect their mother. 

My child, help your father in his old age, and do not grieve him as long as he lives; even if his mind fails, be patient with him; because you have all your faculties, do not despise him. For kindness to a father will not be forgotten, and will be credited to you against your sins; on the day of your distress it will be remembered in your favor like frost in fair weather, your sins will melt away. Whoever forsakes a father is like a blasphemer, and whoever angers a mother is cursed by the Lord.

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Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Proverbs 23:22

Love covers a multitude of sins 1 Peter 4:8

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God and everyone that loves is born of God and knows God.  He who does not love doesn't know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:7-8

 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.  Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them. 1 John 2:9-11

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So, what happened this last week?  We talked about people who are estranged from their families.  LOVE WINS - but it would seem that separation is breaking a love binding.  

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In legal terms, if you don't follow the directives of the judge or court, you are in "contempt of the court".  It would seem that failing to love might put us in "contempt of God?

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To me, the reality is to LOVE, to live a good and pleasing life.  

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LOVE WINS!!!

Karen May 5, 2022