Sometimes I step off into a subject that may be somewhat over my head or rather over my feet. We know through personal visits or watching media of the oil catastrophe in Gulf of Mexico how it’s affecting coastlines. People being careful to walk there try not to step in oil sludge or on tar balls.
Walking down there, shoes or flip flops are worn but cleaning them or bare feet takes more than water or soap. It wasn’t that way during Jesus’ day. With most Biblical characters at that time wearing leather strap-on sandals and no socks, as we now have, dusty and muddy roads caused dirty feet.
The Bible has many passages on foot washing. When the Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees in Mamre three men appeared. Abraham rushed to meet them and said: “Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree,” Genesis 18:4 KJV. When two angels appeared in Sodom, Lot said: “. . .Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways.” - Gen. 19:2KJV. When Jacobs’, or Israels’, sons traveled to Egypt, their brother Joseph, unknown at the time to them, gave orders to his steward: “The steward took the men into Joseph’s house, gave them water to wash their feet and provided fodder to their donkeys.” - Gen. 43:24NIV.
The Bible says Jesus spoke to Simon the Pharisee in his home: “ . . Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. - Luke 7:44KJV.
At the Lord’s Supper, Jesus: “ . .got up from the supper table, set aside his robe, and put on an apron. When he got to Simon Peter, Peter said ‘Master, you wash my feet?’ Jesus answered. “You don’t understand now what I’m doing, but it will be clear to you later.’ Peter persisted, ‘You’re not going to wash my feet–ever! Jesus said, ‘If I don’t wash you, you can’t be part of what I’m doing.’ ‘Master!’ said Peter, ‘Not only my feet, then, Wash my hands! Wash my head!’ Jesus said, ‘If you’ve had a bath in the morning, you only need your feet washed now and you’re clean from head to toe. My concern, you understand, is holiness, not hygiene.’” - John 13:4-10 MESSAGE. What did the Lord intend to teach in these verses when He washed the disciples feet? Did He institute a church religious worship ritual, or did He set an example of individual humble service? It’s not stated in the Bible that this should be a ritual of worship nor does any other Biblical passage state that Christians did this in church assemblies.
Jesus washed feet not a foot. For those churches who practice foot-washing some do it this way: "For people whose feet are being washed: Instruct them to come to the service with clean feet in clean footgear. Each person removes the footgear from one foot. It doesn't matter which foot. The foot-washer places the bowl under the person's bare foot, pours water on the foot, and dries it with the towel."
This has nothing to do with foot-washing, but we Massage Therapist use lotions, oils or gels to gently massage feet. The bottom of feet are a map of internal body parts and any soreness or hardness on them usually reflexes to indicate problems in that body part. When that body area is clear of problems, foot soreness is usually gone. I’m a believer of taking care of feet, because when they are pain-free the mind can concentrate on other things especially Biblical teachings and emulating Jesus.
August 21, 2010
Aug. 16 ‘10 - Rebellious Nation By Elder Burdette Thomas
I would like to take our study this week from Isaiah 1:1-4. “The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider. Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.”
God is trying to teach us a lesson in these verses of scriptures. That it does not pay to rebel against Him. There was a time in the nation of Israel God had provided for them. It seems that each time God took care of them that they would complain. Each time this would happen God would punish them. These people were use to God taking care of them that they began to feel like we can do what ever we want to and God will provide. God was so good to the nation of Israel . Just like He has been good to America.
The nation of Israel had got to a point in their lives that the Lord said they had forgotten Him. God used natural things to give us a lesson. He said the ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib. If you have ever had animals you know that they know you. Animals know who tends to them. Cows know when you start to the barn that it is time for them to be milked. You can go to the crib for the horse feed and pretty soon the horse will know that he is going to get feed.
It is sad that we have come to a day when God the one that created all things has been shut out of schools. No longer are our children allowed to pray in the class room. But it is ok for drugs to be sold at our schools. It is ok for sex to be taught but don’t teach anything about the Bible. People what have we come too. Our nation was founded on IN GOD WE TRUST. I guess it was good enough for back then, but it will not do for the day in which we live.
People I have seen many changes in my life time. Some I have been very shocked to see happen. Some you would never have dreamed of. We sit around and wonder why our great country is in the shape she’s in, when all I can say is if you rebel against God what is there left. People God has been good to us. He has given His Son to die for our sins. That alone should make us serve Him. We live in the greatest country in the world. We have the freedom to worship God like we want too. If we desired we could go to church ever night of the week. There are churches on ever corner. The Bible was given to us that we might read and study and that we might see where the nation of Israel made their mistakes and you and I not make those.
Why can’t we just follow our Lord and let Him take care of us. People what is our world coming to when they are wanting to pass a law that you can carry a gun to church. I don’t understand this so maybe someone can help me with it. I tell you what there has been a lot of changes over the years, but I am glad that I am serving a God that never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. The world can change but that doesn’t mean we have too. We can be like Joshua, as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.
Yours in Christ
Elder Burdette Thomas
God is trying to teach us a lesson in these verses of scriptures. That it does not pay to rebel against Him. There was a time in the nation of Israel God had provided for them. It seems that each time God took care of them that they would complain. Each time this would happen God would punish them. These people were use to God taking care of them that they began to feel like we can do what ever we want to and God will provide. God was so good to the nation of Israel . Just like He has been good to America.
The nation of Israel had got to a point in their lives that the Lord said they had forgotten Him. God used natural things to give us a lesson. He said the ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib. If you have ever had animals you know that they know you. Animals know who tends to them. Cows know when you start to the barn that it is time for them to be milked. You can go to the crib for the horse feed and pretty soon the horse will know that he is going to get feed.
It is sad that we have come to a day when God the one that created all things has been shut out of schools. No longer are our children allowed to pray in the class room. But it is ok for drugs to be sold at our schools. It is ok for sex to be taught but don’t teach anything about the Bible. People what have we come too. Our nation was founded on IN GOD WE TRUST. I guess it was good enough for back then, but it will not do for the day in which we live.
People I have seen many changes in my life time. Some I have been very shocked to see happen. Some you would never have dreamed of. We sit around and wonder why our great country is in the shape she’s in, when all I can say is if you rebel against God what is there left. People God has been good to us. He has given His Son to die for our sins. That alone should make us serve Him. We live in the greatest country in the world. We have the freedom to worship God like we want too. If we desired we could go to church ever night of the week. There are churches on ever corner. The Bible was given to us that we might read and study and that we might see where the nation of Israel made their mistakes and you and I not make those.
Why can’t we just follow our Lord and let Him take care of us. People what is our world coming to when they are wanting to pass a law that you can carry a gun to church. I don’t understand this so maybe someone can help me with it. I tell you what there has been a lot of changes over the years, but I am glad that I am serving a God that never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. The world can change but that doesn’t mean we have too. We can be like Joshua, as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.
Yours in Christ
Elder Burdette Thomas
Aug. 16 '10 - The Gateway by Joyce Mizell
The Great Smoky Mountains has been the gateway to millions of visitors through out the years. Those majestic mountains seem to say to everyone; we’re so peaceful and tranquil come visit. The foliage on the trees in fall turn dozens of blazing brilliant colors splashed on by God. The scene makes for a “Kodak Moment.” This happens to be one of my most enjoyable vacation spots.
A sign at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains deserves our attention. It reads-The Great Smoky Mountains International Biosphere Reserve. The G S M was dedicated by Franklin D. Roosevelt in1940. Seeing the sign
I have wondered why the United Nations is involved with our land here in the US . Study shows the park was designated an International Biosphere Reserve in 1976 and is now a World Heritage Site since 1983. I understand the claims as to why this was done. If we give some serious sober thinking we may come to the conclusion that some of our USA Rights are falling off the mountain of the principals it was founded upon. This brings me to this thought, when the winds of change blow don’t bend like a reed, stand firm and strong
A study in the Bible tells us God divided the nations. Deuteronomy 32:8-When the Most High divided the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel . All nations are important to God. God is in control of all things and all people.
After reading the history of the Great Smoky Mountains the thought came to mind, is some of the overeignty of the USA slipping away? I love America where I can worship the One and only True God. A One World Religion, A One World Government and A One World Money is not my American
dream!!!!
Each day of our life we must ask the Lord let us never forget our Divine Blessings that only he can give. He will give us strength to hold on when the winds of change tries to blow us off the mountain cliff. Jesus said I and My Father are One. Never neglect to thank God for his Son Jesus incarnate. Through Jesus we see God!
John 12:44-Jesus cried and said, he that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. 45-And he that seeith me seeth him that sent me. Jesus the Son of God was Deity!
The Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains is just an entrance to an earthly vacation spot. The Gateway to Heaven is Jesus Christ. He is the Door! The entrance into heaven through Jesus Christ is Eternal!
John 10:9-I am the door; by me is any man enter in he shall be saved and shall go in and out and find pasture. Jesus is our good Shepherd who gave his life for his sheep.
A sign at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains deserves our attention. It reads-The Great Smoky Mountains International Biosphere Reserve. The G S M was dedicated by Franklin D. Roosevelt in1940. Seeing the sign
I have wondered why the United Nations is involved with our land here in the US . Study shows the park was designated an International Biosphere Reserve in 1976 and is now a World Heritage Site since 1983. I understand the claims as to why this was done. If we give some serious sober thinking we may come to the conclusion that some of our USA Rights are falling off the mountain of the principals it was founded upon. This brings me to this thought, when the winds of change blow don’t bend like a reed, stand firm and strong
A study in the Bible tells us God divided the nations. Deuteronomy 32:8-When the Most High divided the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel . All nations are important to God. God is in control of all things and all people.
After reading the history of the Great Smoky Mountains the thought came to mind, is some of the overeignty of the USA slipping away? I love America where I can worship the One and only True God. A One World Religion, A One World Government and A One World Money is not my American
dream!!!!
Each day of our life we must ask the Lord let us never forget our Divine Blessings that only he can give. He will give us strength to hold on when the winds of change tries to blow us off the mountain cliff. Jesus said I and My Father are One. Never neglect to thank God for his Son Jesus incarnate. Through Jesus we see God!
John 12:44-Jesus cried and said, he that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. 45-And he that seeith me seeth him that sent me. Jesus the Son of God was Deity!
The Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains is just an entrance to an earthly vacation spot. The Gateway to Heaven is Jesus Christ. He is the Door! The entrance into heaven through Jesus Christ is Eternal!
John 10:9-I am the door; by me is any man enter in he shall be saved and shall go in and out and find pasture. Jesus is our good Shepherd who gave his life for his sheep.
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