Hi!
Sorry about last week. We had a storm and our internet was down.
On the first Christmas so long ago,
God gave His gift we know.
He did not wrap His gift in gold for show,
But He wrapped His gift in swaddling clothes.
He gave this gift to you and me,
So His great love we could see.
God holds this gift in His hands,
Across the years it still stands.
To receive this gift you must do your part,
You must receive Christ in your heart
I pray that you will have a Christmas full of God's gift~Christ Jesus,
And a New Year full of blessings from Him too.
Toni Kratochvil
Monday, December 23, 2013
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Decisions made for the Christ of Christmas
When we look at the Christmas story in the Bible, do we really see the decisions that were made for Christ?
Let's look at that now.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, was told that she had been chosen to be Jesus' Mom. Now let us remember that she is a young lady who is engaged to Joseph, and waiting for her groom to come and take her to her wedding. What was being asked of her could destroy all of that, For in her time, a woman found pregnant before her wedding day, could not only be disgraced by the public, but stoned to death. She had a hard decision to make. But in the end, her responds was, "Behold, the handmaiden of the Lord, be it unto me according to your word" (Luke 1:38).
Joseph was a good man in every way. He followed the law of God and his land. AND he was in love with a young lady named Mary. But then one day, she tells him that she is is pregnant, and he knows for sure that that baby is not his. If this got out he would be disgraced, and Mary could be stoned to death. Well, he didn't want that, so he tries to figure out how to call it off, quietly. He had a tough decision to make, but with God's help, he decides to go ahead and marry her, then help her to raise God's son (Mat. 1:18-25).
The night that Jesus was born, there were shepherds watching over their flock of sheep making sure that no man would steal them, nor animal would kill them. Then suddenly the deep darkness of night was over powered with a bright light in the sky. It goes without saying that they were scared out of their minds. But what happened next was even more mind boggling. An angel tells them that the Messiah that they had been waiting for for generations, was born that very night, and laid in a manger, no less! Now we have a test of faith here. Should they believe it? Could the Messiah really be here, after all these years? But their responds was, "Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see... (Luke 2:15).
The same night, in a far country, east of Jerusalem, some men who studied the stars, were star gazing. When all of a sudden, a new bright star appears in the sky!This caused quite a stir, to say the least. They researched out what it could mean, and figured out that it meant that the King of the Jews had been born. They had a decision to make. Do they stay in their comfortable homes, or do they go and honor him? Their responds was, "Where is he who has been born the King of the Jews? For we have come to worship him" (Mat. 3:5).
Christmas comes to us year after year, and it is here again. With each year, we face the same question~ What decision has God asked you to make for the Christ of Christmas?
Monday, December 2, 2013
Song still sparks Christmas memory
The Christmas song that is near and dear to my heart is "Away in the manger," The reason is personal. Let me tell you about it.
One night during the Christmas season, when I was a child of eight years of age, my family was on our way home from church. We were singing which was our custom, Christmas songs mostly.
In the middle of that trek home, my parents stopped at a little Mom and Pop store in Powell, Ohio, to pick up a few things. We children stayed in the car while they went in the store.
As we waited for them, we sang. As we sang, I looked across the street at the big evergreen tree that the firemen of that town had put lights all over. I was in awe of its size.
As we started to sing, "Away in the manger," my eyes dropped to the manger scene that was set under the tree.It was like any other manger scene with angels, Wisemen, Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus. But through my child eyes it was all new and I switched my awe from the tree to it.
Just as we started to sing the last verse, I looked upon baby Jesus in that manger and realized that Jesus loved little old me, So much that he came down to earth as a human baby! That song became tidings of good news to me at that moment.
I opened up my heart to him and the last verse became a prayer for me. The next spring, I asked Jesus into my heart as my Savor, Lord, and King.
As I sit here recalling this memory, with a tear in my eye. I realize that there is a world around us that has a shallow perception of Christmas being just food, and wrapped stuff.
They are quietly screaming for meaning in the mist of all the confusion, because they have not heard the tidings of good news that Christmas can bring.
Are we telling them,"Fear not, for, behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which will be to all people" (Luke 2:10) like the angel told the shepherds long ago?
Are we sharing the tidings of great news with them, that "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasing life. God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved" (John 3:16-17) or do we, too, get caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas ourselves? We should slow down enough to make sure that we give those around us the tidings of the best Christmas gift ever- Jesus.
Like the star that led the Wisemen to Christ, we, too, should lead others to him. This the perfect season to share the tidings of good news.
As you go through this Christmas season, I wish you and yours, a Christmas filled with joy, peace, and good tidings that only come through Jesus Christ.
Note: This article was first published in The Marietta Times, Thoughts of Faith, Dec. 17-18, 2005
One night during the Christmas season, when I was a child of eight years of age, my family was on our way home from church. We were singing which was our custom, Christmas songs mostly.
In the middle of that trek home, my parents stopped at a little Mom and Pop store in Powell, Ohio, to pick up a few things. We children stayed in the car while they went in the store.
As we waited for them, we sang. As we sang, I looked across the street at the big evergreen tree that the firemen of that town had put lights all over. I was in awe of its size.
As we started to sing, "Away in the manger," my eyes dropped to the manger scene that was set under the tree.It was like any other manger scene with angels, Wisemen, Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus. But through my child eyes it was all new and I switched my awe from the tree to it.
Just as we started to sing the last verse, I looked upon baby Jesus in that manger and realized that Jesus loved little old me, So much that he came down to earth as a human baby! That song became tidings of good news to me at that moment.
I opened up my heart to him and the last verse became a prayer for me. The next spring, I asked Jesus into my heart as my Savor, Lord, and King.
As I sit here recalling this memory, with a tear in my eye. I realize that there is a world around us that has a shallow perception of Christmas being just food, and wrapped stuff.
They are quietly screaming for meaning in the mist of all the confusion, because they have not heard the tidings of good news that Christmas can bring.
Are we telling them,"Fear not, for, behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which will be to all people" (Luke 2:10) like the angel told the shepherds long ago?
Are we sharing the tidings of great news with them, that "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasing life. God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved" (John 3:16-17) or do we, too, get caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas ourselves? We should slow down enough to make sure that we give those around us the tidings of the best Christmas gift ever- Jesus.
Like the star that led the Wisemen to Christ, we, too, should lead others to him. This the perfect season to share the tidings of good news.
As you go through this Christmas season, I wish you and yours, a Christmas filled with joy, peace, and good tidings that only come through Jesus Christ.
Note: This article was first published in The Marietta Times, Thoughts of Faith, Dec. 17-18, 2005
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
note from the author
That is the end of 'In Pursuit of the Virtuous Woman'. I would like to thanks all the women who have taught me what a virtuous woman is by what they taught me and by their lives I have been privilege to watch and learn from including Mae Pettet, Juanita Van Horn, & Charolette Frye.
A special thanks to Hellen Van Horn & Mrs. Elliot who taught me to read and write as a child. Look, thanks to you, I can spell well enough to write a book!
Thanks to you the reader. I pray that you have learned something from this Bible study. Above all, I want to thank my God for moving so many mountains, including the ones in my own mind to get this done.
I'm not sure What I will post next. We are about to have a holiday here in the USA that we call, 'THANKSGIVING'. So I may not post anything until that is over in about 2-3 weeks.
it would be real helpful to know what it is that you would like to see on this sight. Bible Study, Sunday school material with puppet plays, novels, articles... I am open to suggestions.
I pray that God will richly bless you in your walk with him,
Toni Kratochvil
A special thanks to Hellen Van Horn & Mrs. Elliot who taught me to read and write as a child. Look, thanks to you, I can spell well enough to write a book!
Thanks to you the reader. I pray that you have learned something from this Bible study. Above all, I want to thank my God for moving so many mountains, including the ones in my own mind to get this done.
I'm not sure What I will post next. We are about to have a holiday here in the USA that we call, 'THANKSGIVING'. So I may not post anything until that is over in about 2-3 weeks.
it would be real helpful to know what it is that you would like to see on this sight. Bible Study, Sunday school material with puppet plays, novels, articles... I am open to suggestions.
I pray that God will richly bless you in your walk with him,
Toni Kratochvil
Monday, April 1, 2013
In Pursuit of the Virtuous Woman- book cover
This book will be coming down on Dec. 7. 2014 This book is now available as an E-book at http://bookstore.westbowpress.com/ for $3.99 USD
This book will give you guidance as to what a virtuous women is. Toni Kratochvil has brought the understanding of what it is to be a virtuous woman by using examples of women in the bible both good and bad along side of the verses in Proverbs 31.
In Pursuit of the virtuous woman- Introduction
Note: This Bible study will be coming down on Dec. 17, 2014 This book is now available as an E-book at http://bookstore.westbowpress.com/ for $3.99 USD.
What does virtuous mean? The question has to be asked before it can be answered.
Virtuous means conformity of one's life and conduct to moral and ethical principles such as being valiant, courageous, brave, bold, fearless, unafraid, daring, resolved, noble, honorable, and having integrity, strength, chastity, purity, modesty, and activity.
Not to be virtuous means to lack these moral and ethical principles such as to be fearful, afraid, wicked, evil, sinful, immortal, bad, dishonorable, dishonest, corrupt, promiscuous, and immodest.
As we look at the women of the Bible, we will be looking at the following words that you will see in the picture on the inside cover: solid, compassionate, industrious, respectful, reverent, kind, sweet, temperate, positive, grounded, persistent, loving, and patient.
I pray that this book will help you.
In His service,
Toni Kratochvil
Outline for 'In Pursuit of the Virtuous Woman'
Outline for~ In Pursuit of the Virtuous Woman
Note: This book will be taken down by Dec. 7, 2014. This book is now available as an E-book at http://bookstore.westbowpress.com/ for $3.99 USD
Introduction
What does the word 'virtuous' mean?
How this book works
Proverbs 31:10
Good example: Ruth (Ruth 3:11)
Bad example: Jezebel (I Kings 16:31; 18:4-19; 19:1-2; 2 Kings 9:7-37; Rev. 2:20)
Application
Proverbs 31:11-12
Good example: Abigail (I Sam. 25:3-42; 27:3; 30:5; 2 Sam. 2:2; 17:25)
Bad example: Eve (Gen. 3:1-24)
Application
Proverbs 31:13
Good example: Hannah (I Sam. 2:19)
Bad example: Potiphar's wife (Gen. 39:7-20)
Application
Proverbs 31:14
Good example: Naomi (Ruth 1:6-7)
Bad example: Rachel (Gen. 3:1-24)
Application
Proverbs 31:15
Good example: Abigail (I Sam. 25:41)
Bad example: Sarah (Gen. 16:1-6)
Application
Proverbs 31:16
Good example: Bride of Solomon (Song of Solomon 1:5-6)
Bad example: Jezebel (I kings 16:31, 18:4-19, 19:5-25, 2 Kings 9:7-37; Rev. 2:20)
Application
Proverbs 32:17-18
Good example: Daughters of Shallum (Neh. 2:18)
Bad example: Delilah (Judges16)
Application
Proverbs 31:19-20
Good example: Dorcus (Acts 9:6-42)
Bad example: Women who lived in the hill of Samaria (Amos 4:1 NIV)
Application
Proverbs 31:21-22
Good example: Esther(Esther 1:5-3:14)
Bad example: Zeresh (Esther 5:9-14:7:9-10)
Proverbs 31:23
Good example: Ruth ( Ruth 4:1-13,:Mat. 1:5)
Bad example: Lot's wife (Gen. 19:12-26)
Application
Proverbs 31:24-25
Good example: Lydia (Acts 16:11-15, 40)
Bad example: Priscilla (Acts 5:1-11)
Application
Proverbs 31:26
Good example: Eunice & Lois (Timothy's Grandma and Mother (2 Tim. 1:5)
Bad example: Job's wife (Job 2:9, 9:11)
Application
Proverbs 31:27
Good example: Martha (Luke 10:38-42; John 11:1-43, 12:1-2)
Bad example: Herodias (Mat. 5:6, 24; 6:17-22)
Application
Proverbs 31:28-29
Good example: Mary, Mother of Jesus (Luke 1:16, 18, 20; 2:11; 13:55; 27:61; 28:1: Mark 6:3, 15:40)
Bad example: Gomer (Hosea 1:2-3; 2:1-5)
Application
Proverbs 31: 30-31
Good example: Rahab (Josh. 2:1,3:6:17, 23, 25, Ps. 87:4: 89:10: I Sam. 10:2: Ruth 4:1: Is. 51:9;
Heb. 11:31; James 2:25
Bad example: Athaliah (2 Chron. 22:10-23:21)
Application
Note: This book will be taken down by Dec. 7, 2014. This book is now available as an E-book at http://bookstore.westbowpress.com/ for $3.99 USD
Introduction
What does the word 'virtuous' mean?
How this book works
Proverbs 31:10
Good example: Ruth (Ruth 3:11)
Bad example: Jezebel (I Kings 16:31; 18:4-19; 19:1-2; 2 Kings 9:7-37; Rev. 2:20)
Application
Proverbs 31:11-12
Good example: Abigail (I Sam. 25:3-42; 27:3; 30:5; 2 Sam. 2:2; 17:25)
Bad example: Eve (Gen. 3:1-24)
Application
Proverbs 31:13
Good example: Hannah (I Sam. 2:19)
Bad example: Potiphar's wife (Gen. 39:7-20)
Application
Proverbs 31:14
Good example: Naomi (Ruth 1:6-7)
Bad example: Rachel (Gen. 3:1-24)
Application
Proverbs 31:15
Good example: Abigail (I Sam. 25:41)
Bad example: Sarah (Gen. 16:1-6)
Application
Proverbs 31:16
Good example: Bride of Solomon (Song of Solomon 1:5-6)
Bad example: Jezebel (I kings 16:31, 18:4-19, 19:5-25, 2 Kings 9:7-37; Rev. 2:20)
Application
Proverbs 32:17-18
Good example: Daughters of Shallum (Neh. 2:18)
Bad example: Delilah (Judges16)
Application
Proverbs 31:19-20
Good example: Dorcus (Acts 9:6-42)
Bad example: Women who lived in the hill of Samaria (Amos 4:1 NIV)
Application
Proverbs 31:21-22
Good example: Esther(Esther 1:5-3:14)
Bad example: Zeresh (Esther 5:9-14:7:9-10)
Proverbs 31:23
Good example: Ruth ( Ruth 4:1-13,:Mat. 1:5)
Bad example: Lot's wife (Gen. 19:12-26)
Application
Proverbs 31:24-25
Good example: Lydia (Acts 16:11-15, 40)
Bad example: Priscilla (Acts 5:1-11)
Application
Proverbs 31:26
Good example: Eunice & Lois (Timothy's Grandma and Mother (2 Tim. 1:5)
Bad example: Job's wife (Job 2:9, 9:11)
Application
Proverbs 31:27
Good example: Martha (Luke 10:38-42; John 11:1-43, 12:1-2)
Bad example: Herodias (Mat. 5:6, 24; 6:17-22)
Application
Proverbs 31:28-29
Good example: Mary, Mother of Jesus (Luke 1:16, 18, 20; 2:11; 13:55; 27:61; 28:1: Mark 6:3, 15:40)
Bad example: Gomer (Hosea 1:2-3; 2:1-5)
Application
Proverbs 31: 30-31
Good example: Rahab (Josh. 2:1,3:6:17, 23, 25, Ps. 87:4: 89:10: I Sam. 10:2: Ruth 4:1: Is. 51:9;
Heb. 11:31; James 2:25
Bad example: Athaliah (2 Chron. 22:10-23:21)
Application
I am back
Hi!
After months of illness, I am BACK!
Sorry for the delay. I will NOW start posting 'In Pursuit of the Virtuous Woman'.
Thanks for your patience!
Toni
After months of illness, I am BACK!
Sorry for the delay. I will NOW start posting 'In Pursuit of the Virtuous Woman'.
Thanks for your patience!
Toni
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Sorry for the delay
Hi! I am sorry for the delay on the posting of "In Pursuit of the Virtuous Woman". My health has prevented my doing so. I promise I will post it when I see the other side of this illness.
God bless you!
Toni
God bless you!
Toni
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