Labor Day
Happy Labor Day. For Americans, this 3-day weekend is like the last hurrah of summer. Plenty of folks in my corner of the world went to the mountains this weekend for that last camping trip before they have to start worrying about snow in the higher elevations. Although the nights have already started to get pretty chilly even though the days are still hot.
Here’s a snippet of history about the holiday from Wikipedia:
The first big Labor Day in the United States was observed on September 5, 1882, by the Central Labor Union of New York. It became a federal holiday in 1894, when, following the deaths of a number of workers at the hands of the U.S. military and U.S. Marshals during the Pullman Strike, President Grover Cleveland reconciled with the labor movement. Fearing further conflict, legislation making Labor Day a national holiday was rushed through Congress unanimously and signed into law a mere six days after the end of the strike. The September date originally chosen by the CLU of New York and observed by many of the nation’s trade unions for the past several years was selected rather than the more widespread International Workers’ Day because Cleveland was concerned that observance of the latter would stir up negative emotions linked to the Haymarket Affair, which it had been observed to commemorate. All U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the territories have made it a statutory holiday.
The “3:16’s”
I don’t know about you, but I write lots of things in my Bible. Usually I remember to date them, but sometimes I forget. As I was looking through some old notes in my Bible, I came across this collection (yes, that’s the actual page at right). No date, but I’m guessing it’s more than 15 years old. For some reason, I did a study of New Testament verses with the numbers of 3:16 and these are what I came up with.
John 3:16 – God’s love for us in Jesus
[Jesus said,] “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
Luke 3:16 – Baptism in the Holy Spirit
John answered and said to them all, “As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
2nd Timothy 3:16 – Validity of the Bible
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.
Matthew 3:16 – The Trinity of God revealed
After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him.
1st Corinthians 3:16 – We are the temple of the Holy Spirit
Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
1st John 3:16 – We know Love
We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
1st Timothy 3:16 – The mystery of godliness revealed
By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, Was vindicated in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory.
Interesting, isn’t it, how vital all of these are to the foundation of our faith?
Leave a Comment, Get a Chance to Win a Book
As you know, I have a new book out. Belonging is the first book in a new series, Where The Heart Lives. Here’s the story trailer that Zondervan designed for the launch of the series:
You can read the blurb, reviews, and an excerpt by visiting my web site here. And here’s a link to the book on Amazon.
If you’d like a chance to win a copy of Belonging (sorry, I have to limit the winner to US addresses), leave a comment. I’ll do a drawing and announce in the comment section of this post later this week (Saturday). Good luck!
~robin
Wow! I have been a Christian for a LONG time and been a pastor’s wife for 17+ yrs, and I have never seen that. Thanks for sharing. I would love the chance to win your new book!! Everything I have read of yours, I have enjoyed. Thanks for continuing to write!!
Someone mentioned to me once doing a study of the 3:16s of the Bible, but I never did it. Very interesting how poignant so many of them are, especially since the chapter and verse designations weren’t inspired in the way the text was.
I’d love to be entered to win a copy of your book!
Ladette, I remember doing this "study" after I realized there was more than John 3:16 that were meaningful to me. So I went looking to see how many there were that would stand out.
Barbara, why am I not surprised that I am not the only person who has done this? <g>
Very neat about the 3:16. I would love to be entered also.
I hear the train rumbling down the tracks. The trailer for your new book is calling “all aboard” to my heart. Please enter my name in the drawing for “Where the Heart Lives.” Thanks & God bless
Thanks for sharing these things today, Robin.
The 3:16’s are most encouraging. I will look into them.
Elaine
Thanks, Merrie. I think the story trailer is excellent, too. Good luck in the drawing!
Elaine, there is always something new to discover in the Bible. I love that!
What a neat concept! I grew up in the church, and have been a lifelong member and have never heard the concept of studying the 3:16’s…I love how God breathes fresh life if we simply look 🙂 Can’t weait to discover the new hidden treasures.
The trailer is supberb, and only strengthens my desire to read Belonging!!!! I thought a drawing on Saturday, hmmmmmm..honestly can I wait til then ??? I was out of town this weekend, and planned to order it right away on my return. I have my own personal library at home and, am proud to say I have every single book you have released in the christian market. There’s not a doubt in my mind that this book won’t disappoint. On the edge of my seat waiting to read belonging 🙂
Hi Robin,
Thank you for sharing your study and typing the verses out. It is nice to see the verses all together on the same page.I did a similar study of the John 3:16’s a few years ago, and I needed to read them again.
Please enter me into the drawing for Belonging. I have enjoyed the other books you have written, and look foreword to reading this one, too.
Thanks!
Thanks, Tammi. You're entered!
The 3:16’s is something I have not done before. I love it! Thanks for introducing it to me.
I am entering this giveaway.
Great! Your name is in the hat.
I can’t wait to read Belonging. Although not an orphan, I lost my mother at a young age and have been searching to belong it seems forever. I have been devouring your books in our local church library. The 3:16s are just proves that there was no mistake made when the Bible was written. God points the way and shows us His love continually. I love Jer. 29:11 but Jer. 29:13 tells us that when we search for God we will find him and I hold on to the promise that He will be found.
Amen, Barb.
Robin, I love the 3:16 concept…..will try it! Please enter me for your book. I have thoroughly enjoyed all your books that I have read! Thanks!!
Congratulations, Patricia. You won a copy of BELONGING. I announced in a separate post (5 days late!), but in case you don’t see it, please send me your mailing address at robinlee.writethinking@gmail.com.
Thanks, I am looking forward to reading Belonging. Don’t worry about being late I am a lackadaisical type of person. I emailed you my address.
Blessings to You and Yours,
Patricia aka Mamaw