I am looking forward to tomorrow. It is good to have a day set aside to worship God.
“Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth.” Psalm 96:9 NIV
God desires for us to be knowledgeable about him. He wants us to read the Bible. He wants His Word to be taught in our churches both through preaching and small group studies.
“Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.” 1 Timothy 4:13 NIV
I often mention how important Bible verse memory work has become to me. I only regret that I have grasped this concept so late in my life. There are so many great passages to memorize. Too often we are encouraged to memorize favorite verses, but I am finding it much easier to learn whole passages. It puts the verse in context which helps me memorize. It also helps me understand the meaning of the verse at a deeper level.
One of my favorite books in the Bible is Philippians. I have challenged myself to memorize it. Currently I have memorized the first nine verses. Last winter I memorized Chapter 4 and almost all of Chapter 3. However, I discovered tonight that I have forgotten parts of those chapters. This means that I am going to start a program of regular review. I love those chapters and want them to often surface in my memory.
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11 NIV
So, I challenge you to select a passage and memorize it one verse at a time. It does not have to be a whole chapter to start out. Select a favorite passage which is five or six verses long. God will reward you.
Lord, give me a burning desire to hide more of Your Word in my heart.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Taking My Advice
Today I had the opportunity to talk with two different ladies about their walks with Christ. God brought specific, appropriate verses to mind to use with them. The first lady and I had talked last night, and I had encouraged her to keep the verses in front of her because of a challenging situation she faced today. The second lady had a very different situation, and I gave her a couple of verses and encouraged her to memorize them so they would be available to her whenever the instructions in the verses were needed. The conversations even though they were very different both ended with the same advice. It will not be easy, nor will you perfectly execute the new appropriate behavior immediately, but just do it. Make the behavioral and attitudinal change.
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22 NIV
Now this is the rub. When God gives me a mission to accomplish (This time it was to help friends with difficult situations.), God grabs me and tells me to look at myself. Am I REALLY following the advice I give. My immediate response is to say yes. And that is not a fib. Generally God has put me through a training session before he gives me someone to mentor or advise. The training has often been unpleasant or difficult so I can empathize, encourage, and instruct.
Most of the time I am fairly successful at making changes when I clearly understand what is needed. However, I have recently stumbled, progressed, failed, and tried again over a timeframe of months to resolve a set of behavioral issues God was directing me to modify. I knew what I was to do, but my selfish emotions would take control. At times I knew I was doing exactly what God wanted the way he wanted. But too often I did not. I sinned. In the midst of it all, God gave me verses to guide me.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NIV
This verse sustained me.
“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:31-32 NIV
These verses gave me comfort.
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV
But it was these verses which were most helpful to me. I realized that I was not in a struggle with another person. I was in a situation which was being masterfully manipulated by Satan, and he was winning. He is powerful, sneaky, and vicious.
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.” James 4:7-8a NIV
Once I realized that it was the devil I was battling, I dove into scripture and prayer. I worked on Bible memory. I listened to podcasts by my favorite ministers. I read trusted spiritual authors on selected topics. And God changed my heart. Then and only then did I make progress. I recognized Satan’s manipulation. Through the power of the Holy Spirit my behaviors started to change, and I then gained relief from the emotional turmoil.
So, when facing trials of any kind, draw near to God. It is the only way to gain peace—the peace that only God can give during the midst of life’s challenges.
Lord, thank you for drawing near to me. May the two ladies I talked with today recognize and act on the fact that you are the only way.
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22 NIV
Now this is the rub. When God gives me a mission to accomplish (This time it was to help friends with difficult situations.), God grabs me and tells me to look at myself. Am I REALLY following the advice I give. My immediate response is to say yes. And that is not a fib. Generally God has put me through a training session before he gives me someone to mentor or advise. The training has often been unpleasant or difficult so I can empathize, encourage, and instruct.
Most of the time I am fairly successful at making changes when I clearly understand what is needed. However, I have recently stumbled, progressed, failed, and tried again over a timeframe of months to resolve a set of behavioral issues God was directing me to modify. I knew what I was to do, but my selfish emotions would take control. At times I knew I was doing exactly what God wanted the way he wanted. But too often I did not. I sinned. In the midst of it all, God gave me verses to guide me.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NIV
This verse sustained me.
“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:31-32 NIV
These verses gave me comfort.
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV
But it was these verses which were most helpful to me. I realized that I was not in a struggle with another person. I was in a situation which was being masterfully manipulated by Satan, and he was winning. He is powerful, sneaky, and vicious.
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.” James 4:7-8a NIV
Once I realized that it was the devil I was battling, I dove into scripture and prayer. I worked on Bible memory. I listened to podcasts by my favorite ministers. I read trusted spiritual authors on selected topics. And God changed my heart. Then and only then did I make progress. I recognized Satan’s manipulation. Through the power of the Holy Spirit my behaviors started to change, and I then gained relief from the emotional turmoil.
So, when facing trials of any kind, draw near to God. It is the only way to gain peace—the peace that only God can give during the midst of life’s challenges.
Lord, thank you for drawing near to me. May the two ladies I talked with today recognize and act on the fact that you are the only way.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Your Spiritual Act of Worship
What does it mean to worship God? There are so many different styles of worship. Today’s churches offer a multitude of options for types of worship service, music, times of meeting, and social opportunities. Which one is right?
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1 NIV
So true worship comes from my submission—from my willingness to follow God’s commands. I can do that anytime and anywhere. Do I still need to go to church?
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 NIV
So not only am I to meet with other believers regularly for corporate worship activities, but I am to also encourage others. Worshipping with others can intensify the worship experience as we seek to know God better, but what I like about this verse is that it tells us when we meet together, we are to encourage one another. Who did you encourage last Sunday? Who will you encourage this Sunday? Are you willing to make it a goal to encourage at least one person each time you attend a church worship service or church social activity? Reflect on this question. Is encouraging more rewarding than standing around griping or gossiping? Instead of tearing down, let’s build up.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV
So when I worship God, whether during my daily quiet time or in a church worship service, I am not to be concerned about social customs. I am to seek to understand and implement God's commands. As I do this, I will gain a more intimate knowledge of God. But won’t people think I am a bit strange?
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him...The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:15, 17 NIV
So what is more important to me—what others think or a close relationship with God our Lord and Savior?
Lord, draw me to you. Give me the knowledge to know what your will is in every situation in which you place me. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, may I always bring you glory.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1 NIV
So true worship comes from my submission—from my willingness to follow God’s commands. I can do that anytime and anywhere. Do I still need to go to church?
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 NIV
So not only am I to meet with other believers regularly for corporate worship activities, but I am to also encourage others. Worshipping with others can intensify the worship experience as we seek to know God better, but what I like about this verse is that it tells us when we meet together, we are to encourage one another. Who did you encourage last Sunday? Who will you encourage this Sunday? Are you willing to make it a goal to encourage at least one person each time you attend a church worship service or church social activity? Reflect on this question. Is encouraging more rewarding than standing around griping or gossiping? Instead of tearing down, let’s build up.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV
So when I worship God, whether during my daily quiet time or in a church worship service, I am not to be concerned about social customs. I am to seek to understand and implement God's commands. As I do this, I will gain a more intimate knowledge of God. But won’t people think I am a bit strange?
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him...The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:15, 17 NIV
So what is more important to me—what others think or a close relationship with God our Lord and Savior?
Lord, draw me to you. Give me the knowledge to know what your will is in every situation in which you place me. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, may I always bring you glory.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
It's Work
Often the hours run out before the tasks for the day are completed. My ability to judge how much I can accomplish in any given day is generally overly optimistic. I love being busy and accomplishing tasks. It is rewarding to check things off my to-do list. The fact that I am not lazy and enjoy working is one area of my life which I believe is pleasing to God. A willingness to work is one of the characteristics given for a woman of noble character.
“She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.” Proverbs 31:17 NIV
So God desires for the godly woman to be industrious. But has God put any conditions on the type of work we are to do?
“Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval." John 6:27 NIV
How is that possible for me to work “for food that endures to eternal life?” So much of my current work as a housewife involves mundane cleaning, cooking, and shopping for groceries.
“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
So I am to be humble as I go about my daily tasks. I am not to purposely draw attention to myself. Any attention my work activities receive are to bring glory on my Savior who will reward me for eternity. Therefore I must joyfully perform my daily tasks well.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24 NIV
Lord, show me the tasks you want me to accomplish today. May I humbly and willingly perform them well.
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us — yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17 NIV
“She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.” Proverbs 31:17 NIV
So God desires for the godly woman to be industrious. But has God put any conditions on the type of work we are to do?
“Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval." John 6:27 NIV
How is that possible for me to work “for food that endures to eternal life?” So much of my current work as a housewife involves mundane cleaning, cooking, and shopping for groceries.
“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
So I am to be humble as I go about my daily tasks. I am not to purposely draw attention to myself. Any attention my work activities receive are to bring glory on my Savior who will reward me for eternity. Therefore I must joyfully perform my daily tasks well.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24 NIV
Lord, show me the tasks you want me to accomplish today. May I humbly and willingly perform them well.
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us — yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17 NIV
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Lord, Who Am I?
I do not get it. Why is God leading me in the direction I think he is leading? I feel unsure of myself. He has taken me out of the arena where I felt competent. I have to be misunderstanding. Surely I am somehow putting my own thoughts and subconscious desires into the direction God seems to be leading. But no. That cannot be. What is happening now—my current life situation—is not conducive to the thoughts I have been having. What is going on here?
But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" Exodus 3:11 NIV
So Moses thought the same thing when he was called by God from the burning bush. If God used Moses to do the impossible, maybe what seems impossible from my vantage point is what I am to do.
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5 NIV
So God planned for Jeremiah to be his prophet before he was conceived. Just maybe God already knows what I am capable of doing if I willingly yield to him and follow his commands.
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3 NIV
So even though I feel incompetent, God will provide any and everything I need. He has provided me with talents and abilities which I am to cultivate. He has provided me with opportunities to develop and perfect skills. He has provided me with resources. What can I use as an argument to not do as he is directing?
Lord, show me clearly what you want me to do next. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, make me an effective witness for you in the small things so that I will be prepared in all situations to glorify you.
But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" Exodus 3:11 NIV
So Moses thought the same thing when he was called by God from the burning bush. If God used Moses to do the impossible, maybe what seems impossible from my vantage point is what I am to do.
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5 NIV
So God planned for Jeremiah to be his prophet before he was conceived. Just maybe God already knows what I am capable of doing if I willingly yield to him and follow his commands.
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3 NIV
So even though I feel incompetent, God will provide any and everything I need. He has provided me with talents and abilities which I am to cultivate. He has provided me with opportunities to develop and perfect skills. He has provided me with resources. What can I use as an argument to not do as he is directing?
Lord, show me clearly what you want me to do next. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, make me an effective witness for you in the small things so that I will be prepared in all situations to glorify you.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Pride = Evil
Pride. Have you ever thought about how insidious it is? If you are like me, you dislike pride in others but excuse it or do not recognize it in yourself. I tend to think of pride as a sin but a somewhat harmless sin. It is not one of the big sins. The word “pride” is not mentioned in the Ten Commandments.
Over the past year, I have been encountering chapters in books and passages in other Christian literature addressing the sin of pride. Preachers on the radio and the pod casts to which I subscribe have been touching on the topic of pride. I have recognized areas of pride in my attitudes and behaviors. Through prayer and Scripture memory I have tried to weaken the cords of pride wrapped around my personality. This evening I was reading a Bible passage as part of my daily devotion time. Once again I encountered the topic of pride. Just maybe God is trying to get me to understand the seriousness of this sin.
“To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.” Proverbs 8:13 NIV
After saying the Lord hates evil, the first example of evil given is pride! Yes, pride causes people to be insensitive to the needs of others. Yes, pride keeps us from being servants to all. Yes, pride is the reason we do not associate with those we consider to be socially or financially below us. But according to Psalm 10:4, it is a serious sin for another reason.
“In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.” Psalm 10:4 NIV
So pride is a barrier to God. Pride keeps us from God because through our pride we are making ourselves more important than God. We are setting ourselves up as our own personal god—doing as we please, when we please and expecting everyone else to show us respect. We are looking out for "Numero Uno."
“Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” Proverbs 13:10 NIV
So pride is a cause of relationship problems. Could pride be a cause of “issues” you are having with a friend or a family member? Are you humble enough to make the necessary adjustments to restore the relationship? Are you humble enough to take yourself off the pedestal and put God back in his rightful place in your life?
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2 NIV
Lord, through the power of the Holy Spirit make me humble.
Over the past year, I have been encountering chapters in books and passages in other Christian literature addressing the sin of pride. Preachers on the radio and the pod casts to which I subscribe have been touching on the topic of pride. I have recognized areas of pride in my attitudes and behaviors. Through prayer and Scripture memory I have tried to weaken the cords of pride wrapped around my personality. This evening I was reading a Bible passage as part of my daily devotion time. Once again I encountered the topic of pride. Just maybe God is trying to get me to understand the seriousness of this sin.
“To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.” Proverbs 8:13 NIV
After saying the Lord hates evil, the first example of evil given is pride! Yes, pride causes people to be insensitive to the needs of others. Yes, pride keeps us from being servants to all. Yes, pride is the reason we do not associate with those we consider to be socially or financially below us. But according to Psalm 10:4, it is a serious sin for another reason.
“In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.” Psalm 10:4 NIV
So pride is a barrier to God. Pride keeps us from God because through our pride we are making ourselves more important than God. We are setting ourselves up as our own personal god—doing as we please, when we please and expecting everyone else to show us respect. We are looking out for "Numero Uno."
“Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” Proverbs 13:10 NIV
So pride is a cause of relationship problems. Could pride be a cause of “issues” you are having with a friend or a family member? Are you humble enough to make the necessary adjustments to restore the relationship? Are you humble enough to take yourself off the pedestal and put God back in his rightful place in your life?
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2 NIV
Lord, through the power of the Holy Spirit make me humble.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Grow Up
Do you like to be told to grow up? Neither do I. Generally when told to grow up it means that the speaker thinks I am being childish—irresponsible. That person is often judgmental and is stuffy and does not know how to relax and enjoy life in my view at the time. But today I am looking at those two words in a completely different context. I am looking at them as a Christian. Those who love God will grow.
“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;” Psalm 92:12 NIV
What are we to do to become strong and majestic like a cedar of Lebanon?
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” 1 Peter 2:2-3 NIV
So we are to crave spiritual milk. What is that? It is the Bible—God’s Word. The only way to grow in your faith is to draw close to him—to develop a relationship with God. To so this, you have to know what God says. The only way to know what he says is to read, meditate on, study, and memorize Scripture. How much time do you spend reading the Bible each day? Do you read it as much as you do the newspaper, a magazine, or Facebook? Do you attend a Bible study or meet regularly with a mature Christian to discuss Scripture? How many Bible verses do you have memorized? How much do you crave spiritual milk?
“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” Ephesians 4:14-15 NIV
So grow up in Christ. Become a mature Christian who is a powerful witness for our Lord and Savior.
Lord, make me grow up in you.
“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;” Psalm 92:12 NIV
What are we to do to become strong and majestic like a cedar of Lebanon?
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” 1 Peter 2:2-3 NIV
So we are to crave spiritual milk. What is that? It is the Bible—God’s Word. The only way to grow in your faith is to draw close to him—to develop a relationship with God. To so this, you have to know what God says. The only way to know what he says is to read, meditate on, study, and memorize Scripture. How much time do you spend reading the Bible each day? Do you read it as much as you do the newspaper, a magazine, or Facebook? Do you attend a Bible study or meet regularly with a mature Christian to discuss Scripture? How many Bible verses do you have memorized? How much do you crave spiritual milk?
“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” Ephesians 4:14-15 NIV
So grow up in Christ. Become a mature Christian who is a powerful witness for our Lord and Savior.
Lord, make me grow up in you.
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