Marvelous. Miraculous. Stupendous. Wonderful.
These were my thoughts after attending the first Bible Study Fellowship class this fall. I study my Bible daily. I regularly attend church. I talk with Christian friends in person and electronically. But nothing encourages me more nor builds my desire to learn more about God than studying God’s Word in a strong, Scripture-based, God-inspired Bible study.
“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, I encourage you to find and actively participate in a quality Bible study.
Lord, thank you for BSF. Thank you for using BSF to encourage me to spend more time with you. As I study your word for this Bible study session, draw me closer to you.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Topsy Turvy
My life is topsy-turvy. My activities, sleeping, eating, and routines are all dramatically different. I am discombobulated. (Is that a word?) Well, you get the picture.
I apologize for not writing on this blog for the past week. Please continue to check because I should be back to writing soon. Things are beginning to settle down somewhat. September 8 at 12:30 AM we had to call the ambulance to have my mother-in-law transported to the hospital. She is still in the hospital and still has an IV. Praise the Lord she is improving. Ray and I have learned how to easily negotiate the hospital cafeteria and are ready to recognize some of the staff as important friends. Ray’s mom has received very good care all the staff--nurse, CNA, OT, PT, social worker, dietician, and others. We love her doctor.
My writing time has been one of the things which has been temporarily abandoned. My mind has been on almost everything except writing. I have spent extra time studying my Bible and reflecting on how God is working in my life and the world around me. God has shown himself to me in ways that I found unexpected. While sitting in a hospital you expect God to give you peace, strength, and courage. Instead he has convicted me of areas of sin in my life. He has made me realize how much I fight his way because I want things my way. He has convicted me of how I use my tongue. My words are not always his words or words which bring glory to him. My frustration and anger are still issues I have not mastered and cannot master unless I am willing to submit completely to him. I have seen how I am not living his first commandment.
“Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment.” Matthew 22:37-38 NIV
So, no matter what is happening in this life, I must put God first because only he is worthy. My uncontrolled tongue and anger are an affront to God and must be controlled through the power given me by the Holy Spirit.
Lord, draw me close to you. I cannot do it on my power. Give me your love, wisdom, words, and actions.
I apologize for not writing on this blog for the past week. Please continue to check because I should be back to writing soon. Things are beginning to settle down somewhat. September 8 at 12:30 AM we had to call the ambulance to have my mother-in-law transported to the hospital. She is still in the hospital and still has an IV. Praise the Lord she is improving. Ray and I have learned how to easily negotiate the hospital cafeteria and are ready to recognize some of the staff as important friends. Ray’s mom has received very good care all the staff--nurse, CNA, OT, PT, social worker, dietician, and others. We love her doctor.
My writing time has been one of the things which has been temporarily abandoned. My mind has been on almost everything except writing. I have spent extra time studying my Bible and reflecting on how God is working in my life and the world around me. God has shown himself to me in ways that I found unexpected. While sitting in a hospital you expect God to give you peace, strength, and courage. Instead he has convicted me of areas of sin in my life. He has made me realize how much I fight his way because I want things my way. He has convicted me of how I use my tongue. My words are not always his words or words which bring glory to him. My frustration and anger are still issues I have not mastered and cannot master unless I am willing to submit completely to him. I have seen how I am not living his first commandment.
“Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment.” Matthew 22:37-38 NIV
So, no matter what is happening in this life, I must put God first because only he is worthy. My uncontrolled tongue and anger are an affront to God and must be controlled through the power given me by the Holy Spirit.
Lord, draw me close to you. I cannot do it on my power. Give me your love, wisdom, words, and actions.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Camping Out
Labor Day Weekend represents the symbolic close of the summer vacation season. Many families travel to the lake for the last campout of the year. It was fun for me to discover that the ancient Jews also had a camping out holiday. It was called the Feast of Tabernacles.
The Feast of Tabernacles generally took place the first part of October after the harvest season. It was a joyful holiday. This was the third pilgrimage festival in the Jewish year. Families traveled to Jerusalem. They built shelters from tree branches and lived in them for seven days. Living in the shelters was to remind the Jews of their time living in tents on the desert. Solemn assemblies were part of the first day and eighth day activities.
“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Say to the Israelites: On the fifteenth day of the seventh month the Lord's Feast of Tabernacles begins, and it lasts for seven days. The first day is a sacred assembly; do no regular work. For seven days present offerings made to the Lord by fire, and on the eighth day hold a sacred assembly and present an offering made to the Lord by fire. It is the closing assembly; do no regular work.’” Leviticus 23:33-36 NIV
The festival was to celebrate the bounty of the harvest, but it also was to thank God for the rains which made the crop grow. An ancient water-pouring ceremony was part of the religious activities. Each morning for the first seven mornings, a priest would fill a golden pitcher from the pool of Siloam. The water was poured into a funnel at the side of the altar as the morning sacrifice was made. Then the temple choir would then sing Psalms 113-118.
It was on the last day of this festival that Jesus told the crowd in the temple that he was the source of living water. Of course we know he was talking about the Holy Spirit who he would send to live in us. But this proclamation was confusing to the crowd and created controversy.
“On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.’ By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.” John 7:37-39 NIV
I find it profoundly interesting that Jesus would publically proclaim he is the source of living water on a festival day for which a water ceremony was a part.
So search the Scriptures with an inquiring mind. They are full of fascinating bits of information that when you start to understand the connections God has created will intensify your faith and belief in him.
Lord, you are an amazing God. Thank you for providing the Holy Spirit as nourishing--spiritually life-sustaining-- living water. Only you are worthy of my worship.
The Feast of Tabernacles generally took place the first part of October after the harvest season. It was a joyful holiday. This was the third pilgrimage festival in the Jewish year. Families traveled to Jerusalem. They built shelters from tree branches and lived in them for seven days. Living in the shelters was to remind the Jews of their time living in tents on the desert. Solemn assemblies were part of the first day and eighth day activities.
“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Say to the Israelites: On the fifteenth day of the seventh month the Lord's Feast of Tabernacles begins, and it lasts for seven days. The first day is a sacred assembly; do no regular work. For seven days present offerings made to the Lord by fire, and on the eighth day hold a sacred assembly and present an offering made to the Lord by fire. It is the closing assembly; do no regular work.’” Leviticus 23:33-36 NIV
The festival was to celebrate the bounty of the harvest, but it also was to thank God for the rains which made the crop grow. An ancient water-pouring ceremony was part of the religious activities. Each morning for the first seven mornings, a priest would fill a golden pitcher from the pool of Siloam. The water was poured into a funnel at the side of the altar as the morning sacrifice was made. Then the temple choir would then sing Psalms 113-118.
It was on the last day of this festival that Jesus told the crowd in the temple that he was the source of living water. Of course we know he was talking about the Holy Spirit who he would send to live in us. But this proclamation was confusing to the crowd and created controversy.
“On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.’ By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.” John 7:37-39 NIV
I find it profoundly interesting that Jesus would publically proclaim he is the source of living water on a festival day for which a water ceremony was a part.
So search the Scriptures with an inquiring mind. They are full of fascinating bits of information that when you start to understand the connections God has created will intensify your faith and belief in him.
Lord, you are an amazing God. Thank you for providing the Holy Spirit as nourishing--spiritually life-sustaining-- living water. Only you are worthy of my worship.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Bruised--Not Broken
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:17-18 NIV
What reassurance! David was in a very dangerous situation when he wrote Psalm 34 yet he knew that God was with him and protecting him. Therefore, in my everyday experiences I can be assured God is close to me any time I am experiencing problems.
John Wesley’s life verse was Isaiah 42:3. This verse talks about a bruised reed. It is bruised but not broken. This is symbolic of our past sin. When we sin, God will let us experience the natural consequences for the sin and he will restore us.
"A bruised reed He will not break and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice.” Isaiah 42:3 NASU
God does not want us to focus on past problems. Yes, we are to learn from our life experiences, but we are not to live today looking at yesterday. God wants to lead us to the next thing. He prepares us for our future service to him.
"Behold, the former things have come to pass, now I declare new things; before they spring forth I proclaim them to you." Isaiah 42:9 NASU
We get busy and tend to go from one task or event to the next. We are so busy doing the next thing. But all of our doing does not please God. He desires for us to pay very close attention to him.
“Which of you will listen to this or pay close attention in time to come?” Isa 42:23 NIV
How can we dare to not concentrate on God’s will for us?
“I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior.” Isa 43:11 NIV
So we are to be very attentive to what God is doing today. God can and does accomplish the impossible.
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
Lord, create in me a heart of forgiveness—to forgive persons who intentionally hurt me, to forgive persons who unintentionally hurt me, and to forgive myself. Give me the desire to hear you and to focus on what you have for me to do to serve you today.
What reassurance! David was in a very dangerous situation when he wrote Psalm 34 yet he knew that God was with him and protecting him. Therefore, in my everyday experiences I can be assured God is close to me any time I am experiencing problems.
John Wesley’s life verse was Isaiah 42:3. This verse talks about a bruised reed. It is bruised but not broken. This is symbolic of our past sin. When we sin, God will let us experience the natural consequences for the sin and he will restore us.
"A bruised reed He will not break and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice.” Isaiah 42:3 NASU
God does not want us to focus on past problems. Yes, we are to learn from our life experiences, but we are not to live today looking at yesterday. God wants to lead us to the next thing. He prepares us for our future service to him.
"Behold, the former things have come to pass, now I declare new things; before they spring forth I proclaim them to you." Isaiah 42:9 NASU
We get busy and tend to go from one task or event to the next. We are so busy doing the next thing. But all of our doing does not please God. He desires for us to pay very close attention to him.
“Which of you will listen to this or pay close attention in time to come?” Isa 42:23 NIV
How can we dare to not concentrate on God’s will for us?
“I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior.” Isa 43:11 NIV
So we are to be very attentive to what God is doing today. God can and does accomplish the impossible.
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
Lord, create in me a heart of forgiveness—to forgive persons who intentionally hurt me, to forgive persons who unintentionally hurt me, and to forgive myself. Give me the desire to hear you and to focus on what you have for me to do to serve you today.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
His Voice
I get so frustrated with God sometimes. He doesn’t do things when I think he should do them in the manner in which I think He should do them. I do not want to listen to and follow his instructions. I want it done my way. Because I prayed for it, he should grant it. Now I realize how arrogant this attitude is, but I have been unable to eradicate it. As a matter of fact, I have not even allowed myself to recognize this sinful attitude until recently. I must learn to listen to God.
So how do I “hear” God? He does not speak to me today like he did to the prophets in the Old Testament. But why should he? God has given me the Holy Spirit to live in my heart. I have unlimited contact and communication opportunities. However, I do not use them.
I set aside some time to pray and get out my journal with the list of requests I have for God. My prayer will open with some obligatory praise statement. Then I start the long list of requests. By the time I get through the list, I’m tired of praying. A quick “Thank You, Lord” is said and with an “amen” the prayer duty is done.
This portrayal of my prayer life is a bit harsher than my actual practice. I usually enjoy praying and find it a fulfilling activity. But if I am not careful it does become perfunctory. Keeping my prayer life vital is essential because it is how I communicate with God. It is how I talk to God and many times how I receive guidance from him.
Jesus often sought time with God. He was always unwilling to proceed without instructions from God.
“‘You go to the Feast. I am not yet going up to this Feast, because for me the right time has not yet come.’ Having said this, he stayed in Galilee.” John 7:8-9 NIV
Jesus would not go on the pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles because God had not given him permission yet to go there as a part of his public ministry. To travel to Jerusalem with his entourage would have drawn too much attention. Later, God did tell Jesus to attend the Festival but to go incognito. Jesus did not change his mind; he received instructions from God. When he received them, Jesus followed God’s directions as to the method and timing of his travel.
“However, after his brothers had left for the Feast, he went also, not publicly, but in secret.” John 7:10 NIV
Jesus’ insistence on following the commands of God is repeatedly mentioned in the Gospels. Jesus taught his followers through example and instruction that his total life was under the direction of God and that Jesus willingly followed God’s directions.
“but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me.” John 14:31 NIV
All I read in the Gospels lead me to believe Jesus communicated with God in a conversational manner. No flashes of lightning from Heaven nor any big booming voices are mentioned. Voices yes. Show biz attention getting extravaganza style communication is just not there. Well, with the one exception of God’s comment after the baptism of Jesus. (Matthew 3:16-17) But even this amazing event was not bombastic. It was a beautiful, loving, soothing, statement of God’s pride in Jesus.
In the Old Testament, God generally spoke to people in a personal manner. One example is God’s talk with Elijah. Elijah was expecting a magnificent show, but God communicated with him in a gentle whisper.
“but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.” 1 Kings 19:11b-12 NIV
So how can I hear God? I must study God’s Word to know what it says for that is what he has to impart. I must listen for the whisper—for the quiet voice inside that brings with it a calm, a peace that only God can give. It is the voice that never disagrees with what is taught in Scripture.
Lord, make me responsive to your quiet voice and what you are telling me in the Bible. Make me aware of when I try to twist Your Word to suit my purposes. Make me willing to hear the hard truths you want to convey to me. Make me patient as I wait for your answer to my requests. Make me thankful no matter what your plans for my life.
So how do I “hear” God? He does not speak to me today like he did to the prophets in the Old Testament. But why should he? God has given me the Holy Spirit to live in my heart. I have unlimited contact and communication opportunities. However, I do not use them.
I set aside some time to pray and get out my journal with the list of requests I have for God. My prayer will open with some obligatory praise statement. Then I start the long list of requests. By the time I get through the list, I’m tired of praying. A quick “Thank You, Lord” is said and with an “amen” the prayer duty is done.
This portrayal of my prayer life is a bit harsher than my actual practice. I usually enjoy praying and find it a fulfilling activity. But if I am not careful it does become perfunctory. Keeping my prayer life vital is essential because it is how I communicate with God. It is how I talk to God and many times how I receive guidance from him.
Jesus often sought time with God. He was always unwilling to proceed without instructions from God.
“‘You go to the Feast. I am not yet going up to this Feast, because for me the right time has not yet come.’ Having said this, he stayed in Galilee.” John 7:8-9 NIV
Jesus would not go on the pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles because God had not given him permission yet to go there as a part of his public ministry. To travel to Jerusalem with his entourage would have drawn too much attention. Later, God did tell Jesus to attend the Festival but to go incognito. Jesus did not change his mind; he received instructions from God. When he received them, Jesus followed God’s directions as to the method and timing of his travel.
“However, after his brothers had left for the Feast, he went also, not publicly, but in secret.” John 7:10 NIV
Jesus’ insistence on following the commands of God is repeatedly mentioned in the Gospels. Jesus taught his followers through example and instruction that his total life was under the direction of God and that Jesus willingly followed God’s directions.
“but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me.” John 14:31 NIV
All I read in the Gospels lead me to believe Jesus communicated with God in a conversational manner. No flashes of lightning from Heaven nor any big booming voices are mentioned. Voices yes. Show biz attention getting extravaganza style communication is just not there. Well, with the one exception of God’s comment after the baptism of Jesus. (Matthew 3:16-17) But even this amazing event was not bombastic. It was a beautiful, loving, soothing, statement of God’s pride in Jesus.
In the Old Testament, God generally spoke to people in a personal manner. One example is God’s talk with Elijah. Elijah was expecting a magnificent show, but God communicated with him in a gentle whisper.
“but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.” 1 Kings 19:11b-12 NIV
So how can I hear God? I must study God’s Word to know what it says for that is what he has to impart. I must listen for the whisper—for the quiet voice inside that brings with it a calm, a peace that only God can give. It is the voice that never disagrees with what is taught in Scripture.
Lord, make me responsive to your quiet voice and what you are telling me in the Bible. Make me aware of when I try to twist Your Word to suit my purposes. Make me willing to hear the hard truths you want to convey to me. Make me patient as I wait for your answer to my requests. Make me thankful no matter what your plans for my life.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Thankful Heart
Today, my heart is thankful.
“give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV
So I prayed to my God with praise and thanksgiving.
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2 NIV
How can I not give thanks to my God who was, is, and forever shall be?
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” 1 Chronicles 16:34 NIV
He has given me eternal life with him. Amazing that he should desire for me to be one of his children.
“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57 NIV
So for what are you thankful?
Lord, thank you for my salvation, prayer, love, family, a home, an income, laughter, friends, food, my car, safety, protection, my church, the Bible, books, computers, telephones, the seasons, and … How can I list all the ways you have blessed me. But tonight, Lord, I am especially thankful for my health and my mind.
“give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV
So I prayed to my God with praise and thanksgiving.
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2 NIV
How can I not give thanks to my God who was, is, and forever shall be?
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” 1 Chronicles 16:34 NIV
He has given me eternal life with him. Amazing that he should desire for me to be one of his children.
“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57 NIV
So for what are you thankful?
Lord, thank you for my salvation, prayer, love, family, a home, an income, laughter, friends, food, my car, safety, protection, my church, the Bible, books, computers, telephones, the seasons, and … How can I list all the ways you have blessed me. But tonight, Lord, I am especially thankful for my health and my mind.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Clean Cup or Dirty Cup
I am not a recreational shopper. When I shop, I errand shop. I have a list of items to buy and a list of places where I will stop on that shopping trip. I do not have a problem with people who like to comparison shop or shop for new trendy ideas. It is something I rarely do because I enjoy other activities more. It is fun though to car shop. Driving a new car is a pleasure. Discovering the controls and new features is an adventure. The new car smell with the clean interior and the polished exterior are pure pleasure.
Jesus says our interiors should be as showroom ready as we make our exteriors. We go to great lengths to keep our outer selves clean and looking great. We shop for just the right outfit and take much time fiddling with hair, nails, and makeup. But how much time do we spend on our inner appearance? What is the condition of our hearts and minds?
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.” Matthew 23:25-26 NIV
That was stated plainly. Jesus was talking to the religious people of biblical times. They spent time looking good to their contemporaries, but their hearts were not pleasing to God. Jesus repeats his warning. Whenever something is repeated in the Bible, it is a sign that we are to take it seriously.
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.” Matthew 23:27-28 NIV
Jesus did not mince his words. We are to be clean on the inside. What we allow into our brains matters. What we think about matters.
“But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make a man 'unclean'..." Matthew 15:18-20 NIV
As a Christian I like to think of myself as having a pristine, clean heart. If that is the case, then why do I say things that I later regret? Why do I say negative things about others? Why do I say things in anger? Why do I not correct a statement which is true except I chose to delete a little unimportant detail? Why do I watch a movie or television show which promotes immoral sexual behavior with the justification that I can handle it?
So we need to examine our inner selves. How clean are we, really?
Lord, show me the dirty spots in my heart and mind. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, make me clean.
Jesus says our interiors should be as showroom ready as we make our exteriors. We go to great lengths to keep our outer selves clean and looking great. We shop for just the right outfit and take much time fiddling with hair, nails, and makeup. But how much time do we spend on our inner appearance? What is the condition of our hearts and minds?
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.” Matthew 23:25-26 NIV
That was stated plainly. Jesus was talking to the religious people of biblical times. They spent time looking good to their contemporaries, but their hearts were not pleasing to God. Jesus repeats his warning. Whenever something is repeated in the Bible, it is a sign that we are to take it seriously.
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.” Matthew 23:27-28 NIV
Jesus did not mince his words. We are to be clean on the inside. What we allow into our brains matters. What we think about matters.
“But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make a man 'unclean'..." Matthew 15:18-20 NIV
As a Christian I like to think of myself as having a pristine, clean heart. If that is the case, then why do I say things that I later regret? Why do I say negative things about others? Why do I say things in anger? Why do I not correct a statement which is true except I chose to delete a little unimportant detail? Why do I watch a movie or television show which promotes immoral sexual behavior with the justification that I can handle it?
So we need to examine our inner selves. How clean are we, really?
Lord, show me the dirty spots in my heart and mind. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, make me clean.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)