Proverbs 2:1-6
1 My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding—
3 indeed, if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
I'm struck by the active words used in these verses. In vs1 store, vs2 turning and applying, vs3 call out and cry aloud and in vs4 look and search. This does not imply passivity in following God. We are to actively pursue these things.
Verse 5 has the promised results being the understanding of the fear of the LORD. This is not a irrational fear, but a true and proper fear of who God really is. I believe that it's only at this point that we can truly appreciate God's wisdom.
I am reminded of a game where you are given a clue to a location. When you get there you find another clue to another location. This goes on till you reach the destination intended by the game designer.
I am not implying that God is playing games with us. I am saying that God has given us his Word. If we don't bother to read it and follow it, why would God bother to give us more? We need to use what God has provided and obey the instructions already given. Then God will open the treasuries of heaven for us.
God Bless.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Psalm 119
Listening to the Psalms again this morning and was struck by the constant use of the words law, word, precepts, promises, commands, statutes and decrees. Upon looking it I discovered only verses 1, 3, 6, 49, 84, 90, 121, 122 and 132 do not contain one of these words. That's only 9 verses out of 176. The writer of this Psalm really had a love for God's word. I encourage you to take some time to read it today. Psalm 119 NIV
Some verses that stood out for me.
97 Oh, how I love your law!
I meditate on it all day long.
98 Your commands are always with me
and make me wiser than my enemies.
99 I have more insight than all my teachers,
for I meditate on your statutes.
100 I have more understanding than the elders,
for I obey your precepts.
101 I have kept my feet from every evil path
so that I might obey your word.
102 I have not departed from your laws,
for you yourself have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path.
The writer had more insight and understanding than those who were leaders because he chose to dedicate himself to studying God's word.
I especially like the fact that God's word was sweet to him. I find that when I study the word I only want more. When I neglect the word, it is bitter to me because I am in sin and don't want to be convicted.
I also find that when I am in the word and gain understanding of God's precept that I too hate the wrong path. Sin that was appetizing before has become something I hate.
140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested,
and your servant loves them.
God promises us so much yet we so often don't trust him. We miss out on so many blessings because we think we know better.
143 Trouble and distress have come upon me,
but your commands give me delight.
This blog has been of great comfort to me. In this time of pain and separation caused by the pending divorce I turn to God. I find comfort in scripture.
153 Look on my suffering and deliver me,
for I have not forgotten your law.
154 Defend my cause and redeem me;
preserve my life according to your promise.
Sometimes we just have to wait for God to deliver us. Last night I was watching Prince Caspian from the Chronicles of Narnia. Peter was preparing for battle and Lucy rebuked Peter saying, "I don't think you remember who really defeated the White Witch." His response, "I think we've waited long enough for Aslan". For those that don't know Aslan represent Jesus. Peter decided he could do it himself and did not need to wait. The battle was ugly.
On Sept 8th I'd waited "long enough" for Christ to restore my marriage. I moved on in my arrogance and only ended up causing more pain and the Holy Spirit had to chastise me. I will wait for God's timing now. I will never again close the door for reconciliation. I learned that I still love my wife and I always will.
164 Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous laws.
This was convicting. I don't praise Him enough for Scripture and His guidance.
I hope you take the time to read this Psalm.
God Bless.
Some verses that stood out for me.
97 Oh, how I love your law!
I meditate on it all day long.
98 Your commands are always with me
and make me wiser than my enemies.
99 I have more insight than all my teachers,
for I meditate on your statutes.
100 I have more understanding than the elders,
for I obey your precepts.
101 I have kept my feet from every evil path
so that I might obey your word.
102 I have not departed from your laws,
for you yourself have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path.
The writer had more insight and understanding than those who were leaders because he chose to dedicate himself to studying God's word.
I especially like the fact that God's word was sweet to him. I find that when I study the word I only want more. When I neglect the word, it is bitter to me because I am in sin and don't want to be convicted.
I also find that when I am in the word and gain understanding of God's precept that I too hate the wrong path. Sin that was appetizing before has become something I hate.
140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested,
and your servant loves them.
God promises us so much yet we so often don't trust him. We miss out on so many blessings because we think we know better.
143 Trouble and distress have come upon me,
but your commands give me delight.
This blog has been of great comfort to me. In this time of pain and separation caused by the pending divorce I turn to God. I find comfort in scripture.
153 Look on my suffering and deliver me,
for I have not forgotten your law.
154 Defend my cause and redeem me;
preserve my life according to your promise.
Sometimes we just have to wait for God to deliver us. Last night I was watching Prince Caspian from the Chronicles of Narnia. Peter was preparing for battle and Lucy rebuked Peter saying, "I don't think you remember who really defeated the White Witch." His response, "I think we've waited long enough for Aslan". For those that don't know Aslan represent Jesus. Peter decided he could do it himself and did not need to wait. The battle was ugly.
On Sept 8th I'd waited "long enough" for Christ to restore my marriage. I moved on in my arrogance and only ended up causing more pain and the Holy Spirit had to chastise me. I will wait for God's timing now. I will never again close the door for reconciliation. I learned that I still love my wife and I always will.
164 Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous laws.
This was convicting. I don't praise Him enough for Scripture and His guidance.
I hope you take the time to read this Psalm.
God Bless.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Meditations on Psalm 106
While listening to Psalms on my ipod yesterday, my mind latched onto a verse or two that caused me to write Ps 106 on the board. It is tough to meditate on a verse while the reader keeps reading. Today I took the time to follow up.
The first verse that struck home when reading was vs 13 NIV But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold.
I look back and see what God has done in my life. There is no reason not to trust him, yet I often take matters into my own hands because God is "taking too long" I try to manipulate circumstances to get the outcome I am looking for.
I have to wait for God's plan to unfold. I admit it's a struggle for me. I want a yes or no and I want definite direction NOW. I need to learn patience.
Next were vs 20-21 NIV 20 They exchanged their glorious God for an image of a bull, which eats grass. 21 They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt,
This could be updated and personalized to, They exchanged their glorious God for [fill in what you value more than God right now]. They forgot the God who had saved them, who had done great things in their lives. I am sure anyone reading this can think of something they willingly exchange for God. We excuse it and justify it. It does not change the fact that we have put this activity or thing above God.
The final verses I want to share are 43-46 NIV 43 Many times he delivered them, but they were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin. 44 Yet he took note of their distress when he heard their cry; 45 for their sake he remembered his covenant and out of his great love he relented. 46 He caused all who held them captive to show them mercy.
Thank God for his mercy. No matter how bent on rebellion or how deep in sin if I cry out he hears me. He restores me.
Cry out to Him. He will restore you too.
God Bless.
The first verse that struck home when reading was vs 13 NIV But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold.
I look back and see what God has done in my life. There is no reason not to trust him, yet I often take matters into my own hands because God is "taking too long" I try to manipulate circumstances to get the outcome I am looking for.
I have to wait for God's plan to unfold. I admit it's a struggle for me. I want a yes or no and I want definite direction NOW. I need to learn patience.
Next were vs 20-21 NIV 20 They exchanged their glorious God for an image of a bull, which eats grass. 21 They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt,
This could be updated and personalized to, They exchanged their glorious God for [fill in what you value more than God right now]. They forgot the God who had saved them, who had done great things in their lives. I am sure anyone reading this can think of something they willingly exchange for God. We excuse it and justify it. It does not change the fact that we have put this activity or thing above God.
The final verses I want to share are 43-46 NIV 43 Many times he delivered them, but they were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin. 44 Yet he took note of their distress when he heard their cry; 45 for their sake he remembered his covenant and out of his great love he relented. 46 He caused all who held them captive to show them mercy.
Thank God for his mercy. No matter how bent on rebellion or how deep in sin if I cry out he hears me. He restores me.
Cry out to Him. He will restore you too.
God Bless.
Monday, September 26, 2011
How do we react when we fail?
In 1 Samuel 13 we can read the account of King Saul's first justification of not following God's instructions. As a youth I was hard on Saul, now since I justify my actions so often I am glad that God deals grace to me and not justice.
If you read the next several chapter's you will see that Saul does not repent and submit to God. He continuously fights against God. He even tries to murder David and one time murder his own Son. He did not end well.
Read Luke 22:21-34, 56-62
Peter swore he'd never abandon Christ...yet he did. When he realized his failure he wept bitterly. You can read about Peter's restoration to Christ in John 21:15-19 Peter went on to serve the Lord in incredible ways. Church tradition tell us the Peter died a martyr's death by crucifiction.
If one had told me in late August what would happen this past weekend, I would have told them they were crazy. Yet like Peter I failed in a way I swore would NEVER happen. I ignored numerous prompts by the Holy Spirit to stop. My pain had become more important than anything including my relationship to Christ so I did what I wanted. Come Sunday I realized how far I'd fallen and it took a while to accept Christ's forgiveness because this was willful disobedience.
Last night on my knees I wept bitterly. I prayed earnestly for God to bring us to full restoration. He has and I write this blog with a clean heart.
If you have ever failed remember that God will always forgive you if you confess. In fact this verse promises that he will cleanse you from ALL unrighteousness. Go to God today. He's waiting for you.
God Bless.
If you read the next several chapter's you will see that Saul does not repent and submit to God. He continuously fights against God. He even tries to murder David and one time murder his own Son. He did not end well.
Read Luke 22:21-34, 56-62
Peter swore he'd never abandon Christ...yet he did. When he realized his failure he wept bitterly. You can read about Peter's restoration to Christ in John 21:15-19 Peter went on to serve the Lord in incredible ways. Church tradition tell us the Peter died a martyr's death by crucifiction.
If one had told me in late August what would happen this past weekend, I would have told them they were crazy. Yet like Peter I failed in a way I swore would NEVER happen. I ignored numerous prompts by the Holy Spirit to stop. My pain had become more important than anything including my relationship to Christ so I did what I wanted. Come Sunday I realized how far I'd fallen and it took a while to accept Christ's forgiveness because this was willful disobedience.
Last night on my knees I wept bitterly. I prayed earnestly for God to bring us to full restoration. He has and I write this blog with a clean heart.
If you have ever failed remember that God will always forgive you if you confess. In fact this verse promises that he will cleanse you from ALL unrighteousness. Go to God today. He's waiting for you.
God Bless.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
The next step.
Yesterday's blog was on Joy. If you did not read it go there first and then come back here. As today is a continuation of yesterday.
James 1:5-8
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
Now we know HOW to have that joy in trials and tribulations. Ask God for wisdom dealing with what you are going through. But not as someone who turns to Him hope that he might get an answer. We must ask Him KNOWING that God will provide the wisdom.
Part of the struggles we face is receiving God's wisdom and then thinking "I can do it another way". There in comes the double-mindedness. No rock to stand on because God's wisdom isn't good enough for us. And there can be no Joy because you do not trust God and chose to go it alone.
God Bless.
James 1:5-8
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
Now we know HOW to have that joy in trials and tribulations. Ask God for wisdom dealing with what you are going through. But not as someone who turns to Him hope that he might get an answer. We must ask Him KNOWING that God will provide the wisdom.
Part of the struggles we face is receiving God's wisdom and then thinking "I can do it another way". There in comes the double-mindedness. No rock to stand on because God's wisdom isn't good enough for us. And there can be no Joy because you do not trust God and chose to go it alone.
God Bless.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Joy.
Several years ago, I was listening to my friend Bob speak of how rough life was for him. He was swimming in debt and just saw no way out of the hole. I on the other hand was going through a period of blessing. My credit cards were paid and my wife and I were both making fair money. I remember thanking God for the blessings and asking him when it was my turn to suffer like Bob.
Flash forward to this past March. "Peter Dearing, come on down! You're the next contestant on WATCH OUT! LIFE COMES AT YOU FAST." In March my wife told me I had to leave as she had filed for divorce. In April I learned my job was not going to last the year. In May I ended up in the hospital for surgery and they screwed it up so it had to be done twice.
So now I have bills and soon no income. What to do?
I turned to God and he has provided. I have learned so much over past 6 months the I now understand when James 1:2-4 says:
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Joy does not mean happiness. It means being able to know that God is in charge. That what I am going through is not a mistake. He was not taken by surprise. He is not having me settle for plan B.
I am by no means happy in my situation, but I have learned to lean on Christ in a brand new way. My faith has been tested and I have learned that it is real. That I truly am a child of God. I have learned a bit of perseverance and even learned to be more mature and since March I have really lacked nothing.
My failed marriage saddens me, but I praise God for the man he is making me into.
This is the first time I mentioned my pending divorce in this blog and I do so with her permission. I want all reading this to understand I am by no means an innocent victim of a wayward wife. I did not follow God's principles for marriage for most of the 15 years we were together and I crushed my wife's spirit. I made good strides starting last year but it was too little too late.
I have confessed to her and to God my sin and received forgiveness from both. Though there is no eternal condemnation for me, there are still earthly consequences for that sin. The hardest part for me is what my children will be forced to deal with.
Yet despite all that you now know, I have joy in Christ. This hurts, but it is for my own good.
God Bless.
Flash forward to this past March. "Peter Dearing, come on down! You're the next contestant on WATCH OUT! LIFE COMES AT YOU FAST." In March my wife told me I had to leave as she had filed for divorce. In April I learned my job was not going to last the year. In May I ended up in the hospital for surgery and they screwed it up so it had to be done twice.
So now I have bills and soon no income. What to do?
I turned to God and he has provided. I have learned so much over past 6 months the I now understand when James 1:2-4 says:
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Joy does not mean happiness. It means being able to know that God is in charge. That what I am going through is not a mistake. He was not taken by surprise. He is not having me settle for plan B.
I am by no means happy in my situation, but I have learned to lean on Christ in a brand new way. My faith has been tested and I have learned that it is real. That I truly am a child of God. I have learned a bit of perseverance and even learned to be more mature and since March I have really lacked nothing.
My failed marriage saddens me, but I praise God for the man he is making me into.
This is the first time I mentioned my pending divorce in this blog and I do so with her permission. I want all reading this to understand I am by no means an innocent victim of a wayward wife. I did not follow God's principles for marriage for most of the 15 years we were together and I crushed my wife's spirit. I made good strides starting last year but it was too little too late.
I have confessed to her and to God my sin and received forgiveness from both. Though there is no eternal condemnation for me, there are still earthly consequences for that sin. The hardest part for me is what my children will be forced to deal with.
Yet despite all that you now know, I have joy in Christ. This hurts, but it is for my own good.
God Bless.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Inclination
Two devotionals today from two different me, yet our God has them bring similar messages. So similar I had to share.
First I read from Dr Piper this morning.
Psalm 119:36 NASB
36 Incline my heart to Your testimonies
And not to dishonest gain.
The Psalmist is asking that his heart be inclinded to God and the things of God.
Second I read from Charles Stanley.
Psalm 40:1 NASB
1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
And He inclined to me and heard my cry.
I just loved how the to verses fit. If I incline my heart to God, cry out and patiently wait for Him, He will incline back to me.
This reminds me of James 4:8
8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
God Bless.
First I read from Dr Piper this morning.
Psalm 119:36 NASB
36 Incline my heart to Your testimonies
And not to dishonest gain.
The Psalmist is asking that his heart be inclinded to God and the things of God.
Second I read from Charles Stanley.
Psalm 40:1 NASB
1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
And He inclined to me and heard my cry.
I just loved how the to verses fit. If I incline my heart to God, cry out and patiently wait for Him, He will incline back to me.
This reminds me of James 4:8
8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
God Bless.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Truth.
I got an email this morning. The content was heavy and I was humbled that the sender would open up that much to me. Gut reaction was to reassure and not say anything that may upset the delicate balance to our relationship.
I refused and I told the truth as we should. What a joyous response I received and now I know this person wants a deeper friendship.
John 8:31-31 NIV 31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Now Jesus was taking about the truth of who he was and these verses are dealing with Salvation. However I want to apply the truth setting us free to my situation.
I told the whole truth and the person responded positively. We've entered into a deeper level of respect and trust. I am now free to be open and honest. And this person knows I can be trusted to not lie to them.
But what if this person got mad? What if they rejected my statements and never spoke to me again? I'd STILL be free. Why? Because that relationship is not one I'd wish to pursue. Yes I would apply Ephesians 4:3 and "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.", but I don't change who I am in that effort.
God Bless.
I refused and I told the truth as we should. What a joyous response I received and now I know this person wants a deeper friendship.
John 8:31-31 NIV 31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Now Jesus was taking about the truth of who he was and these verses are dealing with Salvation. However I want to apply the truth setting us free to my situation.
I told the whole truth and the person responded positively. We've entered into a deeper level of respect and trust. I am now free to be open and honest. And this person knows I can be trusted to not lie to them.
But what if this person got mad? What if they rejected my statements and never spoke to me again? I'd STILL be free. Why? Because that relationship is not one I'd wish to pursue. Yes I would apply Ephesians 4:3 and "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.", but I don't change who I am in that effort.
God Bless.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Affliction
Steve will recognize this when he reads it. Thank you brother for sharing the verses.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I obey your word.
71 It was good for me to be afflicted
so that I might learn your decrees.
75 I know, LORD, that your laws are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
77 Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.
God allows affliction in our lives to show us areas that need to change.
The last few month has been the most painful experience in my life, but I can say in all honesty it has been the BEST time of my life. Why? Because when my human friends have been unavailable I had God alone to turn to. When I would humbled myself and turned to him, he has proven his sufficiency. I have learned that all the "stuff" in the world will not make me happy. Only he brings true joy.
God Bless.
Psalm 119:67
New International Version (NIV)
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I obey your word.
Psalm 119:71
New International Version (NIV)
71 It was good for me to be afflicted
so that I might learn your decrees.
Psalm 119:75
New International Version (NIV)
75 I know, LORD, that your laws are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
Psalm 119:77
New International Version (NIV)
77 Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.
God allows affliction in our lives to show us areas that need to change.
The last few month has been the most painful experience in my life, but I can say in all honesty it has been the BEST time of my life. Why? Because when my human friends have been unavailable I had God alone to turn to. When I would humbled myself and turned to him, he has proven his sufficiency. I have learned that all the "stuff" in the world will not make me happy. Only he brings true joy.
God Bless.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
God’s Love and Ours
I wasn't planning on blogging again today, but these verses build on the earlier one. Had to share.
1 John 4:7-10
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
There is no question of what came first. God loved us first. Therefore he sent his Son so we can live through him. Now we must show that love to others. If we don't show His love we had best examine our hearts to see that we are truly in the faith.
God Bless.
1 John 4:7-10
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
There is no question of what came first. God loved us first. Therefore he sent his Son so we can live through him. Now we must show that love to others. If we don't show His love we had best examine our hearts to see that we are truly in the faith.
God Bless.
Spiritual Blessings
Ephesians 1:3-10
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
As a society, America divides things into spiritual and secular. I see it in they eyes of people I speak with when I mention God or scripture and their influence on my life. Here we see that those who have accepted Christ's payment for sin and follow him, have been blessed with every spiritual blessing.
I'll admit, I'm selfish. Many times I wish I'd be blessed with material blessings. But God has not given me those things because he knows I will only use them for my own selfish desires.
It is the spiritual blessing that will not be stolen or destroyed.
4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ,
If you ever get depressed, think on this truth. Before the creation of the world you were chosen by God to be made holy and blameless. Not through what you have done but through what Christ has done. God knew every screw up and sin you would ever commit and still chose you. You can't surprise him or make him stop loving you. He loved you before and still loves you now. Remember that becoming like Christ is a lifelong process that will not be completed till we die and live with him. Then completes the process.
in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
And this is why he did it. He wanted to. He wanted to show us grace which we receive freely through Christ.
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding,
Look at these spiritual blessings! Redemption. We've been bought back from sin and death. Forgiveness. We can have fellowship with God. Notice we're not just forgiven. Grace was lavished on us. The means to expend profusely. In other word lots and lots. Also note that God was not spending like a "drunken sailor." He lavished us with grace with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding. How much of his wisdom and understanding? All of it. No mistakes. No oops.
9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
This was all done in his timing for his good pleasure. It was to unite everything under Christ.
Our neighbor may have more that this world has to offer, but all of it will still be here when they die. We who follow Christ have so much more. We need to share it with them.
God Bless.
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
As a society, America divides things into spiritual and secular. I see it in they eyes of people I speak with when I mention God or scripture and their influence on my life. Here we see that those who have accepted Christ's payment for sin and follow him, have been blessed with every spiritual blessing.
I'll admit, I'm selfish. Many times I wish I'd be blessed with material blessings. But God has not given me those things because he knows I will only use them for my own selfish desires.
It is the spiritual blessing that will not be stolen or destroyed.
4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ,
If you ever get depressed, think on this truth. Before the creation of the world you were chosen by God to be made holy and blameless. Not through what you have done but through what Christ has done. God knew every screw up and sin you would ever commit and still chose you. You can't surprise him or make him stop loving you. He loved you before and still loves you now. Remember that becoming like Christ is a lifelong process that will not be completed till we die and live with him. Then completes the process.
in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
And this is why he did it. He wanted to. He wanted to show us grace which we receive freely through Christ.
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding,
Look at these spiritual blessings! Redemption. We've been bought back from sin and death. Forgiveness. We can have fellowship with God. Notice we're not just forgiven. Grace was lavished on us. The means to expend profusely. In other word lots and lots. Also note that God was not spending like a "drunken sailor." He lavished us with grace with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding. How much of his wisdom and understanding? All of it. No mistakes. No oops.
9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
This was all done in his timing for his good pleasure. It was to unite everything under Christ.
Our neighbor may have more that this world has to offer, but all of it will still be here when they die. We who follow Christ have so much more. We need to share it with them.
God Bless.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Wow! Wow! Wow! and again Wow!
Just before I opened my email I was thinking about the fact that my job is ending soon. Right now they're talking mid October or later. I'm thinking end of this month. I was not worrying I was just mulling.
So I open my devotional and the verse for today was Philippians 4:19
19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Notice the verse does not say GREEDS. My God knows I need a job. He knows I need food. He knows I need a place to live. He knows I have family I must provide for.
Now I have to do my part and look for job, but my future is in his hands so I don't have to worry.
God Bless.
So I open my devotional and the verse for today was Philippians 4:19
19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Notice the verse does not say GREEDS. My God knows I need a job. He knows I need food. He knows I need a place to live. He knows I have family I must provide for.
Now I have to do my part and look for job, but my future is in his hands so I don't have to worry.
God Bless.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
I wasn't going to blog for a while. My life's been tough lately as any regular reader of my blog will know and I am a bit overwhelmed. I was going to take a break.
Then I got a message from my cousin who reads my blog every day and I remembered why I started this blog in the first place. I wanted to tell others of what Christ has done and is doing for me. I also remembered what this has become to mean to me as I work through scripture and incorporate it into my life. This fool was actually going to walk away from his only reliable source of comfort and that is the Word and these lessons that I share with you all in cyber space. So I open today's Bible study and our ever faithful father provides these verses.
Romans 8:35-37
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
NOTHING can separate me from the love of Christ. Not my failures or sin. Not my dumb choices. NOTHING! In fact I am more than a conqueror. Not through anything that I did, but through Christ.
Thank you cousin for your note today.
God bless.
Then I got a message from my cousin who reads my blog every day and I remembered why I started this blog in the first place. I wanted to tell others of what Christ has done and is doing for me. I also remembered what this has become to mean to me as I work through scripture and incorporate it into my life. This fool was actually going to walk away from his only reliable source of comfort and that is the Word and these lessons that I share with you all in cyber space. So I open today's Bible study and our ever faithful father provides these verses.
Romans 8:35-37
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
NOTHING can separate me from the love of Christ. Not my failures or sin. Not my dumb choices. NOTHING! In fact I am more than a conqueror. Not through anything that I did, but through Christ.
Thank you cousin for your note today.
God bless.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Comfort sins giving no more comfort.
We all have them. It's that pet sin we've done for so long that we cannot imagine our life without it. I remember when I was addicted to cigarettes. I just could not imagine functioning with out those 40 plus sticks a day. Yet here I sit 15 years later without one.
So I got a phone call yesterday. There is nothing I could say or do to prevent the end of my lifelong dream. I was crushed. So I tuned to my comfort sin and found it empty.
The Holy Spirit started flooding my mind with scripture. He also brought this song to my mind. Thanks to hearing loss I had to go home and look up some of the words.
So I got a phone call yesterday. There is nothing I could say or do to prevent the end of my lifelong dream. I was crushed. So I tuned to my comfort sin and found it empty.
The Holy Spirit started flooding my mind with scripture. He also brought this song to my mind. Thanks to hearing loss I had to go home and look up some of the words.
I stopped what I was doing and sought God's face.
I'm still crushed. My dream is still over. Yet I am full. I am content.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
"...because he followed the LORD wholeheartedly."
Deuteronomy 1:19-36. Moses retells about the spies being sent into the promised land and 10 of the 12 spread fear about the people so they refused to obey God and enter. What struck me today is what God said about Caleb.
35 “No one from this evil generation shall see the good land I swore to give your ancestors, 36 except Caleb son of Jephunneh. He will see it, and I will give him and his descendants the land he set his feet on, because he followed the LORD wholeheartedly.”
I'm not there yet. Not even close.
God Bless.
35 “No one from this evil generation shall see the good land I swore to give your ancestors, 36 except Caleb son of Jephunneh. He will see it, and I will give him and his descendants the land he set his feet on, because he followed the LORD wholeheartedly.”
I'm not there yet. Not even close.
God Bless.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
God does not need my help.
I still battle the flesh as I want to take the reigns and move forward with my situation. However I keep being taught by God to be patient. Today is no different. That's why my study is so pertinent.
Genesis 16:1-6 tells the story of Abraham and Sarai and how they did not wait for God but tried to force his promise of a son through Sarai's maidservant Hagar. It caused a rift in the family and is the root cause of many of the problems in the middle east today.
Applying this to my issue. If I try to force God's hand I will only cause a rift in my own home that can ripple throughout my entire life.
God grant me the patience to wait for your timing.
God Bless.
Genesis 16:1-6 tells the story of Abraham and Sarai and how they did not wait for God but tried to force his promise of a son through Sarai's maidservant Hagar. It caused a rift in the family and is the root cause of many of the problems in the middle east today.
Applying this to my issue. If I try to force God's hand I will only cause a rift in my own home that can ripple throughout my entire life.
God grant me the patience to wait for your timing.
God Bless.
Friday, September 2, 2011
God works behind the scenes.
First off let me start by saying I was mulling my situation this morning and figuring out what to say or how to react. I was wondering what steps I needed to take to improve my situation. Thanks to my love for music it is ALWAYS in my head. Suddenly I became aware that I was singing IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL. Check the back story here. I am humbled by the faith of the author of that Hymn.
Flash forward to my devotional today and it is the story from Joshua 2:1-24. Familiar and yet Dr. Stanley brought to life a point that I had never considered.
The spies had just arrived, but God was already working in the hearts of the people of Jericho and they were afraid. The Isrealites had not done a thing.
Applying this to my situation. I do nothing. There is nothing I can do. Interesting that just this morning I looked in the mirror and said, "God only you can...."
Waiting and trusting is not my style. I like to DO. Learning to trust and learning to wait are not easy.
God Bless.
Flash forward to my devotional today and it is the story from Joshua 2:1-24. Familiar and yet Dr. Stanley brought to life a point that I had never considered.
The spies had just arrived, but God was already working in the hearts of the people of Jericho and they were afraid. The Isrealites had not done a thing.
Applying this to my situation. I do nothing. There is nothing I can do. Interesting that just this morning I looked in the mirror and said, "God only you can...."
Waiting and trusting is not my style. I like to DO. Learning to trust and learning to wait are not easy.
God Bless.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
A gentle reminder from scripture.
Received a disappointing e-mail this morning. I was crushed when I read the content. The desire to give up and move on was so present. Unlike the past I immediately opened my other e-mail containing my daily devotional.
I found it interesting the verses for today were 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 as these verses have come up a lot lately.
19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
I can't quit. I belong to God. I know what he requires of me. I must keep on keeping on.
God bless.
I found it interesting the verses for today were 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 as these verses have come up a lot lately.
19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
I can't quit. I belong to God. I know what he requires of me. I must keep on keeping on.
God bless.
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