Thursday, December 21, 2006
We Are Debtors...
Posted in Spiritual Applications
This morning after my quiet time,
I was reading through my notes from a sermon last week
and I wanted to share my thoughts...
Romans 1:14-16
“I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians;
both to the wise, and to the unwise.
So, as much as in me is,
I am ready to preach the gospel
to you that are at Rome also.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:
for it is the power of God unto salvation
To every one that believeth;
To the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
In verse 14, Paul claims that he saw himself as a debtor.
He had the power of the gospel,
he knew what Christ had done for him,
and he acknowledged that he owed it to Christ
to share that Good News to all men.
We, as born-again believers, are debtors, too.
For what Christ has done for us,
we owe it to Him and others to spread that Good News!
He set for us the example…
“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues,
and preaching the gospel of the kingdom…” ~ Matthew 4:23
(Matthew 9:35)
He sent the disciples…
“And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God…” ~ Luke 9:2
“And they departed, and went through the towns,
preaching the gospel…” ~ Luke 9:6
He sends us…
“As thou hast sent me into the world,
even so have I also sent them into the world.” ~ John 17:18
“Go ye into all the world,
and preach the gospel to every creature.” ~ Mark 16:15
“… Go out into the highways and hedges,
and compel them to come in…” ~ Luke 14:23
In verse 15 (Romans 1), Paul said that
“…as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel…”
With all that he had, he was ready.
He was able, he was willing, he was ready…
as much as was in him, he was ready to give.
He knew he was serving the Lord Jesus Christ
and was ready to do so with all that was within him.
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily,
as unto the Lord, and not unto men;
Knowing that of the Lord
ye shall receive the reward of your inheritance:
for ye serve the Lord Christ.” ~ Colossians 3:23,24
He did not glory in preaching the gospel…
did not boast, brag, make a spectacle, etc.. of himself..
He knew it was a necessity to preach it
and knew it was to his shame if he did not…
“For though I preach the gospel,
I have nothing to glory of:
For necessity is laid upon me;
Yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!”
1 Corinthians 9:16
It is to my shame (our shame) if I assume
that my neighbor across the street, next to me, or down the road
has heard the one True Gospel.
It is to my shame if I assume
that the people I pass by in the store
have heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
It is to my shame if I assume
the waitress, the bank teller, the mailman, etc…
have heard the one True Way to get to Heaven.
It is to my shame if I assume
that my friends and family
know the saving Grace and forgiveness of Christ.
How can I (we) keep silent?
How can I not do as Paul claimed
and share the Good News
with all that is within me?
In verse 16, Paul said,
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:
for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth…”
Jesus said,
“For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words,
of him shall the Son of man be ashamed,
when he shall come in his own glory,
and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.” ~ Luke 9:26
May we not be quiet…
“…Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” ~ Romans 10:11
“Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord…”
~ 1 Timothy 1:8
“…that I may open my mouth boldly,
to make known the mystery of the gospel,
… that therein I may speak boldly,
as I ought to speak.” ~ Ephesians 6:19,20
May “…the love of Christ constraineth us…” (2 Corinthians 5:14)
(constraineth = urge with irresistable power; compel, drive)
to share the Gospel.
Lord, lay on us the burden for lost and dying souls.
May we not have peace until we are bolding sharing the Peace of peace.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Increasing as Jesus...
Posted in Spiritual Applications
This morning in our home Sunday school lesson,
we read about Jesus in the temple (Luke 2).
The end of the chapter really hit home.
Particularly these two verses...
"And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me?
wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" ~ Luke 2:49
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature,
and in favour with God and man." ~ Luke 2:52
Not much is written about Jesus' youth,
but here there is much said.
Here, at twelve years old, Jesus is about His Father's business...
busy doing God's work.
We also see that He increased (grew) in wisdom and stature
and in favour with God and man.
Spurgeon said, "How sweetly does our Lord here
teach us in our earliest youth to serve our heavenly Father!"
and "We ought exceedingly to admire our Lord
in the lowliness of these preparatory years."
Our children's youth is time to prepare for God's work as adults
but it is also a time to be doing God's work now.
Are we doing all we can to help them, to encourage them?
Are we teaching them, training them, and admonishing them
in spiritual things as faithfully as we ought?
Are we leading them through example?
Are we setting Jesus before them as the perfect example?
May our prayer and challenge be that we are... and that we will.
What a great calling and responsibiliy the Lord has bestowed on us.
"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD:
and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man;
so are children of the youth." ~ Psalm 127:3,4
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
How Well Do We Know God's Word? continued...
Posted in Spiritual Applications
In my previous post, I shared how I have been challenged to know more of God's Word.
Here I would like to share what has helped me in the past
and what I will be doing again.
I have had the privilege of hearing Ron Hood speak
a handful of times during the past 5 years.
The Lord has used him in my own life to allow the Holy Spirit
to convict, challenge, and encourage me...
especially in the area of Scripture memorization
(oh, and healthy eating, but that's a whole other story 
).
For my Scripture memorization, I have enjoyed using Ron Hood's resources.
His approach to memorizing Scripture has worked great for me.
I would recommend his book "How to Sucessfully Memorize & Review Scripture".
Also his Scripture Memory Cards have proved very helpful,
especially since I can easily carry them around with me
and, therefore, make excellent use of my time.
"I have only just a minute,
Just sixty seconds in it;
Forced upon me - can't refuse it.
Didn't seek it, didn't choose it,
I must suffer if I lose it,
Give account if I abuse it.
Just a tiny little minute,
But eternity is in it."
Without try to sound like a commercial,
His resources are very inexpensive (book is $4.00; cards are $2.00)
and well worth checking out.
I wanted to share some reasons and hinderances
he listed in his book of why people do not memorize Scripture:
1. Not saved
2. Backslidden
3. Laziness (ouch!)
4. Rebellion
5. Lack of Know-How
6. Procrastination (a.k.a. "I'll start at this time or at that time"...) (ouch again)
7. Lack of Purpose of Goal (no reason to or no motivation to)
"Onward and upward your course plan today.
Seeking new heights as you walk Jesus' way.
Heed not past failures, but strive for the prize.
Aiming for goals fit for His holy eyes."
(taken from "How to Successfully Memorize & Review Scripture")
The book goes into greater detail of these reasons
and discusses the reasons why we should memorize Scripture.
If you aren't memorizing Scripture or need ideas of how to begin,
check out Spiritual Success Institute's Resources.
Oh! They also have some freebies on their website.
"Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck." ~ Proverbs 6:21
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
How Well Do We Know God's Word?
Posted in Spiritual Applications
How often do the enemies of God know more of God's Word
than His own children do?
There are false religions that have more knowledge of the Holy Bible
than many born-again believers do.
This is true today and this was true in Bible times as well.
For example, the Pharisees knew the Scriptures and Christ's teachings...
"Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation,
the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive,
After three days I will rise again." ~ Matthew 27:62-63
The Pharisses believed Jesus to be a deciever,
yet they listened and remembered what He had taught.
In contrast, Jesus' own disciples,
when they went to His tomb, did not remember...
"For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead."
~ John 20:9
The enemies of Christ knew more of the scriptures than His disciples seemingly did.
I was challenged with this question Sunday morning
and it's not so far-fetched as to be impossible to happen...
If our Bibles were taken away from us,
how much of God's Word
would we be able to put back together through memorization?
As individuals, as families, and as a body of believers...
would we know enough of God's Word
if, for some reason, it were taken?
Just because the confinscation and disposal of Bibles happened in the past
does not mean we are promised it could never happen again.
Where would we be, as believers, if it did happen?
Where would our children be?
We, as parents, as children of God and as lights in the world,
cannot afford to not know His Word.
Whether our Bibles are taken or not, it is crucial for our survival.
May we be challenged and convicted in memorizing God's Word.
May we get to know our Savior by knowing His Holy Word.
"My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.
Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.
Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart." ~ Proverbs 7:1-3
Monday, July 24, 2006
Is Mine an Example Worth Following?...
Posted in Spiritual Applications
This morning, darling hubby and I were reading God's Word
and the Holy Spirit gripped my heart with much of the passage,
but a particular verse continues to echo throughout my mind...
"Brethren, be followers together of me,
and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample." ~ Philippians 3:17
What bold statements for Paul to make
"... be followers together of me..."
"... ye have us for an ensample."
This Scripture provoked many questions and thoughts in my mind...
"Am I following Christ in such a way
that I can require my children to be followers of me, like me?"
"Am I walking in such a way
that my children can use me as an example to follow in righteousness?"
"Am I being the spiritual 'leader' that I can be as a mother so they can follow?"
"Am I being the spiritual example that I can be as a mother?"
"Is my example worth following?"
What a responsibility I have as the Mama Shepherd.
I thank the Lord that He does not let me remain in 'blissful' ignorance,
but that He loves me, shows me, convicts me, convinces me, teaches me,
grows me, guides me, encourages me, and enables me.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Scriptural Alphabet...
Posted in Spiritual Applications
I thought this was a wonderful resource to have so I thought I would share...
A Scriptural Alphabet for Daily Use
Abstain from all appearance of evil, - - - - 1 Thessalonians 5:22
Be instant in season, out of season, - - - 2 Timothy 4:2
Commit thy way unto the Lord,- - - - - - Psalm 37:5
Delight thyself in the Lord, - - - - - - - - Psalm 37:4
Endure afflictions, - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 Timothy 4:5
Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven, - - - - - Luke 6:37
Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, - - - - Ephesians 4:30
Hold fast that which is good, - - - - - - 1 Thessalonians 5:21
If it be possible,... live peaceably with all men, Romans 12:18
Judge not, that ye be not judged, - - - - - Matthew 7:1
Keep thy tongue from evil, - - - - - - - - Psalm 34:13
Let your speech be always with grace, - - Colossians 4:6
Mind not high things, - - - - - - - - - - Romans 12:16
Not slothful in business, - - - - - - - - - Romans 12:11
Overcome evil with good, - - - - - - - - Romans 12:21
Pray without ceasing, - - - - - - - - - - 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Quench not the Spirit, - - - - - - - - - - 1 Thessalonians 5:19
Resist the devil, - - - - - - - - - - - - - James 4:7
Search the Scriptures, - - - - - - - - - - John 5:39
Trust in the Lord and do good, - - - - - - Psalm 37:3
Use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, - Galatians 5:13
Vengeance is Mine... saith the Lord... therefore avenge not yourselves,- - Rom. 12:19
Watch and pray, - - - - - - - - - - - - - Matthew 26:41
'Xamine yourselves, - - - - - - - - - - - 2 Corinthians 13:5
Yield yourselves unto the Lord, - - - - - 2 Chronicles 30:8
Zealous of good works, - - - - Titus 2:14; Ephesians 2:10
Author unknown
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Christian Character...
Posted in Spiritual Applications
There is so much that could be said about Christian character
and so many character traits that could be discussed.
But I've been looking at the overall concept of Christian character.
As people, sinners saved by grace, we are all flawed
and greatly slack in Godly character.
We cannot develop Godly character without having a close relationship with Jesus Christ and without a desire to "put on" the character of Jesus Christ.
"But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ...." ~ Romans 13:4a
We also need to be diligent to "put off" the desires of our flesh.
"...and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."
~ Romans 13:4b
"If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." ~ Ephesians 4:21-24
I'd like to contrast the putting on and putting off, according to God's Word.
Put OFF ~
"...let us therefore cast off the works of darkness..." ~ Romans 13:12a
"...put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts..." ~ Ephesians 4:22
"Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:" ~ Colossians 3:5
"But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth." ~ Colossians 3:8
"...put off the old man with his deeds" ~ Colossians 3:9
Put ON ~
"...let us put on the armour of light." ~ Romans 13:12b
"But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ..." ~ Romans 13:14a
"And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. ~ Ephesians 4:24
"Put on the whole armour of God..." ~ Ephesians 6:11
"... put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:" ~ Colossians 3:10
"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;" ~ Colossians 3:12
"And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness." ~ Colossians 3:14
"...giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity."
~ 2 Peter 1:5-7
We should never be satisfied with ourselves
and we should eagerly seek to become more like Christ.
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" ~Philippians 2:5
"...to be conformed to the image of his Son..." ~ Romans 8:29
We should also be in constant examination of ourselves.
"Examine yourselves..." ~ 2 Corinthians 13:5
"But let a man examine himself..." ~ 1 Corinthians 11:28
"Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart." ~ Ps 26:2
"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:" ~
Psalm 139:23
Christian character development involves personal committment
and the willingness to change.
"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
~ Philippians 3:14
In Galatians 5:22-23 we are given a perfect example
of Christian character traits:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
The Holy Spirit enables us to have these.
When these are in our lives and homes, we are able to greatly influence our children's character and usefulness to the Lord.
Which is what counts in eternity.
~ My prayer ~
"Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.
Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law;
yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.
Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.
Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.
Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.
Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.
Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.
Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation,
according to thy word.
So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me:
for I trust in thy word.
And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth;
for I have hoped in thy judgments.
So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.
And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.
I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.
And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved;
and I will meditate in thy statutes."
~ Psalms 119:33-48
Monday, March 6, 2006
Living in a Cave...
Posted in Spiritual Applications
Yesterday evening, our pastor began his sermon in 1 Samuel 22 and in Psalm 57... when David was taking refuge in a cave.
Maybe it shouldn't amaze me, but it does... how God uses every piece of His Word to parallel and apply to our own lives and situation. Well, last night was one of those times when I finally let it sink in and allowed my eyes to be opened.
I've been living in a 'cave'(metaphorically speaking, of course)... waiting to move out of this 'cave', becoming discontent with this 'cave', and questioning why God is choosing to keep me here in this particular situation. Trying to wait patiently but, in all honesty, have been failing. I go through 'bouts' of accepting God's will and making the best out of this 'cave. Then there are 'bouts' of focusing on my own will and feeling in despair in my 'cave'. Last night was the reminder I needed. And God knew exactly what it was that I needed to hear to gain a clearer perspective.
I was reminded that sometimes God allows us to sit where we are so that He can tune our hearts. And in distresses, to move us to where He wants us to be. That in those times of limitations, we can learn to value the will of God.
We sometimes carry the idea that when things are going right and well for us, that is when we are closest to God. But that is not necessarily correct... God is near to the broken hearted...
Psalm 34:18 ~ "The LORD is nigh (near; next) unto them that are of a broken (hurt) heart; and saveth (help; preserve; get victory) such as be of a contrite (crushed) spirit."
I was reminded that sometimes God does allow us to stay at a 'stand-still', to remain where we are and that there have been plenty of others that have endured those times and we are no different than them. Ex... Moses (40 years in the desert); Joseph (2 years in prison); Caleb (40 years in desert); Paul (time in prison)...
How reassuring to be reminded that God knows exactly where we are (He put us there) and He knows exactly what He's doing.
The Lord brought to mind some Scripture for me in this time that I intend on re-memorizing and posting on index cards for daily reminders... (emphasis added)
Psalm 37:7 ~ "Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him..."
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 ~ "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."
Isaiah 26:3-4 ~ "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasing strength."
Lamentations 3:21-26 (and on) ~ "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD."
Philippians 4:11 ~ "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."
Our pastor listed some things that David learned while in his cave from Psalm 57:
1. God would protect Him (v.1)
2. David figured out how to pray (v.2)
3. David understood God had a plan (v.3)
4. God increased David's perception and discernment (v.4)
5. David learned how to praise God (v.5)
6. David understood the power of God (v.6,7)
7. David's heart was filled with praise (v.8-11)
My prayer is that while I am living in my 'cave' and any future 'cave' that I may dwell in, may my heart be especially humble and teachable. May I learn all the things that the Lord desires for me to learn so that my 'cave dwelling' will not be in vain.
Friday, January 20, 2006
"Teach me and I will hold my tongue..."
Posted in Spiritual Applications
Job 6:24 ~
"Teach me and I will hold my tongue:
and cause me to understand wherein I have erred."
As the children and I read this in the Bible this morning,
the Lord caused it to stick out in my mind.
I thought to myself, how much more often
I need to be sure to humble myself,
be willing to hold my tongue
(hold it from complaining, rationalizing, arguing,
expressing my opinion, questioning, etc...),
and just listen quietly as the Lord is trying to teach me.
Oh, how I need to listen humbly every day and all day.
How I need to invite His teaching and admonition,
His gentle, loving correction and guidance.
Thank you, Lord, for this reminder today.
I pray that I will ALWAYS have a teachable and humble spirit.
"Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks,
and to look well to thy herds."
~ Proverbs 27:23
Tending to our sheep...
