A New Resolution

Habakkuk 2:18 (NIV)
"Of what value is an idol, since a man has carved it? Or an image that teaches lies? For he who makes it trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak.

As we end our series titled, In AWE, and wind down our celebrations of Jesus birth, it is more than fitting to conclude with a scripture about idol worship. God sent his son to free us from sin which as captured us and holds us in bondage. Lifeless, man-made objects cannot free anyone from anything. They can't speak to the heart and guide the spirit. They can't comfort a broken heart nor redeem a destroyed life. They only collect dust.

Have you identified the idols that have captured your heart? Do you recognize what it is that you worship without realizing what it is you are doing? Each new year, as I examine the past year, I realize that those new years resolutions I commit to often are about changing my behaviors. I came to the conclusion a few years ago that my eating habits were so much about poor choices as it was about my wants. Food had become my idol--my go to in order to feel good.

I longed for the comfort certain foods provided, no matter how temporary. I learned that the feeling I was seeking and stuffing down with sweets, was never satisfied. Each day I would repeat the same practice. Now, having identified this idol, I know it will never fill the gap. There is no value and no reprieve from the emptiness. Only Jesus can make the changes to my heart necessary for a peaceful life.

I know this sounds like a Sunday School answer, but just try it. Try to turn to the Jesus and talk to Him about that need which remains unfilled. Ask Him to sooth your hurt, and seek answers to all your questions about life. One way I do this is to write things out in a journal each morning. I'll open my Bible and just begin reading a passage or two.

God will speak, every time I seek. The Magi were looking for more than lifeless idols to fill the open spaces in their lives, and they found Jesus. You can too!



Habakkuk 2:18-20

An Adventure Book

Reading is fun, it is entertaining, it is educational, it is relational; and it is a wonderful use of our time. I love to read fiction, nonfiction, memoir, autobiographies; all genres. I have found that every time I start a new book, it takes a little bit to get into it; to be drawn in by the characters or the story-line.  But eventually I engage and move forward with being entertained, or taught some life lesson.

It was pretty much the same way with the Bible when I first attempted to get into this book. I was convinced to open my Bible to the old testament dig into it when I finished reading a fictional series by Lynn Austin called Chronicles of the King. This five-book series told of King Hezekiah and the history of his day. I was so captured by the story (and the scripture quoted) that I opened my Bible and began to discover a whole new world of intrigue, love, evil and good.

Over the years, I have garnered my favorite authors, who take me on new adventure with their roots in Scripture. The plot and story come from the pages of the Sacred Words of Scripture. The writer can deposit me right smack-dab in the middle of life application.

This has begun an exciting journey and relationship with the Bible. I will read many other books, but I always remember that they drew me to the complete Word of God and began an adventure that is still going strong. Give it a try.


Hebrews 3:7-9

Hangry Spirit

Dear Readers – Please welcome the first of our three newest writers to Daily Bible Blast, Abby Fullen. Abby will be writing the Thursday posts-below is her first contribution. 

Holy. I’m hesitant to use such a word to describe myself. I mean, I’m holy and so is the Holy Spirit? I don’t feel like I’m quite up to that standard. But when I read the definition of that word I find it to be a soothing balm- it turns it into a feeling, a state of being, an action. I can shed the fear of having to live up to an expectation and step into the holiness that Jesus’s sacrifice bestowed on me, on us.

Let’s look at holiness in the realm of fasting. Practicing Christians know well that we gain when we release. Through the actions of freeing ourselves from a master, we’re allowing ourselves to more fully experience the intentions God has for us.

I have an issue with “hanger” (angry hunger). Most of the time you may hear it as hangry, like “Watch out, she’s super hangry.” — Most often spoken by my mother. Instead of feeding that “hanger” with good food- vegetables, clean protein, natural sugar from fruits- I often choose to quickly satisfy it with processed foods full of bad fat and sugar. I spike my blood sugar levels so I can dissipate the uncomfortable feelings of hunger and anger as quickly as possible, without thought to the damage I’ve done. Because the hunger isn’t being fulfilled in a healthy way.

The same goes with my spiritual “hanger.” I’ve been in plenty of seasons when I’m so hungry for God, and so impatient, that I turn to lifestyle comparisons with strangers on social media, sugar-filled baked goods, and the first thing that pops up on my Netflix queue. Because I feel fed for a moment, long enough until I have to do it again. However, I’ve stopped instantly satisfying my cravings and I’ve made myself sit in impatience because constant feedings of comparison and fiction that end in emptiness aren’t working for me anymore. I’m not going to tell you that I have it figured out. I’m still hungry. But, drawing from the definition of “holy,” I am humbled, inspired, motivated, on fire for fulfilling my hunger for God in better ways, in a healthy way.

Through His sacrifice, I’m dedicated to Him, I’m “sacred” and “divine.” Why wouldn’t I want to live into those definitions the best I could? I want to feed my sanctification by fasting from that which only makes me hungrier. When I fast from unhealthy, instant gratification, my holiness is fed. And I feel the wholeness from His sacrifice which has made me holy.      ----Abby Fullen

Hebrews 10:9-14

Job's Life Turns Inside Out

READ: Job 2:11-13

Ever seen the Disney movie Inside Out? If not, drop everything and go watch it. Seriously. I’ll wait. Just bookmark this page so you remember to read the devotional when you’re done.

Welcome back. Great movie, right? And now you understand that sometimes people just have to be sad. In fact, Matthew 5:4 says sadness is a blessing: Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Not comforted by joy, but by the blessing of those willing to mourn with them. That is what Job’s friends do when they tear their robes, sprinkle dust on their heads, and sit with him in wordless silence. And that is what Paul instructs us to do: Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. (Romans 12:15)

Mourning is good. It’s purposeful. We glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Romans 5:3-4)

Hope, not joy. For hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? (Romans 8:24)

But what great hope we have in the Lord! 

The Lord with surely comfort Zion

and will look with compassion on all her ruins;

He will make her deserts like Eden,

her wastelands like the garden of the Lord.

Joy and gladness will be found in her, 

thanksgiving and the sound of singing. (Isaiah 51:3)

Now that hope is a comfort worth sharing!

Sowing Seeds as You Read

The Bible is essential for our walk as a Christ follower.  It is our highest authority.  It is more than a book. God can speak to us through the pages of scripture.

The Reformers knew this, and worked hard to get these pages into the hands of everyone.  Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German so that common people could read God’s word for themselves.

If we are not reading God’s word outside of Sunday morning we are not letting God’s word do all that it can in our lives.  If we are not reading God’s word we will be like one of the people from our scripture passage today.

14 The farmer sows the word. 15 Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.

16 Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. 17 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.

18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.

20 Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.” -Mark 4:14-20

Make some time everyday to open up the Bible and listen for God’s voice as you read from his word.

Read today entire passage here Mark 4:10-20

It's all in the Book

Romans 10:8-11 (NIV) 

⁸  But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: ⁹  That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. ¹¹  As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." 

For those of us who have ever wondered if we are saved, or have been asked by someone new to the faith if they are saved, Romans 10:8-11 are the answer. Concentrate on verse 9 and you can remove all doubt. Learning this fact, early on in our Christian walk is wise. How do we learn these things you ask? By reading and studying God's Word regularly.

Early in my journey with Jesus I was sharing short messages at local nursing homes. I would find a scripture to read to them and then would do just a little bit of studying up on the verses. Often I would gravitate to Psalms. Oh, how I discovered a wonderful way to read and learn God's heart. The beauty in so many different lines from this book took my breath away.

Often, God would use the Psalm I was preparing, to speak to my heart and help me discover things I never considered before. For instance, Psalm 139: I read this during a season when I was wondering if God had a clue about what my life was like. Then I had my answer, immediately in verse one. "You have searched me Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar."  These words, while intimidating to some extent, were comforting.

And that is how Scripture is; it speaks to us and meets us right where we are. Words we need to hear have already been spoken/written and can be found on the pages of our Bibles. When seeking truth or direction, or answers to questions which stump us, we need only look as far as our own Bibles. 

Romans 10:8-15

Trust Me...

Where do trust issues come from? This is a question I asked for a long time. I have struggled for most of my life with trust. Our scripture passage today is Psalm 62: 5-12 and it talks about trusting God “at all times.” That is hard.

Verses 7 and 8 say,

“7 My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
8 Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.”

While trusting others is tough, I find that trusting God to be a challenge as well. Why? If God is good and God is love, shouldn’t we trust him “at all times” like the Psalmist says? I think our struggle with trust comes when,

Our expectations ≠ Our reality

We have expectations for how we believe we should be treated. Our passage today uses the word “honor”. If we receive less than we expect our trust is shaken. This can even happen with our relationship with God. If we think we deserve different treatment from him, our trust in him falters. It’s hard to say and mean, “Thy will be done.”

How do we remedy our trust issues with God? I believe the only way is to get to know him. Please don’t think this a cliché “church” answer. God is very real and if we spend time talking to him, he will help our heart see and believe that he is both love and good.

If we spend time in the word, we will learn who he is and how he works, allowing us to not have misplaced expectations. God won’t fail us, but his provision is not always what we desire.

Finally, if you really struggle with trust maybe get a good book on the topic. I have read, Transforming Grace, by Jerry Bridges and it opened my eyes to my misplaced expectations.

The neat thing about mending our trust issues with God… it will also mend any problems we have trusting others because we will only go to God for our honor.

Read the entire passage here Psalms 62:5-12

1 Corinthians 10:11-22

The Bread = Life   

The Cup = Eternal Salvation

As God’s will soaked into Paul’s heart, Paul reached out to the Christians in Corinth in A.D.54-55.

He attempted to appeal to their inner fulfillment as he warned them about being careful not to fall.

Their immorality was like that from Israel’s history. As a result of testing the Lord, twenty three thousand of their forefathers died. Paul’s appeals seem to be endless. Why were they so deaf to his words? Why are we so numb to these warnings?

We have heard it said that we cannot serve both God and money for money is an idol if not properly used. The same is true for many other things of this world. 

Paul says; “Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we partake in one loaf.” 1 Corinthians 10:14-17

Visualize how even though we partake in the body and blood of Christ in many locations throughout the world, it as though we are eating from the same loaf and drinking from the same cup. How cool is that! Now as we exit our places of worship how do we conduct ourselves? “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too.” 1 Corinthians 10:21

Our world seems to be continuing in a downward spiral with immorality of all types being revealed to us and our children. It is more than concerning and so big it feels hopeless but is it really any different than in A.D. 54?

Despite popular belief the Bible does not say God won’t give you more than you can handle, it says this;

“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is Faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

It does not say it will be easy, but that He will be there to offer us an out, better options than those the world leads us to…….The Bread---Life     The Cup---Eternal Salvation

Please read/Listen to 1 Corinthians 10:11-22

1 John 4:1-6

GUARD AGAINST PEOPLE THO DISTORT GOD’S TEACHINGS IN THE BIBLE

The Bible is referred to as God’s Word for good reason, yet man, out of ignorance, being misguided, or perhaps for spite, distort and at times re-write the very words of our Lord. In 1 John 4 we are warned of this.

As the co-leader of a teen Bible Study group, I recall playing a game one evening called “Is it from the Bible?” We were all to write down three verses, sayings, or phrases. One was to be from the bible, and two not from the bible. As each selection was read, the group was to determine whether or not they were taken directly from the Bible.

Though there were many that caused thought and discussion, I recall two that resulted in a great deal of debate;

1^st: “God helps those who help themselves.”

2^nd: “God will never give you more than you can handle.”

Without being able to reference their Bible for the game it was amazing to see those teens think, attempt to reference similar scripture, and genuinely seek the correct answer because they honestly wanted the truth revealed.

Sometimes only portions of God's word are quoted, but the missing portion of the verse is what makes the biblical impact. These types of misleading phrases are seen as basically harmless, yet wrong is wrong and truth is truth. When the only exposure some have to God’s word are untruths, they can be very easily lead astray.

John warns us not to believe every spirit “but test the spirits we see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)

What we believe and how we think will affect what we do and how we act. So let’s be very cautious about what we take in, what we share and how we share it. 

Speaking of the spirit of the antichrist, John says; “You, dear children are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4: 4)

Read/Listen to: 1 John 4:1-6

Read Lyrics to: Greater by Mercy Me

Know God

John 17:1-5

Someone drops a name and you say, “Oh sure, I know him.” I’ve done that many times, but what I really mean is “I know of him,” or “I know who he is.”

The Encarta Dictionary has a multitude of definitions for the word know, including words and phrases like; acquainted, become aware of, familiar with, recognize and have information in the mind. The one closest to what knowing God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit means is: to have a thorough understanding of something through experience or study

Though we cannot experience our Lord in the flesh, we can absorb His spirit and become what he wants us to be through consistently striving to grow in Him.

We have been offered the framework for doing just that, through His Word;

 “Be still, and know that I am God.”  Psalm 46:10

“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18

“I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.” Proverbs 8:17

"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep an my sheep know me." John 10:14

Getting to truly know and understand someone can be life changing. For example, if you

keep your distance from your superior in the workplace, speculate about his character, 

and talk with others who do the same it leads to distance and mistrust. On the contrary, if 

you pursue a relationship with him, take time to talk with him and try to understand who he 

really is and why he does what he does, you may become a key employee, instrumental in 

carrying out the company’s mission.

With God as well, the key is understanding. It’s all GRACE, yet we cannot understand Him 

unless we consistently attempt to understand just what Grace is and learn God’s nature and 

character as revealed in His works and word.

When we make time to listen to what the Bible has to tell us and humbly open our hearts to 

receive it, the Holy Spirit will assist us with applying it to our lives, offering us peace and 

wisdom to carry on. And one day be glorified in His presence.

Read/Listen to John 17:1-5

Luke 19:28-44

Palm Sunday a Prophecy

According to http://bibleistrue.net/prophecy/ the Bible contains 1,817 individual predictions (prophesies) concerning 737 separate subjects found in 8,352 verses.

As Zechariah said the Lord would come some 500 years earlier, “humble and mounted on a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9). This prophesy came to be in Luke 19.

Isaiah 35:4-6 …say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come with vengeance; with divine retribution He will save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like deer and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and stream in the desert.” 

This prophesy from approximately 700 BC came true as well. Jesus performed a multitude of miracles during his time on earth making it clear he was not of this world.

In Isaiah 40 the coming of Our God was proclaimed and in Luke 3 John the Baptist humbly spoke of Jesus making himself known; “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” Jesus did indeed come, and you know the rest.

While the crowd (referred to in scripture as disciples) shouted for joy as He was carried into Jerusalem on the colt, Jesus wept over the city and its impending destruction. Those who lined the street knew who Jesus really was and what his coming meant to the world.

Though we read about the second coming of our Lord in many books of the Bible, we cannot understand just what it will be like. We can trust however, that it is right and true, just as all of the other predetermined events of this world. Rest in the words and deeds of Jesus, for He came to sacrifice His life so WE may live. 

 Read/Listen to Luke 19:28-44

The Best Guide We Have

I found driving in Europe a challenge. The UK uses the other side of the street and German street names are so long I have difficulty translating them as I drive by. And don’t get me started about France….

The driving paradigm is different in Europe. Instead of looking for specific roads along the way, you rather need to know the villages you will be passing through to your destination. The direction to the next village is well marked; individual streets not so much.

 

It is quite easy to think you are on the right road, headed in the right direction, only to find you have been lost for the last 45 minutes and did not know it. It is bad enough to be lost and know it. It is even worse to be lost and not know it.

 

It took me a couple of trips, but I learned, with the help of a "driver’s guide”, how to get around in an automobile in Europe.

A German Street Name I Understood

Today’s reading is Isaiah 64:8-65:4. Isaiah is reciting a tale of two monologues. The first monologue, 64:8-12, a prayer actually, is an example of faithful people calling on the Lord during their time of trouble. Of course, their turning away from the Lord caused their trouble. Nonetheless, they demonstrated their faith by relying on God to get them out of their predicament.

 

Isaiah was articulating a story of people who are lost, but fortunately know it.

 

The second monologue is God’s Judgment and is included in 65:1-4. God is angry at the Israelites. He revealed himself to them as an act of grace, yet they persisted in doing things God forbid, like eating the flesh of pigs and worshipping false gods. God is about to unleash his judgment on them.

 

The Israelites are lost, and they do not know it! Sadly for them, they will not know it until God’s judgment comes.

 

So how do we keep from straying from God and, more importantly, know we have strayed when we do? Our Bible is better than a “driver’s guide”. It tells us what not to do, but just as important, what we are to do.

 

The Bible. The best guide we have!

Don't Get Burned

I admit it. I am a closet pyromaniac. I really enjoy fires in my fireplace at home. Perhaps more than I should!

 

We have all been told, “Don’t play with matches” when we were young. You guessed it. I did. And I got burned.

 

(I am not sure which was worse, burning my fingers, or suffering in silence. I had to keep quiet.  Had I told my parents, I am certain a different part of my body would have gotten hot, if you get my gist.)

 

Today’s reading is Hebrews 3:7-19. The author is speaking to Jewish converts who were reverting back to Judaism instead of moving ahead with their new Christian faith. He reminds these converts that God was not happy with their forefathers when they went astray in the dessert, en route to the Promised Land.

 

Their forefathers turned away from God and did not trust Him or believe His promises.

 

The author continues to remind the new converts that God punished those who ignored His promises. The generation who left Egypt died before entering the Promised Land.

 

In effect, the author says, “If you play with fire, you are going to get burned.”

 

Yet, instructions are given that help one keep one’s faith. “… encourage one another daily … so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness …. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.”

 

Keeping one’s faith in today’s world can be a challenge at times. We are tugged away from Christ from many sources. Like the Hebrews, we can be guilty of falling back to the ways of the world. We need to combat this and do exercises that help us keep our faith.

 

The author of Hebrews provides good counsel, but his advice is not the only advice that works for Christians today.

 

What exercises do you do that help you appreciate God and keep your faith?

 

My favorites are reading the Bible and taking Communion.

 

But I also like a tall glass of ice water nearby!

 

 

Training and Equipping

2 Timothy 3:16-17

"All scripture is God -breathed, and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

As we conclude our Sunday Study of The Word for September, I was reflecting on what the other writers I am privileged to share this blog with, had to say. Though we live miles apart and do not collaborate regarding what we will author, and have written from many different Books of the Bible, including Psalms, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Proverbs, Revelation, Hebrews, etc., a common theme surfaces. Below are a few excerpts from the September Blog writings I feel compelled to share. This BOOK is a true gift from our Father! 

"But the Bible is present. The Holy Spirit is alive and active within the pages of scripture! Faith is created when we spend time in the Word, faith is strengthened when we spend time in the Word, and God often speaks to us through His word." 

"When we apply Scripture to our daily tasks and concerns our Faith is ignited. Discernment comes into play as we seek to understand the words which lay open at our fingertips."

"God has given parents a tremendous responsibility when he entrusts them with one of his souls. A key part of that responsibility is to teach their children God’s Word, and train them to be disciples."

 "We have a God given training manual at our fingertips we call the Bible; His Holy Word."

"Still, instruction is clearly the smoother route and we do well to travel it as much as we can.  So to that end, Solomon hands us his atlas of proverbs and bids us farewell on our trip to Wisdom with this sage advice: Travel the freeway of instruction ... you’ll know it when you see it ... it’s the path that begins with the fear of the Lord." 

"Reading scripture on a regular basis and delving into His Word attempting to learn how to apply it to our lives, will keep us clear thinking." 

"What better tool to use than God’s Word." 

"The Life Application Bible Notes puts it this way - The Bible is like medicine: It goes to work only when we apply it to the affected areas. As you read the Bible, be alert for lessons, commands, or examples that you can put into practice."

Amen!

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Reproofing and Correction

The Sunday Scripture Reading for September remains the same: 

"All scripture is God -breathed, and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Consider the phrase

“He doesn't know what he doesn't know.”

I've used that line myself when referring to new employees at my workplace, I was responsible for mentoring. It takes a while for the fog to clear when people are put into new situations. Everyone else has an understanding of the common goal. Those who surround the newbie are in the know about the importance of the details that need to be addressed. While the rookie thinks he is working hard and doing what is expected, the others are picking up the slack.

As the numbers on the desk calendar are peeled away, his co-workers correct, redirect, explain, and allow mistakes in order to provide understanding and clarity. Through this process of correction, reproofing, experience, and guidance, the new guy settles into a place within the ranks because he now “gets it.”

Perhaps there was a business manual available to assist with understanding the common practices involved with the job. Maybe the new employee was referred to the internet to view a web cam or provided video training CD’s to get an overview of his role and responsibilities. Though valuable tools, the importance of the personal relationships accompanying those training opportunities cannot be overstated.

If we are true Christ followers, we are also spiritual mentors. We have a God given training manual at our fingertips we call the Bible; His Holy Word. We can provide this tool to others, but must also model, guide, correct, and reproof in order to bring our brothers and sisters to a place of understanding their responsibilities as Christians. To help them know what they don't know. 

2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction.”

2 Timothy 3: 16-17

                 Looking for inspiration? “Google It!”

I did. As I read through the hundreds of inspirational quotes, it occurred to me that though not stated, a good portion of them were bible based whether the author of the message intended it to be or not. It is true that many quotes people think came from the bible,  have no biblical base, such as “God helps those who help themselves,” but to an extent it is good to know that God’s name is being referenced in the life of those who may not be truly committed. There are also verses spoken by preachers and teachers of the word that may not be directly taken from the bible yet reference how we are to live our lives based on biblical principles, like one of my favorites from Chuck Swindoll. 

In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 we are reminded: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 

If we are familiar with God's word, we can make reference to his teachings and help others make connections to the bible; our training manual for life, when we have the opportunity. Everyone loves to be inspired, so let's use our daily circumstances and interactions to direct others to His Word. What does the bible say?

1 Chronicles 28:20                    James 1:23-25
Deuteronomy 31:6                    1 John 3:18
Joshua 1:9                                Colossians 3:23-24
Psalm 27:14                              1 Peter 1:13
1 John 1:9                                  Hebrews 6:11-12
Philippians 4:13                         Daniel 11:32
Proverbs 28:13                          Luke 11:9
James 4:10                               James 2: 14-17
...and many more                      ...and many more

            2 Corinthians 5:17

            James 1:12
            Romans 5: 3-5
            Matthew 24:13
            Hebrews 10:36
            Acts 2:38
            Matthew 18: 21-22
            Psalm 32:5
            Luke 23:43
            ...and many more

The Walls are Rebuilt….Rejoice!

Nehemiah 8

"They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so the people could understand what was being read.” Nehemiah 8:8

What a gift, to have God’s book read to you, and then explained in a way that relates to your own life. It’s as though the Lord is speaking directly to you and you can make sense of the messages, and the words coming alive within you. That is what our God intended. His Word was written for US.

If you do not yet have the regular experience of feeling God’s word come alive within you when you attend a church service, I urge you to look further. The purpose of a sermon is to make God’s teaching clear and to show relevance to our daily lives just as Ezra, Nehemiah, and the Levites did. The same is true for any devoted Christ follower. Making God’s promises clear and understandable to those who do not know Him and helping them realize the importance and relevance of a relationship with God is a life saving act.

 

Though when we read and listen to God’s Word and reflect on our daily lives, we may become sad and even grieved because we know we are not always following his  commands and directives, Nehemiah reminds us; “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” God’s joy is to show grace and keep His promises. God rebuilds us through his Word. Attending worship service regularly and becoming part of a community of believers is important, but also vital is feeding ourselves through His word. Today, in this country, we can freely access God’s teachings within our own Bibles, so..... read, reflect, act, and rejoice.

The Joy Of The Lord Is Our Strength!

Read/Listen to: Nehemiah 8

Who Lives?

Galatians 2:19-20 (NIV)
 For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 

Our sins died with Jesus that day on the Cross. Our Christian walk was born the day we died to our old life; when we united our life with His.  In many respects we must die to our old life each day when the desires of the sinful nature try to ensnare us.

This can be compared to an addict who has been clean for months after going through a treatment program.  While they are no longer using, there is a daily battle that rages, an inner turmoil that tries to take over and cause relapse. The person who has claimed Christ as Savior is no longer living the former way of life, but is familiar with the daily battle with the world.

The addict's daily living is his focus, one day at a time his mantra.  Likewise, the Christian's daily walk is toward life and living it as Christ has taught.  The addict begins to turn her life around when she surrounds herself with people who care; people who can help her stay sober.  The Christian needs this same companionship, accountability and instruction.

The addict reads and studies the Big Book. He learns about sobriety and the value of staying clean by reading stories of others struggles and victories.  He avoids the old life and walks with new friends. The Christian read and study another Big Book - the Bible.  She learns of a better way to live and she adopts a new set of friends; ones who will walk alongside her, love her and encourage this new behavior.

When the addict uses both books, recovery takes on an entirely new meaning. We are all addicts of some type.  Our drug of choice may be drugs or alcohol, or it may be unhealthy relationships, or isolation or work or money or food or exercise or...  Fill in the blank.  Claiming Christ and becoming a new creation is daily work.  We all sin and fall short... But God's grace covers it all.

The Story – Chapter 26 – The Hour of Darkness

Luke 22: 39-53

Matthew, Mark and John wrote of the same exact experience as this passage in Luke. Their words may vary, but the stories corroborate each other. Today’s reading in Luke revisits the time when Jesus and his disciples were at the Mount of Olives and Jesus instructed them to “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He then went a short distance away, fell to his knees, and prayed like no one else can. He was in agony, knowing  the night of his crucifixion was very near. He prayed fervently, dreading the cross but submitting himself to his heavenly Father’s higher purpose.

The Journey (Bible For Seeking God and Understanding Life) says something I must share regarding the heart of Jesus, and how we can take example from Him in one of His darkest moments. “We will face deep anguish in our life-everyone does. When that happens you can do what Jesus did; PRAY. Pray hard, pray deep, pray honestly, pray out all your feelings-not a formula. Pray until you sweat and cry and fall down in exhaustion. Pray with others. Pray alone. Pray as long as it takes, and then pray longer. Pray because nothing else works, and keep praying when it doesn’t seem to work. Pray because Jesus prayed, pray because you want to pray, pray because you don’t want to pray. Pray out loud, pray quietly. Pray whenever you think about it, pray instead of just thinking about it. Pray when you walk and when you drive and when you wake up and when you go to sleep. Pray before you forget. Pray right now.”

This 3 minute video is worth watching:

John Piper - Prayer Causes Things to Happen

 Read/Listen to Luke 22: 39-53