Have you ever heard the song "Be An Example" by Ron Hamilton? Well, today's "Seeking Him" devotional by Nancy Leigh DeMoss reminded me again of that song that reminds us of the importance of our Christ-like example as a believer:
"We don't always think about the way our actions affect others. It started with Adam, who had no idea how the effects of his sin would be felt throughout history. Our disobedience, even in little areas, can affect others in ways we can't imagine.
I need to remember that when I'm tempted to indulge my flesh with over-sleeping or over-eating or to be harsh with my words or to yield to self-centered emotions. It helps me to stop and think about the people who look to me as an example.
Jesus said, "For their sakes I sanctify myself that they also may be sanctified by your truth."
When you're tempted to sin today, remember that we need to choose the pathway of holiness—not only for God's sake and our own sake; we need to be holy for the sake of others." [emphasis mine]
Wow - what a powerful, necessary reminder of the example that we are to others (whether we recognize it or not) as a Christian! What kind of an example are you showing by your actions and attitudes today? Even in trials and suffering (see my previous post from earlier today) as well as in rejoicing, be encouraged and challenged that, by God's grace and strength, that you will be a Christ-like example this very day. Meditate on these Scriptures...
I Timothy 4:12, "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
John 13:15, "For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you."
Monday, January 21, 2008
Suffering...
Just wanted to post a portion from an "e-devotional" regarding suffering that I often read in the mornings (http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/daily.light/):
"...we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.—It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. . . . For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees. [emphasis mine]" (Romans 5:3-5; Hebrews 12:7, 8, 11, 12)
My hope and prayer is that in whatever we face today that the Lord would strengthen us through our sufferings by understanding our humble reliance on His sufficient grace (II Corinthians 12:9&10)
"...we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.—It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. . . . For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees. [emphasis mine]" (Romans 5:3-5; Hebrews 12:7, 8, 11, 12)
My hope and prayer is that in whatever we face today that the Lord would strengthen us through our sufferings by understanding our humble reliance on His sufficient grace (II Corinthians 12:9&10)
Friday, January 18, 2008
Biblical Womanhood - Submission to Authority...
Wow - the last two days of messages on Revive Our Hearts have been SUCH A CHALLENGE to my heart... and my specific heart prayer is that the Lord would keep me faithful by His grace to apply what I've learned specifically in these areas of submission that I've been challenged and convicted about!
Here are the two links from John Piper's messages on "The Beautiful Faith of Fearless Submission":
Part 1 - Learning to Live Without Fear: http://www.reviveourhearts.com/radio/roh/today.php?pid=9784
Part 2 - What Submission Means: http://www.reviveourhearts.com/radio/roh/today.php?pid=9785
At a glance - from Part 1:
I Peter 1:3-7
Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct.
Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.
For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.
Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
"The focus in this message is on the meaning of the submission of a wife to a husband. I’m very, very eager that men and women, old and young, even children, single and married, would hear this as a call to something very strong, very noble, very beautiful, very dignified, very worthy of a woman’s highest spiritual and moral efforts."
At a glance - from Part 2:
Number one: Submission does not mean agreeing with everything your husband says.
Number two: Submission does not mean leaving your brain and your will at the wedding altar. It’s not the inability or the unwillingness to think for yourself.
Number three: Submission does not mean avoiding every effort to change a husband. But if you believe what the Bible says, you conclude paradoxically, “This text calls for submission as a means of changing him.”
Number four: Submission does not mean putting the will of the husband before the will of Christ. And it’s for Jesus’ sake that she submits to him. That’s number four.
Number five: Submission does not mean that a wife gets her personal spiritual strength primarily through her husband.
Number six: Submission does not mean a wife is to act out of fear toward her husband. Submission is the divine calling of a wife to honor and affirm her husband’s leadership and help carry it through according to her gifts. I’ll say it another way. It’s a disposition to follow a husband’s authority and an inclination—notice these are heart words here, not behavior words only—a disposition to follow a husband’s authority and an inclination to yield to his leadershipSubmission does not follow the husband into sin
Nancy Leigh DeMoss comments at the end of the program, "What a beautiful picture Dr. John Piper has given us of marriage the way that God intended it to be... I think it would be appropriate for us to take an Old Testament selah. That means “pause.” Stop and think about what you just heard. [Lisa's note - I would strongly encourage you to make the time to listen to these messages...] And if you’re married, I’m going to ask to you to consider this question: Does your marriage tell the truth about Christ and His church?
I so appreciate the way that Dr. Piper has helped us understand what biblical submission is and what it is not in the context of marriage. When it comes down to it, the ultimate issue is: “Is my heart submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ?” If it is, then a reflection of that submission will be seen in my willingness to come under God-ordained human authorities.
So I just want to encourage you to say, “Yes, Lord” to whatever God has said to you today. Maybe there’s even a need for repentance, saying, “Lord, I’ve resisted the authority and the leadership of my husband. I’ve not modeled what it means for the church to submit to Jesus Christ.” And oh, how I pray that our lives as women will model to the world the beautiful faith of fearless submission. "
Dr. John Piper's prayer at the end of these two Revive our hearts programs was, "Father in heaven, I so long for the husbands and wives of our church to grow up into this calling of headship and submission, biblically understood. I long for single people to embrace their singleness, while they have it, as Your calling on their lives and to embrace this vision as You summon them to it.
And I pray for children to get it and to want it, to dream about it someday, and to mature into it sooner than many of our young people do today because they’ve been so ill-taught on the maturities of manhood and womanhood.
And I pray for those who are 60, 70, 80, maybe alone, that they would embrace this vision, pray this vision, teach this vision, command this vision. And God, grant that the world would see Your Son and His covenant-keeping love, and His church modeled in wives in her covenant-keeping love. I pray this now in Jesus’ name, Amen."
May these words continue to challenge and convict our hearts as we desire to not just "say" we want our lives to reflect and glorify our Lord, but actually "act" upon these words by God's grace alone! May you see the Lord's strength and true joy in your life today through acting upon what you've learned...
Here are the two links from John Piper's messages on "The Beautiful Faith of Fearless Submission":
Part 1 - Learning to Live Without Fear: http://www.reviveourhearts.com/radio/roh/today.php?pid=9784
Part 2 - What Submission Means: http://www.reviveourhearts.com/radio/roh/today.php?pid=9785
At a glance - from Part 1:
I Peter 1:3-7
Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct.
Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.
For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.
Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
"The focus in this message is on the meaning of the submission of a wife to a husband. I’m very, very eager that men and women, old and young, even children, single and married, would hear this as a call to something very strong, very noble, very beautiful, very dignified, very worthy of a woman’s highest spiritual and moral efforts."
At a glance - from Part 2:
Number one: Submission does not mean agreeing with everything your husband says.
Number two: Submission does not mean leaving your brain and your will at the wedding altar. It’s not the inability or the unwillingness to think for yourself.
Number three: Submission does not mean avoiding every effort to change a husband. But if you believe what the Bible says, you conclude paradoxically, “This text calls for submission as a means of changing him.”
Number four: Submission does not mean putting the will of the husband before the will of Christ. And it’s for Jesus’ sake that she submits to him. That’s number four.
Number five: Submission does not mean that a wife gets her personal spiritual strength primarily through her husband.
Number six: Submission does not mean a wife is to act out of fear toward her husband. Submission is the divine calling of a wife to honor and affirm her husband’s leadership and help carry it through according to her gifts. I’ll say it another way. It’s a disposition to follow a husband’s authority and an inclination—notice these are heart words here, not behavior words only—a disposition to follow a husband’s authority and an inclination to yield to his leadershipSubmission does not follow the husband into sin
Nancy Leigh DeMoss comments at the end of the program, "What a beautiful picture Dr. John Piper has given us of marriage the way that God intended it to be... I think it would be appropriate for us to take an Old Testament selah. That means “pause.” Stop and think about what you just heard. [Lisa's note - I would strongly encourage you to make the time to listen to these messages...] And if you’re married, I’m going to ask to you to consider this question: Does your marriage tell the truth about Christ and His church?
I so appreciate the way that Dr. Piper has helped us understand what biblical submission is and what it is not in the context of marriage. When it comes down to it, the ultimate issue is: “Is my heart submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ?” If it is, then a reflection of that submission will be seen in my willingness to come under God-ordained human authorities.
So I just want to encourage you to say, “Yes, Lord” to whatever God has said to you today. Maybe there’s even a need for repentance, saying, “Lord, I’ve resisted the authority and the leadership of my husband. I’ve not modeled what it means for the church to submit to Jesus Christ.” And oh, how I pray that our lives as women will model to the world the beautiful faith of fearless submission. "
Dr. John Piper's prayer at the end of these two Revive our hearts programs was, "Father in heaven, I so long for the husbands and wives of our church to grow up into this calling of headship and submission, biblically understood. I long for single people to embrace their singleness, while they have it, as Your calling on their lives and to embrace this vision as You summon them to it.
And I pray for children to get it and to want it, to dream about it someday, and to mature into it sooner than many of our young people do today because they’ve been so ill-taught on the maturities of manhood and womanhood.
And I pray for those who are 60, 70, 80, maybe alone, that they would embrace this vision, pray this vision, teach this vision, command this vision. And God, grant that the world would see Your Son and His covenant-keeping love, and His church modeled in wives in her covenant-keeping love. I pray this now in Jesus’ name, Amen."
May these words continue to challenge and convict our hearts as we desire to not just "say" we want our lives to reflect and glorify our Lord, but actually "act" upon these words by God's grace alone! May you see the Lord's strength and true joy in your life today through acting upon what you've learned...
Thursday, January 3, 2008
PTP - Practice the Presence...
"Your circumstances may not change, but you can change in the midst of your circumstances if you will learn to PTP — practice the presence." Today's Revive Our Hearts radio program by Nancy Leigh Demoss gave this simple yet profound encouragement. What does it mean? Here is a portion of today's transcript that really heped me...
"What presence? The presence of Christ. He is there. If you’re a child of God, He is in you. He is moving through you. He is around you. You are in Him. God’s desire for your life is that you would walk this day, regardless of your circumstances, in the fullness and the joy of the presence of Christ. But you've got to be willing to say the number one priority in my life, in my day, in this moment, my number one priority is my relationship with Christ. To know Him, to walk with Him, to love Him, to seek Him, to respond to Him. Even as I’m doing all the other things that I need to be doing in my day, it’s always under the umbrella, the covering, of that number one commitment."
That's quite a challenge in this day and age... In fulfillment of my single determintation to better understand who God is and what it means that I am His child in every day life, this portion of the program today was so helpful! If you are interested in hearing or reading the entire transcript of "An Inward Work of God", please go to http://www.reviveourhearts.com/radio/roh/today.php?pid=9769. May God show you His grace through His word in each moment of your day!
"What presence? The presence of Christ. He is there. If you’re a child of God, He is in you. He is moving through you. He is around you. You are in Him. God’s desire for your life is that you would walk this day, regardless of your circumstances, in the fullness and the joy of the presence of Christ. But you've got to be willing to say the number one priority in my life, in my day, in this moment, my number one priority is my relationship with Christ. To know Him, to walk with Him, to love Him, to seek Him, to respond to Him. Even as I’m doing all the other things that I need to be doing in my day, it’s always under the umbrella, the covering, of that number one commitment."
That's quite a challenge in this day and age... In fulfillment of my single determintation to better understand who God is and what it means that I am His child in every day life, this portion of the program today was so helpful! If you are interested in hearing or reading the entire transcript of "An Inward Work of God", please go to http://www.reviveourhearts.com/radio/roh/today.php?pid=9769. May God show you His grace through His word in each moment of your day!
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
The New Year - 2008
It was hard for me to think of a title for this posting, but the decision to call it "The New Year - 2008" is based on the fact that so many look at a "new year" as a "new beginning" in so many ways... Physically, Socially, Emotionally - but the consideration here will focus on how the Spiritual aspect of life should be the focus of all these areas we encounter in our lives. For me, the "new year" has brought a goal to read more literature that will, by God's grace alone, help challenge my each and every thought to be Christ-centered. A list of my first "reading goals" for the year are as follows:
1) The Bible - I will continue my "Proverbs for the day" as well as additional reading on specific subjects/books relevant to this season of my life (Proverbs 31, Titus 2, Ephesians 4&5)
2) Tabletalk daily devotional - for the month of January we are beginning to study the book of Matthew as well as the life of C.S. Lewis (www.ligonier.org)
3) Heart Aflame by John Calvin - a daily commentary reading on the book of Psalms (this has been an EXCELLENT read so far...)
4) Desiring God by John Piper - developing the understanding of how to "glorify God by enjoying Him forever..." This book will be the book I will read at night time before bed. Let me give just a few of the things that "hit me" last night as I was reading... "Nehemiah 8:10, The joy of the LORD is your strength... [we] find strength from spiritual joy, not natural supplies... not only does the pursuit of joy in God give strength to endure, it is the key to breaking the power of sin on our way to heaven... The joy of the Lord will arm us against the assaults of our spiritual enemies and put our mouths out of taste for those pleasures with which the tempter baits his hooks. (taken from pages 11&12)"
Over the holiday time I was able to make some "Biblical Womanhood 2008 Goals" and list out many ways of necessary spiritual growth as well as how this should work out in practical ways in my life. Lord willing, as the year continues to go by rapidly (today is the 2nd already!), the gospel will be evidenced in my life by the ways the Lord is clearly working in my heart and life to draw me closer to Himself. No matter the trials to come, the joy the Lord gives must be evidenced by a life of clear God-ward direction. To God be the glory for all He has done, is doing and will continue to do... (I Corinthians 10:31) Have a "Happy New Year 2008" by glorifying the Lord in your daily life!
1) The Bible - I will continue my "Proverbs for the day" as well as additional reading on specific subjects/books relevant to this season of my life (Proverbs 31, Titus 2, Ephesians 4&5)
2) Tabletalk daily devotional - for the month of January we are beginning to study the book of Matthew as well as the life of C.S. Lewis (www.ligonier.org)
3) Heart Aflame by John Calvin - a daily commentary reading on the book of Psalms (this has been an EXCELLENT read so far...)
4) Desiring God by John Piper - developing the understanding of how to "glorify God by enjoying Him forever..." This book will be the book I will read at night time before bed. Let me give just a few of the things that "hit me" last night as I was reading... "Nehemiah 8:10, The joy of the LORD is your strength... [we] find strength from spiritual joy, not natural supplies... not only does the pursuit of joy in God give strength to endure, it is the key to breaking the power of sin on our way to heaven... The joy of the Lord will arm us against the assaults of our spiritual enemies and put our mouths out of taste for those pleasures with which the tempter baits his hooks. (taken from pages 11&12)"
Over the holiday time I was able to make some "Biblical Womanhood 2008 Goals" and list out many ways of necessary spiritual growth as well as how this should work out in practical ways in my life. Lord willing, as the year continues to go by rapidly (today is the 2nd already!), the gospel will be evidenced in my life by the ways the Lord is clearly working in my heart and life to draw me closer to Himself. No matter the trials to come, the joy the Lord gives must be evidenced by a life of clear God-ward direction. To God be the glory for all He has done, is doing and will continue to do... (I Corinthians 10:31) Have a "Happy New Year 2008" by glorifying the Lord in your daily life!
Friday, December 7, 2007
The "Go to the Ant" Principle from Proverbs 6...
Proverbs 6:6-11 says, "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man."
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary comments on this passage, "Diligence in business is every man's wisdom and duty; not so much that he may attain worldly wealth, as that he may not be a burden to others, or a scandal to the church. The ants are more diligent than slothful men. We may learn wisdom from the meanest insects, and be shamed by them. Habits of indolence and indulgence grow upon people. Thus life runs to waste; and poverty, though at first at a distance, gradually draws near, like a traveller; and when it arrives, is like an armed man, too strong to be resisted. All this may be applied to the concerns of our souls. How many love their sleep of sin, and their dreams of worldly happiness! Shall we not seek to awaken such? Shall we not give diligence to secure our own salvation? (Pr 6:12-19)"
This concept of the diligence of the ant came to light, once again, for me yesterday as I was reading this passage in Proverbs 6 (Most days I read the "Proverb of the Day", i.e. December 6th, I read Proverbs 6; Today, December 7th, I read Proverbs 7, etc.). May this little insect, the ant, be a challenge to our hearts - Be diligent in your relationship with the Lord of glory!
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary comments on this passage, "Diligence in business is every man's wisdom and duty; not so much that he may attain worldly wealth, as that he may not be a burden to others, or a scandal to the church. The ants are more diligent than slothful men. We may learn wisdom from the meanest insects, and be shamed by them. Habits of indolence and indulgence grow upon people. Thus life runs to waste; and poverty, though at first at a distance, gradually draws near, like a traveller; and when it arrives, is like an armed man, too strong to be resisted. All this may be applied to the concerns of our souls. How many love their sleep of sin, and their dreams of worldly happiness! Shall we not seek to awaken such? Shall we not give diligence to secure our own salvation? (Pr 6:12-19)"
This concept of the diligence of the ant came to light, once again, for me yesterday as I was reading this passage in Proverbs 6 (Most days I read the "Proverb of the Day", i.e. December 6th, I read Proverbs 6; Today, December 7th, I read Proverbs 7, etc.). May this little insect, the ant, be a challenge to our hearts - Be diligent in your relationship with the Lord of glory!
Thursday, December 6, 2007
"In His Image" - Reflecting on Authority & Service Principles
There are two specific areas of focus that have helped me in ways that every Christian deals with - AUTHORITY in our lives and SERVICE to others...
My reason for focusing on these is because of the necessary reminder that we must be renewing our mind in Scripture concerning areas that affect our daily lives (& authority & service are ones that we all face daily!). Colossians 3:9-10 says, "Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."
Let's consider some principles from Scripture in these areas:
Authority...
I Corinthians 11:3, "But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God."
Romans 13:1, "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."
Proverbs 4:1, "Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding." (ESV, "Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight."
Ephesians 6:1-3, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth."
Service...
Galatians 5:13, "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another."
Philippians 2:14, "Do all things without murmurings and disputings." (ESV says, "grumbling or questioning")
Ephesians 6:7, "With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men."
I Thessalonians 5:14, "Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men." (ESV says, "And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.")
II Corinthians 10:5, "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." (ESV, "We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.")
Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
These are several great Scriptural principles to challenge and encourage us in our response to authority in our lives and the ways we serve others. Glorifying God in both of these areas (I Corinthians 10:31) must be the ultimate goal by God's grace and strength (II Corinthians 12:9&10). What is one verse in each area that you can take and apply in your life today? Pray for the Lord to strengthen you by His grace to accomplish what you should in these areas TODAY!
I read a definition of selfishness that I thought was very helpful. Selfishness is "seeking to satisfy myself with the things of this world." Does this describe your life? Are you "selfish" (according to this specific definition of the word) in either areas of authority or service as you evaluate your life (Psalm 139:23-24)? May the Lord be glorified by our evaluating the need for growth and change in these areas by the power He gives us through the Holy Spirit (memorize Scripture!).
One final thought by JI Packer (as noted on the "GirlTalk" blog), "The Christmas spirit does not shine out in the Christian snob. For the Christmas spirit is the spirit of those who, like their Master, live their whole lives on the principle of making themselves poor--spending and being spent--to enrich their fellow humans, giving time, trouble, care and concern, to do good to others---and not just their own friends--in whatever way there seems need." Have a productive day in the Lord!
My reason for focusing on these is because of the necessary reminder that we must be renewing our mind in Scripture concerning areas that affect our daily lives (& authority & service are ones that we all face daily!). Colossians 3:9-10 says, "Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."
Let's consider some principles from Scripture in these areas:
Authority...
I Corinthians 11:3, "But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God."
Romans 13:1, "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."
Proverbs 4:1, "Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding." (ESV, "Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight."
Ephesians 6:1-3, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth."
Service...
Galatians 5:13, "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another."
Philippians 2:14, "Do all things without murmurings and disputings." (ESV says, "grumbling or questioning")
Ephesians 6:7, "With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men."
I Thessalonians 5:14, "Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men." (ESV says, "And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.")
II Corinthians 10:5, "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." (ESV, "We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.")
Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
These are several great Scriptural principles to challenge and encourage us in our response to authority in our lives and the ways we serve others. Glorifying God in both of these areas (I Corinthians 10:31) must be the ultimate goal by God's grace and strength (II Corinthians 12:9&10). What is one verse in each area that you can take and apply in your life today? Pray for the Lord to strengthen you by His grace to accomplish what you should in these areas TODAY!
I read a definition of selfishness that I thought was very helpful. Selfishness is "seeking to satisfy myself with the things of this world." Does this describe your life? Are you "selfish" (according to this specific definition of the word) in either areas of authority or service as you evaluate your life (Psalm 139:23-24)? May the Lord be glorified by our evaluating the need for growth and change in these areas by the power He gives us through the Holy Spirit (memorize Scripture!).
One final thought by JI Packer (as noted on the "GirlTalk" blog), "The Christmas spirit does not shine out in the Christian snob. For the Christmas spirit is the spirit of those who, like their Master, live their whole lives on the principle of making themselves poor--spending and being spent--to enrich their fellow humans, giving time, trouble, care and concern, to do good to others---and not just their own friends--in whatever way there seems need." Have a productive day in the Lord!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Watching for Worldliness...
Considering the issue of "watching for worldliness" in my life has been inspired by the "girltalkers" at the following links... http://girltalk.blogs.com/girltalk/2007/11/worldliness-in.html
http://girltalk.blogs.com/girltalk/2007/11/the-world-a-dea.html
http://girltalk.blogs.com/girltalk/2007/11/holiday-stuffin.html
After considering their thoughts, challenges and encouragements, the caution to steer clear of worldliness in the Christmas holiday is much needed in my heart. I spoke with an unsaved lady yesterday who mentioned how busy and hectic this season is and how so quickly "it's all over". This gave me a neat opportunity to share my faith with her and the reason Christians should have a different perspective on all the "holiday busyness". Three specific Scriptures that have helped me with considering the Biblical principles of worldliness during this "busy" Christmas season are...
Romans 12:2, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Colossians 3:2, "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."
I John 2:15-17, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."
May our focus be on the Lord and doing His specific will during all the activities of this season. Recently, I've also been challenged and encouraged in the Lord by a friend who, at this moment, is dealing with a great physical trial in her life... http://refreshingramblings.blogspot.com/2007/11/theology-applied-full-circle.html
As you have a moment, please make time to read her post. Pray for the Lord to search your heart and ask Him for the grace and strength to change the things in your life that you are convicted and challenged about... as I always am when I read her "journalings". Specifically remember to reflect on what our Saviour did by coming to this earth to die for sinners and be so thankful for His saving and sanctifying grace if you know Him as your Saviour. And if you are not saved, please consider your soul this day and God's saving "amazing" grace! (Psalm 139:23&24, John 3:16). No matter what you are dealing with (physical, emotional, financial, relational, etc.), please meditate of the principles of "watching for worldliness" in your life TODAY!
http://girltalk.blogs.com/girltalk/2007/11/the-world-a-dea.html
http://girltalk.blogs.com/girltalk/2007/11/holiday-stuffin.html
After considering their thoughts, challenges and encouragements, the caution to steer clear of worldliness in the Christmas holiday is much needed in my heart. I spoke with an unsaved lady yesterday who mentioned how busy and hectic this season is and how so quickly "it's all over". This gave me a neat opportunity to share my faith with her and the reason Christians should have a different perspective on all the "holiday busyness". Three specific Scriptures that have helped me with considering the Biblical principles of worldliness during this "busy" Christmas season are...
Romans 12:2, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Colossians 3:2, "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."
I John 2:15-17, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."
May our focus be on the Lord and doing His specific will during all the activities of this season. Recently, I've also been challenged and encouraged in the Lord by a friend who, at this moment, is dealing with a great physical trial in her life... http://refreshingramblings.blogspot.com/2007/11/theology-applied-full-circle.html
As you have a moment, please make time to read her post. Pray for the Lord to search your heart and ask Him for the grace and strength to change the things in your life that you are convicted and challenged about... as I always am when I read her "journalings". Specifically remember to reflect on what our Saviour did by coming to this earth to die for sinners and be so thankful for His saving and sanctifying grace if you know Him as your Saviour. And if you are not saved, please consider your soul this day and God's saving "amazing" grace! (Psalm 139:23&24, John 3:16). No matter what you are dealing with (physical, emotional, financial, relational, etc.), please meditate of the principles of "watching for worldliness" in your life TODAY!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
"The Christian Life is Future-Oriented"
The "title" to this posting is something that I read in my devotions this morning that made me stop and think... How can I live my life today so that it is "future-oriented"? In other words, how is what I am doing RIGHT NOW showing my faith in the Lord and the hope that I have in what He has secured for me in Heaven? How will my actions toward my children today show this same priority? How will my thoughts toward my husband show this? How will my "priorities" today show my "future-oriented" life? Not just what I say, but what I do speaks volumes about my heart-orientation. Some Scriptures that captured my meditation this morning are Proverbs 3:17-18 and II Timothy 4:6-10. Here is something else that I read that, by God's grace and strength, I will apply TODAY, "Our secure hope in what God is going ot do one day must show itself in our [MY] conduct, priorities, relationships and vocations." This might seem "generic" in a sense, but it is rather specific when we consider our hearts attitudes which show in our actions by what we are doing RIGHT NOW! Am I worrying... or trusting in my thoughts this moment? Am I being frustrated... or patient with my family right now? It is in these "little" actions and attitudes that show my heart orientation... Is my Christian life showing a "Future-Oriented" (the hope of the gospel of Christ in salvation) life or am I so focused on the present that I'm making wrong choices in my attitudes and actions. We do have a choice - God's way or my own selfish way? Which will it be? A saying I once learned goes, "Just two choices on the shelf, pleasing God... or pleasing self." Pray with me TODAY for God's strength and grace to live a life pleasing to our Saviour - He never changes! Let's grow and change in the ways God's shows us through His Word TODAY... (II Corinthians 12:9&10, Malachi 3:6)
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Thoughts are vital to the sanctification process!
It's been weighing heavy on my mind just how powerful my mind actually is! I've realized day after day how quickly I can have a bad attitude or say the wrong things when my thoughts are focused on myself in a selfish and proud way. I'd love to write a booklet sometime on the things the Lord is teaching me through this process of daily, hourly, minutely (if that's a word!) evaluating my thoughts in light of what I understand and know from Scripture to be true of what I should actually be thinking (Wow - that was quite a sentence!). Anyway, just a note to leave with... my humble prayer before my gracious, loving Lord is for His grace and strength to continue the evaluation process and pray for continued conviction and renewal so that my entire life and attitude will be a reflection of my Saviour. Thoughts are SO vital to growth and change in my relationship with the Lord!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)