Real Christian discussion
note: This topic has been closed to new comments.
Archived Devotionals
>
April 2016
Mod
*handclaps*
You're such a blessing!!
No problem. I apologize for missing my devotion yesterday.
Monday, April 4th - PurityI've been ill and/or out of town for a bit -- sorry I haven't kept up with Monday!
On the subject of purity, I was thinking about the ministry of the Holy Spirit. He's always right there to encourage you to live a pure life. His written word is where you find the strength to live a pure life.
How different would we be if Jesus was always standing, visible, right there beside us? We could turn to Him and say, "Hey Jesus, this traffic is making me angry, help me pray instead." ... "Jesus, I'm tempted to go to this website -- I sure am glad that You are standing there watching me!"
Guess what? God the Spirit is right there beside you, helping you pray, watching you. The Spirit is not some weird, supernatural force, that makes you do weird things. He is a PERSON, just like Jesus. In the mysterious ways of God, He IS Jesus.
Talk to Him. Ask Him for help. He's right there!
Prayer for today: God, I know that Your spirit is right here beside me, living in me, with me day by day, hour by hour, every second! Encourage me, help me with my relationships, with my work, my speech and my thoughts. Thank You!
April 5, 2016: "Purity: Before The Eyes of The Lord."1 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.
To stay pure in heart, mind, word, and deed, is something I strive for daily. Purity isn’t all about physical purity, it’s also about mental and spiritual purity. But what does that look like? If it isn’t physical it can be hard to determine if you’re practicing purity in your life, here is a Biblical example of what that might look like:
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.
Notice the key word “think” in this verse. This is not talking about physical actions, this is talking about mental activity. This can be a vague passage, it tends to be misinterpreted by many people, but really it’s quite simple. In short this verse is saying to dwell mentally on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, or of good report, and that you shouldn’t dwell on things that are evil, macabre, impure, false, or sacrilegious. If there is any virtue or praise then think on those things! This is having a pure mind, taking every thought captive for the Lord Jesus Christ.
Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
This is the hardest thing for me to understand. Pure in heart. How do we become pure in heart when our hearts are sinful and corrupted? We can’t trust our hearts, we can only trust in God. But here’s the catch, we can’t trust our hearts when they are sinful and corrupted, but when you receive Christ into your heart He fills it up, takes over where sin used to control you, and makes your heart new! Your heart is now pure in the eyes of God because Christ removed all of your sin, including the sin in your heart.
Our challenge now is to stay pure, in every area of our lives. We have to be an example to those around us, in word, conversation, charity, faith, and purity, and as Paul puts it, let no man despise thy youth! Most of us are still young, and I’m sure we’ve all struggled with low expectations and social pressures, but we can’t let that control us, we are more than that, we are Children of God and He is the ruler in our life, we have to stay pure for Him!! Amen!!
Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
I like Philippians 4:8, one of my favorite verses on purity. Thanks Tamara!
April 7th of 2016When you think of the word purity, you might think of that talk the boys and girls had with the youth leader in middle school. You know, the talk no one liked, that talked about staying pure in love. I want to talk a little bit about what purity means to me.
For me, purity in love is the promise that you'll save yourself for your spouse. Things like that would include, saving kisses for one person instead of kissing many, waiting to have sex until marriage, not going off alone with a boy or girl as to not be tempted, ect. Some people have a purity ring. For them, that ring symbolizes that they are saving them self for one person, and they're gonna do what the Bible says. The Bible isn't just for those who aren't married. It also says man and women shouldn't be divorced or have a sexual or romantic relationship with anyone else.
Psalm 119:9,11. "How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word. I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you."
Reading the Bible can help you understand this more and resist temptation. If you read the Bible everyday, or very often, and hide it in your heart, that WILL help you stay on the path of purity.
Now, this isn't the only way to stay pure. This is one of several ways.
That was our definition for our kids as well, Caitlyn. Our church also has rules for leaders -- not being alone with unrelated opposite sex, including in a car.We've always said that the purpose of dating is to find the spouse God wants for you.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” 1 Pet. 5:8This verse should be on all our walls and written in all our hearts.
Often times we are tempted and tried by sin and “Drawn away of our own lust, and enticed.” At times like these the devil draws near to us, seeing that we are astray and far from God, and seeks to devour us. He tells us that we have sinned once, we mine as well do it again, or that we are not really sorry for the sin we did when we apologize to God, or that we should just keep sinning because it’s fun and after all we are saved so we know we are going to heaven.
Its times like these when Satan prays on us the most seeking to devour us and draw us farther away from God and its times like these that we need to remember 1 Pet. 5:8 and remember that going further astray and sinning more? That’s what Satan wants, that’s what he hopes for and that’s what he gets when we listen to him telling us to do the wrong thing.
When we find ourselves in this situation we need to remember that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” 1 John 1:9
Don’t let the devil entice you away into thinking that you’re not really sorry or to keeps sinning and apologize later for he is always around the corner waiting to devour us.
We must run to God and confess our sins and turn our backs on Satan, calling out to God for His strength and His help in our time of need. Remembering that "My (God's) grace is sufficient for thee: for my (God's) strength is made perfect in weakness)
Mod
So glad to have you doing this with us!! :D
@Matt- Absolutely fine - no worries! :D
I'm sorry to hear you weren't feeling well - how are you feeling now? *prayers*
And let me just say - that devotion was marvelous!! I had never thought of it that way before - so deep!!
@Tamara- Amazing!!!! So explanatory - I just loved that devotion!! :D
Mod
Now I know why God had me ask you to do this - thanks so much CWho!!! *handclaps*
Mod
Mod
"Distractions... Wait, Where?"
Haha, seems I have had this problem for a while now, and maybe, since I was so distracted trying to fumble to hear what God wanted for this next week's devotion... and kept getting distracted... Maybe He was showing me we needed something according to that... This may have to be more creative... ;P
Monday, April 11th, 2016 - DistractionsI think the premier example of what can go wrong when you are distracted and not doing God's work is David and Bathsheba.
And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem. - 1 Sam 11:1
Notice the verse -- "when kings go forth to battle". David was not supposed to send Joab, or tarry at Jerusalem -- he was supposed to be going forth to battle. And against a group of people God declared should be destroyed down to the last person.
Instead, he lazed around the castle. This led to infidelity and murder! David repented, and Solomon later came from Bathsheba and David, but what a horrible story. It also led indirectly to the rebellion of Absalom.
Don't turn your eyes from Him who is able to deliver you from the wiles of the evil one.
Prayer: Lord keep my eyes and thoughts focused on You. Supply all my needs according to Your great riches.
Mod
I actually hadn't realized that from David's tarrying, led to his sin talked so much about.
This was exceptional, and definitely will stick in my mind!!
I agree. This is a great example of what can happen as a result of taking your eyes off the Lord, and on to what it is that we want. David's repentance is also one of the great Psalms (51). I almost know it by memory :)
Hey guys, sorry I couldn't do my devotion today, but I would like to share this Bible verse with you relating to this week's topic. Proverbs 4:25-27
Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
Mod
Thursday, April 14th, 2016
"Distractions - Wait... Where?"
** 1 Corinthians 7:35 - **
And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.
Please, excuse me while I try to concentrate...
I have this devotion to write.
I need to fold those clothes.
My room is a mess.
I need to pray.
There are dozens of messages needing a reply, some that haven't even been responded to in weeks...
I promised my sister I'd spend some time with her.
I need to read the Bible.
Ooh, I gotta go listen to that new song!
Who did you say that was?
Studies, that never seem to end, are a'calling...
Got to water the plants!
I need to check in with a friend!
Wait, who just emailed me?
Ah, another devotion I am here to write...
About, none other than those things called (wait for it...) distractions!
Haha, that was very annoying, might I say?
Rereading that makes me cringe, so I sure hope you are still reading on! :P
Those are some of my distractions... With me, everyday, in fact!
They nag me, ache me, trouble me, worry me...
Nahh, those tasks I am needing to do are not quite the problem, (cause, after all, I love my sister, messages, and gardening!) but, the problem lies in the pondering perplexity of the distractions in general...
Maybe, you feel the same?
We keep going, day after day, but still seem to be getting more, and more, confused!
What is wrong with this picture?
It kinda reminds me of those little activity pages we used to do as kids - you know, the one where that tall guy is missing his hat, somewhere misplacing it from the first photo, to the second...
Maybe we are like that cute little comic guy, missing our hats!
We somehow misplaced it along our to-do lists!
Looking back over it now...
A few things seem to pop out at me -
Starting with, "I need to pray!"
Then heading along that line with, "I need to read my Bible!"
Maybe that was our hat - maybe that long list of distractions was where we lost it!!
We can't find peace, in the midst of our distractions, but maybe we just haven't been looking in the right place!
When you are doing your weekly grocery shopping, you never look for vanilla flavoring, with the veggies...
Maybe that's the whole issue?
I've been using a lot of, 'maybe's,' so maybe I need to switch it up, eh?
We start looking to find our serenity, and yet never talk to the one who set our eyes in perfect order!
We try to search out which path to travel down, but never look down at our guide book!
It's time we bolden the things in our lives, (on our mental to do lists,) that we can't go without!
- Knowing Christ! -
** Matthew 6:34 - **
Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.
I know, I have a serious issue when I say, "I'll read more Bible.. After, I finish this other challenge..."
Or, "I'll pray! When... I get the chance..."
That chance, those favorable conditions, may never come - today is your chance!
Know God, and set aside those distractions!
Though life will always be filled with those pesky, 'I'm so behind,' thoughts that push us on, know that peace is found in the love, and care of the Saviour - He is the only One on our to-do list willing and ready to carry us through!!
(Other Verses On Distractions...)
And... Yeah... I really need to get back to some other distraction...
Starting with, finding Mr. Comic Man's hat - cause, you know his head is gonna get so cold! :P
Jesus loves you!
For Jesus first loved me... <3
~M.K.
†
(To see the photos and etc...http://wp.me/p727FD-ek)
Sometimes the world gets very distracting. There's that new TV show to watch, or that new song to listen to on YouTube, or friends calling to go somewhere, or chores to do and the list goes on and on and on.....
We think "I know I need to read my Bible but maybe I could just skip this one day...." and three days later we remember that we should have read our Bible's.
Praying goes the same way only we may pray ever day (unlike our bible reading) but it's hurried and rushed and not at all the quiet, peaceful time of bonding with our Lord that it should be.
I've often found over the years that when I am like this, letting the cares of the world and things distract me, I stumble more and mess up more.
I've finally realized (although it took me a long time through God's doing) that even though the world can be really distracting and busy and enticing when I read my bible every day and talk to my Lord every day I am more in tune with what God wants me to do and although I still stumble I don't stumble as often.
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Tim. 3:16-17
Remember that as God's children we are just that! His Children! His Family! And like any family we need to have working, good relationships with Him. You wouldn't go a whole day without talking to your family would you? (Praying) or a whole week without listening to them? (Reading the Bible) so why should we go without talking or listening to God by praying to him or reading His holy word?
"Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path." Psalm 119:105
Just remember that the devil, as I said in my last post, "as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" 1 Pet. 5:8. He wants us to get distracted by the world, not be close to our father and Savior, and the more we are distracted as the devil wants the more victorious he is.
And we don't want him to be victorious do we?
"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Cor. 15:57
"The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe." Prov. 18:10
Good Saturday Morning! "Distractions - Wait... Where?"
“The more you focus on yourself, the more distracted you will be from the proper path. The more you know Him and commune with Him, the more the Spirit will make you like Him. The more you are like Him, the better you will understand His utter sufficiency for all of life’s difficulties. And that is the only way to know real satisfaction.” John MacArthur
Distraction from God is extremely dangerous. As believers we believe that God is the captain of our ship. When you start losing sight of your Captain, you start trying to steer your own ship. Not only does this lead to going the wrong way, but it can lead you in the direction of trials, sin, missed opportunities, and missed blessings.
When you lose sight of your Captain you start to fear and worry. You start to think I’m in this by myself. Your Captain promised to guide you and help you, but instead of focusing on Him, you started focusing on the huge waves and the other sailors around you. As technology advances being distracted from God is becoming easier and easier. Distraction from God could be because of sin, but that’s not always the reason. The main reason is life and getting caught up in the world. Reasons for distractions include ourselves, money, hobbies, relationships, cell phones, TV, and more.
"God did not create you to live a distracted life. God created you to live a Jesus-infused life."
Sometimes we’re consumed with our technology all day and we only acknowledge God right before we go to sleep with a quick 20 second prayer and this should not be. The quick prayer we did was a selfish one at that and we didn’t even take the time to say thanks and give Him praise. In life we’re supposed to do God’s will not our will. When we allow other things to consume our lives we drift away from God. Fix your eyes back on the Captain. You know where to find Him. Satan always tries his best to distract us and when we get serious about having fellowship with the Lord he will try to distract you even more.
"Don’t let the noise of the world keep you from hearing the voice of the Lord."
Don’t be afraid. God says, "Draw near to Me, and I will draw near to you!" Keep praying. Many times people pray, but then get distracted and think it’s not going to work. Stay focused on the Captain. Spend time with your Lord like you would with your child or parent. Know that He is with you on the journey. He’s guiding you to the right place. If you persevere in prayer, at the right time He will answer. Have faith!
SCRIPTURE:
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:1-2
And the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the Word, and It becomes unfruitful. Mark 4:19
And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:28-31
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7
Love and prayers for you all to have a wonderful weekend, and a most blessed next week! ♥
So true Urs! Very good post and so many things to dwell and think on! Praise be to God!
Rebecca L. Snowe wrote: "So true Urs! Very good post and so many things to dwell and think on! Praise be to God!"Well, thank you, Sweetie. I'm glad it was a good read for you. I hope it helps all of us. :) Praise be to Him, indeedy! All day long! :D
Mod
I am so sorry for always being so late Matt!
Okay...
(Next Topic)
"Sin - Life's Heartache..."
Mary Kate wrote: "Won't get to write the group message till tonight - so figured I should fix this here! :DI am so sorry for always being so late Matt!
Okay...
(Next Topic)
"Sin - Life's Heartache...""
This is fine here! Thanks, so much! :)
Mod
April 19, 2016: "Sin - Life's Heartache..." 1 John 1:8-10 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
You can go around saying that you are perfect and that you have never sinned, but that doesn’t change the fact that we are all sinful human beings and none of us are perfect. Jesus alone is perfect and that’s why we need Him to be saved from our sin.
John 3;16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Sin has corrupted our lives from the beginning of time, when Adam and Eve disobeyed God they invited sin into the world it has never been perfect since. We are all affected by it, not one can escape it’s curse, and that is why God sent Jesus into the world, He was His solution to the problem of sin and the perfect plan from the beginning.
When we receive Christ and His forgiveness into our lives He washes us clean through His shed blood. We may still struggle with sin, in this life we’re never completely free from it’s temptations, but it longer has a hold over us, Christ took sin’s place in our lives and one day when we go to be with Him we will receive new bodies that are no longer susceptible to evil and are pure in the eyes of God.
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
We do not deserve the love God has shown to us, but His love is so great that He made a way for us to be cleansed of our sin. We should thank Him every day for the grace he shown us, even though we don’t deserve it. Submit yourself to God, confess your sins and they will be forgiven. Amen!
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Well written Tamara! And so, so, true!
Mod
When I go to write my devotion, and can't get any ideas, I pray, then come read your devotions here, and I immediately find that inspiration!!
This was a blessing!! Amen! ((:
Rebecca L. Snowe wrote: "“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” 1 Pet. 5:8This verse should be on all our walls and written in all our hear..."
I agree! We should have it written all over everywhere! I actually do have verses all over my office at work--muchly needed! ;)
Great devotion! Thank you!
Tamara wrote: "April 19, 2016: "Sin - Life's Heartache..." 1 John 1:8-10 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgi..."
Thanks, Tamara! Wonderful devotion!
Mary Kate wrote: "Aw, thanks Urs!! <3"*hugs* x)
Rebecca L. Snowe wrote: "Sometimes the world gets very distracting. There's that new TV show to watch, or that new song to listen to on YouTube, or friends calling to go somewhere, or chores to do and the list goes on an..."
VERY distracting! We have to pray and ask God to help us with our focus. He is so wonderful with His unimaginable patience! :D
Thank you for this great devotion!
Matt wrote: "Monday, April 4th - PurityI've been ill and/or out of town for a bit -- sorry I haven't kept up with Monday!
On the subject of purity, I was thinking about the ministry of the Holy Spirit. He's ..."
I like the way you write your devotions--I suppose I should have already told you that. :) I'm sorry you have been sick, but prayerfully you are doing much better by now.
Thanks, Matt!
Matt wrote: "That was our definition for our kids as well, Caitlyn. Our church also has rules for leaders -- not being alone with unrelated opposite sex, including in a car.We've always said that the purpose ..."
AMEN! Ours, too. :)
Mary Kate wrote: "Devotional Thursdays - "Distractions - Wait... Where?"Thursday, April 14th, 2016
"Distractions - Wait... Where?"
** 1 Corinthians 7:35 - **
And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may c..."
Wonderful devotion, Sweetie! Thank you! ♥
Mod
"Sin - Life's Heartache..."
You know that time in Kindergarten you were set down in that cold, wooden chair facing the wall?
Yeah, the lady, fanning a ruler around, put you there...
That glue stick looked so delicious, even after that same red-haired teacher warned you not to try it.
But hey, it was worth a taste!
Sadly, however, you realized after that first mighty large lick of synthesized chemicals, it wasn't as good as that pretty paper around it beamed...
"Eh," you sigh... At least, it was worth a try... Or, should you say, 'worth a lick?'
Back then, good and bad seemed to have a way to make itself known, even when the paper was deliciously wrapped...
However, as time went by...
Choices became harder, life became blurry, and the mind - all the more, achy!
So overwhelmed, cause now, sin is even harder to define...
Such a heartache!
** John 8:34 **
Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
If you have blood coursing through your veins, then I'm sure you probably realize that as you get older, the more choices you will have to face.
When you were little, you had a choice to get a red, or blue juice box...
Now, you have the choice to dye your hair red, or blue...
(I hope you'll choose neither! :P)
Either way, you have been faced with some decisions.
Some, I'm sure, harder than others.
And, along with those decisions, you have seen there are always results from those decisions...
What is sin?
- James 4:17 -
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin.
In this present world, things try to convince us that there is no right, nor is there a wrong...
Gee, if evolution was true - there wouldn't be - just live anyway we please - is the answer we seek!
Fortunately, however, God granted us the knowledge, the conscience, to discern between the right, narrow path, and the wrong, yet wide path we have been set in front of!
When Jesus came to die on the cross, He didn't come that we might forsake Him, His rules, or the right way!
He came to give us grace, and that even though we may be sinners, always falling on our faces, we could get back up and strive to maintain that Christian, pure life He wants for us!
There is no doubt that we will always trip up...
That paper on the glue stick is sometimes so tempting, it keeps us from following our Saviour's orders!
But, even though we fall, doesn't mean we should stay down!
Get back up, and try again!
The beauty of life, is not the bright ribbons tied around birthday gifts, or the exquisite jewelry given one to another - no!
The beauty of life, is in a King, so elegantly above all, seeing us, in our deep despair, and coming down, to experience pain we should never bear, to know us personally!
Sin is the devil's snare, laid so deviously on that path wherein you stand.
Will you see the metal shining from the Son's light?
Or, rather, will you go on, shoelaces untied, right into the sharp, jagged teeth ready to cast you to the ground in mockery?
In this life, you are either a servant to sin, or a servant to Christ!
Which will it be?
Being a Christian is not a burden, but a gift of freedom, from the misery, and trouble sin brings!
Sin is our pain, distress, and anguish we must all face, but with Jesus, we will not face the temptation of sin alone!
If we ask, Christ will lead us through!
God is there, and all you have to do is to look up - He has a plan - just SEE (believe)!
Jesus loves you!
For Jesus first loved me... <3
~M.K.
†
(Images, and links, pasted here: http://wp.me/p727FD-eD...)
Mary Kate wrote: "Thursday, April 21st, 2016"Sin - Life's Heartache..."
You know that time in Kindergarten you were set down in that cold, wooden chair facing the wall?
Yeah, the lady, fanning a ruler around, put ..."
Great devotion! Thank you, Sweetie! :D
"Sin - Life's Heartache..." ~*~ Saturday's Devotion
God has a law of retribution in the Bible. If a lot of people who are haughty and proud and rebellious against God could see just a little way into the future, it would change their attitude toward God.
Be sure you will reap what you sow. This is an unfailing law written in the word of God. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life (Galatians 6:7-8).
If a man sows evil, then he reaps evil. Samson played around with a harlot. I am sure he had moments of sensual pleasure, but the day of reaping was bitter and hard.
If you sow neglect, then you shall reap heartaches. This has come home to many parents who have neglected the house of God and the word of God. Many mothers and fathers would give all they had if they could go back again and live the wasted years.
Sow a bad example and you will live to reap it in your children. They will prove to be ''chips off the old block.''
Sow profanity, dishonesty and worldliness, and you will see it reflected in those who follow after you.
The law of retribution prevails in matters of good as well as in evil. We reap what we sow. A good example is the life of Joseph. He lived a clean, upright, moral life. Although he had many troubles, God was with him and delivered him from them all. If we do right, we can depend upon God's presence to be with us. Joseph was lied about and hated by evildoers but he was never forsaken by God.
Also! Remember this! --> Even though you may be forgiven for the sin, the marks of sin remain and often the harvest must be gathered. The life of David is a good example. He was a man after God's own heart, yet though he repented of his sin, the sword did not depart from his house and the sorrow of wayward sons followed him to his grave.
Be sure your sins will find you out. You must deal with your sins according to the word of God or face the eternal result of them. There is but one way out: confession and repentance. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9).
The old saying is true --> "Someday your chickens will come home to roost." Matthew Henry said: ''See how changeable this world is and how slippery its high places are? Let not the highest be proud, not the strongest secure, for they know not how low they may be brought before they die."
Sowing sin reaps heartache. God has His own law of retribution for those who do not follow Him.
You folks have a most blessed next week! ♥
Mod
My. Goodness. Urs, that was brilliant!!! This really touched me, and dug down deep in my heart! You beyond nailed this!!! So true, even if it hurts!! Love - love - love it!!
And, especially adding in Matthew Henry's words!! Just grand!! :D
Mod
That was really right on - In Jesus' name, Amen!
:D
Mary Kate wrote: "@Urs - Aw, thanks so much!! *bear hugs*My. Goodness. Urs, that was brilliant!!! This really touched me, and dug down deep in my heart! You beyond nailed this!!! So true, even if it hurts!! Love - ..."
*big squeezes* x)
OK, well good! I am glad you got something out of it. Oh, yes, it was hard, but we all know how we have to own up to it, swallow it, learn from it, and move on! Thank you for your encouragement! ♥
A Move Toward Unity; A Right Way and A Wrong.Can we agree that the Judeo-Christian community is anything but living out the unity to which we were called to live? What has led to the disharmony we see today? Is Christ really that hard to miss in the prophecies of the Old Testament? Was God really creating an entirely new religion? How have we become what we have become? And what are our chances of becoming what we were called to be?
If we would look back and see that the “reformation” movement had major theological flaws, what could be done at this point to set the Protestant faiths back onto a proper course? Would Catholicism open up its heart to embrace the correction? Is there a course that God could use in a more powerful way as He attempts to lead the Jewish people into embracing Jesus as the promised Messiah? Has the protestant reformation made the concept of such a theologically driven correction impossible? Are Judaism, Catholicism, and Christianity too far apart to ever be reconciled? Is the unity that Jesus prayed for an impossible dream?
You see, there are two directions we can go in our quest to answer these questions. We can either move more toward the world, or further from it. Right now the Judeo-Christian communities are in the midst of an identity crisis. Who do we want to be? Do we want to be like the world, living like the world, and feeling secure in our relationship with God through our good works and demonstration of love through a coexistent agenda? Or, do we want to look as different from the world as possible, feeling secure in our relationship with God based on our faith in Him and His ways?
Are we capable of seeing how it is possible to show love, extend love, and meet people where they are, while still not embracing what they embrace? We must see that there are two opposing forces that are attempting to draw us to the unity discussed in this blog. The first is Satan as he is attempting to lead us to what would appear to be the easy way. The second is God who is trying to lead us in the direction that appears to be impossible.
We are in the midst of another great transition in God’s plan for redeeming this world from the death of sin. He is in the process of bringing us back into the unity for which we were called to live and the world is pushing us to live in unity with how they want to live. God’s people will become divided as the battle between these opposing forces wages on. Fortunately, this is not the first time this has happened. Through the historical record we are given confirmation and understanding as to which side we must choose to stand.
In 331 BC Alexander the Great began his campaign to conquer the areas of the Middle East from Persia. As he gained control of areas his political mentality would be to “encourage” the people to embrace the Greek-Macedonian philosophy of life. Scholars have named this process “Hellenism”. After Alexander’s death, Israel came under the control of Syria-Mesopotamia for the next 200 years. This system of governance used financial and political incentives to negotiate cooperation with the elite members of the conquered lands. As such, those that were willing to become sufficiently Hellenized had great potential for political gain. As time progressed, more and more of the religious identity was lost under the influence of the Hellenistic agenda. In 167 BC Antiochus IV Epiphanes along with the Hellenized ruling elite moved to convert the Temple into a pagan shrine and eradicate distinct Jewish practices. As recorded in 1Maccabee 1:41-50, anyone who was not willing to “make themselves abominable by everything unclean and profane, so that they would forget the law and change all the ordinances” would be put to death. Fortunately, a priest by the name of Mattathias and his five sons led a guerilla-style revolt against the Syrian forces. With God’s help, they were victorious and were able to purify and rededicate the Temple. This victory is what the festival of Chanukah is all about.
As I watch what is happening in the church I can’t help seeing these same patters playing out today. Based on history I already know where it will lead us. Every day the Judeo-Christian populace is becoming more and more Hellenized to the world around us. We are being pressured into moving away from our identity in God, His ways, and His Truths. Just like before, God is waiting for His remnant to stand up, come together, and drop our own attachments to the world and come together in the form for which we were called to be.
Earlier in this blog I said that there are two ways to go about bringing unity to God’s people. The first is to move closer to the ways of the world. This is appears to be the easy way. It lacks courage, and denies our identity as His people. The second takes courage. It holds onto our identity in Him, and it is willing to risk everything for the purpose of showing His true face to the very people that are attacking us for not becoming like them.
This second group is the true elites of God. They have been the ones who have carried His flag through the great transformations in His redemptive plan for this world. They are the ones who have trusted Him, trusted in His ways, and have been willing to fight for the right to live in harmony with the way of life that He calls His Word. The early disciples were these kinds of people as they fought intense persecution as the opposing religious leaders attempted to lead them into the same political agendas for which they participated.
The church is going to be torn in half over this issue. The wheat will choose God’s ways and the tares will chose the worlds. It really is that simple. The time of being lukewarm is over. God is forcing our hand. So given the choice what will you choose? Do you have the courage to stand up and fight for your right to live God’s ways, to hold onto His Word, and to embrace His identity over the ways of the world? I pray that you do and that you allow the story of Mattathias and his five sons to give you the faith to know that when we are on God’s side, anything is possible.
I pray that this blog has been inspirational, eye opening, and has challenged you to see life in a new way. I pray that you have a blessed week and that God blesses the work of your hands. Amen.
April 25th, 2016 - Small ReliefI've been pretty work-stressed lately, having lost a key member of a team! I'm sure glad it's Spring, though, because my favorite small relief is some alone time in the woods.
Usually alone, anyway -- sometimes I bring Popcorn, my miniature poodle that acts like a "real dog". He tries to help me with primitive shelter building, and will bite and pull on any stick or pole that I'm dragging around.
It's being surrounded by the beauty of the woods -- that's God's country! I feel cutoff in the city, in an office. I need to be outside.
That's my encouragement for today -- get outside, somewhere quiet, away from people, away from structures, even away from "manicured" places like parks. Get into the wild of God's country!
- Thank You for Your beautiful and wondrous creation!
Matt wrote: "April 25th, 2016 - Small ReliefI've been pretty work-stressed lately, having lost a key member of a team! I'm sure glad it's Spring, though, because my favorite small relief is some alone time in..."
Small relief, indeed! I hear you on the work-stressed situation. I've been talking to Him(all day long) and working at staying focused on Him, and it is REALLY hard. This was very encouraging, Matt! Thank you! :)
April 26, 2016: "A Small Relief, For A Varied Life..."In the struggle of everyday life and the confusion of schedules, appointments, deadlines, and in my case homework, it can be hard to find a time to just sit and relax. We shouldn’t let ourselves get so carried away with life that we forget to find a time to spend specifically with God, it’s no wonder we say He never speaks to us because we hardly give Him a chance!
Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
The Bible speaks of peace in God and a heart that is not anxious and rests in the Lord. Having a quiet time is an important aspect in your relationship with God that most people overlook or underate. Your quiet time doesn’t have to be long to be significant, there’s no formula and there’s no wrong way to do it, it’s just allowing for your mind to be open and peaceful before the Lord.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Sadly, not many people invest in quiet times these days. Everything’s rush, rush, rush, and quick, quick, quick. People don’t allow themselves the time to soak up the Word or hear God’s voice in their hearts. I have this problem just like any other person, I struggle every day and sometimes force myself to slow down, I try not to feel like I’m wasting valuable time while being with the Lord, it’s a lie the devil wants us all to believe.
What’s more important in this life than focusing on eternal things and strengthening our relationship with God? Almost everything we think is the most important now, is insignificant in the face of an eternal God. Sitting down to write these devotions is a part of my time with the Word of God, it allows me time to think and articulate, whenever I miss a week I feel like I missed a part of my time with the Lord. Even though I may have to study for a deadline I should always allow for time with God’s Word, it may mean giving up on other luxuries, but that is only part of the sacrifice of following the Lord.
I’m striving to spend more quiet times with the Lord. Will you? Sure there are other things to be done, but do you really believe they are more important? Allow yourself the time to sit in peace, just you and God, learning and hearing things you never would otherwise, and deepening your knowledge and relationship with the Lord. Amen!
Mod
"A Small Relief, For A Varied Life..."
Daily life seems to have become our daily, stressful, over thought out version of a never ending to do list...
*sigh*
Yeah, I done worried myself already... Too many words...
** Matthew 6:27 **
Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
Haha, but really - what have our lives become?
Today, I was completely confused on what to write for this devotion.
So, I did the logical thing - take a walk, to pray, and seek God's leading!
However, I was so consumed with mine own worries, fears, and stress inducing issues, that I almost stepped right onto a little caterpillar, passed out from the sun.
(Before anyone asks, yes, I love little creatures, including caterpillars... :P)
Well, I stare down at it for a while, for it doesn't seem to be moving...
I decide, to walk away...
I keep walking, without any ideas on the devotion... Until, I come across that caterpillar once again, lying quite helpless in the burning sun...
So, I do the unlogical, yet kind thing.
(Save the caterpillar!)
If little kids would've been reading, they would already have been yelling to save the creature! :P
So, I do.
It takes a moment to get him up, and set him on a limb.
To be honest, I'm not sure if he will make it anyway, cause he had been there for a while.
Then...
It hit me!
My devotion -- my illustration -- was right there!?
(And, ironic enough - can you guess where I put that lil' caterpillar? Right on that cross, nailed to that tree...
Bring it all to the cross, and worry not about the rest!)
I think the problem we all face in this modern world, is that we put our own issues in front of our eyes, determining to fix it!
Yet, we never look over, past our own distractions, to do that which needs to be done -- loving one another!
God didn't put you here to solve your math equation (sorry, algebra!) But, God put you here to follow His will!
We don't always get the answers right when we want them, but we do get them right on time!!
Perhaps, the daily relief we seek from our life, is based upon doing that which God wants us to do, first and foremost, and sometimes that's looking down, to see that person in need before our eyes!
Sometimes, we have to forget ourselves, and daily anxieties, and rather, take a limb, scoop up that lil' creature in need, and let them know they aren't alone!
True, that person may never find what they really need, 'cause maybe they are too far gone...
But, who are we to give that notice?
Maybe, they just need a chance -- whether it's lending a moment of time to talk, or a second to smile, or just, a short while to know -- God has you where you are for a purpose, but only you can decide to look past the daily frets, and see the daily relief God places before you!!
(No, different caterpillar, but yes, a photo I took! ;))
(And yes, I do often save little creatures... Laughter is allowed... :P)
** More Verses On Helping Others... **
Sometimes, relief is just finding those small gifts God gives you everyday - even the gift to help someone in need!
Find the tree limb!
Jesus loves you!!
For Jesus first loved me... <3
~M.K.
†
(A caterpillar was saved in the making of this blog post... Well, maybe, we will see... Hehe!)
Originally posted with Scripture, and verse images here: http://wp.me/p727FD-f7.
This topic has been frozen by the moderator. No new comments can be posted.
Days:
- Monday: Matt
- Tuesday: Tamara
- Wednesday: Hope
- Thursday: Mary (Yep, me :P)
- Friday: Zeke
- Saturday: Urs
- Sunday: Lee-Lette
- Sunday Prayer: Anyone welcome!
We're continuing on the topic "Perseverance, Strong!" until the mods say when.