Category: Studying the Bible

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Growing in Harsh Climate

I’ve had a hard time this summer keeping some of my plants alive. I bought what I knew were hardy plants that are suited for our climate, the Mexican Bird of Paradise, but they failed to grow. In fact, they died.

It’s frustrating.

But there has been some success, and I am so grateful for that. We bought two bougainvillea and also some tecoma stans or bells of fire. They are growing well and my heart is happy.

This morning, it just so happens that I was reading in Mark 4 where Jesus is telling the story about the farmer who was sowing seed in a field. Some of the seed fell on the road, some on rocky ground, some in the weeds and some on good soil. It was a reminder of what I have been through with my plants.

“Jesus said to them, “Do you not understand this picture-story? Then how will you understand any of the picture-stories? 14 What the man plants is the Word of God. 15 Those by the side of the road are the ones who hear the Word. As soon as they hear it, the devil comes and takes away the Word that is planted in their hearts. 16 The seed that fell among rocks is like people who receive the Word with joy when they hear it. 17 Their roots are not deep so they live only a short time. When sorrow and trouble come because of the Word, they give up and fall away. 18 The seed that was planted among thorns is like some people who listen to the Word. 19 But the cares of this life let thorns come up. A love for riches and always wanting other things let thorns grow. These things do not give the Word room to grow so it does not give grain. 20 The seed that fell on good ground is like people who hear the Word and understand it. They give much grain. Some give thirty times as much grain. Some give sixty times as much grain. Some give one hundred times as much grain.” Mark 4:13-20 NLV

The seed is God’s word. Sometimes we hear God’s word and it is stolen from our hearts before we have time to see it grow. Our hearts are hardened, and the seeds can’t penetrate. Then other times the Word begins to grow and we are so happy to see God working in our lives but our roots don’t go very deep and when heat and dryness comes, we wither.

Oh, and then there are times when we hear God’s word and it begins to grow. The Word is coming up strong and things look good. Then we get too busy to pull the weeds of selfish ambition, pride, bitterness and a love of other things and the seed gets choked out.

But thank God for the good ground. We hear and understand the Word and it grows and flourishes and we see a fruitful harvest. The blessings that God’s word brings to our lives – forgiveness, joy, healing, peace, patience, self-control and unfailing love.

The four different types of ground were in the same field. We can also have all four kinds of soil in our hearts. Hard places, rocky ones, unattended weeds and good soil. The Bible tells us to break up the hard and rocky ground in our hearts. We should also be on guard against weeds of worry and greed.

And finally, we take care of the seed. We water it and make sure it’s the right kind of seed that will grow even when the climate is harsh. Peter, the disciple of Jesus, said God’s word is incorruptible seed. It will grow and produce when we nurture it.

Let God’s word grow – the harvest is amazing!

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How Common is Common Sense

Wisdom – a commodity to be treasured. Some call it common sense but it’s far from common. Good judgement, practical thinking – whatever the term, it’s not as common as it used to be.

People seek for knowledge but don’t know what to do with it – not sure how to apply it. The application of that knowledge is wisdom.

I was reading this morning about Solomon.

“God made Solomon very wise. Solomon could understand more than you can imagine. 30 He was wiser than anyone in the Eastor in Egypt. 31 He was wiser than anyone on earth, even Ethan the Ezrahite and the sons of Mahol—Heman, Calcol, and Darda. King Solomon became famous in all the surrounding countries. 32 By the end of his life, he had written 3000 proverbs and 1005 songs.

33 Solomon also knew very much about nature. He taught about many different kinds of plants—everything from the great cedar trees of Lebanon to the little vines that grow out of the walls. He also taught about animals, birds, and snakes. 34 People from every nation came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom. Kings all over the world sent their people to listen to him.” I Kings 4:30-34 ERV

When the Lord asked Solomon what he wanted Solomon didn’t ask for money or strength or power, he asked for wisdom so that he could rule well. God blessed him in that way and added the other blessings also.

What is it that you find yourself asking the Lord for?

Do you ask Him for wisdom – direction to finish a project, the ability to lead well, understanding of the unknown? The Lord desires to aide us in our day-to-day life and He will give us the wisdom we ask for – it comes from Him.

“Do any of you need wisdom? Ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to everyone. So he will give you wisdom. 6 But when you ask God, you must believe. Don’t doubt him. Whoever doubts is like a wave in the sea that is blown up and down by the wind. ” James 1:5-6 ERV

I found it “coincidental” that as I was reading about Solormon’s great wisdom that I also started reading Proverbs again. Look at the first few verses there.

” These are the proverbs of Solomon, the son of David and king of Israel. 2 They will help you learn to be wise, to accept correction, and to understand wise sayings. 3 They will teach you to develop your mind in the right way. You will learn to do what is right and to be honest and fair. 4 These proverbs will make even those without education smart. They will teach young people what they need to know and how to use what they have learned. 5 Even the wise could become wiser by listening to these proverbs. They will gain understanding and learn to solve difficult problems. 6 These sayings will help you understand proverbs, stories with hidden meanings, words of the wise, and other difficult sayings.

7 Knowledge begins with fear and respect for the Lord, but stubborn fools hate wisdom and refuse to learn.” Proverbs 1:1-7 ERV

Let me encourage you to spend time each day reading in Proverbs. Learn from the wisdom that God gave Solomon. It is definitely a game changer. Let’s regain our use of common sense!

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Confidence

“We are certain God will hear our prayers when we ask for what pleases him. 15 And if we know God listens when we pray, we are sure our prayers have already been answered.” I John 5:14-15 CEV

Today is May 31st. The fifth month of the year is over; only seven more months and the year of 2025 will come to an end.

I told the Lord this morning that my mission, my goal, my quest, my desire, my ambition is to honor Him and bring Him glory with my words, my actions, my thoughts and my prayers. And then I began to pray – pray confidently.

Go back and read the verse I opened with, please. There is certainty and confidence in the words of John, the beloved apostle of Jesus. When we ask for what pleases God he listens to us and He answers our prayers.

Now some would say that we can’t possibly know what pleases God so we can never be completely certain that He will answer our prayers. However, Scripture tells us in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians…

“ We who have the Spirit are able to make judgments about all these things. But anyone without the Spirit is not able to make proper judgments about us. 16 As the Scriptures say, ‘Who can know what is on the Lord’s mind? Who is able to give him advice?’ But we have been given Christ’s way of thinking.” I Corinthians 2:15-16 ERV

And Jesus said that when the Holy Spirit came He would lead us into all truth.

“But when the Spirit of truth comes, he will lead you into all truth. He will not speak his own words. He will speak only what he hears and will tell you what will happen in the future.” John 16:13 ERV

God has given us His word so that we know what pleases Him. He wants us to know His will so He had it recorded for all to read. Confidence in prayer comes from knowing God’s word. He will not lie or break His promises.

“The Lord is not being slow in doing what he promised—the way some people understand slowness. But God is being patient with you. He doesn’t want anyone to be lost. He wants everyone to change their ways and stop sinning.” II Peter 3:9 ERV

“Don’t worry and ask yourselves, “Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?” 32 Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows you need all of these. 33 But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.” Matthew 6:30-33 CEV

“With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not your own judgment. 6 Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow.” Proverbs 3:5-6 CEV

“If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won’t correct you for asking.” James 1:5 CEV

If this blog has touched a chord with you, circle this day on the calendar and say, “Father, I will pray with confidence, knowing Your word is Your will. I will trust You to lead and provide. I will trust the Holy Spirit to guide me in all truth. Thank you. In Jesus name.”

Confidence in the Lord is never misplaced!

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Refresher Training

Are you or were you in one of those professions that offered or required continuing education?

You get away for a week and learn new techniques and brush up on established skills. That’s where my heart took my mind this morning as I was reading some of my oldest, favorite passages of Scriptures.

The re-reading and meditating on familiar verses will refresh us.

“ If you have ears, pay attention!” Matthew 11:15 CEV

When Jesus said this, He was speaking to a group of people who had seen Him do miracles and had been listening to His teachings, but they were criticizing His association with “sinful” people. Then He prayed this prayer.

“My Father has given me everything, and he is the only one who knows the Son. The only one who truly knows the Father is the Son. But the Son wants to tell others about the Father, so they can know him too. 28  If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, ‘come to me and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:27-28 CEV

It’s important that we realize the words we read from the Bible each day are the words of God for our lives. They are not to be taken for granted or brushed over with a “that was nice”. They are the words of life.

I’ve been asked how can you be so confident. It’s because I know that God’s word is true – it’s true because He says it is. So, if you have ears to hear – pay attention as I share some “refresher course” verses.

“13 Your kingdom will never end, and you will rule forever. Our Lord, you keep your word and do everything you say. 14 When someone stumbles or falls, you give a helping hand. 15 Everyone depends on you, and when the time is right, you provide them with food. 16 By your own hand you satisfy the desires of all who live.

17 Our Lord, everything you do is kind and thoughtful, 18 and you are near to everyone whose prayers are sincere. 19 You satisfy the desires of all your worshipers, and you come to save them when they ask for help. 20 You take care of everyone who loves you, but you destroy the wicked.” Psalm 145:10-20 CEV

And now for the next one…

“ I kneel in prayer to the Father. 15 All beings in heaven and on earth receive their life from him. 16 God is wonderful and glorious. I pray that his Spirit will make you become strong followers 17 and that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. Stand firm and be deeply rooted in his love. 18  I pray that you and all God’s people will understand what is called wide or long or high or deep. 19 I want you to know all about Christ’s love, although it is too wonderful to be measured. Then your lives will be filled with all that God is.

20-21 I pray that Christ Jesus and the church will forever bring praise to God. His power at work in us can do far more than we dare ask or imagine. Amen.” Ephesians 3:14-21 CEV

For over 40 years I have been reading these sections of Scripture nearly every day. I’m still learning to live totally in the goodness of God and the full expression of His love for me.

I pray these verses are a refresher course for you as well. Read them, again and again. Let them sink deep into your heart, become deeply rooted in God’s love for you.

“If you have ears to hear – pay attention”!

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Another Cup Please

Sitting in the morning quiet is one of my favorite places. It doesn’t matter the location – what matters is that God chooses to meet with me. I love this time before phones start ringing and life demands my attention. There’s always time for one more cup, a few more minutes and some extra verses to be read.

“Lord, your rules are wonderful. That is why I follow them. 130 As people understand your word, it brings light to their lives. Your word makes even simple people wise. 131 My desire to hear your commands is so strong that I wait with open mouth, gasping for breath. 132 Look at me, and be kind to me, just as you always are to those who love your name. 133 Guide me, as you promised. Don’t let evil rule over me. 134 Save me from those who want to hurt me, and I will obey your instructions. 135 Accept your servant, and teach me your laws. 136 I have cried a river of tears because people don’t obey your teachings.” Psalm 119:129-136 ERV

How many times has David said in this Psalm that the word makes us wise or gives us understanding? I haven’t counted but it seems to be the reoccurring theme in each segment. And don’t you imagine if the Word was such a strong influence in David’s life that it also made an impact on David’s children? I do know that it had to have for Solomon.

When the Lord asked him what he desired most, Solomon asked for wisdom.

“One night while Solomon was in Gibeon, the LORD God appeared to him in a dream and said, “Solomon, ask for anything you want, and I will give it to you.”

6 Solomon answered:

My father David, your servant, was honest and did what you commanded. You were always loyal to him, and you gave him a son who is now king. 7 LORD God, I’m your servant, and you’ve made me king in my father’s place. But I’m very young and know so little about being a leader. 8 And now I must rule your chosen people, even though there are too many of them to count.

9 Please make me wise and teach me the difference between right and wrong. Then I will know how to rule your people. If you don’t, there is no way I could rule this great nation of yours.” I Kings 3:5-9 ERV

Solomon saw that his father’s ability to lead and to rule successfully came from his dependence on the Lord and it was his desire to be like his father. The Lord answered Solomon’s request and more. This segment in Psalms tells us that the Word will bring light to our situation and that it makes the simple wise.

The Apostle Paul has lots to say about the Word too. He tells us in Romans 10:17 “Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” If we are to grow in faith than we need to be committed to hearing (and applying) God’s word to our lives.

Hebrews 11:6 tells us that it is impossible to please God without faith. So, if we have no word in our lives, we have no faith and if we have no faith then it is impossible to please God. If we want to please God, we must make His word the foundation of our lives.

Pause for one more cup of coffee, one more verse. It will give us wisdom, bring light and we will be pleasing to God.

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Bountiful Harvest

Last night a friend and I sat and talked about how much we love God’s word. We can read a chapter, or a few verses and God touches our hearts with His words and our lives are changed.

The Word of God is incorruptible seed. It brings a harvest of God’s goodness into our lives.

“ You have been given a new birth. It was from a seed that cannot die. This new life is from the Word of God which lives forever. ” I Peter 1:23 NLV

I heard tell, truth or myth I do not know, that seeds were discovered in the tombs of the pyramids and when they were planted, they grew. Now, that’s a seed that didn’t die.

Farmers and home gardeners know that to have a successful garden you protect the seed. Many home gardeners have gone to starting seedlings inside so that the plants grow strong before they face the elements. Farmers aren’t afforded that opportunity but they do research which seeds produce the best yield and are well suited for their climate and soil.

Jesus was using these principles when he spoke to his followers about seed.

” Now listen to the meaning of the story about the farmer: 19 The seeds that fell along the road are the people who hear the message about the kingdom, but don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches the message from their hearts. 20 The seeds that fell on rocky ground are the people who gladly hear the message and accept it right away. 21 But they don’t have deep roots, and they don’t last very long. As soon as life gets hard or the message gets them in trouble, they give up.

22 The seeds that fell among the thornbushes are also people who hear the message. But they start worrying about the needs of this life and are fooled by the desire to get rich. So the message gets choked out, and they never produce anything. 23 The seeds that fell on good ground are the people who hear and understand the message. They produce as much as a hundred or sixty or thirty times what was planted.” Matthew 13:18-23 CEV

Although the seeds of God’s word may lie dormant for a while they will produce a crop. When watered by prayer, tended by the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the weeds of worry and doubt removed we will gather a harvest.

The first crop that is produced is salvation and then forgiveness, peace, love, joy, faith and other fruits grow.

Our heart is the soil, God’s word is the seed. Happy Harvest.

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Don’t Be Uprooted

The other night Dave and I were sitting in the house and we heard a crash out on the porch. We both jumped up and went to the sliding glass door.

There at the bottom of the steps one of my flowerpots had been knocked over and the flowers were uprooted. The culprit who had inflicted this damage stood just a few feet away. A javelina!

It had eaten some of the blooms and must have tugged at the plant, pulling the pot off the step and onto the concrete. The pot wasn’t broken but potting soil was scattered about with pieces of half-eaten petunia in the mix.

Life can be like that.

An unexpected intruder, fear, comes in to uproot our faith.

“The seeds that fell on rocky ground are the people who gladly hear the message and accept it at once. 21 But they don’t have deep roots, and they don’t last very long. As soon as life gets hard or the message gets them in trouble, they give up.

22 The seeds that fell among the thornbushes are also people who hear the message. But they start worrying about the needs of this life and are fooled by the desire to get rich. So the message gets choked out, and they never produce anything.” Matthew 13:20-22 CEV

Jesus gave this teaching on the Word of God being planted in our lives. It’s like seed that grows and brings a harvest of God’s truth. But we must be on guard to keep from being uprooted.

“ God is wonderful and glorious. I pray that his Spirit will make you become strong followers 17 and that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. Stand firm and be deeply rooted in his love.” Ephesians 3:16-17 CEV

The deeper a plant’s roots go down into the earth, the harder it is to uproot it. These verses in Ephesians go on to say:

” I pray that you and all God’s people will understand what is called wide or long or high or deep.19 I want you to know all about Christ’s love, although it is too wonderful to be measured. Then your lives will be filled with all that God is.” Ephesians 3:18-19 CEV

God wants us to know the depth of His love. He wants us filled with all that He is! Our confidence comes from being rooted in Him and knowing that He will never lie to us. He will never break His word.

“ You used to be far from God. Your thoughts made you his enemies, and you did evil things. 22 But his Son became a human and died. So God made peace with you, and now he lets you stand in his presence as people who are holy and faultless and innocent. 23 But you must stay deeply rooted and firm in your faith. You must not give up the hope you received when you heard the good news. It was preached to everyone on earth, and I myself have become a servant of this message.” Colossians 1:21-23 CEV

Maybe you feel that you’ve been knocked off the step and you’ve been uprooted. Take heart. I know a Master Gardner that will pick you up, tend to your leaves and repot you in the soil of His love so that you can be deeply rooted and firmly planted in Him!

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Daily Instruction

God’s word is relevant for every generation! His truth is never antiquated!

The Word of God is alive and powerful; the Word became flesh, and the living Word of God is called Jesus. Jesus fulfilled the written Word and brought God’s purpose, reconciliation for us, into existence.

Each day God’s word gives us vital instruction, it is the Word of Life. God’s word has the power to transform our lives.

Learn From Christ to Be Unselfish -this the heading in my Bible above these verses.

5 In your life together, think the way Christ Jesus thought. 6 He was like God in every way, but he did not think that his being equal with God was something to use for his own benefit. 7 Instead, he gave up everything, even his place with God. He accepted the role of a servant, appearing in human form. During his life as a man, 8 he humbled himself by being fully obedient to God, even when that caused his death—death on a cross.” Philippians 2:5-8 ERV

Before Jesus left this earth, He commissioned His disciples with the task of going into all the earth to preach and teach, making more disciples by sharing His love and restoration.

The Apostle Paul took that commissioning seriously. He went from one who persecuted Christians to literally evangelizing the world with the message of Christ.

“ We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are chosen to be a part of His plan. 29 God knew from the beginning who would put their trust in Him. So He chose them and made them to be like His Son. Christ was first and all those who belong to God are His brothers. 30 He called to Himself also those He chose. Those He called, He made right with Himself. Then He shared His shining-greatness with those He made right with Himself.” Romans 8:28-30 NLV

God the Father has chosen us to be like His Son. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we are being conformed to His likeness hour by hour and day by day. Jesus humbled Himself, laying aside His deity, became human so the world could see and know the love of God.

“Do as God would do. Much-loved children want to do as their fathers do. 2 Live with love as Christ loved you. He gave Himself for us, a gift on the altar to God which was as a sweet smell to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2 NLV

A life that imitates the Father is one of our greatest acts of love. Reflecting Him in what we say and do brings Him honor.

“Christian brothers, I ask you from my heart to give your bodies to God because of His loving-kindness to us. Let your bodies be a living and holy gift given to God. He is pleased with this kind of gift. This is the true worship that you should give Him. 2 Do not act like the sinful people of the world. Let God change your life. First of all, let Him give you a new mind. Then you will know what God wants you to do. And the things you do will be good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2 NLV

Father, it is my desire to be like you! Show me who I need to touch today with the love of Your heart! ❤

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Let God Arise

Several months back I heard a message called “Breath on the Page” by Louie Giglio. That’s what stirred my thoughts for yesterday’s writing, Be Prepared.

When we truly realize, not just with our heads but with our hearts, that God’s word, the Bible, is God-breathed, God-inspired and powerful bringing life-changing effects it will begin to jump off the page and into our circumstances.

We have a great need to elevate God’s promises, His word, over the circumstances we face.

“Rise up, O God, and scatter your enemies. Let those who hate God run for their lives.
2 Blow them away like smoke. Melt them like wax in a fire. Let the wicked perish in the presence of God. 3 But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with joy. 4 Sing praises to God and to his name! Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds. His name is the Lord— rejoice in his presence!

5 Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God, whose dwelling is holy. 6 God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.” Psalm 68:1-7 NLT

God is not a sleeping giant that we need to “wake up”. God is always on point. Always ready to defend His children.

“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him…” II Chronicles 16:9a NKJV

God is always looking for ways to help His children. The problem is we aren’t always looking for or to Him. We try and try to do things on our own and then after all our failures we call out to God. Or we even blame Him, “why isn’t God helping me or why did He let this happen?”, but we haven’t let or invited the Father in to help us.

When the Israelites left Egypt pharaoh pursued them. They complained to Moses – “why is God letting this happen to us, now we will die in the desert”. Moses called on God, God revealed His plan. They walked across the Red Sea on dry ground and pharaoh’s armies drown.

“I sing praises to the Lord for his great victory! He has thrown the horses and their riders
 into the sea. 2 The Lord is my strength, the reason for my song, because he has saved me.
I praise and honor the Lord— he is my God and the God of my ancestors. 3 The Lord is his name, and he is a warrior!4 He threw the chariots and army of Egypt’s king into the Red Sea, and he drowned the best of the king’s officers. 5 They sank to the bottom just like stones.” Exodus 15:1-5 CEV

Remember, we are told to “ask and it shall be given, seek and we will find”. It’s silly to blame God or make it His fault, if we aren’t asking. A few days back we saw that the Father is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him by faith. (Hebrews 11:6)

To let God arise means we elevate Him in our own eyes; in our estimation we lift Him to a place of highest priority. He is the creator of heaven and earth, there is no one higher.

Until we trust His word and let Him rule in our hearts, we aren’t letting Him “arise over our situation and scatter our enemies”.

Let God arise today!

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Be Prepared

For a few days now a couple of verses have been held in my heart. God has a specific plan and purpose for our lives and while the message is the same, give glory to God and testify of His goodness and forgiveness, we are different in our delivery of that message.

“ God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT

None of us can work hard enough, be good enough or excel high enough to be worthy of God’s grace. Grace is a gift. It is given to us by Almighty God. It’s a costly gift – it was bought with the blood of His Son, Jesus, but the Father gives it freely to those of us who believe.

God wants the world to know about and receive this gift of grace. He planned from time past the good things we can do.

The message of going into all the world and preaching the gospel, the good news of Christ, wasn’t just for the apostles and early disciples of Jesus. It’s for all of us who follow Christ and love Him.

We aren’t left to go on our own authority and in our own power. Never.

“ Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” Matthew 28:18-20 NLT

Jesus has commissioned us to go as His ambassadors in the authority given to Him by God, the Father.

Some are sent to the classroom, others to a hospital or corporate suite, and still others go into the world of finance, first-responders, restaurants or retirement. In every walk of life God has sent out His ambassadors. But He doesn’t send us out unprepared. We are to teach the commands that He has already given us.

Be prepared.

“You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” II Timothy 3:15-17 NLT

God has planned for us to do good works from the beginning, and He has also prepared and equipped us for the task. One of the definitions of the word inspired means “breathed in”. All Scripture is God-breathed – it teaches us right from wrong, directs our steps and corrects us.

God created us to do good things and then He gave us His word to equip us for those good works. Let’s use what we’ve been given and get going. The world is waiting!

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