Category: Studying the Bible

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Proper Input

Remember yesterday I asked you the question, “What are you considering?” Today’s thought is a follow up to that.

Our most powerful adversary as believers is not the devil. He was defeated when Jesus was raised from the dead and we have been given authority over him and all his evil works. However, our greatest adversary is also our greatest ally – it just depends on how we use it. I’m talking about our minds!

The one thing God won’t do is force us to do things against our will. He won’t force us to accept His wonderful gift of salvation, even if it means we will eventually go to hell, and He won’t force us to accept His blessings that He is pouring out in this life either. We must willfully accept all of His provisions for them to work in our lives.

So how do we move the mind from an adversary to an ally? The answer is simple; it’s by what we consider. Our mind is much like the computer I am using to message with right now. It can only produce on screen or in memory what I input. It becomes our responsibility to input the correct information.

Today’s image is called a “screen saver”. When downloaded, properly input, it will be embedded in the computer’s memory and bring enjoyment until it is removed. We can do the same with our minds; input the good and delete what is contrary to God’s character.

The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 12:1-2 “With eyes wide open to the mercies of God, I beg you, my brothers, as an act of intelligent worship, to give him your bodies, as a living sacrifice, consecrated to him and acceptable by him. Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold, but let God re-mold your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity.”

We let God’s word be our input and then our minds will be renewed. We should be considering what life will be like in heaven and all that Jesus did to provide this for us – if that’s our focus, we won’t have time to be “considering” thoughts that are contrary to God’s way of thinking.

“You were raised from death with Christ. So live for what is in heaven, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Think only about what is up there, not what is here on earth. 3 Your old self has died, and your new life is kept with Christ in God. 4 Yes, Christ is now your life, and when he comes again, you will share in his glory.” Colossians 3:1-4

It’s imperative that we guard our minds more than we guard our wallets. The damage caused by wrong thinking is more detrimental than losing our cash. In fact, it’s very similar to spiritual identity theft. Thinking like the world thinks will keep us from realizing all the wonderful blessings that God has provided.

“We live in this world, but we don’t fight our battles in the same way the world does. 4 The weapons we use are not human ones. Our weapons have power from God and can destroy the enemy’s strong places. We destroy people’s arguments, 5 and we tear down every proud idea that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We also capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.” II Corinthians 10:3-5

So, counteract the world’s influence today and live out this verse. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” II Timothy 1:7

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Pure & True

Reading the Bible is much like a treasure hunt for me. I know that God’s word is packed full of nuggets and I want to find each one.

This morning, I found one that I want to share with you.

“They took advantage of the poor and stole what little they had. But the Lord knows what they did, and he says,
    ‘I will rescue those who are poor and helpless, and I will punish those who hurt them.’

6 The Lord’s words are true and pure, like silver purified by fire, like silver melted seven times to make it perfectly pure.” Psalm 12:5-6 ERV

God’s word has been tested, as if by fire, and it is pure. Purer than silver that has completed the refining process. There is no imperfection in His word. He does not alter His promises.

God cannot and will not lie.

“God is not a man; he will not lie. God is not a human being; his decisions will not change.
If he says he will do something, then he will do it. If he makes a promise, then he will do what he promised.” Numbers 23:19 ERv

“His teachings are worth more than pure gold. They are sweeter than the best honey dripping from the honeycomb. 11 His teachings warn his servants, and good things come to those who obey them.” Psalm 19:10-11 ERV

“ Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same.” James 1:17 ERV

“Grass dies and flowers fall, but the word of our God lasts forever.” Isaiah 40:8 ERV

God’s word will last forever. It is pure, it is true, it is trustworthy!

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The Word Became Flesh

My mind is racing this morning – there are so many verses that I have been reading and then stopping to meditate on.

It all started when I was writing in my journal. I use a mechanical pencil and this morning I ran out of lead, so I picked up my pen and wrote in ink. The thought that went through my mind was “these words need to be important because they will be around for a long time”. But the thoughts that came next caught me off guard.

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will not pass away.” Luke 21:33 NLV

Jesus spoke those words, but He wasn’t just speaking about the words that he was speaking at that moment, nor was He referring only to the words that had been written by the prophets hundreds of years before. It was more encompassing than that.

“The Word (Christ) was in the beginning. The Word was with God. The Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 He made all things. Nothing was made without Him making it.” John 1:1-3 NLV

Jesus was speaking of himself. He is and was the Word. He will not pass away.

“ The Word became a man and lived among us. We saw his divine greatness—the greatness that belongs to the only Son of the Father. The Word was full of grace and truth. ” John 1:14 ERV

Now, we need to go back to Mary’s encounter with the angel and look at that conversation.

“The angel said to her, “Mary, do not be afraid. You have found favor with God. 31 See! You are to become a mother and have a Son. You are to give Him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great. He will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the place where His early father David sat…38 Then Mary said, “I am willing to be used of the Lord. Let it happen to me as you have said.” Then the angel went away from her.” Luke 1:29-38 NLV

The angel said – he delivered the message – the word of God to Mary. Mary wasn’t sure how this could be, but her response was to believe “the word of God” and she became pregnant and gave birth to the One who is called “The Word”.

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 NKJV

We need to be more mindful of the power of the Word of God. God’s word created a universe, God’s word took on flesh to live among us. God’s word is alive and powerful.

“ Whoever hears these words of Mine and does them, will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 The rain came down. The water came up. The wind blew and hit the house. The house did not fall because it was built on rock.” Matthew 7:24-25 NLV

By God’s word we have new life, a new life that will be able to stand in the storm.

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Smile on Me

Well, not that I’ve gotten your attention with that silly smiling horse let me explain the thoughts that came to me this morning.

Yesterday I explained to you that my life “in a nutshell” is a love for God’s word and the practical direction it gives me for daily life. Decisions are easier when I trust God to lead me with peace. Worries are less as I roll the cares of life over on the Father. Fear dissipates as I know that He has promised to never leave me or abandon me, even in the valley of the shadow of death.

My future is secure because I know that for me to live is Christ but to die is gain as I join my heavenly Father in heaven.

His word brings me joy, strength, forgiveness, grace, mercy and provides for all my earthly and heavenly needs.

And then this morning, I found this verse, that I know I have read 100’s of times before but it jumped off the page and into my heart.

“ Smile on me, your servant, and teach me your laws.” Psalm 119:35 CEV

But chapter 119 of Psalms, the longest chapter in the Bible, highlights a love of God’s word and the benefits of reading and obeying it in 176 verses. It really is my theme chapter.

“Your teachings are wonderful, and I respect them all. 130 Understanding your word brings light to the minds of ordinary people. 131 I honestly want to know everything you teach.
132 Think about me and be kind, just as you are to everyone who loves your name. 133 Keep your promise and don’t let me stumble or let sin control my life. 134 Protect me from abuse, so I can obey your laws. 135 Smile on me, your servant, and teach me your laws. 136 When anyone disobeys you, my eyes overflow with tears. 137 Our Lord, you always do right, and your decisions are fair. 138 All your teachings are true and trustworthy. 139 It upsets me greatly when my enemies neglect your teachings. 140 Your word to me, your servant, is like pure gold; I treasure what you say. 141 Everyone calls me a nobody, but I remember your laws. 142 You will always do right, and your teachings are true. 143 I am in deep distress, but I love your teachings. 144 Your rules are always fair. Help me to understand them and live.” Psalm 119:129-144 CEV

For those who think the Bible is just “the good book” but don’t really take the time to read it I encourage them to pray this short prayer. “Lord, I want Your Bible to come alive for me. I want to learn from you. Teach me Your Ways. In Jesus Name, Amen.”

That honest, simple, heart-felt prayer will be the beginning of a wonderful adventure discovering the personal message from God to you. Then you will see why the psalmist says “Your word to me, your servant, is like pure gold; I treasure what you say. “

Remember this:

“Then we will never turn away. Put new life into us, and we will worship you. 19 Lord God All-Powerful, make us strong again! Smile on us and save us.” Psalm 80:18-19 CEV

I can see the Father smiling on us now.

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In A Nutshell

As I sat quietly this morning, it was a time of introspection. “My life in a nutshell”.

How to describe it? How would others define it? What am I most grateful for this Thanksgiving season?

God’s word – simply and emphatically. God’s word.

Oh yes, I am extremely grateful for Dave, the kids, the grands and great grands, my health and home, my friends but without God’s word these would be shallow. Without God’s word I wouldn’t know of His endless, boundless love, mercy, grace and forgiveness. Without His word, peace, joy and hope would be fleeting and that would seriously affect my family, health and friends.

What has had the greatest impact on my life, kept me on a firm foundation, been my source of strength and wisdom is God’s word.

“I deeply love your Law! I think about it all day. 98 Your laws never leave my mind, and they make me much wiser than my enemies. 99 Thinking about your teachings gives me better understanding than my teachers, 100 and obeying your laws makes me wiser than those who have lived a long time. 101 I obey your word instead of following a way that leads to trouble. 102 You have been my teacher, and I won’t reject your instructions. 103 Your teachings are sweeter than honey.” Psalm 119:97-103 CEV

I spent a large portion of my early years, up to my thirties, not searching the Scriptures as my daily bread. I was too busy to take time to study the Bible. Oh yes, I loved the Lord. I was a Christian but a shallow one. I worried and fretted with the best of them. I could be short-tempered, easily frustrated and stressed.

Then little by little all that changed. Just a few minutes each morning – time was short so I had to be quick. After a while I realized without my morning time spent in God’s word and prayer the day just didn’t go as smoothly, and I wasn’t prepared for the challenging situations that would arise.

Just as I began to put fingers to keyboard this morning the words of this old song came flooding in:

“Wonderful Words of Life”

Sing them over again to me,
Wonderful words of life;
Let me more of their beauty see,
Wonderful words of life;
Words of life and beauty
Teach me faith and duty.

Refrain:
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life;
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life.

Sweetly echo the gospel call,
Wonderful words of life;
Offer pardon and peace to all,
Wonderful words of life;
Jesus, only Savior,
Sanctify forever. [Refrain]”

Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life.

Once when Jesus finished a teaching, a large portion of the multitude that followed Him left. They said it was a “hard” teaching.

“ Jesus then asked his twelve disciples if they also were going to leave him. 68  Simon Peter answered, ‘Lord, there is no one else that we can go to! Your words give eternal life. 69 We have faith in you, and we are sure that you are God’s Holy One.’” John 6:67-69 CEV

Words of Life!

My greatest joy – my life in a nutshell – is to know God’s word in greater, practical depth each day.

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Completely Committed

You may be familiar with this cute little story about some farm animals.

They lived on the farm of a wonderfully kind man, Farmer Brown. One morning the animals got to talking as farm animals often do and decided they would like to do something nice for Farmer Brown.

Finally, they thought they had devised a good plan. They would make a hearty breakfast for Farmer Brown. The chicken clucked, “I will bring the eggs”. The cow mooed, “I will provide the milk and the butter”. The pig was silent for quite some time and then he grunted, “A hearty breakfast is something you both can participate in without much effort but for me it’s a complete commitment”.

That’s how it is for me when I read God’s word. I have vowed to be completely committed. Situations and circumstances test that resolve. Do I compromise my integrity? Do I give in to fear or let doubt take over, removing me from my stand on God’s word? Or do I remain true to my resolve and stand completely committed?

This is the answer I found in Psalms this morning.

“Your word is a lamp that gives light wherever I walk. 106 Your laws are fair, and I have given my word to respect them all. 107 I am in terrible pain! Save me, Lord, as you have promised. 108 Accept my offerings of praise and teach me your laws. 109 I never forget your teachings, although my life is always in danger. 110 Some merciless people are trying to trap me, but I never turn my back on your teachings. 111 They will always be my most prized possession and my source of joy. 112 I have made up my mind to obey your laws forever, no matter what.’ Psalm 119:105-112 CEV

I don’t know what kind of danger the psalmist was experiencing, nor have I ever felt my life was in danger from merciless people but many around the world have. Everyday Christians in other countries are being persecuted and tortured because of their faith; many have died rather than deny Christ.

I want my resolve to be “I have made up my mind to obey your laws forever, no matter what”.

“As you have put your trust in Christ Jesus the Lord to save you from the punishment of sin, now let Him lead you in every step. 7 Have your roots planted deep in Christ. Grow in Him. Get your strength from Him. Let Him make you strong in the faith as you have been taught. Your life should be full of thanks to Him.” Colossians 2:6-7 NLV

I don’t just want to participate in my walk with Christ; I want to be completely committed.

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Light the Way

I read a little quip recently. It went something like this. Do you know the purpose of the little toe? Its job is to find furniture in the dark.

Isn’t that the truth? I can certainly recall a number of times when I have gotten up in a place that I am unfamiliar with, not having sufficient light in the room and stubbed my little toe on the edge of a bed or chair. Yikes that hurts!

God doesn’t want us walking around in the dark. He has provided us with light for our way.

“A light shines in the dark for those who are good, or those who are merciful, kind, and fair.” Psalm 112:4 ERV

So many obstacles can be placed in our way on this path of life but God gives us light so we can maneuver around the pitfalls and the stumbling stones and even those sharp edges of furniture.

“I gain understanding from your instructions, so I hate anything that leads people the wrong way. 105 Your word is like a lamp that guides my steps, a light that shows the path I should take.” Psalm 119:104-105 ERV

God gave us His word so that we will have a well-lit path and not be caught in darkness. Jesus said He came to bring light to the world.

“Then Jesus said loudly, ‘Everyone who believes in me is really believing in the one who sent me. 45 Everyone who sees me is really seeing the one who sent me. 46 I came into this world as a light. I came so that everyone who believes in me will not stay in darkness.'” John 12:44-46 ERV

Jesus said that He was the light of the world. He shines in the dark places and lights the path so we don’t lose our way. He brings light to our souls and salvation to our lives.

Lighthouses were built as a beacon of safety for ships that had been out at sea. As they returned home the beacon would light the way. But it was almost necessary to have smaller lights lining the rocky shoreline. These lower lights steered the ships from danger.

Jesus is the light of the world. He is the bright beacon. God’s word is the lamp that lights our paths and we are the lower lights that are also necessary to bring others to safety.

“ You are the light that shines for the world to see. You are like a city built on a hill that cannot be hidden. 15 People don’t hide a lamp under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand. Then the light shines for everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 ERV

I like to think of us, as believers in Christ, like the moon. We have no real light of our own but we glow with the light that we have absorbed from the Son. We are a reflection of His light.

As we continue to stay in fellowship with the Lord and read His word, we will be a light to others.

This little light of mine – let it shine!

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A Reliable Cure

Have you ever been to the doctor and had them ask you about your medical history and your family’s medical history? Lots of questions and sometimes you wonder if they are even listening as you answer.

This morning, I have a question for you. Do you have heart trouble? Are there triggers in your life that have or are now affecting your heart?

Then let me give you a prescription for the cure.

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” John 14:1 KJV

Jesus spoke these words to his disciples right before His crucifixion. If anything would cause “heart trouble” for them it would be this, but Jesus’ command was don’t be troubled.

“My son, pay attention to my words and be willing to learn; Open your ears to my sayings. 21 Do not let them escape from your sight; Keep them in the center of your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them, And healing and health to all their flesh. 23 Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 4:20-23 AMP

King Solomon knew the way to prevent “heart trouble” was to pay attention to God’s word. It provides health and healing to all who choose to live by it.

The dosing instructions for this prescription were given to Joshua by the Lord.

“Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to obey what is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you do. 9 Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9 ERV

Twice a day are the instructions but more if needed – day and night.

So, if you are experiencing heart trouble this morning, I’m sending you to my cardiologist, He’s never lost a patient. You have a private consultation with Him, listen to His instructions.

“ I have told you all these things while I am with you. 26 But the Helper will teach you everything and cause you to remember all that I told you. This Helper is the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name.

27 “I leave you peace. It is my own peace I give you. I give you peace in a different way than the world does. So don’t be troubled. Don’t be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am leaving, but I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be happy that I am going back to the Father, because the Father is greater than I am. 29 I have told you this now, before it happens. Then when it happens, you will believe.” John 14:26-29 ERV

I guarantee you that Jesus knew about situations that could weaken the heart. He had faced physical and spiritual attacks, mental temptations and reputation destroying lies. In the final night before His death, He was preparing the disciples to withstand the attacks of the heart.

“ I have told you all this now to prepare you. So when the time comes for these things to happen, you will remember that I warned you… 33 “I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” John 16:4 & 33 ERV

Take the Great Physician’s prescription and keep your heart strong!

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Protect What’s Precious

Only one verse this morning and I think that it is often overlooked. I’d like to highlight it because I happen to believe that all of God’s word is profitable for our instruction.

“ Don’t give to dogs what belongs to God. They will only turn and attack you. Don’t throw pearls down in front of pigs. They will trample all over them.” Matthew 7:6 CEV

When we look through Scripture at verses that talk about dogs we find a spiritual implication. In the Psalms it says enemies are like dogs and it also compares stupid leaders to dogs. In one place it says liars roam the city like a pack of wild dogs.

The Apostle Paul told us to beware of dogs.

“ Watch out for those people who behave like dogs! They are evil and want to do more than just circumcise you.” Philippians 3:2 CEV

These people that Paul was talking about wanted to brag about their own exploits and wanted to draw attention to themselves and pull the Christians away from their belief in Christ.

Jesus also warned about giving what was precious to pigs. Peter made a correlation between people who hear God’s word but ignore it and return to their old ways and pigs rolling in the mud.

“They would have been better off if they had never known about the right way. Even after they knew what was right, they turned their backs on the holy commandments they were given. 22  What happened to them is just like the true saying, ‘A dog will come back to lick up its own vomit. A pig that has been washed will roll in the mud.” II Peter 2:21-22 CEV

Jesus knew that there were those in the crowd listening to Him who were religious hypocrites. Those who would try to discredit the message He preached. You will notice that Jesus didn’t go searching for them, trying to persuade them to believe that He was the Messiah.

No, instead He went to those who were hurting, lost and afraid. Those who He referred to as lost sheep.

We will encounter those who think we are foolish for following Christ; those who would try to drag us off to follow a different philosophy or teaching and some who just want to wallow in the mud of their own making.

One simple verse. Don’t give to dogs what belongs to God – that would be our love and devotion. Don’t let anyone pull you away from what God has given you!

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Growing Strong

As I was reading in Psalms this morning, I came across some verses I needed to think on for a while. In light of yesterday’s blog, these verses took on a deeper meaning.

Psalm 85 is captioned “A Prayer for Peace” in the CEV translation. That title intrigued me, and what I read in the last few verses really ministered to me.

“I will listen to you, Lord God, because you promise peace to those who are faithful and no longer foolish. 9 You are ready to rescue everyone who worships you, so that you will live with us in all your glory. 10 Love and loyalty will come together; goodness and peace will unite. 11 Loyalty will sprout from the ground; justice will look down from the sky above. 12 Our Lord, you will bless us; our land will produce wonderful crops. 13 Justice will march in front, making a path for you to follow.” Psalm 85:8-13 CEV

“I will listen to what God the Lord will say. For He will speak peace to His people, to those who are right with Him. But do not let them turn again to foolish things. 9 For sure His saving power is near those who fear Him, so His shining-greatness may live in the land. 10 Loving-kindness and truth have met together. Peace and what is right and good have kissed each other. 11 Truth comes up from the earth. And what is right and good looks down from heaven. 12 Yes, the Lord will give what is good. And our land will give its fruit. 13 What is right and good will go before Him and make a way for His steps.” Psalm 85:8-13 NLV

Seed sprouting in the ground, producing a crop. It’s what we were talking about yesterday. The ground..the seed..the crop.

When we listen to God’s word, what He says, we are receiving seed. Seed that will sprout up from the ground. When the ground is good the harvest will be fruitful. I know that this is referring to the land of Israel having bountiful crops but I believe it is more than that, it’s a changed heart.

Peace, truth, love, goodness. This is the same fruit that Paul tells us will grow in our lives when we have the Holy Spirit controlling us.

“But the fruit that comes from having the Holy Spirit in our lives is: love, joy, peace, not giving up, being kind, being good, having faith, 23 being gentle, and being the boss over our own desires. The Law is not against these things.” Galatians 5:22-23 NLV

When the ground of our hearts is prepared, and the seed is planted we will produce a harvest.

“ And those are the ones sown on the good soil. They hear the word and accept it and produce fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.” Mark 4:20 TLV

May we allow God’s word a place to grow strong in our lives.

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