Tag: StudyToShow

Posted on

8th Anniversary

Today is my 8th anniversary of morning blogs with you all. Each morning, I have my Bible, my coffee and my quiet time with you.

What a pleasure it has been to share God’s heart and my thoughts with you most every morning of the past eight years! There is no better way for me to celebrate than to once again remind you of the power of God’s love and His thoughts.

Have you ever heard someone quote “‘God’s way are not our ways. His ways are higher than ours’ and so we can’t really know why God does something”?

I have. In fact, I have probably been guilty of saying that more than once. But just because we say it doesn’t make it true. Yes, God’s ways are higher than ours but that doesn’t mean we can’t understand God or know His ways.

The Bible is our loving Father communicating with us so that we can know His ways. He gave his plan to Moses, the prophets and spoke His plan to Jesus, who was the fulfillment of that plan.

He gave his plan to Paul who penned over half the New Testament so that we would continue to have the direction we needed.

Then He placed His Spirit within us when we were born again so we could have greater understanding of His ways.

“None of the rulers of this world understood this wisdom. If they had understood it, they would not have killed our great and glorious Lord on a cross. 9 But as the Scriptures say,

‘No one has ever seen, no one has ever heard, no one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.’

10 But God has shown us these things through the Spirit. The Spirit knows all things. The Spirit even knows the deep secrets of God. 11 It is like this: No one knows the thoughts that another person has. Only the person’s spirit that lives inside knows those thoughts. It is the same with God. No one knows God’s thoughts except God’s Spirit. 12 We received the Spirit that is from God, not the spirit of the world. We received God’s Spirit so that we can know all that God has given us.

13 When we say this, we don’t use words taught to us by human wisdom. We use words taught to us by the Spirit. We use the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. 14 People who do not have God’s Spirit do not accept the things that come from his Spirit. They think these things are foolish. They cannot understand them, because they can only be understood with the Spirit’s help. 15 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 2:8-16 ERV

If you’re having difficulty understanding the things of God, ask the Holy Spirit who lives within you – He’ll be more than glad to help!

Posted on

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!

Posted on

Search The Word

I really enjoy “hidden object” games. Looking for things that are hidden and then remembering them for the next time you come back to that scene – it’s a real challenge and something I just like to do.

That’s how it was when I first really got turned on to God’s word. My goodness, that’s been almost 50 years ago now. I had been raised in church all my life but never really got in and studied the Word for myself.

But after we saw God do a miracle and heal our son, we started searching to find out what the Word said to us and how it would impact our daily lives. I remember so clearly sitting down at our kitchen table with our Bibles, a Strong’s concordance and a legal pad. We began to search out different words and how they had been used throughout the Bible. We would read a verse and then the verses before and after to make sure we saw things in their proper context. The search was on!

I will interject this here. When sharing these thoughts, I tried to be brief, but it is almost impossible to without diminishing the depth of the meaning.

We asked the Lord for understanding of His Word and He gave it to us. One Scripture that I had always heard took on new meaning. “Eye hath not seen or ear heard what has entered into the heart of God and that no one can know God’s thoughts” but in reading, truly reading the Scripture with the Holy Spirit guiding I found that there was more to that verse than how it had always been quoted.

“We teach wisdom to people who are mature, but the wisdom we teach is not from this world. It is not the wisdom of the rulers of this world, who are losing their power. 7 But we speak God’s secret wisdom that has been hidden from everyone until now. God planned this wisdom for our glory. He planned it before the world began. 8 None of the rulers of this world understood this wisdom. If they had understood it, they would not have killed our great and glorious Lord on a cross. 9 But as the Scriptures say,

‘No one has ever seen, no one has ever heard, no one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.’

10 But God has shown us these things through the Spirit. The Spirit knows all things. The Spirit even knows the deep secrets of God. 11 It is like this: No one knows the thoughts that another person has. Only the person’s spirit that lives inside knows those thoughts. It is the same with God. No one knows God’s thoughts except God’s Spirit. 12 We received the Spirit that is from God, not the spirit of the world. We received God’s Spirit so that we can know all that God has given us.” I Corinthians 2:6-12 ERV

What had been left out was the part about the Holy Spirit knowing God’s thoughts and He would give us the ability to KNOW all that God has for us. WOW!!! Talk about Hidden Treasures – we had a whole book of God’s thoughts right before us and all we had to do was search them out.

Jesus said the same thing to His disciples about the coming of the Holy Spirit. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26

Then there was also Jeremiah “Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:12-13

So let me encourage you today to start your own “treasure” hunt but this one isn’t a game. The verse above says we search with all our heart and King Solomon gave instruction this way

“4 Look for wisdom like silver. Search for it like hidden treasure. 5 If you do this, you will understand what it means to respect the LORD, and you will come to know God. 6 The LORD is the source of wisdom; knowledge and understanding come from his mouth. 7 He gives good advice to honest people and shields those who do what is right. 8 He makes sure that people are treated fairly. He watches over his loyal followers. 9 If you listen to him, you will understand what is just and fair and how to do what is right. 10 You will gain wisdom, and knowledge will bring you joy. 11 Planning ahead will protect you, and understanding will guard you.” Proverbs 2:4-11 ERV

I didn’t have a photographic memory so I would write the verses that really spoke to me on an index card. I always had them close at hand until they were in my heart. God’s word changed my life!

His word is more than ancient words on a page. God’s word is life. The Scriptures are God speaking directly to me and to you, life-giving, life-changing treasure that is better than gold!

Posted on

Let God’s Word Speak

This morning, I sat here for quite a while waiting for the words to come. In the quiet I listened and I read.

When our hearts are open to the Lord, when we genuinely desire to hear from Him, He speaks. Not in some big religious lights-in-the-sky way but in a quiet way that touches our hearts with a life-altering message.

“You, Lord, are all I want! You are my choice, and you keep me safe. 6 You make my life pleasant, and my future is bright. 7 I praise you, Lord, for being my guide. Even in the darkest night, your teachings fill my mind. 8 I will always look to you, as you stand beside me and protect me from fear. 9 With all my heart, I will celebrate, and I can safely rest.

10 I am your chosen one. You won’t leave me in the grave or let my body decay. 11 You have shown me the path to life, and you make me glad by being near to me. Sitting at your right side, I will always be joyful.” Psalm 16:5-11 CEV

All I want – reminds me of another of David’s Psalms. “The Lord is my Shepherd, I don’t want for anything”. A bright future, guidance, protection, and safety.

Here it is again, we are chosen (before the foundation of the world), we have been given life. God is always near to us and in His presence is a place of joy!

Before I started to read, the lyrics from a MercyMe song were my morning prayer. Word of God Speak:

“I’m finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it’s okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say

Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You’re in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak

I’m finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice…”

I don’t know what specific word God wants to speak to you this morning however, I do know if you are still while you are reading the Word of God will speak to your heart.

Posted on

History Is Important

Yesterday was a celebration of our history. I saw some beautiful images of firework displays around the country. An explosive end to the birth day of our great nation.

Remembering who we are and where we came from is important. Remembering the names of the men and women who fought and died as a part of history is crucial. The battles fought, the victories won, the defeats they overcame all have significance.

History is important to the Lord also.

All through the Old Testament the nation of Israel was told to remind their children of how the Lord delivered them from Egypt and brought them to the promised land. They were also taught to remember the patriarchs of the faith – Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – who were the ones that saw the Lord prosper them with lands and livestock, riches and prominence.

Israel was taught to remember the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob. The Lord didn’t want this people to forget that He had made promises to them. History is important and especially the history that God puts forth in Scripture.

As a society, we seem to think we have evolved; we’re wiser, more sophisticated, more educated than the early founding fathers of our nation. “We hold these truths to be self-evident” aren’t just ancient words on a page, they are the foundation of our society and need to be revered.

There are also some who think the simple truths of God’s word aren’t applicable anymore but that is also incorrect. That’s the same line of thinking that caused Adam and Eve to disobey God. “You don’t need to obey what God said because He knows if you eat of the tree you will be just as smart as He is”, you know how to make decisions for yourself.

God’s word is God’s word, whether it’s the begats or the chronology, the Laws given to children of Israel, the warnings of the prophets or the letters in red spoken by Jesus. It’s God’s word!

It’s truth and should be the basis and foundation of our daily living. We shouldn’t let traditions from the past, the ideas of current society or even the teachings of religion distract and divert us from standing strong on the Word of God.

Paul gave this instruction to Timothy.

“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the faith and correcting error, for re-setting the direction of a man’s life and training him in good living. The scriptures are the comprehensive equipment of the man of God and fit him fully for all branches of his work.” II Timothy 3:16-17 Phillips

ALL Scripture – not just some, we don’t get to pick and choose but all Scripture will make us fully equipped for life!

History is a teacher, guiding us, instructing us, protecting us from making costly mistakes. We have a history from the beginning of time of God’s faithfulness, mercy, love and protection. Let’s never forget all He has done!

Posted on

Common Sense

Wisdom – a commodity to be treasured. Some call it common sense but it’s far from common.

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.

Here’s the Bible records 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. If we ask, the Lord will give us wisdom also.

Posted on

Repeated With Purpose

As children we heard our parents repeat instructions on a daily basis. Sit up straight, brush your teeth, practice the piano, don’t talk with your mouth full, do your homework, say “yes ma’am, no sir”, and the list goes on.

Why?

These things were repeated with purpose. Our parents were raising us to be responsible, respectful and hard working. They were helping us build character.

Sometimes when I sit to write in the mornings I find myself saying to the Lord “but I’ve already told them that last year, last month, yesterday. Do I really need to go over it again?”

Things are repeated for a purpose.

There are four seasons, repeated every year. Not too many years pass before we learn what to plant when, to get out the jackets and long sleeve shirts. We can predict the weather and know when summer vacation is. Yes, we learn by repetition of natural events, we also learn godly principles the same way.

“But you must be strong and brave about obeying the commands my servant Moses gave you. If you follow his teachings exactly, you will be successful in everything you do. 8 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 1:7-9 ERV

Study God’s word every day. That means repetition! Go over it again and again. Stay with the things that bring success.

I had a woman ask me once how I study the Bible. I told her I found things that I needed in my life and looked up the verses that dealt with those issues – worry, fear, health, joy, marriage, children, peace – and the list goes on. (Don’t be selfish, share your cheez-its)

I found verses that help with those areas and wrote them on an index card. I kept those cards with me all the time. They were in the truck, in my purse and on the tractor. They sat on my desk and in my kitchen. When I would feel overwhelmed in a situation, I would grab the cards and read God’s word to myself, reminding me that God has a plan and He is working on my behalf. I still have those cards from 35+ years ago.

Repetition with a purpose.

“My son, pay attention to what I say. Listen closely to my words. 21 Don’t let them out of your sight. Never stop thinking about them. 22 These words are the secret of life and health to all who discover them.” Proverbs 4:20-22 ERV

Find a modern version of the Bible if the King James language is too hard to understand and read what the Lord has to say about your situation. You don’t need to read chapter after chapter if you don’t understand it. Read a couple of verses and let them stick with you all day.

These truly are the words of life and we need to apply them over and over again!

Privacy Policy Proudly powered by WordPress