Okay, so I haven't memorized all of Psalm 81:8-16 yet. I have 8-12 down but I'm shaky on 13-15. Verse 16 I had already memorized, so I'm good there.
For #6 I decided on Philippians 3:8-9. Here goes (from memory - mostly):
"What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law but that which is through faith in Christ - the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith."
I found this one when I was looking for scripture for some of my devotionals and it caught my eye. Then, not 5 minutes later, I was reading Beth M's blog and her intern had typed it at the bottom of her post. I knew that was my cue to adopt this one.
And today when I was running through my scriptures on the way home, I began to realize how they all fit together with these ideas: faith, righteousness, light. Back in January I wrote Psalm 37:5-6 on my second card and thought I would memorize that one. But, I decided to work on Psalm 19:1-4 instead. So, that card has been on my ring since then and I've not really bothered to look at it until today. I know why now - because I had to understand this concept of righteousness that comes from Jesus - "righteousness that comes from God and is by faith."
Psalm 37:5-6 says:
"Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in Him and He will do this:
He will make your righteousness
shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like
the noon day sun."
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn because your righteousness comes from Jesus and Jesus is the light of this world. If you would trust in Him, the light of Jesus would shine on you and your cause. You would be covered in His righteousness. I needed to know that before I understood the righteousness in Psalm 37.
Wow! I want a Philippians 3:8-9 attitude. I want to consider Christ my gain and take on his righteousness. I want the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. Thank you LORD that you would even promise that to me. I pray LORD that I will continually commit my way to You and will trust in You. I pray that my heart would not be divided but would be all about You. Give me the strength to live like this, LORD, so that I may count it all loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord! In Jesus' mighty name . . .
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Crossing Bridges
I was talking with an old friend the other day about the calling she feels God has placed on her life and how she is scared to move forward. I know that feeling. I even expressed to her the reason I had to go forward with the thing God was calling me to do. Several years ago, when I first began my adult “walk with God”, I was attending a WMu meeting. There was an invitation for people to pray and I knew deep down in my heart that God was asking me to do the praying that evening. Oh, how I didn’t want to do that. I had never prayed in front of others. My heart was racing. My palms were sweating. I had the words on my tongue but I let the moment pass by and someone else prayed. I knew I had blown it. That was my moment. God had given it to me and I didn’t take it.
Later, I felt like God had backed away from me. It took days in prayer to feel like He was by my side again. I didn’t like that, so the next time He gave me that opportunity, I took it. I prayed out loud in front of others. It really wasn’t that bad and soon I was comfortable praying in public. God had opened me up to something I probably would have never done on my own.
After I talked with my friend, I began to re-think this event. You know, I might have felt like God backed away from me when I didn’t do what He asked, but I was really the one who backed away. Consider the idea of “walking with God” . . . you are walking along, learning, talking, all that good stuff. You are happy to be near God, when – BAM – suddenly, you are in a place you haven’t been before and didn’t see coming. A bridge you’ve never crossed. You’re scared, unconfident and like a spooked horse, you begin to back up. “Whoa! I’m not sure I want to go over that bridge. I’ve never done that before.” And all the “what-ifs” start playing in your mind.
What if I fail?
What if people think I’m strange?
What if I make a fool of myself?
What if this isn’t right?
What if . . . . on and on . . . .
God is still standing at that bridge. He is coaxing you to cross. “It’s okay. I’m right here. I’ve got you. Don’t be afraid.” But, your heart is pounding, your palms are sweating, you’re shaking and the moment is quickly passing by. If you don’t take the opportunity to cross this bridge, it might be a while before you get back there again.
Never fear, though, God is always by your side, but sometimes it takes a while to recover from a bridge moment. More than likely, you’ll get another chance to cross that bridge. When you do, you’ll realize it wasn’t that bad in the first place. Secondly, the peace and satisfaction that comes from knowing you walked over, with God, is grand. It is worth the trip. And then, you are in a new place, freer than you were before because, with the help of God, you have conquered your fear.
As a Christian, I think the first bridge we come to is the bridge of salvation. Can you remember that feeling when you realized Christ was calling you? Nervous. Shaking. Unsure. Can’t ignore it. Heart pounding. Emotions flooding. There he was – calling you. You wanted to go . . . but should you?
And, oh! The sense of peace and joy and satisfaction that spills over you when you step across that bridge – it’s priceless! Redeemed. Ransomed. Bought with a price. Free. A child of God. The reward for crossing the first bridge is eternal life. Wow! Now, that was worth the trip, wasn’t it?
But, remember that feeling when you stood at the bridge and knew Christ was calling you forward because you’ll feel it again some day. Maybe he’ll ask you to pray out loud, like He did to me. You’ll feel the call, the heart beat, the sweaty palms, time is ticking. Will you go? Or, maybe your bridge is an invitation to sing, or speak or teach a lesson. Maybe you’ve been asked to hand out tracks. Perhaps you have a friend that you feel you need to witness to. Should you?
If you are walking with God, bridge encounters are inevitable. They are going to happen because you can’t walk forward with God without having to do something new and different. He will take you outside your comfort zone. Never fear! He is with you every step of the way. Lean on Him. He’ll get you across. And, before long, you’ll be crossing a bridge without a second thought.
If you aren’t having bridge encounters, then perhaps you’ve stalled out. Perhaps you aren’t walking with God in the way you should. Maybe you’ve gotten comfortable somewhere and decided to sit down. Get up! You’re not going to get where God wants to take you just sitting there. Grab hold of His hand and know that you can do all things through Christ.
When you feel that nervous feeling and your heart begins to race . . . when you know a bridge is up ahead . . . don’t turn and run! Hold on to Jesus and go across. You’ll be glad you did!
Read: (I’ve been praying for what to put here. Don’t have it yet! Any ideas?)
Daily Prayer: LORD, I know you have bridges for me to cross. I know I will need some help. Please give me the strength to cross over. Fill me full of your Holy Spirit and lead me across. I want to go places with you. Let me not be comfortable sitting still. Keep me moving forward always following your lead. Thank you! In Jesus’ name . . . .
Later, I felt like God had backed away from me. It took days in prayer to feel like He was by my side again. I didn’t like that, so the next time He gave me that opportunity, I took it. I prayed out loud in front of others. It really wasn’t that bad and soon I was comfortable praying in public. God had opened me up to something I probably would have never done on my own.
After I talked with my friend, I began to re-think this event. You know, I might have felt like God backed away from me when I didn’t do what He asked, but I was really the one who backed away. Consider the idea of “walking with God” . . . you are walking along, learning, talking, all that good stuff. You are happy to be near God, when – BAM – suddenly, you are in a place you haven’t been before and didn’t see coming. A bridge you’ve never crossed. You’re scared, unconfident and like a spooked horse, you begin to back up. “Whoa! I’m not sure I want to go over that bridge. I’ve never done that before.” And all the “what-ifs” start playing in your mind.
What if I fail?
What if people think I’m strange?
What if I make a fool of myself?
What if this isn’t right?
What if . . . . on and on . . . .
God is still standing at that bridge. He is coaxing you to cross. “It’s okay. I’m right here. I’ve got you. Don’t be afraid.” But, your heart is pounding, your palms are sweating, you’re shaking and the moment is quickly passing by. If you don’t take the opportunity to cross this bridge, it might be a while before you get back there again.
Never fear, though, God is always by your side, but sometimes it takes a while to recover from a bridge moment. More than likely, you’ll get another chance to cross that bridge. When you do, you’ll realize it wasn’t that bad in the first place. Secondly, the peace and satisfaction that comes from knowing you walked over, with God, is grand. It is worth the trip. And then, you are in a new place, freer than you were before because, with the help of God, you have conquered your fear.
As a Christian, I think the first bridge we come to is the bridge of salvation. Can you remember that feeling when you realized Christ was calling you? Nervous. Shaking. Unsure. Can’t ignore it. Heart pounding. Emotions flooding. There he was – calling you. You wanted to go . . . but should you?
And, oh! The sense of peace and joy and satisfaction that spills over you when you step across that bridge – it’s priceless! Redeemed. Ransomed. Bought with a price. Free. A child of God. The reward for crossing the first bridge is eternal life. Wow! Now, that was worth the trip, wasn’t it?
But, remember that feeling when you stood at the bridge and knew Christ was calling you forward because you’ll feel it again some day. Maybe he’ll ask you to pray out loud, like He did to me. You’ll feel the call, the heart beat, the sweaty palms, time is ticking. Will you go? Or, maybe your bridge is an invitation to sing, or speak or teach a lesson. Maybe you’ve been asked to hand out tracks. Perhaps you have a friend that you feel you need to witness to. Should you?
If you are walking with God, bridge encounters are inevitable. They are going to happen because you can’t walk forward with God without having to do something new and different. He will take you outside your comfort zone. Never fear! He is with you every step of the way. Lean on Him. He’ll get you across. And, before long, you’ll be crossing a bridge without a second thought.
If you aren’t having bridge encounters, then perhaps you’ve stalled out. Perhaps you aren’t walking with God in the way you should. Maybe you’ve gotten comfortable somewhere and decided to sit down. Get up! You’re not going to get where God wants to take you just sitting there. Grab hold of His hand and know that you can do all things through Christ.
When you feel that nervous feeling and your heart begins to race . . . when you know a bridge is up ahead . . . don’t turn and run! Hold on to Jesus and go across. You’ll be glad you did!
Read: (I’ve been praying for what to put here. Don’t have it yet! Any ideas?)
Daily Prayer: LORD, I know you have bridges for me to cross. I know I will need some help. Please give me the strength to cross over. Fill me full of your Holy Spirit and lead me across. I want to go places with you. Let me not be comfortable sitting still. Keep me moving forward always following your lead. Thank you! In Jesus’ name . . . .
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Scripture Memory Verse #5
So, I picked out my memory verse to post on Beth Moore's blog and I thought I would be the only person with this verse. It isn't a well-known verse and maybe some folks have never even run across it, so I didn't expect to see it posted. I had decided on Psalm 81:10 &16 for very personal reasons. But, there it was! Except, someone else had posted the whole thing - 81:6-16.
Oh, I was taking the lazy way out thinking I would just do the two. But, now I'm thinking I really do need to memorize more. The thought actually crossed my mind earlier but I was just thinking easy. (And, to be honest, I've already memorized 10 &16. ) So, I will try to memorize 7-16, I think.
I chose this verse because it was an answer to a prayer I had several years ago. I believe I was doing Beth's Believing God study at the time. I remember one Friday afternoon, doing my Bible study at the kitchen table, I became overwhelmed with the urge to pray for God to put His words in my mouth. I prayed it over and over. It was a fervent prayer and I felt so passionate about what I was asking Him to do. At the time, I didn't know why I was asking for that. It was the first time that prayer came into my conscience or crossed my lips. And, when I say I asked over and over, I mean I was pretty much begging. A very strange experience.
The next day, I was randomly writing scripture on cards as I sat at the table and talked with my husband and his brother. I didn't really pay much attention to what I was writing but just wrote some things down that looked good to me at the time.
Monday morning, during my quiet time, I pulled out the cards I had written and began to read over them. When I read the card with Psalm 81:10 - "I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it!" - I was floored. How could I have not noticed what it said when I wrote it Saturday morning? It was a direct answer to my fervent Friday prayer.
I was completely amazed that God would speak to me in this way. First of all, it was obviously meant as a personal answer to my begging.
"Put your words in my mouth!"
"Open wide your mouth and I will fill it."
Wow! I'm still shocked that God would speak to me in this way. Who am I that the God of all the universe would speak directly to me? No booming voice. Just words on a page - just for me. Amazing!
At the time, I had no idea what God was doing. He is like that. He doesn't show you the whole thing all at once. Walking with God is like scenery on the road - you can only see so far ahead. Now, I know that He has given me words. I have spoken at several church events and I'm now in the process of writing a devotional book that will be used as a fundraiser for my church's youth mission trip this summer.
I didn't know it then, but God was letting me know that He was going to give me words to say. He promised to feed me with the "finest of wheat; with honey from the rock [He] will satisfy [me]' (v. 16)
Oh, Jesus, my rock, is satisfying and he is sweet.
Thank you LORD, for your amazing words. Thank you for filling my mouth with your words. Thank you for satisfying me with your good things. Your mercies are great! I do not deserve your attentions, but you give them anyway. Hesed love: covenant, faithful, bound, loyal. Your love endures forever! Praise the LORD!
Oh, I was taking the lazy way out thinking I would just do the two. But, now I'm thinking I really do need to memorize more. The thought actually crossed my mind earlier but I was just thinking easy. (And, to be honest, I've already memorized 10 &16. ) So, I will try to memorize 7-16, I think.
I chose this verse because it was an answer to a prayer I had several years ago. I believe I was doing Beth's Believing God study at the time. I remember one Friday afternoon, doing my Bible study at the kitchen table, I became overwhelmed with the urge to pray for God to put His words in my mouth. I prayed it over and over. It was a fervent prayer and I felt so passionate about what I was asking Him to do. At the time, I didn't know why I was asking for that. It was the first time that prayer came into my conscience or crossed my lips. And, when I say I asked over and over, I mean I was pretty much begging. A very strange experience.
The next day, I was randomly writing scripture on cards as I sat at the table and talked with my husband and his brother. I didn't really pay much attention to what I was writing but just wrote some things down that looked good to me at the time.
Monday morning, during my quiet time, I pulled out the cards I had written and began to read over them. When I read the card with Psalm 81:10 - "I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it!" - I was floored. How could I have not noticed what it said when I wrote it Saturday morning? It was a direct answer to my fervent Friday prayer.
I was completely amazed that God would speak to me in this way. First of all, it was obviously meant as a personal answer to my begging.
"Put your words in my mouth!"
"Open wide your mouth and I will fill it."
Wow! I'm still shocked that God would speak to me in this way. Who am I that the God of all the universe would speak directly to me? No booming voice. Just words on a page - just for me. Amazing!
At the time, I had no idea what God was doing. He is like that. He doesn't show you the whole thing all at once. Walking with God is like scenery on the road - you can only see so far ahead. Now, I know that He has given me words. I have spoken at several church events and I'm now in the process of writing a devotional book that will be used as a fundraiser for my church's youth mission trip this summer.
I didn't know it then, but God was letting me know that He was going to give me words to say. He promised to feed me with the "finest of wheat; with honey from the rock [He] will satisfy [me]' (v. 16)
Oh, Jesus, my rock, is satisfying and he is sweet.
Thank you LORD, for your amazing words. Thank you for filling my mouth with your words. Thank you for satisfying me with your good things. Your mercies are great! I do not deserve your attentions, but you give them anyway. Hesed love: covenant, faithful, bound, loyal. Your love endures forever! Praise the LORD!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Jesus Eyes See the Truth
For the book:
For about 10 years I’ve had an eye condition called CSR (Central Serous Retinopathy). It is essentially a blister on my retina which causes distorted vision. I sometimes see things as very shadowy or blurry or wavy or folded. It really is an odd thing.
On a recent trip to Myrtle Beach, my mother, Jeffrey and I were returning at night down a dark Highway 17. I was driving and probably should have told my mom how much trouble the oncoming lights were giving my blistery vision.
As I maneuvered around a corner, two cars – rather far apart – were in the oncoming lane. They were doing nothing wrong but my vision was “folded” (that is the best way to describe it) and instead of 2 cars in the other lane, I saw one car in my lane headed straight for me.
I slammed on the brakes, hit the horn and waited for impact. . .
Suddenly the two lights split apart and moved into the other lane and I realized my mistake. I had not seen them correctly. They were not one car, but two. They were not in my lane but across the median in the other lane. I had only two things right – they were lights and they were oncoming. I had not seen the whole truth.
Needless to say, my mother was very shook up. I’m sure her blood pressure hit the roof and she insisted on me pulling over to let her drive. She also begged me to see the eye doctor. I did and my blister is gone – for now. I started thinking though, isn’t my blistery vision a lot like just being human?
My human eyes just see what is in front of me. And, the world has trained me to look for beauty. Somehow, the world has connected beauty with goodness. We judge things on their outward appearances – and make pretty quick judgments too!
But God does not judge on the outward appearance, He judges what is inside. Listen to what God says in 1 Samuel 16:7:
“Do not consider his appearance or his height for I have rejected him.
The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
El Roi, the God who sees, looks at the heart. He cuts through all the outer layers of beauty or ugliness, kindness or coldness, wealth or poverty, education or simpleness to look at the heart.
What is the heart? I guess it is our core. What we truly feel. What motivates us. It is the truth. God looks at the truth of someone.
How many times have I looked at someone with disdain or with superiority or with hate when I should have been looking at the truth?
How many times have I been fooled by someone’s beautiful appearance, flashy clothes or smooth words when I should have been looking at the truth?
Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth and the life . . . “ (John 14:6). We should look to him for truth. Truth about ourselves. Truth about others. Truth about situations. HE IS THE TRUTH!
I don’t know about your, but if God sees my heart, I surely want it to be looking good for Him. So, I pray according to Psalms 51:10:
“LORD, purify my heart so that I might be blameless before you.”
And if God sees other people with a compassion and understanding I lack, I’d like a glimpse from His view so that I might treat others according to His view. Who knows, under that cold, crabby person, I might see a needy soul when I see with God’s compassionate eyes. So, I pray:
“LORD, give me Jesus eyes so that I might understand the world around me better and be able to do Your work.”
I know that our enemy, Satan, prowls around us (1 Peter 5:8). He is a master of deceit and is full of lies. (John 8:44) The last thing he wants us to know is the truth. So we must be aware of his schemes. We must consult our Lord Jesus Christ about people and situations. We must put on our Jesus eyes and be ready for the truth. God’s truth.
Read: 1 Peter 5:8
John 8:44
Daily Prayer:
Dear LORD, I thank you that you see things differently than me. I ask that you would forgive me for my condemning attitude. Forgive me for my lack of compassion for others. I pray that you would teach me to see with Jesus eyes, to see people in need. I ask that you give me the strength to be more like you. In Jesus’ name . . . .
For about 10 years I’ve had an eye condition called CSR (Central Serous Retinopathy). It is essentially a blister on my retina which causes distorted vision. I sometimes see things as very shadowy or blurry or wavy or folded. It really is an odd thing.
On a recent trip to Myrtle Beach, my mother, Jeffrey and I were returning at night down a dark Highway 17. I was driving and probably should have told my mom how much trouble the oncoming lights were giving my blistery vision.
As I maneuvered around a corner, two cars – rather far apart – were in the oncoming lane. They were doing nothing wrong but my vision was “folded” (that is the best way to describe it) and instead of 2 cars in the other lane, I saw one car in my lane headed straight for me.
I slammed on the brakes, hit the horn and waited for impact. . .
Suddenly the two lights split apart and moved into the other lane and I realized my mistake. I had not seen them correctly. They were not one car, but two. They were not in my lane but across the median in the other lane. I had only two things right – they were lights and they were oncoming. I had not seen the whole truth.
Needless to say, my mother was very shook up. I’m sure her blood pressure hit the roof and she insisted on me pulling over to let her drive. She also begged me to see the eye doctor. I did and my blister is gone – for now. I started thinking though, isn’t my blistery vision a lot like just being human?
My human eyes just see what is in front of me. And, the world has trained me to look for beauty. Somehow, the world has connected beauty with goodness. We judge things on their outward appearances – and make pretty quick judgments too!
But God does not judge on the outward appearance, He judges what is inside. Listen to what God says in 1 Samuel 16:7:
“Do not consider his appearance or his height for I have rejected him.
The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
El Roi, the God who sees, looks at the heart. He cuts through all the outer layers of beauty or ugliness, kindness or coldness, wealth or poverty, education or simpleness to look at the heart.
What is the heart? I guess it is our core. What we truly feel. What motivates us. It is the truth. God looks at the truth of someone.
How many times have I looked at someone with disdain or with superiority or with hate when I should have been looking at the truth?
How many times have I been fooled by someone’s beautiful appearance, flashy clothes or smooth words when I should have been looking at the truth?
Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth and the life . . . “ (John 14:6). We should look to him for truth. Truth about ourselves. Truth about others. Truth about situations. HE IS THE TRUTH!
I don’t know about your, but if God sees my heart, I surely want it to be looking good for Him. So, I pray according to Psalms 51:10:
“LORD, purify my heart so that I might be blameless before you.”
And if God sees other people with a compassion and understanding I lack, I’d like a glimpse from His view so that I might treat others according to His view. Who knows, under that cold, crabby person, I might see a needy soul when I see with God’s compassionate eyes. So, I pray:
“LORD, give me Jesus eyes so that I might understand the world around me better and be able to do Your work.”
I know that our enemy, Satan, prowls around us (1 Peter 5:8). He is a master of deceit and is full of lies. (John 8:44) The last thing he wants us to know is the truth. So we must be aware of his schemes. We must consult our Lord Jesus Christ about people and situations. We must put on our Jesus eyes and be ready for the truth. God’s truth.
Read: 1 Peter 5:8
John 8:44
Daily Prayer:
Dear LORD, I thank you that you see things differently than me. I ask that you would forgive me for my condemning attitude. Forgive me for my lack of compassion for others. I pray that you would teach me to see with Jesus eyes, to see people in need. I ask that you give me the strength to be more like you. In Jesus’ name . . . .
Monday, January 19, 2009
A Giving Heart
Another devotional for the book:
We were studying Cain and Abel in our Sunday school lesson yesterday. In Genesis chapter 4 both Cain and Abel brought an offering to God. They each brought the fruits of their labor. Cain brought “fruits of the soil” since he was a farmer. Abel brought “fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock.” (v.3)
The LORD favored Abel’s but not Cain’s. So, Cain was “very angry and his face was downcast.” (v.5) He was probably jealous. Maybe Cain had a problem before this even happened. I’m sure God saw something in Cain’s heart that made his offering unfavorable. Verse 3 says, “Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to God.” Verse 4 says, “But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock.”
The implication here is that Abel gave God the best of his best – fat, not lean and first, not leftovers. Cain just brought some.
Abel chose to give to God with a thoughtful, appreciative heart. Cain just gave because he had to give. It was expected. It wasn’t in his heart.
So Abel’s gift was accepted by God, but Cain’s was not.
Do you understand what is going on here? Both men brought an offering. It looked the same from the outside. It was given to God in the same outward manner, just as we would outwardly drop money in the offering plate on Sunday morning. What was different was the attitude in which they gave. That is not outward and may not have been visible to anyone looking on. Attitude is a matter of the heart and only God can see directly into the heart.
God saw right through Cain’s greedy heart and he refused to accept what was not given in faith, with a right heart. He did not consume Cain’s offering. Imagine God spewing offering envelopes right out the plate on Sunday morning because someone didn’t give from the heart. That would be a sight. There might be envelopes flying everywhere.
The message here is not one of condemnation though. God told Cain, “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?” (v.7) God wants us to get it right. We have to be willing to let Him show us where our hearts are wrong. He can fix our hearts if we will let Him.
Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Above all else, guard your heart.” How do we do that? It’s not easy to guard our giving hearts in this place we live in. There is too much floating around to tempt our desires. New clothes. New cars. Bigger houses. Better toys. Luxurious vacations. Propaganda catches us on every corner. How can we not be sucked into those ideas and still give to our LORD with a grateful heart? How can we be an Abel instead of a Cain?
I don’t think the answer lies with us. It lies with God. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
The peace of God will guard your heart!
Cain’s problem was a heart issue, not an offering issue. Cain didn’t ask God to help him with it, either, and it led to many other disastrous things. The offering given without respect was only the beginning.
God wants us to have a right heart. He’s willing to help us. He promises to help us. All we must do is present our request for a heart make-over to God through prayer and petition and with thanksgiving and His peace will guard our hearts.
Let’s do this. Let’s ask for a heart like His.
We were studying Cain and Abel in our Sunday school lesson yesterday. In Genesis chapter 4 both Cain and Abel brought an offering to God. They each brought the fruits of their labor. Cain brought “fruits of the soil” since he was a farmer. Abel brought “fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock.” (v.3)
The LORD favored Abel’s but not Cain’s. So, Cain was “very angry and his face was downcast.” (v.5) He was probably jealous. Maybe Cain had a problem before this even happened. I’m sure God saw something in Cain’s heart that made his offering unfavorable. Verse 3 says, “Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to God.” Verse 4 says, “But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock.”
The implication here is that Abel gave God the best of his best – fat, not lean and first, not leftovers. Cain just brought some.
Abel chose to give to God with a thoughtful, appreciative heart. Cain just gave because he had to give. It was expected. It wasn’t in his heart.
So Abel’s gift was accepted by God, but Cain’s was not.
Do you understand what is going on here? Both men brought an offering. It looked the same from the outside. It was given to God in the same outward manner, just as we would outwardly drop money in the offering plate on Sunday morning. What was different was the attitude in which they gave. That is not outward and may not have been visible to anyone looking on. Attitude is a matter of the heart and only God can see directly into the heart.
God saw right through Cain’s greedy heart and he refused to accept what was not given in faith, with a right heart. He did not consume Cain’s offering. Imagine God spewing offering envelopes right out the plate on Sunday morning because someone didn’t give from the heart. That would be a sight. There might be envelopes flying everywhere.
The message here is not one of condemnation though. God told Cain, “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?” (v.7) God wants us to get it right. We have to be willing to let Him show us where our hearts are wrong. He can fix our hearts if we will let Him.
Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Above all else, guard your heart.” How do we do that? It’s not easy to guard our giving hearts in this place we live in. There is too much floating around to tempt our desires. New clothes. New cars. Bigger houses. Better toys. Luxurious vacations. Propaganda catches us on every corner. How can we not be sucked into those ideas and still give to our LORD with a grateful heart? How can we be an Abel instead of a Cain?
I don’t think the answer lies with us. It lies with God. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
The peace of God will guard your heart!
Cain’s problem was a heart issue, not an offering issue. Cain didn’t ask God to help him with it, either, and it led to many other disastrous things. The offering given without respect was only the beginning.
God wants us to have a right heart. He’s willing to help us. He promises to help us. All we must do is present our request for a heart make-over to God through prayer and petition and with thanksgiving and His peace will guard our hearts.
Let’s do this. Let’s ask for a heart like His.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Some Faith Verses
My first memory verse for January is Hebrews 11:1.
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
I've been working on remembering this one but I keep running across a verse I wrote on a card and stuck in my Bible. I've been using it as a book mark so my eyes skim across it every time I look at it and today it dawned on my how it fits my memory verse. Isaiah 40:31(b) says: "
. . . but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength . . ."
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for . . ." Our hope is for the LORD and faith is being sure of the LORD.
It's funny how these two fit together - or at least to me they did.
Another faith verse I found this morning:
Romans 1:17
"For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith." (quoting Habakak 2:4)
I'm sure I've picked the right verse to memorize first this year. A year of faith. Hum . . .that could be scary.
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
I've been working on remembering this one but I keep running across a verse I wrote on a card and stuck in my Bible. I've been using it as a book mark so my eyes skim across it every time I look at it and today it dawned on my how it fits my memory verse. Isaiah 40:31(b) says: "
. . . but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength . . ."
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for . . ." Our hope is for the LORD and faith is being sure of the LORD.
It's funny how these two fit together - or at least to me they did.
Another faith verse I found this morning:
Romans 1:17
"For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith." (quoting Habakak 2:4)
I'm sure I've picked the right verse to memorize first this year. A year of faith. Hum . . .that could be scary.
____________
A picture of my guys hunting at the club yesterday:
Friday, January 2, 2009
What Pleases God?
Here is a possibility for the devotional book I'm writing as a fundraiser for our summer mission trip. Let me know what you think.
___________
While reading in Ephesians chapter 5 one day, I ran across these words in verse 10: “and find out what pleases the Lord.”
“LORD, what pleases you?” I wrote at the top of my journal page, for I want to do whatever would please my LORD and savior.
I found the answer in Romans chapter 4. Verse 3 says: “What does the scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” (quoting Genesis 15:6 here.) It was Abraham’s faith in God, not his upholding of the law that pleased God and prompted God to bless Abraham. Paul uses the rest of chapter 4 to explain that it is the same with us. It is our faith in Jesus Christ that pleases God.
Faith is credited to us as righteousness and righteousness pleases the LORD. Romans 4:22 says, “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”
Now, I don’t know about you, but if faith is what it takes to please God, I want it and lots of it. But, I think that believing in and believing are two different things. Did you notice that in verse 3 Paul said, “Abraham believed God”, not believed in God? Believing in is knowing something exists. (Do you believe in God?) Believing is trusting, having faith in. (Do you put your trust in God and have faith in everything He tells you?)
Think about that? Do you?
Have you read enough in His word to know what He says?
Do you believe God when it comes to your own life?
When God says, “Thou shalt not steal” or “Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy,” do you believe Him? Do you believe he desires to have a relationship with you? Do you believe he sent His only son to pay for your sins?
If you do, then you’ll do what He commands. You’ll take Him for His word. You’ll know His promises are the truth.
Do we believe God? If we do, we’re going to take this thing seriously – very seriously because we don’t want to be playing with fire.
If we are casual about believing God, we are crazy. He is NOT casual about us. He is a watchful parent. He has drawn the lines and made the way. His path is established. If we believe, we understand His expectations, His rewards, His wrath and His love for us.
Faith pleases the LORD. Let us be people of deep water faith.
Pray with me . . .
LORD, I know that I am a sinner. You have shown me ___________ about myself. Please forgive me. I believe that Jesus died to pay for my sins. He died to redeem me. Thank you for your gracious gift. I accept it, even though I do not deserve it. It is nothing I’ve earned, but instead, a gift from you. I believe you LORD. I believe your promises. Please build my faith. I want to please you. Give me a hunger for you. I want to know you fully. Show me where I falter and lead me back to you. I want to do your will. Thank you for your blessings. Thank you for your love. In Jesus perfect, loving name I pray. . .
Scripture to read: Romans 4:1-5:2.
___________
While reading in Ephesians chapter 5 one day, I ran across these words in verse 10: “and find out what pleases the Lord.”
“LORD, what pleases you?” I wrote at the top of my journal page, for I want to do whatever would please my LORD and savior.
I found the answer in Romans chapter 4. Verse 3 says: “What does the scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” (quoting Genesis 15:6 here.) It was Abraham’s faith in God, not his upholding of the law that pleased God and prompted God to bless Abraham. Paul uses the rest of chapter 4 to explain that it is the same with us. It is our faith in Jesus Christ that pleases God.
Faith is credited to us as righteousness and righteousness pleases the LORD. Romans 4:22 says, “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”
Now, I don’t know about you, but if faith is what it takes to please God, I want it and lots of it. But, I think that believing in and believing are two different things. Did you notice that in verse 3 Paul said, “Abraham believed God”, not believed in God? Believing in is knowing something exists. (Do you believe in God?) Believing is trusting, having faith in. (Do you put your trust in God and have faith in everything He tells you?)
Think about that? Do you?
Have you read enough in His word to know what He says?
Do you believe God when it comes to your own life?
When God says, “Thou shalt not steal” or “Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy,” do you believe Him? Do you believe he desires to have a relationship with you? Do you believe he sent His only son to pay for your sins?
If you do, then you’ll do what He commands. You’ll take Him for His word. You’ll know His promises are the truth.
Do we believe God? If we do, we’re going to take this thing seriously – very seriously because we don’t want to be playing with fire.
If we are casual about believing God, we are crazy. He is NOT casual about us. He is a watchful parent. He has drawn the lines and made the way. His path is established. If we believe, we understand His expectations, His rewards, His wrath and His love for us.
Faith pleases the LORD. Let us be people of deep water faith.
Pray with me . . .
LORD, I know that I am a sinner. You have shown me ___________ about myself. Please forgive me. I believe that Jesus died to pay for my sins. He died to redeem me. Thank you for your gracious gift. I accept it, even though I do not deserve it. It is nothing I’ve earned, but instead, a gift from you. I believe you LORD. I believe your promises. Please build my faith. I want to please you. Give me a hunger for you. I want to know you fully. Show me where I falter and lead me back to you. I want to do your will. Thank you for your blessings. Thank you for your love. In Jesus perfect, loving name I pray. . .
Scripture to read: Romans 4:1-5:2.
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