Archives for February 2017

Hold Fast

February 28, 2017

Morning after the Storm

Prayer and God’s Nudge

Last night when I went to bed and this morning when I woke I was caught up in the struggles of friends and family. Some struggle with health issues. Some with work issues. Others with relationship issues. But as I considered the struggles we all face I was reminded of a passage in Hebrews. It was a passage that my preacher Terry Cooper, at Ninevah Christian Church, spent several weeks discussing in the study of Hebrews chapter 11. It was also the point where I finally understood that the Bibles original writings were not broken into chapter and verse, but were letters. Some of the letters were long.

Hebrews 10:32-11:

That passage is Hebrews 10:32-11:3 and it is one that gives me strength on the days that my struggles occupy my mind. That is part of the wonder of God’s Word in that if we will study and become familiar with His council, even if we do not memorize word for word, we can draw on that strength and with a little help find the passage to help me through any situation.

32 But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 34 For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. 35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. 37 For,
“Yet a little while,
and the coming one will come and will not delay;
38 but my righteous one shall live by faith,
and if he shrinks back,
my soul has no pleasure in him.”
39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
Hebrews 10:32 – 11:3 (ESV)

The Faith Chapter

This passage leads into chapter 11 which is the faith chapter. It takes me through a huge list of those men that lived by faith and did not relent they held fast to the promises of God though they did not live to see them fulfilled. The list is long and I will not put them here, but what a chapter of encouragement. I also like the way that it transitions into chapter 12.

Faith and Strength

In chapter 12:1-6 the author reminds me that I am surrounded by a gathering of witnesses and uses them to encourage me to endure.

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”
Hebrews 12:1-6 (ESV)

What joy I gain by holding fast to these Holy Words of encouragement. I am reminded that life is not always easy but through my faith in Christ Jesus, I am given the strength to endure. I do this by keeping my eye on the future glory promised instead of the circumstance of the day.

When I finished, I read a devotional from 'Utmost for His Highest' by Oswald Chambers. That served as another reminder… and a place in my faith that continues to need work…

Our Misgivings About Jesus…

The title was harsh… it is hard to admit that there are times when I have misgivings but Chambers does an excellent job reminding me…

“We say, “It’s easy to say, ‘Trust in the Lord,’ but a person has to live; and besides, Jesus has nothing with which to draw water— no means to be able to give us these things.” And beware of exhibiting religious deceit by saying, “Oh, I have no misgivings about Jesus, only misgivings about myself.” If we are honest, we will admit that we never have misgivings or doubts about ourselves, because we know exactly what we are capable or incapable of doing. But we do have misgivings about Jesus. And our pride is hurt even at the thought that He can do what we can’t.” “Utmost for His Highest” By Oswald Chambers.

But he gives me the truth and my only solution and that is to admit my doubts and fears to God. Give them to Him and He will see me through.

Relenting

When I hit those times when I doubt I find myself in the shoes of the father who brought his son to Jesus for healing.

23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

It seems that exchange comes up every day, sometimes more consciously than other, but daily. I am so thankful for His strength and His discipline. I know that without it I would be lost.

Closing

So, as I pray for my friends these things are what help me press on. I know that I fall short every day, but I know that my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ gives me a source of strength and understanding through the gift of His Holy Spirit… Strength to stand when I cannot and understanding when I turn to His Holy Word in prayer. And I pray that for all my friends caught up in struggles.

To God be the Glory… In Him rest my Hope…

“Therefore (I) do not throw away (my) your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For (I) you have need of endurance, so that when (I) you have done the will of God (I) you may receive what is promised.” Hebrews 10:35-36 (“my” and “I” were added to make it personal to me).

What an awesome God we serve!

The Gift of the Spirit

February 27, 2017

God lights our path through the gift of His Holy Spirit

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30

I think this is probably one of my favorite verses of the Bible. Every time I read it my load seems lighter. This union between Christ Jesus and those of us that believe He is the Son of God is an awesome gift.

He offers to us the gift of working in unison with Him. By taking on His yoke we walk in accordance with His will and we learn from His gentle guidance.

This promise was made by Jesus while He walked the earth… but He makes a promise of union with Him when He leaves this earth and that promise overwhelms me when I consider it. That gift is the coming of a Helper… The indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

As I consider this passage I am compelled to go first, to Acts 2:2-4.

The Gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

“2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

That was the promised fulfilled. What a powerful day that was. After the gift of the Spirit was given Peter preached and the Church was born and grew by 3000 souls.

But I could not stop there. I looked to the scriptures when Jesus made the promise and today I end up in Gospel of John. First chapter 15:15-19

15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.

Jesus promises the gift of a Helper and He will be “with you forever (verse 16)”. He promises the “Spirit of truth (verse 17)”. And Jesus defines it as a truth that only believers can receive. And why do we need this gift? Jesus explains it in John 16:12-15.

John 16:12-15

12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

That passage makes sense of so many things for me. Jesus held back things from His disciples because without the gift of the Spirit it would be more than they could understand. But once they received the gift of the indwelling Spirit He would teach them.

When I consider that I understand why I can read the same passage time after time and one day it breezes by and the next the Holy Spirit will stop me in my tracks and reveal to me something I did not even know that I needed. What a gift we have in Jesus and His Spirit in me. That thought brings me back to a passage in John 15:26.

John 15:26

26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.”

This gift opens my eyes to see, my ears to hear and my heart to understand the wonders of God’s Word and fills me a joy that cannot be defined by the world. It is only clear when we open our hearts and minds and surrender everything to the will of God through the Holy Spirit. Lastly, I went to John 4:23-24 and considered the promise given by Jesus to the Samaritan woman at the well…

John 4:23-24

23 “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Thanksgiving

What a glorious gift we have in the Holy Spirit. I pray that I might hold fast to Him and not be distracted by the things of this world, including my own selfishness, but cling to Jesus and His will that He shares with me in His Holy Word and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Calms the Storm

February 25, 2017

Calm in the Storm Clouds

Foggy Morning

Some mornings are simply a struggle. I have trouble focusing and understanding anything. It is as if there is a cloud that envelops my brain and it is so thick it is hard to see. I opened the word and I could make no sense of it. I opened devotionals and encouraging verses and could not gather a thought. So, I prayed again for clarity and help in praying without ceasing and the storm began to clear.

I opened another devotional… but I am not sure what one… and it leads me to Mark 4:35 when Jesus calms the storm. As I read verses 35-41 I was reminded of a perception I have had this story for some time. For me, it is a foreshadowing of my life today with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and our faith and trust in God. Let me share the passage.

Jesus Calms a Storm

Mark 4:35-41 (ESV) Jesus Calms a Storm
35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

I reread verse 39 a few times and then looked to the cross-references in my Bible. There were several: Psalms 65:7, Psalms 105:5-9, Matthew 14:32. All of them spoke of the power of God. His majesty.

Mark 4:39 (ESV)”And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”

Fear

It is hard for me to fathom what that must have been like… to see Jesus command the wind and seas with a word. I cannot help but be overwhelmed. But as I look at all these verses and the whole passage the image that is most striking is Jesus asleep in the boat. The disciples are on the boat and freaking out because in their minds they are going to die… And this guy Jesus is ASLEEP in the boat and is just going to sleep right through it.

When they finally gather themselves enough to wake him their first words to him are “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38). They were angry with Him and more than a little panicked.

The Church Age

As I muddled over these passages and considered my own issues with fear and panic there was this calming, (for lack of a better way to explain it), that came over me. I saw this scene differently… the boat, the storm, the disciples, and Jesus. Suddenly I was the boat being tossed about by the storms of life. The disciples were my human character… my flesh… filling my heart with fear and panic of the storm. And Jesus was the Holy Spirit in me. Calm and certain of my safety, regardless of my circumstances.

Verse 40 was ringing in my head… “He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”, (v 40), and that verse humbled me.

Realization

I was reminded of 1 John 4:18

18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

I looked at Mark 4:35-41 and for me, I saw the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Jesus in me, and I was reminded of John 14:18-21

18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”

How awesome this is…

Closing

Reflecting on all this from the boat in Mark 4 to the promise of the indwelling Spirit promised in John 14 I am filled with a calmness that comes from this promise. From this relationship illustrated for me in Mark then clarified in John.

I still have those moments when my flesh will try to panic me. I have those times when it seems that nothing is getting better and I wonder what God is doing. Those moments when my faith wavers and I want to take control… Wake Jesus and say, “Hey Jesus I am drowning Here”. But in that moment, He calms me and rebukes me, as he did the disciples… “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” (v 40), and in all this I am thankful.

I give thanks for the discipline of the Holy Spirit. Because God disciplines those that He loves. The Bible says so in Hebrews 12:4-17

I give thanks and praise to God for the gift of his Holy Word and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to open my mind to its secrets. To God be the glory!!!

Philippians 1:21

February 24, 2017

Son Rise

Philippians 1:21

I had a restless night last night. Not sure why just a restless night, and when I woke this morning I was singing this song by “Sidewalk Prophets” – To live is Christ. The hook to the song comes from Philippians 1:21.

“21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

It is not unusual for me to wake singing praise songs. Some might find that a bit strange and that is fine… but for me, I take comfort in them. And today was no exception. It turned out I really needed this song this morning and a series of scriptures that came with it.

A Friend

There is this guy that I know on the internet that has become a long-distance friend. He has always been very encouraging and supportive. I missed him for a while on the site and sent him a private message just to check on him and found he was in poor health. This morning I learned from a mutual friend that he was in Hospice.

He had asked our mutual friend to let me know. It had been about 10 days since we had communicated. I had sent him scriptures that helped me in tough times. He told me he was a “Proverbs Man”. So with that song playing in my head, I read the first 4 chapters of Proverbs and I was reminded of the joy of knowing and listening to God… His wisdom and His Word. I was taken by Proverbs 1:32-2:5

32 For the simple are killed by their turning away,
and the complacency of fools destroys them;
33 but whoever listens to me will dwell secure
and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”

1 My son, if you receive my words
and treasure up my commandments with you,
2 making your ear attentive to wisdom
and inclining your heart to understanding;
3 yes, if you call out for insight
and raise your voice for understanding,
4 if you seek it like silver
and search for it as for hidden treasures,
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.

Reflection

This passage is so powerful to me. As I read this my focus turned from the things of this world, which perish and fade, to those that do not. I thought of those who know Jesus and those who do not, and I was humbled. Just thinking about 1:32-33 reminded me how much we need Jesus and how I am thankful – without Him, we die and with Him, we “dwell secure”. What comfort there is in these words.

But my morning did not stop there. I listened to the YouTube video my Sidewalk Prophets as I continued to consider Philippians 1:21 and I reminded of so many scriptures of encouragement from the video and from just the Holy Spirit pricking my heart.

God’s Encouraging Word
First I read all of Philippians 1:18-22 what faith Paul shared with us in this passage as he pondered his future. It pulls at my heart.

Then I went to Psalms 46:10 and it calmed my spirit and sent me into prayer for my friend.

10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”

From there Galatians 2:20

“20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Then Psalm 27:1

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?

And John 15:4

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.

I stopped again and thought of my friend and prayed for him.

Realizations

As I ponder all these scriptures I was put in mind of a child and their parents. A young child, we stay pretty close to our parents, but as we grow we become more independent I was reminded the same is true of our faith. When we are new Christian, we hunger for God’s Word, but the distractions of the world can lead us astray. Our focus changes to those immediate needs and we forget the promises of our father. I ended up in Matthew. Specifically Matthew 6:25-34

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?[a] 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

The Adversary

Verse 33 just pierced my heart… “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Mat 6:33) I just keep rolling it over in my head this morning… Why do we so often allow ourselves to forget this? How is it that we can become so distracted that we forget all these promises of God? But then I am reminded that the adversary is vigilant, and his attacks are subtle.

That thought brought me to Ephesians 6 and the “Full Armor of God” and 1Peter 5:8, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” But what really hit me was the need to pray for each other.

We do not know the heart of anyone. Only God does. We do not know each other’s circumstances, only God does. All I could think of was how Paul was always praying for everyone. Alone I am weak, but “I can do all things through him who strengthens me”(Phil 4:13)

So, this morning I pray for my friend… and not just him, but all who believe in Jesus Christ… In Jesus name, I pray that we all might find strength in Him. Amen! I pray for my friend and all who know and love him, that the peace of Christ Jesus might cover them.

“Live is Christ”, Sidewalk Prophets

Steadfast Love

February 22, 2017

Winter Dawn

Psalm 118

This morning I started my study by reviewing an old devotional I had written in July of last year. The study discussed the steadfast love of God. It began with Psalm 118 and contained text from other books of the Bible. It grabbed ahold of me and this morning was a look back which also led to a look forward deeper into God’s Word.

The first verses of Psalms 118 that grabbed my attention were Psalm 118:1 and 29 because they are the opening and closing of the Psalm.

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever!

Steadfast Love

As I read the Psalm I was reminded that God’s love is beyond my ability to fully understand, but He shares enough that I am filled with a joy and thanksgiving. As I pondered these two verses I considered the word “steadfast”. You know I had looked at it a lot of times but not considered its significance until this morning, and I kept coming back to it until I looked up the definition in Merriam-Webster.

Steadfast…
1
a: firmly fixed in place: immovable
b: not subject to change

As I read that Psalm over again, keeping in mind the word steadfast, it added so much to the passage. His love is firmly fixed in place: unmovable and not subject to change. And that love endures forever for those who fear him (verse 4)

All who fear the Lord

As I read through the beginning verses I saw something I had not noticed before. In verse 2 the writer calls out Israel, and in 3 he calls out the house of Aaron. But in verse 4 he calls out ALL who fear the Lord, not just Israel or the house of Aaron, but ALL. As I read that I was given great comfort. It was in my mind a foreshadowing of the church age.

Jesus

When I came to verse 19 thru the end of the Psalm and I was humbled. All I could see was Jesus… and my heart was filled with the joy of God’s steadfast love.

19 Open to me the gates of righteousness,
that I may enter through them
and give thanks to the Lord.
20 This is the gate of the Lord;
the righteous shall enter through it.
21 I thank you that you have answered me
and have become my salvation.
22 The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
23 This is the Lord’s doing;
it is marvelous in our eyes.
24 This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
25 Save us, we pray, O Lord!
O Lord, we pray, give us success!
26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
We bless you from the house of the Lord.
27 The Lord is God,
and he has made his light to shine upon us.
Bind the festal sacrifice with cords,
up to the horns of the altar!
28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;
you are my God; I will extol you.
29 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever!

The Gate

As I read 19-21 I could see nothing but the gate that Jesus spoke of in the Gospels. But not a gate of stone, mortar, and Iron… But Christ Jesus Himself. And verse 22; “The stone the builders rejected”.

The Day the Lord has made
And then verse 23-24 gave me cold chills…

“This is the Lord’s doing;
it is marvelous in our eyes
This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

This passage showed me a foreshadowing of the plan that God has for us through Jesus… and when I tie the two verses together it changes the meaning of verse 24 for me in such a way that I can hardly grasp it.

I have used that verse to describe the beauty of God’s creation a million times, but as I read it in this context I saw God’s Power and Majesty in it… It is not simply speaking of the beauty of His creation but the wonder and glory of His plan for me and for you…

More Jesus

When I look at the remainder of this Psalm I see Jesus, (I know I already said that), but in these final verses it is so clear… “he who comes in the name of the Lord!”… “he has made his light shine upon us”… who but Jesus…
Love Without Fear
I reread the middle of the Psalm. It had not gotten much focus the first time. I read verses 5-18. In these verses, I see the writer defining where his strength, courage, and discipline come from. They come from God. Verse 6 caught my attention first…

6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.
What can man do to me?

As I ponder that verse this morning against the backdrop of God’s Steadfast Love I am reminded of 1 John, specifically 1 John 4:18 (ESV).

18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

What joy there is in God’s Love. This love that God shows to us is a life that defies description as I write this my heart aches with gratitude and love for my Heavenly Father.

Love and Discipline

How wonderful it is to be loved like that… but he also speaks of discipline… In verse 18 he is clear.

18 The Lord has disciplined me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.

This discipline is not judgment but correction and it does not lead to death. I am reminded of Proverbs 3:11-12

11 My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline
or be weary of his reproof,
12 for the Lord reproves him whom he loves,
as a father the son in whom he delights.

As I think about the encouragement in Psalm 118 and the steadfast love of God I am so encouraged. God is with me always. His plan is to prosper me. Not as the world defines prosper, but as God does. The Holy Spirit, as he works on my heart, will correct and discipline me as well and strengthen my spirit that I might grow closer to God. For one reason, only…

I am the blood bought child of my Lord, Jesus Christ. What more is there to say but to give thanks to God and be filled with the joy found in God’s Word. What comfort there is in knowing the steadfastness of His love and promise. I am thankful for all He has done in my life. My prayer is that He might fill your heart with joy, peace, and understanding in all you do today.

Post Script

One last point… Regardless of how many times I find myself in God’s Word, it is never boring and what the Holy Spirit reveals to me builds on the last lesson He taught. I will never tire of God’s Word and Power. All my praise goes to Him. To Him be the Glory!!

The Authority of God’s Word

February 21, 2017

Need for God’s Word

This morning I was overwhelmed by my need… a critical need, for God’s Word… I need it like I need a drink of living water… And every time approaching them prayerfully, asking God to guide and direct my study. And in the same breath remembering the need to pray for each other, regardless of circumstance.

When approaching God’s Word I am overwhelmed by their authority in my life. I study them prayerfully, asking God to guide and direct my thoughts as I read that I might gain what he has for me each day.

This morning after my prayers I listened to a sermon on YouTube, by Martyn Lloyd Jones. He is a British preacher that lived from 1900 to 1985. It was a sermon on Romans 10:9-10, titled “Jesus is Lord”. These are powerful verses and this morning the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to focus on something different than usual. Most of us know these verses very well, if not by heart…

9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

But as usual, I had to look at the whole passage and get a better understanding of the context. So, I read from verse 5-21. This whole passage is powerful. It speaks of preaching the good news and how powerful that is. But there were two verses that hit me hard. They kind of surround a question and answer that Paul poses in this chapter.

One was verse 11 at the beginning of that passage and the other is verse 17 that for me closed the passage.

11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Authority of God’s Word

As I read this passage over and over I am convicted of how critical it is to hold fast to God’s Word. The first half of verse 11 got my attention… “For the Scripture says”. Now that is so simple, but it is also so foundational. The first thing that Paul does is define where his authority comes from, and it is the Holy Word of God.

He does not simply say, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame” (verse 11b) as if it were by his authority. He draws on the scriptures. He quotes Isaiah 28 and Psalm 118. It is not Paul saying this it is the Word of God.

Power of Preaching

Then Paul makes this case for preaching in verses 14-17. I love verse 14

“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?”

I am filled with joy that I have heard and I do hear every Sunday the preaching of the Gospel, but there is this one thing that makes it good and true and that is defined in verse 17.

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (emphasis added)

Hearing What?

The most important part of that verse to me is the last half… Surely, “faith comes by hearing”, but hearing what? Well, it is the same thing that Paul said in verse 11. The phrasing was different, but the meaning was the same. The hearing must come “through the word of Christ” (verse 17b). And that Word is the Holy Scriptures… the Bible… The living Word of God.

It is not enough to simply find a Church and sit and listen to a man preach. I have an obligation to test his teaching against what is written in the Bible. The Holy Word of God is the truth and the light against which we measure everything.

Testing What we Hear

If I do not believe it all why do I bother with any of it? If my opinion outweighs what is written in even one sentence of the scriptures how can I stand on any of it.

As I consider this passage I give thanks for my preacher, Terry Cooper, at Ninevah Christian Church because he not only preaches from the Word but he gives me the scriptures to confirm where his sermons came from. He not only provides the passages, but he asks us to test his teaching against God’s Word.

As I finish this up this morning all I can do is run over the wonder of God’s Word. The passage that keeps running through my head is John 11:1-5

“1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Closing

I can hardly get my head around all of this sometimes. But the Holy Spirit helps me with what I need from the Word. He gives me discernment and understanding. Above all I know this; that Jesus died for me, and how do I know? The Bible tells me so. And that all just gives me a hunger to know the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit… through the Word.

Fog, Clouds and Obstacles

February 20, 2017

Brain Fog

Some days my head is in a fog… It is hard to focus on anything. Mondays are often like that because Sunday takes a lot out of me. That struggle with focus even extends to my Bible Study. Some days it seems all that I am up to is prayer. The study just eludes me. But it is those days I really need to push myself to study. I admit some days I just get distracted and wonder off looking at photography or cars or guns… distractions. But if I will not allow those distractions to pull me away from my morning study I am always blessed by some insight or understanding. This morning was one of those mornings. I just could not focus.

But instead of wandering off into the worldly distractions I pushed myself to study. I told myself, “I will read my devotionals and pray and just kind of float along until this cloud lifts. But God had a different plan. I read the K-love verse for the day and that brought a few others to mind. Then I read Utmost for His Highest for the day, (February 20), and that hit with a thud across the back of my head. Then I read my chapters for my small group study at Nineveh Christian Church on Wednesday out of 1 Corinthians, and things began to clear slightly.

Removal of Obstacles

This cloud I talk about is different than the kind I used to get when I was just tired and did not get enough sleep. It is something that has lingered since the strokes. It will actually make me a bit nauseated and a bit dizzy so focus is a problem. But these are only temporary.

But as I consider the words read this morning things begin to clear a bit. As I write these thoughts down the Holy Spirit points me to the Word for strength. First…

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Then Isaiah 43:2

2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.

Then there is this peace… Now the headache and the cloud are still there. But they are less important. What is important is God’s Love and encouragement and His Holy Spirit pushing me forward with encouragement; all from the Word of God.

Persistence of the Spirit

Now I do not have all these passages memorized. I can barely remember a phone number. When I get a number from a friend I am lucky to remember 2-3 digits at a time. But what is burned on my heart is the context of the passage… and I give thanks for Bible Gateway to get the chapter and verse.

Removing Obstacles

I am amazed every day by how my Heavenly Father knows just what I need if I will listen. He never gives up on me. As I reflect on this I am overwhelmed by His love and patience. I think about this blog. I think how I was convinced I could not put this together. My brain would not let me. So, God gave me Lauren Cooper to do the part I was certain I could not do. And now I have an avenue to share what God is doing in my heart as I study.

I think about Moses complaining that he could not speak well enough to go in front of the Pharaoh of Egypt so He gave him Arron. I am so thankful for how He will remove my excuses. Matthew 19:26 (ESV) comes to mind…

“26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Closing Thoughts

You know I think that all of us have times when we just do not feel up to studying God’s Word… And I think it is at those times when we really need Him the most. He knows our heart and He knows our needs and that adversary, the devil tries with all his might to keep us from Him with distractions and aggravations. But If we push through those obstacles and trust in our Heavenly Father the effort will not be wasted. I am reminded of…

Isaiah 55:10-11 (ESV)

10 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

Our God is an awesome God. He is with us always… “and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5b… What a gift we have in Jesus… What joy we have in the Holy Spirit and His direction. I am filled with thanksgiving.

The Guidance of the Holy Spirit

February 18, 2017

Awakening

The Holy Spirit will Guide if We Listen

Ok… This morning I had a plan but that all changed. I was going to talk about Prayer, but now it is more about the Holy Spirit.

I had prayed this morning for friends and family. And one of my friends Facebook comments from somewhere this last week just troubled me. This person said, “all I can do is pray”.

I had it all figured out. I was going to talk about prayer and how powerful it is… how it is not a spare tire you pull out in times of emergency, but a life vest you wear all the time. But as I started working on this my PC got slow… sluggish at best. So, I looked at the Task Manager to see what was devouring my resources.

Dilemma? Or God’s Plan?

I found that one of my programs was still running in the background and I had shut it down yesterday. That was puzzling to me, but the only thing I could do was restart the PC. So, I clicked the restart in the menu and began the wait for reboot.

God’s Plan!

While that processed, I picked up a devotional that I had not read yet. It was a book by A.W. Tozer, 'Tozer on Christian Leadership'. I turned to the devotional for today, February 18. The title for the day was the “Power that God Recognizes”. The verse was Isaiah 30:1.

1 “Ah, stubborn children,” declares the Lord,
“who carry out a plan, but not mine,
and who make an alliance, but not of my Spirit,
that they may add sin to sin;

and my focus changed. I want to quote the part of this devotional that changed my heart this morning.

” The continued neglect of the Holy Spirit by evangelical Christians is too evident to deny and impossible to justify…

It is not, however, the frequency of the Spirit’s mention in the Bible or in other writings that matter most, but the importance attached to him when He is mentioned” A.W. Tozer, “Tozer on Christian Leadership”

Testing Against the Scriptures

That set me to thinking so I did a word search in my ESV Bible to test what Tozer had said. I found that the Holy Spirit was mentioned 112 times in the New Testament, but like Tozer said… it was the importance attached to Him when He was mentioned that blew me away.

Starting with John 16:4-15 (ESV), it was amazing to read what Jesus gave an explanation to the disciples.

“I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”

All this passage burns in my heart. But I was shaken by 12-15. Jesus was with the disciples. He told them so many things. But in verse 12 he says… “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.” That shook me… the disciples could not bear what he had to tell them… But then He says when they will be ready. in verse 13-15. “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”

In verse 13-15. He explained, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”

As I finished typing this I had goose bumps… This gift Christ gave to the disciples after His death, burial and resurrection at Pentecost He gave to me… and everyone who believes. What an amazing gift that we must not squander but cherish. I read Ephesians 4:30-32 in my word search.

“30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

We are “sealed for the day of redemption”,(Eph 4:31b), by the Holy Spirit. What an amazing gift that is. And the Holy Spirit is our strength.

Further Confirmation

As I kept going through the list from my word search I came to Romans. I love what Paul says in Romans 8:26-27

“26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

As I meditate on this and consider this amazing gift, the indwelling Spirit of Jesus Christ, how can I not cling to Him in my weakness… How can I not draw on this gift that God Promised?

The power of Acts 2 and the close of Peters sermon and the crowd’s response in 37-39 is amazing

37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

Conclusion

What an awesome God we serve. I am without words to describe Him. And this Gift He has given us to strengthen us and guide us in thought, deed, and prayer… How could we grieve Him? He is our strength and our intercessor. He Is our strength and our courage. The indwelling Spirit of Jesus Christ. I am breathless…

Something Else to Consider

As a postscript to all this… Why do you suppose the computer slowed so just as I was starting to write today’s entry? Coincidence? I no longer believe in coincidence… I believe and trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit in ALL things! I give ALL the Glory to God!

God’s Word

February 17, 2017

Morning sun

Love and Need for God’s Word

I love God’s Word. In it, I find understanding, hope, comfort and correction. I also find wisdom, contentment, and strength. Through it, I grow closer to God. Without His word, it takes me very little time to drift from His side. I try to spend time in prayer and study every day, but there are days that I allow myself to be distracted by the world. However, the more time I spend in God’s Word the more I realize the absolute need for His Word in my life. The more I realize prayerful study is my most certain path to knowing God. In every passage and in every word He reveals Himself to me, but only what He knows I am ready for, and that changes every day as I grow.

John MacArthure’s Insight

I listened to this interview with John MacArthur and others discussing the Church and God’s Word this last week, and the first question asked was; “What is the biggest threat to the Church in America today”. And his response just hit me pretty hard. John MacArthur’s responded saying – “Clearly a lack of Biblical knowledge, Biblical discernment; The Church basically suffers from Spiritual AIDS. You could die of a thousand heresies because it’s immune system is so totally deficient. There is an inadequate understanding of God (and) an inadequate understanding of the nature of Christ.”

The Danger

Now I thought about that for some time, and you know how dangerous that is if he is right? How easily can we be misled if we do not understand God’s Word?

Look at Romans12:2
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

How can you do that in today’s world? How can you prevent being conformed to it, but instead transformed by a renewal of your mind? Only through God’s Word revealed to us through His Indwelling Spirit… look at Proverbs 2:6-15

“For the LORD gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
guarding the paths of justice
and watching over the way of his saints.
Then you will understand righteousness and justice
and equity, every good path;
for wisdom will come into your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;
discretion will watch over you,
understanding will guard you,
delivering you from the way of evil,
from men of perverted speech,
who forsake the paths of uprightness
to walk in the ways of darkness,
who rejoice in doing evil
and delight in the perverseness of evil,
men whose paths are crooked,
and who are devious in their ways”

And that is just one passage in Proverbs reminding us that the source of understanding the is the Word of God and for us that is the Bible. In it, we find the only source of truth and understanding.

The Gift of the Holy Spirit

But we cannot tackle it alone. John MacArthur, in his book, 'Why Believe the Bible' by John MacArthur explains it better than I can; he references Psalms 119:18.

“In Psalms 119:18 “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” God didn’t just give us the law (the Scriptures). He also has to open the eyes of our understanding and He does this as the Holy Spirit illuminates our minds. Truth is available, but only those who are illuminated will understand it.”

So before I open God’s Word I ask Him to open my mind to give me understanding. Let’s look at Romans 12:2 again… “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

The Risk

How can you be transformed, other than by an understanding of God’s Word? Where can you test and discern what is God’s will except by the scriptures, (God’s Word)? By what means can you know what is acceptable and perfect? You can go to Church and you can go to Sunday School and Wednesday night services or Small Groups, but without a foundation in the Word, you are trusting your salvation on what you think you hear someone else saying. Imagine if the only way you learned to drive a car was listening to someone else explain how it is done without ever letting you see for yourself. But so often we will go to Church and let someone else tell us what the Word of God holds for us. They may be the greatest preacher or teacher in the world… But until we take the time and trust God to show us what He has in store for us, we are living off the crumbs and morsels of someone else’s meal. It will not truly fill you up… but it should make you hungry for more.

The Cure

I think of 1Peter 1:13-16 “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

Paul warned Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:14-17 “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Closing Thought

I will quote only one more scripture. It is John 4:10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” God’s Word is to us living water from Genesis to Revelation. With it, we can know the God that breathed the universe into existence and yet loved us so much that He gave His Only Son to die that we may live… if we simply believe. But we must be certain that our faith is based on the truth of His Word and to do that we must know it… (I could quote a couple more here but I promised. You might look at Matthew 7:7) and stand strong… (Ephesians 6:10-20)

Ask Yourself

Are you getting a sufficient quantity of Living Water every day or do your run the risk of becoming dehydrated and susceptible to the confusion that comes with dehydration?

I give thanks to God for his Word every day – Living water that fills me with wisdom and hope!

Lifeline – The Hope in Christ Jesus

February 16, 2017

Hope of a New Day

Lifeline

This morning as I went through my ritual wake up with coffee and a blind stare at the internet just trying to clear the cobwebs, (it takes a bit longer to do this than it once did… and I am not sure if they ever really clear), I came across a number of struggles and prayer requests on Facebook, and as I read them and prayed for each of them the thought of our true lifeline, Jesus Christ, became this bright light that I could not get past.

Worldly Definition

That phrase lifeline has become almost trivialized in our culture. It even became one of the options in a game show. I looked the definition of a lifeline this morning. The worldly definition was pretty

Lifeline –

a rope or line used for life-saving, typically one thrown to rescue someone in difficulties in water or one used by sailors to secure themselves to a boat.
a thing on which someone or something depends or which provides a means of escape from a difficult situation.

Insight

As I considered these definitions many things came to mind from God’s Word. I thought of the anchor through the veil and that took me to Hebrews 6:13-20 and that scripture brought me to hope. Not hope in things of this world but the Hope I have in Christ Jesus. He is my lifeline.

I thought of the vine… our lifeline to God and read John 15:1-11. The title of that passage in my ESV translation is “I am the True Vine”. I was humbled, and I realized for me my lifeline is the hope that I cling to in Jesus Christ. Everything here will crumble and fade… rust away, but Jesus is eternal.

Hunger for Understanding and Peace

I am filled with this peace as I read these passages, but I was still hungry for understanding so I did a “word search” on the word “hope” in my bible app on my PC. I limited it to the Gospels and Paul’s letters. The word hope, depending on the translation, was used approximately 50 times.

My first stop was in Romans 5:1-5

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

As I read this passage I cannot describe the feeling… it was a muddled mess… a Glorious muddled mess of both humility and joy… thanksgiving and peace… and hope.

I thought of my own circumstances and the struggles that I have; no better or worse than others. They are simply the ones I am intimately familiar with… I reread verse 4 and 5.

“and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

As I meditated on this passage all I could say is YES!!! Thank you, Father, for the gift of the Holy Spirit that fills my heart and mind with understanding as I need it, and opens the mystery of your Holy Word revealing exactly what I need every time.

I read on through Romans 5:6-11

“6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”

And that took me to Ephesians 2:4-10

4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Peace in God’s Word

And that took me back to the Lifeline, which is the Hope I find in Christ Jesus… and I read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV).

16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

As I pondered all this I continued to pray for my friends and acquaintances. And I weighed all these things and gave thanks for my Hope in Christ Jesus and the guidance I gain from His Holy Spirit in me. I pray that His will be done in all things and that He might give me strength to pass through whatever circumstance I may face… “as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2Cor 4:18.

There is nothing that I find greater joy in than the lifeline I find in the love of God… To Him belongs all the glory! And me… I am thankful because every day my trust in Him grows stronger!!!

Persevere – Testing Everything with God’s Word

February 15, 2017

Preface

This morning I went back and looked at some of my old writings. As I looked through the list I stumbled on this one that I wrote in October of 2015. It speaks to our need to Persevere. I was compelled to share it again… with a few additions that I felt led to add as I reviewed the scriptures and devotional. It originally began with the October 21 devotional from “Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers.

“Utmost for His Highest”, and Where It Lead

I reread Utmost for His Highest today (Devotional for October 21) and looked at the leading verse. It was Jude 20… “But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,” and I had to dig a bit deeper into Jude.

The devotional was excellent. It speaks to holding on, in all circumstances, to God’s grace. But what got my attention were the words of Jude…

Obedience of Jude

I have always felt for Jude because his desire was to speak words of encouragement, but God had called him to speak a word of warning to the chosen… and he was obedient.

Jude warned the Christians of his day in his introduction. That warning still applies today. Jude 1:3-4 (ESV)

“3 Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.”

Warning

What an ominous warning he shared. But it is true. There are so many that speak false doctrine and mislead people. Some are malicious. They ask questions like, “Did God REALLY say this or that?” Others share only what they hear and do not search for the truth in their own study. They rely on people to tell them the answer. They test nothing against the scriptures themselves and set themselves up to be deceived. Even the best preacher can only teach what they know and understand from God’s Word. We are under obligation to test everything. I like what Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 (ESV).

“16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.”

He reminds us of what to be mindful of…

Strength

Jude verse 9 is another great illustration. It pokes holes in my pride and from where I get my strength.

“But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.”” Jude 1:9

As I read this verse it is very humbling. The archangel Michael, standing against the devil, does not presume to stand alone. He knows that source of infinite power comes from God alone. If he trusts that to be true, how can I not do the same? We are in a battle of light and darkness… truth and lies… love and hate… I want to be certain I stand with God.

Preparation

There is this battle raging and it seems so many are unarmed. The only hope is to know God thru His Word. To cling to Him, but so few have time. They don’t like to read or they are too busy… but we need food and water for our bodies to thrive… Even more, we need God’s Word for our spirit to thrive.

Jude does offer encouragement in the end of this letter…. In my translation, the English Standard Bible, the heading of the closing section is “A Call to Persevere”. It begins in the 20th verse…

“But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.”

There are so many that strive to mislead. They twist the truth to make their point. Their only power is that which we give them… God warns us “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11 (ESV). What a serious warning that is. If we truly believe the Word and recognize that we are in a war, we must train. But not physical training, but spiritual, “12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12 ESV).

Thanksgiving

I give thanks for God’s Word. Some days I really struggle to study. I have such difficulty with keeping focus. But I thank God for helping me in those difficult times and the reward He shares with me when I study and pray… even if it is only a verse or two… I am blessed. God is good.

Closing

I liked the close of the devotional in, “Utmost for His Highest”, for October 21. It is very encouraging to me and a reminder that we must hold on to Christ Jesus and trust in him in all things; big and small…

“We do not need the grace of God to withstand crises— human nature and pride are sufficient for us to face the stress and strain magnificently. But it does require the supernatural grace of God to live twenty-four hours of every day as a saint, going through drudgery, and living an ordinary, unnoticed, and ignored existence as a disciple of Jesus. It is ingrained in us that we have to do exceptional things for God— but we do not. We have to be exceptional in the ordinary things of life, and holy on the ordinary streets, among ordinary people— and this is not learned in five minutes.”

It takes me back to Ephesians 6:11-13

“11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

God bless and keep you!

24 Verses

February 14, 2017

This morning I wanted to share a sermon by Terry Cooper, Senior Minister of my Church; Ninevah Christian Church.

This sermon was offered this past Sunday, February 12, 2017, and it is an amazing discussion of 1John chapter 3. I hope you find this as encouraging as I did.

Listening

February 13, 2017

Back in the Day

Back in the day, I went to a management seminar of some type. I cannot remember the details. It had to do with sales and negotiation I am sure, but one thing stuck with me was the piece on good communication, specifically listening.

Most of us do not really communicate all that well mostly because we do not listen with the same focus as when we speak. Instead of listening to someone we pause and formulate our response to the other person based what we half hear them say. If it is a passionate discussion, we will have OUR answer before the other person has finished speaking. Sometimes we are in such a hurry to tell them what we know to be right we cannot wait for them to finish, we simply interrupt them with our “Solution”. At best, we utilize “selective listening” hearing only what fits with our desires.

In that seminar, I learned that listening was not a passive response but an active exercise. It is one of those things I do not always get right. Usually, it is my pride and impatience that prevents me from actively listing. It gets worse in a crowd. But this morning… the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to actively listening to God… and not just listening but obeying.

How I Study

I do not have a specific order to my study except for one thing. Before I start I pray. One of the things I always ask for is that the Holy Spirit guide me in my study. I ask that my ears may be open to hearing, my eyes open to see and my heart open to receive the teachings of God’s Word. From there I start my wake up and study.

“Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers

This morning I began with “Utmost for His Highest”. Today was about “The Devotion of Hearing” and the reference verse was 1Samuel 1:10

“And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.”

As I read that verse and the subsequent devotional I was humbled… I reflected on my prayer this morning and I thought about all my requests and whether I was hearing God… But do I stop and listen… Do I focus one God and wait for His reply or do I simply move on. Do I believe that He will answer?

1Samuel 3

I read 1Samuel 3:1-14 and reflected on the passage. Three times Samuel heard someone calling his name and he assumed it was Eli. He went to Eli and saying, what do you want Eli, and Eli did not know what Samuel was talking about and he sent him back to bed… until the third time. Then Eli got it. In verse 9 he said…

“Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.” (ESV)

Samuel listened to Eli and responded in obedience… and this stuck with me this morning, but I went to other passage both from Chambers’ devotional for today and some K-Love Encouraging Word verses. As I studied the passages I saw this thread that ran through them. They all spoke of my relationship with God through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I read John 15 and Romans 15 and I ended up back at 1Samuel 3.

John 15 “I am the True Vine”

Christ tells His disciples that He is the vine and they are the branches… I am a branch… Then in Verse 4 and 5 He says…

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (ESV)

Abide was a word that I thought I knew, but I felt this compulsion to look it up in my Bible definitions. It was a long definition… but for me this morning it boiled down to this… to survive, live in reference to state or condition to remain as one.” And that one to whom I must cling is the Spirit of God in me. Without Him I am just a dead branch. Without Him I can do nothing.

A Friend

I continued through Chapter 15 and in verses 12-17 I was reminded of the desire of Jesus in this….

“12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.” (ESV)

This passage is so powerful. Jesus desires my friendship… and if I am a true friend I will listen and I will show that I listen by obeying His commands… I did not choose Him, but He chose me.

But this passage began with verse 12-13
“12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. (ESV)

We know what Jesus did for us… He died so we might live… The one who created the heavens and the earth gave His life for me that my sins might be washed away… It is beyond my human reasoning to understand that. When I ponder that I am taken back to the beginning of John 1:1-5

He died for me…

Romans 15

I considered all this and it was a bit overwhelming. I looked at another verse from earlier in the week. It was in Romans 15:1-7

1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (ESV)

What does all this have to do with Listening?

By now you might be wondering what all this must have to do with listening. Well for me God reveals His desires for me. And If I am really listing and I believe that He has called me to be His friend… His Child… What better way to show that I really am listening than to obey.

Obedience is not always easy. It is easy to listen… half way. You hear what the person is saying or your version of their thoughts, but do you really listen closely enough that you take them to heart and act on them.

I look back on Romans 15:1-3

“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” (ESV)

When you think about it sometimes the Holy Spirit will give us a little nudge that seems unimportant to us; something as simple as offering a word of encouragement to someone. Sometimes it will be something more difficult to do.

Conclusion

I know I have received those words of encouragement at the oddest times and I am sure the person sharing them did not realize how they lifted my spirits. Other times it may be harder truths. Things that may hurt or anger someone, but they must be shared too.

Look at 1Samuel. In chapter 3 he was given a hard message to deliver to his mentor Eli. When Samuel finally heard God the message he was given would be a difficult lesson for a grown man to deliver and he was just a boy. But he did as God commanded and He told Eli what God had told him. Basically, God was angry with Eli. In verses 12-14 he was very clear…

“12 On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. 13 And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. 14 Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever.”

That is a tough message… but Samuel delivered it and watched it play out.

I pray every day that I can obey and that I can follow the example of Christ Jesus and listen and obey. That I can listen and obey the words of Jesus in John 15:12

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

Jesus loved me enough to share the truth with me in Love. If I am really listening to His Word I must do the same. I cannot pick and choose what to do… that is selective listening…

The Power of the Holy Spirit

February 10, 2017

This morning study has been wonderful. It started out in 1Corrinthians chapter 2 studying for my small Group session at Ninevah Christian Church. I always open with a prayer for guidance by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit always opens my heart.

Terry Cooper, the lead minister, is leading a study on First Corinthians this session of Small Groups. Chapter two was part of my assignment for Wednesday, but I stopped at 1Corinthians 2:9-10

9 But, as it is written,
K“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him”—10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.

I read the remainder of the chapter but this passage stuck with me. I went on to read the daily devotional from, “My Utmost for His Highest, for February 10. The title of the devotional was “Is Your Ability to See God Blinded” as I read this there was this. The referenced passage for the devotional was Isaiah 40:26. It is part of a section of Isaiah titled, “The Greatness of God” which includes verses 9-31. I read this passage and then the devotional. It is all wonderful, but this passage really brought me back to the rest of the text I had been studying and reminded me who is in control.

“The people of God in Isaiah’s time had blinded their minds’ ability to see God by looking on the face of idols. But Isaiah made them look up at the heavens; that is, he made them begin to use their power to think and to visualize correctly. If we are children of God, we have a tremendous treasure in nature and will realize that it is holy and sacred. We will see God reaching out to us in every wind that blows, every sunrise and sunset, every cloud in the sky, every flower that blooms, and every leaf that fades, if we will only begin to use our blinded thinking to visualize it.” My Utmost for His Highest: by Oswald Chambers

The passage that I really touched my heart this morning was Isaiah 40:18-26 (ESV).

18 To whom then will you liken God,
or what likeness compare with him?
19 An idol! A craftsman casts it,
and a goldsmith overlays it with gold
and casts for it silver chains.
20 He who is too impoverished for an offering
chooses wood that will not rot;
he seeks out a skillful craftsman
to set up an idol that will not move.
21 Do you not know? Do you not hear?
Has it not been told you from the beginning?
Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
22 It is he who sits above the circle of the earth,
and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers;
who stretches out the heavens like a curtain,
and spreads them like a tent to dwell in;
23 who brings princes to nothing,
and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness.
24 Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown,
scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth,
when he blows on them, and they wither,
and the tempest carries them off like stubble.
25 To whom then will you compare me,
that I should be like him? says the Holy One.
26 Lift up your eyes on high and see:
who created these?
He who brings out their host by number,
calling them all by name,
by the greatness of his might,
and because he is strong in power
not one is missing.

I reread this passage and it took me back to 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (ESV)

9 But, as it is written,
“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him”—
10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit.
For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.

I was reminded this morning how without Christ in me… the gift of the Holy Spirit… How could I function, except in the darkness of the world? I looked back at Oswald Chambers passage and reread a piece of the text…

“If we are children of God, we have a tremendous treasure in nature and will realize that it is holy and sacred. We will see God reaching out to us in every wind that blows, every sunrise and sunset, every cloud in the sky, every flower that blooms, and every leaf that fades, if we will only begin to use our blinded thinking to visualize it.”

When I looked up I saw the sunrise that I included with this entry… and I was humbled. I prayed and gave thanks to God for it all. I went back to that verse 9 in 1 Corinthians 2 and searched out the cross references… in my Bible, they were Isaiah 64:4, Matthew 25:34 and James 1:12

Matthew 25:34 pushed me to get the context. I ended up caught up in verses 33-40…

33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Matthew 25:33-40 (ESV)

I read the whole example given by Jesus about the goats and the sheep. But I saw something different… something more in verses 30-40… In the past, I had always seen this passage to explain physical love, charity, and hospitality. But this morning I saw more… I saw the spiritual. The hunger and thirst were for God’s Word and council… The need for everything else reminded me of Revelation 3:17-18 (ESV)

17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.

What I thought is that at one time I was “wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” (verse 17b), but someone saw me… and they told me the good news of Jesus Christ and they offered to me with love and hospitality and they gave me, “gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.” (verse 18).

I know that the physical needs in the passage from Matthew 25 are still important, but I just saw more this morning. I read the other cross references in James and Isaiah they all spoke of God’s power, and all this just ran through me. But this was the last passage that I read this morning and seemed to tie this all together for me. It was a K-Love verse from this week… the extended version… Romans 12:9-13 (ESV)

9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

What power there is in God’s Word. I give thanks for the guiding hand of His Holy Spirit… nudging me forward by showing me just what I need to see. I am filled with thanksgiving… To God Be all Glory and Praise…

The Lord Sustains Me

February 8, 2017

This morning as I read and prayed I had a realization that I had not grasped before. One of those things that humbled me, and at the same time gave me some peace that I had not previously experienced.

I began my reading in Psalm 37. The heading in my ESV Bible is “He Will Not Forsake His Saints” It is a Psalm of David. K – Love quoted the 24th verse, but as usual I had to get the context so I read it all, but as I read it and considered the passages and considered them in relation to how I was living I was humbled.

I don’t know about you but I can get so focused in the moment. Part of the “condition my condition is in” is an increase in focused anxiety. I get anxious easily and many times it is over nothing… If I allow it to it will make a mess of my day. Well as I read this Psalm I realized how short sighted I can be.

My vision so often is limited to the moment. At its broadest, I can see the World around me, but it is still trapped in the moment of time that I can manage. The violence of the world, refugees, ISIS, persecution of others; the media contributes to this by showing me what they think is important.
It is not all negative. There is so much to be joyful about…. My family. My Church Home, my friends, the multitude of gifts God has blessed me with… But it is still often focused only on the moment.

As I read this Psalm and considered what the Lord was saying through David I was just humbled. As I read this Psalm I began to see how short this time here is, and how futile it is to dwell on these things.

We all face some horrific things… The loss that breaks hearts, disagreements that break or at least damage relationships, financial challenges and health issues, and I do not want to minimize them. They can be devastating. But as I prayed and studied this morning I was overtaking with this realization…

I realized the promises are eternal… like the men and women of faith discussed in Hebrews 11, they may not all come while I am here in this life, but they will come.
As I read verses 8-11 I got a cold chill….

“Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!
Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
For the evildoers shall be cut off,
but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.
In just a little while, the wicked will be no more;
though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there.
But the meek shall inherit the land
and delight themselves in abundant peace

I read a bit further thru verse 34 and it hit me.

“Wait for the Lord and keep his way,
and he will exalt you to inherit the land;
you will look on when the wicked are cut off.”

How many times does the Lord remind us to wait… and keep His ways. Trust in Him… Hold fast to His teachings… Seek first the Kingdom of God.
I am not suggesting that we be oblivious to the things that are happening in the world around us. They are real and reason to be watchful, but we also need to remember who has our back…
This condition is temporary… and God is there to shore us up in the trials. He is there to be our refuge as we travel through this land. The original verse that brought me to Psalms 37 was verse 24. I included 23 below…

23-24 “The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
when he delights in his way;
24 though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,
for the Lord upholds his hand.”

What an amazing promise. What joy that brings to my heart. What a comfort… It leads me to one last scripture… 1Peter 1:5-9

“who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith —more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire —may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
As I considered all this there was a weight lifted. God has promised amazing things for those whom are faithful and trust in Him. I will not see all of it on this side. I may have struggles, but they are less when I give them to Jesus rather than hold them close.

I am with Peter on this one…
“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

Now the Lord has given me another morsel of understanding that I can use to add to my armor. I am thankful for His Word and I am thankful for the Love he shares with me. What an awesome God!

I Need Jesus… Always!

February 8, 2017

This morning has been such a blessing. I take such joy from God’s Word. I have adjusted to the “new normal” God has afforded me to help me grow to know Him better and place all trust and hope in Him.

I read K – Love and Tozer and MacArthur and the passages that they lead me to were amazing. Through His Word, I am reminded of His majesty and power and His love and compassion, and the justice that is His alone.

It is so easy to take a verse and look at it and find joy in that single verse. God’s Word never comes back empty, but to limit ourselves to that daily verse or single passage so limits our view of God. They lift me up but I need more than a taste. I need the full cup…

I was overwhelmed this morning by this realization of how MUCH I need Jesus; not just as savior, but also as sovereign Lord of my life. He is not a burden or a hindrance of any kind but instead by knowing Him I am given a freedom that this world cannot offer. I read

This morning I read Psalm 62:1

“For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.”

What a joy to be reminded of this… in the world around us it is so easy to be distracted, especially with the state of the world, but in this quiet morning time as I read this passage I was reminded of what was important. The next verse reminded me from where my true security comes. It comes from God… “He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.”

But how would I know this if not for His Word? Utmost, by Oswald Chambers, reminded me of my freedom in Christ Jesus. He referenced John 8:36 ” So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

As I read the verses before and after this passage I was reminded of the Truth of His Word. The verse comes from a section titled “The Truth Will Set You Free” It begins with John 8:31-32 “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, ” If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

What a wonderful promise!

MacArthur reminded me with Matthew 11:27 “All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

All of what I know of Him comes from His Word. I am drawn to John 1:1-5 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

As I consider this I am really at a loss for words. Our God is an awesome God and so loved us that He gave His Son to take on the sin of the world and die that I might live. It is so humbling… It is so overwhelming, but in the same breath, it is such a wonderful gift.

And no one says it better than Paul in Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV) “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

The Joy that fills me is that Jesus did this for me. He gave me a desire to know and copy His example and He gave me a means to do that in His Holy and precious Word. How can I ignore It? How can I not be drawn to It for understanding…

I give thanks to the Lord for this gracious gift. I thank Him for access to Him through, prayer, meditation, and access to His Word for answers and understanding… to knowing Him.

MacArthur posed a question today that I want to share… I will say it gave me pause…. Ask Yourself- “What did Christ reveal to you about Himself that led you to place your faith in Him? What has He revealed of Himself to you in recent days—fresh glimpses into His character, His nature, and His dealings with man?”

For me, it is so many things… but always through prayerful study of His Word… in it I find comfort… Today the comfort of Matthew 11:25-30 and so much more from His Word… God is good, faithful and true! I give him praise.

Archives for February 2017

Prayer and God’s Nudge

Hebrews 10:32-11:

The Faith Chapter

Faith and Strength

Relenting

Closing

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

The Gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

John 16:12-15

John 15:26

John 4:23-24

Thanksgiving

Foggy Morning

Jesus Calms a Storm

Fear

The Church Age

Realization

Closing

Philippians 1:21

A Friend

Reflection

Realizations

The Adversary

Psalm 118

Steadfast Love

All who fear the Lord

Jesus

The Gate

More Jesus

Love and Discipline

Post Script

Need for God’s Word

Authority of God’s Word

Power of Preaching

Hearing What?

Testing What we Hear

Closing

Brain Fog

Removal of Obstacles

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Then Isaiah 43:2

Persistence of the Spirit

Removing Obstacles

Closing Thoughts

Isaiah 55:10-11 (ESV)

The Holy Spirit will Guide if We Listen

Dilemma? Or God’s Plan?

God’s Plan!

Testing Against the Scriptures

Further Confirmation

Conclusion

Something Else to Consider

Love and Need for God’s Word

John MacArthure’s Insight

The Danger

The Gift of the Holy Spirit

The Risk

The Cure

Closing Thought

Ask Yourself

Lifeline

Worldly Definition

Insight

Hunger for Understanding and Peace

Peace in God’s Word

Preface

“Utmost for His Highest”, and Where It Lead

Obedience of Jude

Warning

Strength

Preparation

Closing

Back in the Day

How I Study

1Samuel 3

John 15 “I am the True Vine”

A Friend

Romans 15

What does all this have to do with Listening?

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30