January 2021 DBSQ
Saturday, January 30, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.”
I John 2:3-6, ESV
“And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. 4 If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. 5 But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. 6 Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.”
I John 2:3-6, NLT
-If this verse/passage contains one of the following words, circle it. IMAGE, IMITATE, EXAMPLE, GOD IS. . ., DO THIS (DON’T DO THIS, BE. . ., MIRROR, WAY, other:
-Thoughts, conclusions, comments, applications, things you want to remember from this verse/passage:
Something to Think About:
Christians are supposed to walk “just as” Jesus walked, according to I John 2:6. So, exactly how did Jesus “walk”? We would need to study the entire New Testament to find that out, though we can’t stop there. There is information about Jesus in the Old Testament, too. Furthermore, since God is One, ALL references to God would be important to know. Obviously, this is a life-long pursuit of knowledge—and not just knowledge so that we have the facts, but knowledge so that we can reflect His actions, attitudes, and purposes in our own lives.
John, the author of this Epistle, has provided all sorts of ways believers can walk as Jesus did. Just a few verses later in this chapter, in fact, is the command to not love the “things of the world.” These include the “lust of the flesh,” the “lust of the eyes,” and the “pride of one’s possessions.” In other words, all the things that we see and hear all day, every day, in our world about what is good, desirable, and “okay,” is NOT good, desirable, or okay in God’s eyes. Our job as obedient children of God is to not allow ourselves to love what the world loves. This is an endless list, but would include money-related aspirations, addictions to food, drugs, alcohol, entertainment, shopping, etc., fighting to be #1, fighting to always get what we want, looking out for self first and foremost, doing what “feels right” to us, going where we want, saying what we want, doing what we want—and everything that is focused on ourselves and NOT focused on God or being a help and a blessing to others before self.
FYI John is not saying that we don’t love the people of the world. After all, Jesus died because “God so loved the world”! He is saying that we must not love the system of the world and that we avoid all actions and thoughts that rebel against God.
-Here are a few questions based on these verses that should help us remember what we read and provide a talking point with our Father in prayer:
-What does keeping God’s Word (His commandments) show?
-Can someone “know” God and continue to choose to sin?
-A critical part of loving and obeying God is seen in following Whose example?
-How can I John 2:15-16 be applied to your life today in a few specific ways? (“Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.”)
Notes, questions, prayer requests/praises, things I want to remember:
Friday, January 29, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.”
I John 1:5-6, ESV
“This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. 6 So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth.”
I John 1:5-6, NLT
-If this verse/passage contains one of the following words, circle it. IMAGE, IMITATE, EXAMPLE, GOD IS. . ., DO THIS (DON’T DO THIS, BE. . ., MIRROR, WAY, other: __
-Thoughts, conclusions, comments, applications, things you want to remember from this verse/passage:
Something to Think About:
In order to be like God, we need to “walk in light” and NOT walk in the darkness. Well, what IS the light we are to walk in? God! God IS light. What, then, is the darkness? Anything that is opposed to God in even the smallest of ways. Basically put, when Christians are living in a way that is consistent with God’s Word, then we are walking in the light. However, when we choose to disobey God, only partially obey Him, or otherwise pick our own course of action, then we are walking in darkness. We may like to THINK that there is such a thing as a tiny sin or an insignificant act of disobedience, but this is never how GOD sees it. In His eyes (the only view that matters), we are either obeying Him or not. There are no gray areas, no “close enoughs,” no insignificant behaviors. In fact, even more than what we DO, God is interested in what is in our HEART and HEAD. That’s because the things that we spend time on and mull over in our brains will eventually become the things that are important to us—which, inevitably, become the things we DO. It all begins with what we let our eyes dwell on and take in. If we spend a lot of our time watching YouTube videos of celebrities giving us their take on the world, we will eventually adopt those same attitudes and opinions as our own. If we listen to music that talks about how sex is no big thing and should be enjoyed with anyone whenever we want, then those ideals become ours. It’s a pretty serious thing, something that I believe many Christians don’t give enough attention to. Just as there is some truth to the statement that we are what we eat, we become what we see, hear, and spend time on.
BUT, this is also true in a God-honoring way! When we study God’s Word every day, taking in what it says, applying its truths to our thoughts and actions, we WILL be becoming more like Christ Jesus. When we take the time to pray to God openly, frequently, and meaningfully, we grow closer to Him and want to come to please Him more and more with who we are and what we do. When we listen to songs that honor God in words and music, we find ourselves uplifted, encouraged, and even challenged to trust God MORE and to not take our eyes off of Him. When we spend time with godly friends, speaking about how God is working in our lives, sharing what we’re learning from the Bible, we build each other up in the things of the Lord and “sharpen” each other as “iron sharpens iron.” And when we make going to the Bible-believing and teaching church that we are members of our #1 priority— not just showing up, but investing in it, serving in it, and being an active and valuable part of it—then we will be grounded, growing, and useful to the Lord. We will be walking in the light as He is in the light. We will be in fellowship with the Father, Who is light.
-Here are a few questions based on these verses that should help us remember what we read and provide a talking point with our Father in prayer:
-Who defines what is “light”?
-Light, as God defines it, has no what in it?
-Can someone ignore sin in their life and still be walking in the light?
-Those who walk obediently according to God’s Word have __ with God.
Notes, questions, prayer requests/praises, things I want to remember:
Thursday, January 28, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
–Today’s Scripture:
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
I Peter 2:9, ESV
“But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”
I Peter 2:9, NLT
-If this verse/passage contains one of the following words, circle it. IMAGE, IMITATE, EXAMPLE, GOD IS. . ., DO THIS (DON’T DO THIS, BE. . ., MIRROR, WAY, other:
-Thoughts, conclusions, comments, applications, things you want to remember from this verse/passage:
Something to Think About:
I Peter 2:9 informs us that, upon salvation, God has some pretty amazing identifiers that He gives us. We are a “chosen race,” “a royal priesthood,” a “holy nation,” a “people for His own possession”! Wow, there’s an awfully lot to mull over with these titles, but let’s focus on what we are supposed to do with this information—and the amazing fact that God called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light. We are to PRAISE HIM (“proclaim His excellencies”).
In our culture here in America and in this century, when we praise someone we are mostly saying “good job.” It depends on who they are and what they did that determines just how much we praise them and how elaborate we get in saying good things about them. And, I suppose, that praising God does have an element of “good job” in there, but when we consider WHO God is and ALL that He has done, is doing, and will yet do, then nothing but the most exuberant and heartfelt praise will do. So, certainly, there is definitely a large component of gratitude in praise to God, but it is mostly just falling on our knees and appreciating His perfection in every area that should be a part of our daily praise to God. Those of us with bad knees don’t have to physically fall onto them, but we should praise Him in our heart, and in our prayers, and in our words – to Him and to others about Him. Our God is utterly praiseworthy in every single area, and who better than His chosen family members to do it!
Praising God can definitely be private. It happens when we wake, thanking and praising God for the new day and the new opportunities to live for Him, thanking Him as well for safety and rest in the night. “Private praise” happens when we notice a gorgeous sunrise, a perfect flower petal, the ease of a bird flying in the sky, and the innocent face of a child. We see this and praise God and thank God, the giver of all good gifts! Private praise happens a hundred times a day as we see God work out details, help us with our decisions, remind us of something we needed to remember, and so on. Publicly praising God happens every time we give God the glory due His name in front of someone else. It can be in front of a family member, to a friend over the phone, and even giving God thanks for something in front of unsaved coworkers. Public praise also, of course, involves our church family. If we’re paying attention to the words of the hymns, we are sharing in public praise with others. If we are joining in with whoever is leading in prayer by listening and making it our prayer, too, then we are publicly praising God. And when we decided that being brave and giving a testimony when the pastor asks for them is more important than our shyness or awkwardness, then we are giving praise in public. God is honored in all this, but we shouldn’t ever think of it as an obligation or to-do. Praising God is absolutely necessary, but it is also a wonderful privilege. Simply thinking of what God saved you from and what He has in store for your eternity should make praise just leak out—morning, noon, and night.
How are you doing with that?
-Take a few moments to list specific things that you praise God for.
Notes, questions, prayer requests/praises, things I want to remember:
Wednesday, January 27, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, 13 not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. 14 But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. 15 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. 16 But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
II Corinthians 3:12-18, ESV
“Since this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold. 13 We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so the people of Israel would not see the glory, even though it was destined to fade away. 14 But the people’s minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. 15 Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand. 16 But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.”
II Corinthians 3:12-18, NLT
-If this verse/passage contains one of the following words, circle it. IMAGE, IMITATE, EXAMPLE, GOD IS. . ., DO THIS (DON’T DO THIS, BE. . ., MIRROR, WAY, other: __
-Thoughts, conclusions, comments, applications, things you want to remember from this verse/passage:
Something to Think About:
II Corinthians 3 talks a lot about veiled and unveiled faces and how keeping the Law was futile and had no happy ending. HOWEVER, when Christ Jesus came and enacted the new covenant, obeying God became possible. Believers are given the FREEDOM to choose to live God’s way and to choose to not sin. This was an incredibly wonderful change—and something that affects every single believer from Jesus’ day to today.
It is AS WE LOOK AT Jesus that we are slowly transformed into His image. Obviously, it doesn’t mean that looking at a photo of Jesus (which there aren’t any real ones of, by the way!) will automatically cause us to resemble Him in our appearance. Nope. This is a spiritual truth that has to do with the person that we are in our heart (though the person we are in our heart will most definitely show on the exterior and in how we act!). So, as we find out what was important to Jesus, we make these things important to us. As we find out with what attitude He dealt with people, we adopt those some attitudes too. As we find out Who He lived to please, we live to please Him, too. And so on.
This would be, of course, totally and completely impossible without God Himself helping us! That’s why God gives to every believer the indwelling Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Godhead, the moment we are saved. In fact, it is the Holy Spirit that causes us to become saved in the first place. If He didn’t “turn on the light” of our spiritual understanding (our spiritual birth), we would NOT have believed and we would have continued on in darkness and futility of mind. We sure owe God a debt of gratitude! But because God DID give us the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to salvation, to open our eyes to the truth of God’s Word, to help us see what is good and not good in God’s eyes, and to help us remember and put the Bible into practice in our words and actions, we CAN slowly, but surely, be becoming more and more like Christ. We CAN be transformed into His image in all righteousness and holiness. We can make it our life’s commitment to “only do what the Father wills,” to “only say what the Father says,” to “only do the work the Father gave us to do,” to have a servant’s heart, and to love biblically, that is, to think of others as more important than ourselves and do for them the things that we would like people to do for us. Really, there’s no end to learning how to be more like Christ—and however many years God gives us to live on earth is our golden opportunity to labor to look more and more like our Savior.
The next time you look into a mirror, try to ignore all the physical things that you tend to berate yourself for and look a bit deeper. How much of your Savior do you see there? Are your eyes soft and ready to show mercy and grace to those who don’t deserve it? Do they have laugh crinkle lines because you smile at God’s goodness so much? Is your mouth closed to speaking unkind words, ungrateful words, or critical words, yet open to quoting Scripture, to sharing God’s love with others, to building other believers up in the things of the Lord? Are your ears closed to ungodly music, conversation, and assorted media, but open to the needs of the people around you, open to opportunities to speak of God? Is your neck stiff with arrogance and self-love, or is it lowered with a humble spirit? And in a more general sense, is your face soft, kind, loving, and welcoming? Do others see you and wonder why you are able to be peaceful and joyful even in the middle of hard times?
How is your face reflecting that of Jesus Christ?
-Here are a few questions based on these verses that should help us remember what we read and provide a talking point with our Father in prayer:
-What did Moses place over his face?
-What was He covering?
-Who can “take away” the veil?
-Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is (v.17) ____.
-When Christians behold the glory of the Lord, we become ____ into the same image.
Notes, questions, prayer requests/praises, things I want to remember:
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! 12 So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
Matthew 7:7-12, ESV
“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? 10 Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! 11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. 12 Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”
Matthew 7:7-12, NLT
-If this verse/passage contains one of the following words, circle it. IMAGE, IMITATE, EXAMPLE, GOD IS. . ., DO THIS (DON’T DO THIS, BE. . ., MIRROR, WAY, other: _
-Thoughts, conclusions, comments, applications, things you want to remember from this verse/passage:
Something to Think About:
Our Father is good. All that He does for us is good. We can most definitely stop right there and fall on our knees in grateful praise, but as in all Scripture, there’s so much more to our amazing God and Father! According to Jesus’ words recorded here in the gospel of Matthew, we can trust Him when we pray to Him. I feel like this is a good place to pause and add in a Selah, a moment to stop and reflect upon God’s goodness and how blessed we are to belong to Him (seen in the Psalms). God is not going to give us something that will harm us.
Because of God’s example of giving us what is good for us, being gracious and merciful, and being always available to us, He expects us to do good for others also. In fact, according to this passage, a useful tool to know how to treat others is to consider how you wish people would treat you. I think we all have had times of disappointment and even anger at a phone message that was never responded to, attempted meetings with someone that they kept canceling, being ignored or criticized for something that was not our fault—and a zillion other examples of ways we have been hurt by the actions, inactions, and attitudes of others. The most important lesson here, though, isn’t how to get even—or even how to develop a thicker skin. It is to use these poor examples to help us determine to NOT treat others in the same way.
On the flip side, in what ways has someone particularly blessed you or made you feel loved and cared for? Did they call you just to tell you that they appreciate you and are praying that you will have a good day? Did they tell you that they appreciate your faithfulness to the Lord? Did they compliment you on your appearance? Did they remember your birthday? Did they show that they were paying attention to a conversation you had with them by following up on something you said? Did they send a “just because” card? These can all be seeds for our “do good to others” folder (whether you have an actual physical one – or just one in your mind) to help us do something similar for someone else. A word of caution: to MIRROR our Father and Savior, we shouldn’t be focusing only on those who have done nice things for us (“one good deed deserves another!”), or even on those who we like and who are special to us. Nope. Jesus addressed this in Matthew 5:43-48. He said that to truly be like God, we need to show biblical love (do nice things!) for our enemies, too! YIKES! This is a whole ‘nother challenge! Jesus said that to MIRROR Him, we need to love our enemies and pray for them. God, in fact, allows the sun to rise each morning on both those who are righteous and those who aren’t. He allows the refreshing rains to fall on both the just and the unjust. In addition, He goes on to say that doing sweet things for the people you already love isn’t actually “reward worthy.” It’s when we endeavor to be “perfect,” that is “complete” in our spiritual maturity—BY treating EVERYONE the same way we enjoy being treated, that we are truly “like” our Father in heaven.
For six short verses, there’s sure a lot to prayerfully contemplate! Here are a few questions based on these verses that should help us remember what we read and provide a talking point with our Father in prayer:
-The NLT says that we should ___ __ in our asking, seeking, and knocking.
-Both the ESV and NLT say that when we keep asking, seeking, and knocking that we _____ be answered.
-Verse 11 (ESV) says that your ____ Who is in heaven (will) give ____ things to those who ask Him.
-Verse 12 turns to our response as obedient children of God. What is it?
-Do your current prayers show that you truly trust that God is good?
-Is there some area of action or attitude that the Holy Spirit has shown that you need to make right with God?
-Consider ways other believers have treated you well and/or blessed you. How might you imitate this on behalf of someone else?
Notes, questions, prayer requests/praises, things I want to remember:
Monday, January 25, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 3 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:3-16, ESV
“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. 6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. 7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. 9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. 10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way. 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. 14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
Matthew 5:3-16, NLT
-If this verse/passage contains one of the following words, circle it. IMAGE, IMITATE, EXAMPLE, GOD IS. . ., DO THIS (DON’T DO THIS, BE. . ., MIRROR, WAY, other: _
-Thoughts, conclusions, comments, applications, things you want to remember from this verse/passage:
Something to Think About:
Today’s passage, Matthew 5:3-16, is called the Beatitudes and is part of what is commonly known as the Sermon on the Mount. The entire Sermon on the Mount is Matthew 5-7. The content is Jesus teaching His disciples, so when we read these do’s and don’ts, we must analyze them as written for the saved, not the unsaved. That’s quite important. Another thing to know about the Sermon on the Mount is that Jesus was explaining to His disciples what behavior and attitudes will be like when He takes up His kingdom during the Millennium. It’s not just a glimpse into the future, though. He expected the disciples—and all Christians—to live with these attitudes and actions RIGHT NOW.
Of course, these are all super important and they all deserve our serious study, but in regards to the topic of being imitators of God, verse 9 seems like a biggie. It says that those who are peacemakers will be called the sons of God. In other words, they will be recognized as being “like” God in this regard. Being a peacemaker is NOT someone who always agrees with everything other people say, nor is it turning a blind eye to those who are doing wrong. It is, though, someone who is not LOOKING for a fight or a reason to get or stay angry at someone. It is someone who wants to settle disputes peacefully, calmly, and with love and humility. It is someone who doesn’t HAVE to be right in matters that don’t really matter, but who firmly, but politely, will not back down in the things that matter (anything that is for God and against sin).
Our world has enough “I’m the boss and you had better not challenge me” kinds of people. They’re everywhere. They’re the ones who are cutting others off in traffic, they’re the ones who rush ahead so they can get into the store first, they’re the ones who buy up all the toilet paper. =) Not only is all that behavior self-promoting, it goes directly against Jesus’ example of having a servant’s heart and showing compassion, gentleness, and biblical love. It also goes against our most basic purposes in life; to bring God glory (v.16 of this passage), to please Him in all respects, and to be a light in this sin-darkened world (v.14).
In the end, it will be God the Father Who rights all wrongs—and it will be God the Son Who rewards believers who have chosen to live as peaceably as is possible.
-Here are a few questions based on these verses that should help us remember what we read and provide a talking point with our Father in prayer:
-Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the _________ of _____________.
-Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be __________.
-Blessed are the meek, for they shall ________ the ________.
-Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be ______________.
-Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive _________.
-Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall ____ _______.
-Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called ______ ___ ________.
-Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of ____.
-Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on ___ __________. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.
Notes, questions, prayer requests/praises, things I want to remember:
Saturday, January 23, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 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 .’
Romans 12:1-2, ESV
“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
Romans 12:1-2, NLT
-If this verse/passage contains one of the following words, circle it. IMAGE, IMITATE, EXAMPLE, GOD IS. . ., DO THIS (DON’T DO THIS, BE. . ., MIRROR, WAY, other: _
-Thoughts, conclusions, comments, applications, things you want to remember from this verse/passage:
Something to Think About:
Romans 12:1-2 is a classic passage that teaches what must happen as we are becoming more like Christ and less like the sin-controlled person we were before God made us a new creation in Christ. Before our salvation, we were part of this “age,” that of rebellion against God and every man determining what is right in their own eyes (which is contentious because it contrasts sharply with what the next guy considers “right”!). From these verses, we can also know that the unsaved are not holy, pleasing to God, or able to do His will.
Jesus’ death and resurrection changed EVERYTHING. Those of us who have trusted in Him as our Savior (the “mercies of God” Paul mentions here) ARE able to “present” our bodies to the Father to be used however He wants. Thankfully, He gives us all sorts of direction in this area. These verses, specifically, say that we are to be holy. To be holy is both to stay far away from all sin and to draw close to all that is righteous and pleasing to God. In fact, if we want to know in a nutshell what pleases God, it is what is righteous—which means it is free from all sin. One of the important ways to pursue this is to NOT think, act, and “be” like the world around us. How do we do that? By focusing on God and His Word. It is as we study God’s Word and learn more about Who He is and what’s important to Him that we are able to “renew” our mind to think God’s thoughts after Him (as opposed to reciting all the drivel we hear proclaimed all around us every day, all day). As we study and apply God’s Word, we come to be able to discern between righteousness and sin, between what is good according to God’s standard and what isn’t, and what God truly wants for us and from us. Though this could sound intimidating, I don’t think God wants us to view it that way at all! I think that He wants us to see this process (called “sanctification”) as one that is exciting and full of tremendous hope and joy. You see, it is as we cooperate with the Holy Spirit in learning how to be more like Christ that He shows us just how marvelous our relationship to God is and just how sweet it is to belong to the Father’s family both now and for forever.
BONUS: Another kind of nifty thought from this passage is the concept of God’s perfect will versus His permissive will. God has a perfect plan in mind for all of us in every single detail from birth to death, BUT He sometimes allows a different plan (not His perfect one) to happen when we have, perhaps, not obeyed Him fully in some way, or maybe jumped the gun and acted before praying about it. He may allow us to head in a certain direction—complete with whatever consequences that come with it, but I’d MUCH rather be in the center of His PERFECT will, wouldn’t you? We will be when we keep sin confessed and choose to do what we know God says is the right thing from decision to decision, action to action. A faithful day is made up of a million choices to please God—and a faithful life is made up of however many days God has given us to demonstrate our love and thankfulness for all He has done by our obedience to His Word.
I read recently that God may allow people to act in defiance to His revealed will (what He wants us to do and how), but He will never allow anyone to act contrary to His sovereign will. This, too, is comforting.
-Here are a few questions based on these verses that should help us remember what we read and provide a talking point with our Father in prayer:
-In what way should Christians present their bodies to God?
-We desire our sacrifice to be found ___ by God.
-What shouldn’t we copy?
-Who transforms the willing heart?
-Changing ourselves to be more like Christ begins with a change in our ___; in what we think.
-How is God’s will for us described? _
Notes, questions, prayer requests/praises, things I want to remember:
Friday, January 22, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
Genesis 1:26-29, ESV
“Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
Genesis 1:26-27, NLT
-If this verse/passage contains one of the following words, circle it. IMAGE, IMITATE, EXAMPLE, GOD IS. . ., DO THIS (DON’T DO THIS, BE. . ., MIRROR, WAY, other: _
-Thoughts, conclusions, comments, applications, things you want to remember from this verse/passage:
Something to Think About:
It’s kind of interesting to me how in the New Testament, Church Age believers are commanded to be becoming like Christ and to imitate God—when we were CREATED in the image of God, according to His “likeness.” Why is it so hard to represent the Creator given the purpose He gave in creating us? Of course, the obvious and most basic reason is that sin entered the world, distorting all of God’s perfection, leading to rebellion, destruction, and a compelling drive to be UNLIKE God in His holiness and love. As long as we have our sin nature, we will not fully ACT holy and righteous (though, positionally, in God’s eyes, we are holy and righteous right now—and forever—through the blood of Christ).
Setting that aside momentarily, let’s look at what God said we would be like as His image-bearers. Genesis 1:26 states that we will be like Him AS we oversee the well-being and care of the earth and all the critters it contains. He is the Ultimate King and Ruler over all, but He has tasked humans with being His managers and caregivers. In other words, humans ARE more important than animals and plants. Taking good care of our world naturally means that we are not going to pollute it mindlessly, use up all the resources without considering how to replenish them, nor does it mean abusing animals or being cruel just because we can. But, neither does it mean that animals can’t be used for labor or for our food. Nor does it mean that we shouldn’t cut down trees in order to build homes and other necessary things. Obviously, there needs to be balance and care. If every single tree in the world were cut down, would we have enough oxygen? Would our soil wash into the ocean? Would animals have food and shelter? Of course not. There must be some way to use some of the Rain Forest without taking too much. There must be some way to protect endangered animals while also keeping humans safe and fed.
Once again, the major problem here is sin and how it infects and affects mankind, leading to greed, poor decisions, and extreme actions that don’t honor or reflect God. BUT, once someone has trusted in Jesus as their Savior, they can once again reflect what God intended humans to do and be all along. We can be an example by taking good care of EVERYTHING God has given us, including our property and any animals we might have. “Stewardship” is a great word, and a great biblical concept that we should meditate on: we are stewards (not owners) of our money, time, bodies, properties, families and so on. At the deepest level, stewardship would mean that we should live in such a way that others see our patience, kindness, and concern for others SO THAT God is honored and so that we get opportunities to tell them just how AMAZING God created our world—and how beyond amazing it will be once eternity begins—and how they can enjoy it along with us.
Thought Questions:
-How well are you taking care of your own body and any people under your care?
-How well are you taking care of the inside of your house/room?
-How well are you taking care of the exterior of your home?
-Do you have a right view of the animals in your life? It’s great to deeply love them, but are they more important than people?
-Have you become involved in any clubs or movements that are wrongly focused on animals or the environment, rather than a right walk with God, or are out of whack with His view of what’s truly important in this life?
Notes, questions, prayer requests/praises, things I want to remember:
Thursday, January 21, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”
I John 3:16-18, ESV
“We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? 18 Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”
I John 3:16-18, NLT
-If this verse/passage contains one of the following words, circle it. IMAGE, IMITATE, EXAMPLE, GOD IS. . ., DO THIS (DON’T DO THIS, BE. . ., MIRROR, WAY, other:
-Thoughts, conclusions, comments, applications, things you want to remember from this verse/passage:
Something to Think About:
Who doesn’t enjoy a love letter—a card or note given to them where someone expressed appreciation, friendship, solidarity, or just simply said, “I love you!”? These kinds of gifts are a bit of sunshine in what might otherwise be a hard day. They are an encouragement to carry on, to never give up, and to excel still more. They are precious “treasures” that we tuck into the memory box in our hearts.
But what if the person who said “I love you” never demonstrated it in any other way than once-a-month emails? What if they ignored you when you were at church together? What if they knew that you had surgery and never told you that they were praying or otherwise acknowledged your suffering? What if they entered a building just before you, but allowed the door to slam shut before you could enter? Wouldn’t all these things give a strong hint that what they SAID did not match what they DID?
Christians ought to be characterized by their constant acts of kindness and generosity—especially to brothers and sisters in Christ, but as much as possible for others, too. Christians should stand out as being sacrificial and not stingy, thoughtful and not thoughtless, available to help at a moment’s notice and never “too busy.”
Jesus’ example of this is seen ultimately, of course, in His willingness to literally die as the Substitute for each of us. But, if we consider what we know of His life on earth, we find incident after incident of His sacrificial, kind, merciful, and generous labors on the behalf of others. So, while not many of us will be called on to literally jump in front of a bullet to save another person’s life, we are going to be asked to give someone a ride. We are going to realize that someone could use a meal brought to them or, better yet, join your family for dinner. We are going to find opportunities to open doors for people, reach something on a shelf that someone else can’t get to, pick up something off the floor someone dropped, and otherwise be aware constantly of needs around us so that we can demonstrate love in action.
One of the household rules that I grew up with (and STILL believe is a good one) is that if you make the mess, you clean it up. But we were also taught to take it a step further. Even if you weren’t the one that made a mess, but you were the one to notice some mess, some need, some problem—then who better to work on fixing it or making it better? I believe this same principle can be applied to the needs we see IN people day to day and throughout our lives. Sure, “someone” should help that person out, but how do you know that God doesn’t want YOU to be one to help? Maybe their situation is such that you literally cannot do all that needs to be done, but can you do SOMETHING? Is there some encouragement you can offer? Some task to do? Something you can give them out of your own abundance? This, like every single other aspect of living to be more like Christ, is a moment by moment thing that MUST be bathed in prayer seeking God’s wisdom and direction. Perhaps a good morning prayer would be, “Dear Father, help me to be a blessing to someone today.”
-Prayerfully think back to what happened in your life in the last few days. Was there an opening to do something sacrificially for someone else that you didn’t choose to do? Was some need presented to you that you did nothing about, not even prayed for? Was there someone who did something kind and thoughtful for you? Did you thank them? Did you thank God for them and for His kindness displayed in that other person’s action?
-Spend some time in prayer asking God to help you show your love for Him through your obedience and show your love for others through your actions.
Notes, questions, prayer requests/praises, things I want to remember:
Wednesday, January 20, 2021-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. 8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 9 No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. 10 By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.”
I John 3:7-10, ESV
“Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. 8 But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. 9 Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God. 10 So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God.”
I John 3:7-10, NLT
-If this verse/passage contains one of the following words, circle it. IMAGE, IMITATE, EXAMPLE, GOD IS. . ., DO THIS (DON’T DO THIS, BE. . ., MIRROR, WAY, other: _
-Thoughts, conclusions, comments, applications, things you want to remember from this verse/passage:
Something to Think About:
My husband grew up in a family where canning produce in the summer and fall was an important part of their routine so they could have good quality vegetables and fruit throughout the winter months. His Mom would can a variety of things, including homemade jams and jellies. She also liked to experiment a bit and try some “different” things. For example, she heard that you can take green tomatoes and process them in such a way that, when all done, it tasted like raspberry jam. This is something my husband could never quite accept— raspberry jam that was actually tomatoes. He saw it as incongruous and unnatural—and child of God, I John 3 is teaching about WHO children of God are and how sinning is incongruous and unnatural to what we became upon salvation. You may be able to fake a raspberry jam flavor and consistency with tomatoes, but it is NOT raspberry jam. A Christian may choose to sin, but that is NOT who they are in Christ.
Here’s the deal. The person who has trusted in Jesus Christ as their Savior from the sin they were born with IS a child of God. Through the blood of Jesus, they ARE righteous, they ARE holy, and they ARE justified. However, while we live on this earth in these unglorified bodies, we are given the task of CHOOSING who we will be like. There are only two choices. We are either reflecting our Father and our Savior by aligning our attitudes and actions with God’s (as lined out for us in the Bible) or we are aligning ourselves with the devil (who is God’s enemy). It should be noted that the unsaved have no choice in how and why they live. They are imprisoned by sin and satan and can ONLY do what is evil. The Bible is pretty clear on this.
So, what does that mean for you and me (assuming you are a Christian)? Well, what we do shows our loyalties. What we do either reflects just who we are in Christ or lies about it, making it look like we aren’t God’s children. This is both an act-by-act thing AND a lifestyle thing. Each decision either is aligned with God’s character and will—or it is aligned with satan’s. In addition, what our behavior is like over a period of time shows our character, what we are “like,” and what’s important to us as a person. Oh, we can try to deny it (and we do all the time!), but we cannot deny what is FACT. God says that we are either for Him wholeheartedly or we are totally against Him. He will not share His throne with anyone or anything, nor does He consider divided loyalties, loyalty. It’s not only NOT “loyalty” in His view, but rather rebellion and opposition. It’s a pretty serious thing.
I’ve tried to often give practical and concrete examples of righteous actions and words versus ungodly ones, so I won’t do that today, but I WILL point out John’s words in verse 10. He notes that one of the more important right ways for a believer to act is to love other believers. Now, we’ve noted before that there is a difference between how the world defines “love” and how the Bible does—which leads to there also being a big difference between loving a fellow child of God and LIKING them. God understands that not every Christian is going to click with every other Christian—and that sometimes we may not only not click, but kind of rub each other the wrong way. That’s certainly not license to be rude, arrogant, or dismissive, but neither should we expect to want to be “besties” with every single person just because we are both believers. We ARE, however, commanded to help them whenever and however we can. We are expected to consider them as more important than ourselves. We are expected to be kind, polite, and sacrificial. We are to encourage them in the things of the Lord, helping them to grow, serve, and excel in all they do for the Lord and their relationship with Him. Whether we find ourselves loving to hang out with another believer or wishing they would sit on the other side of the auditorium, to be LIKE our Father, our attitudes and actions must be ones of (biblical) love.
-Here are a few questions based on these verses that should help us remember what we read and provide a talking point with our Father in prayer:
-Who are we “like” when we do what is right (practice righteousness)?
-Who are we “like” when we decide to sin?
-Who destroyed the works of satan?
-According to verse 10, what is one behavior that indicates that we belong to God?
Notes, questions, prayer requests/praises, things I want to remember:
-Tuesday, January 19, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.”
I John 3:1-3, ESV
“See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him. 2 Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. 3 And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.”
I John 3:1-3, NLT
-If this verse/passage contains one of the following words, circle it. IMAGE, IMITATE, EXAMPLE, GOD IS. . ., DO THIS (DON’T DO THIS, BE. . ., MIRROR, WAY, other:
-Thoughts, conclusions, comments, applications, things you want to remember from this verse/passage:
Something to Think About:
These verses remind all Christians who we are and Who we belong to. We are GOD’S CHILDREN. If there were no other perks associated with salvation, this one would be enough (but there are blessings GALORE associated with belonging to God!!!).
Did we deserve this impossible-to-describe privilege? No! Not even a tiny bit! Romans is a great book to read to recognize just how ugly all humans are apart from God’s grace and goodness. We were God’s sworn enemies, wanting nothing more than to crush Him, despise Him, and reject Him every possible way that we could (and humans are capable of some pretty horrific actions). It took the Father’s great love to love us and redeem us from our punishment in Hell. But, redeeming us and calling us to become new creatures in Christ and His beloved child is just the beginning. One of the (countless) blessings He gives is the opportunity to be becoming more like Him and more like His Son, the Savior. Once we are believers, God begins to show more and more about Himself to us so that we can reject all that He is opposed to and which does not define Him—and welcome and delight in all that He loves; we begin to take on the characteristics that He IS. By the way, He doesn’t just “have” the characteristics of love, righteousness, holiness, etc., He IS those things. He is the One Who actually defines for us what they are and how they look. It’s as if God is our dictionary. If we want to know what true biblical love is, we need only to study how God thinks and acts and we’ll know the answer—the TRUTH about love (and everything else in life). This is pretty exciting, wouldn’t you say?
I think today’s verses in I John 3 ALSO hint pretty strongly that whatever stupendous delights we take in finding out more about our God now will pale when compared to what He will reveal to us once eternity begins. We have nothing but awesomeness to look forward to!
Before we leave this topic, please note that verse 3 lists one of the ways God’s children can behave that imitates the Father. We can work on purifying ourselves “just as” He is pure. He, of course, has NO impurities, NO unrighteousness, makes NO wrong decisions or actions. We may not be able to be sinlessly perfect this side of heaven, BUT we can sure do our best to try! We can, with the Spirit’s help, choose to not agree to anything that we know is less than holy/pure, choosing instead to do the things that do honor God. This is literally a breath by breath choice. We either choose to honor God—or we are, by default, choosing to honor satan. That simple. It sounds daunting, but God has very graciously given us I John 1:9 to instruct us that if we sin (WHEN we sin), we simply need to confess that to God and He will forgive us and give us a clean slate to start again. Every time. Even if it is 5,000 times a day. What a GRACIOUS God we serve! How can we NOT commit to be becoming like Him! (See also John 15:12)
-Here are a few questions based on these verses that should help us remember what we read and provide a talking point with our Father in prayer:
-God calling us His children proves His __ for us.
-The world doesn’t always recognize us as God’s children, because they do not ___ Him.
-When we will see Jesus as He really is?
-In considering the riches of glory, how should be live (v.3)?
Notes, questions, prayer requests/praises, things I want to remember:
Monday, January 18, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Philippians 2:3-11, ESV
“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Philippians 2:3-11, NLT
-If this verse/passage contains one of the following words, circle it. IMAGE, IMITATE, EXAMPLE, GOD IS. . ., DO THIS (DON’T DO THIS, BE. . ., MIRROR, WAY, other: _
-Thoughts, conclusions, comments, applications, things you want to remember from this verse/passage:
Something to Think About:
One way to be like Christ is to be humble in how we look at ourselves in relation to others, perhaps ESPECIALLY how we look at others in relation to ourselves. Selfish, arrogant thoughts and actions do not reflect Jesus accurately. Acting arrogantly does not reflect Jesus accurately.
What does? Well, let’s look at what He did. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Second Person of the Trinity, FULLY God Himself, CHOSE to obey the Father’s will by forever becoming a Man (while also God), taking on all the challenges of being human. This was not merely assuming a human body—He became a human in every way, except that He had no sin nature and no sin (just as Adam and Eve had originally been created by Him). GOD became a SERVANT. He didn’t lose His divine attributes and abilities (because that would be impossible), but He did voluntarily NOT use them, relying instead on the help of the Holy Spirit and the wisdom and guidance of God’s Word (the same two mighty tools you and I have!).
Jesus’ humility went the whole nine yards. He humbled Himself so much so that He allowed Himself to be crucified. Killed! He did this because He was putting our interests ahead of His own. He did this because this was literally THE ONLY WAY to provide a way of salvation from the eternity in the Lake of Fire that all humans deserve because of sin. But, did you notice something exciting? Jesus’ willingness to be a Servant led to God HIGHLY EXALTING Him—and—it brought God the Father great glory. And dear student of the Word, every single time we obey God in any way at all, God is pleased and will reward us for it. AND, more importantly, it brings Him glory.
I believe that as we draw closer and closer to the Rapture, people who are kind, respectful, polite, and who treat others as more important than themselves will really stand out from the crowd, giving us opportunities to share about our beloved Savior, the greatest Servant of all time.
-Here are a few questions based on these verses that should help us remember what we read and provide a talking point with our Father in prayer:
-How many things can we do with only ourselves in mind—and—still be like Christ?
-As God’s children, we are given the blessing of thinking of others as ___ than ourselves.
-Verse 7 states the Jesus Christ took the form of a ___.
-Why did God exalt Jesus? (v.8-9)
-Who gets the ultimate glory when God’s people live obediently according to His Word (v.11)
Notes, questions, prayer requests/praises, things I want to remember:
Saturday, January 16, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” 11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.”
Matthew 4:1-11, ESV
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. 2 For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. 3 During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, 6 and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’” 7 Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’” 8 Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.” 10 “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’” 11 Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.”
Matthew 4:1-11, NLT
-If this verse/passage contains one of the following words, circle it. IMAGE, IMITATE, EXAMPLE, GOD IS. . ., DO THIS (DON’T DO THIS, BE. . ., MIRROR, WAY, other: __
-Thoughts, conclusions, comments, applications, things you want to remember from this verse/passage:
Something to Think About:
If we want to be like Jesus (and this should be our highest ambition!), then according to today’s passage in Matthew 4, we need to know Scripture really well. And beyond merely memorizing and knowing it well, we need to apply it to the situations that come up during the course of our days and years.
Don’t you love Jesus’ example in this passage! He was beyond famished, He must have been weak and exceedingly tired, yet He didn’t allow these things to keep Him from obeying God completely and definitively. Satan presented Jesus with three challenges (that we know of), that (mostly) sounded not too outlandish—even using Scripture to back up what He wanted Jesus to do. But, Jesus lived to please the Father, not Himself. The first “suggestion” from satan was to turn a stone into bread so that He could eat (after 40 days of fasting!). Jesus, however, knew that if God the Father, Who met all His needs, wanted Him to have bread, He would provide it. It wasn’t for Jesus to act on the Father’s behalf for Him. Next, satan wanted Jesus to prove that Scripture was true when it said that Jesus would be protected by angles, but Jesus knew that it was displeasing to God to test Him or to try to force Him to act in our way or timing. Last, satan offered (probably legitimately since he is the current “prince of the power of the air”) the whole world then and there IF Jesus would worship him. Jesus commanded satan to get away from Him because He knew that the #1 command is to worship GOD—and only Him.
Did you see how Jesus quoted Scripture to supply why satan was wrong in what he suggested? I think that we can deduce that Jesus didn’t know ONLY these three passages that came in so handy that day. He clearly had studied extremely thoroughly the entire Old Testament (the New Testament wasn’t written yet—because it hadn’t happened yet!). This preparation ahead of time helped Him be ready for the attack when it came. This is just as effective for you and me! When we study Scripture and come to know it very, very well, we will know what honors God and what doesn’t honor Him when various problems, temptations, and challenges come our way. And even when we don’t know it “all,” we can always use a foundational truth to help us know what we should say and do by remembering that we should be worshiping and serving GOD and only God. Anything that focuses our attention elsewhere is going to be a problem.
And before we go, we cannot miss the importance of actually putting the time and effort into MEMORIZING Scripture. I most definitely am not suggesting that this is easy—and maybe not even “fun,” depending on how you define fun. BUT, it is worthwhile, important, and WILL impact you for the rest of your life (and probably throughout eternity!). Not sure what to tackle first? How about finding Bible verses that address areas where you struggle? The right way to eliminate dishonoring attitudes and actions is to replace them with the ones that God is honored by. There are Bible verses and/or Bible principles that are applicable to everything we face as “strangers in a strange land.” As we learn, apply, and SPEAK Scripture, we will be acting as citizens of heaven, our true home.
Give it a try!
-Here are a few questions based on these verses that should help us remember what we read and provide a talking point with our Father in prayer:
-What was the weapon Jesus used to combat satan’s temptations?
-Who led Jesus to the wilderness in the first place?
-Why? (v.1)
-Knowing that it was the Holy Spirit Who led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by satan, do you think the temptations we face are to harm us or help us trust God and rely on His Word?
-Consider beginning to memorize one verse today. Which one do you choose?
Notes, questions, prayer requests/praises, things I want to remember:
Friday, January 15, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
II Corinthians 1:3-4, ESV
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”
II Corinthians 1:3-4, NLT
-If this verse/passage contains one of the following words, circle it. IMAGE, IMITATE, EXAMPLE, GOD IS. . ., DO THIS (DON’T DO THIS, BE. . ., MIRROR, WAY, other: _
-Thoughts, conclusions, comments, applications, things you want to remember from this verse/passage:
Something to Think About:
God the Father is identified here as the “Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.” What a wonderful truth to recite when we are feeling overwhelmed, afraid, or in a tizzy! But wait, there’s more! God, the One Who comforts us so perfectly, ALSO gives us the ability to comfort others who may also be going through some sort of affliction. We can take the comfort, peace, direction, and biblical focus that God gave to us—and pass that on to another person who needs the encouragement and help. We can BE LIKE GOD when we offer biblical comfort.
Of course, biblical comfort is not the same as what the world has to offer. It is not the useless platitude of saying, “Buck up, old chap, it will come out right in the end,” or “it will be okay.” What’s “okay” differs wildly from person to person, from perspective to perspective. Neither is biblical comfort to be found in alcohol, drugs, sensual entertainment, losing ourselves on the internet, spending money willy nilly, or even in a long fast walk (unless this is also a walk that consists of praying to God and trusting Him with what’er befalls). Biblical comfort is found in, wait for it. . . the Bible. God’s Word will ALWAYS be the right go-to Book (for every single aspect of our lives here on Planet Earth). Biblical comfort, the real-deal kind of comfort, is found in taking God’s Word, believing it, praying it, singing it, reciting it, and APPLYING it to whatever troublesome circumstances w are facing. AND counseling others to do the same is what true, God-honoring friends do for one another. This is how we reflect the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, by turning their attention to Him and by reminding them of the wealth of help in the Bible.
Bible verses for those who are hurting:
“The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4
“The Lord is good, a stronghold in a day of distress; he cares for those who take refuge in him.” Nahum 1:7
Additional verses to look up and treasure:
-Isaiah 40:29-31
-Jeremiah 29:11
-Matthew 11:28
-Philippians 4:6
-Hebrews 13:5
-I Peter 5:7
Notes, questions, prayer requests/praises, things I want to remember:
Thursday, January 14, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; 2 but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.”
Isaiah 59:1-2, ESV
“Listen! The Lord’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call. 2 It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore.”
Isaiah 59:1-2, NLT
-If this verse/passage contains one of the following words, circle it. IMAGE, IMITATE, EXAMPLE, GOD IS. . ., DO THIS (DON’T DO THIS, BE. . ., MIRROR, WAY, other: _
-Thoughts, conclusions, comments, applications, things you want to remember from this verse/passage:
Something to Think About:
While it is blessedly true that God hears prayer and He always answers in the perfect way and with perfect timing, it is also true that sin disrupts our communion with God. It is also true that God may choose to not “listen” to the prayers of one of His children who has chosen to live a life that is not in obedience to Him. If we were to think of this in a very down to earth example, a mom who loves her child very much and would, in fact, jump in front of an out-of-control car to save that child’s life, does not always give that child everything they ask for. She knows that children aren’t always able to know what is actually a good thing and what isn’t. In addition, she will not reward a child’s bad behavior with smiles, gifts—or even turning a blind eye to what they have done. If she loves that child (and she does), how could it possibly benefit them to not teach them important things in life like being a good steward with your things, the essential art of submitting to authority, the wrongness of stealing, lying, or being unkind to others, etc.? So if, for example, she told her child that he could have some of her freshly baked cookies once he has taken out the trash, she is not going to give him the cookies if he refuses to take out the trash. This is basic parenting—and it is how our Father shows His love for us, too. The ways we disregard Him, disobey Him, and disrespect Him may differ from a second grader to their parent, but sin is sin. Anything that is contrary to what God said to do is sin—and all sin separates us from perfect fellowship and communion with God. It may well lead to God not answering our prayers or blessing us in the way that He longs to. It is OUR iniquities that separate us from our Father, never anything that He does, did, or will one day do. He is perfect and perfectly good 100% of the time. He CANNOT do what is wrong. That’s impossible—even though this is a hard concept for us wrong-doers to understand. In fact, it is BECAUSE He loves us that He will not give us all that we think we need or want. He knows that our relationship to Him is the most important thing of all.
With all this in mind, we would be wise to pray frequently with the goal of asking God to examine our hearts and lives and expose anything that isn’t what it should be before Him. We can ask Him for a tender heart to recognize what is sinful—so that we can avoid it and choose to do what honors Him first and foremost. He is delighted to answer these sorts of prayers!
-Here are a few questions based on these verses that should help us remember what we read and provide a talking point with our Father in prayer.”
-Is God able to save us from whatever trouble we may be enduring?
-Is God able to hear our call to Him?
-Who is the one who cuts off communication with God: us or God?
-What is it the breaks fellowship between us and God?
-Prayerfully consider your relationship to God right this very second? Is there sin that needs to be confessed? Something that needs to be made right with Him?
-Thank the Father for His holiness, goodness, mercy, and grace!
Notes, questions, prayer requests/praises, things I want to remember:
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.”
I Corinthians 13:11-12, ESV
“When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12 Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.”
I Corinthians 13:11-12, NLT
-If this verse/passage contains one of the following words, circle it. IMAGE, IMITATE, EXAMPLE, GOD IS. . ., DO THIS (DON’T DO THIS, BE. . ., MIRROR, WAY, other: _
-Thoughts, conclusions, comments, applications, things you want to remember from this verse/passage:
Something to Think About:
Paul gives the Corinthian believers two pictures to help them understand this spiritual truth: there are things in life that are temporary and there are things that are eternal; there are things we can “know” and understand in this lifetime and there are things that are simply too awesome and wonderful to truly and fully understand this side of glory.
First, Paul talks about how a child has limited understanding about how life works, what is safe and what isn’t, why they need to do certain things and avoid others, and kind of a general confusion about what life is like once they get older. As those who have placed our trust in Jesus Christ as our Savior, our understanding about Who God is and how we can best honor Him and please Him is limited at first—simply because our understanding of God’s Word is at a beginner’s level (this is NOT to say, however, that a new believer cannot please and honor God GREATLY! All obedience by all believers honors God greatly). The nifty thing that Paul wants us to see, though, is that no matter how much we come to know and love God, there’s always something more to learn—and MUCH, MUCH more to love about Him. God is literally infinite in all His goodness and glory! We have nothing but astonishing things to look forward to as we learn and grow as children of God!
Maybe also in this concept of thinking like a child versus acting like an adult is the idea of chasing after what is temporary and of no real value versus what is of eternal value and which builds treasure in heaven. I’ve seen children refuse to trade three pennies and a nickel for a five dollar bill, because in their heads, several coins were a bigger treat. I’ve also seen (and experienced) a stubborn believer cling to some way of thinking or some action that they “liked,” only to later realize that when they trusted God and obeyed what He wanted them to do, they found true joy and fulfillment—and like Matthew 11:28-30 promised—they found rest and peace. Laboring to be more like Christ is, well, labor, but it is oh so worth it!
Paul also uses a mirror to represent what we see versus reality. A mirror is but a reflection of what is real. In fact, did you know that when you look at yourself in a mirror that you aren’t actually seeing yourself as others see you? The mirror is reflecting how you look backwards. You need a mirror reflecting a mirror to see yourself more accurately, but even so, you cannot touch, hug, and enjoy a mirror image in the same way you can enjoy the people God has given to you to bless you, help you, and be a servant to. In a similar way, all the wondrous things God helps us to see and understand in this life will be made fully clear and fully understandable once eternity begins. And it all starts with the impossible-to-imagine PRIVILEGE of being able to see our Savior face to face. Can you even imagine such a thing? Wowzers! What a day of rejoicing that will be!
-Here are a few questions based on these verses that should help us remember what we read and provide a talking point with our Father in prayer:
-Verse 12 say that what we see and understand now is kind of like seeing our reflection in a dim ____.
-However, how will we be able to see and understand one day?
-How much does God know us?
-Will we one day know Him more fully?
Notes, questions, prayer requests/praises, things I want to remember:
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture: (PART 2)
“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”
I Corinthians 11:1, ESV
“And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.”
I Corinthians 11:1, NLT
-If this verse/passage contains one of the following words, circle it. IMAGE, IMITATE, EXAMPLE, GOD IS. . ., DO THIS (DON’T DO THIS, BE. . ., MIRROR, WAY, other: _
-Thoughts, conclusions, comments, applications, things you want to remember from this verse/passage:
Something to Think About:
Such a short and simple verse for such a huge truth!
Yes, Christians are supposed to imitate Christ. That’s crystal clear in Scripture. But that’s not the end of the story. Not by a long shot. You see, once we get saved and begin to grow in Christ, we ALSO become an example for others to follow. This is a very Titus 2 thing! Remember Titus 2 (if not, take a minute and look it up!)? It’s all about those who are more mature in the faith mentoring those who are younger in the faith. Sometimes this is someone who is older physically, but there are many mature young people and many new or immature older folks—and vice-versa. We may not WANT to be imitated, but that’s not the point. The point is that we ARE an example to others of what a Christian looks like, thinks like, speaks like, and behaves like. The big question, of course, is whether we are a good example or a bad one.
Before we get all stressed out and decided to go live in the woods, don’t forget that (a) Christian growth is a life-long process, and (b) we have never, nor will ever, be in this alone. God has given us the indwelling Holy Spirit, He has given us His written Word, and He has given us our pastor and church family. All of these are the tools that help us to focus on doing the next right thing. That is, to choose to please God over self or others. And, guess what? As we apply Scripture to our daily circumstances, as we develop and maintain a close prayer relationship with God, as we dig into Scripture and learn new and exciting things, as we invest ourselves into our church family, we slowly, but surely GROW. I like to describe the miracle of growth compared to something like an onion which has what seems to be innumerable rings. Only, here’s the deal, it’s not the outside of the onion going into the middle and stopping there, it’s beginning in the middle and going out. In other words, until God calls us home either through death or the Rapture, we can keep growing, keep learning new things, and keep becoming more and more like Christ! It’s a staggering thought!
Here’s another encouraging thought. As we study God’s Word and apply it to every aspect of our lives, He increases our understanding and we are able to see more deeply what it means to be becoming like Christ. I’m not talking about divine revelation or hearing God audibly in our ears, I’m talking about understanding a bit more fully what pleases God, what displeases Him, and why. An easy-to-understand example might be in the area of speech. Say someone got saved as a teenager or young adult and already had developed quite the penchant for swearing and cussing. When someone like that gets saved and understands that these things dishonor and displease God, they work to remove them from their vocabulary. In time, though, they may also understand that God wants us to use our words to praise Him, to bring Him glory, to build other believers up in the things of the Lord, and to tell the unsaved about their need of the Savior. In more time, they may realize that not only does it matter WHAT we say and HOW we say it, but with what attitude in our heart. They learn that it’s not enough to SAY or DO the next right thing, our hearts need to be right with God, too.
So. . . What kind of example are you and I to other believers? Can people accurately be like Christ by watching me? What about YOU?
Notes, questions, prayer requests/praises, things I want to remember:
Monday, January 11, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”
I Corinthians 11:1, ESV
“And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.”
I Corinthians 11:1, NLT
-If this verse/passage contains one of the following words, circle it. IMAGE, IMITATE, EXAMPLE, GOD IS. . ., DO THIS (DON’T DO THIS, BE. . ., MIRROR, WAY, other: __
-Thoughts, conclusions, comments, applications, things you want to remember from this verse/passage:
Something to Think About:
The two Books of Corinthians are letters written by the Apostle Paul to the church that was established in the city of Corinth. In today’s verse, Paul is instructing the believers in Corinth to look to him as an example of what a Christian should be like. Is Paul being vain? Is it even okay for humans to be role models for other humans? Shouldn’t we all just be looking to Jesus?
The answer is no, yes, and yes. =) No, Paul is not being vain. He was a mature believer who was living faithfully for God and was someone who those people knew to be a good example to follow. Frankly, ALL believers should be living day to day faithfully for God, making every believer a good role model for others to see and imitate.
Is it okay for humans to be role models for other humans? Definitely. Titus 2 is ALL ABOUT the role Christians play in each other’s lives. We are all more mature in some areas than others and can lend a hand to who are following in our footsteps, but we all are also in need of some instruction and help in other areas. Those who have been living faithfully for God for decades should be well equipped to bring a younger believer along in their own walk, but even older saints can benefit from someone who has walked the road they are walking and learned how to honor God well in it. It’s a give and take situation that, done right, is beneficial and a blessing to ALL within the body of Christ.
Shouldn’t we all be just looking to Jesus? Well, yes, and no. Jesus is, without question, THE example we are to follow in every area. Who better to tell us what honors and pleases God than God Himself! But, when a believer is living exactly the way Jesus would, they are worthy of following, too, Of course, our worship and ultimate allegiance must ALWAYS be to God, not a human. So, while it is a super duper privilege to know and be able to talk to an extremely godly man or woman, we must not begin to put them on a pedestal that only God deserves. Much as the angels we meet in Scripture insisted on, God is the only One worthy of worship and praise – no matter how faithful and good a human is. That being said, it is not wrong to study those few and precious faithful ones, nor is it out of order to seek out their wisdom in spiritual matters, nor to thank them for their faithful example. These folks are a special gift from God’s hand to us.
Now, down to the nitty-gritty. We’ve spoken about Paul being an excellent example of Christlikeness, we’ve mentioned the need for Christians in general to be examples for each other, and we’ve even mentioned those rare, but amazing extra-faithful spiritual giants, but we sure shouldn’t wander away from this verse without some personal evaluation! So, here it is: is the life that you are living something others should imitate? Why or why not? Of course, that question may be a bit too broad to answer with enough care. Here are some categories to prayerfully consider what sort of example you are currently being to those who may be observing you. Keep in mind, God is not expecting anyone to be perfect. He simply asks us to be faithful with what we know to do, then as He shows us more or deeper ways to please Him, that we can faithfully incorporate that into our lives as well.
-General attitude. Am I an optimist or a pessimist? Do I show a willingness to do tasks that I don’t like or which have been chosen for me without my consent? Does my face in public register anger? Dissatisfaction? Impatience? Joy? General contentment?
-Physical appearance. Do my clothes blend in with everyone around me—even if what others are wearing is immodest or simply in poor taste? Do I take good care of my clothing and make an effort to look neat and clean before I leave the house? Am I being a good steward of what I eat, how much rest I get, and general physical fitness?
-What I say. Do I tend to always represent the negative side of things? Am I a thankful person? Do I try to take control of every conversation and make sure everyone knows my opinion? What sorts of topics do I love to talk about the most? How often do spiritual matters come up in my conversation? How often to I talk about how God is working in my life? Do I often say the right thing, but with anger or bitterness in my heart? Am I seeking out opportunities to encourage others and build believers up in the things of the Lord? Is my conversation free from unwholesome words or inappropriate humor? How often do I use Bible verses or phrases in my conversation? Do I remember to give thanks to God frequently?
-How I spend my money. If I could remember every single thing I bought in the last month, what would these items speak about my priorities? Am I a faithful tither? Do I regularly give love gifts? Am I a good steward of what God has given to me in the area of possessions? Do I spend until I’m broke month after month? Do I buy things without first asking God if He wants to provide my need in another way? Do I thank God daily for taking care of all my needs?
-My personal time with God. Is there one? What do I do as far as personal devotions? How often? Am I learning new things or simply going over the same things repeatedly? Do I make the time for meaningful prayer? Do I “pray without ceasing” all day long? Is what I am studying making enough of an impact that I can remember it tomorrow, and/or, am I actively applying what I am learning to the circumstances of my current days?
-My church life. Do I regularly attend church? How often is “regular”? Does my church teach God’s Word and focus on obeying it, or is it more a pleasant social get-together? When I am in church, do I look around me in between services so that I can say hi to people and attempt to be an encouragement and help? When the service has started, am I paying attention? Taking part? Truly listening to the sermon so that I can better please God in my life? When the church has activities, do I participate? Help set up, cook, or clean up? Do I pray for my pastor and church family on a daily basis?
-My home life. If someone were to present me with a lined out list of everything I did each day this last week, what would it show is important to me? Time with family? Bible study? Fun videos on YouTube? Typing my every thought on Facebook? Watching sports? Reading fiction? (While none of those things are bad in and of themselves, they can certainly take over our lives and suck up all our time; therefore, we are wise to show much caution with how we are spending our “free time.”)
There are LOTS more categories we could (and should) evaluate, but this is at least a bit of an idea to get started with. Really, the best way to handle something like this is to spend some quiet time in prayer, asking the Father to examine your heart and life and show you what needs tweaking—or downright hoeing out. He will LOVE to help you with that! All He has ever asked for is a willing, submissive, obedient heart. He provides the strength, wisdom, ability—and even the right attitude. =)
Notes, questions, prayer requests/praises, things I want to remember:
Saturday, January 9, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.”
Ephesians 1:3-6, ESV
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. 4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. 6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.”
Ephesians 1:3-6, NLT
-If this verse/passage contains one of the following words, circle it. IMAGE, IMITATE, EXAMPLE, GOD IS. . ., DO THIS (DON’T DO THIS, BE. . ., MIRROR, WAY, other: ___
-Thoughts, conclusions, comments, applications, things you want to remember from this verse/passage:
Something to Think About:
Did you know that Ephesians 1:3-14 is one sentence in the language it was written in? What is the focus of this really long sentence? All that we are and have IN Christ Jesus upon salvation. It’s quite the list! Be sure to check it out. It is chock-full of incredible truths that will leave you oh, so thankful, for God the Father and God the Son.
In the realm of becoming like Christ and growing in the image of God, verse 4 tells us that God loved us and chose us (before the foundation of the world!) to be holy and to be blameless before Him. It’s who we ARE and who we are becoming as we cooperate with the Holy Spirit as He shows us what to do and not do in order to please God and to mature in the faith. Ultimately, of course, the whole purpose of the entire universe is to bring glory to God. So, in a very real way, every single time we give God thanks and praise, every single time we choose to do what is right, every single time we obey a biblical command, every single time we think and act “in love,” every single time we treat others as more important than ourselves—we are doing what we were created to do. We are fulfilling what God created us to do.
The truly amazing part of all that, though, (as if that weren’t enough!) is that even though God owes us NOTHING, and in fact, ought to punish us most severely for our rebellion against Him, when we DO obey Him and do all the things that bring Him glory—He rewards us! He blesses us infinitely in the here and now AND He is keeping a record of all of it so that He can reward us in eternity. What all that is will be, I’m sure, a pretty epic discovery, but one thing we are sure of (based on all those parables in the Gospel accounts) is that the biggest and best reward of all will be assignments that allow us to serve the Lamb in bigger and better ways than we could ever do in this life and in these unglorified bodies. NOTHING will be more important than praising God throughout all of eternity and the believers who live faithfully for Him in this life will be the ones who are given greater service opportunities in the eons to come. Having said that, don’t get the idea that pastors and missionaries will all be getting the “good” jobs. For one thing, EVERY job in heaven will be perfectly wonderful in every single way. There will be no tears, no disappointment, no jealousy. But, back to the point, faithfulness to God is defined by how well each of us chose to obey God and live for Him WHEREVER we are and WHOEVER we are. A spinster with no children who lives in a one-room apartment has every chance to live for God wholeheartedly as does a pastor of a mega church. This isn’t a case of man v. woman; adult v. child—any of that. We will each stand before the Savior and give an account for how well we did or didn’t use the time, talents, and treasures that He entrusted to us. This is a super huge deal and maybe you’re thinking with regret about lost opportunities and prior poor choices. That’s yesterday. Today is the day to rejoice in the Lord and to bring Him honor and glory in all you say and do. Today is the day to choose His way over any other person or ideal. Today is the day to SHINE as His beloved child.
-Here are a few questions based on these verses that should help us remember what we read and provide a talking point with our Father in prayer:
-All our blessings are found “in” Whom?
-When did God choose those who would be His children?
-What were we chosen to “be”?
-How did God add us to His family? (v.5)
-What is the only right response according to verse 6?
Notes, questions, prayer requests/praises, things I want to remember:
-Friday, January 8, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”
Romans 8:29, ESV
“For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. “
Romans 8:29, NLT
-If this verse/passage contains one of the following words, circle it. IMAGE, IMITATE, EXAMPLE, GOD IS. . ., DO THIS (DON’T DO THIS, BE. . ., MIRROR, WAY, other: __
-Thoughts, conclusions, comments, applications, things you want to remember from this verse/passage:
Something to Think About:
Romans 8:29 is a pretty crystal clear verse stating what God’s goal is for all those who trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior. Their focus is to be conformed to the image of the Son. We are to be learning how to think like He did, act like He did, speak like He did, and have the same goals and drive that He did. In a nutshell? He lived to do the Father’s will and to please HIM. Simple, huh? Well, simple and straightforward, but definitely not easy—and definitely not an overnight accomplishment. We NEED, in fact, God’s own help to do this (and even to WANT to do this). Praise His name, He is standing at the ready to do just that! He makes His throne room available to us 24/7 (did you get that? GOD ALMIGHTY makes Himself available to YOU—and DELIGHTS when you call on Him!!!), He has given us the Holy Spirit to be with us every single second (for forever) to help us choose to do right, to help us understand Scripture, and to remind us of what it says when we need to know something specific. God also gives us the Bible, His Written Word, to study, memorize, meditate on, and find help, comfort, and wisdom. He gives us a local church family to learn together with, to build each other up in the things of the Lord, to worship Him, and to serve Him in a million different ways. He gives us a hand-picked pastor (also named “shepherd,” “elder,” “overseer,” and even “bishop” in Scripture—different titles, same guy) unique to each local church to teach us, guide us, lead us, and help us learn bit-by-bit what it means to be conformed into the image of the Son. And God gives us fellow believers. There are DOZENS of Bible verses and passages that instruct believers how to help each other. They are the “one another” verses (look them up—make a list!).
We would be WRONG to think that becoming conformed to the image of God is all on our shoulders or that we are expected to be perfect within a few months of salvation. It’s a life-long process (the official term is “progressive sanctification”) that we work on a bit more every single day, adding new information as we find it so that, with time, we are more like Him in a year than we are now. In fact, that’s a super good gauge to test yourself a bit to see if you are putting in the effort to be like Christ. Think back six months, a year, five years. Are you more like Him now than you were then? I’m not suggesting that you have perfect victory over every nemesis in your life, just that you are more aware of right and wrong and have a greater desire to please Him in your words and actions.
None of us has the slightest idea how much time we have for this critical (and delightful) goal. Some of us are given literally decades, others only have a few short months or years. Whatever time YOU have left before you are promoted to heaven, use it wisely, carefully, and obediently. You will NOT regret it now and you will be utterly thankful when you get to glory.
-Here are a few questions based on these verses that should help us remember what we read and provide a talking point with our Father in prayer:
-Compare Romans 8:29 in ESV and NLT. Summarize what God wants His children to be like.
-What is Jesus’ position in comparison to all others of God’s children?
-In a nutshell, Jesus lived to do the ___ will and to please Him.
Notes, questions, prayer requests/praises, things I want to remember:
Thursday, January 7, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.”
Exodus 33:13, ESV
“If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is your very own people.”
Exodus 33:13, NLT
-If this verse/passage contains one of the following words, circle it. IMAGE, IMITATE, EXAMPLE, GOD IS. . ., DO THIS (DON’T DO THIS, BE. . ., MIRROR, WAY, other: __
-Thoughts, conclusions, comments, applications, things you want to remember from this verse/passage:
Something to Think About:
The background of this interesting verse is just after God had given Moses the Ten Commandments on Mount Moriah. While he was up on the mountain for several days, the entire camp of Hebrews had decided that they needed a visible “god” that they could worship, so they threw their jewelry into a pot, melted it, and fashioned a golden calf. Sadly, all this incredible wickedness was overseen and led by Moses’ own brother, Aaron. God was so angry at the people that He wanted to wipe them off the face of the earth and raise up a new people from Moses. God also didn’t want to travel any longer with them on their way to Canaan. But Moses, who WAS obeying God and serving Him faithfully, prayed to God and asked Him for mercy for the people—and God relented. This, of course, shows that God DOES hear and answer our prayers. We definitely do not always get the “yes” we were looking for, but God always gives us the perfect answer in the perfect timing and way.
After this, though, comes verse 13, “Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight.” Here, Moses is asking God for something truly astonishing. Moses wants to know more about God SO THAT God will be pleased with Him. In other words, He is asking God for the things that God wants him to think, do, and say so that he can not only have the information, but live it out in his day-to-day life. And, guess what? God said “Yes”! Several thousands of years later and in a very, very different “world” than Moses lived, believers alive today can also ask God to teach us about Himself so that we, too, can know how to live God-honoring lives and so that our fellowship with Him can become sweeter and sweeter. Furthermore, we have the HUGE bonus of having God’s Word in written form to read, re-read, memorize, and consult to find out all the “essentials” and to guide us in our quest to be becoming more like Christ. We have, too, the indwelling Holy Spirit, Who will keep teaching and guiding the willing, faithful believer day by day for his entire life.
Do you wish you had a closer relationship to the Father? Have you asked Him for it? Have you obeyed what you already know He wants? Have you turned your back on worldly and selfish thinking? Have you incorporated a daily, meaningful time in His Word and in prayer? Are you a member of a Bible-teaching church? Are you attending faithfully and serving there on a regular basis? God WANTS to bless us in bigger and better ways every day, He just requires that we first do what we already know He wants us to do.
Need help with that? Just ask Him. He’s been waiting to hear from you.
-Here are a few questions based on these verses that should help us remember what we read and provide a talking point with our Father in prayer:
-Moses told God that if he had found favor in His sight, He would show him His ___.
-Why? What did Moses plan to do with this information?
Notes, questions, prayer requests/praises, things I want to remember:
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”
James 1:22-25, ESV
“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.”
James 1:22-25, NLT
-If this verse/passage contains one of the following words, circle it. IMAGE, IMITATE, EXAMPLE, GOD IS. . ., DO THIS (DON’T DO THIS, BE. . ., MIRROR, WAY, other: ___
-Thoughts, conclusions, comments, applications, things you want to remember from this verse/passage:
Something to Think About:
Mirrors are one of those tools in life that are both really important to have and use—and really annoying when they reflect something that isn’t what we had hoped for. Mirrors tell it like it is. Well, of course, unless it’s a circus mirror that makes you look 20 feet tall or 20 feet wide! Or, of course, dressing room mirrors, which are fashioned to make people cry.
Mirrors, of course, cannot “say” anything. They simply reflect what is already there. If we have a new pimple on the very tip of our nose, the mirror shows it. If we have sprouted a whole new batch of grey hairs, the mirror shows it. If we have new makeup that looks good on us, the mirror shows that, too. But all these things are physical things. In the book of James, the author uses the illustration of a mirror to teach spiritual truth. He says that people don’t generally look at their reflection, but forget who they are when they are not looking. Neither will the Christian who not only READS God’s Word, but also obeys it, forget what He read—or who he is as a child of God. In fact, God’s Word says that the Christian who reads God’s Word, the Bible, and takes the time to truly “hear it,” (think about it, meditate on it, ponder how it affects them and how they should think and act), and then ACTS on what he has learned, will be blessed. To be blessed isn’t synonymous with good health and much wealth, though these things are definitely a gift from God. Biblically, to be blessed is both a sense of fulfillment of purpose (usefulness to God; bringing Him glory), of peace (despite the circumstances), and of joy (even in the face of hard things). To be blessed of God is also, though, to earn rewards in heaven. The things that we do for the Lord out of love for Him and obedience to His Word are earning believers treasures in heaven. What all these treasures will be is a bit mysterious, but right up there with the most wonderful part is that they will include opportunities to serve God in even bigger and better ways. People may not always want to serve God wholeheartedly in this world, but in eternity, EVERYONE will want to serve God all the time and with all their being! Faithful children of God can get a head start on that today.
-Here are a few questions based on these verses that should help us remember what we read and provide a talking point with our Father in prayer:
-James uses what common household object to teach a spiritual lesson?
-Listening to God’s Word is a pretty important first step, but it isn’t enough all by itself. What is also necessary?
-What promise is given to those who hear what God is saying and then obey it (v.25)?
(If you have started a “list” journal, this verse contains an item for your “promises of God” list. It also contains a “To do”/command.)
-Prayerfully contemplate in what ways you might have heard what God wanted in some area, but without fully obeying Him. Perhaps you are obeying, but you know that you could do it more or with more excellence. If you ask Him to point out ways you can honor Him better, He’ll show you!
Notes, questions, prayer requests/praises, things I want to remember:
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
MT. 5:43-48, ESV
“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
MT. 5:43-48, NLT
-If this verse/passage contains one of the following words, circle it. IMAGE, IMITATE, EXAMPLE, GOD IS. . ., DO THIS (DON’T DO THIS, BE. . ., MIRROR, WAY, other: __
-Thoughts, conclusions, comments, applications, things you want to remember from this verse/passage:
Something to Think About:
Being a child of God sets us apart from the world. We are no longer slaves to sin and our eternal destiny is not the Lake of Fire. Once someone has placed their trust in Jesus Christ as the Savior from their sin, they no longer have to sin because Jesus won the victory over it. We now have the capability to say “no” to sin and temptation to sin, and “yes” to being holy as God is holy and living in a way that pleases Him and glorifies Him.
In addition, where we were once citizens of satan’s kingdom of darkness, we have now become citizens of heaven, children of God, fellow heirs with Jesus Christ, and partakers in Jesus’ kingdom of light. We are totally and completely new people in every way possible! As children of God, we are now able to strive to “be like” our Father – and learning what He is like so that we can imitate it should be our highest goal and one of our most precious privileges as a Christian.
In Matthew 5, Jesus points out that an old way to think was that we could love our neighbors, but hate our enemies, BUT this kind of thinking was never what God intended. Jesus taught that to imitate our Father in heaven, we need to love even those who are unkind to us and give us a hard time. We also need to pray for them. Why? Because our Father does! He lets His glorious sun shine on both the evil and the good. He allows life-giving rain to fall and benefit those who love Him and those who don’t. Besides, Jesus said, even ungodly people are mostly kind to their friends and the people they like. If we are only kind to those who are kind to us, how does that set us apart as God’s family? God has NOTHING to do with unfairness, cruelty, and a lack of compassion—and as His children, neither should we.
At the end of this passage, Jesus commands us to be “perfect” as God is perfect—which is pretty alarming! I’m going to hazard a guess that each of us is all too aware that we are FAR from perfect! But, the word “perfect” here isn’t used how we use the word in English, that of being flawless and faultless. The Greek word Jesus used here has the idea of being mature or “complete.” It is the idea of spiritual maturity (acting and thinking in a way that jibes with Scripture). Spiritual maturity in this passage is displayed in how we think of other people and how we treat them. I think that in our crazy, mixed-up world, showing kindness, compassion, and grace to everyone will DEFINITELY make us stand out as different! =) And, if someone notices and makes comment, what a wonderful opportunity to tell them how trusting in Jesus as Savior gave you new life and an eternal home with God—and can for them, too!
-Here are a few questions based on these verses that should help us remember what we read and provide a talking point with our Father in prayer:
-What is the main difference between what was “heard” and what God truly wants (v.43-44)?
-What, according to the NLT, makes us “true children of our Father in heaven”?
-What brings “reward”?
-True or False. God demands that every Christian be flawless and faultless.
-God does want all His children to be becoming more like Him and like the Son. Is there someone in your life who is some sort of “enemy” who you should be praying for? Spend some time in prayer, asking the Father to show you areas where you can be more like Him in your love for others.
Notes, questions, prayer requests/praises, things I want to remember:
-Monday, January 4, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
I Peter 1:14-16, ESV
“So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. 15 But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. 16 For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”
I Peter 1:14-16, NLT
-If this verse/passage contains one of the following words, circle it. IMAGE, IMITATE, EXAMPLE, GOD IS. . ., DO THIS (DON’T DO THIS, BE. . ., MIRROR, WAY, other: __
-Thoughts, conclusions, comments, applications, things you want to remember from this verse/passage:
Something to Think About:
Our Father in heaven is many things, but perhaps His chief characteristic is that He is holy. So, if we as His children want to imitate Him, we obviously need to be holy too. But what does that even mean? Aren’t there gobs of views about what it means to be holy? Who are we to believe?
The answer to every single one of life’s questions must always return to the One Who created everything and Who rules everything: God. And God, in His mercy, grace, and wisdom, gave us a Guide Book to provide everything that we need to know about Him and how to live godly lives. We know it as the Bible. The Bible is also known as “God’s Word” – because it is literally the words of God given to mankind! God, the Holy Spirit, worked with multiple authors over the course of a few millennia to have written exactly what He wanted the Bible to say, yet He used the personality of the human authors. It’s quite a staggering thing to consider! But unlike other books that were written and that’s the end of it, GOD’S WORD is living and able to teach us, to correct wrong thinking, to provide truth for our education, but also for our peace of mind and joy of heart. Most importantly, it is in the Bible that God tells us how to become His children so that we can live with Him and be with Him for eternity. Even though some people claim that everyone will go to heaven and that everyone belongs to God, that’s not true—and we know that because God, the Author and Finisher of everything, said so.
You see, today’s verse about being holy as God is holy points out that humans are fully capable of being unholy. In fact, “unholy” is our default setting. This is true on two levels. I Peter is actually addressed to Christians, those who have trusted in Jesus as Savior. These people (believers) are POSITIONALLY holy in that their sin has been paid for by the blood of Christ, BUT they can CHOOSE to sin, which is to be unholy; that is opposite from Who God is. Holiness, according to Scripture, has two components. It is both the absence of sin (anything and everything that God says is wrong) and it is the inclusion of everything that is righteous (anything and everything that God says is right/morally good). In fact, did you know that God has a “right” action/attitude to replace everything that is bad and wrong? Though, truthfully, it would definitely be a more accurate picture to say that God created everything right—and that it was mankind who perverted it, twisted it, and made up ways to defile it.
So, while Christians have been made holy by the work Jesus Christ, God’s Son, accomplished on the cross to pay the price for their sin, they can choose to think and act in a way that is unholy. THANKFULLY, they can make that right with God by confessing their sin (agreeing with God that what they did was wrong in His eyes), then turn away from it so that they can do what pleases and honors God. Sadly (and critically important), unbelievers cannot do this. Because the first man that God created some 6,000 or so years ago chose to sin (he disobeyed God), every human who has been born since is born with a sin nature, a desire to defy God and go against Him. Because God is holy and will never have anything to do with unholiness, this created an unbridgeable rift between Him and us. And because there is always a penalty for sin, it also doomed every last man, woman, and child to an eternity of torture in the Lake of Fire! BUT, though God is absolute holiness, He is also grace and He is love. He loves all of us SO MUCH that He came up with a plan of redemption—a way that we could be saved from this horrible future. Because only a completely sinless man could pay the price for sin—and all humans are born with sin, He asked His perfect sinless Son, Jesus Christ, to become a Man SO THAT He could take the punishment we all deserve for our sin. And Jesus, always the obedient Son, did it! He came to earth as the Son of a human woman, Mary, but also as the Son of God—making Him able to provide salvation for us. He came as a helpless Baby to a poor woman and her fiancée, Joseph, and grew up, telling everyone about His Father in heaven and how to have a right relationship with Him, then He allowed Himself to be killed on a cross IN OUR PLACE, taking on His sinless shoulders our sin, bearing God’s wrath on His body. BUT, He never stopped being God (because that would be impossible) and after three days, He rose again, forever defeating sin, death, and satan! It is when a person believes that Jesus did this for them personally that they become a Christian. Becoming a Christian also makes us a member of God’s family and guarantees us eternal life in God’s presence—where sin, sickness, death, and darkness NEVER have a place.
Do you want to reflect God the Father and God the Son as if you were a mirror of them? First, you need to trust in Jesus as your Savior. Then, once you belong to Him, you need to confess sin when you realize you have done it and never give up on living in a manner that pleases God and which is fitting for a child of God and citizen of heaven. The Holy Spirit helps us do this, so it is absolutely possible. Will we be perfect this side of glory? No, but faithfulness to God isn’t synonymous with perfection, it is simply never giving up and continuing to make the effort to learn about God, obey what you learn pleases Him, and making it right with Him when you get off course. THAT is being holy as He is holy.
-Here are a few questions based on these verses that should help us remember what we read and provide a talking point with our Father in prayer:
-Are all humans automatically born belonging to God? Read Romans 3:23 and 6:23.
-Who paid the price for all men, women, and children so that they could become children of God? Read John 3:16
-Have you trusted in Christ as your Savior? On what do you base this? (If you have ANY doubts or concerns, please talk to your pastor!)) Read Ephesians 2:8-9.
-Once someone is saved, they are commanded to be ___.
-Who is our example of holiness?
-Take some time to look around you. Look at your possessions, any records of how you have used your time in the last 24 hours or so, and consider conversations that you have had with others, either spoken or written. Is it holy as He is holy? Spend some time in prayer committing to live as the child of God that you ARE.
Notes, questions, prayer requests/praises, things I want to remember:
Saturday, January 2, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.”
Colossians 1:15-17, ESV
“Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, 16 for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. 17 He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.”
Colossians 1:15-17, NLT
-If this verse/passage contains one of the following words, circle it. IMAGE, IMITATE, EXAMPLE, GOD IS. . ., DO THIS (DON’T DO THIS, BE. . ., MIRROR, WAY, other: __
-Thoughts, conclusions, comments, applications, things you want to remember from this verse/passage:
Something to Think About:
In our quest to be becoming more like Christ and to be imitators of God as His dearly loved children, we need to look no further than Jesus Christ as our perfect Example. Jesus was not only “like” God, He IS God—and He perfectly represents Who God is in every way. I’m not sure we grasp what an incredible privilege God gave us in sending His Son. Not “only” did God make a way for us to be free from the sin that condemned us to an eternity in Hell, He gave us His Son to exactly represent to us just WHO He is, what’s important to Him, and what His Being is all about. Of course, there’s no way we could ever fully grasp GOD, but with His help, we can sure know (and appreciate) a ton! In fact, God yearns to reveal Himself to each of us a bit more every day that we are alive. He does this through His Word, the Bible. He does this through daily and regular prayer. He does this through sermons, Bible studies, Sunday School classes and other times where we sit under the teaching of His Word and fellowship with like-minded believers. He does this as we yield to the direction of the Holy Spirit, obeying and applying Scripture in the big things and little things of our daily lives. He does this as we choose to distance ourselves from sin and the world and draw close to His side.
If we read on in Colossians 1, this is what it says: “And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.” Colossians 1:18-23
Did you notice a WONDERFUL life goal in those verses for all of us? That Christ might come to have first place (“preeminence”) in everything. Wowzers. Look no further for the #1 item on your to-do list for today—and for your life. That Christ might come to have first place. THIS is how we honor and please God and THIS is how we come to better and better reflect the image of God personally and as a family in Christ, the Church.
-Here are a few questions based on these verses that should help us remember what we read and provide a talking point with our Father in prayer.”
-Who is the visible image of our invisible God?
-Who created all there is?
-Why were all things created? _
-What “place” must Jesus have in the lives of all believers?
Notes, questions, prayer requests/praises, things I want to remember:
Dear Students of the Word, January 1, 2021
Welcome to a brand new year of Daily Bible Study Questions!
For those who don’t know me, my name is Lorie Brown and I am the wife of Pastor Laurence D. Brown, ministering at the First Baptist Church, North Conway, New Hampshire since 1997. We have five grown children. Of them, one is married and has given us four young granddaughters.
Since my teen years I have had a passion for God’s Word—and to be able to share its treasures with women. I consider it a tremendous joy to write about what God has impressed on my heart both for my own growth and accountability as well as to edify others as He leads. I do not take this privilege lightly—and I am fully aware that every single thing I write about godly living makes me even more accountable than those who read it.
After a tremendous amount of prayer, seeking counsel from mature believers, and studying God’s Word, I believe that God is pointing our Daily Bible Study Question work for 2021 into the direction of being imitators of God. There are all sorts of Bible verses that talk about how God’s children are to be becoming like Him and like Jesus Christ. There are verses that tell us in what way we are to live in the image of God, there are those which instruct us in very specific ways to imitate Christ, there are verses that speak about “reflecting” God, as in the way a mirror reflects our own image back to us. There are also wonderful examples of Who our God is, how He thinks, what He does—and why. And there are, as well, loads and loads of examples of people down through the millennia who were excellent imitators of God and in what way. These are some of the things, Lord willing, we will be looking at this next year in our Bible studies. A key verse to jump start this fun study is Ephesians 5:1, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.”
I thank you for your prayers for this ministry. It is just dead words if God is not at the center of it—both in the writing and in the reading. Pray for the spiritual growth of all those who are joining us in this study, that we will bring God great glory as we study together about becoming imitators of God.
By His Grace,
Lorie
Programing Notes:
-I will provide both the ESV (English Standard Version) and the NLT (New Living Translation) for the daily work via biblegateway.com, but feel free to use whatever version or versions you are most comfortable with.
-Our Daily Bible Study Question work (DBSQs) takes the form of Scripture to read, questions to answer based on the Scripture, a few Bible study thoughts to ponder, and an opportunity to jot down what the Holy Spirit prompts you to notice, do, praise God for, and so on. One of the things I DON’T do is ask your “feelings” about “stuff.” I love to let the Bible speak for itself because God has promised us that it contains everything that we need in order to live godly lives, so it is always the focus of our studies and conclusions.
-Bible Study work (especially for those receiving this online) is Monday-Saturday.
-I have been studying the concept of imitating God for several months and have discovered that a few of the categories these verses are likely to fall into include either these literal words or the concepts of them: “image,” “imitate,” “mirror,” God’s “ways,” “God is. . .,” and examples of what we are to “be” and do. Be watching for them in the daily verses!
-PLEASE keep in mind that just because God has led me to some specific application in a passage does not mean that the application that you see is wrong. Each verse/passage contains one truth, but may contain many applications.
-Please also keep in mind that context is important in Bible study. It’s always a good idea to know what’s happening around a verse to help understand what it means. Not doing so can result in faulty doctrine—and doctrine is what all Christians must build their lives on.
-Don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of help in any way.
-Feel free to forward these to whomever you want.
-Have fun! Studying and applying God’s Word is AWESOME! It benefits us in the here and now—and for all of eternity!
-Friday, January 1, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.”
Ephesians 5:1-4, ESV
“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. 3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.”
Ephesians 5:1-4, NLT
-If this verse/passage contains one of the following words, circle it. IMAGE, IMITATE, EXAMPLE, GOD IS. . ., DO THIS (DON’T DO THIS, BE. . ., MIRROR, WAY, other: ________________________________
-Thoughts, conclusions, comments, applications, things you want to remember from this verse/passage:
Something to Think About:
Ephesians 5:1 is a clear cut command to Christians. We are supposed to imitate God in how we think and act. Obviously, no one thinks for a second that any human can imitate God in His acts of deity. It is not given to us in the Church Age to do miracles, to have unlimited power or wisdom – or to do anything that are the things only God can do. However, we CAN learn to have His attitude toward people (that of love for them as humans, but hatred for the sin that leads to such wickedness), we CAN be holy as He is holy, we can seek righteousness and despise evil. And we can do all this with the encouragement of knowing we are God’s “dearly loved children”! In other words, it’s more than just saying and doing the right things, it’s an attitude of WANTING to please God because He is our dearly loved Father. It’s a sense of loyalty to the family of God that we are, so blessedly, a member of.
Ephesians 5 goes on to give a few specific examples of the child of God’s behavior. We are to “walk” in love. In Scripture, our walk usually refers to how we live/our lifestyle. We are to live thinking of others before ourselves, being sacrificial in how we think of and act towards them. If we need an example of what that might look like, Jesus loved us so much that He gave His own life for us! He did it as a “sacrificial and fragrant” OFFERING TO GOD. We, too, can get up each morning and give the details of the day to God, trusting Him with our well being so that we are free to be a blessing and help to others.
We are also given a few things NOT to do/be. Sexual immorality (say in books, movies, and music) should not be a part of our life WHATSOEVER, nor any kind of impurity (all that is not “pure”). Being greedy is also not proper for children of God. This definitely includes things having to do with money, but it might also include food, friends, “me-time,” recognition and accolades, and anything that we find ourselves wanting more and more of. Also on the “just don’t do it” list is obscene and foolish talking/crude joking. This, I’m sorry to say, has become very ordinary in conversations around us and on TV and in movies. It is the inappropriate mention of sexually related topics as humor. The biblical remedy for ungodly conversations and thoughts is THANKSGIVING. It is ALWAYS appropriate to pause in our thoughts and activities to thank God for Who He is, what He has done (and is doing), and to praise Him for His magnificent creation and constant blessings that He displays all day, every day, for those who have the eyes to see. In fact, if there’s nothing that causes us to praise God in something we are seeing, reading, hearing, or saying, it’s probably not something a child of God should be part of.
Being told that we must imitate God is a pretty formidable command, but when we remember that God Himself will help us with each next right thing, then all is well. None of us is going to be perfect this side of glory, but we can ALL be faithful.
-Here are a few questions based on these verses that should help us remember what we read and provide a talking point with our Father in prayer:
-“Be imitators of God as ___________ ____________.”
-How is Christ an example for us in how to walk in love? _____________________________
-Name two things that have no place in the life of a Christian. __________________________
-Instead of ugly words, what should there be toward God? _______________________________
Notes, questions, prayer requests/praises, things I want to remember:
February 2021 DBSQ
Saturday, February 27, 2021
(Please take a moment for prayer to ask God’s help to understand today’s Bible passage and to apply it to your life. Make sure, as well, that your heart is right with Him by confessing any known sin.)
-Today’s Scripture:
“(Christ) In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory. 14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Ephesians 3:12-21, ESV
“Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. 13 So please don’t lose heart because of my trials here. I am suffering for you, so you should feel honored. 14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. 20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.”
Ephesians 3:12-21, NLT
Something to Think About:
Though the love of God is wider than wide, longer than long, higher than high, and deeper than deep, and though the love of Christ is too great to fully understand, God has gifted us with the opportunity to keep TRYING to understand it and to continue to CHOOSE to believe that He IS ABLE to work in us and through us to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think—for His glory and for the glory of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer.
The result of God’s vast riches of love for us as His children and our willing submission to His Lordship is that Jesus Christ feels “at home” in our heart (v.17)—because we are becoming more and more like Him in our love for God and His love for God’s children.
What has this study of “love” this month been all about? It is to chip away at the infinite love of God—directed at each one of us. A love that put into motion the only plan that could save us from our sin and adopt us into His forever-family. It is a love that fashioned millions and millions of happenings to bring His Son into the world in the “fullness of time,” and which fashioned YOU AND ME to trust in Christ as our Savior. It is a love that created the Church Age and formed local churches with God-appointed shepherds and individual members that create a special body unique to that time and place. It is a love that welcomes every child of God to constant face-to-face time with the Father in prayer. It is a love that helps each and every child of God to be becoming more like the Son and learning how to imitate the beloved Father as His beloved child. It is a love that gives us victory over sin and satan and which provides peace, joy, and complete confidence in an eternal (perfect) home. It is a love that is very personal. It is a love for YOU.
As we end our study of “love” for this month, never forget that there is literally no end to God’s love, therefore our study of it cannot (and should not) end. It should be our eager desire to keep learning more about Him so that we can praise Him in bigger and better ways and so that we can share that love with the people who are in our lives.
-Our focus in February is on the word “love” (agape in Greek) because I John 4:8 says that God IS love. As His children longing to imitate Him (Eph. 5:1), we need to know what this word means in God’s dictionary. To do so, we are studying what God taught about it in His own words (the Bible).
-Based on today’s reading, identify “love” by summarizing what biblical love does or does not do and/or how it is manifested (displayed) by God:
-Now what? Ask the Father to show you areas where you can better imitate His love. As much as possible, list specific items to work on:
Friday, February 26, 2021
(Please take a moment for prayer to ask God’s help to understand today’s Bible passage and to apply it to your life. Make sure, as well, that your heart is right with Him by confessing any known sin.)
-Today’s Scripture:
“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 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.”
Ephesians 2:1-10, ESV
“Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. 4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
Ephesians 2:1-10, NLT
Something to Think About:
When studying Scripture, I have long loved words like “but,” “and then,” and so” that indicate an important contrast. Sometimes it ends up being something unpleasant, such as someone who had been living obediently for God, then they stopped. Other times, though, it is something so incredible that the only right response is to pause, bow my head, and thank God for His mercy, grace, and tremendous love. Ephesians 2:1-10 is one such passage. It begins by listing all that we are apart from Christ, and frankly, it’s pretty ugly. Then verse 4 changes EVERYTHING by beginning with “but.” But what? But, GOD. God, being rich in mercy, because of His GREAT LOVE with which He loved us, made us alive together with Christ.
Wow.
But, GOD.
Say, has it been a while since you last thanked God for His great love for YOU? For how He showed YOU mercy that was rich? For the certain and sure promises that YOU will see His incredible wealth of grace and kindness demonstrated in your life? That He made a place for YOU near Jesus in heavenly places? That He traded life for the death that was your due? That God considers YOU His masterpiece? That God has created you to be a brand new creature in Christ? That God has enabled YOU to do good things for Him?
We have SO MUCH to thank God for!
-Our focus in February is on the word “love” (agape in Greek) because I John 4:8 says that God IS love. As His children longing to imitate Him (Eph. 5:1), we need to know what this word means in God’s dictionary. To do so, we are studying what God taught about it in His own words (the Bible).
-Based on today’s reading, identify “love” by summarizing what biblical love does or does not do and/or how it is manifested (displayed) by God:
-Now what? Ask the Father to show you areas where you can better imitate His love. As much as possible, list specific items to work on:
Thursday, February 25, 2021
(Please take a moment for prayer to ask God’s help to understand today’s Bible passage and to apply it to your life. Make sure, as well, that your heart is right with Him by confessing any known sin.)
-Today’s Scripture:
“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”
I John 5:1-4, ESV
“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too. 2 We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey his commandments. 3 Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.”
I John 5:1-4, NLT
Something to Think About:
Fact #1. It is simple belief that Jesus is the Christ, the One God sent to be the Savior from our sin, that makes someone a Christian, a child of God.
Fact #2. We cannot love God and not love God’s other children. In other words, to love God IS to love God’s children. This isn’t exclusively a “feeling,” although as we invest our hearts and lives into blessing others, as we pray earnestly for them, and rejoice at each sign of spiritual growth, we will most definitely come to feel a close bond with them.
Fact #3. Obedience to God’s Word proves our love for God. No obedience, no love.
Fact #4. The things that God commands us to do are not “burdensome.” They are not oppressive, impossible, or overwhelming. Why? He gives us everything we need to obey Him—including the desire to want to obey Him. So, when some act of obedience seems hard or “unfair,” remember that God’s commands are a blessing! They are an opportunity to trust Him, to make Him smile, to bring Him glory, and to be a witness and testimony to others. They are also the way we earn treasures in heaven and the reward to serve God in bigger and better ways in glory.
Fact #5. Because of Christ’s work on the cross, all of God’s children have already “overcome the world.” Sin, satan, and death, were defeated on the cross and our eternity is secure in Christ. Children of God never HAVE TO sin. God always provides a way that we can flee temptation and remain right with Him. If, though, we do sin, He has also provided a way for us to return to a right relationship with Him by confessing our sin to Him (I John 1:9).
Fact #6. It is faith in the work of Christ that saves us from Hell and it is faith in His victory over sin, satan, and death that helps us choose to do what is right and to flee evil each day of our lives.
Fact #7. Victory is not only possible, it is God’s expressed will for us! He WANTS us to be victorious, succesful, and spiritually vigorous. He gives us all that we need to live this kind of blessed life.
-Our focus in February is on the word “love” (agape in Greek) because I John 4:8 says that God IS love. As His children longing to imitate Him (Eph. 5:1), we need to know what this word means in God’s dictionary. To do so, we are studying what God taught about it in His own words (the Bible).
-Based on today’s reading, identify “love” by summarizing what biblical love does or does not do and/or how it is manifested (displayed) by God:
Wednesday, January 24, 2021
(Please take a moment for prayer to ask God’s help to understand today’s Bible passage and to apply it to your life. Make sure, as well, that your heart is right with Him by confessing any known sin.)
-Today’s Scripture:
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. 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.”
John 15:9-17, ESV
“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! 12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. 16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other. “
John 15:9-17, NLT
Something to Think About:
In today’s passage, we find that Jesus desires for each believer to enjoy the same love relationship that He has with the Father. Why? Because He wants us to have joy that overflows! Why? Because He wants us to enjoy the same unity of heart and focus that He and the Father share. Why? So that our prayers will be accurate reflections of God’s will and be answered. These are some pretty awesome results of keeping God’s commands!
Did you notice a certain “passing down” of essential information and know-how here? It reminded me a bit of the skills my mother taught me beginning in my childhood and up until the day I left that home to begin one of my own (well, really longer than that, too!). She taught me how to be a productive, God-honoring woman in all sorts of areas: personal care, caring for my home, caring for my husband, caring for my children—countless do’s and don’ts of normal living. Once I had children of my own, I then began passing on these treasures of experience and knowledge to them. In John 15:9, Jesus is telling believers who want to excel in their walk with Him and have the closest relationship with Him that is possible, that He loves us in the same way that the Father loves Him. He points out that His role as the Son is to obey His father’s commandments, thereby demonstrating His love—and we must do likewise for Him.
He first wants us to have this same delightful love relationship with Him (by obeying His Word, v.10) as He enjoys with the Father, and then, second, to “pass it on” by showing love to other believers through sacrificially helping them in whatever way they might need, literally giving up our focus on self in order to benefit them (v.13).
Jesus says a few other things in this passage (like that He considers them friends rather than slaves) which further emphasizes the difference between God’s role with His people in the Old Testament and all He has planned for the new covenant relationship with His people upon Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. Where once God didn’t reveal all His plans to His people and only had one-on-one communication with a few people over the millennia, He has now made a way for all believers to pray to Him any time night or day—for any reason. He has given us the Third Person of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit, to indwell us each permanently. He has given us His Written Word to hold, read, re-read, memorize, and access 24/7 for instruction, for correction, for edification, and for great comfort and joy. I’m thinking that you and I have been MIGHTILY blessed to have been placed in the church age—no matter who is president!!! We have much to be thankful for—with literally every single breath. How are we going to show our gratitude? By loving God, demonstrated by our obedience to ALL the Bible, by loving others with the same wholeheartedness Jesus shows us. And as we do, we’ll experience joy, the delight of being Jesus’ friend, the security of knowing we are abiding in the love of Jesus, answered prayer, and the encouragement of bearing fruit for Him.
-Our focus in February is on the word “love” (agape in Greek) because I John 4:8 says that God IS love. As His children longing to imitate Him (Eph. 5:1), we need to know what this word means in God’s dictionary. To do so, we are studying what God taught about it in His own words (the Bible).
-Based on today’s reading, identify “love” by summarizing what biblical love does or does not do and/or how it is manifested (displayed) by God:
-Now what? Ask the Father to show you areas where you can better imitate His love. As much as possible, list specific items to work on:
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
(Please take a moment for prayer to ask God’s help to understand today’s Bible passage and to apply it to your life. Make sure, as well, that your heart is right with Him by confessing any known sin.)
-Today’s Scripture:
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:34-35, ESV
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
John 13:34-35, NLT
Something to Think About:
You may well ask yourself what Jesus meant when He gave His disciples this “new” commandment. After all, haven’t we already noticed and commented on Jesus’ reminder that the two greatest commandments that encapsulate the entire Law are to love God supremely and love others as self? How is this command to love one another any different? The secret is found in the second half of that sentence, “just as I have loved you.” You see, there is human love, and then there is divine love. Human love has serious limits and can easily be wrongly focused, dampened, or even removed! God’s love, divine love, is permanent, not wishy-washy, and has a very definite focus and point. Only God’s children are capable of loving in the way Jesus did. And how was that? What sets His love apart? Well, earlier in this chapter Jesus washed the feet of the disciples in the manner of the lowliest household servant. Jesus’ love is that of humility, that of a treating others with the best that you have, and, of course, in laying down your life on their behalf. Jesus demonstrated this by not only His sacrificial earth-shaking death on our behalf, but He lived His whole earthly ministry setting aside His will to help and serve others.
Here’s something important to keep in mind as a child of God: we may all BE God’s children upon our salvation, but we may not all live as His children. We may even SAY we are followers of Christ, His “disciples”/students, but if we are not showing biblical love to others, most especially brothers and sisters in Christ, we are not really His disciple. A disciple does what his teacher demonstrates, therefore we have no choice but to love one another just as Jesus loved—and loves—us.
Our world here in twenty-first century America is NOTHING like first-century Israel. We mixed-heritage United States citizens are NOTHING like the Jews of Bible time. And, yet, we can still love in the same manner that Jesus loved. We can, most importantly, determine to obey the Father’s will and not our own. Simply doing this essential first step will, I believe, automatically provide us with all sorts of ways to show Jesus’ love to others. We can also be on the look out for the needs of the people in our lives and who parade through our days. Some will be close family members, some will be church family, some will be co-workers and folks we see a lot in the course of our normal routine, and some will be complete strangers. How might we show love, Jesus’ love, to them all? By praying for openings and for wisdom to be a help and blessings in the way that best honors God. Then, as we keep our eyes open, LOOKING for opportunities to love, they will come flooding in. This then becomes our chance to think and act sacrificially as Jesus did, because always looking out for the needs of others can be exhausting physically, emotionally, and spiritually. But, though the price may be high, the rewards are literally out of this world!
Are you really and truly a disciple of Jesus? What about your regular day-to-day life proves this or disproves it? Prayerfully contemplate the last several days, asking the Father for insight into what you did or didn’t do and how you might excel still more tomorrow.
-Our focus in February is on the word “love” (agape in Greek) because I John 4:8 says that God IS love. As His children longing to imitate Him (Eph. 5:1), we need to know what this word means in God’s dictionary. To do so, we are studying what God taught about it in His own words (the Bible).
-Based on today’s reading, identify “love” by summarizing what biblical love does or does not do and/or how it is manifested (displayed) by God:
-Now what? Ask the Father to show you areas where you can better imitate His love. As much as possible, list specific items to work on:
Monday, February 22, 2021
(Please take a moment for prayer to ask God’s help to understand today’s Bible passage and to apply it to your life. Make sure, as well, that your heart is right with Him by confessing any known sin.)
-Today’s Scripture:
“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.” 7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.”
Hebrews 12:5-13, ESV
“And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. 6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” 7 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? 8 If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. 9 Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? 10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. 12 So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. 13 Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.”
Hebrews 12:5-13, NLT
Something to Think About:
So, like it or not, biblical love sometimes involves discipline and correction (I’m not fond of it, if you want to know the truth). =) HOWEVER, the Bible is all about telling us what is a wrong attitude and thought, then instructing us in the right ones. In this case, the Lord disciplines us because He loves us. He is not willing for us to keep going in a wrong direction or to lose the rewards and blessings He wants to give to us now and in the Millennium and beyond. He knows that there is A RIGHT WAY to live, to think, and to have our being, and He is going to guide us and direct us in that right way—painfully or not (it depends on us!).
There is a focal point in this chapter. It is found in verse 5 and it is simply to not give up. It is to recognize that God is working in us for our good, for our spiritual growth, for us to become holy as He is holy. Part of the way we can be encouraged by what would otherwise be an unpleasant thing is to remember that the reason God is working on us is because we are His children and He is our Father. The author points out that it is the job of human parents to discipline their children, therefore our heavenly Father sure isn’t going to slack on the job. God’s discipline demonstrates that He loves us.
Another reason to not give up is because the rewards are great for those who listen to God and obey Him, changing and adjusting any and all wrong thinking or actions according to God’s Word. Rewards include “sharing in His holiness” and the “peaceful fruit of righteousness.” The NTL says that once we have been corrected and have returned to the right path, we will have the peace of living in a manner that is pleasing to God.
Something that I learned while working on this portion of Scripture is that there are two kinds of discipline found here. One is what we’ve already addressed, something along the line of a spanking after bad behavior. The other is more along the idea of disciplines, plural. That is, being trained and groomed for a certain role or position. When I was still a teenager, I signed up at Robert Packer Hospital School of Surgical Technology in Sayre, Pennsylvania to learn how to be the surgeon’s helper during operations. Part of my instruction was book learning, but we were also given several hours every week in practical training. We were brought to a real operating room so we could see the rooms, equipment, and organization. We were taught how to scrub our hands and arms so we could be as clean as possible. We were taught how to put on sterile gowns and gloves so as to not contaminate anything. And we were taught where and how to stand to help – and not harm—any part of the procedure. If someone were to accidentally touch some part of their body that was not in the “safe” zone (say, an itchy nose), whoosh! You had to step back and replace anything that was contaminated before you could come back. If you did something really bone-headed, the surgeon might very well yell at you! Just gives me shivers thinking about it! But, if we listened, learned, followed the example of the professionals, and kept practicing what we were taught, we would eventually become proficient and be able to work without teachers hovering closely behind us.
Why did I tell you all that? No one goes from zero knowledge and ability in some area to competence without time, instruction, and a willing attitude. Spiritual growth also needs time, instruction, and a heart that is willing to listen, learn, and grow. God gave us pastors and other mature believers to help us in our journey—and He gave all of us His Word. II Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that “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.” The word “correction” here is the same word for discipline in Hebrews 12. Nifty, huh? In other words, God has given us everything that we need to live godly lives for Him!
-Our focus in February is on the word “love” (agape in Greek) because I John 4:8 says that God IS love. As His children longing to imitate Him (Eph. 5:1), we need to know what this word means in God’s dictionary. To do so, we are studying what God taught about it in His own words (the Bible).
-Based on today’s reading, identify “love” by summarizing what biblical love does or does not do and/or how it is manifested (displayed) by God:
-Now what? Ask the Father to show you areas where you can better imitate His love. As much as possible, list specific items to work on:
Saturday, February 20, 2021
(Please take a moment for prayer to ask God’s help to understand today’s Bible passage and to apply it to your life. Make sure, as well, that your heart is right with Him by confessing any known sin.)
-Today’s Scripture:
“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 10 For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; 11 let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
I Peter 3:8-12, ESV
“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 10 For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. 11 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. 12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”
I Peter 3:8-12, NLT
Something to Think About:
Today’s Scripture both uses the word “love” and gives us concrete examples of what showing love for brothers and sisters in Christ looks like. An essential component is an attitude of doing our best to look out for the interests of others and think of their needs as far more important than our own.
Being of one mind is the idea of pulling together – even though we might have varying ideas about how to best go about things. We won’t always agree with every idea from every believer, but if all of us want to please and honor Christ more than anything else, then we can work together patiently, kindly, humbly, and with respect.
Having sympathy with each other is simply the quality of a caring, loving concern—one that is demonstrated through words, actions, and often a great big ol’ hug. Genuine sympathizing is more than sending a card (though, that’s super nice!), it is personal involvement and a determination to ease one another’s hurt by drawing close and helping however we can.
Having a tender heart is the opposite of what human nature often wants to do. Human nature wants to protect itself from feeling hurt (their own—or someone else’s), it wants to keep to itself, it wants to be left alone. God’s nature, which is the character that God wants to imprint upon His children over the course of their walk with Him, is one of compassion, kindness, grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
Having a humble attitude is yet another reminder that our focus needs to be on the needs of others, not ourselves. If all believers acted this way, ALL our needs would be met – because we’d all be constantly helping each other. Sounds awesome!
Peter had a few more essential tips to what biblical love does and doesn’t do in this passage. It does not pay back evil for evil, meanness for meanness, unkindness for unkindness. In fact, children of God are able, because of the indwelling Holy Spirit, to do GOOD to others, no matter how they have been treated. We sure wouldn’t (and won’t!) do that in and of ourselves, but when we are imitating God, this is the normal and right action and reaction. This is where that “humble attitude” of verse 8 comes in. To return a blessing for an insult is to not consider self, but rather think of what that other person truly needs. If we make praying for that person a priority, very often the Holy Spirit shows us what the heart issue is—and it is so often born of pain, sorrow, or loss. Perhaps our sympathetic, loving, tender, humble response will touch their hearts and encourage them to get right with God so that they can experience His peace beyond understanding and joy above circumstance.
-Our focus in February is on the word “love” (agape in Greek) because I John 4:8 says that God IS love. As His children longing to imitate Him (Eph. 5:1), we need to know what this word means in God’s dictionary. To do so, we are studying what God taught about it in His own words (the Bible).
-Based on today’s reading, identify “love” by summarizing what biblical love does or does not do and/or how it is manifested (displayed) by God:
-Now what? Ask the Father to show you areas where you can better imitate His love. As much as possible, list specific items to work on:
Friday, February 19, 2021
(Please take a moment for prayer to ask God’s help to understand today’s Bible passage and to apply it to your life. Make sure, as well, that your heart is right with Him by confessing any known sin.)
-Today’s Scripture:
“The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. 2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 5 Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, 6 who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. 7 For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 8 Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.”
III John 1:1-8, ESV
“This letter is from John, the elder. I am writing to Gaius, my dear friend, whom I love in the truth. 2 Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit. 3 Some of the traveling teachers recently returned and made me very happy by telling me about your faithfulness and that you are living according to the truth. 4 I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth. 5 Dear friend, you are being faithful to God when you care for the traveling teachers who pass through, even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church here of your loving friendship. Please continue providing for such teachers in a manner that pleases God. 7 For they are traveling for the Lord, and they accept nothing from people who are not believers. 8 So we ourselves should support them so that we can be their partners as they teach the truth.”
III John 1:1-8, NLT
Something to Think About:
Today’s Scripture passage in the short book of Third John is an example of biblical love in action. John (the disciple whom Jesus loved) is an older man now and has had many come to the faith under his teaching. Gaius seems to be one of them. John is writing to Gaius to express his love for him (our word!) and to commend him for showing love (also our word!) to visiting preachers and teachers.
Basically, Gaius has been welcoming these men who have come to his town and church by caring for their physical needs and doing what he could to make their stay comfortable and pleasant. And dear fellow children of God, we can do this same wonderful task when visiting preachers, teachers, and missionaries come into our churches. We can offer hospitality to them, whether it is a spare bedroom for them to stay in or simply a meal in our home or at a restaurant. We can make sure they are comfortable in the church building and know where to find all the rooms they may need to use. We can make sure they know the timing of our various services. We can make sure they are comfortable in the town/area we live in, providing maps and whatever assistance they might need.
John is especially noting the help a church family can (and should) provide for those in the ministry by way of financial compensation. As he noted, it’s not up to the unsaved (the word “gentiles” here is referring to those who are not saved) to help support those who represent Christ and preach His Word. It’s up to God’s children in the local church to do this. It is a privilege to do so. Supporting full-time workers of God financially is definitely showing biblical love.
I wonder: who in your church is the one who does most of the hospitality for outsiders? It’s often the pastor and his family, but sometimes there are one or two families who can be counted on to help take care of these special guests. My challenge is, why not you? What might you do to show biblical love to those God brings into your church as guests? You may not have a guest room, but can you do something to help the person with the guest room provide for the guests? You may not be comfortable cooking a meal for a guest speaker, but would you be able to treat them to a meal out? If that’s too tight financially, do you know another person or two who could go in with you to pay for a nice meal?
Let’s talk for just a minute about showing biblical love to “regular” visitors to your church. Do you, at the very least, make eye contact and say “hi”? Do you chat for a few minutes and, perhaps, see if they have any special needs (this may be more necessary if they have kids, are disabled, or are elderly)? Have you considered asking them if there is anything in particular you can pray about for them? A friendly face in an unfamiliar place is definitely showing biblical love. When all else fails, just remember how you would want to be treated in a similar circumstance, and do that.
-Our focus in February is on the word “love” (agape in Greek) because I John 4:8 says that God IS love. As His children longing to imitate Him (Eph. 5:1), we need to know what this word means in God’s dictionary. To do so, we are studying what God taught about it in His own words (the Bible).
-Based on today’s reading, identify “love” by summarizing what biblical love does or does not do and/or how it is manifested (displayed) by God:
-Now what? Ask the Father to show you areas where you can better imitate His love. As much as possible, list specific items to work on:
Thursday, February 18, 2021
(Please take a moment for prayer to ask God’s help to understand today’s Bible passage and to apply it to your life. Make sure, as well, that your heart is right with Him by confessing any known sin.)
-Today’s Scripture:
“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. 8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. 12 The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. 13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
Revelation 3:7-13, ESV
“Write this letter to the angel of the church in Philadelphia. This is the message from the one who is holy and true, the one who has the key of David. What he opens, no one can close; and what he closes, no one can open: 8 “I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me. 9 Look, I will force those who belong to Satan’s synagogue—those liars who say they are Jews but are not—to come and bow down at your feet. They will acknowledge that you are the ones I love. 10 “Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world. 11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown. 12 All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of my God, and they will never have to leave it. And I will write on them the name of my God, and they will be citizens in the city of my God—the new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven from my God. And I will also write on them my new name. 13 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”
Revelation 3:7-13, NLT
Something to Think About:
The third letter to the churches of Asia Minor that contains our word, love, is in Revelation 3:7-13. Agape shows up in verse 9 of this message to the church in Philadelphia. Here, Jesus condemns those who were lying to this church family and reminds them that He does, indeed, love them. Part of the punishment for the wrongdoers, in fact, is to bow down before the church family here who love Him and whom He loves.
Jesus commends this church for:
-Obeying His Word, even though they had little strength.
-Not denying that they belonged to Him.
-Obeying Jesus’ command to persevere.
Jesus chastises this church for:
-Nothing! This church and the church family at Smyrna (Rev. 2:8-11) are the only church families which Jesus doesn’t have something “against.”
Jesus commands this church to:
-Hold tightly to what they have until He returns.
-Listen to what the Spirit says.
The lesson for us? Don’t miss how Jesus describes Himself in each of these letters—there is fantastic information here! For example, in this letter, Jesus calls Himself “the One Who is holy and true.” He says that He holds the “key of David,” and that what He opens cannot be closed, or what He closes cannot be opened. This letter also states quite clearly that God WILL deal with sinful men, liars, and those who have chosen to align themselves with satan. In the end, all will recognize TRUTH—and those who have refused to trust in Him as their Savior will face eternal judgment in the Lake of Fire.
God knows what we do for Him. This is incredibly important to Him and He will not ever forget it. NO labor done for the Lord goes unnoticed, no matter how “small.”
God takes it very seriously when someone tries to lead His children astray! This is both a warning to these men and women, but I think that even believers ought to sit up and take notice and never try to pass off our own opinions and ideals as if they were Scripture, when they are not. We would be wise to be exceedingly careful what we teach others as “truth,” and, in fact, guard against believing everything we hear personally until we are positive that it is GOD’S truth.
Jesus states quite clearly here that Christians up until the Rapture will not have to undergo to the horrors of the Tribulation Period.
Jesus IS returning—soon.
There is a crown ready and waiting for all who persevere and stay true to the Lord. In addition, victorious believers will have an important role in the New Jerusalem during the Millennium. They will have the incredible honor of wearing God’s name, Jesus’ name, and Jesus’ new name on their bodies.
What a great reminder about how God is focusing on us and eager to reward our faithfulness to Him—and how He will one day right all wrongs. Our plan, then, must be to persevere and keep on keeping on living faithfully, obediently, trustingly, and joyfully.
-Our focus in February is on the word “love” (agape in Greek) because I John 4:8 says that God IS love. As His children longing to imitate Him (Eph. 5:1), we need to know what this word means in God’s dictionary. To do so, we are studying what God taught about it in His own words (the Bible).
-Based on today’s reading, identify “love” by summarizing what biblical love does or does not do and/or how it is manifested (displayed) by God:
-Now what? Ask the Father to show you areas where you can better imitate His love. As much as possible, list specific items to work on:
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
(Please take a moment for prayer to ask God’s help to understand today’s Bible passage and to apply it to your life. Make sure, as well, that your heart is right with Him by confessing any known sin.)
-Today’s Scripture:
“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 19 “‘I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first. 20 But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. 21 I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. 22 Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, 23 and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works. 24 But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden. 25 Only hold fast what you have until I come. 26 The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, 27 and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star. 29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
Revelation 2:18-29, ESV
“Write this letter to the angel of the church in Thyatira. This is the message from the Son of God, whose eyes are like flames of fire, whose feet are like polished bronze: 19 “I know all the things you do. I have seen your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things. 20 “But I have this complaint against you. You are permitting that woman—that Jezebel who calls herself a prophet—to lead my servants astray. She teaches them to commit sexual sin and to eat food offered to idols. 21 I gave her time to repent, but she does not want to turn away from her immorality. 22 “Therefore, I will throw her on a bed of suffering, and those who commit adultery with her will suffer greatly unless they repent and turn away from her evil deeds. 23 I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am the one who searches out the thoughts and intentions of every person. And I will give to each of you whatever you deserve. 24 “But I also have a message for the rest of you in Thyatira who have not followed this false teaching (‘deeper truths,’ as they call them—depths of Satan, actually). I will ask nothing more of you 25 except that you hold tightly to what you have until I come. 26 To all who are victorious, who obey me to the very end, To them I will give authority over all the nations. 27 They will rule the nations with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots. 28 They will have the same authority I received from my Father, and I will also give them the morning star! 29 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”
Revelation 2:18-29, NLT
Something to Think About:
Another of the letters Jesus wrote to the seven churches of Asia Minor has our word “love” in it. It is found in this warning to the church in Thyatira in verse 19 where Jesus told them that He has seen their works, love, faith, service, and patient endurance. Just like the letter to Ephesus, it’s a blessing to recognize that God sees every single one of our acts of love and faith!
Jesus commends this church for:
-The things they do.
-Their love.
-Their faith.
-Their service.
-Their patient endurance.
-Their improvement in these areas over time.
Jesus chastises this church for:
-Permitting Jezebel (probably not her real name, more an image of the wicked queen of Ahab) to lead God’s children astray.
-Church members who have followed her example.
Jesus commands this church to:
-Get rid of Jezebel and all who follow her.
-Hold tightly to what they have until He returns.
-Listen to what the Spirit says.
The lesson for us? If we are not obeying God wholeheartedly and accurately according to His Word, repent! Confess sin and get right with Him. Right this very second. There is not a second to lose! If, to the best of our ability and knowledge, we are living for Him with all hearts, then our assignment is to hold tightly to what we have until Jesus calls us home either through death or the Rapture. What must we be holding tightly to? Our love for Him as evidenced in the things we do, our faith, our service, and our patient endurance. This is possible because God commands us to do it—and God would never command us to do something that is impossible. He will, in fact, help us every nano-second of the way!
-Our focus in February is on the word “love” (agape in Greek) because I John 4:8 says that God IS love. As His children longing to imitate Him (Eph. 5:1), we need to know what this word means in God’s dictionary. To do so, we are studying what God taught about it in His own words (the Bible).
-Based on today’s reading, identify “love” by summarizing what biblical love does or does not do and/or how it is manifested (displayed) by God:
-Now what? Ask the Father to show you areas where you can better imitate His love. As much as possible, list specific items to work on:
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
(Please take a moment for prayer to ask God’s help to understand today’s Bible passage and to apply it to your life. Make sure, as well, that your heart is right with Him by confessing any known sin.)
-Today’s Scripture:
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. 6 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’”
Revelation 2:1-7, ESV
“Write this letter to the angel of the church in Ephesus. This is the message from the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, the one who walks among the seven gold lampstands: 2 “I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. 3 You have patiently suffered for me without quitting. 4 “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! 5 Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches. 6 But this is in your favor: You hate the evil deeds of the Nicolaitans, just as I do. 7 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God.”
Revelation 2:1-7, NLT
Something to Think About:
Today’s Scripture is the first of the seven letters that Jesus wrote to the seven churches of Asia Minor. Each letter has very pertinent warnings and instructions for today’s church, too.
This first letter is written to the church in Ephesus, by way of its pastor (“angel” means “messenger, ” which can refer to human messengers as well as angelic ones). It seems unlikely that the Lord Jesus is holding accountable a celestial, non-human being for what is going on in a local church in Ephesus; the best interpretation is that this is the individual man who teaches and preaches the message of the Word of God to that congregation.
Jesus commends the church for this:
-They are hard workers.
-They display patient endurance.
-They do not tolerate evil people.
-They examine the claims of those who say they are apostles to determine if what they are teaching is false.
-They have patiently suffered for Christ without quitting.
-They hate the evil deeds of the Nicolaitans (a group of people who taught lies and wrong doctrine).
Jesus chastises the church for this:
-They no longer love Him as they did at first. They were, most likely, going through all the right motions, but doing it more out of habit than love for Jesus Christ.
Say, that can’t describe our churches today, could it? That can’t describe you and me, can it? Sadly, this is all too common. I’m sure we can all picture a brand new believer in our church who is eager to learn God’s Word so he can obey it, who eagerly waits for each Sunday to roll around so he can come to learn and to be with God’s people, who is anxious to make the changes in his life that will make him more like Christ. But what can happen with time? Living the Christian life can become routine. It can lose its newness and excitement. It can come to seem like a lot of hard work.
BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THAT WAY. When each of us individually and as a church family spend time daily in God’s Word, delighting in the One Who wrote it for us, our awe and love for God stays fresh and, in fact, deepens. When each of us individually and as a church family pray often, paying attention to Who we are talking to and listening to what He wants to remind us of from His Word, our family ties with God—and others of God’s children—deepens, matures, and becomes a rock-solid relationship. When our heart is close to God (we LOVE Him), our actions will naturally follow and become those that please Him and bring Him honor and glory. Our love for Him and each other not only doesn’t need to grow cold, it can FLOURISH—a bit more every year.
Jesus’ solution to this problem is to REMEMBER what joys we once had living wholeheartedly for God, to REPENT (turn our back on what is wrong in our attitudes and behavior), and to RETURN to the way of thinking and living that pleases Him.
I suspect that we have all had super special friends in our lives who at some point moved away. If we want that relationship to stay close and important to us, sacrifices need to be made. Where we once could visit face to face every Sunday (and probably more throughout the week), we now need to figure out how to best contact each other through phone calls, letters, email, video chats, and car trips to see each other in person. If these contacts aren’t frequent or never get past the mundane to matters of the heart, the relationship will eventually cool, perhaps even becoming a thing of the past. Similarly, we will not have a vibrant, growing love for God without daily time in His presence through Scripture reading and prayer and without investing in other members of His family (whom He loves dearly too!), and without living out His commands and wishes in our day to day lives. And, of course, God ALWAYS rewards the effort we give our walk with Him!
-Our focus in February is on the word “love” (agape in Greek) because I John 4:8 says that God IS love. As His children longing to imitate Him (Eph. 5:1), we need to know what this word means in God’s dictionary. To do so, we are studying what God taught about it in His own words (the Bible).
-Based on today’s reading, identify “love” by summarizing what biblical love does or does not do and/or how it is manifested (displayed) by God:
-Now what? Ask the Father to show you areas where you can better imitate His love. As much as possible, list specific items to work on:
Monday, February 15, 2021
(Please take a moment for prayer to ask God’s help to understand today’s Bible passage and to apply it to your life. Make sure, as well, that your heart is right with Him by confessing any known sin.)
-Today’s Scripture:
“Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: 2 May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. 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. . . But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.”
Jude 1:1-4, 17-23, ESV
“This letter is from Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ and a brother of James. I am writing to all who have been called by God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ. 2 May God give you more and more mercy, peace, and love. 3 Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people. 4 I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. . . . 17 But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ predicted. 18 They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. 19 These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them. 20 But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, 21 and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. 22 And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. 23 Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.”
Jude 1:1-4, 17-23, NLT
Something to Think About:
Our word for “love” is found four times in the small book of Jude: v. 1, 2, 12, 21.
Jude is a letter written by the half-brother of Jesus Christ, but did you notice that he didn’t mention that here? It’s pretty common among humans to “name drop,” and Who better to mention such a close connection to than God’s Son! But, Jude chose a more humble route. In fact, he identifies himself as a SLAVE of Jesus Christ. This is all the more a blessing when we remember that until Jesus’ death and resurrection, his half-brothers didn’t even believe Jesus was Who He said He was. Both Jude and James not only trusted in Jesus as their Savior, they were hand-picked by the Holy Spirit to author two of the epistles of the New Testament (and James became the pastor of the church in Jerusalem, a pretty huge responsibility).
So, what is Jude’s message to fellow believers? He wants them to be on their guard against false teaching that was running rampant in the church. You can read the details about it in the verses I didn’t include in today’s study (and I strongly encourage you to do so). Those who lied to Christians about who they are, Whose they are, and what God wants from His children, began to have influence not long after the church was established back in the First Century. By the way, this same serious problem with false teaching is still with us today: be careful who you listen to, and who you trust! All Christians must be rock-solid in their adherence to what the Bible says, always weighing what humans call “truth” against what God said is truth.
How did Jude use agape in his letter? It comes up right in his opening sentence. He writes to those who have been called by God (to become His children through faith in Christ), those who are BELOVED by God, kept eternally secure in the work of the cross. The NLT translates this as, “all who have been called by God the Father, Who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ.” What a comforting thought all the way into TODAY with all the turmoil in our nation and world! GOD, the Creator and Sustainer loves YOU and will never stop keeping you in His perfect care and keeping! What a good time for a selah, a thoughtful, worshipful pause!
Jude’s second sentence also contains “love.” Jude’s prayer is that God gives each of us MORE and MORE mercy, peace, and love. What a wonderful daily prayer for all brothers and sisters in Christ!
Jude’s third use of “love” isn’t in today’s included text, but he is referring to their sharing the Lord’s Table together, remembering Jesus’ loving sacrifice on their behalf.
The fourth use is in verse 21. Jude is encouraging his readers to keep themselves safe in God’s love by building themselves (and each other) in their faith (learning and obeying God’s Word) and praying together, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit—all the while waiting eagerly for Jesus to return so that we can begin our new lives in glorified bodies, finally free from sin and its consequences. He also, by the way, instructs us to show mercy to those who are struggling, but to use great caution around those who are not living accurately according to God’s Word.
Finally, I just had to include this most glorious doxology that Jude leaves his readers with. This one is definitely worth printing out and framing for your wall. “Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.” Jude 1:24-25
-Our focus in February is on the word “love” (agape in Greek) because I John 4:8 says that God IS love. As His children longing to imitate Him (Eph. 5:1), we need to know what this word means in God’s dictionary. To do so, we are studying what God taught about it in His own words (the Bible).
-Based on today’s reading, identify “love” by summarizing what biblical love does or does not do and/or how it is manifested (displayed) by God:
-Now what? Ask the Father to show you areas where you can better imitate His love. As much as possible, list specific items to work on:
Saturday, February 13, 2021
(Please take a moment for prayer to ask God’s help to understand today’s Bible passage and to apply it to your life. Make sure, as well, that your heart is right with Him by confessing any known sin.)
-Today’s Scripture:
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
II Peter 1:3-8, ESV
“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. 5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. 8 The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
II Peter 1:3-8, NLT
Something to Think About:
II Peter 1 reminds us that mature biblical love is both something we are given the capacity for upon salvation (God has given to brand new believers every “tool” they need to grow into mature believers, much as a baby has in its body what it needs to become an adult) and it is something that can (and should!) grow as we mature in our understanding and application of God’s Word. This incredible ability is part of the “precious and very great promises” that God gives to all His children upon salvation. The Bible is LOADED with others. Keep your eye open for them!
With that in mind, just as a baby doesn’t become an adult overnight and not with any effort, maturing to become more like Christ and to more accurately imitate God is a process. It might be slow at times, but it should always be moving in the right direction. A baby needs to learn to sit up before crawling, and crawl before standing, then stand before walking, then walk before running. We, too, have a starting point in our understanding God (and how to love properly), and the growth process might take a long time, but there is great joy in the process! Picture an infant’s face as they hold themselves up on the edge of the couch and delight in their accomplishment. Though we might wish to be “finished” as a mature Christian today, I think we can take joy in the instruments, processes, and people God uses to grow us—and in the certainty that one day we will all have sin-free, glorified bodies and be able to leave sin and failure behind us forever.
So, what is the process Peter outlines for us in today’s Scripture for Christian maturity? The first on the list is actually what the other items are built on, namely our faith. This is, first, our trust in Christ as our Savior, but it is ALSO the practical outworking of our faith in God seen in our obedience to everything He tells us and commands us to do/be. So, once our faith in God is established, we will naturally want to grow in our “moral excellence” (virtue). This is uprightness of character (as God defines “uprightness”/righteousness). Basically, it is to live as God created us to live as His children and heirs. Next is knowledge, not for information sake alone, though this is awesome, too, but so that we can apply our knowledge of God and His character to our thoughts and decisions, helping us to become more morally upright with time. Next comes self-control, that of patience and a long-burning fuse. Self-control is followed by steadfastness—hanging in there, not giving up; being loyal and trustworthy. From steadfastness, we want to mature in our godliness, which is what it sounds like, being more like God in our hearts and minds, which then affects our goals and actions. As we become more and more like Christ, we are able to exhibit brotherly affection, having a soft spot in our hearts for all believers, eventually culminating in love, living out Christ-like attitudes and behaviors in order to help, bless, and build other believers up in the things of the Lord. These are attributes that begin in our heart and expand to affect how we treat others.
Please note that Peter is not suggesting that we must conquer any of these categories before we move on to the next, or even that we WILL conquer any of them in this lifetime with these bodies that still contain the sin nature. He is, though, stating quite clearly that we CAN mature and that maturity is evidenced by these attributes. He is saying that when we love others in the way God loves us, we are being “like” Him.
-Our focus in February is on the word “love” (agape in Greek) because I John 4:8 says that God IS love. As His children longing to imitate Him (Eph. 5:1), we need to know what this word means in God’s dictionary. To do so, we are studying what God taught about it in His own words (the Bible).
-Based on today’s reading, identify “love” by summarizing what biblical love does or does not do and/or how it is manifested (displayed) by God:
-Now what? Ask the Father to show you areas where you can better imitate His love. As much as possible, list specific items to work on:
Friday, February 12, 2021
(Please take a moment for prayer to ask God’s help to understand today’s Bible passage and to apply it to your life. Make sure, as well, that your heart is right with Him by confessing any known sin.)
-Today’s Scripture:
“My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2 For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, 3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called? 8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. 11 For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
James 2:1-12, ESV
“My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? 2 For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. 3 If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, 4 doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? 5 Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? 6 But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? 7 Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear? 8 Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 9 But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law. 10 For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws. 11 For the same God who said, “You must not commit adultery,” also said, “You must not murder.” So if you murder someone but do not commit adultery, you have still broken the law. 2 So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. 13 There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.”
James 2:1-12, NLT
Something to Think About:
Since our focus this month is on the word love (agape), we will be looking at its two uses in this chapter (v.5 & 8), but this passage also provides for us examples of imitating God in how we respond to others—which fits our overall 2021 theme.
God is not honored (and we are not showing biblical love) when we treat some people better than others. The example given here is a wealthy person versus an obviously poor one. I think we can definitely relate to this in our time and culture! If two sets of visitors show up on a Sunday morning, both of whom are looking for a new church home, and one is dressed nicely, is well-groomed, and speaks quite articulately, but the other is in dirty, torn biker clothes and clearly poorly educated, do we gravitate more toward one than the other? Do we hope that one of them joins our church over the other? Hmmm. Something to think (and pray) about.
I can think of other occasions of showing partiality, too. One that Jesus demonstrated is disregarding children simply because they are young. He (quite sternly) instructed that children should ALWAYS be welcomed and always be taken excellent care of (of course, He meant physically, too, but in this area, He was speaking specifically of their spiritual education and care). Another that comes to mind that I’ve seen a time or two is church members of one church attending a different church (say, for a conference) who treat others in a standoffish manner. These things should not be! We are ALL brothers and sisters in Christ. We are ALL “dearly loved children.” We are ALL born as sinners and saved by the grace of God.
James 2:1 states quite bluntly that we shouldn’t really be claiming to be Christians and children of God if we favor some people over others. These two things do not belong in the same sentence. He also reminds us in verse 13 that we are obligated to show mercy not only because of the incredible mercy God shows us every single day, but because He will judge US based on the same amount of mercy we show others. Pretty sobering to consider!
So what about “love?” Verse 5 is a reminder that God has huge rewards planned for those who love Him. That is, those who live in a way that pleases Him and represents Him well. In fact, I LOVE the wording of the NLT in verse 7, the reminder to live in such a way to not slander the name of Jesus Christ, “Whose noble name we bear”! What a great first-thing-in-the-morning prayer, that we honor the noble name we bear!
Verse 8 in James 2 is a reminder of the “royal” law to love our neighbors as ourselves—to treat others with the excellence and care we take care of our own wants and needs with. In other words, rather than focusing on living self-indulgently, focusing on living sacrificially so that others feel loved, taken care of, pampered, and valued. Because we know God is taking perfect care of us, we are freed to focus on the care of others.
-Our focus in February is on the word “love” (agape in Greek) because I John 4:8 says that God IS love. As His children longing to imitate Him (Eph. 5:1), we need to know what this word means in God’s dictionary. To do so, we are studying what God taught about it in His own words (the Bible).
-Based on today’s reading, identify “love” by summarizing what biblical love does or does not do and/or how it is manifested (displayed) by God:
-Now what? Ask the Father to show you areas where you can better imitate His love. As much as possible, list specific items to work on:
Thursday, February 11, 2021
(Please take a moment for prayer to ask God’s help to understand today’s Bible passage and to apply it to your life. Make sure, as well, that your heart is right with Him by confessing any known sin.)
-Today’s Scripture:
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12, ESV
“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12, NLT
Something to Think About:
It is perfectly true that we are commanded to love God and love others in order to “be like” our Father in heaven and represent Him accurately as His beloved children. It’s ALSO true, though, that God rewards all obedience to His Word. This is seen specifically in James 1 in how we respond to trials, testing, temptation, and all the hard things of life. The first eleven verses of this chapter, as a matter of fact, talk about the how-tos of honoring God when we are confused and upset. They are important verses to read often so that we can learn how to “patiently endure,” or “remain steadfast” as our two versions command.
What, then, is the reward that God gives to those who are calm and trusting Him during difficult situations? It is something called the crown of life. What is the crown of life? No idea, but this much I DO know, if God is granting it, it’s going to be SUPER wonderful. Did you notice WHAT the crown of life is given for? It’s for those who love God. But, did you also notice that loving God in this passage is shown in patiently enduring testing and temptation? In other words, the crown of life isn’t given to every believer who passionately declares their love for the Lord (however touching this might be). It is for those who DEMONSTRATE their love for God by trusting Him in trials, in not fighting to get out of the trial outside of God’s timing, and who go to Him for help, answers, and direction (v.5).
Oh, and there is another reward mentioned in this verse besides the intriguing crown of life. Did you see it? It’s in the very first word. “Blessed” is the one who doesn’t give up or give in when dealing with trials. To be blessed according to God’s dictionary isn’t necessarily health, wealth, and good fortune, it is to experience His peace beyond understanding and joy independent of circumstances. It is to know we have pleased God and are bringing Him glory through our attitudes and words. It is the sure knowledge that all is well because God is in control and that one day He will right all wrongs in the perfect timing and manner.
BONUS: The next two verses in James 1 fit our 2021 theme of being imitators of God. “And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.” (1:13-14) How does that fit? God is never tempted to do wrong—and as His beloved children, we don’t have to worry that He is tempting us to do wrong. He will never do that, because He can’t. We simply need to remember that we were made righteous and holy—like Jesus Christ—and we never HAVE to give in to temptation and we never have to sin. We might make a second application here, and, like God, never tempt anyone else to sin, either. There are a million ways we might do this. One big example that is unlikely is to invite someone along with you to rob a bank. A definite no-no. =) BUT, a more likely scenario is to invite someone “along” in a conversation of gossip or slandering another person. That’s also a definite no-no and something that is all too easy to do UNLESS we are leaning on the Holy Spirit constantly to only speak what pleases the Lord, honors Him, and builds others up in the things of the Lord.
-Our focus in February is on the word “love” (agape in Greek) because I John 4:8 says that God IS love. As His children longing to imitate Him (Eph. 5:1), we need to know what this word means in God’s dictionary. To do so, we are studying what God taught about it in His own words (the Bible).
-Based on today’s reading, identify “love” by summarizing what biblical love does or does not do and/or how it is manifested (displayed) by God:
-Now what? Ask the Father to show you areas where you can better imitate His love. As much as possible, list specific items to work on:
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
(Please take a moment for prayer to ask God’s help to understand today’s Bible passage and to apply it to your life. Make sure, as well, that your heart is right with Him by confessing any known sin.)
-Today’s Scripture:
“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”? 6 And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” 7 Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.” 8 But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”
Hebrews 1:1-9, ESV
“Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. 2 And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. 3 The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. 4 This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names. 5 For God never said to any angel what he said to Jesus: “You are my Son. Today I have become your Father.” God also said, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son.” 6 And when he brought his supreme Son into the world, God said, “Let all of God’s angels worship him.” 7 Regarding the angels, he says, “He sends his angels like the winds, his servants like flames of fire.” 8 But to the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. You rule with a scepter of justice. 9 You love justice and hate evil. Therefore, O God, your God has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.”
Hebrews 1:1-9, NLT
Something to Think About:
Hebrews is quite an interesting book. No one knows for sure who wrote it, but one thing is crystal clear, the author had a passion for reminding his readers just how superior Jesus Christ is and how His death, burial, and resurrection secured salvation is far, far superior to keeping the (Old Testament) Law.
In just these first nine verses of the first chapter, though, we find two pretty important things that help us in our year-long quest to be imitators of God—and—help us identify what biblical love looks like this month. Verse 3 describes Jesus Christ as the “radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature.” I love how the NLT puts it, too. “The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God.” This is awesome for us for a few reasons. One, is that Jesus Christ is the perfect Example of how to think, speak, and act in order to accurately imitate God the Father. We need but study the record of His time on earth and “mirror” that in our own daily lives. Because we became God’s adopted children upon our salvation, we too have the PRIVILEGE of choosing to “radiate God’s glory and express His character” for as long as He keeps us here on this earth. I kind of doubt we could possibly “get” what a tremendous gift this is from God’s loving and gracious hand!
Verse 9 gives us a specific attitude/action to imitate as God’s children, but it also talks about love. Jesus left us the example of LOVING righteousness. Righteousness is basically what is right, good, and morally pure according to God’s definition/standard. Jesus equally HATED wickedness – anything that is opposed to God’s standard of right and wrong; all that rebels against God’s holy character. This is going to include our choice to love things that are ungodly, sinful, and displeasing to God—even if they seem “harmless” in our opinion. As we’ve noted before, our opinion doesn’t matter in the area of godliness. It is always GOD’S opinion that must be our focus and goal.
FYI: Did you notice that God the Father gave God the Son the highest position of honor next to Him, not because of His role as “Son,” but BECAUSE Jesus loved righteousness and hated wickedness and was ever the wholly obedient Son? This should get us excited a bit, because we are also God’s children and as God’s children, we, too, will be rewarded for faithful, obedient living.
BONUS: There are several Old Testament quotes in these few short verses. Included are Psalm 2:7; II Samuel 7:14; I Chron. 17:13; Psalm 97:7; Psalm 104:4; Psalm 45:6-7. Check them out!
-Our focus in February is on the word “love” (agape in Greek) because I John 4:8 says that God IS love. As His children longing to imitate Him (Eph. 5:1), we need to know what this word means in God’s dictionary. To do so, we are studying what God taught about it in His own words (the Bible).
-Based on today’s reading, identify “love” by summarizing what biblical love does or does not do and/or how it is manifested (displayed) by God:
-Now what? Ask the Father to show you areas where you can better imitate His love. As much as possible, list specific items to work on:
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
(Please take a moment for prayer to ask God’s help to understand today’s Bible passage and to apply it to your life. Make sure, as well, that your heart is right with Him by confessing any known sin.)
-Today’s Scripture:
“Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker 2 and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, 6 and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. 7 For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you. 8 Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, 9 yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus.”
Philemon 1:1-9, ESV
“This letter is from Paul, a prisoner for preaching the Good News about Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy. I am writing to Philemon, our beloved co-worker, 2 and to our sister Apphia, and to our fellow soldier Archippus, and to the church that meets in your house. 3 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 4 I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon, 5 because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. 6 And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. 7 Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people. 8 That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do. 9 But because of our love, I prefer simply to ask you. Consider this as a request from me—Paul, an old man and now also a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus.”
Philemon 1:1-9, NLT
Something to Think About:
The tiny epistle of Philemon is pretty cool. It’s about a runaway slave who was being returned to his master, but who had become saved while gone. The slave’s owner, Philemon, is also a believer. The slave in question is Onesimus, got saved under the ministry of the Apostle Paul. I’ve included the first nine verses, but the entire book is only 25 verses, so you would do well to read it for yourself. What’s fun about this short letter from Paul to Philemon is that it displays biblical love several times. It also, by the way, could also be placed in the category of examples of believers who displayed biblical love as part of our overall 2021 focus.
Here are a few note-worthy items from verses 1-9:
-Paul is thankful to God because Philemon has a wonderful testimony of trusting God—which also resulted in him showing love for God’s people (specifically those in his home church). In other words, our decisions to trust God and obey His Word in our daily lives can be a huge blessing to other believers. I love, too, that Paul wrote Philemon to TELL him that he was blessed by his faithfulness. I wonder how many believers have blessed us in some way that have no idea—and what sort of encouragement might that be to them to find out?
-Paul said he asked God to grant Philemon grace and peace, and that he was thankful to God for Philemon’s excellent witness, and by that, he meant that he prayed to God concerning Philemon. There is NO act of service that we can do for each other more important than praying for each other. There is no more delightful prayer in God’s eyes than His children being thankful for others of His children and praying in regards to their spiritual growth and victory.
-Philemon’s love for his brothers and sisters in Christ gave Paul “much joy and comfort.” In some sense, Paul was Philemon’s pastor and his faithfulness to God in showing biblical love to the saints gave Paul joy. The apostle John stated that one of his greatest joys was hearing that his “children” were walking in the truth. YOUR pastor is also tremendously thankful and joyful when YOU are living obediently according to God’s Word and when all his “sheep” are loving each other sacrificially and continually.
-Biblical love and kindness go hand in hand.
-Showing kindness has the power to refresh the hearts of God’s people.
-Biblical love is courteous. Paul could demand Philemon listen to him, but instead he asks him politely and respectfully. Biblical love also RESPONDS with courtesy.
-Biblical love is doing the right thing.
-Even though Paul was writing Philemon, there were other believers that were privy to this letter and were praying for a God-honoring outcome. When brothers and sisters in Christ are all living out God’s Word in their hearts, they can band together to encourage one another and help each other focus on what is pleasing to God and brings Him honor. God brought you to your church FAMILY so you could be a family TOGETHER, each helping one another, each rejoicing together, each sharing in the load together, and each enjoying God’s blessing together as one family in Christ.
-Our focus in February is on the word “love” (agape in Greek) because I John 4:8 says that God IS love. As His children longing to imitate Him (Eph. 5:1), we need to know what this word means in God’s dictionary. To do so, we are studying what God taught about it in His own words (the Bible).
-Based on today’s reading, identify “love” by summarizing what biblical love does or does not do and/or how it is manifested (displayed) by God:
-Now what? Ask the Father to show you areas where you can better imitate His love. As much as possible, list specific items to work on:
Monday, February 8, 2021
(Please take a moment for prayer to ask God’s help to understand today’s Bible passage and to apply it to your life. Make sure, as well, that your heart is right with Him by confessing any known sin.)
-Today’s Scripture:
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”
Galatians 5:13-26, ESV
“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. 14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another. 16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. 19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.”
Galatians 5:13-26, NLT
Something to Think About:
I have included for you this rather lengthy passage because I wanted all of us to see the bigger picture presented in the very well-known “fruit of the Spirit” listed in verses 22-23. Besides, our focus this month is tracking down the word “love” that is identified as Who God “is,” and the word love is found in verses 13, 14, and 22 in this passage (and also in verse 6 of this chapter).
I can see (at least) two huge points in this passage (and MANY smaller ones!). First, Paul quotes for us once again what Jesus said in the gospels, “the whole law can be summed up in this one command: LOVE your neighbor as yourself.” The many small points alluded to above are demonstrations of what loving others looks like. Basically put, it is to treat others like royalty—in whatever manner you would treat someone you love dearly (even if they are not your favorite person to be around).
Tied closely with these examples of what biblical love looks like is the command and warning to allow the Holy Spirit to guide our lives; to keep in line with His leading—which will be the opposite of what our selfish and arrogant fleshly natures want. This is, of course, NOT an easy thing (or even on occasion something we desire, depending on the circumstances of the day), BUT, God’s children have God the Holy Spirit indwelling us and He is not only willing, but 100% ABLE to help us to choose what God says is right thinking and actions. In fact, Christ Jesus died to give us the FREEDOM to choose to do what is “like” God. In God’s power, we CAN choose to imitate God around people we love and admire and around those who push all our buttons.
Here are a few of the definitions of biblical love from these 14 verses:
-serving others
-treating others in the way we love to be treated
-NOT “biting and devouring” others
-NOT “destroying” others
-NOT thinking hostile, jealous, or angry things about others
-NOT quarreling with others
-NOT creating dissension and divisions among others
-NOT envying others
-displaying joy in our countenance and in what we say and focus on
-displaying peace in our demeanor and outlook
-showing great patience, even when impatience might be deserved
-showing kindness to one and all; friend and foe
-behaving in a way that God defines as “good”
-being faithful to God—and to the people He has placed in our lives
-treating others with gentleness and patience
-being patience and calm, refusing to give in to sin’s call to “give them what they deserve.”
-displaying humility
Basically, Paul is telling his readers that we have been given a TREMENDOUS gift, that of the freedom to do what is right in God’s eyes. In fact, God Himself helps us to choose to obey Him and show biblical love to others, so now the ball is in our court. Will we love our neighbor as ourselves or will we choose to gratify the desires of our flesh? Are we for or against the Spirit’s influence on our heart and life? The reward for humble obedience? “Inheriting the kingdom,” that is, being honored and rewarded by Jesus Christ when He sets up His kingdom during the Millennium. Kind of an awesome reward to keep in mind, wouldn’t you say?
-Our focus in February is on the word “love” (agape in Greek) because I John 4:8 says that God IS love. As His children longing to imitate Him (Eph. 5:1), we need to know what this word means in God’s dictionary. To do so, we are studying what God taught about it in His own words (the Bible).
-Based on today’s reading, identify “love” by summarizing what biblical love does or does not do and/or how it is manifested (displayed) by God:
-Now what? Ask the Father to show you areas where you can better imitate His love. As much as possible, list specific items to work on:
Saturday, February 6, 2021
(Please take a moment for prayer to ask God’s help to understand today’s Bible passage and to apply it to your life. Make sure, as well, that your heart is right with Him by confessing any known sin.)
-Today’s Scripture:
“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends.”
I Corinthians 13:1-8a, ESV
“If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. 3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. 4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 8 Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever!”
I Corinthians 13:1-8a, NLT
Something to Think About:
I don’t think it would be possible to do a good job of exploring what God-like love is and isn’t without looking at I Corinthians 13 (where the word is used several times in a few short verses). I Corinthians 13, the “love” chapter, details for us what God-honoring love is.
-Love is patient, dealing with annoyances calmly and without anger.
-Love is kind (helpful, considerate).
-Love is not jealous of others nor does it envy what they do or have (even spiritually).
-Love doesn’t boast about itself.
-Love is not arrogant concerning its own abilities or accomplishments.
-Love is not rude (impolite, pushy, rough).
-Love does not demand to get its own way.
-Love is not irritable (easily annoyed or upset).
-Love doesn’t make a list of the ways others have offended them.
-Love takes no pleasure in another’s sin or ugly behavior.
-Love delights in every act of obedience to God’s Word and when someone does what is right according to God’s standard of right.
-Love refuses to give up on helping others live faithfully for God.
-Love never loses faith, continuing to cheer other believers on in their spiritual growth.
-Love continues to have hope, believing the best of others.
-Love endures through every circumstance.
-Love lasts forever, even when “things” don’t.
You may have noticed that the more we grow to be like God in our character, the MORE concerned we become about the needs of others (and the less we are concerned about ourselves). This is because true love is God, and as His children, He will channel His love through us as we cooperate with Him. This is something that the Holy Spirit will grow and develop in us as beloved children of God—as we study God’s Word and obey it.
I think that we are all aware that the world’s idea of love is often kind of selfish. This kind of “love” can be withdrawn as quickly as it is given if not properly reciprocated. That’s because love apart from God isn’t really love at all. There’s also, though, a danger of a Christian having a wrong view of love—a kind of “Christianized” version that is superficial and focused on the wrong things. We would even be wise to question ourselves from time to time about what we mean when we say, “I love You, God.” If we are only ever expressing warm fuzzy feelings towards God, we are missing out on the boatload of blessings He wants to give us when our expression of love also means that we want SO MUCH to be like Him that we are ready and willing for Him to point out our failures and faults SO THAT we can better reflect Him in attitude and action. We are eager for these corrections, even if they are painful. In fact, a spiritually mature way to look at EVERYTHING is to see it as an opportunity to serve God, to serve others, and to be molded more into the image of Christ.
-Our focus in February is on the word “love” (agape in Greek) because I John 4:8 says that God IS love. As His children longing to imitate Him (Eph. 5:1), we need to know what this word means in God’s dictionary. To do so, we are studying what God taught about it in His own words (the Bible).
-Based on today’s reading, identify “love” by summarizing what biblical love does or does not do and/or how it is manifested (displayed) by God:
-Now what? Ask the Father to show you areas where you can better imitate His love. As much as possible, list specific items to work on:
Friday, February 5, 2021
(Please take a moment for prayer to ask God’s help to understand today’s Bible passage and to apply it to your life. Make sure, as well, that your heart is right with Him by confessing any known sin.)
-Today’s Scripture:
“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. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. 14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.”
I Corinthians 2:9-14, ESV
“That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 10 But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. 11 No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. 12 And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. 13 When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. 14 But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.”
I Corinthians 2:9-14, NLT
Something to Think About:
Isn’t I Corinthians 2:9 a thrilling verse? “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.” Pretty awesome thing to think about and wonder over! What does it mean, though? Well, I think there are a few things going on here. For one, the incredible plan that God designed to save us from our sins by asking HIS SON to die on our behalf, was a “mystery” throughout the entire Old Testament, though God gave hints throughout these books about the coming Messiah. In fact, the very first hint about His plan of redemption was given when He cursed the serpent for deceiving Eve in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:15). If we take the time to search for the hints and progressive revelation of just Who would come to save us, it’s all there. In fact, if you didn’t get a chance to read Rachel Brown’s December Bible study on the women who are in the line of Jesus Christ, be sure to do so. She does a fantastic job of noting just how amazing God worked over the course of several millennia to bring about the birth of His Son as a Human Baby in “just the right time” (firstbaptistnorthconway.org).
So, at least some of “what God has prepared for those who love Him” is none other than THE greatest gift of all time: the death, burial, and resurrection of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, so that all who believe in Him as their Savior can not only be forgiven of the sin-debt they owed God, but be given eternal life, be adopted as children of God, become co-heirs of Christ, and be given the gift of eternal life in the presence of God Himself. However, astonishingly enough, there’s more. In fact, there really is NO END to the wonderful gifts that God gives to His children, and especially to those who love Him! I could try to list a bunch for you right now (and if you stick with these Bible studies long enough, you’ll find that this is a favorite topic of mine), but we could just revel for now in just what today’s Scripture says. One of the BIGGEST and BEST Gifts that God gives to those who belong to Him (because they have trusted in Jesus as their Savior) is the indwelling Holy Spirit. Today’s passage tells us that the Holy Spirit helps us to know the mind of God. Did you get that? God WANTS us to know His mind: what He thinks about, what is important to Him, what He loves, what He hates—everything. In fact, this passage goes on to say that if we do not have the Holy Spirit (if we have never trusted in Christ as our Savior), we CANNOT know God or understand Him. Kind of scary!
In what way does the Holy Spirit help us know the mind of God? Through Scripture. The answers we seek and the answers we NEED will always, always, ALWAYS be Scripture. This will be the case right up until the Rapture, but I’m guessing that even in eternity, the Bible will play a huge role. It is the Holy Spirit Who helps us understand the Bible when we read it. It is the Holy Spirit Who helps us to apply what we have read to our daily lives. It is the Holy Spirit who helps us to remember Who we belong to, what He is like, and to make the changes necessary so that we imitate Him accurately in our thoughts, attitudes, goals, words, and actions.
Hey, did you notice the caveat in verse 9? We’ve already addressed the fact that unsaved people cannot truly know God—or even please Him, but there’s something else that could hinder even Christians from fully recognizing and imitating God as He is. We need to LOVE Him—and we need to love Him according to the biblical definition of love, not the world’s definition (warm, fuzzy feelings), and not even to a Christianized definition (warm, fuzzy feelings when we FEEL God is acting in our favor). The Bible says, JESUS said, if we love Him WE WILL OBEY HIM. So, there’s the “secret.” If we love God, we will obey the Bible—and when we do, the Holy Spirit will reveal unimaginable wonders about our eternal Father and God. Why or why would we EVER turn our back on that???
-Our focus in February is on the word “love” (agape in Greek) because I John 4:8 says that God IS love. As His children longing to imitate Him (Eph. 5:1), we need to know what this word means in God’s dictionary. To do so, we are studying what God taught about it in His own words (the Bible).
-Based on today’s reading, identify “love” by summarizing what biblical love does or does not do and/or how it is manifested (displayed) by God:
-Now what? Ask the Father to show you areas where you can better imitate His love. As much as possible, list specific items to work on:
Thursday, February 4, 2021
(Please take a moment for prayer to ask God’s help to understand today’s Bible passage and to apply it to your life. Make sure, as well, that your heart is right with Him by confessing any known sin.)
-Today’s Scripture:
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:35-39, ESV
“Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:35-39, NLT
Something to Think About:
A child of God should never put an equal sign over circumstances and life events and God’s love. God’s love for each of His children is a choice that He made—and one that cannot be unmade—because what God wills, always comes to pass. So, we are not accurate when we say that because someone we loved died God doesn’t love us. Neither, though, is it accurate to say that because God gave us a child after years of infertility that He loves us. Nor is it accurate to equate our own sin and disobedience with an image of God withdrawing His love for His children. God loves us because it is something He decided to do—long before the foundation of the world was even laid. These are deep and marvelous truths!
There is literally NOTHING that anyone or anything can do to separate us from the love of God. It is not possible in any way, shape, or form. This included things we might do to ourselves. Even a child of God who took his eyes off the Lord and got severely depressed and committed suicide cannot erase God’s love for him (NOR can he lose his salvation—that cannot happen, either).
In many ways, this takes quite a bit of pressure off of us to try to be perfect, to try to earn God’s love, or to otherwise “appease” our God so that we don’t lose His favor. That might be how humans behave, but this is never how God behaves. He chose to love YOU and He will ALWAYS love you. He loved you before you were created (by Him!), He loves you right this second (whether this finds you living righteously or not), He will love you after your death, and He will love you throughout eternity (which is forever). It’s a pretty staggering thing!
So, now what? What do we do with this incredible gift? Love Him back! How? By obeying Him and SEIZING every single opportunity to live in such a way that He is pleased and is given glory—and which blesses, helps, and builds up others of His children in their own walk with Him. By spending the lion’s share of our thoughts, words, and song in praise to His name. By thanking Him morning, noon, and night for His continuous blessing and provision. By thanking Him for all He has given us “in” His Son, Christ Jesus. By eagerly watching the skies, excited as all get-out for the Savior to return. By telling those who don’t yet know His Son about Him so that they, too, can know our Almighty Faithful Father.
Having a bad day? A bad year? Don’t let satan lie to you that it has ANYTHING to do with God’s love for you! His love for YOU is constant and eternal.
-Our focus in February is on the word “love” (agape in Greek) because I John 4:8 says that God IS love. As His children longing to imitate Him (Eph. 5:1), we need to know what this word means in God’s dictionary. To do so, we are studying what God taught about it in His own words (the Bible).
-Based on today’s reading, identify “love” by summarizing what biblical love does or does not do and/or how it is manifested (displayed) by God:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
-Now what? Ask the Father to show you areas where you can better imitate His love. As much as possible, list specific items to work on:
Wednesday, February 3, 2021
(Please take a moment for prayer to ask God’s help to understand today’s Bible passage and to apply it to your life. Make sure, as well, that your heart is right with Him by confessing any known sin.)
-Today’s Scripture:
“And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” 27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” 29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ 36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”
Luke 10:25-37, ESV
“One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?” 27 The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” 28 “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!” 29 The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. 31 “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. 32 A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side. 3 “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. 34 Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. 35 The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’ 36 “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. 37 The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”
Luke 10:25-37, NLT
Something to Think About:
The dialog found in Luke 10 is pretty famous for two reasons. First, it contains THE major goal and focus of all believer’s lives: to love God supremely and to love others as ourselves. Jesus said in another of the gospels that these two commands summed up the entire Old Testament! Luke 10 also contains the well-known and oft-repeated story of “The Good Samaritan.” This story has to be one of the top ten most used Sunday School lessons ever taught over the millennia (the creation account, the flood of Noah, Jonah in the belly of the fish – all competing for the top ten). This is for good reason! Jesus is explaining what “loving our neighbor” looks like. It is to have mercy, to show kindness, to sacrificially help another person—whether or not you like them, whether or not they are aware who helped them, whether or not they can pay you back, and whether or not they ever thank you. Biblical love is one of having a servant’s heart—a WILLING servant’s heart.
We find in Luke 10 that loving God and others is not an option. It is a command. Furthermore, true biblical love is not half-hearted, not something we can give, then later take back, not something that is wishy-washy or only given during the rush of emotions. It is a decision, a commitment to choose to love God with ALL our heart, ALL our soul, ALL our strength, and ALL our mind. God deserves every bit of love and devotion that we can give—and when we feel we’ve given all we can, He Himself will help us to give even more. And, because God is such an awesome God, we will find that it is simply impossible to out-love God. Every tiny bit of love, devotion, and praise we give to Him, He blesses in multiple ways and we find that we have been richly blessed for doing the very thing we were commanded to do. In other words, we should never look at ANY of God’s commands as burdensome. They are, in fact, the means to greater blessings heaped upon our heads both now and throughout eternity!
FYI: Please note that Luke 10:25-28 is NOT a salvation passage. It couldn’t be, simply because the Bible itself says several times that simple belief is all that is required for eternal salvation (occasionally, you may read something about salvation that is not speaking about eternal salvation from the sin we were born with. The word simply means “rescue”). What the lawyer wanted to know was something we call “kingdom truth.” The Bible teaches that Jesus will one day set up a thousand-year reign on earth (after the Tribulation and before the final battle that culminates in satan and sin being dealt with permanently) where those who have placed their faith in Him as Savior will have the opportunity (and joy!) to serve Him in some capacity. In fact, the better we obey Him and live for Him wholeheartedly in the here and now, the greater our opportunities will be to serve Him in the Millennium and beyond. This is a VERY big deal, sisters, so LOVE GOD with all your being and love others with mercy, grace, and kindness! In this, you are honoring God and you are representing Him well as His child.
-Our focus in February is on the word “love” (agape in Greek) because I John 4:8 says that God IS love. As His children longing to imitate Him (Eph. 5:1), we need to know what this word means in God’s dictionary. To do so, we are studying what God taught about it in His own words (the Bible).
-Based on today’s reading, identify “love” by summarizing what biblical love does or does not do and/or how it is manifested (displayed) by God:
-Now what? Ask the Father to show you areas where you can better imitate His love. As much as possible, list specific items to work on:
Notes, questions, prayer requests/praises, things I want to remember:
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
(Please take a moment for prayer to ask God’s help to understand today’s Bible passage and to apply it to your life. Make sure, as well, that your heart is right with Him by confessing any known sin.)
-Today’s Scripture:
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
Matthew 6:19-24, ESV
“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. 22 “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. 23 But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is! 24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”
Matthew 6:19-24, NLT
Something to Think About:
In our large-picture study of being imitators of God, we are devoting a month toward studying what it means that God is love. In order to accurately define this characteristic biblically, we NEED the Bible to show us what it is and what it isn’t. With that in mind, what is this passage teaching about love? Verse 24 points out that we cannot love God while also being enslaved to money. Verse 21 further points out that our heart belongs to what we treasure. We might like to THINK we can have divided loyalties and a dual focus, but God says we can’t—at least in the area of WHO or WHAT is the driving force behind who we are, what we do—and why.
If we choose to focus on “things” (or anything, for that matter, other than God) as our “purpose,” we have chosen that which can be destroyed, broken, and stolen. In other words, it is not permanent or lasting. And since it isn’t God, it is “bad,” unhealthy, and full of darkness. Not good! BUT, when our focus is on becoming like Christ, on looking at the Father’s face to see His pleasure at what we do and say, and on living as only a beloved child of God CAN live, then we are building treasures in heaven, we are staying spiritually healthy, we are walking in God’s glorious light, and we are LOVING God first and foremost.
Biblical love has as its focus loving God supremely with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
PS There seems to be an extra application in this passage in verses 22-23, a warning to pay attention to what we let our eyes focus on. A biblical principle is that sin often begins with letting our eyes linger on something that is ungodly in some way, be it a partially clad body, an intriguing storyline in an R-rated movie, or on a captivating “click-bait” headline on some internet site. Simply seeing something “ugly” isn’t a sin, but allowing our minds to meditate on it and consider it sure can lead to sin!
-Our focus in February is on the word “love” (agape in Greek) because I John 4:8 says that God IS love. As His children longing to imitate Him (Eph. 5:1), we need to know what this word means in God’s dictionary. To do so, we are studying what God taught about it in His own words (the Bible).
-Based on today’s reading, identify “love” by summarizing what biblical love does or does not do and/or how it is manifested (displayed) by God:
-Now what? Ask the Father to show you areas where you can better imitate His love. As much as possible, list specific items to work on:
Notes, questions, prayer requests/praises, things I want to remember:
Dear Students of the Word,
Welcome to a new month of Daily Bible Study Questions brought to you courtesy of First Baptist Church, North Conway, New Hampshire!
If you are brand new to our studies, we are studying the ways we can imitate God in order to obey Ephesians 5:1, “Therefore, be imitators of God as beloved children.” We hope to spend the year looking at the different ways God’s Word tells us to be like the Father and Son by looking at words such as imitate, mirror, image, and so on. We are also studying passages that tell us what we should be doing or being as God’s children and looking at both good and bad examples of imitating God by other people as recorded in Scripture.
One other way we can study the Bible in order to know how to live with excellence as children of God is to find out just WHO God is by focusing on verses that explain His attributes and characteristics. With that in mind, and because February is generally pretty focused on the subject of love, we are going to do a word study on the word “love.” We will be doing this for two main reasons. The first is so that we can begin to understand what it means when the Bible says that God IS love. The second is so that we will know how God says that His children should live out a life of love in relation to Him and to other people.
I will be providing Bible translations in the ESV and NLT each day (for the purposes of comparison and ease of understanding). The Scripture is via biblegateway.com, where you can find dozens of other translations for your own further study.
It is my prayer that by the end of the month we will all know how God defines love and how we can best demonstrate it in our words, actions, and attitudes in order to bless and edify others and bring God much glory.
By His Grace,
Lorie Brown
P.S. Last month’s study can be found on our website at firstbaptistnorthconway.org. We also have hard copies in our church building.
Monday, February 1, 2021
(Please take a moment for prayer to ask God’s help to understand today’s Bible passage and to apply it to your life. Make sure, as well, that your heart is right with Him by confessing any known sin.)
-Today’s Scripture:
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.”
I John 4:7-12, ESV
“Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. 12 No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.”
I John 4:7-12, NLT
Something to Think About:
In order to imitate God, we need to know Who He is and what characterizes Him, therefore part of our focus this year will be on Bible verses and passages that describe Him (the “God is. . .” kinds of passages). Today’s verses in the epistle of I John tell us point blank that God is love. It’s not only that He is loving (He is), it’s not only that He acts out of love (He does), it’s not only that what He does displays love (it does), but that He DEFINES what love actually is. You see, humans are really good at putting their own spin on things and coming up with definitions, ideas, plans, and even whole courses of life that are based on impressions and ideas of what is truth and what is real. Though people, by the grace of God, are often given success in their various pursuits, in order to think “right,” act “right,” and speak what is actually true, we need to study God and do what He does and believe that what He says about everything is the only right way to view them. With that in mind, we could choose to define love as it is commonly believed to be—as warm, squishy feelings, as an up-and-down emotion, as a give-and-take action, or anything else that we either make up or believe based on something someone else has made up—or—we can observe God and define love according to what He said. Since He is the One Who created us and the entire universe, it does seem wise to go to Him for all answers!
So God is love. The word for “love” here is agape. It is a love that flows out of the character of a person. It needs to be said, though, that contrary to what is sometimes taught, agape love is not on a higher plane that phileo love (often known as “brotherly love” and is love that is made by conscious choice, that is thought through and aware of sacrifices that will need to be made). These are two different kinds of love that not only don’t compete as to which one is higher or better, they are both given to us by God to complement each other. They work together to help us learn how to put others ahead of ourselves. And, of course, since God IS love, we become more like God the more our character becomes more concerned with others rather than ourselves.
In what way did God demonstrate love according to today’s passage? By sending His sinless Son to be the propitiation (substitute) for our sin so that we could have eternal life with Him. How can we reflect this in our own lives? By loving others with a similar sense of sacrifice and over-the-top caring about what others truly need. By loving others even when they can’t (or don’t) reciprocate. By giving of ourselves fully and continually. When we do this, what is the result? Well, for sure, God is honored and glorified. For sure, we are blessed. But, we are also demonstrating for others what our Father in heaven is like—and we are being “like” Him.
I think that because we are so brainwashed in our culture to think of love as a feeling versus the action that it is, it can be a challenge to know just exactly what it means to “love one another.” And since I’ve spent a lot of typing time talking about how all the answers to important life-questions are found in the Bible, let’s take the month of February (yes, I chose February on purpose for this side-study!) to explore other Bible verses that use this same Greek word for “love” found in I John 4:8, “God is love.” In the end, I’m confident that we will have even MORE reasons to praise and glorify our God, Who is love, and I’m confident that we will have concrete examples of what biblical is and isn’t. Are you excited? I am!
-Here are a few questions based on these verses that should help us remember what we read and provide a talking point with our Father in prayer.”
-Why does John say Christians must love each other? (v.7)
-Where is genuine love from?
-Who doesn’t the unloving person “know”?
-What did God sending His Son to die for us demonstrate?
-Since God loved us so much, what should be our response to others?
-Living a life of biblical love causes others to see Who in us?
Notes, questions, prayer requests/praises, things I want to remember:
March 2021 DBSQ
Wednesday, March 31, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. 11 And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. “
Hebrews 6:10-12, ESV
“For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do. 11 Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. 12 Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance.”
Hebrews 6:10-12, NLT
Something to Think About:
In another example of the blessing of imitating God-honoring believers, the author of this book is imploring his Christian readers to follow the example of men and women of faith in their history (such as Abraham, v.13-15), who believed God when He promised that He had an eternal home WITH eternal rewards for those of His children who lived an obedient and faithful life for Him (see also Hebrews 11). These readers were encouraged to remember these long-dead fellow heirs of Christ for their faith/trust in all God said—and—for their perseverance, or “endurance” as the NLT says. In other words, they didn’t give up, they didn’t throw in the towel, they kept on keeping on—keeping their eyes on Christ (Hebrews 12:2), believing with all their heart that their labors for the Lord would not be in vain (I Cor. 15:58).
The godly examples of both those who are still alive and those who have already gone home to be with the Lord can be such a tremendous encouragement to us, too, but don’t you love the beginning of this section also? First, our God is JUST. He is NEVER unjust. What He decides and does is always fair. It always hits the mark of what is holy, righteous, and “good,” because it is simply impossible for it not to! We can trust God to judge our motives and actions fairly—and we can trust that He will deal perfectly with those who have been unjust and unkind to us. We don’t have to stick up for ourselves because God is already doing that on our behalf. What a wonderful truth this is!
Next, God will NOT forget how hard we work for Him! Isn’t this just so very comforting (and exciting!)? I know we aren’t supposed to do nice things so that other people will notice, but I don’t think that our good and godly motives are negated when they are noticed and appreciated. In fact, just acknowledging that it’s nice when someone has been blessed by our actions or words should make us determined to pay extra attention to what others are doing around us so that we don’t miss opportunities to see THEIR kind and loving deeds, not just focused upon us, but for anyone. This is truly a delightful thing: to see God’s children laboring tirelessly on behalf of others of God’s children. So, while we may forget something someone once did for us, God doesn’t. Not ever.
God will also not forget to notice when we CONTINUE to work hard for Him and serve others. In fact, it kind of looks like a biblical remedy for not becoming lazy (“spiritually dull and indifferent”) is to not stop living in such a way that God is honored and people are blessed, encouraged, and edified in the things of the Lord. This is what perseverance/endurance is all about. And, dear ones, God will NOT stop helping us to obey and please Him in this area either!
PS God never forgets what we do for Him. Shouldn’t we consciously work hard to never forget all that He does for us and to thank Him for it every single day?
PROGRAMMING NOTE:
We’re going to use Hebrews 6:10-12 as a springboard to spend the month of April looking at people found in Scripture who lived their lives as good examples of godliness. I can’t wait to see what God wants to show us from His Word!
Tuesday, March 30, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place and strengthened himself against Israel. 2 He placed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim that Asa his father had captured. 3 The Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals, 4 but sought the God of his father and walked in his commandments, and not according to the practices of Israel. 5 Therefore the Lord established the kingdom in his hand. And all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had great riches and honor. 6 His heart was courageous in the ways of the Lord. And furthermore, he took the high places and the Asherim out of Judah.”
II Chronicles 17:1-6, ESV
“Then Jehoshaphat, Asa’s son, became the next king. He strengthened Judah to stand against any attack from Israel. 2 He stationed troops in all the fortified towns of Judah, and he assigned additional garrisons to the land of Judah and to the towns of Ephraim that his father, Asa, had captured. 3 The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the example of his father’s early years and did not worship the images of Baal. 4 He sought his father’s God and obeyed his commands instead of following the evil practices of the kingdom of Israel. 5 So the Lord established Jehoshaphat’s control over the kingdom of Judah. All the people of Judah brought gifts to Jehoshaphat, so he became very wealthy and highly esteemed. 6 He was deeply committed to the ways of the Lord. He removed the pagan shrines and Asherah poles from Judah.”
II Chronicles 17:1-6, NLT
Something to Think About:
Are you wondering why this Old Testament account is included in our 2021 study of being imitators of God? In verses three and four of this chapter in Chronicles, the author notes that Jehoshaphat, the current king of Judah (also know as the Southern Kingdom) had chosen to FOLLOW the God-honoring example of his ancestor, King David, and did NOT follow the evil example of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This pleased God greatly and as a result, He blessed Jehoshaphat and all of Judah.
In what ways did King Jehoshaphat please God and follow David’s example? He, first and most importantly, worshiped and obeyed GOD—and not the false gods of the peoples around them. Idolatry is one of the things God hates the most and the Hebrew people were forever getting involved in it. God hated it so much that He likened it to the despicable act of adultery in a marriage, that of one partner being unfaithful to the one they had pledged their eternal love and loyalty to. In God’s view, placing anyone or anything above Him as what we serve, love, and live for, is a horrendous slap in His face and He cannot abide it.
One of the many differences between God’s people, the Jews, during Old Testament times and how Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection changed things, is that the Old Testament people of God were blessed or punished based on their loyalty to God and His Word. While people could still be poor or have some serious health challenge and be loyal to God, on the whole, they were healthy, well taken care of, and triumphant over their enemies when they as a nation were obeying God and choosing to honor Him. In the Old Testament we can find a recurring pattern of obedience and blessing followed by taking these things for granted, leading to living for self, leading to disregarding God’s laws, leading to idolatry, ending in suffering, sadness, and overwhelming sin. It took someone returning to the only right choice, to obey God fully, to change that. Sometimes this right choice affected just a few, but sometimes, such as in this account, one person doing the right thing affected the entire nation.
This seems to be a good moment to stop and consider how our lives are affecting those around us. Is our close walk with the Lord causing those around us to ALSO want to live an obedient (and joyful!) life for God simply because they see how delightful it is to remain in close fellowship with the Father? Is our walk with the Lord so low-key that no one really knows about it, therefore they see no real need to change their own life? Is our walk with the Lord so wishy-washy that no one even knows that we belong to God?
We are not Old Testament Israel and how God blesses us in the church age is different from the promises He made to Israel. That being said, what sort of changes for the better might you see in your church family if you REALLY started giving God your all both privately and publicly? How might your choice to get rid of ANYTHING that might take the place of quality time with the Lord and for the Lord cause someone else to consider how they might ALSO weed some less-than-God honoring-things out of their own home, heart, and life? How might your constant praise of God’s goodness in your life cause those hearing you to maybe praise the Lord a bit more too? How might your eagerness to get involved with as many ministries as possible in church be the impetus for others to also get a bit more involved? How might your notes, calls, texts, and emails of encouragement and offers to pray bless others and lead to them praying how they can also be a blessing to others?
My church youth group was very fond of singing (something I have never lost!) and one of the more cheesy songs from the 70s said something like, “It only takes a spark to get a fire going.” I’m not even sure what that was all about, other than to say that when King Jehoshaphat decided to get right with God and lead the nation of Judah into a God-honoring direction, great things followed. Not only did the whole nation begin to follow God earnestly, the surrounding nations became afraid of them as they saw just how greatly God was blessing them. Are you just one person? God can do some pretty amazing things with just one faithful spark!
Monday, March 29, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. 14 For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews, 15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all mankind 16 by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last!”
I Thessalonians 2:13-16, ESV
“Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God—which, of course, it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe. 14 And then, dear brothers and sisters, you suffered persecution from your own countrymen. In this way, you imitated the believers in God’s churches in Judea who, because of their belief in Christ Jesus, suffered from their own people, the Jews. 15 For some of the Jews killed the prophets, and some even killed the Lord Jesus. Now they have persecuted us, too. They fail to please God and work against all humanity 16 as they try to keep us from preaching the Good News of salvation to the Gentiles. By doing this, they continue to pile up their sins. But the anger of God has caught up with them at last.”
I Thessalonians 2:13-16, NLT
Something to Think About:
Today’s reading is a follow-up to our last study. Paul is still commending the believers in Thessalonica for hearing God’s Word, accepting it AS God’s Word, for living it out in their lives, and for being an excellent testimony to their city and to other Christian communities in their corner of the world. This God-honoring attitude and action was “imitating” both Paul’s own ministry—and that of the Lord Jesus.
Paul goes on to tell them that they have ALSO imitated other God-honoring churches because they had been persecuted for their adherence to God’s Word and their choice to keep on living in a manner that pleased God IN SPITE OF being given a very hard time by family members, friends, and the community at large. Paul commends them for following in the footsteps of those very first churches that arose after Jesus returned to heaven, the Holy Spirit began to indwell believers, and the church was established. They, too, suffered greatly. In fact, it was because of the tremendous persecution of believers that many people moved out of Jerusalem and the message of the gospel was spread into Judea, Samaria, and into the whole world. There is NOTHING that happens to us that God cannot and does use for His glory and our good!
Not only were the Thessalonian believers “imitating” the suffering the first believers underwent because of their stand for Christ, they were imitating the sufferings of Jesus Christ, Himself! Did you know that when you stand firm for the Lord and suffer as a result, that you are in some way “sharing in the suffering of Christ” – and that in doing so, God is glorified and is brought honor by you? That doing so is a privilege?
Carefully, PRAYERFULLY, consider the following Scripture passages, entrusting YOUR life to our faithful Father!
“Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel, not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your salvation—and this is from God. For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are engaged in the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have.” Philippians 1:27-30
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. You rejoice in this, even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials so that the proven character of your faith—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” I Peter 1:3-7
“For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. He did not commit sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth; when he was insulted, he did not insult in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten but entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree; so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.”
I Peter 2:21-24
“But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear them or be intimidated, but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit.” I Peter 3:14-18
“Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you, as if something unusual were happening to you. Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may also rejoice with great joy when his glory is revealed. If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a meddler. But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed but let him glorify God in having that name. For the time has come for judgment to begin with God’s household, and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God? And if a righteous person is saved with difficulty, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? So then, let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator while doing what is good.” I Peter 4:12-19
Saturday, March 27, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8 For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. 9 For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.”
I Thessalonians 1:3-10, ESV
“As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people. 5 For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. And you know of our concern for you from the way we lived when we were with you. 6 So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord. 7 As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Greece—throughout both Macedonia and Achaia. 8 And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere, even beyond Macedonia and Achaia, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God. We don’t need to tell them about it, 9 for they keep talking about the wonderful welcome you gave us and how you turned away from idols to serve the living and true God. 10 And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment.”
I Thessalonians 1:3-10, NLT
Something to Think About:
Paul is writing to the believers in Thessalonica to express his joy in their testimony for the Lord. They were not only being a good testimony to the unsaved around them, but they were being a good testimony to other believers.
Have you ever considered how your behavior as a church family can encourage other church families to hang in there, to step up their game, or to strive for even more excellence? Just as gossip tends to spread until many people have heard whatever is being passed along, so can good reports and testimonies of praise.
In what way were these believers living in a God honoring way? They didn’t “just” believe in Jesus and the new life they were given upon salvation, they ACTED on it—they lived it out as individuals and as a church family. Living out our faith is evidenced in our trust in God’s goodness and plan despite trying circumstances and in using the Bible as our Guidebook for behavior, attitude, and goals. Apparently, the Thessalonian believers had been facing quite a bit of persecution as Christians, but they didn’t let that stop them from coming to church, studying God’s Word, and becoming more like Jesus Christ.
Paul notes in verse 3 that they acted out of love—exactly as God wants us to. He also noted that they hung in there (they “endured”) because they KNEW that Jesus would be returning for them and they wanted Him to be pleased with them when He came. This is noted again in verse 10—and we, too, most DEFINITELY have hope and joy as we wait for our Savior from heaven to return for us!
Paul points out as well that these believers turned away from the idols commonly worshiped in the place where they lived and chose to serve the only true and living God. We, too, have the joy and privilege of not getting sucked into the world’s philosophy of living and thinking, choosing instead to live GOD’S WAY. And as we do this, we will be blessed and will grow in our spiritual maturity, but we will also be a testimony in our community—and to all who hear about our faith, trust, good works, and hope.
BONUS: In this passage, Paul is addressing how this church family is being a blessing and encouragement to believers in other places simply by the witness of those who have seen it or heard it and passing that on to others. This is excellent and brings God much praise, BUT have you ever considered that your church family can CHOOSE to be a blessing to another like-minded church family? How about making it a goal (as a church family) to pray very specifically for another church for one month, then write them and tell them that you have been praying for them? How about if your ladies’ Bible study group calls another church’s pastor’s wife and asks for specific areas your group can pray for on her behalf? Do you know if another church is facing some specific need or hardship? Can your church family help out? Does your church have the means to offer free or discounted housing (such as a prophet’s chamber) for another church’s tired pastor and family? I’m confident that if a church family WANTS to honor God by being a blessing to another church, God will open those doors.
Friday, March 26, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. 11 To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, 12 and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; 13 when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things. 14 I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. 15 For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 16 I urge you, then, be imitators of me. 17 That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church.”
I Corinthians 4:9-17, ESV
“Instead, I sometimes think God has put us apostles on display, like prisoners of war at the end of a victor’s parade, condemned to die. We have become a spectacle to the entire world—to people and angels alike. 10 Our dedication to Christ makes us look like fools, but you claim to be so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are so powerful! You are honored, but we are ridiculed. 11 Even now we go hungry and thirsty, and we don’t have enough clothes to keep warm. We are often beaten and have no home. 12 We work wearily with our own hands to earn our living. We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us. 13 We appeal gently when evil things are said about us. Yet we are treated like the world’s garbage, like everybody’s trash—right up to the present moment. 14 I am not writing these things to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. 15 For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you. 16 So I urge you to imitate me. 17 That’s why I have sent Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of how I follow Christ Jesus, just as I teach in all the churches wherever I go.”
I Corinthians 4:9-17, NLT
Something to Think About:
Our verse of focus is verse 16, “So I urge you to imitate me.” It’s helpful, though, to understand the context and know in what regard Paul is urging the believers in Corinth to imitate him.
I Corinthians is one of the few letters that Paul wrote that has a fair amount of chastisement. You see, the believers in Corinth had gotten a few wrong ideas that needed to be straightened out. Among the issues was the development of factions among the people. Some claimed they only followed Paul; others said they followed the teaching and leadership of Apollos. They needed to be reminded that it is GOD Who dictates what all His children are to do and it is His standards and rules of living that we must yield to. Along with that, though, God hand-picked specific men to be His under-shepherds and leaders. Paul was the last apostle (“commissioned one” or “sent one”), but even as the office of “apostle” was (literally) dying out, the office of pastor was the next step that God had ordained to take over the leadership role in the church. God planned for pastors (the word means literally, shepherds) to take responsibility for teaching, preaching, admonishing, and guiding the flock.
Did you know that the pastorate is not a vocation in the same way that, say a professor, doctor, or accountant is? God may have directed these people into these occupations and provided the right education and connections to be in the job that they are, but He didn’t “call” them in the same way He calls full-time servants for the ministry. When a man receives a tap on the shoulder from God to be His servant, this is not a job and this is not a choice. It is something God has selected him to do and it becomes WHO he is. Pastoring will never be a 9-5 job, or frankly, not really something you can “retire” from. The only true “out” is upon his death or if something changes in his life and he is no longer qualified to pastor according to I Timothy 3 and Titus 1.
Anyway, back to Paul, he, as Jesus Christ’s apostle, was someone Christians should respect, listen to, hold in honor—and imitate. In what way should they imitate him? Look at today’s Scripture passage again.
-Paul lived an example of Christ to both humans and the angelic realm.
-Paul was sold out for Christ. Serving Him was his #1 goal—no matter where that took him and no matter what was required of him.
-Paul was willing to look like a fool, like he was weak, and to be dishonored in order to speak of Christ and present the good news of the gospel.
-Paul was willing to go hungry, be thirsty, have inadequate clothing, to be treated roughly, to be homeless, to have to work for his own food (in addition to preaching and teaching long hours every day), to be treated like scum of the earth—all so that Christ might be exalted.
-Paul, like Jesus, chose to bless those who reviled him, knowing vengeance is God’s job, not his.
-Paul, like Jesus, chose to endure persecution, trusting God with his life and well being.
-Paul, like Jesus, chose to respond graciously when slandered.
-Paul, like Jesus, chose to teach with kindness, as a father does his beloved children whether or not this was appreciated.
-Paul chose to live as Christ Jesus did.
Thursday, March 25, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.”
III John 1:11, ESV
“Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God.”
III John 1:11, NLT
Something to Think About:
This verse seems pretty straightforward: imitate what is good, don’t imitate what is bad. A critical element, though, is what standard we are using to determine what is good or bad. This is, in fact, a HUGE problem in the world right now. As we as a human race have moved further and further away from living according to biblical standards, our sense of right and wrong has become muddied to the point where people now stand behind podiums and declare that everyone has a right to their own opinion, that each person needs to determine for themselves what is right and wrong, and that no one has the right to tell another person that something they are doing is “bad.” Thank God (and I mean this most sincerely—this is not “slang”), His influence is still being felt through His Word and through His people, the Church, which has helped slow this down a bit. We, in America, for instance, still have SOME righteous laws that are being enforced. But, if you have a child in public school (or know of one), you will realize that the teachers and even principals are no longer allowed to discipline children for bad behavior and things have become literally dangerous physically for both students AND teachers in many classrooms across our nation. Many children are growing up with the idea that there are no consequences for bad behavior, and in fact, there is no such thing as good or bad. What a scary thought!
Praise God, He DID give us a very specific set of do’s and don’ts in His Word—and following them always causes a person, and family, and nation to behave in a safe, civil, orderly, and calm manner. This is true even if not everyone is a Christian, but when groups of people ARE obedient believers (say, in a local church!), then the spirit of that group of people can be AWESOME. When God’s people are gathered together to serve Him with all their heart and to love each other as Christ loves us, then there’s no end to the joy, to the peace, to the unity, to the excitement, and to the thrill of studying and obeying God’s Word together.
And yet, there is STILL a need to be reminded to imitate what is good and stay away from anything that is evil even among believers. I know this from experience—and from III John. In the verses before verse 11, John is warning Gaius to avoid Diotrephes and to accept Demetrius. Diotrephes, “who loves to have first place,” had a major problem with authority—to the point of slandering John and other faithful ministers of the Word. Demetrius, on the other hand, had an excellent testimony among the believers. Actually, so did Gaius, the fellow John is writing to. He describes Gaius as someone who is walking in truth (GOD’S TRUTH!) and who has a great witness among other Christians for his loyalty to it and the love he shows to one and all. John goes on to say something that fits nicely with yesterday’s study in Hebrews 13. John mentions the joy that he feels knowing about Gaius’ close walk with the Lord. YOUR pastor sees and rejoices when YOU “walk in the truth”!
One last thing worthy of note: John states that those who do evil have not seen God, meaning they don’t know what He is like. He is not necessarily speaking about someone who is unsaved. It’s certainly true that an unsaved person has not seen God, but we need to be aware that believers can choose to not really know who God is simply by not taking the time to find out. It takes studying God’s Word regularly, praying to God often, attending church faithfully, and obeying Him to start the process of knowing Him. The awesome thing is that God WANTS us to know all about Him and the more time we invest in learning about Him and adoring Him, the more He reveals all there is to praise Him about. There is literally no end to His goodness and grace, so this is more than even a lifelong pursuit. God has given us the incredible privilege of “seeing” Him now and for all of eternity. Praise His name!
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.”
Hebrews 13:7, ESV
“Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.”
Hebrews 13:7, NLT
Something to Think About:
God gives us many resources to help us in our goal of becoming more like His Son. One of the really important ones that He gives is mentioned in today’s passage. Those who He has given to us as spiritual leaders, our pastors, can be excellent role models for us—people worth imitating. Of course, the author adds an important caveat. He suggests that we first carefully observe the outcome of their lives. Now, this sure does not discount the example of young pastors and other church leaders! I’ve personally known MANY young men who are completely sold out for God and are wonderful examples of godliness. But there’s something extra wonderful about men who have stood the test of time. Who may have come through some serious battles in their lives, yet continue to live for God wholeheartedly with joy and excitement.
Do you know some of these men? What are they doing that is worthy of imitating? Is it their faithful church attendance? Is it their clear familiarity with God’s Word? Is it their sincere and heartfelt prayers? Is it their kindness and politeness? Is it their servant’s heart and work ethic? Is it how they are always ready to give a word of praise during testimony time and/or share something they have learned recently in their personal Bible study time?
There is something REALLY exciting when a young man has committed to living his life for God’s glory and honor, but there is also something extremely joyful about seeing an older man who has stayed true to the Lord his whole life. Pray for our men! Pray that the faithful ones would remain faithful and even excel still more. Pray, too, for the not-so-committed ones, that they would give their heart to the Lord and jump on the “living for God” bandwagon. Be sure that YOU yourself are on that delightful wagon and keep on keeping on!
BONUS: A little later in Hebrews 13, the author has this important warning for all church members: “Obey your leaders and submit to them, since they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account, so that they can do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you (v.17).” Did you know that your pastor will one day give an account to the Lord about YOU? Because he has been given the job of shepherding you, of watching over your soul, he will one day give a report about how well you listened, obeyed, served, and lived as a child of God while under his care. The warning given here is to live in such a way that his report is given with joy and pride in your Christlikeness—and not in sorrow over your hard heart, prideful spirit, unwillingness to serve, or disobedience to God’s Word. In other words, if your pastor is a man of God and is preaching God’s Word to you, you would be very wise to listen, submit to his teaching, and obey God’s Word completely. (And as a bonus to the bonus, nothing makes a pastor happier than to see his congregation listening intently to God’s Word, then going out and applying it to their lives day by day!)
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. 13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.”
II Thessalonians 3:6-13, ESV
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from all believers who live idle lives and don’t follow the tradition they received from us. 7 For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you. 8 We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow. 10 Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.” 11 Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. 12 We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living. 13 As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.”
II Thessalonians 3:6-13, NLT
Something to Think About:
Paul gives the believers in Thessalonica (and us!) some guidelines for our behavior. He instructs us to follow his example and to imitate him. In what area is he focusing? On that of being a hard worker, not being lazy, and not allowing other believers to be lazy either. Paul stated that even though he and the other ministry workers and preachers should be fed and have their physical needs taken care of by the church family they were working with, they chose to not do that BECAUSE they wanted to leave them an example for that church to follow once they were gone.
Here are a few do’s and don’t in this area from these verses:
-Keep away from fellow believers who have chosen to be idle (This is not addressing those who CANNOT work due to health or age).
-Working hard day and night is good. It is not a punishment, but a means to help, to encourage, and to display a good testimony.
-Being a burden to others does not please the Lord (once again, this is not referring to someone with a health crisis or with some other reason why they cannot work, feed themselves, or otherwise provide for their own needs. Nor does this mean that Christians should ever be “proud” and refuse the help of others! Graciously, humbly, and THANKFULLY receive what others have been compelled by the Lord to do for you!).
-If you want to eat, you should expect to have to work for that privilege.
-When we don’t do what we’re supposed to do, specifically working hard for others and for our own needs, we are likely to become busybodies! A busybody is someone who pays far more attention to what other people are doing rather than making sure that they are making good use of their time. Furthermore, the attention they focus on others is not generally for their good, but their harm. Gossip is generally a big part of the life of a busybody.
-As children of God who have chosen to live their lives in a way that honors God and builds up others of God’s children, we should NEVER grow weary of doing good. We shouldn’t build in quotas for “enough” kindness in any given day or week, we should continue to “go the extra mile,” we should keep on treating others in the same way we love being treated, we should keep considering the needs of others as more important than our wants, we should maintain a servant’s heart in the way Jesus modeled for us, and we should ever be striving to excel still more. Why? Because this brings God great glory, because this PLEASES God, because this blesses other believers, because this is a good witness to the unsaved, and because it is building great treasure chests for eternity.
To be honest with you, I love to be lazy just as much as the next person. However, I love God more. I love my family more. I love my church family more. I love to know that I can please and honor God by getting up and moving. How about you?
Monday, March 22, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. 2 And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, 3 and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while. 4 Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.”
Revelation 20:1-4, ESV
“Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven with the key to the bottomless pit and a heavy chain in his hand. 2 He seized the dragon—that old serpent, who is the devil, Satan—and bound him in chains for a thousand years. 3 The angel threw him into the bottomless pit, which he then shut and locked so Satan could not deceive the nations anymore until the thousand years were finished. Afterward he must be released for a little while. 4 Then I saw thrones, and the people sitting on them had been given the authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony about Jesus and for proclaiming the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his statue, nor accepted his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They all came to life again, and they reigned with Christ for a thousand years.”
Revelation 20:1-4, NLT
Something to Think About:
There are several verses in the Book of Revelation that use the word “image.” They are all referring to the image of the beast that represents part of satan’s attempt to overthrow God’s plan (which will fail spectacularly!). They include: 13:14-15; 14:9, 11; 15:2; 16:2; 19:20, and today’s passage, 20:4.
I wanted to talk about Revelation 20:1-4, because it reminds us that (a) with God’s help, it’s is VERY possible to turn our backs on sin, satan, and wickedness, and (b) God richly rewards those who stay true to Him.
Can you even IMAGINE what life will be like during the Tribulation? If we think we have it hard today, what will happen during that seven years of chaos will be a million times worse. Christians will have to choose between having the mark of the beast inscribed on their bodies—or not being able to buy food and provisions AND have their head chopped off. And yet, Revelation 20 tells us that many will utterly refuse to stand on satan’s side! They will know they belong to Christ—and that is the most important thing to them, so they will be willing to die to remain loyal to Him. Wow.
I wonder? What sort of loyalty do we have for Christ today? Do our friends, family, and co-workers even know that we are Christians? That obeying God at all times is an essential activity for us every day, all day? That we belong to a Bible-teaching church and that our relationship to our church family is one of the most important relationships we have? That DYING for our faith is something we are willing to do because of all Christ did for us—and continues to do for us?
Maybe even more convicting, can our church family tell that we love the Lord with all our heart from our conversations, our involvement in service opportunities, our care for others in our church family, our willingness to give a fresh testimony of God’s grace when opportunities arise? Would our church family be able to see our love for Jesus Christ based on the consistency of our attendance at church services?
I was also convicted recently to prayerfully evaluate whether GOD knows of my loyalty to Him! This was specifically in the area of praying to God while, perhaps, not really paying attention to what we are saying! The idea that we might be “talking to God,” while also thinking about what we need at the store or wondering what our friend meant when they made a certain recent comment. Surely God deserves ALL our attention and focus! Surely He deserves ALL our loyalty! Surely He deserves our utmost and constant RESPECT.
Saturday, March 20, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“And Jehoiada made a covenant between himself and all the people and the king that they should be the Lord’s people. 17 Then all the people went to the house of Baal and tore it down; his altars and his images they broke in pieces, and they killed Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars.”
II Chronicles 23:16-17, ESV
“Then Jehoiada made a covenant between himself and the king and the people that they would be the Lord’s people. 17 And all the people went over to the temple of Baal and tore it down. They demolished the altars and smashed the idols, and they killed Mattan the priest of Baal in front of the altars.”
II Chronicles 23:16-17, NLT
Something to Think About:
Both II Chronicles 23 and II Kings 11 tell the exciting and epic tale of how a few brave and godly people defied the ungodly acts of their ruler and rescued the rightful heir to the throne of David. Be sure to take some time to read one or both of these chapters! They are a reminder of how God uses each of us in our own little corner of the world to do incredible things for His glory—when we are just willing to follow His leading and obey His Word.
Another powerful part of this account, though, is found in the few verses we highlighted from II Chronicles 23. After several years of Judah (the Southern Kingdom of Israel) being ruled by an evil queen who did NOT serve the One and True God, a coup occurred and the godly chief priest, Jehoiada, guided young King Joash to return the land and people to serving Jehovah. A critical first step was removing anything and everything that had to do with worshiping Baal, one of the pagan deities prevalent in that time and place. Those serving the Righteous God tore down the temple of Baal and smashed its altars and idols (images). They even killed the priest of Baal there, knowing that ALL evil must be eliminated completely.
The application that comes to my mind and heart after reading this is to question if I have the same take-no-prisoners mentality when it comes to holiness in MY temple, that is my body, which became the temple of God upon my salvation. Do I ruthlessly and completely search and destroy every single idol? Every single “love” that is directed other places than on God Almighty? Do I totally and completely reject any movie that would be displeasing to God in ANY way? Do I stop reading a great book once I realize there are words, concepts, or actions that are opposed to the righteous, holy, and separate-from-sin person I became once saved? Do I not only not purchase new CDs or music files that are worldly (in ANY way) – but even throw out and destroy those I have purchased in the past that I know realize do not bring God honor? Do I refuse to take part in conversations that are worldly in terminology—or even attitude? Do I refuse to gossip about others? Do I lovingly and humbly redirect negative conversation to that of praising and thanking God? Do I make the decision to once-and-for-all-time stop being lazy or procrastinate in areas of housekeeping? To eat food that nourishes my body and doesn’t fill it with poisons? Get up on my feet and move around to strengthen my muscles?
Determining (with God’s help!) to ruthlessly and completely remove any and all “altars and images” in our life, home, and heart is a daunting task, one that requires constant vigilance. Satan would like nothing better than to convince us to “lighten up” and not take life so seriously, but even a quick look at Scripture points out quite clearly that sin is a VERY big deal to God and is something He cannot and will not condone in even the smallest amounts. As ones created in Him image—and redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, neither should we.
As with all “big” projects, just start with the obvious. Prayerfully evaluate your surroundings, your habits, and your heart’s desires and focus. Ask the Father to show you one thing to get rid of today, then another tomorrow. As we obey Him in this area, He will continue to reveal areas that need purging and refining. Far from being a burden, though, each smashed idol will bring greater joy and peace and a deeper relationship with the One our soul loves.
Friday, March 19, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“And the Lord spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying, 51 “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When you pass over the Jordan into the land of Canaan, 52 then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you and destroy all their figured stones and destroy all their metal images and demolish all their high places.”
Numbers 33:50-53, ESV
“While they were camped near the Jordan River on the plains of Moab opposite Jericho, the Lord said to Moses, 51 “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel: When you cross the Jordan River into the land of Canaan, 52 you must drive out all the people living there. You must destroy all their carved and molten images and demolish all their pagan shrines.”
Numbers 33:50-52, NLT
Something to Think About:
The use of the word “image” in this passage in the Book of Numbers is referring to idols. Idols, in this context, are images of some person (real or fabricated) or thing in which people choose to place their trust for help, riches, fame, or some other desire they may have. The foolishness of creating your own “god” should be pretty obvious, but when people reject the true God, they are only left with lies, empty hope, and failure.
There’s more to idolatry, however. This is it: God HATES it. I have no idea how many references there are to God commanding His people to forsake all idols, to tear down any and all places where people might be worshiping false gods and idols, and to NEVER EVER worship anyone or anything besides Him, but there are a LOT. He is the ONLY One worthy of worship—ever and forever. And while those of us in the 21st century don’t really worship idols (well, except for Saint Christopher medals, images of Jesus’ mother, Mary, rosary beads, angel pins, lucky charms—and that sort of thing!), we most definitely too often focus our attention and desires on people and things over God Almighty.
It would be pretty challenging to try to list all the things that can become idols of our hearts, but John gave some pretty broad categories that can be helpful. He says in I John 2:15-17, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s possessions—is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.”
Anything that falls under the category of “the world” can become an idol—even to believers. When we love that person, place, or thing more than God, we have made it our idol and we are no longer loving God supremely. How can we keep our eyes on God and off of worldly focuses? John explains it in verse 17: do the will of the Father (as found in Scripture). John mentioned this earlier in the same chapter. Verses 3-6 say, “This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commands. The one who says, “I have come to know him,” and yet doesn’t keep his commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps his word, truly in him the love of God is made complete. This is how we know we are in him: The one who says he remains in him should walk just as he walked.”
Did you see that last part? “The one who says he remains in Him should walk just as He walked.” THAT brings us right back to our image study! To be becoming more like Christ, we need to walk as He walked. In other words, our lifestyle should be in keeping with His values, imitating what He said was valuable to do with our time, say with our words, and focus on as our goals. It’s all in the Bible. All we need to have “the love of God made complete” in us is in Scripture. This is so encouraging! With God’s help to study, understand, then live out His Word, we can slowly but surely be growing into the image of the LORD, displaying all the characteristics of our Father in heaven, living as citizens of heaven and not inhabitants of the world and it’s worldly thoughts and behaviors. Praise the LORD!
Thursday, March 18, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“This is the book of the generations of Adam. When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. 2 Male and female he created them, and he blessed them and named them Man when they were created. 3 When Adam had lived 130 years, he fathered a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth.”
Genesis 5:1-3, ESV
“This is the written account of the descendants of Adam. When God created human beings, he made them to be like himself. 2 He created them male and female, and he blessed them and called them “human.” 3 When Adam was 130 years old, he became the father of a son who was just like him—in his very image. He named his son Seth.”
Genesis 5:1-3, NLT
Something to Think About:
Genesis 5 begins recapping some of what happened upon the creation of the world. For reasons known only to God, He created our universe and everything within it, choosing to make mankind as His crowning creation; choosing us to communicate with, have a relationship with, and to bring Him great glory. God created mankind “in His image,” with a will, with emotions, with intellect, and with an ability far beyond animals in the area of communication, relationships, etc. God did something extraordinarily amazing when He chose to make mankind (both male and female, v.2) in His image. Theologians and students of the Word have pondered for centuries the full ramifications of this, but I kind of suspect that it will take a sin-free, glorified mind to even begin to have true insight into this incredible privilege.
Note, too, that the “image” that God created Adam and Eve in is passed on to their children. Seth (v.3) was born in Adam’s likeness.
What captured my attention here was thinking about truisms like “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” and “like father, like son.” While all humans have certain traits that come directly from God, ever since the first children, we also inherit traits from our ancestors—including mannerisms, attitudes, and quirks. What children see and hear their parents do, they will imitate and try out on their own. There are oodles of adorable examples of this (little boys trying to “shave” with a toy razor, little girls cuddling their baby dolls, children speaking with the same accent as their parents), but there are also sad and upsetting examples (a small innocent child using cuss words, children hitting each other in anger, adults abusing children after they themselves had been abused). This all leads us to conclude that what we do, how we do it, and why we do it are pretty important—and not just in the area of parenting. Unless we live all alone and have our food delivered by drone, we WILL be around people, and when we are around people, we WILL be observed. It’s human nature! Be it good or bad, people watch people and form opinions. They do so based on our appearance (neatly and modestly dressed; wearing dirty sweatpants and an ancient t-shirt), on our demeanor (patient and pleasant; short-tempered and stressed), on our words (polite and thoughtful; demanding and demeaning), on our actions (organized and calm; anxious and selfish), and. . . well, everything. It may be a fleeting glance or a long observation, the important question is: who are we reflecting? Our Father in heaven or the prince of the power of the air, satan himself?
There are many who would say that we are the product of our environment, or—the opposite theory—that genetics will tell, and we’ve just seen how that COULD be true, but these are human evaluations which do not take into account the transforming work of God. When a person becomes a believer, the old passes away and the new has come. That person becomes a new creation, one who is fashioned in the likeness of Christ—and who is now, for the first time, able to “be like” God the Father and God the Son in attitude, action, and focus. With the direction of Scripture and the help of the Holy Spirit, we are now able to do what pleases God and brings Him glory. We are able to “walk in a manner worthy” of the gospel, to which we have been called.
We are ALSO able to begin to reflect to others the image of God, helping our children, relatives, friends, co-workers, and even strangers, “see” what God is actually like. They can observe His mercy, His love, His kindness, and even His hatred of sin—through us. We not only CAN do this, we are called to do this—and God never commands us to do anything that He doesn’t give us the strength to do. Will we do it perfectly? No. But we can get right back on track when we’ve strayed by confessing sin and placing ourselves back at the feet of our God, looking to Him for direction and help. We can keep on keeping on, striving for excellence, focusing on the example of Jesus Christ every single day—right up and until He either calls us home through death or in the Rapture.
We ARE created in the image of God; are we reflecting Him accurately?
P.S. We must also consider who we are looking to as our mentors and examples for how to navigate life. This is another reason why belonging to a solid Bible-believing church is an essential thing. It is in our churches where we’ll find those who are living faithfully and obediently for God and who are excellent examples for all those who are trying to be becoming like Christ.
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. 2 Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? 3 But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. 4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 5 Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; 6 in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. 7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’” 8 When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), 9 then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. 10 And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 1 And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. 14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.”
Hebrews 10:1-14, ESV
“The old system under the law of Moses was only a shadow, a dim preview of the good things to come, not the good things themselves. The sacrifices under that system were repeated again and again, year after year, but they were never able to provide perfect cleansing for those who came to worship. 2 If they could have provided perfect cleansing, the sacrifices would have stopped, for the worshipers would have been purified once for all time, and their feelings of guilt would have disappeared. 3 But instead, those sacrifices actually reminded them of their sins year after year. 4 For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 5 That is why, when Christ came into the world, he said to God, “You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings. But you have given me a body to offer. 6 You were not pleased with burnt offerings or other offerings for sin. 7 Then I said, ‘Look, I have come to do your will, O God—as is written about me in the Scriptures.’ 8 First, Christ said, “You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings or burnt offerings or other offerings for sin, nor were you pleased with them” (though they are required by the law of Moses). 9 Then he said, “Look, I have come to do your will.” He cancels the first covenant in order to put the second into effect. 10 For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time. 11 Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. 12 But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 13 There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet. 14 For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy.”
Hebrews 10:1-14, NLT
Something to Think About:
Did you find the word “image” in today’s Scripture? It’s in verse 1, translated as “shadow.” The author is saying that the law that the Old Testament Hebrews were commanded to keep, that of making yearly sacrifices for their sins, was a mere “shadow” of what Christ would do when He died for our sins—once and for all time. The law was a kind of pre-sketch of the finished masterpiece of Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection which completely paid the sin penalty for all who believed in Him. The law was created, as a matter of fact, to DEMONSTRATE how mankind could NOT pay for their own sin, or in fact, even stop sinning just because they willed it so. Before salvation, before the Holy Spirit caused us to believe in Jesus, we were UNABLE to stop sinning or to do anything that was righteous in God’s eyes due to the guilt of the sin we inherited at birth (AND the sin we have chosen to commit beginning as very young children). Once saved, however, we became positionally righteous forever (though we too often make the decision to rebel against our Holy Father and do things that are not according to His image). Church Age believers have many privileges that the Old Testament Hebrews didn’t have. They had to make animal sacrifices year after year to express their sorrow over their sin, but these sacrifices could not permanently pay the price that needed to be paid. They had to each trust God’s promise that He would one day send a Redeemer, a Messiah, to pay that price on their behalf. They didn’t know that God’s Scapegoat would be His own Son. They didn’t fully grasp that the One Who came to make the perfect and permanent sacrifice was the Second Person of the Trinity. They just had to trust that what God said He would do would happen. When they did, they became spiritually saved and we will have opportunity to meet them in glory. Once Jesus did come, however, all of humanity since then is called to trust that He was God and that He did all that was necessary to pay sin’s penalty on our behalf. When we do, we become spiritually saved and forever belong to God as His adopted child. This is a one time event (that of placing our trust in Jesus as Savior) that is effective for eternity. Furthermore, we are privileged to have the indwelling Holy Spirit and the completed Word of God to instruct us, convict us of sin, teach us, and help us to stand firm in the spiritual battle going on all around us all the time.
And even though verse 7 doesn’t use the word image, it sure gives us an important determination by Jesus Christ for us to copy! Jesus came to do God’s will. No personal goals of ours can compare with this one foundational goal: all that we say, do, and think must focus on GOD’S will, not our own. How do we know God’s will? When we study God’s Word and obey what we recognize He wants us to do, He will reveal more ways to obey Him—and more refined ways to obey Him. As we memorize Bible verses and Bible principles, we can, with the Holy Spirit’s help, apply them to the decisions we need to make and to the circumstances we are faced with. His Word becomes our Guidebook for every aspect of our life. Pleasing Him and obeying Him become our life goal, and in this, we will be doing God’s will as Jesus did.
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
II Corinthians 4:4-6, ESV
“Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. 5 You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.”
II Corinthians 4:4-6, NLT
Something to Think About:
In our passage today, Paul is telling the believers in Corinth (and us, too!) that Jesus Christ is the image of God. That is, He is a visible representation of the invisible (for a time) Father. This is spoken of in John 1:18 and Colossians 1:15 (among other places).
“No one has ever seen God. The one and only Son, who is himself God and is at the Father’s side—he has revealed him.” John 1:18
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” Colossians 1:15
This is pretty awesome for (at least) two reasons. First is that for the first time since sin entered the world, humans are able to see, talk to, touch, and come to understand GOD. While it’s a tremendous shame that most people didn’t choose to believe Jesus was Who He said He was, how magnificent for those who did! Second, having the life of Jesus recorded in Scripture gives those of us who came long after Jesus’ return to heaven the opportunity to ALSO “see” Him, listen to Him (by reading His words in the Bible) – and find out all about God. And don’t make the mistake of thinking that the words of Jesus are the only important words in your Bible. The ENTIRE Bible is the Word of God. Everything, even the numbers and “begats.” God chose exactly what He wanted us to know—and exactly what we NEEDED to know to understand Who He is, What He has done (and will yet do) for us, and how we can praise Him, bring Him glory, and live in a manner worthy of Him and pleasing to Him. We simply cannot overestimate the importance of the Bible!
Today’s Scripture also points out something that’s important to know. Satan does not want unbelievers to hear about Jesus, to believe in Him as their Savior, or to have God’s light shine into the darkness that is currently residing in their hearts. He doesn’t want God to have the glory of another human being saved. However, he lost. The Holy Spirit, Who “turns on the light” in a heart’s darkness, is FAR MORE mighty than satan, sin, and evil. He will save all who He has chosen for salvation and God will receive great glory.
How can we, as believers help? By, like Paul, proclaiming Jesus Christ as LORD, living with a servant’s heart toward believers and unbelievers alike. By allowing His light to shine out in our kind deeds and generous spirits. By bringing God glory in all that we say and do.
Monday, March 15, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual. 47 The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.”
I Corinthians 15:45-49, ESV
“The Scriptures tell us, “The first man, Adam, became a living person.” But the last Adam—that is, Christ—is a life-giving Spirit. 46 What comes first is the natural body, then the spiritual body comes later. 47 Adam, the first man, was made from the dust of the earth, while Christ, the second man, came from heaven. 48 Earthly people are like the earthly man, and heavenly people are like the heavenly man. 49 Just as we are now like the earthly man, we will someday be like the heavenly man.”
I Corinthians 15:45-49, NLT
Something to Think About:
Here’s another fact about me that you may have not known: I stink at math. I am a hopeless math flunky. When the teacher went around the room having each student answer the math book questions, I was the one sweating bullets and trying to count ahead to figure out which question I would get. It was not a pretty picture! I tell you this to explain to you that over the course of my life, I have come to realize that there are other types of learning and understanding that require a “math brain.” Music, for one. Being able to count the timing assigned to specific notes just makes my brain fuzzy, especially when they (like math!) seem to change the rules on me! Why am I telling you all this? Because a whole lot of what Paul wrote in the Bible seems math-like logic to me. I’m positive that what he is teaching and the logic he is using is brilliant, but I sometime find myself getting lost in the words. How thankful I am for my pastor and other teachers of God’s Word who help me understand what seems complicated to me!
So, what is Paul saying here in I Corinthians 15? Apparently, the believers he was writing to in Corinth were unclear about what happens when we die, the difference between our physical being and our spiritual one, and how to differentiate between the lies they had heard their whole lives concerning who and what people are. Paul wanted them to be able to grasp the amazing thing that God did in creating us (as physical beings) – and in His image (spiritual beings). Of course, sin ruined the spiritual connection we had to God way back in the Garden of Eden, but the “second man” Paul mentions is none other than Christ Jesus, Who paid for our sin with His own body and made a way for our spiritual selves to be reconnected to God—permanently. Paul is saying that humans have a physical body that will deteriorate, die, and decay in the ground (ugh). Paul is ALSO saying, though, that those who have trusted in Christ as their Savior may die physically, but their spiritual body will not die, and will, in fact, exist forever—just like Jesus Christ, in Whose image we have been created. In other words, if you are a child of God, have NO FEAR concerning what happens after you die. To be absent from the body is to be present with the LORD. Forever. Always. This is one of God’s unbreakable promises that is so factual that it is as if it is already a done deal. In God’s eyes, it is! We ARE His children RIGHT NOW. We ARE citizens of heaven RIGHT NOW. He views us as holy and righteous RIGHT NOW.
We do well when we take excellent care of our physical bodies. That is one of the jobs we have been given by way of stewardship. We must also, though, take excellent care of our spiritual lives. Much like what happens with our strength physically, you lose what you don’t use. We will grow weak spiritually* if we are not in God’s Word, with God’s people, and growing a closer and closer walk with our heavenly Father, Who is Spirit and Who is Truth.
*We cannot lose salvation, no matter how much we turn our backs on God. Once saved, though, we can lose ground in our spiritual maturity when we stop obeying God wholeheartedly and fully. On the flip side, when we commit to trusting Him and obeying Him, our spiritual “muscles” just keep getting stronger and more firm!
Saturday, March 13, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.”
Romans 1:18-25, ESV
“But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. 19 They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. 20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. 21 Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. 22 Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. 23 And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. 24 So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. 25 They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.”
Romans 1:18-25, NLT
Something to Think About:
Here’s something you may not have known about me: I don’t like listening to the news, I don’t like talking about all the horrors in our country and around the world, and I don’t like studying and talking about verses like the ones in today’s Scripture reading. I would always prefer turning the focus to positive things—and how God is the solution for WHATEVER ails us. That being said, the fact that there is evil and unspeakable ugliness not only in the world, but residing in the hearts of humans, is true—and is necessary to know about. Recognizing what any of us are like apart from God helps us to grasp (even if only a little bit this side of glory) just what incredible things God has done for us. It helps us see, as believers, where we were versus what and who we are “in Christ” (a brand-new creature, holy and righteous in the sight of God!). It helps us understand a tiny bit better WHY the unsaved can be so cruel and ungodly. It helps us develop compassion for the lost and a burning desire for them to leave all the darkness behind and become members of the kingdom of light; the family of God.
One thing cannot be denied: these verses perfectly describe the world around us today in 2021. People are godless and unrighteous, they fight to suppress the truth, and blast out their lies and deceit. They have chosen to NOT “see” God—and even deny He exists, has created the universe, is holding our world together moment by moment, or has provided a way for eternal life in His presence. They have allowed their thinking, their words, their documentaries, their books, and their movies to become worthless and darkened by sin and evil. They refuse to thank God for His constant and perfect care and, instead, thank themselves, thank long-dead humans, thank nature, and thank “science.” They have chosen to worship anything and everything except the true God. Many have created their own gods out of their sin-darkened minds, others have chosen to worship animals, nature, sports, Hollywood stars, musicians, health—and even satan, witchcraft, voodoo, and many forms of occult practices.
Within these verses, though, is what should have happened from day one—and which God says is the only obvious reaction to what He has created for us and which He maintains perfectly. We should have been able to see TRUTH, to recognize God’s hand in EVERYTHING, to understand that God requires godly and righteous thoughts and actions, because He defines all that is holy, righteous, “good,” truth, light, mercy, just, and loving. And every single man, woman, and child should be spending every day, all day, thanking God for Who He is, praising Him for what He has done, and giving Him glory for all His magnificence.
Once the Holy Spirit “turned on the light,” revealing to us our need to trust in Jesus Christ, God’s Son, as our Savior from the sin we were born with (from being JUST LIKE all the people spoken about in this Bible passage!), we were enaabled to see the truth and worship God as He deserves to be worshipped. I guess the question is, are we? Are we focusing on God’s goodness throughout our days? Are we thanking Him morning, noon, and night for His constant love, protection, care, and guidance? Are we directing praise to Him, bringing Him glory through our time, talents, and treasures? Are we sharing the truth about God with those who are still lost? Are we building brothers and sisters in Christ up in the things of the Lord? Are we worshiping GOD—and not someone or something else? Daily prayerful reflection about these things is always a good use of our precious time!
-Friday, March 12, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?”
Numbers 23:19, ESV
“God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?”
Numbers 23:19, NLT
Something to Think About:
Our God tells the truth. He never lies about anything—including always doing what He says He will do and keeping all His promises. This is extremely comforting for those of us who are eagerly waiting for the Rapture and for the glorious eternity in His presence, but maybe not so much for those who have chosen to reject Him and face eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire! If you’re ever up for an awesome word/theme study in Scripture, hunting for and listing the promises of God is very worthwhile labor. The Bible is LOADED with them!
Keeping in mind our current goal of becoming more like Christ and better modeling the image of God, though, our attitude toward telling the truth v. stretching it, as well as how seriously we take the keeping of our promises should be pretty important to us. If God NEVER lies, should we ever sneak one by? Should we have a few “acceptable” lies on hand so that we don’t hurt someone’s feelings or to use to save ourselves in case of an attack of some kind? There’s not a lot of wiggle room in “never.”
I wonder sometimes if we give clear commands like “do not lie” enough attention? Or maybe the question has more to do with our understanding of what a lie is as we mature spiritually (and physically in many regards). I’ve mentioned my idea before about how, as believers, we sort of start off our life as a child of God at a kind of basic level. What that is varies tremendously among people. Those who get saved as adults who have never heard what honoring God looks like will have a very different starting point than someone who was raised in a Bible preaching church and outwardly lived a “good” life, but had just not trusted in Christ personally. Some might view a lie as saying something such as “black is white”—a clear distortion of the truth. Others might choose to retell a conversation with another person, coloring the facts to make themselves look better and the other person look worse. Is one a worse lie than the other? Not in God’s sight. I remind you (and me!) that in God’s eyes something is truth, right, and good—or it is sin. There are no “kind ofs,” “almosts,” or “partiallys” in His eye. Either we are telling the whole truth or we are lying. Now, that’s not to say that discretion, being careful, and not blurting out all that we know when we don’t need to is not a maturity we all need to develop. There are numerous incidences when we can withhold some information from someone for their good (or in order to keep someone’s privacy intact), but not lie about it. If pushed, we might need to say that we have not been given permission to share certain facts at this time. Discerning the right time to talk about something, and having the tact (a form of love) to do so are certainly skills that the Bible would encourage us to develop; but neither of these skills can be legitimately used as excuses for dishonesty or deception.
Being known as a person of our word is also an important characteristic that Christians should be known for. This, too, can go from a promise to pay back the $5 we borrowed from someone to simply being where we promised to be WHEN we said we would be there. You got to admit, it’s a little rude to tell someone you will call at 5:00 exactly, but not quite get around to it until 5:30 or 6. Of course, everyone understands when things come up and we are prevented from doing what we promised at the time we promised it, but these should be a rare exception and not the norm for us as Christians.
Are there other areas of not keeping our word that could cause us to be poor testimonies? You bet! I thought about listing a few, but then I realized that there are just too many areas to list. I think Jesus pretty much canceled all our excuses in Matthew 5:37, when He said, “Let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes,’ and your ‘no’ be ‘no’.” In other words, perhaps if we just didn’t speak so much, we’d be less likely to get ourselves in trouble. BUT, if we have made a promise, DO IT.
Thursday, March 11, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. 11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! 13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.”
II Peter 3:8-14, ESV
“But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment. 11 Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, 12 looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. 13 But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness. 14 And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.”
II Peter 3:8-14, NLT
Something to Think About:
What do these verses tell us about God? Even though He has every right to be fed up with us as a sinful, rebellious human race, He has chosen to LOVE US—and to keep on loving us. Many people ask, “Why, God!” “Why don’t you end all this suffering!!!” The answer? He loves us and He’s unwilling to hasten the beginning of the end before every last man, woman, and child who is going to get right with Him has the chance to do so. I don’t believe this is speaking only about salvation, either. God ALSO desires for everyone who has trusted in Christ as Savior and become His child to turn away from any and all wickedness, and to commit to loving Him and obeying Him wholeheartedly. This SHOULD cause each of us to immediately (and prayerfully!) consider if there is some area we haven’t been living for God completely or if there is some thinking or action that we need to turn our backs on and stop doing forever. The days are short and there just isn’t any time to waste in not living obediently according to God’s Word.
So, our God is a patient God. This is certainly reassuring, but it should also be an area of life that we should be working on as His children. I think, like almost every area of life, there are many circumstances where each of us may be super patient in—and many others that “hit our buttons” and in which we go all crazy at the drop of a hat. Sometimes it’s things that happen around us (like slow traffic and long checkout lanes), other times, and maybe even more often, it is certain people who always seem to set us off (you’re thinking of someone right this second, aren’t you? I can tell!). BUT, in order to “be like” our patient, loving, and gracious Father, we also need to be, well, patient, loving, and gracious. =) It’s not impossible you know. I think we can all think of an incident where we were in the middle of speaking our mind to someone who ticked us off—when the phone rang and we answered in an oh, so sweet way, “Hello? How are you!” If we can “turn on” the sweetness, we can turn off the impatience. And, of course, the Holy Spirit is always at the ready to help us with that—and with all things godly.
Peter also reminds us that since we know that this world will be ending at some point (pretty dramatically, as a matter of fact), this knowledge should cause us to focus on becoming holy and godly in our conduct; to be “found” (when we stand before the LORD) without spot or blemish—and at peace (because we aren’t fighting against His code of conduct). Notice that he didn’t say perfect. Perfect isn’t going to happen this side of glory, BUT faithful can.
Do you keep goal objective lists? Scheduling a daily to-do, a short-term goal list, and a long-term goal list has been something I have done for years. This is a useful and valuable tool to use to stay useful for the Lord, but don’t forget to plug in there your spiritual goals, that of holy conduct, godliness, and making every effort to be without spot or blemish in His sight.
FYI The reference in v.10 isn’t for the Rapture, the next event on God’s timetable where all Christians dead and alive are taken to meet Christ Jesus in the clouds before proceeding to heaven. This is referring to the Second Coming and after. The Second Coming is when Jesus comes all the way to earth to set up His thousand year kingdom during the Millennium. It is after the Millennium and the final battle where satan and all his followers are permanently cast into the Lake of Fire that the heavens and earth are to be remade.
Wednesday, March 10, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. 12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:1-17, ESV
“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. 5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. 16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”
Colossians 3:1-17, NLT
Something to Think About:
I’m pretty fond of “list” passages. You know, the ones that give a whole row of things we are supposed to do or not do, be or not be. I know that they can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, but when we’re searching for the nitty-gritty of what living in a God-honoring way looks like, these lists seem extremely valuable to me.
We’ll come back to what’s on the list, but did you notice verse 10? It says that we, as believers, are being renewed in knowledge, according to the image of our Creator. This comes directly after the list of “don’ts” that characterize those who haven’t become new creatures in Christ. Then directly after this reminder that the reason behind learning all about God from Scripture is that it is what helps us slowly be becoming more like Christ in our attitudes, goals, and actions. First, though, Paul points out that all Christians are on equal footing as far as our status as His child. No longer does it matter who is a descendent of Abraham and who isn’t. Nor does it matter if we are male or female. If we have trusted in Christ Jesus as our Savior, then we are a beloved child of God and will always belong to Him.
That being said, there is no question that the Bible is LOADED with example after example, list after list, of God-honoring behavior versus behavior and heart attitudes that disappoint God and even offend Him. When He created all of our universe and planned out every century, however long human history will end up being, He also determined the right way for everything to go and to be. It is ONLY when we are lined up with His plan and will that we can please Him—and, in fact, be joyful and at peace in our own hearts and heads. We’re not going to take the time to go through these lists carefully today, but perhaps we can all prayerfully read through them so that the Holy Spirit can point out to us areas where we need to get away from as well as areas we need to pursue more intentionally.
“What belongs to our earthly nature”:
-sexual immorality
-impurity
-lust
-evil desire
-greed (idolatry)
-anger
-wrath
-malice
-slander
-filthy language
-lying
“As God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved”:
-compassion
-kindness
-humility
-gentleness
-patience
-bearing with one another
-forgiving one another
-loving
-letting the peace of the Word of Christ dwell richly in us
-teaching and admonishing one another (in wisdom) through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs
-singing to God with gratitude in our heart
-doing all in the name of the Lord, giving thanks to the Father through Him
-Tuesday, March 9, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“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, ESV
“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30, NLT
Something to Think About:
Don’t you just love these verses? I do. During chaotic or emotionally challenging days and periods of life, isn’t it truly wonderful to picture yourself sitting at Jesus’ feet, drinking in His peace, feeling unburdened and light? It’s ours for the asking! We’re the ones who keep ourselves all frazzled by NOT giving our burdens to the LORD and leaving them in His capable hands.
You may ask, though, why this verse is with the other “imitators of God” verses. To know Jesus is to know the Father—and Jesus states in verse 29 that He is gentle and lowly of heart. Of course, we need to first define what these words mean in the language they were written in, versus how we use them in English in twenty-first century America. The first word, gentle, has the idea of being able to reprimand, correct, and even demand justice, BUT without more force than is necessary. If we think about Jesus’ encounters with people, He was kind, patient, and gentle with those who genuinely wanted to learn from Him and obey Him. It was those who were resistant, hard hearted, and belligerent whom He refused to waste His time on. This should, at the least, make you and me WANT to always have a tender heart to the things of the Lord so that God will continue to teach us, grow us, and direct us in the life that He wants to bless us in!
The second phrase Jesus uses in Matthew 11:29, lowly of heart, is also sometimes translated as mild or meek. The Scriptural idea of this word is associated with someone who is ready and willing to not only find out what God wants, but to obey it and yield to His will. They do not argue back with God about what He does or wants. They rely on God, rather than their own strength or abilities. This word is also used in Matthew 5:5, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth,” and I Peter 3:4, describing the gentle and quiet spirit of the hidden person of the heart that is precious in the sight of God.
How can this translate to our behavior and attitudes? For one, because we have trusted in the LORD to meet all our needs and settle all our disputes in His timing and manner, we don’t have to fuss, fret, or fume—about ANYTHING, really. What do WE have to worry about or get angry over if God is in charge (which He is!)? Once again we find that it is when our eyes have strayed from the Father’s face, when our heart is no longer looking to Scripture to find answers and direction, and when we have stepped away from Jesus’ easy and light yoke that we end up sad, or angry, or anxious, or hopeless. Sticking close to Jesus’ side lends itself to joy no matter the circumstance and peace regardless of the challenge. This, then, become quite the witness tool and testimony to believers and unbelievers alike. The saved can look at us and recognize where they have gotten off course and with the Spirit’s help, get back on track. The unsaved can see us and recognize the touch of God on our face and in our demeanor. They, then, might talk to us about it, giving us the God-given opportunity to share with them how they, too, might know rest in God’s perfect care.
I know that the entire last paragraph might come across as over simplistic or even unrealistic, but I’m merely passing on to you what the Bible says over and over and over. Christians CAN have victory, live faithfully, and be calm and joyful while they do it. God has given us everything we need to not only succeed at this, but to triumph. We are the ones who make life challenging and difficult when we try to do things in our strength or in a way we think is better than God. Victory in Jesus is truly just a matter of trusting and obeying. Trusting that all God promised is true and obeying all that He asks—in big areas and small ones.
-Monday, March 8, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Now a discussion arose between some of John’s disciples and a Jew over purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.” 27 John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ 29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”
John 3:25-30, ESV
“A debate broke out between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over ceremonial cleansing. 26 So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Rabbi, the man you met on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you identified as the Messiah, is also baptizing people. And everybody is going to him instead of coming to us.” 27 John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. 28 You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ 29 It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the bridegroom’s friend is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. 30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.”
John 3:25-30, NLT
Something to Think About:
One of the things that happens (and should happen) as any believer grows in their relationship with God, is that all that He is, all that He desires, all that He hates becomes more important to us—and—what WE think, want, and wish for become less important. This is NOT to say that we stop enjoying sports, music, or movies, though what kinds of movies and music and how much sports probably would be greatly impacted. No, it is the idea that, with time, our focus turns away from selfish me-focused ones to a desire to glorify God and please HIM. In fact, it’s perfectly normal for someone to see the face of someone who has walked closely with God for years and describe it as shining or glowing.
Another natural reaction to a close walk with God is for changes in the kinds of conversations we tend to have on a regular basis. Instead of, “Then I did this. . .” and “But, I wish that. . .”, it becomes “Then God showed me from His Word how. . .” and “You won’t believe what great thing God just did!”. Also, rather than looking for and seeking out attention, rewards, and accolades, our desire is for God to receive the glory, praise, and focus that He deserves.
I must decrease and He must increase—in our attention, in our focus, in our pursuits, in our conversations, in our purpose for living. And AS this happens, our joy is “complete” (v.29). It’s an awesome place to be! All for intentionally focusing on living for God minute by minute, day by day.
-Saturday, March 6, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
I Corinthians 10:31, ESV
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
I Corinthians 10:31, NLT
Something to Think About:
Much of God’s Word gives us very specific areas to work on to be becoming more like Christ Jesus, but then we are also given a few verses that address the big picture. I Corinthians 10:31 is one of these verses. If we were the kind of believer who was looking for loopholes in what areas we needed to give our all to the Lord (NOT a happy place to be!), these kinds of verses set us straight once and for all time. WHATEVER we do. . . EVERYTHING is to be done to bring glory to GOD. Not a lot of wiggle room there.
We might then ask, “What does it even MEAN to bring glory to God?” Good question! To bring God glory is to point attention and praise to Him—which means at the same time, that we are not seeking attention and praise for ourselves, our loved ones, or our pet projects. And it’s more than just what we SAY, though what we say and how we say are is very important, indeed! No, true praise and true glory for God need to come from our heart. What if the desire to do so just isn’t there? Then, perhaps, we would need to ask ourselves a few questions. For starters, are you sure that you are a Christian? Have you trusted in Christ alone as the Savior from the sin that you were born with? Have you tried to “do” something (anything!) to “help” get saved? Part of salvation is the recognition that we can do NOTHING to earn it. It is entirely and wholly a gift from God. We simply believe that Jesus did what He said He did. That He became a Man (while never losing His identity as God) so that He could present Himself as the only sinless Person to walk this earth once sin entered it upon Adam and Eve’s disobedience way back in the garden of Eden—because only a sinless human COULD pay the price that sin demands in God’s eyes. So, Jesus became that sinless substitute for all of us who could not pay the price for ourselves, and He willingly gave up His life and took upon Himself all of God’s wrath on sin. BUT, He didn’t stay dead. He is God, after all! He rose from the dead after 3 days—which defeated sin and death forever for all who trust in Him as the Savior for their sin; who believed that what He did for them paid the price for their sins. Once anyone believes that His sacrifice paid the price for their sins, they become a child of God FOREVER. Once a child of God, a brand new life begins—a life where we are no longer imprisoned by sin and in which we CAN choose to obey God and live to please Him and not self.
If you are settled that you are saved, then the next obvious reason why someone might not want to live with the goal of giving God glory in all they say and do is if they have allowed some sin to remain in their heart/life. Perhaps there is some old pattern of sin that they didn’t think was a big deal and allowed to stay. Perhaps there is some grudge against someone that they haven’t dealt with and made right with that person and with God. Perhaps there is simply apathy concerning Bible study and prayer and they have never given either the effort it deserves, and thus have never experienced the joy, peace, and confidence these actions produce. Perhaps we’re simply not in church enough or are not with godly, mature believers enough. Perhaps we are spending too much time on ungodly pursuits: listening to worldly music, playing hours and hours of video games, immersing ourselves in news, media, and entertainment which focuses on wrong thinking, goals, actions, and outlooks.
Maybe, it’s simply because we didn’t KNOW that this is what God’s children should do! Maybe we simply need to become aware of it, then determine to do it! Maybe we need to wake up in the morning and DECIDE to immediately thank and praise God for the sleep and safety in the night, then thank Him for the new day in which we GET TO praise Him, please Him, think and act in a way that honors Him, and have opportunities to tell others about His goodness as we also look for ways to be a blessing and help to others. Maybe we need to set an alarm on our phones once an hour to consciously think back to how God has helped and blessed us, so that we can thank Him and share His awesomeness with someone else. Maybe we need to remind ourselves to not take one bite of food at lunch time before thanking God for meeting all our needs. Maybe we need to pause and ask His help, direction, and wisdom BEFORE we agree to do something or take some sort of action. Maybe we need to keep a Bible verse or two in our pocket to reference often so that we can think about and meditate on God’s Word throughout the day. Maybe we can add giving God glory to our lineup of bedtime rituals (brush teeth, thank God for His care throughout the day, change into our jammies, thank Him for opportunities to live for Him and speak of Him that day, start the dishwasher, offer the next day to Him as His willing servant and child, asking for His help to please Him in every area, and so on).
Bringing glory to God in everything we do IS something every believer can do with the help of the Holy Spirit. And when we fail (and we ALL do), we can make that right with God, then jump right back into the fray, choosing HIS way and not fighting for ours.
-Friday, March 5, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“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.”
Hebrews 12:1-2, ESV
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”
Hebrews 12:1-2, NLT
Something to Think About:
Scripture is ALWAYS useful. Sometimes it’s entirely instructional, sometimes it is a source of comfort. Sometimes it is convicting, directing us to change something important in our hearts and behavior. Sometimes Scripture fills us with wonder as we observe our AMAZING God. Sometimes Scripture has one special verse or phrase that ought to be imprinted on our brains so that we NEVER forget it and ALWAYS keep it in mind whatever comes our way, be it “happy” things, hard things, confusing things, or devastating things. Hebrews 12:2 has such a phrase: KEEPING OUR EYES ON JESUS.
You see, when God sent Jesus to earth to become a Man, He did that not “only” so that He could become the single way to salvation and a right relationship with Him, He did it so that we could look back at what He did, didn’t do, said, refused to say, thought, and focused on—SO THAT we could follow His example in our own lives, circumstances, decisions, and actions. God wants us to be becoming like His Son by yielding to the direction of the Holy Spirit and applying Bible verses to our every thought and deed.
Keeping our eyes on Jesus is likened here to running a race and giving it EVERYTHING that we’ve got. This is no weekend athlete kind of situation here. This is the man, woman, or child who has determined to please and honor God every moment of their life and is completely serious about doing things that way God said to. Their eyes are on the finish line, that of a faithful life and a “Well done!” by God the Father and God the Son when our eternity begins. Their eyes are on Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith and on the example He left of following the Father’s will completely and only—all the way to the cross and beyond. Their eyes are so focused on Him that they refuse to be held back by any “weight” or any petty sins that present themselves along the race course. By focusing on Jesus and using the might of the Holy Spirit and the wisdom and instruction of Scripture, they run their personal race with determination, enthusiasm, and great joy.
Say, are you running the race? Did you drop to a slow jog or a limping, shambling walk along the way? Have you been keeping your eyes on Jesus—or has some distraction lured you to the sidelines? Has some sin led you to a long time out by the concession stand? Life is short! We only have a few hours a day to give God our all and only a few years to struggle in these temporary and troubled bodies. Hang in there! Look to Jesus! Stay strong! The race is nearing its end—and the joy after crossing that finish line simply cannot be spoken too highly of. The best is yet to be!
-Thursday, March 4, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.”
I Corinthians 10:1-14, ESV
“I don’t want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters, about our ancestors in the wilderness long ago. All of them were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them, and all of them walked through the sea on dry ground. 2 In the cloud and in the sea, all of them were baptized as followers of Moses. 3 All of them ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Yet God was not pleased with most of them, and their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. 6 These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, 7 or worship idols as some of them did. As the Scriptures say, “The people celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry.” 8 And we must not engage in sexual immorality as some of them did, causing 23,000 of them to die in one day. 9 Nor should we put Christ to the test, as some of them did and then died from snakebites. 10 And don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death. 11 These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age. 12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 14 So, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols.”
I Corinthians 10:1-14, NLT
Something to Think About:
Paul is providing for the believers in Corinth an example of what NOT to do to please and honor God. He uses the behavior of their Hebrew ancestors in the wilderness as a cautionary tale. He mentions, specifically, idolatry (and repeats that in verse 14). He mentions, as well, 1) sexual immorality, 2) “testing” God, and 3) GRUMBLING. Many believers are pretty good about steering clear of idols and sexual immorality, but grumbling? I’ve heard grumbling referred to (facetiously) as an “acceptable sin” in our circles. In other words, most Church Age Christians believe that a little grumbling and complaining is okay, especially when it’s about something like the weather, age-related aches and pains, and family members who irk us. But if we have read much Scripture (including today’s passage!), we know for a fact that in God’s eyes there is no such thing as an acceptable sin. He doesn’t categorize sin in levels the way humans often do. ANY sin is too much sin in His eyes. The tiniest of sins still necessitated His Son coming to earth to pay the price for that sin. So, true Christian maturity is evidenced in seeing ALL sin as despicable, even grumbling.
Please note that verses 1-4 indicate that the people that Paul is speaking about who displeased God were believers. All the descriptors used are saying the same thing: all the Hebrews were, at one point in their history, saved. They had all believed that God would one day send a Savior to pay the price for their sins. They simply stopped worshiping Him wholeheartedly and began making up their own “gods” to devote their hearts to. And it is this that Paul warns you and me about in verse 14: FLEE from idolatry! Get away from ANYTHING that tempts you to take your eyes off the LORD or might encourage you to question His goodness and righteousness. In fact, Paul writes what has become a pretty famous “weapons” kind of verse for Christians down through the millennia here: “No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity. But God is faithful; He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide the way out so that you may be able to bear it.” In other words, WE DO NOT HAVE TO SIN. EVER. When we do, it’s because we didn’t look for the “way out” that God provided for us. Maybe we were too busy grumbling about how tight our shoes were or how much we hate wearing masks in the store. . .
Wednesday, March 3, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.”
Philippians 3:17-21, ESV
“Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. 18 For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. 20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.”
Philippians 3:17-21, NLT
Something to Think About:
Once again we are reminded that it is a good thing to imitate other believers. However, in this passage we are warned about only following believers who are living obediently according to God’s Word and as citizens of Heaven. We are warned to stay far away from Christians who are living as enemies of the cross and who are focused on earthly things—whatever those “earthly things” may be. It’s very sad, but true that many born again believers are living more like the world than many unsaved folks are. It’s true that a critical difference is that no matter how kind, polite, and generous someone is who hasn’t trusted in Christ as Savior, they will still go to Hell when they die because of the sin they were born with. In fact, I have to wonder how many really “nice” people DON’T get witnessed to simply because they are already acting pretty good according to Bible standards? When we are asked to think of unsaved folks who need our prayers and our witness, don’t our thoughts often go to a person or people who are living a pretty wicked life? They need the Lord for sure, but so do ALL people, even friendly ones.
BUT, Paul isn’t speaking about the unsaved in today’s passage. He is speaking about Christians. Christians can— when they are not studying and applying God’s Word, are not fellowshipping and being built up by other mature believers in their church family, are not coming weekly to a Bible teaching church to be fed, and are not trusting and praising God in frequent prayers— stray far from a life that is pleasing to God. They can get confused in their thinking and begin to pursue the same empty, useless “gods” that the unsaved pursue: wealth, fame, prestige, lots of friends, a busy social calendar, or the life of a hermit avoiding other people. Really, the list of pursuits that are against God are endless—and endlessly dissatisfying. It is literally impossible to have enough of false gods. They will disappoint and lead to sorrow and heartache every single time. This is not the case with a relationship with the Creator God, though! The joy, comfort, peace, and expectant hope that He provides is ALSO endless—and endlessly exhilarating and fulfilling. As we learn about Him, obey what we have learned, and begin to grow in maturity and become a bit more like Jesus Christ, our focus shifts and we come to consider our citizenship in heaven as critically important, so important that we want to live to honor that citizenship right now—even though we still live in bodies that carry the sin nature and that are failing as the years roll by. As we grow in Christ, so also we grow in the eager anticipation for Him to come back for us and rapture us away. And, we also come to look ahead with humble praise knowing that one day these temporary bodies will be done away with and our forever-body will be “like His glorious body,” that of sinlessness and permanence. No more pain, breaks, malfunctions, or problems—not just physically, but spiritually. AMAZING.
Have you considered that your actions moment by moment either demonstrate that you are an enemy of the cross or a member in good standing as a citizen of heaven?
-Tuesday, March 2, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. 5 Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. 6 Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. 7 Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O Lord! 8 Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. 9 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. 10 All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. 11 For your name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great. 12 Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. 13 His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land. 14 The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.”
Psalm 25:4-14, ESV
“Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. 5 Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. 6 Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past. Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord. 8 The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. 9 He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. 10 The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands. 11 For the honor of your name, O Lord, forgive my many, many sins. 12 Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose. 13 They will live in prosperity, and their children will inherit the land. 14 The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant.”
Psalm 25:4-14, NLT
Something to Think About:
Psalm 25 is a pretty interesting Psalm to consider if we want to know more about imitating God and becoming like the Son. It is a prayer of David that we might consider praying ourselves. He asks God to “make known” His ways and to teach him His paths. He asks for guidance into His truth—for God, Himself, to be his teacher. Interestingly, he connects these requests to know God more deeply and fully with God’s compassion and faithful love (v.6). In other words, because of Who God IS, He won’t turn away any of His children who earnestly desire to have a more intimate relationship with Him. Because of God’s goodness and uprightness, He will also forgive sin when we ask and He will always restore us to the right path of obedience and blessing.
Are there requirements on our part (other than the already noted need to be right with God as far as known sin in our life)? Yes. Verse 9 mentions the need for humility, to have a humble heart that desires to listen and learn what GOD has to say, forever setting aside our own opinion or ideas about the “way things should go.” Verse 12 also adds that a right perspective of Who God is (and who we aren’t) is also essential for God to reveal Himself fully to us. I’m not sure it’s always easy to find the balance in our heart and mind about our worth in God’s sight (He sent His Son to DIE for us because He loves us SO MUCH) and our acknowledgement that apart from God working in us and through us, we are sinners who are DETERMINED to get our own way—even if that means attacking God in some way to get it. In Christ we are holy, sanctified, justified, declared righteous, the beloved and permanent children of God. When we step away from what we are into worldly and selfish thinking, we become arrogant, mean-spirited, greedy, and full of some pretty unpleasant ugliness. HOWEVER, these things do NOT have to be! The Holy Spirit is our constant Companion to help us to apply Scripture to temptations and to stay right with God. In fact, what I think Psalm 25 is offering is something the “average” believer may never pursue on their own. What God wants to give us—if we humbly and reverently come and ask—is knowledge and insight into His heart. It is an extra-close bond with Him where He reveals bits and pieces of Himself that will blow our mind and fill our hearts with joyful praise. He wants to include us in His “friends” list!
Is this something you want? What are you willing to do and/or give up in order to make yourself the child of God who God will bless in this incredible way?
Dear Student of the Word,
Welcome to the third month in pursuit of imitating God (Eph. 5:1)! We took January to look at Bible verses that had the word image, imitate, mirror, etc., so that we could learn in what ways we should be changing our thoughts and behavior to better reflect Christ. Then we took the month of February to pursue what it means that “God is love” and how this must affect our own views of love and how to show it. This month we will return to looking for verses that speak about imitating God, but we will be especially including verses that give examples of what God-honoring living looks like as well as to study action verses, those that tell us to do something or be something. It is my prayer that these studies are a blessing to you – and a challenge to greater godliness for all of us!
Feel free to contact me with any questions or to share these studies with whomever the Lord directs. They are solely for His honor and glory and for the edification of believers.
Thank you SO MUCH for allowing me to share the wondrous things from God’s Word that He has blessed and challenged me with during my own devotions! I am praying for each of you—and I thank you for your prayers for me. May we all bring Him great honor!
By His Grace,
Lorie
Past work (this year’s and older studies) can be found under the tab “ministries” on our church website: firstbaptistnorthconway.org. Dozens of awesome sermons, Sunday School lessons, and conference content can be found on YouTube, channel, FBCNorthConway.
-Monday, March 1, 2021
-Please take a moment to pray and ask God’s help to understand His Word, to remember what it said, and to apply it to the circumstances of your day and life.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. . . .12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”
John 13:3-5, 12-17, ESV
“Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. 4 So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. . . . 12 After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? 13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. 16 I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. 17 Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.”
John 13:3-5, 12-17, NLT
Something to Think About:
This tender account happened during the “last supper,” just hours before Jesus was crucified, making the lesson that much more significant. Jesus and His twelve disciples were all gathered in the upper room, about to partake in the last Passover they would celebrate, when Jesus stopped to don a servant’s towel and tenderly wash their feet, something only the lowliest of the low—the very bottom rung of servants—were expected to do. Once Jesus had finished, though, He put on His regular clothes and resumed His role as Rabbi (the Teacher). He told them that what He had done was one example of how someone with a servant’s heart behaved. No matter how “important” we might be (HE is the SON OF GOD!), we can never be greater than when we are serving others. Jesus wanted them to understand that our roles do not define our worth in God’s eyes. If we are the pastor of a mega-church or the one who takes out the trash after a church dinner, if we are putting the needs of others before our own and are happy to be in the service of the King no matter where He places us, then we are great in God’s eyes.
How blessed (fulfilled) we are when we do what God’s Word has shown us that we need to do! Write it down! Post it where you’ll see it! Tweet it to the masses! God’s blessing is found in humble and loving service done for others.
BTW, in looking this passage over one more time, I was thinking that it was interesting that it was noted that Jesus was secure in Who He was, Who He was in relation to the Father, where He had come from, and where He would go—so that He could easily accept the role of slave for this foot washing event. When we are confident and rejoicing in our role as a child of the King, when we understand fully that we belong to GOD, that our true home is with Him, then we, too, can easily accept the role of servant, rejoicing in what we GET to do for our God.
P.S. There does not seem to be a command here that Church Age believers should be taking part in foot washing in the church (some groups and denominations believe that it is a third commanded ordinance). It would seem that this is simply an example of what having a servant’s heart looks like (following the example of THE Servant). The Bible teaches that there are only two ordinances that each church family must observe: Baptism (after salvation) and the Lord’s Supper. This, of course, doesn’t make it wrong to do. I’m simply noting that foot washing is not an ordinance commanded by God for the local church to do.
April 2021 DBSQ
Friday, April 30, 2021
-First things first! Be sure to pray and ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to see what He wants you to see, and to apply its truths to your day.
Character of the Day: Epaphroditus
“I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.”
Philippians 2:25-30, ESV
“Meanwhile, I thought I should send Epaphroditus back to you. He is a true brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier. And he was your messenger to help me in my need. 26 I am sending him because he has been longing to see you, and he was very distressed that you heard he was ill. 27 And he certainly was ill; in fact, he almost died. But God had mercy on him—and also on me, so that I would not have one sorrow after another. 28 So I am all the more anxious to send him back to you, for I know you will be glad to see him, and then I will not be so worried about you. 29 Welcome him in the Lord’s love and with great joy, and give him the honor that people like him deserve. 30 For he risked his life for the work of Christ, and he was at the point of death while doing for me what you couldn’t do from far away.”
Philippians 2:25-30, NLT
Something to Think About:
Epaphroditus was one of the extra-special church members mentioned by Paul in his letters. So what’s his story? Epaphroditus was from Philippi and the church family sent him to Rome to bring a money gift to Paul in prison. He was also to stay and minister to Paul however it would be most needed. Epaphroditus did this. In fact, he gave so much of himself that he became super sick and almost died. But, as Paul noted, God had mercy on the Philippian church family AND himself, and spared Epaphroditus’ life.
There’s a lot of imitation-worthy information right there for you and me as we seek to honor and please God in our own lives, but there are a few descriptors of Epaphroditus in this passage that are noteworthy, too.
-Epaphroditus was, first, a “brother.” Paul is simply stating that Epaphroditus had trusted in Jesus Christ as his Savior from the sin he was born with. All believers are “brothers and sisters” to all other believers. Together we make up the family of God. I hope that we all take time to stop, appreciate this enormous blessing, and thank God for it. I hope, too, that we CHOOSE to treat fellow believers as beloved family members.
-Epaphroditus was a “fellow-worker.” He, like Paul and so many others, had chosen to do whatever was needed to spread the gospel, to help other believers, to help establish churches, and to minister to preachers and apostles. All believers not only can be “fellow workers,” we SHOULD be. There are multiple areas of service in every local church. Check with your pastor today to find out where you can serve God in and among your church family.
-Epaphroditus was also a “fellow-soldier.” This is a step beyond being a worker. Epaphroditus got into the trenches and gave his all to the service of the King. He was clearly one of the “faithful few” that are special blessings to a church family—and who honor God greatly. Did you know that ANYONE can be a “fellow soldier”? It simply requires wholehearted devotion to God and a willingness to go anywhere or do anything God asks. In fact, Paul makes it a point to tell Epaphroditus’ home church to welcome him “with great joy” and to “give him honor” because of his sacrificial service for the work of the Lord. If you have one of these extra-special servants of God in your church family, be sure to thank God and to help and encourage them any way you can. This would definitely include, of course, your pastor. It’s a very rare pastor who isn’t also the “soldier” kind of Christian, giving his all to the Lord and to his church family. He needs our support, our encouragement, and our prayers.
To be imitators of God, we need to be workers for the Lord, giving our best.
-Character Assessment Time!
-How are you like today’s character?
-How are you unlike them?
-Did the Holy Spirit bring to your mind some way in which you could obey and please God in an even better way?
-Is there anyone that the Holy Spirit brought to your mind that you should pray for and/or spend some time with (to help them, to thank them, to encourage them—whatever)?
-Further Study (optional):
-Paul also speaks of Epaphroditus in Philippians 4:15-20.
-There is also an Epaphras mentioned in Scripture (Colossians 1:3-8; 4:12-13; Philemon 1:23). Although Epaphras is a shortened version of Epaphroditus, this is probably a different man (but well worth reading about).
Thursday, April 29, 2021
-First things first! Be sure to pray and ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to see what He wants you to see, and to apply its truths to your day.
Character of the Day: Phoebe
“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.”
Romans 16:1-2, ESV
Something to Think About:
I have to think that if PAUL commends someone to another church family as being a faithful believer, that this person must be on the extra-special side! And, in fact, Phoebe seems to be just such a saint. Although there are only two verses that mention her in the Bible, they are good ones. =) Phoebe is first, and most importantly, a sister. All those who have trusted in Christ as the Savior from their own sin become brothers and sisters of all others who have also trusted in Christ. God makes us not only permanent members of His family, but He makes us members of His family TOGETHER. We should all cherish the believers that God has brought into our lives—and we should do our dead level best to help, encourage, build up, and otherwise show great love for all brothers and sisters in Christ.
Phoebe was a servant of the church where she was coming from in Corinth. You may be aware that some English translations suggest that Phoebe was a deaconess (as in a female deacon), but simply understanding how the language in which this letter was written works will show that this is not true. The word “deacon” literally means “servant” (and that’s how it is translated in our Scripture above). I Timothy 3 provides the qualifications a man must meet in order to be considered for the office of deacon in his local church. You may note that all of this information is addressed to males, never females. Furthermore, Romans 16:1 does not have the definite article in front of the word deacon, and in Greek, this means that it is referring to the “characteristics of” a servant (“deacon”). In other words, Phoebe has a servant’s heart—something that should be true of all believers. It should be our joy and privilege to help other believers and do whatever is needed on their behalf. Actually, the reason why Paul is bringing up Phoebe anyway in this letter is that she is being a servant by carrying the letter he is writing from Corinth to Rome for him. Now, THAT’S a practical servant-kind of action!
Phoebe has also invested herself in the lives of believers financially. Now, not all of us are able to be a huge help to others as far as money goes, but we mustn’t forget that our Father LOVES to take our “small” offerings of love and multiply them in big ways. So even if you can only help out other brothers and sisters in small ways from time to time, don’t discount what a blessing that can be. But, I know that God sometimes also places those in our churches who are able to give larger money gifts from time to time, and that’s awesome, too. I think that we sometimes hear so much about how we shouldn’t love money too much, that we forget that God sometimes gifts individuals with good incomes SO THAT they can help and bless their local church, and through their local church, other ministries and people. I am impressed that Phoebe was being commended for her good stewardship and how she used it for the work of the Lord.
Paul asks the church family in Rome to welcome Phoebe warmly and to help her in whatever way she might need. When visitors from other churches come into our midst, it should be our pleasure to generously and graciously help them however we can, too.
To be imitators of God, we should serve God and God’s people wholeheartedly.
-Character Assessment Time!
-How are you like today’s character?
-How are you unlike them?
-Did the Holy Spirit bring to your mind some way in which you could obey and please God in an even better way?
-Is there anyone that the Holy Spirit brought to your mind that you should pray for and/or spend some time with (to help them, to thank them, to encourage them—whatever)?
-Further Study (optional):
-Romans 16 is such a blessing to read. In it, Paul lists all sorts of people who have blessed him and worked tirelessly for the Lord. Check it out!
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
-First things first! Be sure to pray and ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to see what He wants you to see, and to apply its truths to your day.
Character of the Day: Aristarchus
“So the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul’s companions in travel.” Acts 19:29 (ESV)
“Several men were traveling with (Paul). They were Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea; Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica; Gaius from Derbe; Timothy; and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia.” Acts 20:4 (NLT)
“When the time came, we set sail for Italy. Paul and several other prisoners were placed in the custody of a Roman officer named Julius, a captain of the Imperial Regiment. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was also with us. We left on a ship whose home port was Adramyttium on the northwest coast of the province of Asia; it was scheduled to make several stops at ports along the coast of the province.” Acts 27:1-2 (NLT)
“Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him).” Colossians 4:10 (ESV)
“Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.” Philemon 1:23-24 (ESV)
Something to Think About:
The character we are looking at today is Aristarchus. I have included for you all the verses that mention him directly. If you’ve read the verses, you might be wondering why I included him. It’s for this reason: he is one of the many faithful men who followed Paul in his various missionary trips and church building journeys to help him in the ministry however he could. He even followed him all the way to prison, so great was his loyalty to the preaching of God’s Word and to his choice to help Paul! However, though everyone has heard of Paul, how many people have heard of Aristarchus?
This is what I Corinthians 12;12-13 says: “The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.”
We can’t all be a Paul with GINORMOUS impact on thousands (millions if you count all the people who have read what he wrote in the 2,000 years since he wrote it!), however, we can all be faithful children of God choosing day by day, minute by minute, to be loyal to God, to be a help and a blessing to other believers, to tell the people that we come across about how Jesus died to save them, and to pray for, support, encourage, and help those who are in full time service for the Lord. We might not all stand up before a congregation of people on a Sunday morning and preach a message from God’s Word, but we can be in that congregation, listening, taking notes, praying for the speaker (and the others in attendance), and even inserting an “Amen!” from time to time when blessed or challenged. We can then take what we learned from God’s Word and study it some more on our own so that it becomes a solid truth to live by and share with others, helping them to grow in their own walk with the Lord.
God created something new on Pentecost. He created the church. He made both the Universal Church, which includes everyone who has trusted in Jesus as Savior from that day until today (and until the Rapture), and He created the local church, a body of believers in a specific location. Within this local church there are many members, each with a different job—just like a human body has many parts. Each of our body parts work together to help us function well—and this is also true in a church family—when everyone is serving the Lord in whatever capacity God has given to them (be it “big” or not). And don’t forget, just because some part of your body is seen doesn’t make it the most essential part. The liver isn’t ever seen by anyone besides a surgeon, but you can’t live without it. The members of our church family have been placed there by God in that very specific time and place. No one is unimportant, nor is any one person more important than others. The “important” one is Jesus Christ, the Head of both the Universal Church and the local ones.
So, are you an Aristarchus in your church family? Are you one of the behind-the-scene, but faithful servants of God? These church body “parts” are very pleasing to God. Even if no one else sees your deeds of love, be certain that HE does. Every time.
To be imitators of God, we need to serve Him in the body, wherever and however He gives us opportunity.
-Character Assessment Time!
-How are you like today’s character?
-How are you unlike them?
-Did the Holy Spirit bring to your mind some way in which you could obey and please God in an even better way?
-Is there anyone that the Holy Spirit brought to your mind that you should pray for and/or spend some time with (to help them, to thank them, to encourage them—whatever)?
-Further Study (optional):
-Each one of the Bible references above has a whole lot more to the story. Check some of them out!
-See if you can find additional information about Gais, Sopater, Secundus, Tychicus, or Trophimus,
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
-First things first! Be sure to pray and ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to see what He wants you to see, and to apply its truths to your day.
Character of the Day: Priscilla & Aquila
“After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, 3 and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. . . 18 After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow. . . 24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.”
Acts 18:1-3, 18, 24-26, ESV
“Then Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he became acquainted with a Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently arrived from Italy with his wife, Priscilla. They had left Italy when Claudius Caesar deported all Jews from Rome. 3 Paul lived and worked with them, for they were tentmakers just as he was. . .
18 Paul stayed in Corinth for some time after that, then said good-bye to the brothers and sisters and went to nearby Cenchrea. There he shaved his head according to Jewish custom, marking the end of a vow. Then he set sail for Syria, taking Priscilla and Aquila with him. . . 24 Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, an eloquent speaker who knew the Scriptures well, had arrived in Ephesus from Alexandria in Egypt. 25 He had been taught the way of the Lord, and he taught others about Jesus with an enthusiastic spirit and with accuracy. However, he knew only about John’s baptism. 26 When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately.”
Acts 18:1-3, 18, 24-26, NLT
Something to Think About:
I was only going to speak about Priscilla, but I just had to include her husband, Aquila, because they are always listed together. They were both Jews (but Roman citizens), they both loved God, they both had trusted in Jesus as their Savior, they worked their trade of tentmaking together, and they served God and His people together. All of this reminds me that this is the way God intended things to be. If it were not for the effects of sin, all couples would be just as likeminded and working together to bring honor to God and to help and bless others. If this describes your situation, praise the Lord (I mean that literally. Stop right now and thank Him for this extra special blessing!). If it doesn’t, it could. Assuming you both belong to God, as you both grow spiritually, you can learn how to work together and how to use your marriage to help and bless others. Your pastor would be delighted to give you some tips and help you along the way. If your spouse isn’t saved, then keep praying for them and keep living the kind of life that would attract them to Christ (as opposed to nagging or hypocritical actions). If you are unmarried, then you can also thank God for your current life and can choose to serve Him wholeheartedly right where you are. None of us should ever make the wrong decision of waiting for some event to happen before we serve God with all that we’ve got. Right this second is always the best time to live faithfully for Him.
We find that life hasn’t always been easy for Priscilla and Aquila. The first verses in this chapter mention that they and many other Jews had been kicked out of their home city of Rome. There isn’t any hint, though, that Priscilla or Aquila complained and spent time wishing they were still living in the past. It would seem that they simply packed up their business of tentmaking and made a new home. They not only made the move, but they welcomed God’s servant to join them for however long he needed. We are always blessed when we share our lives and homes with other Christians. This is a win-win for all involved.
I found it interesting that Paul took Priscilla and Aquila on the next part of his missionary journey. I’m not sure what their role was as his traveling partners, but we find beginning in verse 24 one of the things they did while away from Corinth. They took a young Jewish preacher under their wing and helped him in his understanding of what Jesus did on his behalf. We can learn some important things from the way they did this. Did you notice that? They didn’t stand up in the synagogue and denounce his teaching, nor did they scold him up one side and down the other when they got the chance to speak with him. No, they listened to his “enthusiastic spirit,” waited for an opportune time, then quietly explained the way of God more accurately, in private. You see, Apollos was doing an excellent job teaching and preaching—except—he hadn’t heard the whole story. We know from Scripture that Apollos went on to teach and preach more and many were saved under his ministry. An unknown and largely unsung husband and wife team, though, were behind his success. Have you ever considered that your investment in others brings you some of the reward for their successes and victories? Oh, of course, it is always God Who causes growth and brings spiritual life to dead hearts and souls, but it is also true that God uses the faithfulness of His children to bring about His miracles of life and growth—and He rewards these acts of selfless obedience. Sometimes we see a bit of that blessing in the here and now, but the lion’s share of it will be given to us by way of service opportunities in the Millennium and beyond. This doesn’t mean we have any need to brag about how something we said or how we helped someone else, BUT if God shows some of this to us, we can humbly and joyfully give Him praise and thanksgiving.
We don’t know too much more about Priscilla and Aquilla except that they had a church in their home, that Paul loved them dearly, and that they risked their lives for him at some point in the years they knew him. I think, though, that we can thank God for their excellent witness and strive to be a bit more like them in our own walk.
To be imitators of God, we need to know God’s Word and keep on studying it for our own benefit and to help and edify others.
-Character Assessment Time!
-How are you like today’s character?
-How are you unlike them?
-Did the Holy Spirit bring to your mind some way in which you could obey and please God in an even better way?
-Is there anyone that the Holy Spirit brought to your mind that you should pray for and/or spend some time with (to help them, to thank them, to encourage them—whatever)?
-Further Study (optional):
-Read al of Acts 18 to get the whole picture of how they fit into Paul’s life in that time and place.
-Look up some of the locations mentioned in Acts 18 so you can picture it a bit better.
-Additional Scripture mentioning Priscilla and Aquilla: Romans 16:3; I Corinthians 16:19; II Timothy 4:19.
-Look up tentmaking in the first-century.
-What else can you find out about Apollos?
Monday, April 26, 2021
-First things first! Be sure to pray and ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to see what He wants you to see, and to apply its truths to your day.
Character of the Day: Lydia
“So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days. 13 And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. 14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. 15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us. . . So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.”
Acts 16:11-15, 40, ESV
“We boarded a boat at Troas and sailed straight across to the island of Samothrace, and the next day we landed at Neapolis. 12 From there we reached Philippi, a major city of that district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. And we stayed there several days. 13 On the Sabbath we went a little way outside the city to a riverbank, where we thought people would be meeting for prayer, and we sat down to speak with some women who had gathered there. 14 One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying. 15 She and her household were baptized, and she asked us to be her guests. “If you agree that I am a true believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my home.” And she urged us until we agreed. . . When Paul and Silas left the prison, they returned to the home of Lydia. There they met with the believers and encouraged them once more. Then they left town.”
Acts 16:11-15, 40, NLT
Something to Think About:
Today’s character study is on Lydia. The verses that are included are all that is written about Lydia, but I’ve often wondered about the hundreds, even thousands, of faithful believers that were not mentioned in the Bible. Do you think that their lives were any less important to God? That the lives that they affected for God’s honor didn’t matter? Of course not! God made each of us EXACTLY the way He knew was “good,” He placed us in the time and place of His perfect choosing, He chose to love us unconditionally and for eternity, and He guides, directs, and watches over every second of every day ALWAYS. He always knows if our heart is right with Him, He CHERISHES time we spend with Him in Bible reading and prayer, and He smiles upon each and every act of obedience and love. He knows, He cares, He keeps account.
Lydia is introduced to us as a gentile unbeliever living in Philippi. Philippi was a Roman colony in the district of Macedonia. Lydia was a merchant of expensive purple cloth. More importantly, Lydia worshiped God. This was unusual in a gentile, so that was great. However she, like so many others at this point in history, had not yet heard what Jesus had done to secure her salvation. You know, I’m sure we all know a lot of people who are not antagonistic toward God—and many of them attend churches of some sort. That’s a great start, however, we ALL need to trust in Jesus as our Savior from sin before we belong to God. People might think they are good with God because they worship Him in some form, but the Bible is clear that we need to belong to God through salvation before we have a true and permanent relationship with Him.
Paul, Silas, Luke, and others arrived in Philippi, and because there wasn’t an established synagogue there yet, they knew to look for worshipers near the river. They did find some women there, Lydia among them. Did you notice how the Bible says she was able to believe what Paul was teaching about Jesus? The Lord opened her heart. Did you know that no one gets saved apart from the Holy Spirit making that happen? That’s because we are born dead in our trespasses and sins and we CANNOT trust God when we are dead. Dead things cannot do anything for themselves. BUT, in God’s great love and grace, He does “quicken” hearts so that we are able to recognize our sin and Christ’s salvation, and become believers; children of God. This might be a good time to pause and thank God for saving YOU!
Lydia trusted in Jesus as her Savior, then got baptized. Baptism, that is full immersion in water (that’s what the word literally means), is the pattern that the New Testament follows throughout the beginning and establishment of the local church. Baptism doesn’t save us, but it does remind us of our commitment to God and it is a marvelous testimony and blessing to those who witness it.
THEN, and here is the extra fun part of Lydia’s story, almost immediately after becoming a Christian, Lydia wants to serve God. She does this in a specific way by inviting Paul and the others to use her home while they are in town. In fact, she insists on it! Did you know that there are a bunch of things that happen once we have become new creatures in Christ? We develop a love for God’s Word, we want to learn as much as we can as fast as we can, we like to be around other believers, we no longer want to do some of the things that we know don’t please God—and we want to demonstrate in some way our gratitude for what God did for us. This is often done by way of serving others. In fact, if you’ve stuck with these Bible studies long enough, you will know that showing biblical love and having a servant’s heart toward other believers will ALWAYS be a huge part of the life of all Christians. I love that Lydia got involved in that right away—and that she followed through with her commitment (v.40). It’s great to OFFER to do something sacrificial for someone in the name of Christ, it’s even better to actually do it.
To be an imitator of God, we need to love God’s people and have a servant’s heart.
-Character Assessment Time!
-How are you like today’s character?
-How are you unlike them?
-Did the Holy Spirit bring to your mind some way in which you could obey and please God in an even better way?
-Is there anyone that the Holy Spirit brought to your mind that you should pray for and/or spend some time with (to help them, to thank them, to encourage them—whatever)?
-Further Study (optional):
-Read what happened after Lydia’s salvation and Paul and company staying in her home in v.16-39.
-Look up Philippi and Thyatira on a map.
-Read up on how purple die was created in the first century.
-Who is the “we” mentioned in v.11? Who else witnessed Lydia’s salvation? (read earlier in the chapter)
-Have you ever made a list of Bible verses you could use to help someone understand about salvation? Perhaps you could keep them on your phone somewhere so you’ll be prepared. Some you might choose to include are Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, John 3:16, John 1:12, Acts 16:31, Ephesians 2:8-9.
Saturday, April 24, 2021
-First things first! Be sure to pray and ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to see what He wants you to see, and to apply its truths to your day.
Character of the Day: Barnabas
“Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.”
Acts 11:19-26, ESV
“Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution after Stephen’s death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. They preached the word of God, but only to Jews. 20 However, some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the Gentiles about the Lord Jesus. 21 The power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord. 22 When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. 24 Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord. 25 Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to look for Saul. 26 When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people. (It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.)”
Acts 11:19-26, NLT
Something to Think About:
Don’t you find it kind of interesting when you discover that someone you have known for a long time actually has a different first name than you have ever heard? I remember chatting with three other women in between Sunday School and the Morning Service in our first church in Waterville, New York, only to discover that all four of us had a different name than we used regularly! Then, fast forward to very recently, where I was sitting at the table with several of our church ladies and once again discovered that four of us used a different first name than our legal name. Kind of a surprise, wouldn’t you say? Well, according to Acts 4:36, Barnabas’ given name is actually Joseph. He came to be known, however, as Barnabas. The name Barnabas means “son of encouragement,” and that is just the kind of man Barnabas seemed to be!
There are several Bible passages that talk about Barnabas (I’ll include them at the end), but I wanted to focus on Acts 11:19-26 today. In this passage, the first church (after Pentecost) in Jerusalem had heard that something interesting was happening in Antioch. Antioch was about 300 miles north and west of Jerusalem and was the third largest city in the Roman empire. The thing that interested the apostles in the Jerusalem church, though, was that Gentiles were getting saved. That is, they were trusting in Jesus Christ as their Savior from their sin.
Now, we have to pause for a second to remind ourselves that Gentiles getting saved was a HUGE deal in the mind of all Jewish people at that time. God had chosen THEM to be His special people and Jesus Himself was a Jew. Many had never considered that God would include the Gentiles in His plan of salvation—or, maybe even more, that Jews AND Gentiles would become one Body together (the Universal Church). There were some long and heated debates about all this, and even though some were willing to accept the salvation of the Gentiles, they were again thrown for a loop when they found out that even Gentile believers received the indwelling Holy Spirit. For us, though, this is all very normal and “how things are.” It would be a mistake, though, to ever take this incredible gift from God for granted: to be chosen to become His child and to forever belong to Him! Gentiles never become Jews, but we are also people whom He has chosen to belong to Him permanently.
Anyway, back to Acts 11 and back to Barnabas. When the church in Jerusalem discovered that there were believers in Antioch, they sent faithful Barnabas there to check it out. Barnabas packed his bags and traveled to Antioch as requested. When he got there, the Bible says that he saw evidence of God’s blessing—and that it filled him with joy. Say, do you take time to look around you to see God’s blessing? When you do, do you rejoice in it? Do you thank God for it? Do you share the wonders with others? God does awesome things every day, all day. We, His children, ought to be noticing it all!
Barnabas saw God’s blessing on these Gentile believers, he was filled with joy, AND he encouraged them. In what way did he encourage them? To stay true to the Lord. You know, there are many ways people offer encouragement to each other. There are probably a million platitudes that can be used for a variety of situations, but if they are not biblical truth, they are empty statements—or even outright lies. True encouragement will always have God as the focus. It will include reminders to pay attention to God’s faithfulness, to trust in His goodness, to obey what we know He wants us to do—and to stay true to Him. To not give up on faithful, obedient living.
Barnabas is described a bit in verse 24. He was a “good man” (do people consider you a good woman or good man???). He was someone who exhibited spiritual fruit (all Christians are given the Holy Spirit upon salvation and we cannot get “more” of Him. The word translated as “the Holy Spirit” in our English Bibles doesn’t actually have the “the” in Greek. This changes the meaning to “characteristics of” whatever is being spoken of. In this case, it is the characteristics of the Holy Spirit. It highlights the Spirit’s power, ministry, effect, and work. We could use the Fruit of the Spirit” from Galatians 5:22-23 to get the gist of what Barnabas was like.).
Because of the ministry Barnabas was having with these spiritually hungry Gentiles, many people were getting saved and wanted to learn everything they could about how to please God as followers of Jesus Christ. Knowing the task was big, Barnabas went to Tarsus, got Saul (Paul), and together they preached and taught the people (Paul had been saved for about nine years at this point). Almost as an aside, Luke, the author of this Book, notes that it was in Antioch that believers first began to be called Christians (followers of Christ). This is yet another common thing today that was brand new in the time of Barnabas.
God was not done with Barnabas and Paul! Read more about it in the further study section. If you are alive and reading this sentence, God is not done with you, either! We might have guesses about how God is going to use us to serve Him and others in the near future, but you and I both know that it is impossible to know for certain what tomorrow might bring. Not knowing can be a hard thing for many of us to deal with, but here’s something we CAN know: if we live wholeheartedly for God TODAY, He will keep using us and blessing us tomorrow. We can also be 100% confident that God will ALWAYS remain faithful and that He will NEVER leave us or forsake us. We have so much to praise His name for!
To be an imitator of God, we should be encouraging other believers to stay true to the Lord.
-Character Assessment Time!
-How are you like today’s character?
-How are you unlike them?
-Did the Holy Spirit bring to your mind some way in which you could obey and please God in an even better way?
-Is there anyone that the Holy Spirit brought to your mind that you should pray for and/or spend some time with (to help them, to thank them, to encourage them—whatever)?
-Further Study (optional):
-Barnabas is introduced in Acts 4:36-37.
-Barnabas smooths the way for Paul with the other apostles in Acts 9:26-27.
-Barnabas and Paul carry a love gift to the suffering Jerusalem church in Acts 11:27-30.
-Barnabas journeys with Paul on Paul’s first missionary journey in Acts 12:24-14:28.
-Barnabas helps to explain the salvation of Gentiles to the Jerusalem church in Acts 15:1-35.
-Barnabas parts ways with Paul and begins a missionary journey with John Mark in Acts 15:36-41
-Barnabas is also mentioned in I Corinthians 9:6 and Galatians 2:1,9,13.
Friday, April 23, 2021
-First things first! Be sure to pray and ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to see what He wants you to see, and to apply its truths to your day.
Character of the Day: Dorcas/Tabitha
“Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. 37 In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” 39 So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.”
Acts 9:36-42, ESV
“There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas). She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor. 37 About this time she became ill and died. Her body was washed for burial and laid in an upstairs room. 38 But the believers had heard that Peter was nearby at Lydda, so they sent two men to beg him, “Please come as soon as possible!” 39 So Peter returned with them; and as soon as he arrived, they took him to the upstairs room. The room was filled with widows who were weeping and showing him the coats and other clothes Dorcas had made for them. 40 But Peter asked them all to leave the room; then he knelt and prayed. Turning to the body he said, “Get up, Tabitha.” And she opened her eyes! When she saw Peter, she sat up! 41 He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then he called in the widows and all the believers, and he presented her to them alive. 42 The news spread through the whole town, and many believed in the Lord.”
Acts 9:36-42, NLT
Something to Think About:
The story of Tabitha (also known as Dorcas) is quite a sweet one, wouldn’t you say? Here is this woman who has become famous because she spent time doing kind and helpful things for others, especially, it would seem, for widows and those who needed an extra dose of a helping hand. I kind of doubt Tabitha was the only early church believer who went out of her way to think of others before herself, but her excellent example of godly behavior was chosen by the Holy Spirit to be included in Scripture. I’m confident that Tabitha was the kind of woman who probably didn’t want a lot of attention on herself and may be a bit embarrassed by the thousands and thousands of people who have read about her in the 2,000 years since she lived and died. However, it also seems that Tabitha’s goal was to be like Christ and to have a servant’s heart, so if her story encouraged others to do the same, then this was a good thing.
So, what do we know about Tabitha and how does her example help us to be imitators of God?
Tabitha was, first, a disciple. Now, if you’re like me, the first thing you always think when hearing the word disciple is the twelve men Jesus chose to be His special servants. The word, however, simply means student or follower—and there were (and are) all sorts of people who teach things who have followers and students. And while it sure isn’t wrong to have teachers and tutors in all sorts of important areas in life, ALL Christians must be students and followers of Jesus Christ first and foremost. It is only through studying God’s Word that we can know what God wants us to know—and how to act and live based on the truths found in Scripture. Choosing to obey God has to be THE FOUNDATION of every single aspect of our lives.
To be imitators of God, we first need to be disciples of Jesus.
Tabitha was known for “always” doing kind things for others and helping the poor. Now, while I think we should definitely all be doing kind things for others, I want to take a step back and question what might first come to someone’s mind when they are speaking about us to someone who knows us. Let’s say that a member of your church who knows you really well runs into someone in the store who has no connection to you. What would they say that most defines who you are, what you are like, and what you do with your life? Of course, it’s not wrong that you might first be defined by a role you play or the job you do, but the WHY and HOW we do those things can be very revealing. Would your current actions and attitudes identify you as someone who is imitating God?
To be imitators of God, we need to have a reputation of God-honoring actions and attitudes.
Here’s a hard question! If you were to be called home to glory in a few days, who would want to come to your funeral and what sort of interactions with you will those people want to talk about? Will it be how snappily you dressed? What an awesome chocolate chip cookie you made? How many hours you were on Facebook? While none of these things are bad or wrong in and of themselves, wouldn’t it be nicest if people wanted to talk about how much we loved God and how much we invested in their lives in order to be a blessing and encouragement? Wouldn’t we want the main focus of the summarizing of our life be how loving God helped us be a better person in all the other areas of our life?
To be an imitator of God, we need to honor God in what we do and why and we need to build each other up in the things of the Lord.
One other lesson here isn’t about Tabitha, per se, but the response of all these women who loved her and appreciated her. They went to great lengths to find Peter and make sure he came to try to help Tabitha. They, too, showed tremendous trust in God that He could raise Tabitha from the dead, if that was what He willed. I wonder to what extent we show love for others and sacrifice of our time, money, and talents in order to help someone else out when they are in a tough spot? I wonder, too, if we are trusting God to do what He knows is best when we are faced with some super difficult problem?
To be an imitator of God, we need to care for God’s people in a sacrificial, over-the-top kind of way.
Last, please note that Tabitha’s life and healing was used by God to bring others to the realization that they needed to trust in Jesus as Savior. We may sometimes think that our little existence in our little corner of the world means nothing, but that is never true. God DELIGHTS in using small, but faithful, believers to bring about HUGE and AMAZING things, for our good and His glory.
-Character Assessment Time!
-How are you like today’s character?
-How are you unlike them?
-Did the Holy Spirit bring to your mind some way in which you could obey and please God in an even better way?
-Is there anyone that the Holy Spirit brought to your mind that you should pray for and/or spend some time with (to help them, to thank them, to encourage them—whatever)?
-Further Study (optional):
-Read more of Acts 9 to find out what Peter was doing before and after this event.
-Read from the beginning of Acts to find out about the beginning of the Church and how it grew and spread.
-Look up how Jesus had a servant’s heart and how He helped and blessed others.
-Look up Joppa and Lydda on a map.
-Research what clothes were like in First-century Asia Minor to see what kinds of things Tabitha might have made.
Thursday, April 22, 2021
-First things first! Be sure to pray and ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to see what He wants you to see, and to apply its truths to your day.
Character of the Day: Ananias
“But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. 10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And hear he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened.”
Acts 9:1-19, ESV
“Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. 2 He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains. 3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” 5 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7 The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone’s voice but saw no one! 8 Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. 9 He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink. 10 Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord!” he replied. 11 The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. 12 I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.” 13 “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! 14 And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.” 15 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.” 17 So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19 Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength.”
Acts 9:1-19, NLT
Something to Think About:
Although we want to talk about Ananias today, I included the Scripture that explains Paul’s conversion from torturer of Christians to preacher and teacher, from Saul to Paul, from a wicked sinner bound for hell, to a child of God and the last apostle chosen by Jesus Christ (not to mention that he was also the author of many New Testament books!).
When the Lord called on Ananias in a vision to do something for Him, it was perfectly reasonable for him to wonder if he had accurately heard what the Lord wanted him to do or not (can’t you just picture the astonishment on his face!). Paul’s reputation was known everywhere as a man who ruthlessly and viciously hunted down as many Christians as he could so that they could be imprisoned and possibly even killed. But, Ananias simply listened to what the Lord had to say, TRUSTED that what He said was true, then acted swiftly and thoroughly in obedience.
Here are a few character traits of Ananias seen in Acts 9 that are worthy for us to follow as we work on becoming imitators of God:
-Ananias was a follower of Jesus Christ. He had trusted in Him as his Savior and now he was faithfully living for Him in his life. Many trust in Jesus as the Savior from their sin, but not everyone lives faithfully and obediently for Him their whole lives. It ought to be our goal to be one of the rare, but precious, faithful ones.
-When Ananias heard the Lord speak to him in a dream, he responded quickly with, “Yes, Lord!” He was ready and open to do whatever God asked of him. This should be our attitude and goal, too.
-I don’t believe that Ananias was questioning God’s wisdom or instruction, he was simply clarifying what he believed God wanted him to do. We, too, must be sure that our plans, actions, words, and goals are biblical and God-honoring. Prayerfully evaluating all these things from time to time is always a good idea. Checking in with another mature godly believer can also be helpful to see if there is some way we could live for God with even more excellence.
-Once God confirmed for Ananias what He wanted him to do, Ananias jumped up to obey. He did exactly what God had said to do—not knowing if doing so would mean his arrest or even death. God told him to do it, so he did. This same simple view of obedience to God’s Word should be our response too. We don’t need to know the why or how of God’s command. We just need to do what He says, trusting Him to deal with all the details as they are needed along the way.
-Despite Ananias’ justified concern over going to minister to Paul, he called him “brother,” and welcomed him into the family of God. What a wonderful attitude! We sometimes witness God bringing brothers and sisters in Christ to our churches to become part of the membership who may have had a pretty checkered past. This is not our concern. Our concern is to welcome them as brothers and sisters in Christ, fellow redeemed and justified children of God. Prejudice, cliques, and ideas of “status” have no place in the church (see James 2:1-13).
-Ananias helped Paul with his spiritual needs, but he also helped him with his physical ones. It is a privilege to serve and help fellow believers.
-The small role Ananias played in Paul’s life set Paul up for decades of faithful service which impacted hundreds, and probably thousands. We don’t know how God might use our small acts of obedience and service, either, but be rest assured, He uses them.
To be imitators of God, we need to be ready to listen to what God calls us to do, then jump right in with a willing heart.
-Character Assessment Time!
-How are you like today’s character?
-How are you unlike them?
-Did the Holy Spirit bring to your mind some way in which you could obey and please God in an even better way?
-Is there anyone that the Holy Spirit brought to your mind that you should pray for and/or spend some time with (to help them, to thank them, to encourage them—whatever)?
-Further Study (optional):
-Paul describes this same account in Acts 22:6-16.
-Read Paul’s (Saul) contributions to the persecution of the early church in Acts 7:54-8:3
-Look up some of the locations mentioned in this passage.
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
-First things first! Be sure to pray and ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to see what He wants you to see, and to apply its truths to your day.
Character of the Day: Andrew
“The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter).”
John 1:35-42, ESV
“The following day John was again standing with two of his disciples. 36 As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” 37 When John’s two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus looked around and saw them following. “What do you want?” he asked them. They replied, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” 39 “Come and see,” he said. It was about four o’clock k in the afternoon when they went with him to the place where he was staying, and they remained with him the rest of the day. 40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of these men who heard what John said and then followed Jesus. 41 Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means “Christ”). 42 Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, “Your name is Simon, son of John—but you will be called Cephas” (which means “Peter”).”
John 1:35-42, NLT
Something to Think About:
The person we are looking at today in our pursuit of examples of imitating God is Andrew. I’ve always liked Andrew. Although not one of the inner three, those closest to Jesus, Andrew is listed as the fourth and had a very good relationship with Christ.
What do we know about Andrew from this passage? When we are introduced to him, we find that he was already a disciple of John the Baptist, so we know that he was committed to obeying God and living in a way that honored him. What a great starting point! God cannot use us and bless us until we are saved, but neither will He fully use us if we remain uncommitted and unfaithful. When we are living for God, however, humble though our lives may seem to us, God most definitely notices and most definitely rewards us. He will not only reveal more about Himself to us, He will bless us with bigger and better opportunities to learn about Him and to serve Him. In this case, Andrew had chosen to find out how to best live for God by following the teaching of John the Baptist, God’s prophet, which set him up perfectly to recognize and follow Jesus Christ, the One Who had come to pay the price for his sins.
Next, just as soon as Andrew found out that Jesus was the Messiah, he began following Him. No questions, no procrastinating, no weighing the cost. He knew that following Jesus was THE most important and urgent thing that he could possibly be doing. We, too, need to recognize that following Jesus is the most important and urgent thing for us, too. Though we cannot literally follow His body from point to point, we CAN obey His Word and live according to Scripture. We can seek His wisdom and direction. We can surround ourselves with godly believers so we can be edified and matured (and to be a help to them). And we can—and should—be an active member of a Bible-teaching church so that we can sit under the teaching and care of God’s shepherd and serve Him in that location. All these things are part of following Him.
Jesus didn’t just follow Jesus, he spoke with Him. We don’t know exactly what their conversation was, but after it was over, Andrew knew that Jesus was the Messiah, the One God had promised to send to save them. If we want to know more about God, who better to go to than God? He has given us SIXTY-SIX books that explain Who He is, what He loves, what He hates, what constitutes good words, attitudes, and actions—and what doesn’t, and so much more! He has told us in crystal clear words that simply believing that Jesus died on our behalf, taking upon Himself the punishment we deserved, then rose again to life, forever defeating sin and death is all that is necessary to become saved spiritually and be granted eternal life in His presence. We NEED to spend regular time reading God’s Word AND praying to Him!
Once Andrew met Jesus and realized that He was the long-awaited Messiah, he beelined it to his brother so that his brother could also meet and follow Jesus. Once his own relationship with Christ was settled, he wanted the people he loved to also be right with God. This should be our priority as well. There is no better and important way to love our family members and friends than to make sure they know about their sin and how God sent Jesus to be their Savior. Once the people we love are saved, there is no better or important way to love them than to encourage them to greater godliness and a better and better understanding about our Almighty Father and glorious Savior.
To be an imitator of God, we need to be living wholeheartedly for God, obeying His Word fully.
-Character Assessment Time!
-How are you like today’s character?
-How are you unlike them?
-Did the Holy Spirit bring to your mind some way in which you could obey and please God in an even better way?
-Is there anyone that the Holy Spirit brought to your mind that you should pray for and/or spend some time with (to help them, to thank them, to encourage them—whatever)?
-Further Study (optional):
-Read more about Andrew in Matthew 4:18, 10:2; Mark 1:16,29, 3:18, 13:3; Luke 6:14; John 6:8, 12:22; Acts 1:13
-Read about how Jesus chose the other ten disciples.
-Who do you think was the other disciple of John the Baptist with Andrew that first day? Why do you think this?
Tuesday, April 20, 2021
-First things first! Be sure to pray and ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to see what He wants you to see, and to apply its truths to your day.
Character of the Day: Zacchaeus
“He entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3 And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. 4 So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” 8 And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Luke 19:1-10, ESV
“Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. 2 There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. 3 He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way. 5 When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.” 6 Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. 7 But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled. 8 Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!” 9 Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
Luke 19:1-10, NLT
Something to Think About:
I’ve always been fond of Zacchaeus—even if he gets a bad rap from those who believe he was a cheat. The original language hints strongly that Zacchaeus didn’t actually cheat anyone, BUT if anyone found even the slightest evidence that he had done so purposefully or by accident, he would gladly pay the amount back—times four (which was more than the Law dictated in cases like this). That aside, here’s what I like about Zacchaeus;
-When Zacchaeus found out that Jesus would be passing nearby, he physically RAN to try to see Him. Even though he was a very important person in that town, he picked up his robes and hurried as fast as he could. Not only that, but because he was also quite short, he let dignity go by the wayside—and climbed a tree! Now, this is a man who wants to see the Lord! I think we can learn something from Zacchaeus. I think that we, too, should be EAGER to open and read God’s Word. I think that we should be EAGER to go to church on Sunday AND Wednesday. I think we should be EAGER to talk to the Father in prayer. I think we should be EAGER to get together with God’s people so that we can talk about the Lord. Has your relationship with the God of Heaven gotten blasé? May it never be!
-When Jesus stopped by the tree Zacchaeus was in and told him that He needed to go to his home, Zacchaeus JOYFULLY welcomed Him. I think this goes well with the eagerness question. Are we joyful about living for the Lord day by day? Do we see obeying God’s Word a privilege and delight? Are we happy about saying “no” to sin and “YES” to God? Maybe we need a little more of the Zacchaeus attitude in our life!
-When Zacchaeus was slandered by fellow Jews and heard people grumbling against Jesus coming into His home (which was a huge deal in that culture), Zacchaeus stood tall (well, as tall as he could!) and READILY and GENEROUSLY vowed to not only share half of his wealth with those who were truly in need, he volunteered to pay four times as much to anyone who had been cheated (though, he never indicated that he had cheated anyone to his knowledge). There’s just something about living wholeheartedly for God that causes Christians to be generous. Have you ever noticed this? It’s like once someone is relying completely on their loving Heavenly Father to meet all their needs, they also realize that this frees them up to be generous with their time, talents, and treasures. II Corinthians 9:7 says that God loves a cheerful giver. How are you doing in that department?
-Most importantly, based on Jesus’ response, Zacchaeus placed full faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior. You and I will get to meet Zacchaeus in heaven—and, perhaps, settle once and for all whether or not he grew rich at the expense of others. But you know, maybe that won’t matter once we’re all sitting around the throne. After all, we are ALL sinners saved by grace. I think that our conversations are going to be more along the line of everlasting praise for our God and Savior. What a day of rejoicing that will be!
To be imitators of God, we need to joyfully and willingly welcome opportunities to worship and serve God.
-Character Assessment Time!
-How are you like today’s character?
-How are you unlike them?
-Did the Holy Spirit bring to your mind some way in which you could obey and please God in an even better way?
-Is there anyone that the Holy Spirit brought to your mind that you should pray for and/or spend some time with (to help them, to thank them, to encourage them—whatever)?
-Further Study (optional):
-Read up on tax collectors to find out why people hated them so much.
-Look up a sycamore-fig tree to see what it was like.
-Research other times Jesus said that he “needed” to do something.
Monday, April 19, 2021
-First things first! Be sure to pray and ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to see what He wants you to see, and to apply its truths to your day.
Character of the Day: The Prodigal Son’s Father
“And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. 17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate. 25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”
Luke 15:11-32, ESV
“To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. 12 The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. 13 “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. 14 About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. 15 He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. 16 The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything. 17 “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, 19 and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’ 20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. 22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began. 25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, 26 and he asked one of the servants what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother is back,’ he was told, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.’ 28 “The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him, 29 but he replied, ‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. 30 Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’ 31 “His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. 32 We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’”
Luke 15:11-32, NLT
Something to Think About:
The parable of the Prodigal Son is important. It is a tale of how someone’s sinful choice to live selfishly and sinfully brings nothing but emptiness and pain – not just for them, but for those who love them. It is a tale of how a child of God can realize that they have strayed far from the Father’s side and that they MUST return to Him whatever the cost, whatever the hardships. NOTHING is more important than living in a way that pleases the Father.
The tale of the Prodigal Son, though, is also about the Father. Did you know that the father in this story is a picture of our Heavenly Father? He allowed his much-loved child to make his own decisions (God gave us a free will), but he was extremely sorrowful to know his son was living in this ungodly way, knowing that it would lead to tremendous heartache and pain. BUT, when his son returned, rather than making him suffer and do penance for his foolishness, this father received him GLADLY. He felt compassion for him—and he is the one who RAN to meet his son, hugging and kissing him. Yes, it’s true that the returning son was repentant and offered himself up to his father as a servant (not expecting the status he had previously as a son) – and this was very good. We SHOULD humbly admit our sin and we SHOULD do whatever it takes to restore a right walk with the Father when we have strayed. BUT, our God ALWAYS accepts prayers of confession and He ALWAYS forgives us. Every. Single. Time. I kind of wonder just how often we stop to appreciate the grace that our Father shows us literally from moment to moment, day to day. Do we remember to thank Him for His mercy, I wonder? Without it, we would most definitely have NOTHING—especially an eternal home in His presence, but neither would we be forgiven or restored after sinning. Scary thought!
I love how the father in this parable ran to welcome his son home, then hastened to celebrate it in a BIG way. I love the lavish love he expressed on behalf of the troubled son—and I hope that all of God’s children learn to show lavish love for one another more and more as we become more like Christ.
The father, of course, did not accept the son as a servant, but restored him to the honored position as his son. God ALWAYS gives far more than we could ever think of or ask for!
I feel bad for the other brother. Not because he was working while his brother was partying, but because he seemed to have a pretty bad attitude on several levels. One of these was to be angry at his father for rejoicing that his wayward son had returned. He felt his brother should be punished, not welcomed. This made me question our relationship to brothers and sisters who have wandered away from God—as well as those who have returned. The only right prayer for disobedient believers is that they would return to a right walk with God and that God would use whatever it takes in their life to get their attention (it’s not really appropriate to ask God to bless them since God will not bless those who have turned their backs on Him). Once someone has confessed their sin and have returned to a desire to live in a pleasing manner before God, as fellow believers, we have now been given a golden opportunity to help them and encourage them however we can. A great deal of rejoicing is totally appropriate. What is NOT good, however, is jealousy, giving them the cold shoulder, trying to make them “pay” for their crimes in some way, or otherwise discouraging them or causing them to feel like a criminal on parole.
Also of note in regard to the other brother and the father is the father’s assurance that he is fully aware how this son has worked hard, not abandoned him, and has been a good son all along. Inferred is that this WILL be rewarded well in good time. And fellow faithful child of God, whether or not we FEEL like God notices our faithfulness to Him, He always sees and He always rewards. I am 100% confident that we will get to glory and joyfully exclaim that ANY amount of suffering and hardship incurred for the name of Christ will be totally and completely worth it!
To be imitators of God, we should be immensely joyful whenever a fellow believer turns away from sin and returns to a faithful walk with God.
-Character Assessment Time!
-How are you like today’s character?
-How are you unlike them?
-Did the Holy Spirit bring to your mind some way in which you could obey and please God in an even better way?
-Is there anyone that the Holy Spirit brought to your mind that you should pray for and/or spend some time with (to help them, to thank them, to encourage them—whatever)?
-Further Study (optional):
-The parable of the Prodigal Son is only one of several parables of “lost things.” Check out the others in Luke 15.
Saturday, April 17, 2021
-First things first! Be sure to pray and ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to see what He wants you to see, and to apply its truths to your day.
Character of the Day: Anna
“And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.”
Luke 1:36-38, ESV
“Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. 37 Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. 38 She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.”
Luke 1:36-38, NLT
Something to Think About:
Who doesn’t love Anna? She is presented as an “older” woman who had dedicated literally decades of her life to worshiping God (with fasting) and praying night and day. Wow. Wouldn’t it be great if we were all so steadfast and faithful in our devotion!
Did you notice how God honored Anna’s faithfulness to Him? She was one of the few people who got to see –and recognize – God’s Son, Jesus Christ, the long-awaited Messiah in person. She “happened” across Simeon’s rapturous delight in being allowed to hold the Lord’s Salvation in his own arms when Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the Temple as prescribed by the Law. If she hadn’t been in God’s House that day, she wouldn’t have met Jesus. Makes me wonder what we miss when we choose to skip out on church services and events???
Anna didn’t keep the deep joy at seeing Jesus to herself, though I’m sure she treasured this for the rest of her life. She immediately began praising God and telling every single person she came across that the Redeemer whom God had promised all the way back in the Garden of Eden WAS HERE. What a day that must have been! I wonder who else heard Anna and hurried to see Baby Jesus too? I wonder who else’s life was impacted forever because of Anna’s praise?
Say, can you be described as an “older” lady? If so, what are you known for? It’s great to be an excellent cook, a wonderful housekeeper, and a super knitter, but what is your testimony for Christ? What are the things you rejoice in? What do you do with the hours you have been given— day and night? I suppose, though, that this same question is pretty important for ALL believers, young or old, male or female. Do we live our lives worshiping God and praying without ceasing? We sure should be—and we CAN be with the help of the Holy Spirit.
One other thought before we leave Anna. Anna literally lived in the Temple (there were apartments around the Temple complex, (the entire temple compound occupied more than 33 acres). Titus 2:3 commands women to be “reverent in their behavior.” Did you know that this means something like literally “living as though in the Temple”? That our hearts and lives must properly reflect the holiness of Temple living? How could this be true for us living in the United States in 2021 as gentiles? Because when we trusted in Jesus Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit of God moved into our hearts and we BECAME a temple. We are all walking, living, breathing temples of God. The question is, of course, whether our temples are worshiping God, self, or the world.
To be imitators of God, we need to be sold out for God, dedicating every single thing we think and do for His honor and glory, testifying of His goodness to one and all.
-Character Assessment Time!
-How are you like today’s character?
-How are you unlike them?
-Did the Holy Spirit bring to your mind some way in which you could obey and please God in an even better way?
-Is there anyone that the Holy Spirit brought to your mind that you should pray for and/or spend some time with (to help them, to thank them, to encourage them—whatever)?
-Further Study (optional):
-Anna’s story is tied up with Simeon’s. Read about it in Luke 2.
-Read about the Titus 2 woman in Titus 2:3-5.
-Look up the Temple in Jesus’ time to find out what it was like and how things were run.
-Read up on why Mary and Joseph were there that day anyway.
Friday, April 16, 2021
-First things first! Be sure to pray and ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to see what He wants you to see, and to apply its truths to your day.
Character of the Day: Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego
“Then Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought. So they brought these men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar answered and said to them, “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?” 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
Daniel 3:13-18, ESV
“Then Nebuchadnezzar flew into a rage and ordered that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought before him. When they were brought in, 14 Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up? 15 I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?” 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
Daniel 3:13-18, NLT
Something to Think About:
In order to fully appreciate the account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s faithfulness to God, I highly encourage you to go back to the beginning of Daniel and read from there to the end of chapter 3. It’s not a long passage and it is exciting reading.
For now, though, I think we can encapsulate just who these three men were in these few verses. These were men who were committed to worshipping God and God alone. They had clearly determined to remain faithful to God and obey Him alone from some time in their youth—and it would seem that they have not backed down from that all the years they were in Babylon.
The scene for these three men’s faithful declaration of commitment and trust was the command by the Babylonian King, Nebuchadnezzar, to bow down and worship the 90-foot tall statue he made of himself when a certain set of musical instruments were played. This was a nation-wide law with no exceptions. It’s hard to imagine that what could have prompted the king to think of this ridiculous idea apart from pride, and in fact, we find in a few chapters that King Nebuchadnezzar’s pride led to some pretty dire consequences (chapter 4).
It came to the king’s attention that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were NOT bowing down as they were commanded, so they were brought to stand before the very angry king. Not only did the three men not deny that they were not obeying the command to bow and worship Nebuchadnezzar, they said that they had NO intention of EVER doing so. Why? Because they would only ever serve and worship God. I love their determination to serve God only—and their decision to do this at all costs. I’m sure they couldn’t have imagined that the “cost” would be burning to death in a very hot furnace, but finding this out did not change their commitment one iota. They had no idea that God was going to miraculously save them (and they said as much), BUT He did! There is even a very strong possibility that the mysterious fourth person walking around in the flames with them was the pre-incarnate Son of God Himself! What a day for these three faithful men!
You know, God doesn’t always ask us to stand up and declare our faithfulness to Him in such a huge way. Nor does He often do so when the consequences mean our death. But this has definitely happened many times and many places around the globe—and it still does. Sometimes God intervenes and saves the believer’s life, many times He does not. The why of all that is His job and not ours, but we do have something to consider very seriously here. Just how committed are we to being faithful to God? To what degree will we refuse to worship anyone besides Him only? What are the things that might cause us to NOT stand for Him and go along with the crowd? Embarrassment? Feeling uncomfortable or shy? Fear? The idea that standing up for Christ isn’t actually that important? These are things we need to prayerfully consider. Although we may not ever find ourselves standing up before some ruler who will take our life if we don’t denounce Christ, it’s certainly not impossible. What’s even more possible, though, is the temptation to downplay our love for God among co-workers, strangers, extended family, and social situations where if we stood up and spoke against some ungodly thought or behavior, people might not like us anymore, might speak rudely to us, or even threaten harm. These kinds of situations happen all the time. Will we hide our commitment and slink away—or will we boldly declare that we will never serve anyone or anything other than God Almighty—no matter what?
To be imitators of God, we need to obey Him first, foremost, and always—no matter the consequence.
-Character Assessment Time!
-How are you like today’s character?
-How are you unlike them?
-Did the Holy Spirit bring to your mind some way in which you could obey and please God in an even better way?
-Is there anyone that the Holy Spirit brought to your mind that you should pray for and/or spend some time with (to help them, to thank them, to encourage them—whatever)?
-Further Study (optional):
-Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are named in Daniel 1:1-7; 2:46-49, and 3:12-30.
-What other names did these three men go by? Why the name change?
-Read more about Nebuchadnezzar’s rule, especially how God punished his pride in chapter 4.
Thursday, April 15, 2021
-First things first! Be sure to pray and ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to see what He wants you to see, and to apply its truths to your day.
Character of the Day: Daniel
“The Chaldeans answered the king and said, “There is not a man on earth who can meet the king’s demand, for no great and powerful king has asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter or Chaldean. 11 The thing that the king asks is difficult, and no one can show it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.” 12 Because of this the king was angry and very furious, and commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be destroyed. 13 So the decree went out, and the wise men were about to be killed; and they sought Daniel and his companions, to kill them. 14 Then Daniel replied with prudence and discretion to Arioch, the captain of the king’s guard, who had gone out to kill the wise men of Babylon. 15 He declared to Arioch, the king’s captain, “Why is the decree of the king so urgent?” Then Arioch made the matter known to Daniel. 16 And Daniel went in and requested the king to appoint him a time, that he might show the interpretation to the king. 17 Then Daniel went to his house and made the matter known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, 18 and told them to seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions might not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. 20 Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. 21 He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; 22 he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him. 23 To you, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of you, for you have made known to us the king’s matter.”
Daniel 2:10-23, ESV
“The astrologers replied to the king, “No one on earth can tell the king his dream! And no king, however great and powerful, has ever asked such a thing of any magician, enchanter, or astrologer! 11 The king’s demand is impossible. No one except the gods can tell you your dream, and they do not live here among people.” 12 The king was furious when he heard this, and he ordered that all the wise men of Babylon be executed. 13 And because of the king’s decree, men were sent to find and kill Daniel and his friends. 14 When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, came to kill them, Daniel handled the situation with wisdom and discretion. 15 He asked Arioch, “Why has the king issued such a harsh decree?” So Arioch told him all that had happened. 16 Daniel went at once to see the king and requested more time to tell the king what the dream meant. 17 Then Daniel went home and told his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah what had happened. 18 He urged them to ask the God of heaven to show them his mercy by telling them the secret, so they would not be executed along with the other wise men of Babylon. 19 That night the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven. 20 He said, “Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. 21 He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars. 22 He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though he is surrounded by light. 23 I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors, for you have given me wisdom and strength. You have told me what we asked of you and revealed to us what the king demanded.”
Daniel 2:10-23, NLT
Something to Think About:
There are many things about the man Daniel that are good examples for us about what being a God-honoring believer is like and I hope you’ll read this book soon if you haven’t been in it recently. Chapters 7 and beyond contain essential prophecy, some of which is yet to happen, but God didn’t entrust Daniel with this critical information in a vacuum. No, Daniel was an obedient and faithful follower of God and God honored this by giving Daniel many skills and abilities—including, as we find in today’s passage, the ability to not only explain someone else’s dream, but tell them what they dreamed in the first place!
Be sure to read chapter 1 and the first half of chapter 2 to discover for yourself how Daniel determined to honor and obey God whether he was growing up as he probably assumed he would in his home country of Israel—or found himself living in a foreign country as a captive (which I doubt he expected at all!).
Today, though, let’s look at Daniel’s reaction when he was told that he and all of the king’s advisors were to be executed. He didn’t drop to his knees in fearful tears, nor did he fly into a rage. Daniel simply and calmly asked the captain of the king’s guard why this order had been placed. Because Daniel had an excellent reputation in the palace in Babylon, the captain was happy to explain to him how the king had a dream and expected his advisors to know what the dream was without him telling them, then to explain it. Daniel then asked for the opportunity to speak to the king personally so that he could be given the chance to interpret the dream. There is much to be said about remaining calm and speaking with “prudence and discretion.”
Then, and very importantly, Daniel prayed. But Daniel didn’t just pray alone. He enlisted the help of three men who were also faithfully obedient to God Almighty. These men were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (more about them tomorrow). This, of course, is a marvelous lesson for you and me! When faced with some difficulty, our first action/reaction ought to be to pray and seek wisdom from the God of all wisdom. Further, what additional help and blessing it always is to enlist the prayers of brothers and sisters in Christ! Part of the huge blessing of being a part of a church family is to be able to share our burdens and joys with each other, to pray together and for each other, and to seek out ways to be a help and a blessing.
God answered the prayers of these four men by revealing to Daniel the mystery of the vision that had been given to King Nebuchadnezzar. What was Daniel’s first action upon waking? To thank God. To give Him the honor due His name. To acknowledge His wisdom, sovereignty, mercy, and grace. Say, what kind of thanks do you give God when He has shown you something from His Word, blessed you in some way in your day, or helped you with some problem that came up? Maybe a more foundational question is if you thank Him as your first response—or at all.
Daniel didn’t stop at praising God privately. When he was given audience to the king, this is what he told him, “Daniel answered the king and said, “No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. (vv.27-28)”. Daniel gave all credit and glory to God—right where it always belongs. This, too, is a great application for all of us. Whatever good we are able to do, whatever ways we are able to help and bless another, the glory always goes to God. He is the One Who helps us to choose the right thing to do, then to actually do it. We should, in fact, ALWAYS be giving thanks and praise to God both vocally to one and all – and in our prayers to Him, because He is constantly helping us in big areas and little ones.
To be an imitator of God, we need to be prayer warriors. We need to not only go to God for wisdom and direction, but to thank and praise Him often for the mighty and amazing things He does.
-Character Assessment Time!
-How are you like today’s character?
-How are you unlike them?
-Did the Holy Spirit bring to your mind some way in which you could obey and please God in an even better way?
-Is there anyone that the Holy Spirit brought to your mind that you should pray for and/or spend some time with (to help them, to thank them, to encourage them—whatever)?
-Further Study (optional):
-Daniel is also mentioned in Ezekiel 14:14,20; 28:3 and Matthew 24:15
-Read About the king’s dream in verses 29-45.
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
-First things first! Be sure to pray and ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to see what He wants you to see, and to apply its truths to your day.
Character of the Day: Nehemiah
“The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the citadel, 2 that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem. 3 And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.” 4 As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. 5 And I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned. 7 We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. 8 Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, 9 but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’ 10 They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand. 11 O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” Now I was cupbearer to the king. In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was before him, I took up the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had not been sad in his presence. 2 And the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of the heart.” Then I was very much afraid. 3 I said to the king, “Let the king live forever! Why should not my face be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ graves, lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” 4 Then the king said to me, “What are you requesting?” So I prayed to the God of heaven. 5 And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ graves, that I may rebuild it.”
Nehemiah 1:1-2:5, ESV
“These are the memoirs of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah. In late autumn, in the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes’ reign, I was at the fortress of Susa. 2 Hanani, one of my brothers, came to visit me with some other men who had just arrived from Judah. I asked them about the Jews who had returned there from captivity and about how things were going in Jerusalem. 3 They said to me, “Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” 4 When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven. 5 Then I said, “O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, 6 listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people Israel. I confess that we have sinned against you. Yes, even my own family and I have sinned! 7 We have sinned terribly by not obeying the commands, decrees, and regulations that you gave us through your servant Moses. 8 “Please remember what you told your servant Moses: ‘If you are unfaithful to me, I will scatter you among the nations. 9 But if you return to me and obey my commands and live by them, then even if you are exiled to the ends of the earth, I will bring you back to the place I have chosen for my name to be honored.’ 10 “The people you rescued by your great power and strong hand are your servants. 11 O Lord, please hear my prayer! Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring you. Please grant me success today by making the king favorable to me. Put it into his heart to be kind to me.” In those days I was the king’s cup-bearer. Early the following spring, in the month of Nisan, during the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes’ reign, I was serving the king his wine. I had never before appeared sad in his presence. 2 So the king asked me, “Why are you looking so sad? You don’t look sick to me. You must be deeply troubled.” Then I was terrified, 3 but I replied, “Long live the king! How can I not be sad? For the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” 4 The king asked, “Well, how can I help you?” With a prayer to the God of heaven, 5 I replied, “If it please the king, and if you are pleased with me, your servant, send me to Judah to rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried.”
Nehemiah 1:1-2:5, NLT
Something to Think About:
One of the bigger blessings of my teen years was the nudge from God to join my church youth group’s quiz team. The two books of the Bible that I especially studied in preparation for quiz meetings were John and Nehemiah. To this day, these are two of my favorite books. I’m pretty sure there is a wonderful application simply in this truth! (hint, hint)
Nehemiah is a wonderful example of confidence in God expressed in prayer (and in his actions following prayer). Nehemiah actually prays several times in this book named after him, but the ones here at the beginning of his story are well worth a close look.
-Nehemiah found out there was a serious need (the walls of Jerusalem were broken and the returning Jews had no protection).
-Nehemiah immediately turned to God in prayer with his heart’s burden. Yes, he cried heavily and was very sad, but that wasn’t the end. Rather than turning away from the Lord or turning to other people for help, he turned to the One Who has the answers and Who can do what needs to be done.
-Nehemiah’s very first words were words that praised and glorified God. This is always the right way to begin our prayers. Jesus said as much when He told His disciples to pray, “Our Father in heaven, holy be Your name.”
-Nehemiah next expressed his complete trust in God’s faithfulness. God had promised certain things to the Jews and Nehemiah knew that God always keeps His promises. God is faithful to you and me, too!
-Nehemiah readily accepted the guilt of sin. Now, remember, the dispersion of the Jews due to their idolatry and unfaithful living had happened many years earlier. Nehemiah wasn’t part of that, but as a member of the Jewish nation, he took responsibility too. We are wise to NEVER deny our own sin and culpability in whatever area God is convicting us in. Sinning is the worst thing we can do as a child of God, but immediately owning up to it, confessing it to God, and asking for His forgiveness is the best thing we can do. Keeping a clear account with God is imperative for faithful and useful Christian living.
-Nehemiah then quotes Scripture to God. He reminds Him what He has promised for those who return to a right relationship with Him and applies it to the current hardship the people are facing. He applies it specifically, as well, to the little chat that he will need to have with the king. Note that Nehemiah’s references to God are all with the most respect and glory as possible, while he refers to the man who is the most powerful man in the world at that time as a mere man. We must never forget Who is truly in charge. It’s never people.
-Nehemiah didn’t only pray once. He prayed many times—including right in the middle of his conversation with the king. Have you ever done that? I have. Lots. A frequent example that comes to mind is when I am leading a ladies’ Bible study and someone asks a question that is really challenging. In that moment, I am both listening to their question AND sending a petition to the Lord for help to answer accurately, helpfully, and in a way that helps the other person trust and obey God. Another thing that happens fairly often for believers is casual encounters with unbelievers where an opportunity to tell them about the Lord opens up. A quick “Help!” is appropriate here—and God most definitely hears and answers these kinds of prayers. It would be good to note, however, that these kinds of prayers shouldn’t be our ONLY kinds of prayers. You will remember that Nehemiah had been praying to God for days before he approached the king, so he had already established a connection with God about this. I believe that God answered Nehemiah by urging him to go for broke and ask the king to allow him to go to Jerusalem and oversee getting the wall rebuilt. God also answered that brave petition by causing the king to say yes.
To be imitators of God, we need to rely on the Lord in prayer. We need to pray without ceasing, both praising God and thanking Him for His goodness, grace, mercy, and help.
-Character Assessment Time!
-How are you like today’s character?
-How are you unlike them?
-Did the Holy Spirit bring to your mind some way in which you could obey and please God in an even better way?
-Is there anyone that the Holy Spirit brought to your mind that you should pray for and/or spend some time with (to help them, to thank them, to encourage them—whatever)?
-Further Study (optional):
-Take some time to read the whole book of Nehemiah. It’s pretty exciting stuff!
-Reading the book of Ezra goes perfectly with Nehemiah.
-Other prayers by Nehemiah was found in 4:4,9; 5:19, 6:9,14; 13;14
-Look up history and information about Babylon and King Artaxerxes.
Tuesday, April 13, 2021
-First things first! Be sure to pray and ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to see what He wants you to see, and to apply its truths to your day.
Character of the Day: The Excellent Woman
“Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. 11 Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. 14 She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls. 16 She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. 18 She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night. 19 Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. 20 She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. 21 She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes. 22 She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns. 23 Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders. 24 She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. 26 When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. 27 She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. 28 Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: 29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. 31 Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.”
Proverbs 31:10-31, NLT
Something to Think About:
As we begin our study of the Proverbs 31 Woman, rather than being overwhelmed by her seemingly endless energy and perfection of thought and deed, keep in mind her crowning feature isn’t her beauty – or even what she does. It is her fear of the Lord. Look especially at verse 30, “the woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.”
So, what does it mean to fear the Lord? “Fear” here isn’t terror of God. Rather, it is a reverential awe of Who God is. As we study all the phenomenal and amazing attributes, characteristics, and actions of our God and Father, this naturally leads to a willing submission to His rule and authority in our lives. It is, at its most basic, submitting to His will, that is, choosing what He wants over what we want.
Based on the following passages, the fear of the Lord (a right view of God and His sovereignty) is the FOUNDATION of obtaining “true” knowledge, it is to hate evil, pride, arrogance, corruption, and perverse speech. It leads to wisdom (the ability to apply Scripture to the circumstances of our lives). And in an overall general way, it is to obey God’s commands because He is, well, GOD.
“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” Proverbs 1:7
“All who fear the Lord will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech.” Proverbs 8:13
“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom.” Psalm 111:10
“That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.” Ecclesiastes 12:13
Looking back on your day (or yesterday if you are doing this early in the morning), evaluate what you did and WHY. Look carefully and prayerfully. Were you living for God or self? Were you living selfishly or in the fear of the Lord? Were you obeying what GOD wants of you and for you? These questions may help determine if you are living in the fear of the Lord or not.
To be imitators of God, we to have a proper view of Who God is, giving Him our reverence and awe.
-Character Assessment Time!
-How are you like today’s character?
-How are you unlike them?
-Did the Holy Spirit bring to your mind some way in which you could obey and please God in an even better way?
-Is there anyone that the Holy Spirit brought to your mind that you should pray for and/or spend some time with (to help them, to thank them, to encourage them—whatever)?
-Further Study (optional):
-Google “fear of the Lord” in the Bible to find lots more helpful verses. Here’s a few to get you started: Job 28:28; Psalm 33:8; Deuteronomy 10:12; Psalm 25:14; I Peter 2:17.
-On the flip side of proper fear of the Lord, search for the many Bible verses which explain how we don’t need to be afraid because of God’s perfect care.
Monday, April 12, 2021
-First things first! Be sure to pray and ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to see what He wants you to see, and to apply its truths to your day.
Character of the Day: Josiah
“Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jedidah the daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath. 2 And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and walked in all the way of David his father, and he did not turn aside to the right or to the left.”
II Kings 22:1-2, ESV
“Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah from Bozkath. 2 He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight and followed the example of his ancestor David. He did not turn away from doing what was right.”
II Kings 22:1-2, NLT
Something to Think About:
Josiah actually has some similarities with Joash (which was part of our study last month in II Chronicles 23). They both became king as young boys and they both jumped right in by smashing all the idols to Baal and other false gods the people were worshiping instead of Jehovah, the true and only God. Josiah, though, did even more to help all of Judah restore a right relationship with God. That is, to worship Him as He commanded them to do.
When Josiah had been king for 18 years, he sent the court secretary to the Temple to collect offerings that had come in so that much-needed repairs could be made in the Temple. While the secretary was there, the high priest told him that he had “found” the Book of the Law. This sure hints strongly just how far the Israelites had gotten away from God if no one knew where the Law was, let alone had read it and obeyed it! This makes me wonder just how hard we have to work to find our Bible—and what use our Bibles get from Sunday to Sunday??? Nowadays, we can not only easily and affordably own SEVERAL Bibles so we can place them in multiple convenient places to read often, but we can carry one with us wherever we go on our phone. There should be no such thing as a lost Bible for someone striving to be an imitator of God.
King Josiah was beside himself when the Law was read to him and he realized just how disobedient to the Lord they had all been—and the wrath they had incurred from God. He wanted to get the ball rolling to fix this horrendous sin IMMEDIATELY. He ordered that a prophet be consulted to find out what God wanted them to do. God let the prophet know that He had planned to destroy all of Judah imminently, BUT because of Josiah’s tender heart upon hearing that the nation was displeasing God, He would hold off on judgment for a bit. Here’s what God said in II Kings 22:18-20,
“But go to the king of Judah who sent you to seek the Lord and tell him: ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says concerning the message you have just heard: You were sorry and humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I said against this city and its people—that this land would be cursed and become desolate. You tore your clothing in despair and wept before me in repentance. And I have indeed heard you, says the Lord. So I will not send the promised disaster until after you have died and been buried in peace. You will not see the disaster I am going to bring on this city.’”
This sure seems like a good Scripture passage to turn to when we have doubts about whether or not God hears and answers our prayer—and if we should give up if we are the only one who is living obediently according to God’s Word. Yes, He hears. Yes, God may change circumstances based on our prayers. Yes, our faithfulness personally is VERY important and precious to God. Even if you are the only believer in your family, workplace, or other circumstance, STAY TRUE TO GOD.
Josiah didn’t stop there. He made all of Judah listen to God’s Law personally (in fact, he read it to them!), then he made a covenant with God in front of them to obey God fully. Following was a HUGE purge of everything and anything connected to idolatry throughout the entire land (read about it in II Kings 23). Once everything was rid of that wickedness, he commanded that they all must observe the Passover (as they were supposed to do yearly FOREVER, but hadn’t done in a very, VERY long time). II Kings 23:25 says that there was no king like him who turned to the Lord with all his heart, soul, and strength—and no one arose after him either. What a wonderful challenge for you and me, too. To be so obedient and faithful to God that we stand out from the crowd. Not for our own glory, of course, but so that God will receive great glory and praise.
Josiah was a pretty neat man. It will be a delight to meet him in heaven. What a joy it would be if we also lived sold-out for the Lord and he was delighted to meet us!
To be imitators of God, we need to be sold-out for the Lord, doing WHATEVER it takes to obey Him and bring Him honor in our lives.
-Character Assessment Time!
-How are you like today’s character?
-How are you unlike them?
-Did the Holy Spirit bring to your mind some way in which you could obey and please God in an even better way?
-Is there anyone that the Holy Spirit brought to your mind that you should pray for and/or spend some time with (to help them, to thank them, to encourage them—whatever)?
-Further Study (optional):
-Josiah is mentioned in I Kings 13:1-3 (in a prophecy), II Kings 21:23-26, II Kings 22-23, I Chronicles 3:14, and II Chronicles 33-35.
-Read about Josiah’s ungodly father and grandfather in II Kings 21.
Saturday, April 10, 2021
-First things first! Be sure to pray and ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to see what He wants you to see, and to apply its truths to your day.
Character of the Day: The Shunammite Woman, part 2
“One day Elisha returned to Shunem, and he went up to this upper room to rest. 12 He said to his servant Gehazi, “Tell the woman from Shunem I want to speak to her.” When she appeared, 13 Elisha said to Gehazi, “Tell her, ‘We appreciate the kind concern you have shown us. What can we do for you? Can we put in a good word for you to the king or to the commander of the army?’” “No,” she replied, “my family takes good care of me.” 14 Later Elisha asked Gehazi, “What can we do for her?” Gehazi replied, “She doesn’t have a son, and her husband is an old man.” 15 “Call her back again,” Elisha told him. When the woman returned, Elisha said to her as she stood in the doorway, 16 “Next year at this time you will be holding a son in your arms!” “No, my lord!” she cried. “O man of God, don’t deceive me and get my hopes up like that.” 17 But sure enough, the woman soon became pregnant. And at that time the following year she had a son, just as Elisha had said. 18 One day when her child was older, he went out to help his father, who was working with the harvesters. 19 Suddenly he cried out, “My head hurts! My head hurts!” His father said to one of the servants, “Carry him home to his mother.” 20 So the servant took him home, and his mother held him on her lap. But around noontime he died. 21 She carried him up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, then shut the door and left him there. 22 She sent a message to her husband: “Send one of the servants and a donkey so that I can hurry to the man of God and come right back.” 23 “Why go today?” he asked. “It is neither a new moon festival nor a Sabbath.” But she said, “It will be all right.” 24 So she saddled the donkey and said to the servant, “Hurry! Don’t slow down unless I tell you to.” 25 As she approached the man of God at Mount Carmel, Elisha saw her in the distance. He said to Gehazi, “Look, the woman from Shunem is coming. 26 Run out to meet her and ask her, ‘Is everything all right with you, your husband, and your child?’” Yes,” the woman told Gehazi, “everything is fine.” 27 But when she came to the man of God at the mountain, she fell to the ground before him and caught hold of his feet. Gehazi began to push her away, but the man of God said, “Leave her alone. She is deeply troubled, but the Lord has not told me what it is.” 28 Then she said, “Did I ask you for a son, my lord? And didn’t I say, ‘Don’t deceive me and get my hopes up’?” 29 Then Elisha said to Gehazi, “Get ready to travel; take my staff and go! Don’t talk to anyone along the way. Go quickly and lay the staff on the child’s face.” 30 But the boy’s mother said, “As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I won’t go home unless you go with me.” So Elisha returned with her. 31 Gehazi hurried on ahead and laid the staff on the child’s face, but nothing happened. There was no sign of life. He returned to meet Elisha and told him, “The child is still dead.” 32 When Elisha arrived, the child was indeed dead, lying there on the prophet’s bed. 33 He went in alone and shut the door behind him and prayed to the Lord. 34 Then he lay down on the child’s body, placing his mouth on the child’s mouth, his eyes on the child’s eyes, and his hands on the child’s hands. And as he stretched out on him, the child’s body began to grow warm again! 35 Elisha got up, walked back and forth across the room once, and then stretched himself out again on the child. This time the boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes! 36 Then Elisha summoned Gehazi. “Call the child’s mother!” he said. And when she came in, Elisha said, “Here, take your son!” 37 She fell at his feet and bowed before him, overwhelmed with gratitude. Then she took her son in her arms and carried him downstairs.
II Kings 4:11-37, NLT
Something to Think About:
Wanting to show appreciation for her care for him, Elisha asks the Shunammite woman if there was anything she needed. She said that she didn’t have any needs, but God knew that she desperately wanted a son—and He gave her one. God knows our heart’s desires, too. He may not give us everything that we think we want, but His gifts are always perfect and perfectly timed.
The account of the little boy’s death and resuscitation is interesting, but with some confusing parts. We are guessing that the child may have developed sunstroke or something like that to cause such horrific pain (he was probably too young to articulate clearly what was going on). What horrible sorrow must have wrenched his mother’s heart when her little son died in her lap! There are such sorrows and hardships all around us! We need to keep praying for one another and supporting each other through thick and thin!
What is perhaps MOST interesting about this account is that the Shunammite woman SAYS that everything is okay—when her son had DIED. Why would she say that? Could it be that she understood that babies and young children go to heaven when they die because they are still under the age of accountability? We find something similar happen when King David’s infant son was deathly ill. While the baby was fighting for his life, David was fasting, weeping, and praying constantly to God to intervene, but when the baby had died, David stopped fasting and composed himself. He knew that his child was safe in the arms of the Father, the safest and most wonderful place for ANYONE to be! David knew that he would one day see this son again (because he had trusted that God would one day send the Messiah to pay the price for his sin). So, yes, dear ones, Scripture DOES teach that unborn babies, infants, and young children go to heaven if they die. It is only those who have reached an age when they can understand that they are sinners and that Jesus died for them that we say they are now of an “accountable age.”
God miraculously saved the Shunammite’s son and her response was appropriate: worship and gratitude. Not to Elisha, but to God. And while we should most definitely show gratitude for ALL kindnesses and generosity shown to us, ultimate gratitude and praise always belongs to God.
To be imitators of God, we must trust God in all circumstances, thanking Him constantly.
-Character Assessment Time!
-How are you like today’s character?
-How are you unlike them?
-Did the Holy Spirit bring to your mind some way in which you could obey and please God in an even better way?
-Is there anyone that the Holy Spirit brought to your mind that you should pray for and/or spend some time with (to help them, to thank them, to encourage them—whatever)?
-Further Study (optional):
-Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, tried to stop the Shunammite woman from clinging to Elisha’s feet, but Elisha stopped him. Do you remember something similar in the New Testament? Read about it in Matthew 19:13-14.
-The account of David’s infant’s death can be found in II Samuel 12:15-23.
Friday, April 9, 2021
-First things first! Be sure to pray and ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to see what He wants you to see, and to apply its truths to your day.
Character of the Day: The Shunammite Woman, part 1
“One day Elisha went on to Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to eat some food. So whenever he passed that way, he would turn in there to eat food. 9 And she said to her husband, “Behold now, I know that this is a holy man of God who is continually passing our way. 10 Let us make a small room on the roof with walls and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that whenever he comes to us, he can go in there.”
II Kings 4:8-10, ESV
“One day Elisha went to the town of Shunem. A wealthy woman lived there, and she urged him to come to her home for a meal. After that, whenever he passed that way, he would stop there for something to eat. 9 She said to her husband, “I am sure this man who stops in from time to time is a holy man of God. 10 Let’s build a small room for him on the roof and furnish it with a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp. Then he will have a place to stay whenever he comes by.”
II Kings 4:8-10, NLT
Something to Think About:
Have you ever heard of a prophet’s chamber? Many churches have a room, an apartment, or sometimes even an entire house that they keep prepared for people in the ministry to use. Often it is used by guest speakers and missionary families who have come to present their ministry, but the church may also make it available for any full-time servant of God. It is a free night’s stay intended to be a blessing and a help.
The idea for the name for this hospitality ministry comes from today’s passage. There was a wealthy woman living in Shunem who, first, offered a regular meal for the “holy man of God” who often came to town. She then realized that she could be even more helpful by building him a rooftop room that he could use as his own private home-away-from-home when he was serving the Lord in that area. I’m confident that this was a huge blessing to Elisha, and as a recipient of a few church’s “prophet’s chambers” as a pastor’s wife, I can tell you that this is a much-appreciated treat.
ANY thought to making God’s servants more comfortable and well cared for is a great thing for a church family to do. All it takes, really, is for ONE PERSON to think about it and come up with a plan. Of course, how this is carried out will probably involve many people, but I’ve often noticed over the years that acts of great love and sacrifice are often begun by one person asking God how they can be a bigger blessing to their church family and to God’s servants. When we ask God for opportunities like that, we can be SURE that He will give us some awesome ideas! Are you willing to try? Who knows what delightful outcomes there might be for you, for your church family, and for countless others!
To be imitators of God, we need to think of the needs of others before our own concerns.
-Character Assessment Time!
-How are you like today’s character?
-How are you unlike them?
-Did the Holy Spirit bring to your mind some way in which you could obey and please God in an even better way?
-Is there anyone that the Holy Spirit brought to your mind that you should pray for and/or spend some time with (to help them, to thank them, to encourage them—whatever)?
-Further Study (optional):
-Here are a few key verses that address hospitality: Hebrews 13:2,16; I Peter 4:9; Romans 12:13; Titus 1:8; III John 1:5-8; Galatians 6:10.
Thursday, April 8, 2021
-First things first! Be sure to pray and ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to see what He wants you to see, and to apply its truths to your day.
Character of the Day: The Prophet’s Widow
“Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord, but the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves.” 2 And Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me; what have you in the house?” And she said, “Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.” 3 Then he said, “Go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels and not too few. 4 Then go in and shut the door behind yourself and your sons and pour into all these vessels. And when one is full, set it aside.” 5 So she went from him and shut the door behind herself and her sons. And as she poured they brought the vessels to her. 6 When the vessels were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another.” Then the oil stopped flowing. 7 She came and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on the rest.”
II Kings 4:1-7, ESV
“One day the widow of a member of the group of prophets came to Elisha and cried out, “My husband who served you is dead, and you know how he feared the Lord. But now a creditor has come, threatening to take my two sons as slaves.” 2 “What can I do to help you?” Elisha asked. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” “Nothing at all, except a flask of olive oil,” she replied. 3 And Elisha said, “Borrow as many empty jars as you can from your friends and neighbors. 4 Then go into your house with your sons and shut the door behind you. Pour olive oil from your flask into the jars, setting each one aside when it is filled.” 5 So she did as she was told. Her sons kept bringing jars to her, and she filled one after another. 6 Soon every container was full to the brim! “Bring me another jar,” she said to one of her sons. “There aren’t any more!” he told her. And then the olive oil stopped flowing. 7 When she told the man of God what had happened, he said to her, “Now sell the olive oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on what is left over.”
II Kings 4:1-7, NLT
Something to Think About:
Can’t you just feel this widow’s fear and desperation? She is already a widow (a very difficult and dangerous position in that society) and now she hasn’t got a penny to her name, but she has creditors who are out for blood. In fact, they are so eager for her money that they are insisting that she give them her two sons to become his slaves! What a horrible position she was in! But you know what? She did the right thing. She went to God’s servant for help. By bringing her problem to Elisha, she was bringing it to God.
God did not let her down. Elisha gave her kind of odd instructions and I wonder if she had doubts as to whether or not to listen to what he said? By the way, we can sense just what a serious plight she was in when she stated that the ONLY thing she had in the house of value was a jar of oil. I don’t think she was exaggerating. I think that she literally only had a jar of oil and nothing else. Praise God, though, He does mighty things with WHATEVER we give back to Him! I love, too, that she took Elisha’s warning to heart and found ALL the jars that she possibly could. I’m guessing that if she only bothered to find a few jars to fill, it would not have been enough to pay her debts and save her sons. I wonder? What blessings from God’s hand do we forfeit when we disregard some command of His or only partially do what we know He wants us to do?
And so, the widow collected several jars, filling them one by one from her one jar of oil, and it kept going until the last jar was filled to the brim. Isn’t God just awesome! His blessings are so amazing, so unique, and often just plain fun.
Do you have a heartache today? A huge problem looming in your life? Have you taken it to God in prayer? Have you shared it with your pastor? Have you enlisted the prayer help of a few mature believers? Have you opened God’s Word and claimed God’s promises? Have you demonstrated trust in Him in word, attitude, and action? God has promised to always meet our needs and in this precious truth, we can have peace.
To be imitators of God, we need to listen to God’s Word, trust it, and obey it.
-Character Assessment Time!
-How are you like today’s character?
-How are you unlike them?
-Did the Holy Spirit bring to your mind some way in which you could obey and please God in an even better way?
-Is there anyone that the Holy Spirit brought to your mind that you should pray for and/or spend some time with (to help them, to thank them, to encourage them—whatever)?
-Further Study (optional):
-Read how God took Elijah back to heaven and put Elisha in his place as His prophet in II Kings 2:1-15.
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
-First things first! Be sure to pray and ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to see what He wants you to see, and to apply its truths to your day.
Character of the Day: The Widow of Zarephath
“Then the word of the Lord came to him, 9 “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you.” 10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Bring me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.” 11 And as she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, “Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” 12 And she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. And now I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die.” 13 And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said. But first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make something for yourself and your son. 14 For thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth.’” 15 And she went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. 16 The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah.”
I Kings 17:8-16, ESV
“Then the Lord said to Elijah, 9 “Go and live in the village of Zarephath, near the city of Sidon. I have instructed a widow there to feed you.” 10 So he went to Zarephath. As he arrived at the gates of the village, he saw a widow gathering sticks, and he asked her, “Would you please bring me a little water in a cup?” 11 As she was going to get it, he called to her, “Bring me a bite of bread, too.” 12 But she said, “I swear by the Lord your God that I don’t have a single piece of bread in the house. And I have only a handful of flour left in the jar and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jug. I was just gathering a few sticks to cook this last meal, and then my son and I will die.” 13 But Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid! Go ahead and do just what you’ve said, but make a little bread for me first. Then use what’s left to prepare a meal for yourself and your son. 14 For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: There will always be flour and olive oil left in your containers until the time when the Lord sends rain and the crops grow again!” 15 So she did as Elijah said, and she and Elijah and her family continued to eat for many days. 16 There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the Lord had promised through Elijah.”
I Kings 17:8-16, NLT
Something to Think About:
This is an awesome story (and by “story,” I mean a real account that happened to real people. It is fact, not fiction, as are all Bible accounts)! Elijah had just stood up to wicked King Ahab and had claimed God’s promise that if Israel didn’t obey Him, He would withhold His blessing, by stating it would not rain until he said it would. God then protected Elijah from Ahab’s anger—and the famine—by providing him a place to stay near the brook Cherith. What was EXTRA special about this, though, is that God commanded ravens to bring Elijah meat and bread morning and evening! Wow!
BUT, the land was in a time of famine and the brook eventually dried up. God didn’t forsake His servant, though. He hand-picked a gentile widow living in Zarephath to feed Elijah—AND herself and her son. God could have done this any way He wanted, but He chose to do so by keeping a handful of flour and a small amount of oil from ever giving out. ANOTHER wow! Why? Well, besides taking care of His servant, God was rewarding the faithful obedience of this widow. I have no idea how or when God instructed her to feed Elijah (v.9), but He did, so when a prophet of God showed up in her village one day and asked what would surely cost her her life and the life of her son, she agreed. She trusted that God would somehow, some way take care of the prophet, her son, and herself, and so she did the bidding of Elijah.
Did you notice that Elijah asked her to feed him FIRST? I’ve wondered about that, but I’m pretty sure it is simply a reminder that our first and our best always belongs to God—and when we give God our first and our best, He is the One Who makes sure that our needs are also met (and often met far above what we could think of or imagine!). Really, this is such a great lesson for those of us living these several centuries later. We don’t actually need to know how God is going to meet our needs, we just need to do what we know He wants us to do—and trust Him for all else. It’s simple, really. Maybe not always easy, but definitely straight forward and uncomplicated.
It will be fun to speak with this widow in glory one day. We can swap stories about how God miraculously provided for us, too!
To be imitators of God, we need to trust Him, proven by our quick and full obedience.
-Character Assessment Time!
-How are you like today’s character?
-How are you unlike them?
-Did the Holy Spirit bring to your mind some way in which you could obey and please God in an even better way?
-Is there anyone that the Holy Spirit brought to your mind that you should pray for and/or spend some time with (to help them, to thank them, to encourage them—whatever)?
-Further Study (optional):
-There is more to the widow and Elijah’s story! Keep reading in I Kings 17 to find out!
-God provided for Elijah’s food needs in another miraculous way just prior to the account we read today. Check it out in I Kings 17:1-7.
-I Kings 18 is the thrilling tale of what happened THREE YEARS after Elijah’s prophecy concerning no rain. Read it!
-This account is mentioned in the New Testament in Luke 4:25-26.
-The Bible has other passages dealing with the importance of taking care of widows and orphans: Exodus 22:22-24; Deuteronomy 24:17-21; James 1:27.
-Miracles involving Elijah: I Kings 17:6, 15, 22; 18:38; II Kings 1:10-12; 2:8, 11.
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
-First things first! Be sure to pray and ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to see what He wants you to see, and to apply its truths to your day.
Character of the Day: Samuel
“Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision. 2 At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!” 5 and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. 6 And the Lord called again, “Samuel!” and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. 8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 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. 10 And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.”
I Samuel 3:1-10, ESV
“Meanwhile, the boy Samuel served the Lord by assisting Eli. Now in those days messages from the Lord were very rare, and visions were quite uncommon. 2 One night Eli, who was almost blind by now, had gone to bed. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was sleeping in the Tabernacle near the Ark of God. 4 Suddenly the Lord called out, “Samuel!” “Yes?” Samuel replied. “What is it?” 5 He got up and ran to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?” “I didn’t call you,” Eli replied. “Go back to bed.” So he did. 6 Then the Lord called out again, “Samuel!” Again Samuel got up and went to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?” I didn’t call you, my son,” Eli said. “Go back to bed.” 7 Samuel did not yet know the Lord because he had never had a message from the Lord before. 8 So the Lord called a third time, and once more Samuel got up and went to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?” Then Eli realized it was the Lord who was calling the boy. 9 So he said to Samuel, “Go and lie down again, and if someone calls again, say, ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went back to bed. 10 And the Lord came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.”
I Samuel 3:1-10, NLT
Something to Think About:
I sometimes think it would be a whole lot easier to know how to live my life if God just spoke audibly to me (and to all believers). It seems like we too often feel confused and unsure about decisions we need to make, actions we wonder if we should take, and all sorts of important and unimportant things from day to day. I envy Samuel a little bit here when he could say, “Speak, your servant is listening” – and then GOD SPOKE TO HIM! Wow! That must have been a lot for a little guy to take in!
But, you know what? God DOES speak to you and me— just not in the way He did in Bible times. Do you know why? Because He said that He had a better plan for those of us living in the Age of Grace. His perfect plan to communicate with us is through His Word, the Bible. And to be truthful, which would be better? To have one brief audible command from God for one specific reason—or an entire BOOK full of amazing information and TRUTH? A Book full of answers to questions such as “Who is God?” “What pleases God?” “What displeases God?” What is important to God?” What should be important to me?” And perhaps the two most important ones of all, “How do I get saved?” and “Now that I am saved, how do I live in order to honor and please God?” The Bible answers all that!
The Bible tells us how to live our lives in a few different ways. One goes along with this month’s DBSQs. It is to observe the people written about in the Bible and study what about them pleased or displeased God. There are oodles of lessons we can learn from the stories of real people who lived real lives in centuries past. The Bible also gives us a tremendous number of passages that state quite clearly what we should be doing and not doing, thinking and not thinking, saying and not saying. There are other verses that tell us what we are to “be” and be becoming (such as becoming imitators of Christ!). But there is one more helpful category of “hearing from God” in Scripture. It is that of principles. God may not say in exact words that a diet of only diet coke and twinkies is forbidden for believers, BUT there are several verses that address our need to be good stewards of ALL that God has given to us—and this would include our bodies and what we eat. Really, the Bible has EVERYTHING we need in order to live a life of godliness. It says so in II Peter 1:3.
The question of the day is: are we, like Samuel, eager to listen to what God has to say to us? Are we not only willing to listen, but to obey? Both are essential—and both lead to great blessings for us and great glory for our Father!
If you want to read more about Samuel, he is found in almost every chapter of I Samuel (plus a few passages I will list below), but one of the things that I especially appreciated hearing about was how he was STILL listening to God as an old man. Towards the end of his life, the people of Israel began demanding to have a king like the nations around them. This was a blatant rejection of GOD as their King, but God decided to let them have one (because, as always, He had a glorious plan). Here’s a snippet of God telling Samuel what he is to do—and Samuel “listening.”
“Finally, all the elders of Israel met at Ramah to discuss the matter with Samuel. “Look,” they told him, “you are now old, and your sons are not like you. Give us a king to judge us like all the other nations have.” Samuel was displeased with their request and went to the Lord for guidance. “Do everything they say to you,” the Lord replied, “for they are rejecting me, not you. They don’t want me to be their king any longer. Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually abandoned me and followed other gods. And now they are giving you the same treatment. Do as they ask, but solemnly warn them about the way a king will reign over them.” So Samuel passed on the Lord’s warning to the people who were asking him for a king.” (I Samuel 8:4-10)
It is my prayer that you and I would listen to God speak to us from His Word today—and for however many years He gives us here on this earth.
To be imitators of God, we need to listen to what He says and obey it.
-Character Assessment Time!
-How are you like today’s character?
-How are you unlike them?
-Did the Holy Spirit bring to your mind some way in which you could obey and please God in an even better way?
-Is there anyone that the Holy Spirit brought to your mind that you should pray for and/or spend some time with (to help them, to thank them, to encourage them—whatever)?
-Further Study (optional):
-Samuel’s story can be found throughout I Samuel as well as I Chronicles 6:28,22; 9:22; 11:3; 26:28; 29:29; II Chronicles 35:18; Psalm 99:6; Jeremiah 15:1.
-Samuel is also in the New Testament in Acts 3:24; 13:20
-Samuel made the Faith Hall of Fame! Read about him in Hebrews 11:32.
Monday, April 5, 2021
-First things first! Be sure to pray and ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to see what He wants you to see, and to apply its truths to your day.
Character of the Day: Hannah
“There was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim of the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephrathite. 2 He had two wives. The name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other, Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. 3 Now this man used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the Lord. 4 On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. 6 And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. 7 So it went on year by year. As often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. 8 And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?” 9 After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh, Hannah rose. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord. 10 She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. 11 And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.” 12 As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli took her to be a drunken woman. 14 And Eli said to her, “How long will you go on being drunk? Put your wine away from you.” 15 But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. 16 Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation.” 17 Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.” 18 And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.”
I Samuel 1:1-18, ESV
“There was a man named Elkanah who lived in Ramah in the region of Zuph in the hill country of Ephraim. He was the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, of Ephraim. 2 Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah did not. 3 Each year Elkanah would travel to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to the Lord of Heaven’s Armies at the Tabernacle. The priests of the Lord at that time were the two sons of Eli—Hophni and Phinehas. 4 On the days Elkanah presented his sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to Peninnah and each of her children. 5 And though he loved Hannah, he would give her only one choice portion because the Lord had given her no children. 6 So Peninnah would taunt Hannah and make fun of her because the Lord had kept her from having children. 7 Year after year it was the same—Peninnah would taunt Hannah as they went to the Tabernacle. Each time, Hannah would be reduced to tears and would not even eat. 8 “Why are you crying, Hannah?” Elkanah would ask. “Why aren’t you eating? Why be downhearted just because you have no children? You have me—isn’t that better than having ten sons?” 9 Once after a sacrificial meal at Shiloh, Hannah got up and went to pray. Eli the priest was sitting at his customary place beside the entrance of the Tabernacle. 10 Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord. 11 And she made this vow: “O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the Lord, his hair will never be cut.” 12 As she was praying to the Lord, Eli watched her. 13 Seeing her lips moving but hearing no sound, he thought she had been drinking. 14 “Must you come here drunk?” he demanded. “Throw away your wine!” 15 “Oh no, sir!” she replied. “I haven’t been drinking wine or anything stronger. But I am very discouraged, and I was pouring out my heart to the Lord. 16 Don’t think I am a wicked woman! For I have been praying out of great anguish and sorrow.” 17 “In that case,” Eli said, “go in peace! May the God of Israel grant the request you have asked of him.” 18 “Oh, thank you, sir!” she exclaimed. Then she went back and began to eat again, and she was no longer sad.”
I Samuel 1:1-18, NLT
Something to Think About:
I’m sure you’re familiar with the story of Hannah, the mother of Samuel, perhaps one of the most famous priests of Israel. Hannah’s story touches our hearts because we see the painful situation she was in: childless (which was an enormous burden in that time and place) and being bullied by her husband’s other wife. Even though the Bible states that her husband loved her dearly, Hannah deeply desired to have even one child of her own.
I have no idea how long Hannah was childless or if she prayed and asked God for a child every year when the family went to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to God, but we know that on this particular year, Hannah was so overwhelmed and distressed that she couldn’t eat and wept bitter tears.
The reason why I chose Hannah to be focused on this month of character studies of godliness, is what Hannah did with her burden—and what she did after. First, and most important, Hannah took her burden to the Lord. I wonder just how often we wail and mourn without bringing our problem to the only One Who can do something about it? I wonder just when in the sequence of finding out a problem and stressing do we remember to turn to God in trust and hope? I wonder just how much suffering is needless, simply for turning to God FIRST? So, while I am not sure how many years Hannah was distraught over her barrenness, this time, at least, she took her burden to God. By the way, it kind of seems like it was not common in that day to have silent prayers since Hannah’s quiet, but intense, plea greatly concerned Eli.
The second reason I wanted to talk about Hannah is what she did once she had prayed, but it’s worthwhile to also note her response to Eli’s pretty serious accusation. She didn’t scream back at him or call him an idiot, she simply explained what he had seen calmly (but maybe passionately—I wouldn’t want to be accused of being drunk either!). What did Hannah do once she laid her burden at the feet of God? Verse 18 said that she resumed her daily life—and was no longer sad. In other words, she brought her burden to God then LEFT IT THERE. She trusted God to answer her prayer in the way that He knew was best. That simple, that important. I wonder how many needless burdens we bear that are due to our own lack of trust in God, our impatience, or our desire to be in control of the situation (even though we KNOW that only God is in control of everything)? How much better to bring whatever ails us to our Father, leaving it in His perfect care, then returning to our day with uplifted hearts, a smile on our face, and an attitude of joyful anticipation of God’s just right answer.
One last notation about Hannah: she did what she promised. When God gave her the son she had prayed for, she dedicated him to God’s service—even though I’m sure it was heart-rending on the day she had to leave him with Eli a few years later. Keeping our word makes us imitators of God.
To be imitators of God, we need to rejoice in God’s sovereignty and trust in His decisions.
-Character Assessment Time!
-How are you like today’s character?
-How are you unlike them?
-Did the Holy Spirit bring to your mind some way in which you could obey and please God in an even better way?
-Is there anyone that the Holy Spirit brought to your mind that you should pray for and/or spend some time with (to help them, to thank them, to encourage them—whatever)?
-Further Study (optional):
-Read how God answered Hannah in I Samuel 1:19-24.
-Read Hannah’s famous praise to God in I Samuel 2:1-11.
-Read how Hannah fulfilled her promise and how God blessed her in I Samuel 2:18-21.
-Read how Mary, Jesus’ mother, used Hannah’s praise in her own praise to the Almighty in Luke 1:19-24.
-Learn more about how God used Samuel in I & II Samuel
Saturday, April 3, 2021
-First things first! Be sure to pray and ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to see what He wants you to see, and to apply its truths to your day.
Character of the Day: Miriam
“For when the horses of Pharaoh with his chariots and his horsemen went into the sea, the Lord brought back the waters of the sea upon them, but the people of Israel walked on dry ground in the midst of the sea. 20 Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and dancing. 21 And Miriam sang to them: “Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.”
Exodus 15:19-21, ESV
“When Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and charioteers rushed into the sea, the Lord brought the water crashing down on them. But the people of Israel had walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground!
20 Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine and led all the women as they played their tambourines and danced. 21 And Miriam sang this song: “Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; he has hurled both horse and rider into the sea.”
Exodus 15:19-21, NLT
Something to Think About:
Do you have an older sister? I do. In fact, I have three of them. It’s not always easy having a mother AND one or more stand-in mothers as you grow up, but I think I can also see the challenges of being the firstborn daughter. They are often put into the position of watching out for the younger children and becoming the #1 helper around the house. Miriam was the firstborn in her family and we know from the story of Moses’ birth and adoption by the daughter of the Pharaoh, that she was, indeed, tasked with watching over her infant brother while he lay helpless in the special basket their mother made for him. Miriam did a great job—even so far as to suggest to the princess that Moses’ mother be brought in to nurse the baby, thereby giving Moses not only his physical life, but the spiritual instruction that God would use later in his life too. We may not always like or appreciate our birth order, but we can all be confident that God knows what He is doing and placed us (and our siblings!) exactly where they belonged.
We don’t actually know a ton about Miriam, but we do see her highlighted a few different times in Scripture (I’ll include the references below). Sadly, one of these times is an ungodly moment in Miriam’s life, but she got right with God and carried on for Him—which is an excellent lesson for all of us. No matter if we have strayed from God in a teeny tiny way or in a ginormous one, we can (and must!) run back to Him, confess our sin, and return to the path of joyful obedience and submission to His lordship.
The verses that we read today, however, are one of Miriam’s better moments. The scene is fresh after the incredible almost-impossible-to-imagine crossing of the Red Sea and astonishing annihilation of Pharaoh and his army. Moses, as God’s chosen leader of the Hebrew nation, had just finished singing a song of praise to God, rejoicing in His mighty acts and glorious name. Then Miriam, no doubt overcome personally with amazement and joy, led ladies in another praise and worship parade of music and singing. She even repeats some of what Moses said in his song.
There might be several applications from this one thought! Here are a few that pop into my mind (and heart!):
-Miriam was not only paying attention to what her spiritual leader was saying about God, she took his words to heart, made them her own, then praised and glorified God personally. What Bible-truth treasures does your pastor say on Sundays and Wednesdays? Are you truly listening? Are you taking them into your heart and making them your own pledge to God?
-Miriam didn’t praise God completely alone (though, this is okay, too). She included all the women in her singing, dancing, and music playing. Do you seek out others with the express purpose of praising God? Do you encourage others to share their praises with you and others? Sometimes it’s as simple as asking someone to share with you just one way God blessed them in the last week. Generally speaking, when any of us stop to think of one thing, we realize that there are MANY ways and reasons to praise God—and before you know it, we are having our own little praise session! Be sure to talk to one and all about the constant acts of goodness, grace, and mercy your Father does for you and others. Do it often.
-Miriam focused her song on God. Now, there is definitely a place for spiritual songs which express our feelings, but don’t you think that the most God-honoring songs of all are the ones that focus on God? On giving Him praise and glory? On recounting His mighty acts and constant faithfulness? Ones that use Scripture to teach, instruct, edify, and glorify?
-Miriam was an example of being joyful in the Lord. Are you? Do people see that you are content to belong to Him when they look at your face? Listen to your words? Observe your demeanor? As we’ve noted before, whether we are someone who is in the public eye (in church) a lot—or we’re one of the behind-the-scene workers for the Lord, we are being observed and our heart WILL show itself on our face and in our attitude.
To be imitators of God, we need to listen to God’s Word, apply it to our own life and circumstances, and then praise God in front of and with others.
BONUS: Amram & Jochebed parented three children, all of whom served God with their lives. Never discount the importance of teaching our children from God’s Word and the necessity of obeying it every day, all day.
-Character Assessment Time!
-How are you like today’s character?
-How are you unlike them?
-Did the Holy Spirit bring to your mind some way in which you could obey and please God in an even better way?
-Is there anyone that the Holy Spirit brought to your mind that you should pray for and/or spend some time with (to help them, to thank them, to encourage them—whatever)?
-Further Study (optional):
-Miriam is also mentioned in Numbers 12:1-16; 20:1; 26:50; Deuteronomy 24:9; I Chronicles 6:3; Micah 6:4
-Read about Miriam’s involvement when Moses was an infant in Exodus 2.
-Read about God’s miraculous saving of the Hebrew nation in Exodus 14.
-Do a Google search on: “Bible verses that teach to praise God” and see what you find!
Friday, April 2, 2021
-First things first! Be sure to pray and ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to see what He wants you to see, and to apply its truths to your day.
Character of the Day: Jochebed
“Now a man from the house of Levi went and took as his wife a Levite woman. 2 The woman conceived and bore a son, and when she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him three months. 3 When she could hide him no longer, she took for him a basket made of bulrushes and daubed it with bitumen and pitch. She put the child in it and placed it among the reeds by the river bank. 4 And his sister stood at a distance to know what would be done to him. 5 Now the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, while her young women walked beside the river. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her servant woman, and she took it. 6 When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the baby was crying. She took pity on him and said, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children.” 7 Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and call you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?” 8 And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Go.” So the girl went and called the child’s mother. 9 And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child away and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages.” So the woman took the child and nursed him. 10 When the child grew older, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, “Because,” she said, “I drew him out of the water.”
Exodus 2:1-10, ESV
“Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a daughter of Levi. 2 The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that he was beautiful, she hid him for three months. 3 But when she could hide him no longer, she got him a wicker basket and covered it over with tar and pitch. Then she put the child into it and set it among the reeds by the bank of the Nile. 4 His sister stood at a distance to find out what would happen to him. 5 The daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the Nile, with her maidens walking alongside the Nile; and she saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid, and she brought it to her. 6 When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the boy was crying. And she had pity on him and said, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children.” 7 Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women that she may nurse the child for you?” 8 Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Go ahead.” So the girl went and called the child’s mother. 9 Then Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child away and nurse him for me and I will give you your wages.” So the woman took the child and nursed him. 10 The child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. And she named him Moses, and said, “Because I drew him out of the water.”
Exodus 2:1-10, NLT
Something to Think About:
Even as the Pharaoh was plotting and planning the demise of the Hebrews, God was raising up the one He would use to bring them out of Egypt and into the land that He was going to give to them. NO ONE can stand up against God and the plans He has. This is, of course, very comforting for those of us who aren’t that keen on our current leaders.
And, so in the midst of the order to drown baby boys in the river (can you even IMAGINE???), God caused Moses to be born. He knew the time was right and so Jochebed refused to listen to the Pharaoh’s wicked law and hid her son for as long as she was able to. I imagine that these were tense months for the whole family and the whole nation! At some point, though, babies move past eating and sleeping all the time and begin to be harder to keep in one place quietly. Ironically, Jochebed (kinda) did the very thing she was ordered to do. She placed Moses in the Nile. But, of course, she kept him safe and warm in a specially made basket and she had Moses’ older sister, Miriam, keeping an eye on him.
And because God does truly miraculous and amazing things all the time, He arranged for the Pharaoh’s daughter to discover Moses, to have compassion on him, to HIRE his own mother to take care of him, and to provide him an education that no other Hebrews would have been able to have. Though not stated in Scripture in actual words, it seems pretty clear that Jochebed and Amram used the years they had with their little son to teach him about Jehovah and how to live obediently for Him. We see this in Moses’ character and actions once he grew up. None of us have any idea how much time we have to influence others for Christ. This is true of family members, church family, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances. We would do well to use all our time wisely and to not neglect talking about our marvelous Father and Savior.
Moses’ story is a good reminder that things aren’t always as they appear. The Hebrews may have felt abandoned and hopeless, but God had heard their cry and had put into motion His plan to save them in a truly miraculous way. We never need feel abandoned or hopeless, either. God knows what’s going on. God’s got everything in His perfect and wise control. God will work out every detail exactly right in exactly the right timing for His glory and honor and for our spiritual good. Praise His name!
To be an imitator of God, we need to trust His perfect plan, and faithfully do what we know He wants, while trusting Him with whatever is to come even if we have no idea what it is.
-Character Assessment Time!
-How are you like today’s character?
-How are you unlike them?
-Did the Holy Spirit bring to your mind some way in which you could obey and please God in an even better way?
-Is there anyone that the Holy Spirit brought to your mind that you should pray for and/or spend some time with (to help them, to thank them, to encourage them—whatever)?
-Further Study (optional):
-How did I know Moses’ parent’s names? They are listed in Exodus 6:20 and Numbers 26:59.
-Did you know that the word used for Moses’ basket is the same word used for the boat that Noah built? Both were created to save God’s people! Both also “foreshadow” how the Messiah would one day be sent to save the world from sin.
-Did you know that Jochebed and Amram are listed in the “Faith Hall of Fame” in Hebrews 11? They are mentioned in verse 23. Moses is there as well in verses 24-29.
Dear Student of the Word,
As we enter the fourth month of the new year of studying about being imitators of God, I thought it would be fun to spend one month looking at a variety of Old and New Testament believers in order to see what about their lives made them good imitators of God. Obviously, the point of this kind of study is for us to then take what we learn and apply it to our own lives in order to be becoming more and more like the Son.
I remind you that past studies are available on our church website (firstbaptistnorthconway.org) and dozens of excellent sermons and Bible studies are available to watch on YouTube (FBCNorthConway).
Feel free to share these devotions with whomever the Lord lays on your heart.
Thank you for your prayers for this ministry—and be assured, I am praying for you, too.
By His Grace,
Lorie
All Scripture is from biblegateway.com
Thursday, April 1, 2021
-First things first! Be sure to pray and ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to see what He wants you to see, and to apply its truths to your day.
Character of the Day: Shiphrah & Puah
“Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. 9 And he said to his people, “Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us. 10 Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.” 11 Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens. They built for Pharaoh store cities, Pithom and Raamses. 12 But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And the Egyptians were in dread of the people of Israel. 13 So they ruthlessly made the people of Israel work as slaves 14 and made their lives bitter with hard service, in mortar and brick, and in all kinds of work in the field. In all their work they ruthlessly made them work as slaves. 15 Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, 16 “When you serve as midwife to the Hebrew women and see them on the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall kill him, but if it is a daughter, she shall live.” 17 But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live. 18 So the king of Egypt called the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this, and let the male children live?” 19 The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them.” 20 So God dealt well with the midwives. And the people multiplied and grew very strong. 21 And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families. 22 Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, “Every son that is born to the Hebrews you shall cast into the Nile, but you shall let every daughter live.”
Exodus 1:8-22, ESV
“Now a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. 9 He said to his people, “Behold, the people of the sons of Israel are more and mightier than we. 10 Come, let us deal wisely with them, or else they will multiply and in the event of war, they will also join themselves to those who hate us, and fight against us and depart from the land.” 11 So they appointed taskmasters over them to afflict them with hard labor. And they built for Pharaoh storage cities, Pithom and Raamses. 12 But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and the more they spread out, so that they were in dread of the sons of Israel. 13 The Egyptians compelled the sons of Israel to labor rigorously; 14 and they made their lives bitter with hard labor in mortar and bricks and at all kinds of labor in the field, all their labors which they rigorously imposed on them. 5 Then the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other was named Puah; 16 and he said, “When you are helping the Hebrew women to give birth and see them upon the birthstool, if it is a son, then you shall put him to death; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live.” 17 But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt had commanded them, but let the boys live. 18 So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this thing, and let the boys live?” 19 The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife can get to them.” 20 So God was good to the midwives, and the people multiplied, and became very mighty. 21 Because the midwives feared God, He established households for them. 22 Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, saying, “Every son who is born you are to cast into the Nile, and every daughter you are to keep alive.”
Exodus 1:8-22, NLT
Something to Think About:
I’ve long admired these two humble midwives who stood up to the king of Egypt. I have to assume that they believed that defying his orders to kill all the newborn male babies would result in their execution, but the Bible says that they “feared God,” choosing to obey His command to not murder in spite of the likelihood that they would die as a result. Of course, we know that they not only didn’t die, God blessed them richly with families of their own, but they didn’t know this – and they still obeyed God over man. Clearly, these women understood that God values life and it is never our right to take someone else’s life—or even our own (an obvious exception is in areas of self-defense or during times of war).
We’ve addressed before the importance of obeying God in every area every day. For the most part, few of us are faced with a literal life-or-death problem where choosing to obey God will mean our death, but we all have faced challenges that are tough and sometimes heart-rending. Sometimes choosing to obey God means that we forgo some pleasure of some sort (say missing some sort of outing in order to be in church or not attending some function because alcohol will be served), but other times our choice to obey God first and foremost could lead to something more serious, such as breaking ties with a good friend, or even parting ways with a family member. We know that we cannot live wholeheartedly for God while also indulging in behaviors that are worldly. We may sometimes THINK we can, but God says that if we think so, we are simply fooling ourselves. Serving God is always either fully according to His Word, or we are not serving Him at all.
This was clearly a really hard time to be alive for the Hebrew people. This makes me contemplate our own role living in 21st century America. The Corona Virus did a number on our nation, as did riots, unrest, very loose morals, and really rough elections. Many have questioned what’s ahead and just how long before our country implodes or Christianity comes under severe persecution. As noted in previous DBSQs, I really don’t like talking about all that, BUT sometimes God’s people are called upon to suffer for His name—and it is my prayer that we all stand tall for Him and be a Shiphrah and Puah and choose living to honor God as THE most important thing we do. With His help, we can most definitely do that. I think, too, that reading in Scripture how God faithfully took care of those who are faithful to Him, will provide much assurance and peace to those of us facing potential hardships. God has always been faithful and God will always be faithful. How blessed are those of us who belong to Him forever!
To be imitators of God, we need to value life in the same way God does.
-Character Assessment Time!
-How are you like today’s character?
-How are you unlike them?
-Did the Holy Spirit bring to your mind some way in which you could obey and please God in an even better way?
-Is there anyone that the Holy Spirit brought to your mind that you should pray for and/or spend some time with (to help them, to thank them, to encourage them—whatever)?
-Further Study (optional):
-To get a good feel for the trials the Hebrews were currently facing, go back to the end of Genesis and read how good they had it while Joseph was still alive.
-What other examples from Scripture can you think of where someone chose to obey God over man? What was the result?
-The Bible doesn’t specifically say that these two midwives lied to Pharaoh, but perhaps they chose to only tell him about the incidents where birth happened before they came (and not mention the times they chose to not do as he ordered). We do know that God does not approve of lying.
-Look up a few verses that speak about God’s faithfulness. Jot at least one down so that you can reference it often.
May 2021 DBSQ
Monday, May 31, 2021
(Ask the Father’s help to understand and apply the Bible truths that He shows you today.)
-Scripture:
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:16-17, ESV
“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”
Colossians 3:16-17, NLT
Something to Think About:
I don’t think we need a biblical scholar to understand Colossians 3:17. It seems pretty straightforward. WHATEVER we do in WHATEVER form we do it MUST be done in the NAME OF the Lord Jesus with GRATITUDE to God the Father.
To act in someone’s name is to represent everything that they are and stand for. It is to consider how that person would act, react, think, and speak, and then do what they would do. The kind of cliché phrase, “What would Jesus do?” is a fairly apt description of what is in view here.
And, of course, what we do—and why we do it—should be surrounded with an attitude of gratitude. A prayer of “Thank You, Father, for. . .” should never be far from our hearts or our lips—morning, noon, and night, each day, every day. There is NEVER a time when giving thanks to God the Father through the Son is not the right and good thing.
Colossians 3:17 is kind of the summary statement for the whole put off/put on passage beginning in verse 5. We’re to put off whatever is “earthly” (the opposite of godly). This includes all sorts of ugliness associated with sex: sexual relationships of any kind outside of the bond of marriage, impure or improper thoughts and activities like pornography, explicit movies, songs, books, and internet sites. We’re not to allow desires that are evil, unholy, impure—or anything that is “like” satan. We must put off greed, idolatry, selfish pursuits, allowing ourselves to lash out in anger, be malicious and mean, speak horrible things about others (or God!), tell dirty stories, use vulgar and shameful speech, or tell lies about anything for any reason. These things are all detestable to God and the opposite of Who He is and what pleases Him.
On the other hand, God gives us opportunities every single day to represent His name in a way that honors Him and brings Him glory (and helps and blesses others!). We can choose to have compassionate hearts towards others, showing concern for their welfare, being kind, merciful, humble, gentle, respectful, patient, and making allowances for them. We can be loving, forgiving, gracious, grateful, and peacefully relying on God, thankful for who we are in Christ. And we can speak and encourage others from the Word of God, always ready with a song of praise on our lips to our gracious Father in heaven.
Don’t you just love all this straightforward teaching from God’s heart to ours? He is SO GOOD to love us enough to help us be becoming more like His Son!
Prayerful Evaluation:
-What did I know about this item before today’s study?
-Were my ideas accurate biblically? Why or why not?
-What did the Holy Spirit point out to me to consider, act on, do, or change?
Saturday, May 29, 2021
(Ask the Father’s help to understand and apply the Bible truths that He shows you today.)
-Scripture:
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:16-17, ESV
“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”
Colossians 3:16-17, NLT
Something to Think About:
Psalm 5:11 “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy.”
Psalm 33:1 “Let the godly sing for joy to the Lord; it is fitting for the pure to praise him.”
Psalm 100:2 “Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!”
Ephesians 5:19-20 “Singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Colossians 3:16 “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.”
Singing to the Lord is pretty important! There are hundreds of verses in the Bible that talk about singing! It is clearly a very necessary part of the life of all of God’s children.
Did you notice that Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 have the same three words: psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs? The first word, psalm, is talking literally about the Book of Psalms in the Old Testament (did you know “psalm” means song?). The second word, hymns, is referring to a song sung in praise of God. The third word, spiritual song, is songs that express the Christian experience in music. Examples of a “psalm” are found in Luke 20:42, Acts 1:20, and Acts 13:33—all of which are quoting from the book of Psalms. Examples of “hymns” are found in Matthew 26:30 and Acts 16:25 (where Paul and Silas are singing in prison—check out v.16-40 for the whole thrilling tale!). Examples of “spiritual songs” are found in Revelation. (Look up these passages for an exciting look at what’s to come in the future: Revelation 5:6-14, Revelation 14:1-5, and Revelation 15:1-4.)
There are some special descriptors in the verses above: sing TO the Lord, sing with gladness, sing with a thankful heart, and sing ABOUT God and His marvelous Word.
Have you considered that singing hymns during church services is a privilege? It is one way we can show God our love and appreciation for all He does for us. It is an encouragement to the people around us, and it can be a testimony to the unsaved.
What makes a joyful sound? Well, first of all, be joyful! Put a smile on your face, concentrate on making your face and posture joyful and upbeat—and then beat your unruly heart into submission. Attitude is everything!
Concentrate on the words. One of the biggest blessings in this life, apart from God’s Written Word, is songs written about Him and to Him. Force yourself to really concentrate on what you are singing and then mean what you sing!
Stand straight, uncross your feet, pull your gut in, straighten your shoulders, lift your chin slightly, face front, make eye contact with the song leader, take a deep breath from your diaphragm, and open your mouth! All these physical things will make the sound come out better.
Sing out. So you aren’t Julie Andrews, BUT, you are a child of God with an eternity of reasons to praise God! Do it! If every person sang out, the people around them would sing out, and then the people next to them until, finally, the entire congregation would join in. (The opposite is true, too. Singing quietly causes the people around you to be quiet, too.)
Understand that singing is commanded by God.
Understand that singing honors God.
Understand that singing is part of the worship of God.
Understand that singing will bless your soul.
Understand that singing will bless the souls of the people around you.
Understand that singing makes God smile.
Make a commitment to make a joyful noise unto the Lord, praising Him with a heart chock-full of gratitude!
Prayerful Evaluation:
-What did I know about this item before today’s study?
-Were my ideas accurate biblically? Why or why not?
-What did the Holy Spirit point out to me to consider, act on, do, or change?
Friday, May 28, 2021
(Ask the Father’s help to understand and apply the Bible truths that He shows you today.)
-Scripture:
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:16-17, ESV
“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”
Colossians 3:16-17, NLT
Something to Think About:
Have you ever heard of Nouthetic Counseling? Perhaps you’ve heard it, but in a different way. BIBLICAL counseling is Nouthetic counseling, because the Greek word “nous” means mind and “admonish” or “counsel” means “to put in mind.” Those who practice Nouthetic/Biblical counseling are using the Bible as the base for what they are “putting into” the minds of those they are trying to help. It’s more, though, than just giving someone information or telling someone HOW to think. To admonish (warn, instruct) is to help the person change HOW they think, which will then change what they love, and as we know, what we love dictates what we do and don’t do.
Confused? =) Let’s look at an oldie, but goodie, Romans 12:1-2. “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
Did you see it? God transforms our behavior and all we are BY changing the way we THINK. As we learn God’s will and obey it, we begin to think in a way in keeping with God’s character, and then gradually begin not only acting in a more godly way, but LOVING becoming more like Christ along the way!
Here’s another awesome passage—which also happens to be the twin passage to the one we’ve been looking at all month in Colossians 3! Ephesians 4:17-24, “With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity. But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”
The Holy Spirit is ready, willing, and ABLE to give us an all-new mind to go with our new nature, our new name, and our new status as a child of God. We simply need to follow His leading by applying Scripture to every aspect of who we are (good news– He does all the work!).
Here’s one last passage that has been an encouragement and help to countless believers down through the millennia, Philippians 4:6-7, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
But, wait! That’s not all!
God, in His kindness and mercy, has provided a checklist to help us think clearly and in a way that will help us grow in Christlikeness. The next two verses in Philippians 4 say, “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”
Want a mind that thinks “right”? Want to be able to help other people think right, to “admonish/counsel” others as Colossians 3:16 commands? Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, let God transform your mind and heart to be more like His, stay away from the influence and lies of the world, choose righteous and holy attitudes and actions, and fix your thoughts—really focus on—the things that God says are excellent and worthy of praise. Don’t give up! Keep doing it, and God will mature your thinking, which will grow you more into the image of God—all the while enjoying His marvelous peace.
Prayerful Evaluation:
-What did I know about this item before today’s study?
-Were my ideas accurate biblically? Why or why not?
-What did the Holy Spirit point out to me to consider, act on, do, or change?
Thursday, May 27, 2021
(Ask the Father’s help to understand and apply the Bible truths that He shows you today.)
-Scripture:
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:16-17, ESV
“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”
Colossians 3:16-17, NLT
Something to Think About:
As you already know from English, to teach to is talk to others in order to instruct them, to explain or expound something, or to impart knowledge. This is an extremely common word seen in multiple passages in the Gospels referring to what Jesus taught, when, and to whom, it is seen repeatedly in the book of Acts as the Apostles began to share with thousands of people the good news of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, and it is seen many times in the Epistles in regards to what is “good” teaching (and why) and what sort of teaching is dangerous (and why).
At the foundation, of course, is the essential truth of what “good” teaching even is. ANYONE can “teach” about anything they want, but whether or not it is worthwhile or dangerous depends entirely on what they are saying and where they got their facts. As a child of God, we know that it is only the Word of God that is TRUTH. The Bible must be our starting point, our daily “dictionary” and guide, and it must be what we base our goals, ideals, and DOCTRINE on. There is no other Source that is worthwhile. In fact, the opposite is true: anything that points somewhere else besides God is evil and dangerous!
A classic and critical Bible verse well worth memorizing and considering often is II Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” The Bible we hold in our hands is GOD’S WORD—the things that He wanted us to know, the things that will teach us what is good, point out what is bad, correct our faulty thinking, and help us to be becoming more Christlike in true righteousness and holiness. This should never be taken for granted, nor dismissed when we are considering any of the whys, wherefores, hows, and whos of our lives.
Speaking of wrong doctrine (another word for teaching), we have alluded more than once in our study of Colossians 3 (put off/put on) to II Timothy 3. That’s because II Timothy 3 talks about how things will be in the “last days” (which we live in!). Prayerfully look over the entire chapter, noting the ugly behavior that is UNgodly—and how the Word of God is to be used to help believers understand the truth, live it out in their own lives, AND teach it to others by way of casual conversation, a more formal “teaching” situation, and simply in the example of our behavior.
“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men. You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 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.”
Say, is YOUR knowledge of God’s Word such that others can observe you and know what pleases God and what sorts of actions and attitudes are Christlike? If not, there’s no time like RIGHT NOW to begin to study God’s Word more faithfully—then obey it fully and cheerfully. Making church attendance a priority and surrounding yourself with mature, godly friends will definitely help (as will removing yourself from people, places, and influences of worldly/ungodly thinking and actions). If you are already fairly proficient in the Scriptures, how could you excel still more? In what way are you sharing the wonderful things God has entrusted to you with others? How well do you “teach” others about the goodness and grace of our Lord?
Colossians 3:16 commands believers to teach one another. Are you?
BONUS:
So, I looked up about 100 verses that all use the Greek word “teach” in preparation for this lesson, then God only used one of them for the actual lesson! =) Of course, studying God’s Word is NEVER a waste of time, but I wanted to give you a chance to enjoy some of these awesome verses and passages. Here are some categories to look up when you have a few minutes:
-When Jesus taught, people recognized that His teaching was not like a mere man’s teaching. Jesus, Himself, said that He taught what God wanted Him to teach. He, in fact, only did as God willed, never stepping away from full obedience to the Father. There are MANY passages that teach this, here are a few samples: Matthew 4:23; Matthew 7:29; John 8:28-29; John 7:14-18
-Warnings about wrong doctrine: Matthew 15:9; Titus 1:11; I Timothy 4.
-The Apostles (including Paul, the “last” Apostle) dedicated their lives to teaching about Jesus’ resurrection and how to live God honoring lives: Acts 4:2-20; Acts 5:17-42; Acts 18:11, 25; Acts 28:31; Colossians 2:6-10; II Thessalonians 2:15; Titus 2.
-Pastors are a special gift to the church who are tasked with teaching sound doctrine to equip the believers to do the work of the ministry. Pastors who do their task wholeheartedly and well are worth great honor: Titus 1:9; Ephesians 4:11-16; I Timothy 5:17.
Prayerful Evaluation:
-What did I know about this item before today’s study?
-Were my ideas accurate biblically? Why or why not?
-What did the Holy Spirit point out to me to consider, act on, do, or change?
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
(Ask the Father’s help to understand and apply the Bible truths that He shows you today.)
-Scripture:
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:16-17, ESV
“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”
Colossians 3:16-17, NLT
Something to Think About:
You know, if you wanted to give someone you love some really wise and good counsel, I’m not sure you can do much better than, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” I mean, think about it! What is more important than, first, knowing Who Jesus is and what He did for us, then once saved, coming to know Him in a deeper, more personal, intimate way? The benefits are not even countable, they are so many!
Let’s back up for a minute and look at the keywords in this sentence. The “word of Christ/message of Christ” is what Scripture is all about. It is history past and events to come—and everything in between. It is creation, the fall, the advent of the Savior, the Savior’s victory over sin and death, the time period of grace (and the influence of the church), and then what is yet to come: God’s judgment of sin, the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, the Millennial Kingdom of Christ, the permanent punishment of sin and satan, and the beginning of the “ages of the ages,” eternity in the presence of God the Father and God the Son. And Who is the Star of Scripture? Jesus Christ, the Son of God, our Savior, the Messiah of the Jewish nation. It’s all about Him.
“Let the word of Christ dwell. . .” To “dwell” is to take up residence. The root of the word is actually the Greek word for “house”! Scripture tells us that believers have the Third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, indwelling (same word) them! (Romans 8:9-11; II Timothy 1:14; I Corinthians 3:16)
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. . .” The word “richly” is the adverb, describing the word “rich,” which, as you know, has to do with abundance or overflowing. Mostly, we use it to address money or possessions, but take a look at these verses, then stop to praise the Father for the “riches” He so generously gives His children!
-Ephesians 1:7-10 “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.”
-Ephesians 1:16-19 “I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might.”
-Ephesians 2:4-7 “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”
-Ephesians 3:14-19 “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
-Philippians 4:19 “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
-Colossians 1:27 “To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. . .” In YOU. Let the Word of Christ dwell richly IN YOU. Say, DOES the Word of Christ dwell in you? Have you acknowledged that you were born a sinner and are an enemy of God? That because of your sin, you will spend eternity in the Lake of Fire? And having acknowledged that, have you accepted God’s most precious gift, that of salvation from your deserved fate—AND—the gift of eternal life as His adopted child? This is done simply by believing that Jesus Christ, God’s Son, paid the price for YOUR sin by dying in your place on the cross. He ALSO won the victory over sin and death by coming alive again after three days in the grave. All those who believe that Jesus did this on their behalf are “saved” (and the benefits of all those riches in the verses listed above!).
If you have trusted in Jesus Christ as your Savior, are you allowing His Word, the Bible, to indwell you? To have its home there? To become a part of you—helping you to know how to live a life that honors and pleases God and which brings blessing for now and rewards throughout eternity?
There’s one more level, though. If you, a child of God, have allowed the Word of Christ to indwell you, lead you, and guide you, are you allowing it to indwell you RICHLY? That is, abundantly and overflowing? God wants it to! He wants to show you MARVELOUS things about Himself and provide you with peace beyond understanding and joy despite difficult circumstances. All you have to do is let His Word dwell in you richly. What’s holding you back?
Prayerful Evaluation:
-What did I know about this item before today’s study?
-Were my ideas accurate biblically? Why or why not?
-What did the Holy Spirit point out to me to consider, act on, do, or change?
Tuesday, May 25, 2021
(Ask the Father’s help to understand and apply the Bible truths that He shows you today.)
-Scripture:
“But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.”
Colossians 3:8-9, ESV
“But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.”
Colossians 3:8-9, NLT
Something to Think About:
I think that being instructed by your parents to not lie is a pretty standard “do NOT” given to most children. Sadly, lying is pretty commonplace in a child (“No, I was not the one who poured red Koolaid all over the couch—it was the dog!”) – and even more sadly, lying is pretty commonplace in adults. Maybe you’d like to contest that, but have you ever agreed with someone about the look, taste, or smell of something, but which you secretly thought was ugly, unpleasant, or gross? Have you SAID that you would arrive at 9:00 sharp, but showed up at 9:15? Have you promised to say “Hi,” to someone on behalf of someone else, then didn’t? We could make an argument that some of those examples weren’t on purpose, but either something is true or it isn’t. That simple.
The Bible, of course, has a lot to say about what we say—and not speaking falsely against someone else is actually one of the Ten Commandments (repeated in the New Testament by Jesus in Matthew 5:11). Christians are commanded to not be false in James 3:13-18 and lying is among the ugly and dreadful behaviors characteristic of the “last times” in I Timothy 4. In fact, you may recall that Jesus labeled satan as a liar, and in fact, the “father of lies” in John 8:44-47!
There are multiple warnings against false prophets and those who try to convince people of doctrine that is NOT biblical in the Bible, and in fact, it was false witnesses who were used to condemn and crucify our Lord (Matthew 26:60; Galatians 2:4; II Corinthians 11:13; II Peter 2:1, to name a few).
BUT, read THIS marvelous passage from Hebrews 6:13-20:
“For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise. For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”
Did you catch that? It is IMPOSSIBLE for God to lie! This means that every amazing promise of redemption, a glorified body, an eternity free from sin and the effects of sin, FOREVER in the presence of God. . . is all true. It is all a done deal. It WILL happen!
Fellow child of God, do not grow weary in doing good! Do not lose heart and give up! At literally any second God will give the word, the trumpet will blast, and you and I will be out of here forever! From that moment on, we will forever be with the LORD. Hang in there. Stay faithful. Keep on keeping on. It will MOST DEFINITELY be worth it!
BONUS:
I John has a TON to say about lies v. truth. Give yourself a huge blessing and challenge by checking it out. Here are some of the verses that use the word “lie” and “truth/true.” Lie- 1:6,10; 2:4,21,22, 27: 4:1,20; 5:10. Truth—1:6,8; 2;4,21,27; 3:19; 4:6; 5:6,20.
Prayerful Evaluation:
-What did I know about this item before today’s study?
-Were my ideas accurate biblically? Why or why not?
-What did the Holy Spirit point out to me to consider, act on, do, or change?
Monday, May 24, 2021
(Ask the Father’s help to understand and apply the Bible truths that He shows you today.)
-Scripture:
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:15-17, ESV
“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. 16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”
Colossians 3:1-17, NLT
Something to Think About:
You will not be surprised to hear that being thankful is a pretty huge topic in the Word of God. =) (At least, I HOPE that this doesn’t surprise you!).
In looking up the Greek word “be thankful” used in Colossians 3:15, I found six different areas that I wanted to share with you: (1) Jesus gave thanks to God, (2) examples of thanking God for things, (3) examples of thanking God for people, (4) reasons/purposes for gratitude, (5) commands to be thankful, (6) thanksgiving will continue throughout eternity.
Jesus gave thanks to God as an example to us:
-Matthew 15:36 “Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, thanked God for them, and broke them into pieces. He gave them to the disciples, who distributed the food to the crowd.”
-Matthew 26:27 “ And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you.”
-John 11:41-42 “So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.”
Examples of thanking God for things:
-Acts 27:33-35 “Just as day was dawning, Paul urged everyone to eat. “You have been so worried that you haven’t touched food for two weeks,” he said. “Please eat something now for your own good. For not a hair of your heads will perish.” Then he took some bread, gave thanks to God before them all, and broke off a piece and ate it.”
-Romans 14:6 “Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God.”
Examples of thanking God for people:
-I Corinthians 1:4 “I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus.”
-I Thessalonians 1:2-3 “We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
-I Thessalonians 2:13 “Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God—which, of course, it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe.”
-II Thessalonians 1:3 “Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing.”
Reasons/purposes for gratitude:
-Ephesians 1:15-17 “Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.”
-Philippians 1:3-6 “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy. for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. ”
-Colossians 1:11-14 “We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.”
Commands to be thankful:
-Philippians 4:6 “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”
-Colossians 2:6-7 “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
-Colossians 4:2-4 “ Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.”
-I Timothy 2:1-2 “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”
And last, but not least, giving thanks to God will continue throughout eternity!
-Revelation 4:8-11 “Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.” Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say, “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things and they exist because you created what you pleased.”
-Revelation 7:12 “And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living beings. And they fell before the throne with their faces to the ground and worshiped God. They sang, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
Prayerful Evaluation:
-What did I know about this item before today’s study?
-Were my ideas accurate biblically? Why or why not?
Saturday, May 22, 2021
(Ask the Father’s help to understand and apply the Bible truths that He shows you today.)
-Scripture:
“But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.”
Colossians 3:8-9, ESV
“But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.”
Colossians 3:8-9, NLT
Something to Think About:
In the day and age that we live in, no one should have too much trouble imagining what sorts of things fit under the “get rid of” category of obscene talk and dirty language. In fact, we are all probably aware that there is quite a vast range of what ugly things can be said—anywhere from the most vile, evil words all the way to substitute phrases (that everyone knows what they really stand for!) and subtle innuendoes (which are just as ugly).
The Greek word used in Colossians 3:8 is used only here, but the root word is used in other Scripture. It’s often translated with English words like shameful, disgraceful, and ashamed. Here are two important passages that help us understand just how much God hates off-color words.
-Ephesians 5:1-13 “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. Don’t participate in the things these people do. For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them.”
-Philippians 3:17-21 “Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.”
Another Bible passage that I wanted to share uses the word “shame” in a different, and important, way. Hebrews 12:1-2 shares how Jesus chose to ignore the shame of being branded a criminal and murdered in the most horrible way possible in that time and place in history. He refused to consider His own suffering—because of His love for you and for me.
-Hebrews 12:1-3 “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, 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. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”
Finally, based on Jesus’ sacrifice (and wonderful example to us), what should be our behavior and attitude in how and why we live as we do?
-I Peter 4:12-16 “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!”
-I John 2:28-29 “And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame. Since we know that Christ is righteous, we also know that all who do what is right are God’s children.”
Prayerful Evaluation:
-What did I know about this item before today’s study?
-Were my ideas accurate biblically? Why or why not?
-What did the Holy Spirit point out to me to consider, act on, do, or change?
Friday, May 21, 2021
(Ask the Father’s help to understand and apply the Bible truths that He shows you today.)
-Scripture:
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:15-17, ESV
“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. 16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”
Colossians 3:1-17, NLT
Something to Think About:
The concept of peace is a pretty huge and important part of Scripture. As you know, once sin entered the world, mankind became God’s enemy and wanted nothing to do with Him. We were trapped in this horrible kingdom of darkness and death—until God’s own Son, Jesus Christ, became our peace, bringing the only way to have a right relationship with God, through His shed blood.
Romans 5:1 “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 2:13-22 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”
Colossians 1:19-20 “For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”
God’s incredible plan of salvation was so awesome, that angels came to earth on the night of His birth to inform the shepherds of what happened and to praise God.
Luke 2:10-14 “And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
BUT God did not stop there. God not only offers the most important peace of all—peace with Him throughout eternity—He provides peace day by day for all His children who are trusting Him, obeying Him, and living faithfully for Him.
-John 14:27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
John 16:33 “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
Galatians 5:22 “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace. . .”
Philippians 4:6-7 “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
I Thessalonians 5:23-24 “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”
II Thessalonians 3:16 “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.”
Hebrews 13:20-21 “Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
James 3:17-18 “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
I Peter 3:10-12 “For whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
P.S. Don’t miss the rest of Colossians 3:15. As children of God, we can, with the help of the Holy Spirit, choose to let the peace of Christ RULE in our hearts. That is, to allow His peace to direct us, govern our thoughts and deeds, and control us into more Christlike behavior. Praise the Lord!
Prayerful Evaluation:
-What did I know about this item before today’s study?
-Were my ideas accurate biblically? Why or why not?
-What did the Holy Spirit point out to me to consider, act on, do, or change?
Thursday, May 20, 2021
(Ask the Father’s help to understand and apply the Bible truths that He shows you today.)
-Scripture:
“But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.”
Colossians 3:8-9, ESV
“But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.”
Colossians 3:8-9, NLT
Something to Think About:
The word “slander” in our two English translations is the Greek word “blaspheme.” It is defined as vilification, especially against God, but it can also be translated as derided, railed at, slandered, reviled, and insulted (plus a few variations of the same). Basically, it is to speak about someone else with the purpose of destroying their good name.
You will not be surprised to hear that Jesus was the object of derision many times during His short three and a half years of public ministry, most especially by the Religious leaders, but also pretty horribly while He was literally dying for the very people who were mocking Him! (Matthew 27:39; Luke 23:39) Did you know that every time someone uses God’s name in a casual, flippant, or condemning way (such as a curse), that this is blaspheming God’s holy name? Even (what has become a very casual every-day kind of thing) saying, “Oh my God” is dishonoring to God and abusing His holy name. Christians, especially, should avoid this like the plague. Using the Lord’s name in vain is to empty it of its meaning and value by degrading it or using it in an inappropriate setting. Perhaps we might even suggest that substitute phrases such as, “Oh, my gosh,” or “Oh, Jeez” are not really honoring the Lord, since they are simply another way to express anger or displeasure at someone or some circumstance that God has allowed into our lives. We don’t want to be “legalistic” but maybe this is something to think about.
Ironically, Jesus was sometimes ACCUSED of blasphemy (Matthew 9:3; 26:65; John 10:36). How COULD God blaspheme God??? He couldn’t! What a shame that the Religious Leaders never figured that out! As a very close follower of Jesus, Paul, too, was reviled and persecuted on multiple occasions, as seen in the book of Acts and mentioned in some of his letters (the Epistles).
Here are some important Scripture passages that talk about blasphemy—what it is like, where it comes from, what it tries to accomplish, and what other ugly behaviors are associated with it:
-II Peter 2:1-3 “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words.”
-Jude 1:8-11 “Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones. 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.” But these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively. Woe to them!”
-Matthew 15:18-20 “But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person.”
-Ephesians 4:31 “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.”
I Timothy 6:3-4 “If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions.”
-II Timothy 3:1-4 “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.”
And, finally, a clear focus as to why it is important for God’s children to refuse to have anything to do with blasphemy, or slander, or gossip about someone else. Probably more churches have been harmed, more godly relationships damaged and more Christian ministries have been ruined by gossip and slander than any other sin. Watch out for what you say, with what kind of attitude, about whom, and to whom. If in doubt, don’t say it.
-I Timothy 6:1 “All slaves should show full respect for their masters so they will not bring shame on the name of God and his teaching.”
-Titus 2:5 “To be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.”
-Titus 3:1-2 “Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.”
Prayerful Evaluation:
-What did I know about this item before today’s study?
-Were my ideas accurate biblically? Why or why not?
-What did the Holy Spirit point out to me to consider, act on, do, or change?
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
(Ask the Father’s help to understand and apply the Bible truths that He shows you today.)
-Scripture:
“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
Colossians 3:13-14, ESV
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”
Colossians 3:13-14, NLT
Something to Think About:
If you’ve been doing these DBSQs (Daily Bible Study Questions) since January of this year, you know that we spent the entire month of February studying the word “love” and how it is used in Scripture. If not (or if you want a quick review), you can find this study on our church website, firstbaptistnorthconway.org. Past ladies’ Bible studies can be found under the tab “ministries.”
The word “love” mentioned in Colossians 3:14 is the Greek word agape, which is a word that means affection, brotherly love, benevolence. It is love that flows out of the character of a person—and since we know that God IS love, we are most loving when we are treating others in the same way that God treats us.
What does Colossians 3:14 say about love? To help clarify, let’s look at a bunch of different English translations, THEN we’ll look at the Greek (the language the New Testament was written in) and talk about what it means.
-ESV “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
-NLT “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”
-KJV “But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.”
-CSB “Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.”
-NASB “Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.”
-NIV “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
-AMP “Beyond all these things put on and wrap yourselves in [unselfish] love, which is the perfect bond of unity [for everything is bound together in agreement when each one seeks the best for others].”
As we can see, love—the kind of love that puts the needs of others before ourself—is vitally important to the Christlike child of God. We might be fairly compassionate, kind, humble, meek, patient, and forgiving, but if we aren’t doing all this in biblical love, then we’ve missed a key component. The famous love chapter, I Corinthians 13, would agree. It says, “the greatest of these is love.”
Let’s take a few minutes to break down Colossians 3:14 (we’ll use the NASB to do this). “Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.”
BEYOND. This is a primary preposition that shows place or position. In this case, it is translated as beyond, over, and above.
ALL. This is also a primary word meaning all, every, the whole, and thoroughly.
THESE THINGS. These two words are actually the same Greek word. It is from the article and could be: he, she, this, that, they, these, etc.
(PUT ON. Is an understood action, using the verb which Paul employed in verse 12.)
LOVE. (see above)
WHICH. Relative pronoun: who, which, what, that.
IS. State of being— is, are, etc.
PERFECT. Completeness, perfection, maturity; moral or spiritual perfection.
BOND OF UNITY (one word in Greek). A joint tie (ligament); uniting principle; bond.
Did you know that in Greek word order is important? The thing that needed the most attention was generally placed first—which is important, but which doesn’t always show itself well in English (because we can’t always translate other language into English easily or well). Here’s what this verse looks like in Greek word order:
Colossians 3:14 ἐπὶ above πᾶσιν all δὲ And τούτοις these τὴν – ἀγάπην (put on) love ὅ which ἐστιν (binds everything together) σύνδεσμος binds everything together τῆς – τελειότητος in perfect harmony (“above all and these—(put on) love which (binds everything together) – in perfect harmony.)
I bet you had no idea how hard your pastor has to work to translate just one verse of the Bible! =) But don’t miss the application, in God’s view (The only view that actually matters!), we need to be a people who demonstrate love to each other, most especially to fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. It is something that we must put on every single morning without fail and it must color and affect all our interactions, thoughts, and words. When we do, then we are walking in the image of God and choosing to be like Christ.
Prayerful Evaluation:
-What did I know about this item before today’s study?
-Were my ideas accurate biblically? Why or why not?
-What did the Holy Spirit point out to me to consider, act on, do, or change?
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
(Ask the Father’s help to understand and apply the Bible truths that He shows you today.)
-Scripture:
“But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.”
Colossians 3:8-9, ESV
“But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.”
Colossians 3:8-9, NLT
Something to Think About:
When I was in Junior High, there was a bully on the bus that I rode to school. Her name was Mary—and Mary had decided that she didn’t like me. Since I was the kind of school kid who was very quiet and kept to myself, maybe she thought I was easy picking. I don’t know, but boy, oh boy, did Mary make riding the school bus unpleasant! I’m not even sure what all Mary said and did, but I think that her behavior can be summed up in one word, malicious.
To have malice or to exhibit malicious behavior is to act and do things with the sole intent of hurting someone else (not necessarily physically, though that could be true too). The Bible speaks against it in no uncertain terms! Children of God, especially, should never TRY to hurt someone else in any way or manner. The same Greek word can also be translated as evil, wickedness, trouble, and harm.
Ephesians 4:31 (which we have referred to repeatedly in the “put off” studies) commands us to GET RID OF IT—pretty straightforward, wouldn’t you say? This same command is given in James 1:21 and I Peter 2:1. III John 1:11, I Peter 2:16, Romans 12:21, and I Thessalonians 5:15 all say things like, “don’t repay evil for evil,” and “don’t imitate evil,”
In fact, God both wants us to stay away from anything that is remotely evil—and to be on our guard against it. Here are a few verses of warning and instruction:
-I Peter 2:12-17 “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”
-Romans 16:17-19 “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.”
-I Corinthians 15:33 “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”
-Hebrews 5:11-14 “About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”
-James 3:8-10 “But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.”
Two last things to appreciate. First, that God never tempts us to do evil. James 1:13-15, “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”
Second, that there are God-honoring replacements to doing evil. I Peter 3:8-12, “ Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
In a nutshell? When we choose to “put on” biblical love (and the other items listed in Colossians 3), we will be “like” Jesus Christ and be honoring God in our heads, hearts, and lives.
Prayerful Evaluation:
-What did I know about this item before today’s study?
-Were my ideas accurate biblically? Why or why not?
-What did the Holy Spirit point out to me to consider, act on, do, or change?
Monday, May 17, 2021
(Ask the Father’s help to understand and apply the Bible truths that He shows you today.)
-Scripture:
“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
Colossians 3:13-14, ESV
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”
Colossians 3:13-14, NLT
Something to Think About:
Forgiving each other is to choose to not hold a grudge. You’re never guilty of that, are you? Remembering some slight someone gave you so that you can pay them back at some future time? Making note of those who didn’t respond to some invitation so that you can remember to never invite them again? Sharing with your bestie how someone was unkind, rude, or thoughtless to you?
Oh, don’t get me wrong. Making the decision to not hold a grudge is not normal behavior for most people, nor is it even remotely “easy.” HOWEVER, children of God are no longer “normal” as far as what the world is like, nor is choosing to imitate God an easy road. Living like Christ is to no longer fit in with the rest of the world in how they handle confrontations, it is to go against what we might LIKE to do, it is to CHOOSE to remember all that the Lord has forgiven YOU for, then use that same grace on others. Both Colossians 3:13 and Ephesians 4:32 command us to forgive as Christ forgave us. We didn’t DESERVE His forgiveness, yet He readily gave it—and continues to give it every time we ask.
It most definitely takes the help of the Holy Spirit to have the right attitude when offended! Praise God, He is with us 24/7, ready to do just that.
So, here’s something that maybe you didn’t know. The root of our word, forgiving, is actually the Greek word that means “grace.” What is grace? It is God’s undeserved favor. How is it seen in our lives? EVERYWHERE! Prayerfully contemplate the amazing truths in these verses, thanking God for His AMAZING GRACE:
-John 1:14 “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
-Romans 3:23-24 “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.”
-Ephesians 2:4-10 “But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
-Titus 2:11 “ For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.”
-James 4:6 “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
-I Peter 5:10 “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
And finally, last, but NOT least, Hebrews 4:14-16 “So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”
Prayerful Evaluation:
-What did I know about this item before today’s study?
-Were my ideas accurate biblically? Why or why not?
-What did the Holy Spirit point out to me to consider, act on, do, or change?
Saturday, May 15, 2021
(Ask the Father’s help to understand and apply the Bible truths that He shows you today.)
-Scripture:
“But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.”
Colossians 3:8-9, ESV
“But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.”
Colossians 3:8-9, NLT
Something to Think About:
Next on the put off list is wrath/rage. Now, if you’re like me, you’ll think, “Wait! We just learned about anger. How is wrath different?” I want to commend you for an excellent question! =) Basically, anger is a settled ATTITUDE of hostility, where wrath is a verbal OUTBURST of evil passion. Just for the record, neither one of them are good when handled humanly. However, as noted for “anger,” when God’s wrath is in question, it is always the right kind of wrath. In fact, when we read about God’s wrath and anger, it is always directed at sin and those who choose to live a sinful, disobedient life. The book of Romans talks about it (check out Romans 2:8 for an example), but it’s also mentioned very often in the book of Revelation where we have several details as to just how God will deal with satan and all who are on his side— humans and spiritual beings. It’s going to be EPIC. Check out Revelation 14:8,10,19; 15:1,7; 16:1,19; and 19:15 for starters.
What about us? Those of us who belong to God’s family and who are trying to imitate Him in our attitudes and actions? Ephesians 4:31 says simply, “let fits of anger be put away from you.” Galatians 5:20 places wrath in the behaviors of those living according to the flesh – NOT in the fruit that the Holy Spirit grows in the lives of those who are living faithfully according to God’s Word. Plainly put, neither an attitude of hostility nor outbursts of rage belong in the heart and life of a child of God.
Once again, we can turn to Scripture to find out what our actions and reactions should be. Colossians 3:12-17, our passage of focus this month, lists several. Underline them as you find them in the following verses:
12 “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
The companion passage, Ephesians 5:25-32, also provides a wonderful biblical replacement list. Underline the things that please and honor God:
25 “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,
27 and give no opportunity to the devil.
28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.
29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
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.”
Prayerful Evaluation:
-What did I know about this item before today’s study?
-Were my ideas accurate biblically? Why or why not?
-What did the Holy Spirit point out to me to consider, act on, do, or change?
Friday, May 14, 2021
(Ask the Father’s help to understand and apply the Bible truths that He shows you today.)
-Scripture:
“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
Colossians 3:13-14, ESV
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”
Colossians 3:13-14, NLT
Something to Think About:
Every child of God can and should be “bearing with one another.” The word “bear” means to hold oneself up against, to put up with, endure, forbear. In the vernacular, to not let the personality quirks of others bug us. =) The NLT also uses an easy-to-understand phrase; “to make allowances for each other’s faults.”
Ephesians 4:2 says that we should bear with one another IN LOVE (and this concept is also in Colossians 3:14). This answers the why of “Why not let the personality quirks of others bug us?” God loved us enough to send His Son to die to pay the price for our sin, God’s love for us is unconditional and cannot ever be lost or diminished, God loves us so much that He constantly shows grace and provides mercy—even when we are far from deserving either. Shouldn’t we, as His children, mirror that in our relationship with others? Shouldn’t we be eager and pleased to reflect a bit of His “bearing with” us to the people in our lives who push all our buttons?
So, maybe some prayerful moments of contemplation are in order! What bugs you? WHO bugs you? What about your reaction is God-honoring and what is self-serving? How might you respond next time to someone’s annoying behavior? What might you do for that person to display biblical love (a no-brainer answer would be to pray for them! Praying for our friends and not-as-much friends is ALWAYS the right thing to do!)?
Another area for prayerful contemplation is to consider who YOU bug, how, and why. If this is something you do on purpose, why? Is this showing Christlikeness? Is it showing the same love, grace, mercy, kindness, and patience that God shows you every day? If you bug someone often, but aren’t really meaning to, is there something that you need to change in your behavior, attitude, or words that could encourage the other person instead of annoying them?
One of the things that is often misstated is that relationships (any and all relationships) should be 50/50. Both sides should give and meet somewhere in the middle. Does that sound biblical, though? Did God come halfway in His love and sacrifice for you? Didn’t He come all the way? 100%? God honoring behavior is for each of us to give 100% to all people ALL the time. How they react is between them and the Lord. We will each stand alone before the Lord to give an account for what we did and why. It won’t matter to God if the other person was easy to love or not. He wants US to obey Him completely and live like Him fully—no matter what. Frankly, I think it is helpful to stop expecting people to respond in a certain way or to have specific expectations for some encounter. How much better to face each day with the goal of #1, obeying God’s Word completely and continually, and #2, doing your best to bless, encourage, edify, and LOVE the people God brings into your life that day! Doing so might just make those personality quirks a whole lot more “bearable”! BUT, having said all that, when both people in a relationship love 100%, what a HUGE and WONDERFUL thing that is! Definitely something to praise and thank the Lord for!
BONUS:
Other Scripture that uses this same word (bearing): Matthew 17:17; I Corinthians 4:12; II Corinthians 11:1,4,19,20; II Thessalonians 1:4; II Timothy 4:3; and Hebrews 13:22.
Prayerful Evaluation:
-What did I know about this item before today’s study?
-Were my ideas accurate biblically? Why or why not?
-What did the Holy Spirit point out to me to consider, act on, do, or change?
Thursday, May 13, 2021
(Ask the Father’s help to understand and apply the Bible truths that He shows you today.)
-Scripture:
“But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.”
Colossians 3:8-9, ESV
“But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.”
Colossians 3:8-9, NLT
Something to Think About:
Next on the “put off” list of Colossians 3 is “anger.” This is the word for violent passion and it may be translated as indignation, vengeance, or wrath.
This is the word used to address the “wrath of God” in several places in the New Testament*, often speaking about God’s anger at sin and the judgment that will one day be placed upon it. One of the top-of-the-list reasons why all believers should thank God every single day is that, because of the blood of Christ, we will be spared from experiencing this tremendous wrath. It is going to be indescribably horrible to be a part of! It is mentioned in Matthew 3:7 (and the parallel accounts in Mark 3:5 and Luke 3:7), in Luke 21:23, MANY places in the book of Romans (especially the first half), and is described extensively in the book of Revelation (a few to check out include 6:16-17, 11:18; 14:10; 16:19, and 19:15).
There are many passages that explain how trusting in Jesus as our Savior saves us from God’s wrath to come. Romans 5:9, I Thessalonians 1:10 and 5:9, and Hebrews 4:3 are some such passages.
I found it very interesting to read what the companion behaviors are to this unholy anger. Look at them in the following verses.
-Ephesians 4:25-31 “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.”
And, of course, our passage of focus this month, Colossians 3:5-9, “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.”
Did you see the “friends” of ungodly anger? Lies, stealing, ugly words of all kinds, grieving the Holy Spirit, bitterness, slander, malice, sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness! UGH! These are the things that do NOT reflect the image of God, but DO reflect the image of satan!
There are several biblical remedies for ungodly actions and emotions in these passages, though. Did you notice them (sometimes they are stated outright, other times we can simply turn the ugly behavior around to find the God-honoring one)? We (as Christians) can choose to tell the truth and only the truth, we can be hard workers, especially in order to help and benefit others. We can use our words to bless, encourage, help, and build others up in the things of the Lord. We can do the kinds of things that are in keeping with the holiness of the Holy Spirit, and we can speak well of others and about others. We can stay far away from anything that is impure and refuse to desire anything that God has not chosen to give us. Even our anger, according to Ephesians 4:26, can be the right kind of anger (anger against sin and its ugly consequences) – which does NOT have to lead to sinful behavior on our part.
Last, enjoy the reminder from Jesus’ half-brother, James, in James 1:19-20—that the Holy Spirit and the Word of God can and will help us to be in control of our emotions, including anger.
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”
Prayerful Evaluation:
-What did I know about this item before today’s study?
-Were my ideas accurate biblically? Why or why not?
-What did the Holy Spirit point out to me to consider, act on, do, or change?
*You may have wondered why there are only New Testament references related to our work in Colossians 3. That’s because we are looking at the Greek word used in the original text—and Greek is the language of the New Testament. The Old Testament was written in Hebrew—different language (though, there are Hebrew equivalents of many of these).
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
(Ask the Father’s help to understand and apply the Bible truths that He shows you today.)
-Scripture:
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,”
Colossians 3:12, ESV
“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Colossians 3:12, NLT
Something to Think About:
The word “patience” is also sometimes translated as long-suffering (such as in Galatians 5:22, the fruit of the Spirit). Longanimity and forbearance are also descriptions, but I have to admit that telling me this word also means “longanimity” would not help me! (Just for the record, dictionary.com says it is patient endurance of hardships. There, now we all know!) The word for “patience” here in Colossians 3:12 is also translated as endurance. Interestingly, changes to the suffix of this word gives it the meaning of long or far, as in a far journey or a long prayer (Luke 15:13, 20:47). It’s used in Ephesians 6:3, where children are commanded to obey their parents so that they may live long upon the earth.
Ephesians 4:1-2 says, “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” This necessary reminder from Paul helps us to know that there is a right way to live as a child of God—and how we interact with other believers is a big part of it. Having an attitude of humility (a right view of self) is always an excellent place to start—and when we choose to consider other people are more important than ourselves, we are also more likely to be gentle, patient, kind, and loving. I Corinthians 13:4 goes well with this, “love is. . . patient.”
II Peter 3:9, “ The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent,” is a special use of our word, addressing some misconceptions and lies some believers had concerning the promise of God that Jesus would return to take them to heaven. Peter is reminding them that God ALWAYS keeps His promises, but that His timetable is not the same as ours, so we should not try to define “long” or “short” by what our ideas of those measurements are. When God says it is time for Jesus to return for first the Rapture, then seven years later, for the Millennium, it will happen. (Allow me to remind you that this verse is actually addressed to believers, though it is also true that God WILL save every single person who He has chosen for salvation by the time this world is destroyed and remade. God is patient with His children and He REALLY wants all of us to maintain a right walk with Him—you should check out the whole chapter so you can follow what Peter is saying).
James also addresses a related topic to his readers. “Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near. Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standing at the door! For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.” (James 5:7-11)
God commands us to walk with patience, that is, live our lives from day to day calmly, trusting in the wise and good plan of the Father for all things, relishing the certainty of our eternal home in glory in the presence of God the Father and God the Son. We can, in fact, have tremendous courage both remembering God’s faithfulness and by observing the example of godly men and women who have gone before us. And who knows? Perhaps OUR patience and trust in God will be a beacon for those who are behind us to follow so that they may stay true to the Lord in their lives!
Prayerful Evaluation:
-What did I know about this item before today’s study?
-Were my ideas accurate biblically? Why or why not?
-What did the Holy Spirit point out to me to consider, act on, do, or change?
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
(Ask the Father’s help to understand and apply the Bible truths that He shows you today.)
-Scripture:
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
Colossians 3:5, ESV
“So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.”
Colossians 3:5, NLT
Something to Think About:
The next item to eliminate from our “wardrobe” as Christians is covetousness. This word is defined as avarice, (by implication) fraudulency, extortion, covetous practices, and greediness. Ephesians 4:3 says that covetousness should not be named among saints. In other words, it simply does not belong in our hearts, words—or life!
Here are a few Bible verses that address covetousness:
-Luke 12:13-15 “Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
-I Corinthians 5:9-13 “When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people. It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.”
-I Corinthians 6:9-11 “ Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
-Ephesians 5:1-5 “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.”
Did you notice that both Colossians 3:5 and Ephesians 5:5 linked coveting/being greedy with idolatry? That’s because anything we fight to attain for our own gain is also making the decision that this item is more important than God. Only God belongs on the throne of our heart—and wrong thoughts, attitudes, and actions dethrone Him and lead to a life of discontent, lack of peace, unfulfilled longings, anger, and sorrow. That is because we were created by God FOR God. In order for everything to be right in our hearts and lives, we need to be walking faithfully and obediently with God, using His Word as our Guidebook for what is okay to think and do—and what isn’t. Sadly, greed and manipulating people and things for our own gain is really easy to do. So easy, in fact, that we’re not always aware that we are doing it. This is one more reason why it is so essential to be in God’s Word every single day, to be memorizing and meditating on God’s Word, to remain in close contact with God via prayer all day, every day, to be in God’s House whenever the doors are open, and to surround ourselves with godly, mature believers, most especially those God gave us in our own church family. I’ll remind you (and me) once again that God WANTS us to be victorious and He has provided all sorts of ways to help us stay on track and not wander off into the “put off” world. We need but keep seeing His face, keep choosing to imitate Him in every part of our lives, and keep sin confessed.
Let’s finish today’s devotions by looking at what Jesus reminded His disciples of shortly after His warning in Luke 12:13-15 (the first passage in the above words). Prayerfully consider why no believer EVER needs to covet or be greedy based on this precious truth:
“Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things? “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. “Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” (Luke 12:22-34)
Prayerful Evaluation:
-What did I know about this item before today’s study?
-Were my ideas accurate biblically? Why or why not?
-What did the Holy Spirit point out to me to consider, act on, do, or change?
Monday, May 10, 2021
(Ask the Father’s help to understand and apply the Bible truths that He shows you today.)
-Scripture:
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,”
Colossians 3:12, ESV
“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Colossians 3:12, NLT
Something to Think About:
Among the God-like characteristics Christians are to “put on” is meekness/gentleness. The definition of this Greek word is: humility, mildness of disposition, gentleness of spirit, and not asserting oneself in order to get what you want. The English dictionary definition is: the quality of being patient or quiet in nature.
Meekness/gentleness was displayed by Christ. One example was when He, the only rightful Heir to the throne of David, entered His own city of Jerusalem—on the colt of a donkey. Can’t get more meek and gentle than that! Jesus’ example of meekness, gentleness, patience, kindness, mercy, grace, and love—will always be the perfect example as to how we should be thinking and acting, too. If the God of heaven chose to be humble and gentle, should we go around tooting our own horn and insisting that people listen to us?
Here are three Bible passages that can guide us in our dealings with people (probably the biggest area we lose our cool in!):
-Galatians 6:1-3 “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.”
-II Timothy 2:23-26 “Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.”
-I Peter 3:13-16 “Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.”
Aren’t these all awesome reminders! The world you and I live in, maybe especially this country, is one where people are EXPECTED to stand up for themselves, to insist on their own way, and to otherwise fight for what’s important to them. And while standing up for the Lord and obeying Him first and foremost IS essential, HOW and WHY we do it is also important. Let’s commit to pray for one another that we could learn to speak and act in a godly way—gently, humbly, and respectfully.
Here are four Bible passages that instruct us to do or be meek and gentle:
-Ephesians 4:1-2 “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.”
-I Timothy 6:11 “But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.”
-Titus 3:1-2 “Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.”
-I Peter 3:3-4 “Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.”
I’ve long loved the picture of the “unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.” Why? Because this is something that is precious to God! Finding out what is precious to God and then doing it ought to be right on the tippy top of our daily agenda, don’t you think?
Here is one Bible verse that specifically mentions a reward God has planned for the meek:
-Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
What does it mean to inherit the earth? I’m not entirely sure, but neither do I think that I need to know! What I NEED to know is that God has chosen to gift this to those who live gentle and meek lives—and everything that God gives is exceedingly abundantly more than we could ever ask for or think of! Over and over in Scripture we find tremendous rewards for every act of obedience and love. I’d like to jump on the bandwagon of meekness and gentleness, how about you?
Prayerful Evaluation:
-What did I know about this item before today’s study?
-Were my ideas accurate biblically? Why or why not?
-What did the Holy Spirit point out to me to consider, act on, do, or change?
Saturday, May 8, 2021
(Ask the Father’s help to understand and apply the Bible truths that He shows you today.)
-Scripture:
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
Colossians 3:5, ESV
“So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.”
Colossians 3:5, NLT
Something to Think About:
Colossians 3 lists for God’s children the characteristics, behaviors, attitudes, and actions that please and honor God—and those that don’t. The “put off” items are things that should not be a part of the life of ANY child of God. You may have noticed that they are, in fact, connected to a wrong view of sex and the role it plays in the lives of humans. We have already seen that we are to do away with sexual immorality, impurity, passion/lust, and now we note that evil desires are also forbidden for those who want to be like Jesus.
“Evil desires” is actually two words. The first one, “evil,” describes what sorts of desires dishonor God (there are actually many “desires” that are great—longing for Christ to return for us, aspiring to be a good leader, the wish for earnestness in another’s walk with the Lord, for example). The word “evil” is defined as worthless, depraved, wicked, harmful, and bad. III John 11 warns believers to not imitate evil, and that those who do evil have not “seen” God, meaning that they don’t truly know Who He is and what’s important to Him.
So, Colossians 3:5 warns against having evil desires. This specific word for “desire” is defined as a longing, especially for what is forbidden; craving; lust; ardent, (usually sensuous) longing. I found it very interesting to note the word in the parable of the sower and the seed in Mark 4! One of the things that causes that new growing seed to stop growing and fall away is the desire for “other things” than the Word of God (vv.18-19).
There are actually many excellent verses that address what is wrong with evil desires, as well as those that teach what God-honoring replacement are. Some of the passages that talk about evil desires include:
-John 8:44 links evil desires with what satan desires. In other words, to choose to have and pursue evil desires makes us “just like” satan!
-Galatians 5:16-24 lists the characteristics of the flesh v. those the Holy Spirit produces in obedient children. Those who choose to gratify their flesh are choosing to battle the Holy Spirit!
-Ephesians 2:1-3 explains what we were like before becoming children of God (we were children of wrath!), carrying out the desires of our bodies and minds.
-Ephesians 4:22 warns us that our former manner of life was corrupt through deceitful desires (Ephesians 4:17-32 is a parallel passage to what we are studying this month in Colossians 3.)
-Titus 3:3 is a reminder that before salvation we were slaves to various passions and pleasures (also malice, envy, and hate!).
-I Peter 4:1-3, II Peter 1:3-4, and I John 2:16-17 all point out what we were before Christ. In that list is that we were full of evil desires.
As gloomy as all that is, I hope you didn’t miss the important words such as “used to be,” “once were,” and “but, now.” When Jesus took our sin upon Himself and gave us His righteousness, we stopped being like the world and satan, and became new creatures, fully able to not sin, and able to live righteously. Here are a few verses that talk about how to combat evil desires and what our desires SHOULD be:
-Romans 6:10-14 explains that we are no longer under sin’s bondage—so we should act like we’ve been freed. There is no need to EVER feel like we have to obey even one sinful desire. We are dead to sin and alive in Christ! Choose, instead, to obey GOD.
-Romans 13:14 commands us to make no provisions whatsoever for the “flesh,” refusing to gratify its desires. Rather, we are to “put on” the Lord Jesus and the armor of light, choosing to walk in the daytime, not the night.
-I Thessalonians 4:1-7 commands us to walk (live) with the goal of pleasing GOD (not self). Part of this will be controlling our bodies in holiness and honor—and not in passion or lust.
-II Timothy 2:22 commands us to FLEE youthful passions and, instead, pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace.
-Titus 2:11-12 tells us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives.
-I Peter 1:13-15 speaks about the decision to obey God and be holy, no longer conformed to the passions of our former ignorance.
-I John 2:15-17 is a command to not love the world or anything in the world. In other words, make the decision to love God and Him supremely. Doing so will naturally lead to wanting to be like Him in our heart and in our actions.
Prayerful Evaluation:
-What did I know about this item before today’s study?
-Were my ideas accurate biblically? Why or why not?
-What did the Holy Spirit point out to me to consider, act on, do, or change?
Friday, May 7, 2021
(Ask the Father’s help to understand and apply the Bible truths that He shows you today.)
-Scripture:
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,”
Colossians 3:12, ESV
“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Colossians 3:12, NLT
Something to Think About:
The Greek word translated as humility in Colossians 3:12 is a word that means humbleness of mind; having a lowly opinion of oneself. There are several Bible verses that use this word—perhaps most notably, the famous passage in Philippians 2 where Jesus humbled Himself to the point of dying on the cross for our sins (v.8). Our word, humility, in relation to Christ is also used in Matthew 11:29, where Jesus describes Himself as being “lowly in heart.” If Jesus describes Himself this way, then we automatically know that this should be how we consider ourselves as well.
There are several verses that speak against pride and point out that exalting ourselves is never God’s plan for us. His plan is for us to live quiet, humble lives, trusting that in the right time, place, and way, HE will exalt us.
I Peter 5:5-6 “…Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.”
James 4:6,10 “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” . . . Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”
Matthew 23:11-12 “The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (repeated in Luke 14:11 and 18:14)
Here are a few additional instructional verses:
Ephesians 4:1-3 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Philippians 2:3-4 “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Romans 12:16 “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.”
Matthew 18:1-4 “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
So, then, how would YOU summarize what the Bible teaches about what God means when we are commanded to put on humility? (Take a few moments and consider this!)
Here’s a few things I saw:
-Humility walks hand-in-hand with kindness, mercy, gentleness, and patience.
-Pride is a foreign concept for the child of God who sees herself/himself in the same way Jesus saw Himself.
-Humility looks to God to be exalted. It does not seek for others to exalt oneself.
-To be humble is to have a servant’s heart, looking to help and bless others, not self.
Prayerful Evaluation:
-What did I know about this item before today’s study?
-Were my ideas accurate biblically? Why or why not?
-What did the Holy Spirit point out to me to consider, act on, do, or change?
Thursday, May 6, 2021
(Ask the Father’s help to understand and apply the Bible truths that He shows you today.)
-Scripture:
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
Colossians 3:5, ESV
“So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.”
Colossians 3:5, NLT
Something to Think About:
The next “put off” item in Colossians 3 is passion/lust. While it is most definitely not wrong to have a great interest (“passion”) in many different areas (your career, a hobby, an interest), this particular Greek word is focused on improper passions and lusts that have to do with intense sexual desires and appetites. Some English synonyms might include to crave, covet, or yearn. That being said, the word “lust” does not HAVE to mean improper sexual focus. We might also say someone has a “passion for life,” or a lust for power.
How is this word used in Scripture? Listen to what Paul is telling the believers in Thessalonica in I Thessalonians 4:1-8,
“Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.”
It was never God’s plan for sin and ugly behavior to be a part of mankind’s life. But sin affected, infected, and ruined EVERYTHING—including how people treated one another and even their own bodies. GOD’S PLAN is for each of us to be holy, set apart (sanctified) to live righteously and in a manner that pleases God and properly reflects His character. Paul makes an important point in these verses: it is only the children of God who are able to live in a God-honoring way. If you are a child of God, you most definitely CAN live, think, speak, and act in a holy manner, NOT giving in to sinful passions and lusts. In fact, this passage is one of the precious “this is God’s will” passages that are so critical to all believers. It is God’s will that we be sanctified—set apart from sin and set TO righteousness/holiness. These areas of life that are God’s express will for us must remain of utmost importance in our daily lives and in our lives in a big picture way.
Prayerful Evaluation:
-What did I know about this item before today’s study?
-Were my ideas accurate biblically? Why or why not?
-What did the Holy Spirit point out to me to consider, act on, do, or change?
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
(Ask the Father’s help to understand and apply the Bible truths that He shows you today.)
-Scripture:
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,”
Colossians 3:12, ESV
“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Colossians 3:12, NLT
Something to Think About:
The next item that Christians who want to better honor God need to “put on” is kindness. This word means usefulness; morally excellent in character and demeanor. You may also find it translated as gentleness and goodness.
Let’s jump right into our quest to understand kindness by looking at how it was demonstrated by God to sinful mankind. That is, to you and to me!
“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.” (Titus 3:1-9)
Did you see it? The goodness and kindness of God SAVED us—by His mercy, making us “heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” WOWZERS! Now, THAT’S kindness!
In a very similar way, Ephesians 2:1-7 speaks about God’s kindness in saving us—with a hint about glorious things to come.
“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”
A few other verses that speak about the kindness of God are Romans 2:4, 3:12, and 11:22. It is also mentioned in I Peter 2:3, where it is questioned if we have “tasted” that the Lord is good.
There are, of course, verses that command Christians to be kind. Luke 6:35 tells us to do good to our enemies. Ephesians 4:32, one of the first verses little children are encouraged to memorize, says, “Be kind to one another.”
Kindness is clearly about helping the other person and showing grace and patience – because we know from what horrors God saved us from AND all the ways He demonstrates grace and patience to us on a daily basis.
Prayerful Evaluation:
-What did I know about this item before today’s study?
-Were my ideas accurate biblically? Why or why not?
-What did the Holy Spirit point out to me to consider, act on, do, or change?
Tuesday, May 4, 2021
(Ask the Father’s help to understand and apply the Bible truths that He shows you today.)
-Scripture:
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
Colossians 3:5, ESV
“So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.”
Colossians 3:5, NLT
Something to Think About:
Today’s “put off” word is “impurity.” This is exactly what it sounds like, the opposite of what is pure. It is addressing the quality of impurity, both physically and morally. It is translated as: impurity, uncleanness, and in describing someone who is demon possessed (they have an “unclean” spirit).
I think a pretty good place to start identifying what role it should play in the life of a believer is Ephesians 5:3, where Paul tells us that it “must not be named among saints.” He also lists sexual immorality and covetousness as items that are not “proper” for saints/Christians. In other words, if you are a child of God, acting or thinking impurely should NEVER be a part of our lives.
Galatians 5:19-23 is the description of the “fruit” that the Holy Spirit grows in the life of obedient believers and how that is contrasted with the “works” that are ingrained in the very heart of the unsaved. In that list of ugliness is “impurity.” Romans 6:19 agrees, stating that before we were saved, we were actually SLAVES to sin, including the sin of impurity.
I Thessalonians 4 speaks about how we are supposed to behave and live as children of God in order to please Him. At the beginning of this list is what we are to abstain from—things that reflect sin and satan. Sexual immorality and impurity are both mentioned here. Verse 7 says, “For God has not called us for impurity, but holiness.” I love that this verse not only diagnoses the problem, it provides the biblical remedy. To get rid of all impurity in your heart and life, replace it with holiness—all that reflects God’s character.
Before we finish, take a moment with me and observe something Jesus said using this word for impurity. In Matthew 23, He lists several woes against the Pharisees for their ungodly and hard hearts. In verse 27 He condemns them for being like “whitewashed tombs” – nice and clean on the outside, but full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness (our word) on the inside. In other words, purity is a matter first and foremost of our heart. Anyone can APPEAR holy and pure, but God sees the heart. He knows what’s truly there. All who have not yet trusted in Jesus as their Savior from the sin they were born with ARE impure—and nothing they “do” will change that. However, those of us who have trusted in Christ and are new creatures because of His blood, are no longer impure in a positional manner, BUT we sure can allow sin to reign in our hearts and ACT and THINK impurely (SPOILER ALERT! The critical skill of right thinking comes up again on the very last day of the month!). This is what all these Bible verses are warning about. God hates it and it should never be allowed “rule” in our thoughts or actions.
Some of the God-honoring replacements for impurity include choosing what is: pure, holy, “clean;” choosing to be a slave to righteousness (as opposed to slaves to sin, Romans 6:15-22); and choosing to separate ourselves from anything (or anyone!) who is ungodly (II Corinthians 6:14-18).
Prayerful Evaluation:
-What did I know about this item before today’s study?
-Were my ideas accurate biblically? Why or why not?
-What did the Holy Spirit point out to me to consider, act on, do, or change?
Monday, May 3, 2021
(Ask the Father’s help to understand and apply the Bible truths that He shows you today.)
-Scripture:
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,”
Colossians 3:12, ESV
“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Colossians 3:12, NLT
Something to Think About:
The first item on our “put on” list is actually two words together: “compassionate + hearts” in the ESV and “tenderhearted + mercy” in the NLT. The word compassion/tenderhearted can also be translated as mercy and manifestations of pity. The word heart/mercy is, surprisingly, the word for spleen! However, it has to do with what we might feel on our “inside,” things such as affection and compassion. Together they form a picture of a caring, thoughtful child of God who not only feels concern and love for others, but who does something about it.
In II Corinthians 1:3, God is called the “Father of mercies and God of all comfort.” To be imitators of God, we should be known for providing comfort and showing mercy (in fact, this passage goes on to tell us to remember how God helped and comforted us in order to help and comfort others).
James 5:11 says that the Lord is compassionate and merciful (and so, we can remain steadfast in our faithful walk with God even when enduring suffering).
Jesus is mentioned as having compassion on many occasions. Here are a few to look up: Matthew 9:36 (He felt compassion for the crowds who were as sheep without a shepherd), Matthew 14:14 and 15:32 (the crowds were hungry and had no food), Matthew 20:34, Mark 1:41, Mark 9:22, Luke 7:13 (Jesus healed the sick and resuscitated a dead boy).
But what about us? In what ways does the Bible say that Christians should show compassion and tenderhearted mercy? Luke 6:36 commands us to be merciful—even as our Father is merciful. I John 3:17 instructs us to never close our heart to a brother or sister in need, but to readily jump in and do all we can to help. Luke 10 contains the famous parable about the Good Samaritan—who CHOSE to cross the road, investigate the problem, and do something about it personally. He sacrificed much time, labor, and money in order to help a stranger. This is what showing mercy is all about. It is looking out for the needs around us and investing our heart (and resources) into helping, encouraging, and demonstrating Christlikeness to one and all.
In closing, Philippians 2:1 uses both words (compassion and heart), but I’m going to include verses 1-11, because it’s an awesome part of Scripture which should both give us direction toward a great attitude, but also something to shout “Thank You!” and “Hallelujah!” to God about:
“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Prayerful Evaluation:
-What did I know about this item before today’s study?
-Were my ideas accurate biblically? Why or why not?
-What did the Holy Spirit point out to me to consider, act on, do, or change?
Dear Student of the Word,
It is my hope and prayer that you have been enjoying our “In the Image of God” theme for 2021. To date, God has blessed us with assorted word studies associated with words like imitate, mirror, example, ways, and be/do commands. We’ve also explored in detail what it means that God is love and how this impacts who we are as His children and what our hearts and lives should be like in order to reflect Him. Last month we took time to look at the godly example of several people named in the Bible to explore in what way they pleased the Lord—and how we can apply what we learned to our own quest of Christlikeness.
Along the way in our study, we have come across several “list” passages, passages that have several do’s and don’ts of God-honoring characteristics and behaviors. One of those was Colossians 3:5-17—and I would like to now take a much closer look at all the items that God commands us to “put off” (as one might discard a filthy piece of clothing) or to “put on” and be more like Christ. I pray that you are blessed—and challenged to greater godliness, as I have been.
Former Bible studies can be found on our church website (firstbaptistnorthconway.org) as well as several wonderful resources for your Christian growth (be sure to check out our YouTube videos of sermons, conferences, and special events!). Feel free to contact me with questions or concerns (writeloriebrown@gmail.com) – and please share these studies with whomever the Lord lays on your heart.
By His Grace,
Lorie
(All Scripture is from biblegateway.com—a wonderful resource for all sorts of Bible translations and Bible study tools.)
Here is the entire passage for you to read—and to review as the month progresses:
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. 12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:1-17, ESV
“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. 5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. 16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”
Colossians 3:1-17, NLT
Saturday, May 1, 2021
(Ask the Father’s help to understand and apply the Bible truths that He shows you today.)
-Scripture:
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
Colossians 3:5, ESV
“So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.”
Colossians 3:5, NLT
Something to Think About:
The first item on the “put off” (or “put to DEATH”) list is sexual immorality. This word is translated a few different ways in the New Testament. They include harlotry, adultery, incest, and illicit sexual intercourse, among others. Pretty ugly, wouldn’t you say! But, here’s the real kicker. This word can ALSO be referring to the worship of idols. God’s #1 command is for the humans He created is to worship Him and Him alone. When our focus is on anything else (ANYTHING ELSE), that person or thing is an idol to us—and God sees it as adultery against Him. This is an incredibly sobering realization! God is not playing around when He commands that our love and worship belongs first and foremost to Him.
Before we get all huffy or completely discouraged, never forget that it is ALSO God Who loved us so much that He sent His own Son to DIE IN OUR PLACE so that we wouldn’t HAVE to sin! It is God Who loved us so much that He gave us the Third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, to permanently indwell us so that, first, we could come alive spiritually and become His adopted child, but also so that we could understand Who He is, what He wants from us (and for us!), and so that we could have the ABILITY to say “No!” to sin and “Yes, Lord!” to righteous and holy living—to be able to “put on” all those wonderful characteristics found later in this passage! This is no small gift, fellow child of God!
There are many Bible verses that address the ugliness of sexual immorality in the Old Testament, but there are several in the New Testament as well. A few for you to look up include Matthew 5:19, Romans 1:29, Galatians 5:19, and Ephesians 5:3.
Now that we’ve established just how detestable this is in God’s eyes, let’s look at a few verses that tell us what to do about it.
Acts 15:22-35 is a record of a concern that the home church in Jerusalem had for the new Gentile churches that were springing up around Asia Minor. They realized that these non-Jewish believers in Christ did not need to follow the Law or any Jewish traditions, but they did have a few critical dos and don’ts for them to follow. On the list was to “abstain” from sexual immorality (v.29). To abstain means “don’t do it.” The word that is opposite of abstaining is “to indulge in.” In other words, abstaining from sexual immorality is to say that obeying God is far more important than indulging ourselves in any way or manner.
Just to clarify, what might fall under the heading of sexual immorality (I don’t want to assume you know)? It would be ANY form of sexual pleasure OUTSIDE of marriage. This would include any physical acts, but it would also include pornography and any media that might cause our minds to go where they don’t belong. God created the sexual union to be a beautiful thing, but only for a husband and his wife. Taking this beautiful gift of His and applying it to ANY other situation removes all the beauty and trades it for sorrow, heartache, hardness of heart, and a breach in the relationship between us and God. NOT WORTH IT.
I Corinthians 6:18 warns believers to flee sexual immorality. Like Joseph when Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him, literally run away from the temptation. Do whatever it takes to avoid it—even if that means no TV, no movies, no fiction, and very carefully monitored computer time.
I Corinthians 6 actually goes on to remind believers that all of us belong to God, including our bodies. In fact, our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit, so sexual immorality simply has no place. Verse 19 and 20 remind us that we are not our own because we were bought with a price—the price of Jesus Christ’s blood! “SO, glorify God in your body.” Pretty important reminders!
Prayerful Evaluation:
-What did I know about this item before today’s study?
-Were my ideas accurate biblically? Why or why not?
-What did the Holy Spirit point out to me to consider, act on, do, or change?
June 2021 DBSQ
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
-Be sure to spend some time in prayer before studying the Bible. Ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to understand what you are reading, and to know how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for His amazing Word!
-Today’s Scripture having to do with “God is light”:
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. . . I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory. Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. It flowed down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations. No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. And there will be no night there—no need for lamps or sun—for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever.” Revelation 21:1-4, 22-27; 22:1-5, NLT
Something to Think About:
I thought it would be a lot of fun to end this month’s look at “God is light” to look ahead to the day when God is not only the light in the sense of insight, wisdom, direction, knowledge, and so on, but to be awed that He will one day be the literal light that lights up the world!
I don’t know about you, but I find it extremely hard to picture a world without the sun, moon, and stars. I find it impossible to imagine not needing lamps, lights, flashlights, fires, and such. That there will be no night is a tough one to imagine!
I don’t understand how God’s light could light up the whole world while not being so bright (like the sun) that we cannot look at Him. But one of the biggest and most amazing parts of the post-sin world is that God Himself will take up residence WITH US and be WITH US forever. These are things too wonderful to understand.
If you haven’t read the entirety of the last few chapters of the Bible lately, you should definitely take the time to read it soon. It’s what we’re looking forward to! It’s what keeps us wanting to live faithfully for God! It helps us focus on the glories God has planned for all who love Him! I think, though, that God didn’t place all these wonders here simply for our encouragement and as a charge to keep on keeping on (though, they definitely do that!). I think they are there so we will never forget all the wonderful things God has done, is doing, and will continue to do throughout forever—so that we give Him MUCH praise and glory.
We don’t have to wait, you know. We can give Him great praise and glory right this minute—and every single day He gifts us with here on planet earth!
Review: (Based on today’s Bible study)
-Light is connected with God; eternity; joy; peace; contentment
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Darkness is connected with sin; horrible things before sin is removed from the world; evil; what is shameful
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Making it Personal: what about your current thinking, attitudes, words, and actions are “light” and what is “dark”? What does God’s Word say to do about it?
Tuesday, June 29, 2021
-Be sure to spend some time in prayer before studying the Bible. Ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to understand what you are reading, and to know how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for His amazing Word!
-Today’s Scripture having to do with “God is light”:
“You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16, CSB
Something to Think About:
When it comes to writing Bible studies and talking to other people about what a God-honoring Christian life is comprised of, I like to tell my husband that he is the sun and I am simply the moon that reflects his light. That’s because (in case you didn’t know!), he is also my pastor and for more than three decades, I have been the much-blessed recipient of a tremendous amount of excellent Bible teaching. I have listened to him preach about 4,000 times—just in our church. This is not including Bible conferences and all sorts of special meetings and fellowships. I have sat in His Sunday School lessons and Wednesday night devotions over 2,000 times each. I have been richly blessed to have been able to sit on the couch with him and have him explain some word, verse, passage, or an entire book of the Bible. I have pushed away from my desk chair in my computer room so that I can see him studying from the couch in the next room in order to ask him some question to clarify my understanding of Scripture. This hard working servant of God has even helped me understand some basic principles of Greek (his brain was made for that kind of thing, but mine wasn’t!). His superior knowledge of God’s Word has helped to shine just a bit of that on to you.
BUT, you, dear fellow child of God, have ALSO been a student of God’s Word. You have sat under good preaching. You have studied God’s Word personally. You have been in great Sunday School classes (and perhaps taught some of your own!). You have EXPERIENCED God’s redemption, His unconditional love, His perfect care, His great compassion, His patience, His grace, His mercy. You KNOW what wonderful things God has planned for those who love Him. Who are you sharing that with? How are you shining His light in the world where He has placed YOU?
God made YOU a light for His glory. How are you showing it?
Review: (Based on today’s Bible study)
-Light is connected with God’s glory; God’s people doing “good works;” visibility
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Darkness is connected with uselessness; missed purpose; hiding
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Making it Personal: what about your current thinking, attitudes, words, and actions are “light” and what is “dark”? What does God’s Word say to do about it?
Monday, June 28, 2021
-Be sure to spend some time in prayer before studying the Bible. Ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to understand what you are reading, and to know how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for His amazing Word!
-Today’s Scripture having to do with “God is light”:
“Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.” Philippians 2:12-16, NLT
Something to Think About:
Have you ever been in a situation where you were the only one holding a flashlight in a dark room? If the room is completely dark, and if you’re the only one with a light, anyone else in that room kind of needs you in order to see. They could ignore the light and grope their way around the room, hoping to not run their shin into anything, stub a toe, or fall down a hole they didn’t know what there, but how much nicer, safer, and comforting it is to have a light with which to see both the dangers and the path of escape!
Christian, YOU are that light as you go through your life. Many people you cross paths with are stumbling in the darkness, in danger of all sorts of horrible things in this life—and far worse, headed to a Christless eternity in the Lake of Fire! How we live as Christians—as God’s children—will “shine” in the dark world, showing others the love of God and presenting opportunities to tell them what Jesus did on their behalf.
Did you notice that one of the ways we can be bright lights for God is by NOT complaining or arguing? The word order of this sentence puts the word “everything” first. This means that there is NEVER a time when grumbling, complaining, grumping, moaning, or otherwise indicating that you feel that life isn’t fair is appropriate for a child of God. Why? Because YOU BELONG TO GOD. FOREVER! Because God has saved you from eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire and provided a permanent home WITH HIM—as His dearly loved child! Because you don’t have to rely on your power and strength to be good and do good things (or even WANT to do good and be good), because God is the One Who causes both the desire and the ability. Our job is simply to cooperate with the Holy Spirit’s leading (that is what is in view when Paul tells us to “work hard to show the results of your salvation” (“work out your own salvation,” as other translations say it). God has done all that is needed for us to living victorious Christian lives, God will keep helping us to obey Him for as long as we are alive, and we just need to refuse to refuse.
P.S. There’s also a reminder here to live faithfully for God—whether or not we think anyone sees us. Paul knows that the believers who literally see him will want to live in the right way so as to both not be ashamed and so as to earn his “well done,” but he is asking them to work just as hard even when he isn’t around. We, too, should never give ourselves the option to behave in less than a God-honoring way. Paul doesn’t see us, our pastor might not be watching, other people may not be near us, but we carry the Holy Spirit with us wherever we go—and GOD cares what we do every second of every day. He wants to be able to use us, bless us, draw us closer to His side, and reward us richly in eternity.
Review: (Based on today’s Bible study)
-Light is connected with the testimony of believers; demonstrating to others Christlikeness; obedience to God and His word; faithfulness
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Darkness is connected with crooked and perverse people; complaining and arguing; disobeying God and having a wrong view of Him
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Making it Personal: what about your current thinking, attitudes, words, and actions are “light” and what is “dark”? What does God’s Word say to do about it?
Saturday, June 26, 2021
-Be sure to spend some time in prayer before studying the Bible. Ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to understand what you are reading, and to know how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for His amazing Word!
-Today’s Scripture having to do with “God is light”:
“The Lord is king! Let the earth rejoice! Let the farthest coastlands be glad. Dark clouds surround him. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. Fire spreads ahead of him and burns up all his foes. His lightning flashes out across the world. The earth sees and trembles. The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim his righteousness; every nation sees his glory. Those who worship idols are disgraced— all who brag about their worthless gods— for every god must bow to him. Jerusalem has heard and rejoiced, and all the towns of Judah are glad because of your justice, O Lord! For you, O Lord, are supreme over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods. You who love the Lord, hate evil! He protects the lives of his godly people and rescues them from the power of the wicked. Light shines on the godly, and joy on those whose hearts are right. May all who are godly rejoice in the Lord and praise his holy name!” Psalm 97, NLT
Something to Think About:
This psalm is actually celebrating the coming reign of Jesus Christ during the Millennium. It’s going to be such a spectacular time! I’m so excited to see our world under THE Righteous Ruler and to have justice prevail and sin NEVER win! It won’t be a happy time, though, for those who are in opposition to God! As marvelous as God’s grace is, His anger is equally in its terror to the ungodly!
BUT, in the meantime, there’s encouragement and direction given to you and me—and all those who love God and belong to Him. Right up there at the top is to learn to hate evil. I know what you’re thinking! We’ve all heard it growing up, “Never say hate!” “To hate is such an awful thing!” “Maybe say that you ‘dislike’ whatever it is a LOT.” But, guess what? God TELLS US to hate evil! It is the necessary second component of loving God.
I read this quote, “To hate means to reject, to love means to choose. Both are an expression of the will and not merely an emotion. The Bible commands both love and hatred.” I like this a lot! God said it like this in Psalm 97:10, “You who love the Lord, hate evil!” Pretty straightforward. EVERYTHING about God is worthy of our wholehearted devotion and obedience, EVERYTHING about evil is worthy of rejection, abhorrence, and distancing ourselves as far as possible from it and from the temptations leading to it.
We’re not in this battle alone, you know. The Psalm goes on to say that God protects the lives of those who belong to Him who CHOOSE to live godly lives and that He protects them from the power of the wicked. He shines LIGHT on them and fills their hearts with joy. The result? They rejoice in the Lord and praise His holy name.
We can use these truths as a bit of a gauge. Have you thought of that? If we are always gloomy, our emotions are consistently in a state of turmoil, and we feel defeated and dismayed regularly, is it possible that we have not been rejecting evil in some area? Is it possible that we aren’t obeying God willingly or fully? God WANTS to shine His amazing light on us and fill us with joy. We simply need to choose to love Him more than anything else and trust in His perfect care from moment to moment.
Review: (Based on today’s Bible study)
-Light is connected with godliness; righteousness; praising God’s name
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Darkness is connected with evil; disobedience; judgment; idolatry; disgrace
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Making it Personal: what about your current thinking, attitudes, words, and actions are “light” and what is “dark”? What does God’s Word say to do about it?
Friday, June 25, 2021
-Be sure to spend some time in prayer before studying the Bible. Ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to understand what you are reading, and to know how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for His amazing Word!
-Today’s Scripture having to do with “God is light”:
“Send out your light and your truth; let them guide me. Let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the place where you live. There I will go to the altar of God, to God—the source of all my joy. I will praise you with my harp, O God, my God! Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!” Psalm 43:3-5, NLT
Something to Think About:
David, the author of this psalm, was apparently having a pretty rough life when writing this. He had enemies trying to kill him—and he was feeling a bit like God had abandoned him. But then he did what we all need to do, instead of turning away from God, he turned TO God and placed his confidence in Him. He reminded himself of God’s faithfulness and how God had never let him down—which helped him to trust God in this situation, however dire things appeared just then.
David asked God to send His light and truth to guide him. He especially wanted to go to the tent where the ark was (and where God was to be worshiped). And why did he want to go there? So that he could praise God! So that he could express his trust in God. So that he could remind himself that it was foolish and wrong to feel overwhelmed and discouraged knowing that he was able to put his hope in GOD. He made the DECISION to trust and praise God. What an awesome example for all of us!
You know, you may have at times been a bit jealous of David and the extra special relationship he had with God, but God has blessed you in MANY ways that David wasn’t ever given! For one, we know exactly how God fulfilled His promise to save mankind from their sin—AND how astonishing it was that He chose His own Son to do this essential task! David believed that God would one day do someone to provide salvation, but he didn’t know the incredible details as we do.
Because God hand-picked David to be Israel’s second king, He provided multiple occasions where the Holy Spirit filled David and helped him do things and understand things, BUT David did not have the permanent indwelling Spirit as you and I do. All believers would do well to pause pretty frequently to thank God for this extraordinary Gift, that of the Third Person of the Trinity within us every single second to help us understand God’s Word, to obey God’s Word, to know how to talk to the Father in prayer—and a million other things. The indwelling Holy Spirit is a very, very big deal.
David had oodles of fellow Jews to talk to and worship God with, but he never had anything quite so amazing as the local church—the bride of Christ. This institution wasn’t even KNOWN about or guessed about until it began – right up until its birth at Pentecost, yet for roughly 2,000 years it has been the place of God’s focus and blessing—and will CONTINUE to be incredibly important to God for all of eternity. Do you thank God for your church? For your pastor? For the fellow believers who He has brought to that place? Have you invested yourself in service there? Are you taking advantage of every single service and fellowship? The local church is THE PLACE of God’s focus and blessing in this age. Today. We would be fools to not make it our heart and soul.
Oh, and another biggie. We don’t have to go to the Temple to worship God. We have access to God anytime, anywhere, about anything. We don’t need a priest, nor do we have to follow super strict protocols. We simply need to pray to our Father in the name of His Son.
We have much to praise and thank God for—and perhaps we can talk about it with David one day in glory.
Review: (Based on today’s Bible study)
-Light is connected with God; truth; guidance; joy; praise; hope (confidence)
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Darkness is connected with lies; being lost; sorrow; discouragement; sorrow
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Making it Personal: what about your current thinking
Thursday, June 24, 2021
-Be sure to spend some time in prayer before studying the Bible. Ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to understand what you are reading, and to know how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for His amazing Word!
-Today’s Scripture having to do with “God is light”:
“Lord, your faithful love reaches to heaven, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your judgments like the deepest sea. Lord, you preserve people and animals. How priceless your faithful love is, God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They are filled from the abundance of your house. You let them drink from your refreshing stream. For the wellspring of life is with you. By means of your light we see light. Spread your faithful love over those who know you, and your righteousness over the upright in heart.” Psalm 36:5-10, CSB
Something to Think About:
“By means of Your light we see light.” In other words, it takes looking at EVERYTHING through God’s eyes in order to see them accurately. Turned around, we won’t have an accurate view of what’s going on when we are evaluating them based on our own understanding or on the explanations of pundits. Simply put? We NEED God.
And when we are looking at life through the lens of God’s Word, the psalmist lists a few (super wonderful) observations:
-God’s love is faithful and is everywhere.
-God’s righteousness is perfect.
-God’s judgments are right, true, and just.
-God provides refuge and abundance.
-God provides refreshment and rest.
-God provides insight and wisdom.
-God blesses and helps those who have chosen to live upright lives by obeying Him and being like Jesus Christ in word and deed.
You might benefit from looking at the rest of Psalm 36 because David lists all the ugliness of what life is like for those who refuse to look at life through God’s eyes. It’s pretty awful!
Spend some time in prayer asking God to reveal to you areas where you haven’t been using His Word as the filter through which you viewed various things in your life. Things such as how to spend your time, worthy life goals, who makes for a good friend, how to BE a godly friend, how to spend your money, what to wear, things to say (and NOT say) – everything. The more time we spend in His Word, the more we are able to refine what imitating God looks like.
Review: (Based on today’s Bible study)
-Light is connected with understanding; insight; the ability to see God’s blessings and faithfulness
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Darkness is connected with an inability to understand God or please Him; missing out on God’s faithful love; not having a place of refuge
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Making it Personal: what about your current thinking, attitudes, words, and actions are “light” and what is “dark”? What does God’s Word say to do about it?
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
-Be sure to spend some time in prayer before studying the Bible. Ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to understand what you are reading, and to know how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for His amazing Word!
-Today’s Scripture having to do with “God is light”:
“Your laws are wonderful. No wonder I obey them! The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand. I pant with expectation, longing for your commands. Come and show me your mercy, as you do for all who love your name. Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil. Ransom me from the oppression of evil people; then I can obey your commandments. Look upon me with love; teach me your decrees. Rivers of tears gush from my eyes because people disobey your instructions.” Psalm 119:129-136, NLT
Something to Think About:
Ever hear people desperately wish that they knew the purpose of life? Eager to get the answers for why this and why that? Have YOU ever wondered these things? The answer, my friend, is in God’s Word.
The psalmist put it simply by pointing out that it is God’s Word, the Bible, that gives light. In this instance, “giving light” is to gain understanding and insight. The psalmist states that even the “simple” can understand. Now, in our culture, being called “simple” (I can’t help but picture recess in the schoolyard and children either being mean or simply teasing each other) can be construed as an insult, but I’m pretty sure that this is not how it’s being used here. Even if it is, doesn’t Jesus Himself say that if we become like a child in simple faith and obedience that we will make WAY more progress in godliness than if think of ourselves too highly or with misplaced pride? I’d rather be “simple” and deeply love God and be determined to obey Him in big areas and tiny ones, than to be considered wise, yet have a poor understanding of God’s magnificence and glories.
I love, too, the psalmist view of God’s commands—the things He tells us we are to do, be, etc. Rather than thinking them oppressive or too difficult, he says that they are WONDERFUL. So wonderful, in fact, that it is his delight to obey each and every one. Is that my attitude??? Is it yours?
Do you “pant with expectation and longing” to find more commands to obey? Doing so would surely show a right outlook on how our obedience to God is a privilege and joy and not a burden or punishment.
Concerned about being overcome by evil—either that of the world or even your own sin nature? The Bible is ours to guide our steps so that we can recognize God’s mercy and God’s love. Without it, the world is “dark” and oppressive!
Lastly, do you have the same attitude about the importance of obeying God’s Word as the psalmist does? Do you grieve over those who choose to disobey it? God surely grieves over this—and we shouldn’t ever be callous to it either. Not in the lives of others, nor in our own walk with the Lord.
May our attitude and goals forever be ones of delight with God’s Word and gratitude for its direction, correction, and instruction!
Review: (Based on today’s Bible study)
-Light is connected with God’s Word; understanding it; and being eager to obey it completely
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Darkness is connected with a refusal to obey God; in ability to understand and appreciate God
(Your thoughts/conclusions: _
-Making it Personal: what about your current thinking, attitudes, words, and actions are “light” and what is “dark”? What does God’s Word say to do about it?
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
-Be sure to spend some time in prayer before studying the Bible. Ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to understand what you are reading, and to know how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for His amazing Word!
-Today’s Scripture having to do with “God is light”:
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— whom should I dread? When evildoers came against me to devour my flesh, my foes and my enemies stumbled and fell. Though an army deploys against me, my heart will not be afraid; though a war breaks out against me, I will still be confident. I have asked one thing from the Lord; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the Lord and seeking him in his temple. For he will conceal me in his shelter in the day of adversity; he will hide me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock. Then my head will be high above my enemies around me; I will offer sacrifices in his tent with shouts of joy. I will sing and make music to the Lord. Lord, hear my voice when I call; be gracious to me and answer me. My heart says this about you: “Seek his face.” Lord, I will seek your face. Do not hide your face from me; do not turn your servant away in anger. You have been my helper; do not leave me or abandon me, God of my salvation. Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord cares for me. Because of my adversaries, show me your way, Lord, and lead me on a level path. Do not give me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing violence. I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart be courageous. Wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27, CSB
Something to Think About:
The psalms are a wonderful place to go when life is challenging, confusing, or difficult. This is because the authors were pretty honest about their battles trusting God. There’s a common pattern, though, that is well worth noting. We’ll often find the psalmists pouring out their fears and sorrows to God, sometimes expressing tremendous emotions, BUT in the very act of turning to God and baring their hearts, they find His comfort, His peace, and His direction.
God doesn’t mind us telling Him all about our struggles (though blaming God or telling Him we are angry at HIM is not a right thing to do). God knows what we are thinking anyway, but when we CHOOSE to share it with Him, it provides us an opportunity to be reminded about Who He is, how much He loves us, all the ways He has been faithful in the past, and all the wonderful things He has promised in His Word. In other words, it helps us take our mind off our messed up world and place it in the security of His presence.
The Lord is our LIGHT and salvation. He is THE ANSWER to all problems past, present, and future. He is our STRONGHOLD. When we are walking faithfully with Him and for Him, we have literally nothing to be afraid of and nothing to dread. Nothing and no one can stand up to our God. Nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:39).
Where do you think that David (the author of this psalm) got such a right view of God? A little into this psalm he says, “I have asked one thing from the Lord; it is what I desire; to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.” David had committed to being “near” God. For us, this means daily (meaningful) time in the Bible reading, studying, and meditating on it. It means regular and consistent prayer time with the Father. It means literally being in God’s House, the church, to listen, learn, and grow—and to fellowship with like-minded brothers and sisters in Christ. It means choosing our friends wisely, choosing carefully what we allow into our heads and hearts via media, choosing where we go and what we do wisely. All these things will either draw us closer to God or drive us away. As we’ve noted many times, God does not count anything less than wholehearted devotion to Him as true devotion. He will not share His throne with anyone or anything else.
BUT, when we live as God created us to live (for His glory!), then some amazing things happen. We begin to recognize that God is our all-in-all and we have no need for fear or dread. We can remain confident as we live for the Lord day by day, our desire for closeness to God and God’s people grows and grows, we will spend our days singing God’s praise and making music to Him in our hearts, we will know how to act in order to please God and be a good witness to others, and we will have patience because we trust God in every area.
Review: (Based on today’s Bible study)
-Light is connected with salvation(rescue); trust; lack of fear; confidence; a desire to be near God; joy; singing praise to God; assurance; courage; patience
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Darkness is connected with fear; dread; enemies; anger; abandonment; violence
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Making it Personal: what about your current thinking, attitudes, words, and actions are “light” and what is “dark”? What does God’s Word say to do about it?
Monday, June 21, 2021
-Be sure to spend some time in prayer before studying the Bible. Ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to understand what you are reading, and to know how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for His amazing Word!
-Today’s Scripture having to do with “God is light”:
“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again: I will obey your righteous regulations. I have suffered much, O Lord; restore my life again as you promised. Lord, accept my offering of praise, and teach me your regulations. My life constantly hangs in the balance, but I will not stop obeying your instructions. The wicked have set their traps for me, but I will not turn from your commandments. Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight. I am determined to keep your decrees to the very end.” Psalm 119:105-112, NLT
Something to Think About:
Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, is all about the author’s love for God’s Word and his determination to obey it fully and continually. What a wonderful commitment for all of us to make, too!
Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path,” has to be one of the top 25 Bible verses most inscribed on plaques, printed onto greeting cards, and carved into images of lighthouses and lamps! It’s an awesome verse because it reminds us that the Bible, God’s Word, is THE most necessary thing to have in our life besides salvation. Why? Because it is a “light” for us, directing us, guiding us, helping us to avoid spiritual disaster.
Did you know that the two words, lamp and light, are two different words (so is “feet” and “path”). Any guesses why? Well, it’s something like this: God’s Word is like a lamp, a flashlight as it were, to help us to know where to place our next step on a dark stormy night in the woods. There are so many things that can trip us up as we walk, but our trusty flashlight can help us pick out a safe path and get us to our destination. God’s Word is also, though, a lamp to our path. It is like a huge stadium light which illuminates an entire baseball field, showing us every detail as if it were still day. God’s Word helps us in the minute details of becoming more like Christ and bearing the image of God—and it helps us in big picture areas, things like trying to understand in what way God is light as demonstrated from Genesis to Revelation in a million huge and wonderful ways.
If you feel lost and confused, “in the dark” as it were, pick up your Bible and open it up. Prayerfully begin reading—and God WILL show you what you need to know to be encouraged, blessed, enlightened, exhorted, directed, instructed, and just plain BLESSED. Don’t leave home without your light! Put a copy in your car, download a copy on your phone, have a copy in every room of your home, place verses from it on your walls, listen to its words in the songs you listen to, and most importantly, keep it in your heart so that you are ready to apply it to every word, thought, and deed.
P.S. Have you ever made any of the commitments the psalmist made in these few verses? Have you told God that you are determined to obey His Word? Have you asked Him to TEACH you His do’s and don’ts? Have you chosen to have a heart of praise at all times? Have you invested so much in God’s Word that it is your treasure and your heart’s delight? Have you made the decision to obey God every single day for as long as He gives you here on this earth?
Review: (Based on today’s Bible study)
-Light is connected with God’s Word; guidance; direction
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Darkness is connected with being lost and misdirection
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Making it Personal: what about your current thinking, attitudes, words, and actions are “light” and what is “dark”? What does God’s Word say to do about it?
Saturday, June 19, 2021
-Be sure to spend some time in prayer before studying the Bible. Ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to understand what you are reading, and to know how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for His amazing Word!
-Today’s Scripture having to do with “God is light”:
“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.” James 1:13-18, NLT
Something to Think About:
Verse 17 in the above passage states that God created all the lights in the heavens. Other translations call Him the “Father of Lights” in this verse—which is pretty awesome. Here are two Old Testament passages that speak of this:
Psalm 74:16 “Yours is the day, yours also the night; you have established the heavenly lights and the sun.”
Psalm 136:7-9 “Give thanks to him who made the heavenly lights—His faithful love endures forever. The sun to rule the day, His faithful love endures forever. And the moon and stars to rule the night. His faithful love endures forever.”
These are wonderful verses when considering God’s awesome creation and His perfect care over EVERYTHING, but contextually, what could James 1:17 mean to those of us living in the Church Age? How does it better help us understand light v. dark and how to reflect the light of our Father?
When we back up a few verses and read that God rewards patient endurance of testing and temptation, not to mention the fact that God allows some things into our life because He loves us, we should ALSO keep in mind that God will never tempt us to do wrong. In fact (our verse states), God is the author of whatever is GOOD and perfect. The same God Who created the wonders of the sun, moon, and stars is the God Who decides what “good” gifts to give to His children whom He loves, whom He considers His “prized possession.” That’s you and me, dear fellow believer! Our Father is rock-steady, always faithful, always consistently trustworthy and good. We can NEVER legitimately complain about God or His care of us—EVER. For Him to act callously, unkindly, or unfairly simply isn’t possible. What comfort! What assurance! What a wonderful truth to hold onto when life gets all helter-skelter and seems upside down!
-God (OUR FATHER) only gives us what is good. He sometimes allows challenges in our life so that we can grow in godliness and learn to trust Him more. He does what He does for our spiritual good and for His glory (whereas, in contrast, satan tempts us for our failure and destruction).
-God never changes or “casts a shifting shadow.” He is steady, secure, and utterly trustworthy.
-God CHOSE us to become His children, giving us salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on our behalf (“the Word”).
-God blesses us when we are patient when undergoing testing and temptation (this is what enduring means).
-God rewards those who respond in a right way to testing and temptation with the crown of life.
-Responding in a right way to testing and temptation shows we love God.
Living faithfully for God (“enduring”) is highly prized by God. Hang in there, dear one! The time of Christ’s return for us is literally at any moment! Keep your eye on Jesus Christ and finish your race strong! He’s right there, helping and encouraging you!
Review: (Based on today’s Bible study)
-Light is connected with God’s steadfastness and trustworthiness; good gifts; rewards for faithfulness
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Darkness is connected with a wrong view of God and God’s motives; sin/sinful actions; death; instability; giving up
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Making it Personal: what about your current thinking, attitudes, words, and actions are “light” and what is “dark”? What does God’s Word say to do about it?
Friday, June 18, 2021
-Be sure to spend some time in prayer before studying the Bible. Ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to understand what you are reading, and to know how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for His amazing Word!
-Today’s Scripture having to do with “God is light”:
“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.” Psalm 139:7-12, ESV
Something to Think About:
Psalm 139 has been a favorite of many Christians for centuries. It is full of the magnificent creative power of God and His all-encompassing love and care for His children. The author seems to get a little overwhelmed when thinking that no one can hide from God or escape fromHis knowledge), but then he remembers God’s steadfast love and faithfulness and finds these truths to be comforting and helpful.
Did you see the light v. dark in these verses? This passage is kind of different from our other comparison and contrast verses, because it demonstrates that God is bigger than even darkness. Why? Because darkness is not darkness to Him! He created it, He controls it, and it does not hide us from Him. This is true in that we cannot hide sin from Him, but it is also true in that God always knows where we are and He care and watchfulness is constant and perfect. What an amazing thing! The God of the universe watches YOU in order to protect you, direct you, be pleased when you obey Him, and to redirect you when you are heading in a wrong direction.
Is there something “dark” in your life right now, something that seems too hard to bear? It is not dark to God. He’s got this. He can help you to view it through His light and to recognize that He always has your good in mind and that even the hard things can bring Him great glory when we are living as children of light.
BONUS: Want a huge blessing? Read all of Psalm 139! One of my all-time favorite verses that makes for an awesome first-thing-in-the-day prayer are verses 23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
Review: (Based on today’s Bible study)
-Light is connected with God’s presence; God’s perfect care
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Darkness is connected with fear; being lost; hiding
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Making it Personal: what about your current thinking, attitudes, words, and actions are “light” and what is “dark”? What does God’s Word say to do about it?
Thursday, June 17, 2021
-Be sure to spend some time in prayer before studying the Bible. Ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to understand what you are reading, and to know how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for His amazing Word!
-Today’s Scripture having to do with “God is light”:
“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children . . . For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” Ephesians 5:1, 8-17, NLT
Something to Think About:
Today’s Bible passage talking about light v. darkness is actually part of our 2021 theme of being imitators of God (v.1), so it is kind of fun to see how imitating God links with walking as children of light. If God is light (and He is), then we are children of light. It is who we are. Yet, as in every other area of Christ-like behavior, we can CHOOSE to live like who we ARE—or we can choose to live like what we WERE (children of darkness).
The last sentence in this passage exhorts Christians to not wander through their days without thought as to what God’s will is for us in each new situation we find ourselves, but rather to DELIBERATELY consider (from what we know the Bible says) what God wants us to think, to say, to do, to focus on—as well as what to avoid, NOT think about, and never do. This passage in Ephesians 5 lists several of the do’s and don’t (and we spent all of May looking at several from Colossians 3!). Here are just the ones listed in today’s passage (though the entire chapter has several more):
-Imitate God AS His dear child (we are part of the family of God, we should be eagerly focusing every single day on being “like” God and like Jesus Christ).
-Live as children of light (do/think/say what is good, right, and true—this is the opposite of darkness as seen in verses 3-6).
-CAREFULLY determine what pleases the Lord (and refuse to do ANYTHING that does not!).
-Take NO PART in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness—don’t even talk about them!
-When necessary, Christians should humbly, lovingly, and graciously point out sin in the lives of other believers. God cannot and will not bless His children who are living sinfully, so we are not doing them any favors to turn a blind eye. When God’s pure light is shined on evil deeds, they will be clearly seen as evil—and this is a good thing. Once any of us recognize that we have sinned, we can then confess it to God and make it right with Him, returning to a right light-filled relationship with Him.
-Be careful how you live, that it is, be wise and make the most of every opportunity that you encounter to obey God, to please God, to and help brothers and sisters in Christ flee evil. (In the Bible, to be wise is to listen to God and obey Him. To be foolish is to know what God wants and refuse to listen or obey.)
-Be godly EVEN THOUGH you live in evil days. Be light in darkness.
-THOUGHTFULLY consider what God wants you to do, then do it.
-To act like God’s beloved child, we need to imitate and obey Him in ALL these areas, ALL the time.
Review: (Based on today’s Bible study)
-Light is connected with the family of God; what is good; right; and true; pleasing the Lord; visible and above-board things; wise living; obedience to the Lord
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Darkness is connected with worthless deeds; shameful things; evil intentions; secret sins; death; foolishness/disobedience; thoughtlessness/purposelessness
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Making it Personal: what about your current thinking, attitudes, words, and actions are “light” and what is “dark”? What does God’s Word say to do about it?
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
-Be sure to spend some time in prayer before studying the Bible. Ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to understand what you are reading, and to know how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for His amazing Word!
-Today’s Scripture having to do with “God is light”:
“Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: “I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” II Corinthians 6:14-18, NLT
Something to Think About:
Even though we have addressed this Scripture before, let’s look at it from the perspective of light and darkness since Paul uses these as part of a group of rhetorical questions which demonstrate that Christians must not have close relationships with unbelievers.
So, just what IS the “close” relationship warned against here? It is any relationship where the other person/has a different life’s purpose than you and which might cause you to stop living for God wholeheartedly. Every Christian’s life purpose is to glorify God, to obey His Word in every area, to love Him, and to love others. To be frank, an unbeliever is not capable of these goals. No unbeliever can please God. They are, upon entering the world, God’s enemies. Not everyone ACTS like that—or even thinks like that, but facts are facts—and this is what God says is true. And so, we might have casual friendships, shared gym memberships, and attend the same craft class, but we must not marry an unbeliever, become business partners with an unbeliever, or have any other super close bond where we are looking to the other person to give us advice or tell us how to live. We might call the warning in this passage a caution against forming an “organic tie” with a person who is not a believer. We need mature believers who are grounded in God’s Word and obeying it themselves to rightly counsel us, encourage us, edify us, admonish us, and otherwise help us to imitate Jesus Christ in how we move, think, and live our lives. We need others who are also walking in the light. We need others of the family of God who are also focusing on doing the will of God in every area.
So, can’t we have any sort of relationship with unbelievers? Of course! First and foremost, our interactions with unbelievers need to include witnessing and telling them how they can become part of God’s family. All of God’s children should be known as a “nice” person, one who is kind, helpful, cheerful, and pleasant to be around. This, too, is a testimony. All of God’s children should also be excellent employers or employees. How we interact with co-workers will give us opportunity to shine the light of Jesus Christ onto them. Being a hard worker, getting to work on time, not taking more break time than is due, and other excellent work ethics will all “speak” volumes. Certainly, being a good neighbor is an excellent testimony. Perhaps an important thing to keep in mind is that we can have a relationship with someone—as long as we are also obeying God’s Word 100%. If something comes up and we are asked to think something, say something, or do something that is NOT in keeping of a child of God, then our allegiance MUST be to God. We MUST obey Him first and foremost.
As a young woman, I foolishly allowed a close friendship to develop with an unsaved co-worker. God brought it to my attention—and kept bringing it to my attention, until I finally yielded to Him and severed my ties with her completely. It was REALLY, REALLY hard—and very painful for both of us. I felt TERRIBLE for hurting her in that way—and if I had only heeded II Corinthians 6 from the beginning, I would have never allowed that close bond to develop. My sin led to pain for her—and a less-than-stellar walk with the Lord for me during that time period. As painful as it was, I HAD TO place my relationship with Christ before this friend. And, in the end, I cannot tell you what a horrible menacing darkness was lifted from my shoulders—simply for obeying God and not being unequally teamed up with an unbeliever.
Review: (Based on today’s Bible study)
-Light is connected with righteousness; harmony; partnership with Christ; walking in the presence of God; belonging to God; separation from the world and everything that is filthy.
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Darkness is connected with wickedness; partnership with satan; idolatry; filthiness
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Making it Personal: what about your current thinking, attitudes, words, and actions are “light” and what is “dark”? What does God’s Word say to do about it?
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
-Be sure to spend some time in prayer before studying the Bible. Ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to understand what you are reading, and to know how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for His amazing Word!
-Today’s Scripture having to do with “God is light”:
“If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.” II Corinthians 4:3-6, NLT
Something to Think About:
These verses make it quite clear that those who haven’t trusted in Christ as Savior have been blinded by satan so that they are unable to see the “glorious light” of the Good News (the gospel). They don’t understand what Jesus said or see how He is the exact likeness of God in Who He is, what He did, and why. HOWEVER, God is bigger than satan. Satan can do nothing apart from God allowing it. And it is God the Holy Spirit, Who causes someone to understand what the Son of God did for them and causes them to become a new creature in Christ by believing in Jesus as their Savior. In other words, don’t give up hope that your unsaved loved ones will “see” what God did for them and become saved. Keep sharing the light of your glorious salvation and trust God to fulfill His perfect will for each person and each circumstance of life.
Did you notice how Paul pointed out that it was not his goal to point to himself? He always pointed to Christ. This is an excellent reminder for all of us, too. The One Who deserves all attention, all honor, and all focus, is always going to be Jesus Christ. So, even when we’re fully aware of our failures and inadequacies in the area of witnessing, when we focus on telling others about our marvelous Father and our perfect Savior, then people will hear what they truly need to hear, see the One they need to see.
Another kind of neat thing Paul said here is that he, as a full time servant of God, was also THEIR servant—for Jesus’ sake. In other words, he served God BY serving God’s people. Though we might sometimes feel like what we do isn’t noticed or given the appreciation it deserves, our real focus ought to be on honoring God, serving Him—and doing this by being a blessing to others and doing so willingly, sacrificially, with excellence, and with joy. In the end, what’s even important? The praise of men or the praise of GOD?
One last thing, did you notice how Paul used creation as an analogy to salvation? One of the very first things that God did upon the creation of our world was to cause light to come out of darkness. Then, once mankind had sinned and brought about the curse of death on one and all, God again provided light to come out of darkness through the death, burial, and resurrection of His own dearly loved Son. And, amazingly enough (amazing grace!), the light of Jesus not only provided salvation, but it continues to “unveil” our eyes and hearts to the truth of God’s Word, allowing us to apply it to our lives so that we, too, can be becoming imitators of God. Pretty awesome! Christians ARE ABLE to see the glory of God as we study and get to know Jesus Christ through our study of Scripture!
Review: (Based on today’s Bible study)
-Light is connected with “the Good News” (the gospel); the glory of God and Jesus Christ
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Darkness is connected with blindness; deception; people perishing because they’ve been blinded; confusion; inability to understand truth
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Making it Personal: what about your current thinking, attitudes, words, and actions are “light” and what is “dark”? What does God’s Word say to do about it?
Monday, June 14, 2021
-Be sure to spend some time in prayer before studying the Bible. Ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to understand what you are reading, and to know how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for His amazing Word!
-Today’s Scripture having to do with “God is light”:
“A person should think of us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of the mysteries of God. In this regard, it is required that managers be found faithful. It is of little importance to me that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I don’t even judge myself. For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. It is the Lord who judges me. So don’t judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God.” I Corinthians 4:1-5, CSB
Something to Think About:
Apparently, the believers in Corinth had kind of split themselves into teams depending on who they thought had the most biblical truth and accuracy and was the “better” servant of God (read I Cor. 3 for more information on this). Some were rooting for Paul, some for Apollos, and some Peter. That sounds kinda maybe sorta okay, EXCEPT they were acting more like fans of opposing hockey teams. In other words, they were not being kind, accepting, or willing to listen to what another minister had to say. They were, in fact, judging the other ministers of God’s Word (and their supporting “teams”) in an unbiblical way.
You see, there’s addressing someone’s behavior in a biblical way, and then there is deciding that YOU don’t approve of something, that you are “sure” that they are doing whatever they are doing “wrong,” or otherwise taking a stand against someone that you have chosen to dislike. This doesn’t honor God.
Paul told the Corinthian believers that he—and all who preach and teach God’s Word—are servants of Christ, appointed to be managers of the truth found in Scripture (explaining what God has said to God’s people). Their task as servants of God was to be found faithful, NOT to please every person they meet. Their focus was to be faithful to GOD. They understood that they would have to stand before Him one day and give account for what they said and how they lived. God is their judge, not people. God knows what’s going on in people’s hearts, but people cannot know this about each other. Oh, we love to assume—and too often assume the worst of someone—but only God truly knows what’s what and He will reveal it at the right time.
Have you ever been misunderstood? Maligned? Told you did or said something that you didn’t? Been told what your motives were (but what was said to be your motive wasn’t true)? I have – and it’s a pretty unpleasant place to be! First lesson: don’t do that to others! Second lesson: remember how often Jesus was treated unfairly and unjustly and be thankful that you understand a tiny bit of what He had to endure—and be thankful for all He endured on your behalf! Third lesson: don’t judge that person in return, digging up dirt on them. Don’t speak out of anger or harshly. ESPECIALLY be mighty careful what you accuse your pastor of. God takes it pretty seriously when someone maligns His servants.
All that being said, this is not a free pass to not confront someone who is clearly sinning. It is one of our tasks as brothers and sisters in Christ to help each other to be becoming more like Christ—and someone who is continuing in sin cannot please God, so we aren’t doing them any favors by not lovingly and humbly coming alongside them and gently pointing out what we believe MAY be wrong. Giving them a chance to explain is right and good, because based on today’s Scripture, we might have been mistaken. Perhaps opening the chat with something along the lines of, “I think I saw/heard ‘X’. Can you tell me what happened?”
BONUS: The Bible has a lot more to say on this subject. Check out these references: Galatians 6:1-5; James 5:19-20; Matthew 18:15-17; I Timothy 5:13; Luke 17:3-4
Review: (Based on today’s Bible study)
-Light is connected with revelation of truth; praiseworthy behavior
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Darkness is connected with secrets; wrong intentions; judgment
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Making it Personal: what about your current thinking, attitudes, words, and actions are “light” and what is “dark”? What does God’s Word say to do about it?
Saturday, June 12, 2021
-Be sure to spend some time in prayer before studying the Bible. Ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to understand what you are reading, and to know how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for His amazing Word!
-Today’s Scripture having to do with “God is light”:
“Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law. This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.” Romans 13:8-14, NLT
Something to Think About:
Paul lists, for those in Rome reading his letter, things associated with the world, what is “dark,” and what it looks like to belong to the “day” and represent Jesus Christ well, I especially love how the NLT worded this ringing command: “Put on all the shining armor of right living!” This gives me a wonderful mental image of a strong, confident knight in clean and brightly polished armor raising his sword in a commitment to doing his duty to defend truth and righteous living!
The things that should NOT be any part of a child of God include: not paying your debts*/taking advantage of another’s person’s kindness, committing adultery, murdering, stealing, coveting/envying, a lifestyle of wild parties and drunkenness, sexual promiscuity, immoral living, quarreling, jealousy, and “evil desires” – whatever they may be. Living in the light includes: not owing another person any longer than you need to/paying all your debts quickly and completely, demonstrating love to others (putting their needs ahead of our own; looking for ways to encourage, help, bless, and build up in the Lord), living decent lives in private and public, not even THINKING about evil desires, and instead making the commitment to refuse to indulge in them any time or in any way. Living in the light is like “clothing” ourselves with the presence of the Lord, following His example of godly and righteous living.
Paul’s point here also includes urgency and commitment because none of us knows just how much longer we will be alive or when Jesus Christ will come to the clouds and rapture the Church Age believers to heaven. Time is too precious to waste on dark deeds or thoughts! Our focus should constantly be on living as the citizens of heaven that we are. We may temporarily be assigned to live a shining testimony for Christ here on earth in this time and place, but our true home is heaven and in the presence of our holy Father and blessed Savior. The rules that we live by must first and foremost be that of God’s, even though we are currently living on earth. We must obey those who have authority over us, but our first and primary allegiance will always be to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
*Paul isn’t saying that Christians should never take out a loan. He is saying, however, that we should make every effort to pay back loans as quickly as possible and that we should never take advantage of another person (including family members). On the other side of this, we should be generous with others and as helpful as we possibly can be.
Review: (Based on today’s Bible study)
-Light is connected with loving others; doing no wrong to others; right living; the day; living decent lives; being like Jesus
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Darkness is connected with sin; mistreating others; indulging evil desires; night
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Making it Personal: what about your current thinking, attitudes, words, and actions are “light” and what is “dark”? What does God’s Word say to do about it?
Friday, June 11, 2021
-Be sure to spend some time in prayer before studying the Bible. Ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to understand what you are reading, and to know how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for His amazing Word!
-Today’s Scripture having to do with “God is light”:
“One day I was on such a mission to Damascus, armed with the authority and commission of the leading priests. About noon, Your Majesty, as I was on the road, a light from heaven brighter than the sun shone down on me and my companions. We all fell down, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is useless for you to fight against my will.’ “‘Who are you, lord?’ I asked. “And the Lord replied, ‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. Now get to your feet! For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and witness. Tell people that you have seen me, and tell them what I will show you in the future. And I will rescue you from both your own people and the Gentiles. Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.’” Acts 26:12-18
Something to Think About:
The focus of our study this month has been “God is light” – a sub-study in the greater 2021 theme of “Imitators of God” (from Eph. 5:1). In the pursuit of identifying in what way God defines light and dark, we’ve been spending our month so far looking at Bible passages that contain both words in them. Acts 26 is the next one to learn from. It is Paul (formerly known as Saul) testifying before King Agrippa and he is giving his testimony of salvation—and what a testimony it is! Just as an aside, though, every single one of us has a MARVELOUS salvation story, too! Every single new birth into the family of God is a MIRACLE and the account of how the Holy Spirit brought you to life spiritually is something you should treasure every single day—and tell others about! There is no bigger or better news than that!
So, as I’m sure you’re aware, before Paul became Saul, he was a VERY zealous Jew, who in his passion to stamp out the “lies” that Jesus Christ was the Messiah from God, worked tirelessly to round up believers so they could be punished. He was a terrifying man! Until one day when his life (and eternity!) changed forever. On that most wonderful day he spoke about to King Agrippa, Jesus Christ not only shined a physical light that left Paul temporarily without sight, He shined His light of salvation on Paul’s soul, providing spiritual birth and an eternity of belonging to Him. But God wasn’t done with Paul yet. He wanted more for Paul and from Paul than “just” to belong to Him. He wanted Paul to dedicate the rest of His life to sharing God’s light, the truth of what Jesus did on the cross for all mankind’s sin, to both Jews and Gentiles. God wanted Paul to preach the gospel so that those who heard could have their eyes opened and turn from darkness to light, from the clutches of satan to the delights of belonging to GOD, from separation and rebellion against God to a position of belonging to Him forever.
Paul was given a very special commission from God to give his life to full-time ministry. God STILL calls men to become pastors and to serve Him in a full-time capacity. This, however, does not mean that you and I, just the “regular” folks sitting in the pews, don’t have a job to do too! We need to ALSO tell others what a wonderful thing God did in sending His Son. We need to not only tell them about the peace, joy, and purpose in life we received upon salvation, but we need to show it by living like Christ and becoming more like Him in attitude, action, words—the whole shebang. EVERY child of God should be shining the glorious light of the Lord at all times and in all places. It is our responsibility, but it is also a tremendous privilege.
Say, have you ever taken the time to write out your testimony of salvation? It doesn’t have to be long. It doesn’t to be fancy. Just tell what happened. Use the pattern of the blind man in John 9 and explain how you were once blind, but now can see. Doing this will not only be a huge blessing to you, but God can use it to encourage and bless other believers and, perhaps, demonstrate to someone how THEY can go from darkness to light.
Review: (Based on today’s Bible study)
-Light is connected with judgment; healing; salvation; understanding; truth; service; being set apart; belonging
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Darkness is connected with fighting against God; judgment; condemnation; imprisonment; lack of understanding; power of satan
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Making it Personal: what about your current thinking, attitudes, words, and actions are “light” and what is “dark”? What does God’s Word say to do about it?
Thursday, June 10, 2021
-Be sure to spend some time in prayer before studying the Bible. Ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to understand what you are reading, and to know how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for His amazing Word!
-Today’s Scripture having to do with “God is light”:
“When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he left Judea and returned to Galilee. He went first to Nazareth, then left there and moved to Capernaum, beside the Sea of Galilee, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. This fulfilled what God said through the prophet Isaiah: “In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali, beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River, in Galilee where so many Gentiles live, the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.” Matthew 4:12-16, NLT
Something to Think About:
Matthew 4 is roughly one year after Jesus began His public ministry. Jesus had been born in Bethlehem, moved to live in Egypt for a few years, raised in Nazareth, then when those in that city rejected Him, He moved permanently to Capernaum, near the Sea of Galilee. Each of these moves were prophesied in the Old Testament (which, incidentally, also pointed out that He WAS the Messiah they had been looking for, for thousands of years!).
Moving and centering His ministry in the Galilee area fulfilled Isaiah 9, specifically. Read what Isaiah said some 700 years earlier: “Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory. The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice. They will rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest and like warriors dividing the plunder. For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders. You will break the oppressor’s rod, just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian. The boots of the warrior and the uniforms bloodstained by war will all be burned. They will be fuel for the fire.” (Isaiah 9:1-5)
You see, at the time Isaiah wrote about the coming Messiah, Israel was in a “dark” time under the oppression of Assyria. Then jump ahead to the time Jesus was on earth, the Jewish nation was again under oppression, this time by the Romans. This was NOT a happy time for them, but their “darkness” was actually much deeper than political or physical struggles. It is ALSO true that Israel was in a dark place spiritually. They had wandered far away from obeying God, trusting God, and being ready to meet the Messiah when He arrived (as all four Gospels demonstrate over and over). In an even deeper, eternity-impacting way, the whole world was doomed to remain in darkness FOREVER—until and unless Jesus Christ, the Son of God, consented to be the sacrificial Lamb necessary to pay sin’s debt (something mere humans could never do!). Jesus’ coming provided THE only way to salvation, trusting in His work on the cross on our behalf (each person must believe Jesus died for them personally—because He DID). He brought “light” when He came, because for the first time since sin entered the world, salvation was illuminated. Since God’s kingdom is one of light, it takes belonging to God’s family to be a member of the kingdom of light. SO, Matthew 4:12-16 and Isaiah 9 are some pretty give-God-great-glory kinds of verses! They should cause us to drop to our knees in grateful praise AND to jump up into the sky with shouts of glorious praise! Jesus, THE LIGHT, came into the hopeless darkness of the world—and our souls—and brought life-giving LIGHT.
PS Now that you know all this background, can you see why Isaiah 9:6-7 is such a glorious Christmas text and why so many of our beloved Christmas hymns talk about light? Here it is to ready slowly, prayerfully, and with much awe over God’s goodness and grace: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”
Review: (Based on today’s Bible study)
-Light is connected with Jesus!; with salvation; with victory; with freedom; with rejoicing
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Darkness is connected with separation from God (and light); oppression; death; shadows; despair; slavery
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Making it Personal: what about your current thinking, attitudes, words, and actions are “light” and what is “dark”? What does God’s Word say to do about it?
Wednesday, June 9, 2021
-Be sure to spend some time in prayer before studying the Bible. Ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to understand what you are reading, and to know how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for His amazing Word!
-Today’s Scripture having to do with “God is light”:
“In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.” Luke 12:1-3, ESV
Something to Think About:
This next passage that talks about light v. dark is actually chronologically after yesterday’s study. You may remember that in that passage, Jesus spoke about the darkness of the hearts of the Religious leaders because they refused to believe Him, trust in Him, or listen to Him. By contrast, those who listen to God and obey Him are filled with light and able to shine that light out for others to see (all of which glorifies God).
To get a better grasp of today’s Scripture, read what Jesus said immediately after yesterday’s Scripture (Luke 11:26-36). Luke 11:37-54:
“As Jesus was speaking, one of the Pharisees invited him home for a meal. So he went in and took his place at the table. His host was amazed to see that he sat down to eat without first performing the hand-washing ceremony required by Jewish custom. Then the Lord said to him, “You Pharisees are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and wickedness! Fools! Didn’t God make the inside as well as the outside? So clean the inside by giving gifts to the poor, and you will be clean all over. “What sorrow awaits you Pharisees! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore justice and the love of God. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things. “What sorrow awaits you Pharisees! For you love to sit in the seats of honor in the synagogues and receive respectful greetings as you walk in the marketplaces. Yes, what sorrow awaits you! For you are like hidden graves in a field. People walk over them without knowing the corruption they are stepping on.” “Teacher,” said an expert in religious law, “you have insulted us, too, in what you just said.” “Yes,” said Jesus, “what sorrow also awaits you experts in religious law! For you crush people with unbearable religious demands, and you never lift a finger to ease the burden. What sorrow awaits you! For you build monuments for the prophets your own ancestors killed long ago. But in fact, you stand as witnesses who agree with what your ancestors did. They killed the prophets, and you join in their crime by building the monuments! This is what God in his wisdom said about you: ‘I will send prophets and apostles to them, but they will kill some and persecute the others.’ “As a result, this generation will be held responsible for the murder of all God’s prophets from the creation of the world— from the murder of Abel to the murder of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, it will certainly be charged against this generation. “What sorrow awaits you experts in religious law! For you remove the key to knowledge from the people. You don’t enter the Kingdom yourselves, and you prevent others from entering.” As Jesus was leaving, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees became hostile and tried to provoke him with many questions. They wanted to trap him into saying something they could use against him.”
Now read again today’s Scripture (Luke 12:1-3): “In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.”
What was Jesus saying here? God hates hypocrites—and one day every lie, every deception, every disingenuous action will be judged and found to be the most horrible kind of arrogance and rebellion. What people think is a deep, dark secret is, of course, no secret at all to God, and one day all those hidden motives, ulterior agendas and politically-oriented decisions that people make will be publicly disclosed. For believers this seems to be at the Bema, the Judgment Seat of Christ; for unbelieves this will be at the Great White Throne.
Of course, we are not the folks who Jesus taught personally in those three and a half years that He had on earth, but I believe that He Himself would say that we are even MORE privileged than those most-blessed folks. Why? Because we have the COMPLETED WORD OF GOD in our hands available to use 24/7, we have pastors who God hand-picked to teach and lead the believers in a specific local church, we have the indwelling Holy Spirit every second of every day to open our eyes to God’s heart and to know how to obey Him in the nitty-gritty of life, and we have fellow Christians to support us, encourage us, and be examples to us.
What should we do with the marvelous treasures found in God’s Word? Proclaim it from the housetops! Talk about it night and day to our family, friends, and co-workers! Write about it in our emails, letters, and texts! Sing about it with a heart of grateful praise! And, of course, thank God for it in prayers without ceasing.
We may sometimes feel like cheaters prosper and “good” folks only ever end up suffering, but God knows what’s going on every moment of every day and in the end, He WILL right all wrongs—and those who have chosen to trust Him and obey Him will be honored and rewarded by Jesus Christ. Hang in there, dear child of God! Keep doing the next right thing. Keep operating in “the light” of what honors and pleases God and reflects Him well. God sees. God is pleased. God is glorified.
Review: (Based on today’s Bible study)
-Light is connected with talking about God; God’s Word; God’s goodness—and all the ways God is praise worthy.
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Darkness is connected with hypocrisy; lies; deception; eventual judgment.
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Making it Personal: what about your current thinking, attitudes, words, and actions are “light” and what is “dark”? What does God’s Word say to do about it?
Tuesday, June 8, 2021
-Be sure to spend some time in prayer before studying the Bible. Ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to understand what you are reading, and to know how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for His amazing Word!
-Today’s Scripture having to do with “God is light”:
“No one lights a lamp and then hides it or puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when it is unhealthy, your body is filled with darkness. Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness. If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light.” Luke 11:33-36, NLT
Something to Think About:
If we read the above verses without checking the context in which Jesus spoke them, we might conclude that this is the exact same message of Matthew 6 – that what we choose to focus on with our eyes will become what we treasure in our hearts, so be on guard against placing money and “things” above your love for God (check it out in Matthew 6:19-24!). BUT, pause with me a minute and read what Jesus said just prior to today’s verses so that we can think more accurately about what He was trying to say on this day and to these people (hint: this was a different day, different place, and different circumstances).
Luke 11:26-32, “As the crowd pressed in on Jesus, he said, “This evil generation keeps asking me to show them a miraculous sign. But the only sign I will give them is the sign of Jonah. What happened to him was a sign to the people of Nineveh that God had sent him. What happens to the Son of Man will be a sign to these people that he was sent by God. “The queen of Sheba will stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for she came from a distant land to hear the wisdom of Solomon. Now someone greater than Solomon is here—but you refuse to listen. The people of Nineveh will also stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for they repented of their sins at the preaching of Jonah. Now someone greater than Jonah is here—but you refuse to repent”
Matthew 6 is Jesus addressing the disciples—who were already believers. In Luke 11, Jesus is addressing the Religious leaders who were constantly denying everything Jesus said and who REFUSED to believe Him. They were so threatened by Him, as a matter of fact, that they sat down and came up with a plan that resulted in Jesus’ murder on the cross. The sin of those who refuse to trust and obey God knows no boundaries!
Jesus was very open and honest with the Religious leaders, telling them clearly Who He was and why He had come, but He was also unwilling to play their games, refusing to waste God’s truth on their hard hearts. This passage is a warning to them using our month’s focus of light versus dark. When people listen to what God says (today we do this by studying the Bible and listening to faithful pastors preach it), their “eye” is healthy and their whole body is filled with light (with God’s truth/with good doctrine). When our head and our heart are filled with God’s Word and we in trust live our lives based on it, then we are “filled with light” and our lives will shine out that awesome truth to all who see us. However, when someone refuses to believe God and His Word, the opposite happens. We become “unhealthy” and darkness fills our head and heart rather than God’s light. Life is unhappy, unpleasant, and depressing when we are not trusting and obeying God.
And just for the record, God doesn’t need our approval before we will obey Him and turn from any and all sin. Jesus told the Religious leaders on that day that He would not be giving them any more miracles as “proof” that He was Who He said He was—because they had been given many proofs and they REFUSED to believe. In fact, Jesus brings up the wicked Ninevites and the Queen of Sheba as examples of Gentiles who listened to mere humans about the need for a right view of God, BUT these people had THE SON OF GOD standing right before them, and they chose to think that their ideas were right (and His were blasphemy). Obviously, sin in their hearts kept them dark and unseeing, a truly horrible place to be.
I hope you see that both the saved and unsaved can have their hearts and understanding darkened. Well, the unsaved have no choice. They are born dead in their trespasses and sins and CANNOT see until the Holy Spirit causes them to believe in Jesus as their Savior. BUT, though Christians cannot ever lose their salvation NO MATTER WHAT, they sure can wander away from God’s side, lose their godly outlook and understanding, and live in a dark place. This is, of course, never what God wants for us. Confessing sin and keeping a clear account with God is the essential basic daily to-do, but we can also take it a huge step up from that! We can flip our basket over, place our light on top, and shine brightly for the Lord, thrilling in the joy and privilege of living a life that honors Him and reflects Him in every aspect.
Review: (Based on today’s Bible study)
-Light is connected with visibility (choosing to make it seen); healthy thinking/doctrine and godly actions; radiance
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Darkness is connected with things that are hidden/not being used properly; what is unhealthy and bad; wrong thinking/bad doctrine; disbelief; lack of trust in God
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Making it Personal: what about your current thinking, attitudes, words, and actions are “light” and what is “dark”? What does God’s Word say to do about it?
Monday, June 7, 2021
-Be sure to spend some time in prayer before studying the Bible. Ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to understand what you are reading, and to know how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for His amazing Word!
-Today’s Scripture having to do with “God is light”:
“Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.” After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them.” John 12:35-36, NLT
Something to Think About:
One of the things that it has taken me years to realize and begin to think about when studying Scripture is that sometimes what is being addressed is very much in regards to what is literally happening at that moment. However, because the Bible is God’s Word and is alive, many, many passages ALSO contain spiritual truth. Furthermore, a whole lot of the Old Testament, in particular, hops back and forth between speaking about something historical, something happening right then, something about to happen, and things that STILL haven’t happened! It most definitely makes me thankful for the pastors God gives us who help us understand these things!
Another important factor in the New Testament, maybe especially the four Gospels, is Jewish history and what the Jews thought about “things.” One of these “things” comes up in these two verses. Jesus Christ made no secret that He is God, that He is the Son of God, that He and the Father are One, and that He had come to earth to do the Father’s will—which was to sacrifice Himself as the Perfect Lamb, the ONLY ONE Who could pay the price for sin to make a way for humans to have a right relationship with God. Jesus was also clear that He was the Messiah, the Promised One that the people of God had been looking for since sin entered the world in the Garden of Eden, some 4,000 or so years earlier. As time passed, God revealed a bit more here and there about Who He would send to save the world, how, and why. BUT, as just noted, what people THOUGHT in their heads as to the Who, when, and how was NOT how God chose to bring about salvation. It was (is!) perfectly true that the Messiah would become the undisputed King in Jerusalem (and over the entire world), BUT just not THEN. If people were listening, they would have realized that the Messiah was coming twice (though, it’s much easier for us to see that since we have 2,000 years of history to look back on—not to mention the completed Bible, which spells it all out nicely!). Jesus had come at that time to tell people to get right with God, then to die and be resurrected to pay for sin once and for all time. What wasn’t known on that day was that God planned an entire new age, the Church Age, before Jesus would return to set up His kingdom. Aren’t you and I glad He did! Because of that incredible act of grace, millions of us have had the opportunity to also trust in Jesus as our Savior, thus securing our permanent place in the FAMILY OF GOD. Wow. A moment to thank God right here and now seems SO appropriate!!!
Back to John 12:35-36. This was Jesus’ very last conversation with the crowds. The next thing that happened was His crucifixion, then only 50 days later, He would be returning to heaven to stay there through the Church Age and Tribulation Period before returning to earth to become the King He has been pre-ordained to become, setting up that much-longed-for kingdom on earth (centered in Jerusalem). He wanted so desperately for the people He was addressing face to face to SEE Him (the Son of God standing right in front of them!), to HEAR Him (He was telling them how to escape eternal damnation!), and to FOLLOW Him (to forever turn their backs on worldly selfish pursuits that are empty and full of pain, and to turn to seeking to become like Him, to walk in the “light,” that is, to display the characteristics of Himself).
Jesus was specifically addressing the crowd who was able to see Him that day, but who would not much longer have His physical presence with them. But you know what? You and I are also given only so much time to walk in the light. None of us has any idea how long we will have on earth to live for God, to be Christlike, to love God supremely, and love others as self. Even if God should give us 90 years or more, that’s still a drop in the bucket of eternity, and we simply CANNOT waste even one second.
Listen to what Jesus said earlier in His ministry just before healing the man who was born blind, “We must do the works of him who sent me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:4-5)
Time ran out for those living while Jesus was on earth, but you and I are still here. We may not be THE light, but we ARE “a” light, ones who represent the Light. Are you using every single day to honor God with all you are and have? There is no greater pursuit than this!
Review: (Based on today’s Bible study)
-Light is connected with Jesus Christ; how we live and act; trust in God; those who live as members of the family of God
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Darkness is connected with danger; the opposite of what Jesus is/does; blindness; ignorance; NOT a part of God’s family
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Making it Personal: what about your current thinking, attitudes, words, and actions are “light” and what is “dark”? What does God’s Word say to do about it?
Saturday, June 5, 2021
-Be sure to spend some time in prayer before studying the Bible. Ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to understand what you are reading, and to know how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for His amazing Word!
-Today’s Scripture having to do with “God is light”:
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12, ESV
Something to Think About:
This is one of the great I AMs of Jesus. It is one of the many times where Jesus confirmed quite clearly His deity. In addition to the truth that He is God, He points out how He perfectly fulfills all people ever needed—or will ever need. He is the Bread of life (John 6:35), the Door (John 10:9), the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25-26), the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6), the True Vine (John 15:1) – and the Light of the World. He is all that we need, praise His holy name!
God associated His presence with light and used light many times over the course of history. First, of course, He created it (Genesis 1), He also led the Children of Israel in the wilderness for forty years by way of a fire by night and pillar of cloud by day (Exodus 13-14, and other places). Before that, He revealed Himself to Moses by way of a burning bush! (Exodus 3). There are other occasions (and we may run into a few of them in the course of our study this month), but suffice it to say that when Jesus stood up during the Feast of Tabernacles and claimed, “I AM the Light of the World,” the Jews would have understood His claim to be God and the Messiah. Some were thrilled, others, though, were angry. Why? Yesterday, we read in John 3 that humans like their sin and like to stay in the darkness. Jesus’ light simply reveals who and what we as unregenerate humans really are—and it’s pretty ugly.
Jesus promised that those who trust in Him as Savior will not walk in darkness (that of a soul which is Hell-bound in its sin and which can only do what is evil), but become new creatures in Christ who are now able to understand biblical truth. They can learn about it, then apply it to their daily lives to know how to think and act and be becoming more like Christ, imitators of God.
How do we do that? “Whoever follows Me” Jesus said. Salvation is just the critical first step in a lifetime of learning what it means to follow Jesus and become more like Him. We are given a new opportunity every single morning (and constant opportunities all day long) to choose to obey God’s Word, to act in a way that jibes with Scripture, to reflect Jesus in our demeanor, attitude, actions, and reason for what we do and how we do it! Spending much time in the Bible in order to find out what God is like, finding out what pleases Him, finding out what He says is His will for us—is ALWAYS a good and necessary thing. And may I hasten to add that God has never expected us to be perfect overnight (or perfect at all, for that matter). He simply asks us to be faithful with what we KNOW He wants of us—and as we are, He will reveal a bit more, then a bit more, and with time, we will be just a tad closer to our goal; Christlikeness. It’s a lifetime thing—and it’s a minute-by-minute thing. The decisions we make in the next five minutes are ESSENTIAL. When they line up with God’s Word, it will help us to also obey and honor God in the five minutes after that, then the next five minutes, until the day is done, then a week, then a month, then a year, then our life. A faithful life is a heart focused on Jesus, the Light of the World, every day. Today, actually. RIGHT NOW. How are you doing with that?
Review: (Based on today’s Bible study)
-Light is connected with Jesus Christ—all that He is, does, and stands for. It is connected with life.
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Darkness is connected with NOT following Jesus Christ. It is connected with death.
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Making it Personal: what about your current thinking, attitudes, words, and actions are “light” and what is “dark”? What does God’s Word say to do about it?
Friday, June 4, 2021
-Be sure to spend some time in prayer before studying the Bible. Ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to understand what you are reading, and to know how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for His amazing Word!
-Today’s Scripture having to do with “God is light”:
“For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Anyone who believes in him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God. This is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed. But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.” John 3:16-21, CSB
Something to Think About:
This well-known and well-loved passage of Scripture is our next passage where light and darkness are discussed in the same section. In this case, spiritual salvation is explained. All who read are invited to be amazed at God’s incredible love, Jesus’ astonishing sacrifice on our behalf—and accept God’s gracious gift of salvation by believing that Jesus did what was necessary to save us from the condemnation we were all born under.
The state of humankind’s heart is something that is pretty misunderstood—BECAUSE of the sin that we are all born with. If it weren’t for God’s grace, providing the “light” we needed to believe that Jesus died and was resurrected to save us from the penalty of sin, we would remain in darkness. In fact, this portion of Scripture points out that apart from God, people WANT to remain in darkness—and that they love their sin! Not everyone wants to admit this, but God created us and God knows our hearts. This love of sin and darkness isn’t a feeling (as it so often is thought of as), it is a fact. It is the CONDITION of our heart. People reject THE Light, Jesus Christ, and people reject the light of salvation, the free gift that forever removes the condemnation of eternal death in the Lake of Fire. This hard-to-believe truth should cause us to (1) thank God every single day for causing us to trust in Christ for our salvation, (2) pray for those whose hearts are still darkened, and (3) LIVE in such a way as to please God and represent His light to others. This passage actually talks about that when it points out that those who live by the truth (God’s Word!), are choosing to live in the “light,” and enjoy doing so because this honors and pleases God and is a good witness for Him.
You know, the idea of examining (or in today’s passage, “exposing”) what we are doing is probably a pretty good test as to whether it is God-honoring or not; a useful use of our time, talents, and treasures—or a waste. Prayerfully consider how you spent your time in the last few days. Is what you did (and why, and what your attitude was while doing it) something you could expose to God and other Christians because it was a God-honoring action and attitude? Why or why not? What might have been either a better use of your time and resources—or simply a more excellent use of it? I suspect that, especially as adults, we get used to a certain amount of “private” time, time which we feel is free for us to use however we want because, well, it is “me” time. But based on today’s Scripture, is that true? Doesn’t everything about us already belong to the Lord? Isn’t being Christlike and glorifying GOD our highest priority and purpose in life?
Review: (Based on today’s Bible study)
-Light is connected with Jesus; with salvation; with truth; bringing glory to God
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Darkness is connected with sin; judgment; secret sin; disobedience; condemnation; evil
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Making it Personal: what about your current thinking, attitudes, words, and actions are “light” and what is “dark”? What does God’s Word say to do about it?
Thursday, June 3, 2021
-Be sure to spend some time in prayer before studying the Bible. Ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to understand what you are reading, and to know how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for His amazing Word!
-Today’s Scripture having to do with “God is light”:
“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 any thing 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. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.” John 1:1-9, ESV
Something to Think About:
This classic passage from the Gospel of John is probably familiar—especially if you’ve done these DBSQs for a while since we studied this book verse by verse a few years ago! There are many treasures found here—all having to do with Jesus Christ, God’s Son, the Savior from sin and the coming King of everyone. Jesus IS the Word. Jesus is God. Jesus has always existed (and will always exist). Jesus is the Creator of everything. Jesus not only caused physical life, He made a way for spiritual life to be possible through His death, burial, and resurrection on our behalf. And Jesus is the true light which the darkness cannot overcome, the Light of salvation to all who trust in Him as their Savior.
John 1:1-9 contains both light and darkness, our objects of study this month. It is clear that it is Jesus’ light that defeats darkness, here representing sin and everything opposed to God. Darkness CANNOT defeat the light that Jesus provides, which is tremendous comfort to Christians living in such a troubled time as our world is in right now. Frankly, there are some pretty alarming things happening all around the world. If we were under the impression that dark could win, we might feel pretty tense and scared! BUT, the truth is that sin, satan, and darkness have already lost. The time for their defeat to become evident and permanent just hasn’t happened yet, But, there is zero question that it will. How do I know? God said so—and God ALWAYS does what He says!
Did you see that part about John the Baptist in the middle? He was not THE Light (Jesus is), but he was given the very special job of telling other people about Jesus and how He had come to save them from their sin (providing spiritual light/life). Say, have you ever considered that YOU can be a witness of Jesus about how becoming a Christian changed your life now—as well as for all of eternity? We aren’t THE light, but we sure can be a light – a clear and shining testimony of God’s goodness, grace, and kindness. How we “shine” in our attitudes, actions, and words will demonstrate to others just WHO our God and Savior is and how wonderful it is to belong to Him and be loved by Him.
Review: (Based on today’s Bible study)
-Light is connected with Jesus Christ; the Word; God; life; shining into the darkness and overcoming it; bearing witness of Christ
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Darkness is connected with defeat; opposition to the light
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Making it Personal: what about your current thinking, attitudes, words, and actions are “light” and what is “dark”? What does God’s Word say to do about it?
Wednesday, June 2, 2021
-Be sure to spend some time in prayer before studying the Bible. Ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to understand what you are reading, and to know how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for His amazing Word!
-Today’s Scripture having to do with “God is light”:
“Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment for you; rather it is an old one you have had from the very beginning. This old commandment—to love one another—is the same message you heard before. Yet it is also new. Jesus lived the truth of this commandment, and you also are living it. For the darkness is disappearing, and the true light is already shining. If anyone claims, “I am living in the light,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is still living in darkness. Anyone who loves a fellow believer is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble. But anyone who hates a fellow believer is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person does not know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness.” I John 2:7-11, NLT
Something to Think About:
Yesterday we began a study of “God is light,” noting that to study what light means, we also need to look at the word “dark/darkness.” There are, in fact, several Scripture passages that use both “light” and “dark” in them. These will be our focus for the next several days.
I John 2:7-11 continues the thought that the Apostle John introduced in chapter 1 (although, don’t forget that John didn’t write in chapters! All of I John is one letter!). Today’s passage combines the command God gave to all His children to love one another—with the concept of light and dark.
Jesus Christ, of course, is the “true” light that John is referencing—and when we live in the same way Jesus did (godly attitudes, focus, and goals—AND—demonstrating biblical love!), we will be “shining” His light through our lives. Living as Jesus did will not cause other believers to stumble. That is, to sin (because of something we said, did, or demonstrated as a poor example). It’s crystal clear, though, that believers can be “blinded by the darkness,” perhaps SAYING they are shining for Christ, but not living an obedient life (specifically mentioned here: hating a fellow Christian). John is pretty blunt here and says that this Christian is still living and walking in the darkness (this is NOT a saved v. unsaved thing. It is an obedient Christian who is “like” Jesus v. a disobedient one who is currently more like satan).
Just what does it mean to hate another believer? Well, let’s back up a second to remember what biblical love is. It is an action (not a feeling). It is a focus on helping another Christian grow in their walk with the Lord, to be more Christlike, to be built up in the faith. It is CHOOSING to help them, encourage them, and support them however you can. This will definitely involve sacrifices of many kinds, though there is nothing we “sacrifice” in the name of Christ that isn’t rewarded GREATLY by God! So, if love is an action, is hatred simply a feeling? Is hated equal to not “liking” someone? I don’t think so! The Bible would define the hatred mentioned in our passage today as the LACK of choosing to demonstrate love to another child of God (this entire book is written to believers about believers, it’s not addressing our relationships and interactions with the unsaved—though, we sure want to have an excellent testimony to all!). Since the Bible is completely black and white (no gray areas), to NOT love is to hate. Pretty sobering thought!
Take some time for some prayerful reflection. Have you hated some brother or sister in Christ by NOT praying for them when the Holy Spirit nudged you to do so? Have you not loved someone by ignoring some need that they had, letting others pick up the slack? Has God given you an opportunity to serve someone in some way that you “passed on”? Good news! John just got done telling us how we can make that right with God (I John 1:9), but we might ALSO consider how we can make that right with the person we may have wronged. At the least, we should be ready and willing the next time God gives us a chance to show love to another of His children to joyfully do what we can.
Are you shining for Christ?
Review: (Based on today’s Bible study)
-Light is connected with loving others; living a life that shines in the same way Jesus’ life did; truth;
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Darkness is connected with NOT loving others/ignoring the needs of others; living in such a way that others see us and sin because of it; deception;
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Making it Personal: what about your current thinking, attitudes, words, and actions are “light” and what is “dark”? What does God’s Word say to do about it?
Tuesday, June 1. 2021
-Be sure to spend some time in prayer before studying the Bible. Ask the Father for help to pay attention to what you are reading, to understand what you are reading, and to know how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for His amazing Word!
-Today’s Scripture having to do with “God is light”:
“This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” I John 1:5
God is “light.”
But what is light?
No, really. How would YOU define it if someone asked you??? It’s kind of, sort of, something that we all know about, but which is difficult to describe. Here’s what dictionary.com said:
Noun, the medium of illumination that makes sight possible
Also called: luminous energy; electromagnetic radiation that is capable of causing a visual sensation and has wavelengths from about 38 to about 780 nanometers.
Adjective, full of light; well-lighted
(of a color) reflecting or transmitting a large amount of light
Verb, to ignite or cause to ignite (often followed by “up”), to illuminate or cause to illuminate.
Did that help you? It didn’t do a lot for me. AND YET, when I consider that GOD IS LIGHT, I am overcome with awe. With delight. With gratitude. That God is light seems to me to be REALLY important and really good.
Maybe part of the understanding can be found in the second half of John 1:5, “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.”
I like the sound of that! I don’t think any human has to be very old before they come to see darkness as a potential threat or a state where uncertainty dwells. I’m thinking of being alone in your bed at night in a dark room—and all of a sudden you hear unidentifiable sounds and see mysterious shapes in the gloom. It takes turning on the light to be able to see for yourself that all is well. In this case, the light coming on “illuminates” not only the room, but our understanding of what’s true. Do you think that there are some major spiritual illustrations in that thought? I do!
What do you think about taking the month to learn a whole lot more about light, and in particular, what it means that God is light? I think that we will also need to explore Bible verses that speak about darkness, too. One thing that we can KNOW right from the onset is that light, as used in I John 1:5 is GOOD and something that we, as God’s children, need to pursue in order to be good imitators of Him. As well, if God has no darkness in Him at all, this sure should be something that we never voluntarily make part of our choices, either!
For the rest of today’s study, let’s look at the whole section of Scripture where “God is light” is found. Here is I John 1.
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. 5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” I John 1:1-10, ESV
I John is written by the Apostle John, the one who also wrote the Gospel of John, the Book of Revelation, and who often referred to himself as the “disciple whom Jesus loved.” It has now been several years since Jesus returned to heaven and John has grown older—and wiser. The Holy Spirit tapped him on the shoulder to write this letter to share a bit of what he saw, heard, felt, and learned from his time with Jesus. He wanted all believers to experience the delightful fellowship that God wants for them to have with Himself and other faithful believers. He wanted us to have joy that is complete (full or abounding).
John next states that God is light and that there is no darkness in Him at all. THEN, he points out that Christians who “walk” in darkness do not have fellowship with the Father (and if we say we do, we’re lying). BUT, if we walk in the light—as He is in the light—we DO have fellowship with Him (and other believers who are walking in the light). Next, we have a hint about the darkness, because John begins associating it with sin. He says that it is foolish to claim that we never sin—and saying so is to ALSO say that God is a liar! The great news, though, is that simply confessing our sin to God (agreeing with Him that what He identifies as sin in our lives is, indeed, sin) will result in God’s forgiveness, and in addition, He will cleanse us (in that moment and up until the next sin) of all unrighteousness (things that we might not have realized needed to be confessed).
Here are some important terms that you might want to know about:
-Conviction. When the Holy Spirit points out to us that something we thought, said, or did was sin, we are “convicted.” We realize that we have sinned. This should immediately lead to
-Confession. This is simply agreeing with God (“Yes, Father, what I did was sin.”). This should then lead to
-Repentance. This is a change in how we THINK and is a spiritual truth. Then comes the last critical part,
-Conversion. This literally means to rotate, as in turn away from our sinful action and turn to attitudes and actions that obey God and please God (as stated in Scripture).
Did you notice that some of those words are sometimes wrongly used when speaking of salvation? Before someone has become a child of God, before the Holy Spirit “quickens” their heart (causing them to come alive spiritually), they are DEAD in their trespasses and sins—and cannot confess, repent, convert—or do a single thing to create a right relationship with God, let alone have the delightful fellowship that God wants to have with His children.
If you have trusted in Christ as the Savior from the sin you were born with, then praise God for His gift of salvation, then choose to live in His light—and immediately confess sin (darkness) so that you can maintain a right walk with Him and please Him in all respects. If you haven’t trusted in Jesus Christ, today is the day! Don’t let the day end without speaking with someone about how YOU can become a forever-child of God! If you are saved and are “walking in the light,” what can you do to excel still more? Who can you tell about God’s light? Who do you know who is still living in darkness? This would include the unsaved, for sure, but do you have Christian friends and family members who have strayed from the Father’s side? Ask the Father how you can best influence them to return to a good relationship with Him.
Review: (Based on today’s Bible study)
-Light is connected with God; with fellowship with Him; with fellowship with other believers; with truth; with joy
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Darkness is connected with opposing God; with lies; with not having God’s Word in us; disharmony with God; associated with sin
(Your thoughts/conclusions:
-Making it Personal: what about your current thinking, attitudes, words, and actions are “light” and what is “dark”? What does God’s Word say to do about it?
July 2021 DBSQ
Saturday, July 31, 2021
-Don’t forget to spend a few minutes in prayer before opening your Bible! God wants to show you wonderful truths from His Word, but we most definitely need His help to see them—and to live them out in our lives.
-Today’s Scripture:
“The way of the Lord is a stronghold for the honorable, but destruction awaits evildoers.” Proverbs 10:29, CSB
Something to Think About:
I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” My husband and I enjoy watching Antiques Roadshow and one of the things that we’ve noticed time and time again is that the art pieces that we think are hideous or were probably composed by an impatient kindergartner, are actually the ones the experts say are valuable. All I can say is that most of the items they value would probably have been burned in the rubbish pile if I had found them in my attic!
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And fellow child of God, the way of the Lord is either a wonderful thing to consider and desire to copy—or it is repulsive and hated. It all depends on our perspective.
Of course, those who have refused to trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior will not see God’s way as the beautiful (and honorable!) truth that it is. The unsaved are not ABLE to see and discern spiritual truth. II Corinthians 2:15-16 says, “Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume.”
Proverbs 21:15 says, “When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.”
And as horribly sad as it is to realize the wrong perspectives of the world, it is, perhaps even sadder to recognize a child of God who has gotten so far off track that they, too, no longer see God’s way as a stronghold and something tremendously honorable. When any of us turn our eyes away from God, our perspective becomes tainted and confused, eventually ending in wrong attitudes and actions (though, simple confession of sin to God in prayer can begin the path to the RIGHT view of God and His way!).
It is my prayer that my view of God (and yours, too!!!) would reflect the following passages today and forever. With God’s help, it most definitely CAN.
“Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” (Psalm 143:8)
“Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are truthful and teach truthfully the way of God.” (*Matthew 22:16)
“The Lord is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.” (Psalm 145:17)
“How joyful are those who fear the Lord—all who follow his ways!” (Psalm 128:1)
Let’s finish this month’s work (and the last several days of studying God’s way) by reveling in the simple, but incredibly profound and blessed proclamation of Jesus in John 14:6. All we’ve ever needed—or will ever need—is found in our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Praise His name, praise the name of the Father!
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.”
*The speakers here were trying to trip Jesus up and were definitely not sincere, BUT what they said was perfectly true!
-Fill in your own “Something to Think About” (what would you want to tell someone else about what God taught you, challenged you with, or blessed you by from today’s verses?):
Friday, July 30, 2021
-Don’t forget to spend a few minutes in prayer before opening your Bible! God wants to show you wonderful truths from His Word, but we most definitely need His help to see them—and to live them out in our lives.
-Today’s Scripture:
“My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word! When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes! Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works. My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word! Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law! I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me. I cling to your testimonies, O Lord; let me not be put to shame! I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!” Psalm 119:25-32, ESV
Something to Think About:
I appreciated this section of Psalm 119 (from the Hebrew alphabet section, Daleth), because it shows us that there is a “way” that is false or dangerous. It also shows how the author was helped during a time of crisis through studying and obeying God’s Word through seeking GOD’S way and not his own or some other way that is actually deceitful.
To help clarify and aid our understanding, here are the same verses in the CSB, “My life is down in the dust; give me life through your word. I told you about my life, and you answered me; teach me your statutes. Help me understand the meaning of your precepts so that I can meditate on your wonders. I am weary from grief; strengthen me through your word. Keep me from the way of deceit and graciously give me your instruction. I have chosen the way of truth; I have set your ordinances before me. I cling to your decrees; Lord, do not put me to shame. I pursue the way of your commands, for you broaden my understanding.”
First, we see that the author is discouraged, overwhelmed, or otherwise in distress. BUT, he knows that true help, hope, and direction will always come from God, so he turns to God in his stress. Child of God, never ever forget that it is GOD Who has the answers, Who provides genuine help, Who gives reliable hope, and perfect direction! We must turn to Him first in every area of challenge (and in every circumstance of joy too, for that matter!). Our Father in heaven ought to be our auto-default Person to share our joys and burdens, concerns, and questions. We communicate with Him through prayer and by studying and applying the Scripture. In fact, the author said as much when he said that he told God about his challenges—and God answered him! Something about God’s answer WAS for the author to keep learning and obeying God’s Word!
The author knew enough to ask God to help him understand what he was reading and studying. We’ve spoken about this before: the wisdom of asking the Author for help to understand what He wrote. In addition to prayerfully asking God for insight and understanding, also checking in with your pastor and mature Christians who are students of the Word also makes a lot of sense.
Did you see that the author recognizes the value and joy of meditation on God’s Word? That, my dear friend, is something that simply cannot be overstated in importance. Simply reading something amazing from God’s Word is a wonderful START, but that’s all it is—a start. We need to think about it, pray about it, think some more, pray some more. . . And then seek the Holy Spirit’s help to make it part of our heart and part of our regular actions and attitudes. Meditation and memorizing God’s Word is as important as staying hydrated and eating foods that provide nutrients for our body. That simple, that life-giving.
Another truth the author understood is that sticking to God’s Word would ALSO reveal to him what is false, what are lies, and what is deceptive. Just as counting enough genuine paper money will help a bank teller recognize a counterfeit bill, so will studying and memorizing God’s Word will help a Christian recognize when someone is teaching something that is NOT from God. The New Testament warns in a few places that those who teach false doctrines will increase dramatically towards the end of the Church Age—and that more and more people are deceived by them. Sticking to God’s Word will help us recognize truth vs. lies.
The last bit, “enlarge my heart,” is another way of saying “broaden my understanding.” As we’ve noted many times, there is a biblical principle that it is AS we obey God that He gives us a greater understanding about HOW to obey Him even better or more. It is AS we study God’s Word that He gives us the ability to understand it and apply it more fully. It is AS we determine to become imitators of God, that He reveals Himself to us more and more so that we can be like Him more accurately—and bring Him even greater glory.
There is nothing but joy in total commitment to God!
-Fill in your own “Something to Think About” (what would you want to tell someone else about what God taught you, challenged you with, or blessed you by from today’s verses?):
Thursday, July 29, 2021
-Don’t forget to spend a few minutes in prayer before opening your Bible! God wants to show you wonderful truths from His Word, but we most definitely need His help to see them—and to live them out in our lives.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules. I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me!” Psalm 119:1-8, ESV
Something to Think About:
As I’ve mentioned before, I have loved Psalm 119 for a long time. It’s just so delightful to read just how much the writer loves God and His Word—and because of his love, his determination to obey it. This simply seems a logical, smart, and WONDERFUL attitude and action for ALL believers!
Did you know that the “way” of God is mentioned THIRTEEN times in this psalm? I’ll list all the references at the end of today’s study, but three of the listings are in today’s section, which also happens to be the first section of the psalm. The author points out that those whose walk is blameless (faithful; obedient) are blessed. That is, they are content, not at a loss for how to think and act. They have confidence in God and in His perfect plan in their life (whether or not life is going smoothly or pleasantly).
We next see that walking in God’s ways involves obedience to God’s Word. This, though, necessitates first KNOWING God’s Word (“seeking Him with their whole heart”). How can we obey God without knowing what He wants? This is an area where we, in our Daily Bible Study devotions, have tried to focus on for all the years we have been doing them!
The author then pours out his heart to the Lord, imploring Him to help him maintain “steadfast” (faithful) obedience to the do’s and don’ts of being like Christ. I love the author’s commitment to “fix” his eyes on God’s Word so that he can praise God with a heart that is right with Him. Again, a wonderful prayer and goal for all believers!
By this point in our mini-study of the ways of God, there are no surprises here. God’s way is what the Bible says it is—and our task (and joy) is to find out what it says and obey it. When we do, we will be pleasing God, we will be bringing God honor, we will be an encouragement to other believers, we will be a good testimony to the world, and we ourselves will be encouraged, uplifted, and blessed.
FYI: “Way” in Psalm 119: verses 1,3,5,14,26,27,29,30,32,33,37,59,168.
-Fill in your own “Something to Think About” (what would you want to tell someone else about what God taught you, challenged you with, or blessed you by from today’s verses?):
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
-Don’t forget to spend a few minutes in prayer before opening your Bible! God wants to show you wonderful truths from His Word, but we most definitely need His help to see them—and to live them out in our lives.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?” Psalm 77:13. ESV
Something to Think About:
When trying to define something about God, we need to go to Scripture for the answer (because God is the Author of it!). These last few days, we’ve been trying to define what the “way” of God is. Psalm 77 says that God’s ways are holy.
Like every other definition in life, there’s going to be a human understanding of the word—and then there’s going to be GOD’S definition of the word. Dictionary.com defines holy as,
Adjective:
1. Specially recognized as or declared by religious use or authority
2. Dedicated or devoted to the service of God, the church, or religion
3. Saintly; godly; pious; devout
4. Having a spiritually pure quality
5. Entitled to worship or veneration as or as if sacred
The Easton’s Bible Dictionary defines holy as,
HOLINESS
In the highest sense belongs to God (Is. 6:3; Rev. 15:4), and to Christians as consecrated to God’s service, and in so far as they are conformed in all things to the will of God (Rom. 6:19,22; Eph. 1:4; Titus 1:8; I Peter 1:15). Personal holiness is a work of gradual development. It is carried on under many hindrances, hence the frequent admonitions to watchfulness, prayer, and perseverance (I Cor. 1:30; II Cor. 7:1; Eph. 4:23-24).
Here are two classic Bible verses that addresses holiness:
“Instead, be holy in every aspect of your life, just as the one who called you is holy. For it is written, “You must be holy, because I am holy.” I Peter 1:15-16
The call to holiness is one of the most essential pursuits a child of God could have. This is because God is holy – and His holiness affects every single thing He is and does. Since we are called to be becoming like Christ, learning about holiness is a critical life goal.
The Bible is LOADED with verses that talk about God’s holiness, things and people God expects to be holy, and instruction and guidance for believers to be becoming holy/set apart as followers of Christ (and separated from this world’s system of serving Satan and self).
I Peter 1:15-16 states in no uncertain terms that we are to be holy, we are to be holy in EVERY ASPECT of our lives, and we are to be holy as the One Who called us is holy. Jesus Christ is our Example in every area of our lives as God’s children, including holiness.
Note that this verse doesn’t give a lot of wiggle room! We are to BE holy, and one thing we know is that if the Bible commands us to do something, a) it is possible to do it, and b) the Holy Spirit is going to give us the strength, wisdom, and help to achieve it. That being said, becoming holy is most definitely a life-long pursuit. From the day of our salvation to the day of our home-going, every thought, every word, every action, every attitude should be held up against the perfect standard of holiness we see in our Savior. I think we would be honest to say that it sounds like a ton of very hard work! But, dear ones, it is extremely rewarding work. If not anything else (and there will be tons of rewards associated with a life that pursues holiness), our efforts will cause our Father in heaven to smile upon us! Who wouldn’t want to know their life made God smile! No unbeliever or out-of-fellowship Christian can bring a smile of joy and pleasure to God the Father’s face, but YOU can.
Have you seen that little plaque that always seems to be kicking around gift shops that says, “Mirror, mirror, on the wall, I am my mother after all!”? I’ve smiled at that, and most definitely have seen a lot of my mother in my own words and actions. However, I was thinking recently, in light of the goal of being imitators of God, how marvelous would it be if the mirror said, “Mirror, mirror, on the wall, I am my FATHER after all!” How delightful to consider looking a lot like our Father in heaven in our actions, thoughts, and deeds!
Remember, God does not command us to do something that He will not enable us to do. We can be holy as He is holy – and we MUST be holy, because He is holy. Before doing something, making some decision, or speaking, pause and reflect on how what you are about to say/do could be “just like Jesus Christ.”
-Fill in your own “Something to Think About” (what would you want to tell someone else about what God taught you, challenged you with, or blessed you by from today’s verses?):
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
-Don’t forget to spend a few minutes in prayer before opening your Bible! God wants to show you wonderful truths from His Word, but we most definitely need His help to see them—and to live them out in our lives.
-Today’s Scripture:
“May God be gracious to us and bless us; may he make his face shine upon us Selah so that your way may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. Let the peoples praise you, God; let all the peoples praise you. Let the nations rejoice and shout for joy, for you judge the peoples with fairness and lead the nations on earth. Selah Let the peoples praise you, God, let all the peoples praise you. The earth has produced its harvest; God, our God, blesses us. God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him.” Psalm 67:1-7, CSB
Something to Think About:
This song is a song of thanksgiving (did you know that all the Psalms are actually songs?). It begins with a request for God’s blessing (may God make His face to shine upon us). Why, you might ask? SO THAT the whole earth comes to find out about God’s way and how salvation is found simply by believing in the work Jesus Christ did on the cross on behalf of all people.
Knowing God’s way leads to praising Him, rejoicing, and shouting for joy. Part of this joy is due to God’s just and fair judgments. Part of it is realizing how abundantly God provides for all our needs. In fact, the psalmist says, when people try to understand Who God is, they will realize He is Someone to be reverenced, respected, and “feared.” God is not, nor has He ever been “the man upstairs,” a “co-pilot,” a buddy, or a genie in a bottle. God is the Almighty, the Creator and Sustainer, the Savior and Redeemer. He is the Judge and Ruler of all. This has been true since eternity past and will be true through eternity to come.
Did you notice how this psalm hints at a future not yet here? One day Jesus Christ, the King of kings, will sit on His rightful throne in Jerusalem—and the whole world will come to bow before Him and fear Him and praise Him. That wondrous day cannot get here too soon! However, in the meantime, you and I have a job to do. First, we need to be living the “way” God wants us to as His redeemed ones; His adopted children. Next, we need to be telling other people about what Jesus did for them so that they can join our most wonderful family. And, of course, we MUST be praising God and thanking God with our every breath. This is the kind of attitude and action that causes His face to shine upon us. Selah.
-Fill in your own “Something to Think About” (what would you want to tell someone else about what God taught you, challenged you with, or blessed you by from today’s verses?):
Monday, July 26, 2021
-Don’t forget to spend a few minutes in prayer before opening your Bible! God wants to show you wonderful truths from His Word, but we most definitely need His help to see them—and to live them out in our lives.
-Today’s Scripture:
“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24, ESV
Something to Think About:
Have you ever had a friend who acted first, THEN thought about what the consequences might be? Perhaps this describes you! =) I imagine there are many humorous stories about these special people in our lives, but Psalm 37:23-24 reminds us that traveling through life with no plans or forethought is not actually the plan that God can fully bless. You see, in order to even know the right way to live (God’s way), we need to first learn what that is!
Hmmm. . . I’m trying to think of a useful illustration. Okay, here’s one. When I was 16, I was one of the very rare teenagers who had little to no interest in learning to drive and getting my driver’s license (the whole thought of it was a bit overwhelming!). However, at the same time, I detested riding on the school bus (it was a truly horrific experience every single day), and my sister, who was one year older than me, was graduating and leaving school (so no more rides with her!). I realized that I HAD to get my license so that I could drive myself to school. I dutifully signed up for driver’s ed (our school had this program as part of their curriculum) and I began taking classes. Learning to drive was a two-part thing. We had to sit in the classroom with Mr. P (a VERY demanding teacher!) and learn about the rules of the road, the dangers of driving under the influence of anything, and basic car care and maintenance. Then, during practice sessions and after school, we had to get in the school’s training cars and drive both in the school practice area—and out on the real streets with the teacher. We did not go anywhere in the car, however, without first learning a whole lot of essential things or without the teacher being confident we knew enough basics to not murder him within the first 2 minutes after leaving the school property. In other words, driving in a real-life situation required education, information, direction, and guidance from an experienced driver.
When, as a child of God, we make the decision to find out what pleases or displeases God and what He wants us to do/say, be, etc., we will be more able to act the way He wants (which comes to be a delight to us). When we are living according to Scripture (God’s way), then God helps to establish our steps. That is, He helps us to obey Him more fully and more accurately. The more I drove in the car with my instructor, the more confident I became on what to do or not do to be a safe and skilled driver. The more I study Scripture, then apply it to the circumstances of my day, the better I am able to recognize HOW and WHEN to apply it. And God always honors faithfulness to Him. He does this in several ways, not the least being that He opens our eyes to understand His Word better, allowing us the chance to obey even more completely. This is not a one-time thing, either! No matter how mature we grow in the Lord, there’s always more maturing to do! AND every bit of maturing leads to a closer and closer relationship with God. It’s kind of an awesome thing!
-Fill in your own “Something to Think About” (what would you want to tell someone else about what God taught you, challenged you with, or blessed you by from today’s verses?):
Saturday, July 24, 2021
-Don’t forget to spend a few minutes in prayer before opening your Bible! God wants to show you wonderful truths from His Word, but we most definitely need His help to see them—and to live them out in our lives.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.” Psalm 27:11, ESV
Something to Think About:
We actually looked at Psalm 27 last month in relation to “God is light.” This month we are looking at verse 11 where David asks God to teach him His “way.”
You know, I’ve often thought that if you want to know about something, you should ask an expert. I find it kind of humorous how many people believe the health advice of their hairdresser over their physician—or listen to the financial advice of a co-worker over an accountant, but I don’t think that it’s debatable that someone who has studied in a certain field and has had years of experience in it is a good choice to ask questions of. For example, someone who makes and sells chocolate candies ought to be able to advise you on the best way to melt and make chocolate-dipped pretzel rods over, say, someone who is a professional musician. And that professional musician is a better person to go to find out where the middle c is on a piano than the person who works in the dentist’s office. It just makes sense. With that in mind, who better to go to in order to find out about God’s way than God Himself? And yet, how often do we look other places for information about God—while neglecting His Word? Kind of silly, if you think about it.
Have YOU asked God to teach you about Himself? About what pleases Him? About how to be an excellent woman? Wife? Mother? Friend? Employee? Church member? The Bible has everything that we need to know in order to live faithfully and obediently before God in either direct commands or in principle form. For example, the Bible clearly states that a Christian shouldn’t grumble or complain—and that they should be giving thanks to God for all things. This is a stated “do this” kind of thing. It also says enough, though, to make it clear that women should dress modestly at all times, being careful to not entice men to think inappropriate thoughts. The Bible may not specifically say that eating nothing but marshmallows is bad for your health, but there is teaching about moderation and being good stewards of our physical self that should hint pretty strongly that this is a really bad idea.
How else does God teach us His way? You know what I’m going to say, don’t you! He teaches us His way through preaching and teaching IN YOUR CHURCH. Finding a Bible-teaching and preaching church, joining it, attending it, and serving God in it cannot be overstated in just how important this is. We are living in what’s known as the Church Age. That seems kind of self-explanatory that this is where God’s focus and blessing is. If you don’t have a good church to attend, find one! If you have a good church, are you a member? Are you making it a top priority to attend as many services as humanly possible? If you are a member of a good church and attending faithfully, in what way are you serving God there? These are important questions—questions that will definitely help us in our quest to know God’s way.
And, it goes without saying that knowing God’s way will come about as we have personal devotions and our own Bible study. Daily is best. A few times a day is even nicer. =) Not just taking in God’s Word through reading, studying, and meditating, but also spending time in prayer talking to God and sharing our heart with Him. It’s pretty cool when you’ve just read Scripture, then began praying—only to have God clarify something you weren’t sure about or give you direction in some area you were questioning AS you are praying. Praying isn’t just talking to an empty room! Praying is communication WITH GOD! He listens. He understands. He answers. He guides and directs. Prayer is a tremendous gift from God!
Did you know that God WANTS us to know His way? He wants us to learn more and more about Him—both for His glory and praise and for our own growth, encouragement, and help. Time learning about God’s way is time well spent!
-Fill in your own “Something to Think About” (what would you want to tell someone else about what God taught you, challenged you with, or blessed you by from today’s verses?):
Friday, July 23, 2021
-Don’t forget to spend a few minutes in prayer before opening your Bible! God wants to show you wonderful truths from His Word, but we most definitely need His help to see them—and to live them out in our lives.
-Today’s Scripture:
“God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow. You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me; your help has made me great. You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping.” Psalm 18:30-36, NLT
Something to Think About:
In 2021, we’ve been studying words, phrases, and examples of how to be imitators of God, as we are commanded to be in Ephesians 5:1. Some of the words we have looked up include: imitate, image, example, be/do, and now, ways (as in God’s ways).
Psalm 18:30 tells us that God’s ways are perfect. They are fully formed, complete, can’t-be-improved-on. What a comfort that is to us as His creation and as His children! Whatever insane thing is happening in the weather, in the world, in our nation, and in our family, God has everything in perfect control. What He does is always for His glory and for our spiritual good. When we choose to focus on that, we no longer need to have fear, anxiety, depression, or anger. We simply need to trust and obey, then enjoy the peace and joy God provides for those who have chosen to believe that His way is perfect.
David, the author of Psalm 18, has a ton of amazing things to say in this psalm (you should definitely take the time to read the whole thing!). Once he established that God’s ways are perfect, He reminds us that all of God’s promises prove true. In other words, if God promised it, it is as good as done—even if it takes a few minutes or a few millennia before we recognize that He has fulfilled it. God is a Shield for all who look to Him for protection. He will NEVER let us down, nor will He somehow slip up in providing perfect care for us. God is a Solid Rock, a sure foundation, THE SOURCE for all in life that we need.
When we trust in the Lord with all our heart and don’t lean on our own understanding, God helps us to have the strength to obey Him in the details of each day, making our way “perfect.” He gives us courage and steadfastness to walk faithfully with Him, whether walking on the mountain tops or trudging through a difficult valley. It is His Word, His people, His church that offers true hope and help so that we can choose to be holy, while also choosing to flee evil.
In a nutshell? Without God’s help, we are DOOMED. BUT, God is readily available 24/7 to all those who call on Him in trust and confidence and who are ready to follow His ways as outlined in Scripture.
Take some time today to list some of the ways God has shown YOU that His way is perfect. Make a list of promises that God has kept, both in a world-wide sense and for you personally. Consider ways that God has been your Shield and Protector or has helped you through some “battle.” Thank Him for making “wide paths” for your feet during challenges in your past, helping you to stay true to Him (or helping you to return to a right walk with Him, if that’s your experience).
God is good—and there is much to praise and thank Him for every single day.
-Fill in your own “Something to Think About” (what would you want to tell someone else about what God taught you, challenged you with, or blessed you by from today’s verses?):
Thursday, July 22, 2021
-Don’t forget to spend a few minutes in prayer before opening your Bible! God wants to show you wonderful truths from His Word, but we most definitely need His help to see them—and to live them out in our lives.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Pay attention, heavens, and I will speak; listen, earth, to the words from my mouth. Let my teaching fall like rain and my word settle like dew, like gentle rain on new grass and showers on tender plants. For I will proclaim the Lord’s name. Declare the greatness of our God! The Rock—his work is perfect; all his ways are just. A faithful God, without bias, he is righteous and true.” Deuteronomy 32:1-4, CSB
Something to Think About:
Deuteronomy 32 is a song composed and sung by Moses. It tells of God’s greatness, goodness, and faithfulness—and the only right response by people: to love Him, serve Him, and obey Him wholeheartedly.
I love these first four verses. First comes the ringing command to pay attention (like, EVERYONE!). Moses likens what he’s about to say about God to water in the desert and life-giving rain on young, growing crops. Talking about God and learning about Him is literally ESSENTIAL to (Christian) growth!
You may remember from previous studies that when the Bible says something about God’s name, it is referring to all He is, all He does, WHY He does what He does, and represents the essence of WHO HE IS. We, as “Christians” are called to proclaim the name of CHRIST in all we do, say, think, and are. It is literally in our name as a Christian that identifies Who we are following and are “like.” That being said, we would be wise to frequently evaluate whether our lives are representing Christ accurately or not! I think we all know folks who think of Christians as generally being hypocrites. We sure wouldn’t want to encourage that viewpoint by saying one thing, but living something else.
Moses chose to declare the greatness of God with His life. And, of course, Moses had some super amazing one-on-One time with God, so of course he had first hand accounts of the incredible goodness, faithfulness, and grace that God shows at all times. But, Christian, so do YOU. Didn’t God choose you to belong to Him even before the foundation of the world was established? Didn’t He work for centuries to bring about your birth in a very specific time, to very specific parents, and in a very specific place? Hasn’t He watched over you from before birth to the present, every single second of every single day? Hasn’t He promised TREMENDOUS joys and fulfillment throughout eternity? Hasn’t He provided eternal life and victory over sin through the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son? God’s greatness is indisputable. Who are you going to tell today?
Moses then reminds his readers (and this is the first use of this in Scripture) that God is a Rock. He is a Refuge for all who come to Him for direction, for care, for comfort. He is not only “a” Refuge, He is THE Refuge. And He is YOUR Father!
All God does is perfect (it cannot be improved on in any way!) and His ways (our word of focus today!) are just. They are righteous. They are without fault or error. Knowing these facts helps us to not stress over the ups and down of life with all their constant uncertainties. We may not know what the day holds or what people will do, but we KNOW that all our Father does is perfect, just, righteous, and true. We know that He is always faithful—and actually cannot even BE unfaithful.
What about an application (beyond all the reasons we have to praise and thank God all day long!)? How are WE, imitators of God, being faithful, just, and righteous? Are our “ways” honoring to God? Above board in every area? Trustworthy? Do we do what we say we will do? Do we give each task our best? Do we love holiness and hate sin like our Father does? Do we proclaim the Lord’s name in our conversations, emails, and texts?
BONUS: Read all of Deuteronomy 32. It’s an awesome chapter!
-Fill in your own “Something to Think About” (what would you want to tell someone else about what God taught you, challenged you with, or blessed you by from today’s verses?):
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
-Don’t forget to spend a few minutes in prayer before opening your Bible! God wants to show you wonderful truths from His Word, but we most definitely need His help to see them—and to live them out in our lives.
-Today’s Scripture:
“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you except to fear the Lord your God by walking in all his ways, to love him, and to worship the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul? Keep the Lord’s commands and statutes I am giving you today, for your own good. The heavens, indeed the highest heavens, belong to the Lord your God, as does the earth and everything in it. Yet the Lord had his heart set on your ancestors and loved them. He chose their descendants after them—he chose you out of all the peoples, as it is today.” Deuteronomy 10:12-15, CSB
Something to Think About:
The background of Deuteronomy 10 is a recounting of all that God had done for the Hebrew people, most especially how He brought them through forty years in the wilderness. They were now on the precipice of claiming the land, but before they did that, they needed to hear once again, all that God wanted from them—BECAUSE of all He has done FOR them.
There are a few occasions where the Bible tells us what God asks of us (some translations say “require”) and this is one of them. Micah 5:6 is another. In today’s passage, Moses asks the rhetorical question, “What does the Lord your God ask of you?” He goes on to answer it by saying they should:
-Fear the Lord BY walking in all His ways
-Love the Lord
-Worship the Lord with all their heart and soul.
-Keep the Lord’s commands and statutes.
Why? It’s for their own good!
Why? Everything from the highest heaven on down belongs to God—because He made all of it and He keeps it running.
Why? Because God chose them to be His own special possession. He loves them.
And though we are not Jews, all those who have trusted in Christ as their Savior are ALSO loved by God, chosen by God to be part of His FAMILY, and we are also called on to have a right view of WHO God is (and who we AREN’T—to “fear” Him), we are called to walk obediently according to all the Bible teaches us—which in God’s eyes IS to love Him wholeheartedly. And we, too, do all this because it’s the only right thing to do, making it good for us.
Say, have you thanked God lately for CHOOSING YOU? Have you thanked Him for His incredible creation? For His perfect care of every last detail concerning keeping the universe running? Have you thanked Him for giving you His Word so that you can know what His “ways” are like and how to please and glorify Him? Have you thanked Him for loving you? Have you thanked Him for His faithfulness—which is perfect and eternal?
Perhaps right this minute is an excellent time to worship your Father by means of consciously listing all the things you are thankful about Him.
-Fill in your own “Something to Think About” (what would you want to tell someone else about what God taught you, challenged you with, or blessed you by from today’s verses?):
Tuesday, July 20, 2021
-Don’t forget to spend a few minutes in prayer before opening your Bible! God wants to show you wonderful truths from His Word, but we most definitely need His help to see them—and to live them out in our lives.
-Today’s Scripture:
“So Moses told the people, “You must be careful to obey all the commands of the Lord your God, following his instructions in every detail. Stay on the path that the Lord your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about to enter and occupy.” Deuteronomy 5:32-33, NLT
Something to Think About:
Just yesterday we mentioned that not everything said to Old Testament Israel is valid for New Testament Christians, and today’s passage is a good example. Not the “obey all God’s commands” part, but the promise of a long and prosperous life. God had a covenant with Israel (which He repeated to them MANY times) that when they obeyed Him and did all He asked, then the blessings they experienced would be EPIC. On the other hand, when they chose to ignore Him, worship idols, or otherwise disobey His commands, they would experience dire and extremely unpleasant consequences. I think that you and I should be VERY thankful to live in the Age of Grace! If God rewarded us or cursed us based on the ups and downs of our obedience to Him on any given day, things could be pretty scary!
The occasion of today’s passage is immediately after God gave Israel the Ten Commandments, warning them to obey all He said. They were both delighted to hear God’s own voice speaking these commands and terrified out of their wits! They begged Moses to be the spokesman between them and God—and God agreed that this was a wise request. God gave Moses a few additional instructions, then Moses told the people what we find here in Deuteronomy 5:32-33.
Moses told the people to be CAREFUL to obey ALL the commands of the Lord God, following His instructions in EVERY DETAIL (which, awesomely enough, was what Joshua told their grandchildren several years later in yesterday’s Scripture!).
I love this reminder that obeying God’s commands is not something we should approach carelessly or haphazardly. We should be very serious and studious in finding out what God likes and wants SO THAT we can do it in EVERY DETAIL. I think of the example of children doing their assigned chores to the best of their ability and in all the details that fit their understanding (and physical capabilities) of it—versus ones who don’t listen to what you want, do only part of what they were assigned, or do a job well below what they are capable of. As a parent, we rejoice in the children who work hard to please us and praise and reward their good attitude and work ethic. God is no different. He knows our heart. He knows what we are capable of (with His help). He knows when we’ve shirked, grumbled, or otherwise wasted an opportunity that He has provided for us to demonstrate our love for Him. He is saddened at our lack of love—or—pleased and honored at our giving it our all (and don’t get confused between the difference of wholehearted effort and being “perfect.” God has only ever required faithfulness, not perfection.). The upon-waking prayer of every believer ought to be petitioning the Father for help to carefully obey all His commands and instructions in every detail.
Moses also reminded the people of Israel that it was essential for them to stay on the path that the Lord had commanded them to follow. Another way to say “path” is to say “way.” In other words, stay on the WAY the Lord has said to! Again, I can imagine an example involving children and a nature trail. Picture everyone standing at the sign to the entrance to a nature preserve—with a dire warning to not get off the trail because of various dangers. As a good parent, you tell your children to STAY ON THE PATH, but kids being what kids are, you always have at least one “free spirit” who only finds their joy in being OFF the path. This can be frustrating for the parent, but also scary, not knowing if the child might endanger themselves or even get lost. Moses’ warning to “stay on the path” of obedience to God’s Word, is represented in this analogy by the warning on the sign of the nature preserve path. I can think of a few (okay, many!) occasions where I have wandered away from God’s ways only to find myself in trouble, pain, or confusion. Even though spiritual truths cannot always be seen in the same way physical ones can, that makes them no less real! It takes living life according to GOD’S rules and standards to have His blessing and to be able to be steadfast and faithful to Him, able to do all that loving and serving that we are blessed to do!
The whole “live long and prosper” thing may not be a physical reality for Church Age believers, but obeying God fully and wholeheartedly brings tremendous blessing, eternal reward, and a smile of pleasure upon our Father’s face.
BONUS: Been a while since you last read Deuteronomy 5? Give it a try today!
-Fill in your own “Something to Think About” (what would you want to tell someone else about what God taught you, challenged you with, or blessed you by from today’s verses?):
Monday, July 19, 2021
-Don’t forget to spend a few minutes in prayer before opening your Bible! God wants to show you wonderful truths from His Word, but we most definitely need His help to see them—and to live them out in our lives.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Joshua summoned the Reubenites, Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh and told them, “You have done everything Moses the Lord’s servant commanded you and have obeyed me in everything I commanded you. You have not deserted your brothers even once this whole time but have carried out the requirement of the command of the Lord your God. Now that he has given your brothers rest, just as he promised them, return to your homes in your own land that Moses the Lord’s servant gave you across the Jordan. Only carefully obey the command and instruction that Moses the Lord’s servant gave you: to love the Lord your God, walk in all his ways, keep his commands, be loyal to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul.” Joshua 22:1-5, CSB
Something to Think About:
So far this month (and year, really!), we’ve looked at Bible verses and passages that address a few different terms that largely end up meaning the same thing: to imitate God. This is our focus of study for this year (Ephesians 5:1). For the next several days, however, let’s take time to explore Bible verses that talk about God’s “way.” In order to know how to imitate Him and be like Him, we need to know what His ways ARE and to observe others who are or are not observing them.
In Joshua 22, the Children of Israel have been super busy defeating all those living in the land that God promised to them, and now the two and a half tribes who requested to live on the east side of the Jordan have finally been freed from helping their kinsmen so they can go home and be with their families and settle in. Joshua, the man of God who followed Moses, released them from their obligation, then gave them one final and essential warning. They were to “go and live their lives,” BUT never forget this:
-CAREFULLY obey the commands of God (the Law, as given to them from God through Moses).
-LOVE the LORD their God.
-WALK in all His ways.
-(repeated) KEEP God’s commands.
-Remain LOYAL to God.
-SERVE God with all their heart and soul.
As we look into various Old Testament passages, we’ll always have to keep in mind that they were written to the Jews living under the Law. Not everything that God commanded to them or promised to them is pertinent to those of us living in the Church Age (and under the new covenant). However, there are many basic and important things that will never change—and the above list is a good example*!
We, too, MUST love God with all our heart and soul—which we know is demonstrated by obeying what we know He wants us to do, avoiding everything that displeases Him, making our loyalty to Him our #1 focus every day, all day, serving Him wholeheartedly (seen very often in how we help and bless others!), and, yes, in walking in His ways. That is, to live our lives in keeping with God’s standards of right and wrong; set apart as belonging to Him, focused on being like Jesus Christ, and adhering to the conduct of citizens of heaven. (*We are not under the Law. No believers, not even Jews, are. There are, however, MANY commands as to what God-honoring behavior is like found in the New Testament and throughout the Bible.)
As we study the “ways” of God, we’ll find a few passages that say literally “God’s way is,” but, really, the entire Bible is a handbook of the ways of God. It explains in great detail Who God is, what He likes/dislikes, what He defines as righteous (or wicked), what sorts of attitudes, words, and actions are honoring to Him—and which ones are more pleasing to His arch-enemy, satan. Every day that we are given as His beloved children living in exile here on planet earth, is our opportunity to be an ambassador of Jesus Christ and representative of what heaven’s standards are. It’s not easy and we will meet much resistance, BUT our time here is very short compared to the endlessness of eternity, where we will be able to view the perfection and glory of the “ways” of God—and any and all sacrifices now will be well worth it then. Patiently enduring them, thanking God for them, bringing God honor through them, will provide us with a treasure to lay at the feet of our Master when we arrive in heaven—which is a VERY big deal.
What a good morning prayer Joshua 22:5 is! O, Father, help me to walk in Your ways today!
-Fill in your own “Something to Think About” (what would you want to tell someone else about what God taught you, challenged you with, or blessed you by from today’s verses?):
Saturday, July 17, 2021
-Don’t forget to spend a few minutes in prayer before opening your Bible! God wants to show you wonderful truths from His Word, but we most definitely need His help to see them—and to live them out in our lives.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:36, ESV
Something to Think About:
We actually addressed the subject of mercy in May (May 3rd), discovering that what we FEEL and how we ACT is what mercy is all about. Yes, we should feel compassion for the plight of the unsaved and we should feel sympathy and empathy for the trouble our believing brothers and sisters may be dealing with, but biblical mercy (like love) is ALSO an action. It is taking whatever steps are necessary in order to help. And by “help,” our main focus is always on people’s spiritual welfare and wellbeing. This is very frequently coupled with some sort of physical action, but not always. There are definitely occasions where a gentle nudge away from a sinful attitude or action is required in order to help another believer.
I thought it might be fun to look at how the world defines mercy, and, perhaps, see what the antonyms of it are (I find that knowing the opposite definitions helps me hone in on what a word means more fully). So here it is (according to dictionary.com):
Mercy, noun
1. compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or other person in one’s power; compassion, pity, or benevolence
2. The disposition to be compassionate or forbearing
3. The discretionary power of a judge to pardon someone or to mitigate punishment, especially to send to prison rather than invoke the death penalty.
4. An act of kindness, compassion, or favor
5. Something that gives evidence of divine favor; blessing
Synonyms: forgiveness, indulgence, clemency, leniency, tenderness, mildness
Antonyms: disapproval, disdain, ill will, malevolence, meanness, mercilessness, selfishness, unkindness, disfavor, cruelty, intolerance
When we speak of mercy in terms of what God did for us, a common definition is to say that God withheld what we justly deserved. I think, though, that mercy isn’t fully understood without coupling it with grace. The definition often given to God’s grace is “undeserved favor,” that is, God not only didn’t give us what we DID deserve, He gave us immeasurable treasures that we didn’t deserve. We deserved judgment, anger, and punishment, we got grace, mercy, and salvation. THIS is the picture of grace and mercy that we should extend to others.
You may be thinking of terms of huge infractions and harm done to us, but while mercy and grace are required of those who want to imitate God in these situations, I think a far more common concern we should all have is in the mundane things of life. When “someone” continues to leave dirty dishes in the sink when you’ve asked multiple times for them to place them in the dishwasher, when an over-eager shopper takes the nice spot you were going to park in, when the cashier at the store is grumpy and rude, when the mailman put someone else’s mail in your box AGAIN, when someone DIDN’T talk to you last Sunday when you thought they should have, when someone said something insensitive about your appearance, when someone misunderstood something you said or did and gave you an earful about it.
There are a million examples of this (many times all falling in the same day!). We most definitely need the help of our Father in heaven and the indwelling Spirit to help us respond with mercy—so that—we can be merciful as our Father is merciful.
I’ll pray for you. Will you pray for me?
-Fill in your own “Something to Think About” (what would you want to tell someone else about what God taught you, challenged you with, or blessed you by from today’s verses?):
Friday, July 16, 2021
-Don’t forget to spend a few minutes in prayer before opening your Bible! God wants to show you wonderful truths from His Word, but we most definitely need His help to see them—and to live them out in our lives.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.” I Thessalonians 4:1-8, ESV
Something to Think About:
One of the privileges given to believers, those who have become God’s children upon placing their faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior, is instruction in God’s Word in ways to please God. You see, not everyone can please God. Oh, it’s perfectly true that one day EVERY SINGLE PERSON in heaven and on earth will bow their knee to Jesus Christ and acknowledge His lordship, but only those who are living the way God wants (as found in His Word, the Bible) can please Him. AND, the basic pleasing God package is NOT the only option to check on the menu! No, indeed! God’s children can choose the “more and more” option in the pleasing God department. They can choose to “excel still more” in their pursuit of pleasing God with every aspect of their lives!
You see, how we live our lives in obedience to God’s Word is both a command AND an attitude. Make no mistake, God lists many definite do’s and don’ts as far as what we think, say, and do. However, the why, the how, and with what attitude, makes all the difference in the world. Our obedience can be a kicking, screaming, and dragging our feet kind of obedience (UGLY—even in a toddler!!!) – or – it can be obedience with a smile, with eager anticipation for what’s next, with joy at giving our all—and then some. Attitude is everything, my friend!
How does this all fit with imitating God? Well, for one, I don’t think ANYONE can deny that God gave His all for us, holding nothing back. Why would we hold anything back from Him!
Also, the area of controlling our body in holiness and honor is something someone who “knows” God would do (Paul turns it around here in this passage, stating that those who do not know God choose not to control the passion of their lusts/desires). Paul also points out that when we control our desires and choose to live according to God’s standards, we will not be wronging fellow believers in this area. God apparently takes this quite seriously, calling Himself an avenger of those who have been wronged.
Our sanctification is God’s will for us (plainly stated here). This is to both stay far away from sin and influences toward sin and to draw close to God, God’s Word, God’s people—and choosing to obey God, honor God, and PLEASE God.
-Fill in your own “Something to Think About” (what would you want to tell someone else about what God taught you, challenged you with, or blessed you by from today’s verses?):
Thursday, July 15, 2021
-Don’t forget to spend a few minutes in prayer before opening your Bible! God wants to show you wonderful truths from His Word, but we most definitely need His help to see them—and to live them out in our lives.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Leave the little children alone, and don’t try to keep them from coming to me, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” After placing his hands on them, he went on from there.” Matthew 19:13-15, CSB
Something to Think About:
I want to share with you a fun—and precious—story about my granddaughter, Michelle. Michelle and her family live in Philadelphia and she began Kindergarten this last year in a Christian school. The school, by the way, is in the heart of downtown Philadelphia (during the Covid pandemic). Early in the school year, the entire class sang a song together in honor of Grandparents Day, then the different children made sure to send an electronic video copy to their own grandparents. When my husband and I got ours, Michelle was SO EXCITED for us to see her with her entire class. She didn’t want us to miss out on spotting her among 23 or so other 5-year olds, so she gave us the helpful hint of pointing out that she was the one wearing pink flowers on her face mask. Why is that sweet (and funny)? Because my precious girl was the only white child in the group! We actually had NO TROUBLE AT ALL picking her out of a crowd, but in her eyes, all the children were the same, so she wanted to help us “find” her. =)
THAT, my dear friends, is simple, honest, and sweet child-like thinking. God is pleased and honored when His children (regardless of age!) look at life with the same trusting, open, optimistic, eager attitude a five-year old has. He wants us to be wise as serpents WHILE also being as innocent as doves.
You may ask, “How?” What if I have already seen too much, heard too many ugly things, or even spoken words that I am ashamed of? God’s grace covers it all. He can help us to confess sin—and then leave it in the past where it belongs. This is not to say that we shouldn’t learn some valuable lessons to help us make better choices in the future, but we should not continually beat ourselves up about something that God has forgiven and will not bring up with us again.
Once we’ve asked for forgiveness and left our guilt at the feet of the Savior, we can now move forward in victory and with a determination to follow the biblical remedy of Philippians 4:8-9, “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9 can be our testing strip to help us know if what we are thinking is God-honoring or should be rejected. It can help us to know when to redirect a topic of conversation, when to turn the TV off, when to delete a website, and even when a friendship might need to be sidelined or even cut off. Of course, all those examples are the negative ones. Using Philippians 4:8-9 as the basis for what we say and do to be “like a little child” in God’s eyes is also a good thing. We can CHOOSE to speak words of praise to God, we can use Scripture regularly in our conversation, quoting it to encourage, edify, and build others up in the things of the Lord (as well as to be a witness). We can learn to love songs that focus on praising God, having a heart of thanksgiving, and living faithfully for God in every area and at all times. We can seek out website, books, and internet sites that help us grow in godliness and to be imitators of God. There are oodles of “religious” websites online, but what about listening to past sermons and conferences from your own church and other like-minded churches? Majesty Music, the Wilds, the Herbster family, Ben Everson, Forever Be Sure, and a few other conservative music companies not only sell songs, but have dozens and dozens free on YouTube to listen to.
Before we leave Matthew 19:13-15, don’t miss the wonderful example of the parents who knew enough to bring their children to Jesus. Their desire for Jesus to touch their children and pray for them was so great, they were willing to run the gamut of the disciples’ disapproval to get it. We should be just as determined to bring out children to Sunday School, church, and all services and fellowship that our church holds. Not just the children, though. EVERYONE we know should be invited and encouraged to come—even if it means sacrifice on our part to pick them up, to sit with them, and to otherwise put ourselves out in order for them to have a chance to hear God’s Word and find out how much Jesus loves THEM.
Jesus loved children—and all who were considered the outcasts of society. To be like Him, we should too. Biblical love, I remind you (and me), is an action, not only a feeling. What might the Holy Spirit be nudging you to do or change based on today’s study?
-Fill in your own “Something to Think About” (what would you want to tell someone else about what God taught you, challenged you with, or blessed you by from today’s verses?):
Wednesday, July 14, 2021
-Don’t forget to spend a few minutes in prayer before opening your Bible! God wants to show you wonderful truths from His Word, but we most definitely need His help to see them—and to live them out in our lives.
-Today’s Scripture:
“You must keep all my decrees and regulations by putting them into practice; otherwise the land to which I am bringing you as your new home will vomit you out. Do not live according to the customs of the people I am driving out before you. It is because they do these shameful things that I detest them. But I have promised you, ‘You will possess their land because I will give it to you as your possession—a land flowing with milk and honey.’ I am the Lord your God, who has set you apart from all other people. “You must therefore make a distinction between ceremonially clean and unclean animals, and between clean and unclean birds. You must not defile yourselves by eating any unclean animal or bird or creature that scurries along the ground. I have identified them as being unclean for you. You must be holy because I, the Lord, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own.” Leviticus 20:22-26, NLT
Something to Think About:
Okay, I’m not going to pretend for even one second that I am any sort of expert on the Old Testament, the Law, and God’s relationship to the Jewish nation—especially as it compares and contrasts with those of us living in the Church Age who are Gentiles. But, here’s a few things that I do know: the Old Testament is concerned primarily with the highs and lows of the nation that God chose for His own possession. There was nothing special about those born in the line of Abraham* EXCEPT that God chose them to belong to Him—and that made all the difference in the world. God is STILL watching over the Jewish people, though they are not currently His main focus. His current focus is on those of us who have trusted in His Son as their Savior and are part of the Church Age (or Age of Grace). The Jewish nation will yet have center stage in the world’s history before it is destroyed by fire and rebuilt, but the Jews and the Church are two very distinct groups (though they both belong to God in a very special way).
I know, too, that the Law that God gave to the Jewish nation to follow faithfully and fully is no longer in effect and, in many ways, has little to do with those of us living in the Church Age. That being said, there are many, many aspects of what God commands as “must-dos” that have been repeated in the New Testament and ARE our responsibility to obey. One is listed in today’s passage, to be holy because God is holy (repeated in I Peter 1:15-16).
The Old Testament people of God’s success or failure was linked tightly with their obedience to the Law and their wholehearted allegiance to God and God alone. If they listened to Him and did what He said, they would prosper in every way. If they didn’t, they would suffer in every area: health, wealth, freedoms, etc. God does not generally reward us in the same way today, though it is ALWAYS true that every blessing and every good gift is directly from His hand. Our rewards for obedience and righteous living are more in what’s going on in our heart and the assurance, joy, and peace that He gives to those who love Him and prove it through their obedience. Another biggie, though, is the promise of incredible rewards and “wages” in the Millennium and beyond. Obeying God is always the right thing to do—and God ALWAYS honors our obedience in awesome ways.
Did you catch how this passage even came up in our year-long study of being imitators of God? It was the word translated “walk” in the ESV and “live” in the NLT (v.23), a word that is also translated as “follow” in other passages. God is telling His people to not follow the customs of the nations around them—BECAUSE what they were doing and how they were living was DETESTABLE to Him. I don’t think any of us can deny that there are a whole lot of truly detestable things that happen in the world around us, in the news, on the internet, and within the storyline of books and movies. If God says that these things are detestable to Him, we must ALSO find them totally and completely UNACCEPTABLE and stay as far away from them as possible. We MUST NOT be “like” the unsaved and ungodly people who live near us and around us. We are not like them because we BELONG TO GOD. We are to be like Him in every regard, including holiness, the separating of ourselves from sin of any kind.
Fellow child of God, we BELONG TO GOD! He chose us to be His very own! It should be our total joy and privilege to stop following the pattern of attitudes and actions of those who are His enemies and to align ourselves with the values of heaven, our true home.
*Of course, the choice of the Jewish nation also has EVERYTHING to do with God using them to bring the Messiah, Jesus Christ, into the world in the fullness of time. They are blessed because God chose them to pour His love into, they are doubly blessed because it was through them that God introduces His Son as the Savior of us all
-Fill in your own “Something to Think About” (what would you want to tell someone else about what God taught you, challenged you with, or blessed you by from today’s verses?):
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
-Don’t forget to spend a few minutes in prayer before opening your Bible! God wants to show you wonderful truths from His Word, but we most definitely need His help to see them—and to live them out in our lives.
-Today’s Scripture:
“For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you. The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers. You destroy those who speak lies; the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.” Psalm 5:4-6, ESV
Something to Think About:
In order to be an imitator of God, we need to take no pleasure in wickedness, to not tolerate the sins of the wicked, to not be prideful, to not do evil, to not lie, and to detest murderers and deceivers.
This sounds pretty serious—and I believe that this is at least some of the author’s point. God takes sin very, very seriously and so must we.
We can definitely be a bit too callous about what is wicked and what isn’t, perhaps making allowance for people, places, attitudes, kinds of entertainment, and so on, that we enjoy—or maybe, because that’s just how we have always done it. If that’s too vague a thought, maybe we could use the example of music. We might have grown up in the 70s, having heard soft rock love songs for many years, and come to enjoy them and consider them innocent and “perfectly fine.” However, have you ever read the lyrics of those songs right after reading about the holiness of God or how the sin of mankind caused Jesus to be tortured and killed? Does it sound harmless and fun then? Aren’t those songs encouraging doing whatever feels good to you, rebelling against all forms of authority, and living in whatever way brings you pleasure (noting, of course, that the pleasure they are speaking about is NOT innocent)?
Here’s something that I have noticed in my own spiritual growth (and something the Bible hints at all the time). Growing to be more like Christ and maturing so that we can more accurately imitate God is a long process that begins, generally, in what I like to think of as big-picture ways, then slowly, but surely, refining and closing in on being more and more accurate in how we portray Jesus Christ and God the Father—even in our own minds.
So, back to the music example, we may, at first, realize that the hard kind of rock-and-roll cannot please a God Who loves order and self-control and peace. We then may realize that there aren’t really that many secular songs that have words that are accurate or “right” for a child of God to sing (even some of the songs that seem pretty harmless may actually be teaching something kind of ugly!). We may then by this time have come to take a stand against most secular music (classical music can be an obvious exception) and WANT to only listen to music that glorifies God and helps us to draw closer to Him in trust and reliance. Even songs with good God-honoring words may need to be reconsidered if the music playing behind the words could just as soon be a rock song (how can God be honored with the right words AND worldly music at the same time?). You see? It’s a process that takes us from thinking and acting exactly as the unsaved around us to one of taking no delight in wickedness—JUST LIKE our Father.
We would all do well to prayerfully consider in what ways we might be tolerating things in our life that God hates. As we study His Word and obediently do what it says, God will reveal more and more of this to us. And lest you think this all sounds like your balloon of fun being popped, quite the opposite is true. Full obedience to God leads to full joy and peace. Always.
-Fill in your own “Something to Think About” (what would you want to tell someone else about what God taught you, challenged you with, or blessed you by from today’s verses?):
Monday, July 12, 2021
-Don’t forget to spend a few minutes in prayer before opening your Bible! God wants to show you wonderful truths from His Word, but we most definitely need His help to see them—and to live them out in our lives.
-Today’s Scripture:
“For which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.” II Timothy 1:11-14, ESV
Something to Think About:
In this letter from the Apostle Paul to Timothy, the word of focus that fits our 2021 theme of being an imitator of God is in verse 13. Paul encouraged Timothy to hold on to the “pattern” of wholesome teaching he learned from him. Now, if you’ve observed the context (or heaped tons of bonus points by looking up the entire chapter in your own Bible), you will see that Paul is speaking specifically as an older pastor to a younger pastor. However, this little nugget of truth most definitely is essential for all Christians. It is the idea of never forgetting the basics of what God has done for us—and always living based on what God has told us in His Word. This is both what our minute-by-minute choices are based on AND it is what keeps us going by providing the sure confidence (“hope”) that God will make good on every single promise that He has made concerning our position as His child, our eternal life in His presence, the permanent “justified” sticker on the question of our righteousness in His eyes, and the tremendous rewards He has planned for those who remain faithful to Him. These are the things, these “precious truths,” that are something to cherish—and something to share with every single person we come across in our daily life.
How can we KNOW that God will do all that He promised? Paul says in verse 12 that it is because He KNOWS the One Who promised. How can we, personally, be that confident? As we commit to daily Bible study, to daily (and frequent) prayers, as we join and invest in a local BIBLE-TEACHING church family, as we hang out with and talk about Bible truths with other mature believers, we will come to KNOW God better and better and see for ourselves that He is the only truly trustworthy Being in all the universe. We will be able to worship Him more accurately, love Him more deeply, serve Him more wholeheartedly, and speak of Him with more assurance. And we will most definitely know the One in Whom we have believed and be convinced that He is ABLE to guard all that He has given us and do all that He has promised!
-Fill in your own “Something to Think About” (what would you want to tell someone else about what God taught you, challenged you with, or blessed you by from today’s verses?):
Saturday, July 10, 2021
-Don’t forget to spend a few minutes in prayer before opening your Bible! God wants to show you wonderful truths from His Word, but we most definitely need His help to see them—and to live them out in our lives.
-Today’s Scripture:
“And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor. In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen.” I Peter 5:1-11, NLT
Something to Think About:
God gives us a few opportunities in Scripture to know how to best pray for our pastors. Here, Peter is encouraging fellow pastors (elder is another way of saying pastor) to lead their people by way of their own good example (v.3). It is always a truism that a believer of God should live in such a way that another believer would know how to live in a God-honoring way by watching us and copying what we do. Sadly, we sure don’t always set the excellent example we should, but that doesn’t negate the imperative to keep trying.
What does Peter say pastors should attain to, that is, how can we pray for our pastor based on this passage?
-That they take good care of the flock that God has entrusted to them. There are going to be some easy sheep to take care, but there are also going to be some challenging ones. There are going to be lambs that need extra attention, but there are also going to be older sheep who need a different kind of attention. And there are all the sheep in the middle who need to be fed, watched over, encouraged, and loved. If you’ve spent much time around people (and I’m going to have to assume we all have!), you know that this isn’t always an easy job or one that is appreciated by all the “sheep.” Pray for your pastor to have the wisdom, spiritual insight, energy, health, and enthusiasm to keep on day and night for however long God has him on the job.
-The pastor must shepherd the sheep willingly, not grudgingly, and not for what he can get out of it. Rather, his focus should be that of eagerness to serve God. And to be honest, ALL believers should be serving God in whatever areas He gives us to serve Him willingly, not grudgingly, not for what we can get out of it, but WITH an eagerness to serve God. He can help us with the right attitudes and actions if we but just ask.
-The pastor isn’t supposed to “lord over” his flock. This is the idea of insisting on being treated as the most important church member and being given much deference. Our pastor deserves our respect, our appreciation, our loyalty as the man of God chosen for us by God Himself, but only God deserves the position of the Head of the church.
-Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd, has special rewards and awards for faithful pastors. As members of his church, we should be praying for our pastor to be able to earn HUGE rewards and awards (and a good deal of this will come simply if we each personally CHOOSE to be obedient to the Word of God, with teachable hearts and “ears that hear” what he is teaching and preaching.
Beginning in verse 5, Peter addresses younger pastors, perhaps assistant pastors and those still in training, but the following commands are pretty important for all believers to listen to. We are all called to accept the authority of those God has placed over us (in our church, in our homes, in our workplace, and in our country). All of us are to display humility, considering the needs of other people as more important than our own—which seems closely tied to refusing to be a person who is proud. Peter provides the encouraging thought that when we humble ourselves and adopt a servant’s heart, we will eventually be lifted up into a place of honor BY God Himself! I would say that this is most definitely worth the wait.
Obviously, the One we MUST humble ourselves before first and foremost is God Himself. When our focus is fully on God, trusting Him by obeying His Word in every area, we will have no need for worry and we will be able to stand firm against the attacks of satan. Satan cannot stand against the child of God who is leaning wholly on the Father.
Peter ends this section by reminding us that suffering is a part of the life of a faithful believer. In fact, we are part of the family of believers from all over the world who are also dealing with the hatred of the world against Jesus Christ, holiness, and righteousness. But that’s not the end of the story. No, not at all! Did you read verses 10 and 11? “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
I think we can all chorus a loud “Amen!” after reading that! Today’s challenges are, in fact, a teeny blip in the tremendous glories of being in the presence of God for all of eternity!
-Fill in your own “Something to Think About” (what would you want to tell someone else about what God taught you, challenged you with, or blessed you by from today’s verses?):
Friday, July 9, 2021
-Don’t forget to spend a few minutes in prayer before opening your Bible! God wants to show you wonderful truths from His Word, but we most definitely need His help to see them—and to live them out in our lives.
-Today’s Scripture:
“As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” James 5:10-11, ESV
Something to Think About:
If you’re ever struggling with feelings of persecution and being given a hard time, look up some of what the prophets to the Jewish nation had to deal with in the Old Testament. Some of them suffered some truly horrible things! Job, too, is given here as an example of someone who suffered, but who remained steadfast for God—and he was given some incredibly difficult troubles! All that being said, I know from experience that when things are going bad, no one’s troubles seem quite as unpleasant as our own and it can be hard to lift our heads above the dark clouds to see the sun (the Son!) that is always there. But, dear fellow child of God, God tells us that we most definitely CAN lift our head, we CAN trust in His kindness, tenderness, and mercy, and we CAN endure in a godly manner whatever hardships come our way. Not only does God help us each step of the way in the here and now, the Bible is LOADED with examples of how richly God will reward those who remain faithful to Him. I am 100% confident that we will NOT be disappointed, and in fact, be ASTOUNDED at the displays of His grace and mercy.
By the way, James is specifically addressing the suffering of those who have suffered because they are speaking in the name of the Lord. Be sure to keep your pastor and missionaries in your prayers. They are all targets for hatred and persecution from humankind—and from satan.
Here are a few prophets who were persecuted:
-Moses, Exodus 17
-Elijah, I Kings 18
-Micaiah, II Chronicles 18
-Elisha, II Kings 6
-Hanani, II Chronicles 16
-Zechariah, II Chronicles 24
-Jeremiah, Jeremiah 37-38
-Daniel, Daniel 6
-John the Baptist, Matthew 14
Prayerfully, joyfully, THANKFULLY read these verses that use the word steadfast/endurance:
-“And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Matthew 10:22
– “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12
– “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” I Corinthians 13:7
– “The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.” II Timothy 2:11-13
-“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, 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.” Hebrews 12:1-2
-“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12
-“For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” I Peter 2:19-25
-Fill in your own “Something to Think About” (what would you want to tell someone else about what God taught you, challenged you with, or blessed you by from today’s verses?):
Thursday, July 8, 2021
-Don’t forget to spend a few minutes in prayer before opening your Bible! God wants to show you wonderful truths from His Word, but we most definitely need His help to see them—and to live them out in our lives.
-Today’s Scripture:
“But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” Titus 2:1-8, ESV
Something to Think About:
You may know by now that I’m fond of the “list” passages, those bits of Scripture that line out what is and isn’t God-honoring. Titus 2 is an excellent list passage on the topic of what the members of the local church should be like as people. Before we get into the lists, though, note something super important. Paul wants Titus, the pastor of this church, to never forget that the basis for right thinking and behavior is God’s Word. He warns him right from the get-go to teach what is lined up with “sound doctrine,” which is WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS. So, the first—and essential—thing to remember when considering how to live in a manner that pleases God is that we live in a way that is consistent with Scripture.
Then, AFTER the lists, Paul reminded Titus that he, as the pastor of that church, needed to be sure that he was living as an example of all these areas on behalf of both his church members and the unsaved outside the church doors. ESV says that he should “model” good works, showing integrity and dignity. The NLT says that he should be an “example,” letting everything he does reflect the integrity and seriousness of his teaching. Whether or not God ever calls any of us to a leadership role, these are important goals and focuses that we all should have. Our lives should be lived in such a way that God’s Word cannot be criticized, spoken poorly about, or reviled (because we are living hypocritically, saying one thing, but living a different way).
So what are the to-dos for God-honoring believers? Rather than divvy up the categories for our work today, let’s just list them in order of appearance.
-Sober-minded (able to be serious and thoughtful; not only and always the class clown).
-Dignified (respectable, trustworthy).
-Self-controlled (not living a life of impulsive behavior).
-Sound in faith (a knowledge and application of God’s Word to the details of life).
-Sound in love (understanding how God defines love and applying it to our lives).
-Sound in steadfastness (endurance, faithfulness).
-Reverent in our behavior (remembering to be holy as He is holy).
-Not slandering others (not tearing others down with our words).
-Not slaves to wine* (not overindulging in the luxuries of life).
-Choosing to teach younger believers what is “good ” (according to God’s definition).
-Choosing to train younger believers to do what God created them to do (in this case, specifically, it is to teach young wives how to biblically love their husbands and children and take excellent care of their home).
Some might choose to look at lists like this and feel overwhelmed and discouraged. I’d rather, though, look at them as an aid to help me know what pleases God in very specific ways so that I can (with His help!) throw out the bad behaviors and attitudes and replace them with the ones that make me a better imitator of God.
*We do not believe that the Bible supports drinking alcoholic beverages. If you want the full ins and outs of this important and highly debated topic, please contact Pastor Brown at firstbaptistnorthconway.org.
-Fill in your own “Something to Think About” (what would you want to tell someone else about what God taught you, challenged you with, or blessed you by from today’s verses?):
Wednesday, July 7, 2021
-Don’t forget to spend a few minutes in prayer before opening your Bible! God wants to show you wonderful truths from His Word, but we most definitely need His help to see them—and to live them out in our lives.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” I Timothy 4:12, NLT
Something to Think About:
I Timothy 4:12 is a pretty well known verse. As you probably know, it is part of a charge given by the Apostle Paul to the young pastor, Timothy. Paul considered himself Timothy’s spiritual father and mentor and wrote to him in order to encourage him in his role as a pastor of a large church.
We can find out a lot about the kind of person Timothy was from reading these two letters, as well as what Paul felt was important for Timothy to know and teach the church family there, but verse 12 of chapter 4 is definitely not limited to instruction for just Timothy. ALL Christians would be wise to consider the kind of example we are currently living—and how we might excel still more. Paul is specifically addressing Timothy’s youth, and for sure, age should never matter in how committed we are to Christ. Children can—and should—live wholeheartedly for God in the areas of life they have as children, but so should grown-ups of all ages, even those considered in their “golden years.” Each physical age (and spiritual age!) has both challenges and opportunities to love God with more excellence than ever before.
So, what areas does Paul tell Timothy to set an excellent example in? First, he warns Timothy to think about what he is saying. I’m confident that, due to context, Paul is talking about the things that Timothy is teaching and preaching, that it be doctrinally correct, bold, and what needs to be said, but I’m equally positive that being careful in what we say also includes our normal everyday chit-chat—the things we say to the family when doing our thing at home, the things we say to co-workers about anything and everything, the things we say to friends and acquaintances when we are baring our heart and expressing our feelings, and the things we say to total strangers. ALL these words are heard by God and they ALL either give Him glory and praise or they are focused on self and thoughts and attitudes that are worldly, not God-focused. Now, don’t get me wrong. There are all sorts of things to talk about that may or may not bring up God specifically, but which are perfectly fine things to talk about. I am suggesting that our attitude and purpose in what we say will reveal our relationship to God (and it SHOULD). If our conversation is all “Woe is me!,” how is that bringing God honor and reflecting our thankfulness for God’s perfect provision and care? If our conversation is centered on despair and depression because of world events, how is that demonstrating confidence that God is in control and nothing can happen apart from His good and perfect will? On the other hand, if we share that we are concerned over a health issue (or any other challenge) WHILE expressing gratitude that God is upholding us and directing us, this is being a godly example to those who know us (and is also a great witness to both saved and unsaved). What we say is a HUGE topic in Scripture—and a long personal Bible study on what God says about our words is a very worthwhile labor.
Paul next encourages Timothy to be a good example in the way he lives. This would certainly encompass the attitude and focus mentioned already, but include some literal physical things such as our manner of dress, how we appear, the places we go to, the places we DON’T go to, and so on. In general, are we living as children of God and citizens of heaven—or are we exactly the same as the world around us? Can people SEE your love for God and God’s love for you on your face, in your eyes, and by the smile on your face?
The next “good example” Timothy must live is in how he loves. THIS topic is covered quite thoroughly in our studies in February. =) They are on our website at firstbaptistnorthconway.org under the tab “ministries.”
Next comes “faith.” Faith is another word for belief or trust. Whether or not we trust that God is Who He said, that He will do all He promised, that He will help us to live with excellence as His imitators, will be seen in our obedience to His Word. The proof of our claims is seen in whether or not we are doing what we know He wants us to do. Remember, we were never commanded to “be perfect or don’t bother trying,” we are commanded to be faithful—to keep trying and never give up.
Last on this list is purity. This is the idea of sinlessness in both thought and action. Our world is loaded with examples of impurity of thought, word, dress, and actions. Imitators of God will stand out in their wholesome and pure conversation and conduct.
As we’ve noted before, no matter who you are, you are being an example to whoever sees you, even more so to those who know you well. When we joyfully submit to the direction of the Holy Spirit by applying Scripture to our words and actions, we can be a GOOD EXAMPLE, one that brings a smile of pleasure upon the Savior’s face.
-Fill in your own “Something to Think About” (what would you want to tell someone else about what God taught you, challenged you with, or blessed you by from today’s verses?):
Tuesday, July 6, 2021
-Don’t forget to spend a few minutes in prayer before opening your Bible! God wants to show you wonderful truths from His Word, but we most definitely need His help to see them—and to live them out in our lives.
-Today’s Scripture:
“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”
I Timothy 1:15-17, ESV
Something to Think About:
If you were to be asked who is the worst sinner of all time, who do you think you would name? Would it be Paul because of what he wrote to Timothy in this passage? Would you name satan? I’m kind of thinking that this might not be a valid question or that it might be considered a trick question. Why do I say that? Because even one sin would have marred and destroyed God’s relationship to humankind. Just one—no matter who did it. The one sin that Adam and Eve committed in the Garden of Eden (eating one fruit that God said not to) led to the entire human race being born with a sin nature, which made it impossible to fellowship with God, Who is 100% holy and righteous. That one sin put each of us on the side of satan in rebellion against God and hatred for all that He stands for.
Who is the worst sinner of all time? Each one of us when we choose to act in defiance of God’s will. BUT, that’s not the end of it and I’m not even sure that this is what Paul meant. I think that Paul wanted Timothy to see that God is in the business of taking pitiful, wretched, SINFUL humans and transforming them to be becoming like His righteous and holy Son. I think that the real focus here needs to be on GOD. In fact, after talking about God’s mercy and patience, Paul just sort of falls into a brief doxology—words of praise to God mixed with deep gratitude and awe. He, first, gives ALL honor and glory to God forever and ever, then he recognizes His complete sovereignty, uniqueness, and eternality, stating without question or doubt that God ALONE is God.
What’s our takeaway here? Paul was willing to share the fact that he has sinned horribly against God in the past (he doesn’t deny that he still needs to make things right with God on a regular basis) SO THAT he could be an example to others of how God can take YOU AND ME and help us to honor Him and bring Him great glory. So, do you have something ugly in your past? Is there something about your current struggles that makes you feel like a failure? If you belong to God because you have trusted in Jesus Christ as the Savior from your sin, God wants to take you AS YOU ARE and help you to live in such a way that others see His goodness, His patience, His kindness, and His mercy in your life. He wants to use your life and testimony as something unbelievers can see and realize how God wants to bless and help them, too. Obviously, we must keep a clean account with God (confess sin as soon as we realize we have done it) to be useful to God and a blessing to others, but God helps us to do that, too. The indwelling Holy Spirit given to us upon our salvation helps us understand and apply the Bible to every area of life—and He points out to us when we have sinned (disobeyed God in some way) so that we can confess it and get right back on track.
Who is the biggest sinner? Apart from Christ, all of us. But, also because of Christ, we can be the most God-honoring Christian too!
-Fill in your own “Something to Think About” (what would you want to tell someone else about what God taught you, challenged you with, or blessed you by from today’s verses?):
Monday, July 5, 2021
-Don’t forget to spend a few minutes in prayer before opening your Bible! God wants to show you wonderful truths from His Word, but we most definitely need His help to see them—and to live them out in our lives.
-Today’s Scripture:
“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24, ESV
Something to Think About:
First off, a Greek lesson (though, I am most definitely NOT a Greek scholar!). Greek isn’t English and English isn’t Greek, so sometimes English translators need to make small changes in sentences so that they make sense to those of us used to reading English. This happens in other languages, too. For example, Spanish puts the question mark at the beginning of the sentence, as well as the end. Many languages change word order, as well, in order to show importance (Greek does this, too.) In English, we might ask someone for a book or the book. We understand that a book can be any book of our choosing (maybe we need to squish a spider!), but THE book is referring to something specific (pick the dictionary, it’s heavier for squishing the spider!).
Greek uses something called the definite article to refer to very specific people and things. When it’s not something specific, they don’t use the definite article, BUT that doesn’t necessarily always mean that it is an “a/an” kind of thing. John 4:24 is an excellent example of this. God is “spirit” (not a spirit or even the spirit) and those who worship Him must worship Him in “spirit” (no caps in the original!) and in truth. In this example, “spirit” without a definite article means the essence of spirit. We might sometimes define this as “spiritual.” It is the characteristics of what God says is “spirit” – or spiritual. In English, if we’ve forgotten the word “book” (don’t laugh! If you haven’t forgotten common words yet in your life, your time is coming!), we might try to describe it to someone as a bunch of papers bound together; something that you read for information; a great object for dispatching spiders. . . that kind of thing. Even so, in Greek, items without the definite article (the) aren’t necessarily physical things, it’s often the spirit of the thing. Catch what I did there? Spirit of the thing? =)
Jesus is telling the Samaritan woman (in John 4) that God is a spiritual Being and our relationship to Him is in the spiritual realm. We, as His created beings, need to find out how HE wants to be worshiped and how HE wants us to live, and then do it. Furthermore, Jesus pointed out that to worship God properly, it must be done “in truth.” What is truth? Now, that’s something philosophers have debated since time began! You, though, can KNOW the answer. It’s actually pretty simple. Truth is what GOD says it is. This incredibly important fact is what helps each of us have a right view of . . . well, everything! When we view life through the truth of God’s Word, we CAN know what is good and what is bad, what is worthwhile and what is useless, what is worth fighting for and what should be avoided. God’s Word tells us that it contains everything that we need to live a life that is pleasing to God—so that when this time period is over, we can stand in His presence with joy and delight, knowing we’ve given our all for Him.
There is a right and wrong way to worship God. I know this because He said so. Keep studying your Bible, keep coming to church and taking copious notes, keep grilling your pastor with question after question, keep hanging out with other believers who are seeking to live their whole life for God’s glory, and keep your prayer lines open with God, trusting Him and asking for His help to understand and apply HIS truth to your life!
-Fill in your own “Something to Think About” (what would you want to tell someone else about what God taught you, challenged you with, or blessed you by from today’s verses?):
Saturday, July 3, 2021
-Don’t forget to spend a few minutes in prayer before opening your Bible! God wants to show you wonderful truths from His Word, but we most definitely need His help to see them—and to live them out in our lives.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” Galatians 5:19-26, ESV
Something to Think About:
Galatians 5 is a very useful passage in delineating what we, as children of God, can—and should—aspire to. THANKFULLY, it is the Holy Spirit Who produces this fruit (transforming us away from all the ugly things on the “works of the flesh” list). We cannot do it alone, but God never intended for us to try! He intended from day one for us to walk WITH HIM. When we do, we can be like Him in the areas of how we display His love to others, how we maintain joy, peace, and patience in spite of circumstances (that are mostly temporary anyway). It is His character and actions that show us how to be kind, become “good” inside and out, become and stay faithful, display gentleness, and develop control over our emotions and temptations to act impulsively.
I love how the ESV translates verse 25! It encourages us to “keep in step” with the Spirit. In other words, if God’s Word tells us that He doesn’t like gossip, then neither do we! We seek His help to avoid conversations that will probably result in gossip and we cut off conversations that suddenly became gossip, directing each other to thanking God instead. If God’s Word says that we should wake up rejoicing in the day that God has given to us (even if we know that something unpleasant is going to happen), then we wake up thanking and praising God for His goodness and for the opportunities He gives us to trust in Him—and to display that trust to others in our words and demeanor. If God’s Word warns against envy, then when we discover that someone has something that we wanted, with the Spirit’s help, we can thank God for His provision for them—and thank Him for meeting ALL our true needs. We can thank Him for His wisdom in knowing how, and when, and with what to bless us. And so on. Growing the Fruit of the Spirit and living in step with Him is a life-long process begun at salvation, but increasing bit by bit each day that we set aside self and listen to God and obey His Word.
-Fill in your own “Something to Think About” (what would you want to tell someone else about what God taught you, challenged you with, or blessed you by from today’s verses?):
Friday, July 2, 2021
-Don’t forget to spend a few minutes in prayer before opening your Bible! God wants to show you wonderful truths from His Word, but we most definitely need His help to see them—and to live them out in our lives.
-Today’s Scripture:
“Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:22-32, ESV
Something to Think About:
Don’t you love how God’s Word tells it like it is? Ephesians 4:22-32 is a perfect passage to go to if we want to know what we should do and not do as children of God who are determined to properly reflect Jesus Christ in our lives. This passage has sometimes been called the “put off/put on principle,” because listed quite clearly are several things that should NOT characterize a Christian—and the God-honoring characteristics that should be there instead. I like to look at these kinds of passages as “biblical remedies.” They show that in order to truly get rid of ugly and ungodly behaviors, we need to replace them with what God has said is the right thing to say and do (and think!).
Obviously, we could charge through this list and be done with it in a few short minutes, but this is important enough to take some time to carefully consider what God wanted us to know in regards to turning our back on our former way of life and how to live as the new creature He turned us into. But a good starting point would be simply to list the put-offs followed by the put-on’s, noting first that our “former way of life” (the old self) has been corrupted by “lust and deception,” while the new self is created to be like God “truly righteous and holy.”
Note, too, that we need to be thinking accurately about this topic. We need to let the Holy Spirit renew our thoughts and attitudes, making the decision to forever “throw off” our former way of thinking (which is WRONG because of the effects of sin).
There are many “list” passages in Scripture—and I appreciate each one! Here’s what this passage commands us to “put off,” then “put on” in its place:
-Put away lying, put on speaking the truth.
-Put away anger and sinning in our anger, put on not getting angry or staying angry (so as to not give the devil an opportunity to cause trouble for you or others).
-Put away stealing, put on good honest work that has as its goal sharing with someone in need.
-Put away any and all foul or ugly language, put on what is good for building up someone else, so that it gives grace to those who hear and is an encouragement to them to keep on keeping on for the Lord.
-Put off grieving God’s Holy Spirit in any way, shape, or form. Put on remembering what the Holy Spirit has guaranteed for you: an eternal home in the presence of God!
-Put off all bitterness, anger, wrath, shouting, slander, and malice. Put on kindness and compassion, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.
Quite a list! Don’t forget that Paul gave a summary statement about where this is headed in verse 24. God’s children are to slowly be becoming like Him in righteousness and holiness.
What is righteousness? Righteousness is the character or quality of being right or just. Since God IS righteous, righteousness will always align with His character, especially His holiness (complete lack of sin of any kind or amount). Christians are “declared” righteous upon their salvation (because God views us through His righteous Son), but we are also given our lifetime to ACT like the righteous people that God made us when He called us as His own. This is going to be closely tied up with sanctification—a lifelong process of becoming holy (set apart from sin and consecrated to God). So, all believers are righteous in that we have had our sins permanently forgiven, but our thoughts and actions might not be righteous by definition. For example, from today’s passage, we are not looking like God when we lie, get angry (and don’t deal with it biblically), when we take what doesn’t belong to us, when we use ugly, worldly words, and when we are rude, dismissive, and unkind. These behaviors better fit our former way of life, the one we were imprisoned by selfishness and sin, before our salvation. They look more like satan and have nothing in common with God.
Holiness is, as noted, purity, cleanness, the lack of sin—even the tiniest amount. It’s not uncommon to hear people justify sin by saying it was just a “tiny lie” or a “slight” change from what God said, but in God’s eyes, there is no such thing as tiny, slight, or partial. With Him, it’s all obedience – or it is DISobedience. I think it helps to know that there are no gray areas in God’s eyes. He sees everything in black or white, right or wrong, sin or holiness. We should keep in mind, as well, that holiness is not only the lack of sin, it is the addition of righteousness—so these two words fit together like a hand and glove.
-Fill in your own “Something to Think About” (what would you want to tell someone else about what God taught you, challenged you with, or blessed you by from today’s verses?):
Dear Student of the Word,
Welcome to the seventh month in our endeavor to learn what being “Imitators of God” (Eph. 5:1) is all about. We’ve explored people in the Bible who pleased God in this area, we’ve looked at two different areas that say “God is. . .” (love and light), and we’ve explored word such as “imitate,” “image,” and “mirror.” This month we’d like to resume our study of synonyms of “imitate,” ending with several days focusing on what God’s “way” is and isn’t.
It is my prayer that these devotions are helpful to you as you seek to be becoming more like our Savior—and that they are an encouragement and blessing. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to share a bit of what He has laid on my heart. This is truly a joy for me!
Please feel free to contact me with questions or comments or to share these with whomever the Lord lays on your heart.
By His Grace, Lorie
-Our church website: firstbaptistnorthconway.org
-Our church YouTube channel; FBC North Conway
-All Scripture is taken from biblegateway.com
Thursday, July 1, 2021
-Don’t forget to spend a few minutes in prayer before opening your Bible! God wants to show you wonderful truths from His Word, but we most definitely need His help to see them—and to live them out in our lives.
-Today’s Scripture:
“For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.”
I Peter 2:19-24, ESV
Something to Think About:
One of the ways the Bible says that we can be like Christ is in how we suffer, though an argument can also be made for WHY we suffer. For example, there is no glory in suffering because we chose to do wrong. We deserve to be punished for that! If, however, we are simply going about our lives living the way God wants us to and we are abused in some way because of it, THEN we have been given an opportunity to respond in a God-honoring way.
When Jesus, Who NEVER sinned, NEVER was unkind, NEVER spoke before engaging His brain, and Who ALWAYS did what was right was insulted and treated horribly, He made the decision to not respond in anger or to retaliate in any way. Why? Because He trusted the Father to deal with the situation in the right way and at the right time. He knew that God judges justly and that in the end, all wrongs will be made right. Because of His trust in God’s sovereignty and righteous rule, Jesus had no reason to “stick up” for Himself. And fellow child of God, neither do we.
Now, I’m among the first to speak out against injustice and unfairness. It riles my liver! I want to tell the accuser that they have it all wrong and that what they are saying is unfair and untrue. I want to tell that to them LOUDLY. However, I’m not supposed to be living to please myself or to do the things that I want to do. I was redeemed by the blood of the Lamb so that I could be becoming like Him and imitate God as His beloved child. And because of that, my response should be VERY different from that of someone who doesn’t have God Almighty as their Father. I, like Christ, can choose to not defend myself and trust God to deal with the situation. And I can learn from the hurt that unjust attacks cause and ask the Father for help to never be the one accusing others unjustly, unkindly, or unlovingly.
In the end (which is really just the beginning!), all Christians will stand before our Savior to give account for how well we lived our hours for Him. We are each responsible for what WE said, how WE reacted, and what WE chose to do—not what others said or did to us. It is how we have pleased or displeased God that matters—and with the help of the Holy Spirit and with the application of God’s Word to each thought and action, we can choose to follow in the steps of our Savior and only do what pleases the Father.
FYI There IS a time for confronting someone who has sinned against us in some way. This is not the same as revenge or handing out punishment ourselves. This has at its goal the spiritual welfare of the other party and is done in humility, kindness, and love. Here is additional material about conflict resolution: Can we Talk?, a Solid Rock Publication available at First Baptist Church, firstbaptistnorthconway.org.
-Fill in your own “Something to Think About” (what would you want to tell someone else about what God taught you, challenged you with, or blessed you by from today’s verses?):
August 2021 DBSQ
Tuesday, August 31, 2021
-Pause before beginning today’s Bible study so you can spend a few moments in prayer to ask the Father for help to concentrate, see what He wants you to see, and to understand how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for the privilege of studying His Word and for His grace, goodness, and kindness today and every day.
-Today’s Scripture on the theme of pleasing God:
“So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.” Colossians 1:9-10, NLT
Something to Think About:
Ever wondered how to pray for brothers and sisters in Christ? Even ones we don’t know (Paul had never met the believers in Colossae)? Look at what Paul prayed in these two verses.
First, we should note that Paul believed in “praying without ceasing.” It’s true that God hears our every prayer—and that He answers immediately (even though we may not see how He answered), BUT we’re still supposed to pray, pray often, pray trusting God’s perfect will and timing, and pray in order to benefit and help others.
Paul prayed that the believers would have knowledge of God’s will, spiritual wisdom, and understanding. We know, of course, that this will be found in the pages of Scripture through the help of the Holy Spirit. Learning more about God and how to apply Scripture to our circumstances (“wisdom”) can also come from listening to our pastor teach and preach, from time with mature believers, and good quality, Bible-based books, teaching courses, and online programs, to name a few.
WHEN we have spent time in God’s Word, we will begin to find out how to live in a way that honors and pleases God. As we live in a way that honors and pleases God, we will begin to produce fruit. And as we learn about God, apply what we are learning, and produce fruit—we get to know God better and better. It’s quite a delightful circle of learning, applying, maturing, and pleasing God! And THIS is what we should be praying for on behalf of others and ourselves. (There’s a lot more in Colossians 1—look it up!)
This month we have learned that every Christian is called on to please God. It must be a top priority for each of us. We have found that the Source for finding out WHAT pleases God is the Bible. We have found out that the strength, wisdom, and ability to please God comes from God the Holy Spirit (we just need to yield to His leading and willingly, humbly, and faithfully do what He says to do – as found in Scripture). We have found that Jesus Christ is our perfect Example of pleasing God since He stated that He “only did the things that are pleasing to God.”
We have discovered that Christians who live a life that is pleasing to God bring Him glory—and they become an excellent example to other Christians, as well as a good witness to the unsaved. They do this through a pleasing thought life, through prayers that please God, through good deeds that please Him—and through a general drive and determination to please and glorify God.
Prayerfully evaluate in what ways you are currently pleasing God, which areas need some improvement, and how you might “excel still more.”
-Personal Application Time!
-Based on today’s Bible passage, what pleases/displeases God?
-List at least one way you can use this truth in your life today or soon.
-If someone were to ask you what you learned from today’s Bible passage, how would you summarize it in just a few simple sentences?
-Before you return to your day, spend some additional time in prayer asking the Father to help you apply what you learned today to your life and your circumstances so that you can please Him in every way.
Monday, August 30. 2021
-Pause before beginning today’s Bible study so you can spend a few moments in prayer to ask the Father for help to concentrate, see what He wants you to see, and to understand how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for the privilege of studying His Word and for His grace, goodness, and kindness today and every day.
-Today’s Scripture on the theme of pleasing God:
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1-2, CSB
Something to Think About:
Maybe a good basic way to look at Romans 12:1-2 is to consider the first eleven chapters of the book which demonstrate mankind’s wicked rebellion against God—and how God loved us in spite of this and sent His Son to pay the price that we could not pay on our own (“in view of the mercies of God”).
Our salvation is due entirely to God’s grace—and has absolutely nothing to do with anything we did (or COULD do). THEREFORE, when considering everything God did for us, Romans 12 presents something we CAN do for God. We can present our entire being: body, soul, and spirit to Him. We can invest ourselves in His Word so that we are slowly, but surely, renewing our minds and beginning to think in a manner keeping with how God thinks, acting in a way consistent with His character, and reflecting Him in righteous and holy living. This will necessitate NOT being “like” the world in any way, shape, or form!
And this, dear one, pleases the Lord.
Did you know that God has a good, pleasing, and perfect will for YOU? It is to turn away from worldly, ungodly thinking, motives, goals, and actions and to be becoming like His Son. It is to invest EVERYTHING you are and have into pleasing God (as taught in Scripture). It is to provide PEACE, JOY, and ABUNDANT LIFE as you do the next right thing—and it is to provide you with great excitement when you consider the joys and rewards that will be lavished upon faithful believers throughout eternity.
Say, in view of the mercies of God freely given on your behalf, have you presented your body as a living sacrifice, holy and PLEASING to Him?
-Personal Application Time!
-Based on today’s Bible passage, what pleases/displeases God?
-List at least one way you can use this truth in your life today or soon.
-If someone were to ask you what you learned from today’s Bible passage, how would you summarize it in just a few simple sentences?
-Before you return to your day, spend some additional time in prayer asking the Father to help you apply what you learned today to your life and your circumstances so that you can please Him in every way.
Saturday, August 28, 2021
-Pause before beginning today’s Bible study so you can spend a few moments in prayer to ask the Father for help to concentrate, see what He wants you to see, and to understand how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for the privilege of studying His Word and for His grace, goodness, and kindness today and every day.
-Today’s Scripture on the theme of pleasing God:
“Now may the God of peace— who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood— may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-20, NLT
Something to Think About:
Today’s passage is, you may have noticed, from the same chapter of Hebrews as yesterday. It is not only the conclusion just to this chapter, but to the entire book. So what does it say?
-God wants to—and is able to—equip all Christians to do His will.
-God wants to—and is able to—produce every good thing that is pleasing to Him (through the power of Jesus Christ).
This should be causing great rejoicing in your heart right now! God WANTS each of us to be able to do His will—to do good—AND He is committed to making that happen. All He requires from us is our cooperation, a “Yes, LORD” when He tells us something to do (or stop doing), an “I will, LORD,” when He directs us to some new way to think or act. When our hearts are yielded to doing God’s will, then there is no limit to what we can do for Him, how much we can bring Him glory, the number of people we might influence for Christ, and the rewards we earn for eternity. Pleasing God should bring a whole lot of pleasure to us, too!
Did you notice that the author of this book identified the Father as the God of peace? When we are walking obediently with Him, living as we know He wants us to, peace will reign in our hearts. What a delightful truth! And in the end, all that we say and do CAN—and should—bring glory to God not only for that one incident, nor that one day, but for all of eternity. Living faithfully for God is nothing but GOOD.
-Personal Application Time!
-Based on today’s Bible passage, what pleases/displeases God?
-List at least one way you can use this truth in your life today or soon.
-If someone were to ask you what you learned from today’s Bible passage, how would you summarize it in just a few simple sentences?
-Before you return to your day, spend some additional time in prayer asking the Father to help you apply what you learned today to your life and your circumstances so that you can please Him in every way.
Friday, August 27, 2021
-Pause before beginning today’s Bible study so you can spend a few moments in prayer to ask the Father for help to concentrate, see what He wants you to see, and to understand how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for the privilege of studying His Word and for His grace, goodness, and kindness today and every day.
-Today’s Scripture on the theme of pleasing God:
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
Hebrews 13:16, ESV
Something to Think About:
We’ve spent the last several days looking into what God says pleases Him. Hebrews 13:16 is pretty straightforward, wouldn’t you say? How do we please God? Do not neglect to do good, being careful to share what we have.
Lesson over! Now go and do it.
But, wait! How do we know what is “doing good”? Do we have to generate our own list, you know, doing what seems “good” to us???
The answer is (mostly) “no.” It’s actually super common for people to find out something that they should be doing for the Lord, then charging into it with their own list of rights and wrongs, when what we actually need to do is open up the pages of Scripture and make a list of what GOD says we should be doing for one another to be a blessing to them and to bring honor to His name. In fact, we don’t ever need to generate our own list of spiritual do’s and don’ts—and, in fact, we SHOULDN’T. The only way to be accurate about pleasing God is to consistently and constantly read Scripture and find out what God said about it. You might be surprised how even long-time Christians forget this essential starting point before making a decision or taking a stand!
So, the “doing good to others” information will be found throughout Scripture, maybe most pointedly in the “list” passages and those that speak about what biblical love acts like. At the core of it, we know that it will be focused on helping the other person to grow in their relationship with God, to stay faithful to Him, and to be becoming more like Christ. I could start the list for you, but I would basically have to rewrite the entire Bible—and I’m not sure you have time to read the entire thing right this minute. So for today, let’s look only at the rest of Hebrews 13 and see if we can find a few “do good” items to work on.
-v.1 Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters in Christ.
-v.2 Show hospitality.
-v.3 Remember (pray for) those who are suffering for Christ’s sake.
-v.4 Hold marriage in honor.
-v.5 Be content with what you have (choose to not love money/”things”).
-v.6 Be confident knowing God is your Helper and that He will never leave you or fail you.
-v.7 Remember your leaders who are teaching God’s Word faithfully. Imitate their faith.
-v.17 Obey your leaders, submit to them.
-v.18-19 Pray for one another.
-v.21 Do God’s will.
Perhaps a wonderful new addition to your personal Bible study is to keep a notebook dedicated to making note of areas where you can “do good” to others! If you do, be sure to do more than just make the list, be sure to seek God’s help to DO what you discover He wants you to do.
-Personal Application Time!
-Based on today’s Bible passage, what pleases/displeases God?
-List at least one way you can use this truth in your life today or soon.
-If someone were to ask you what you learned from today’s Bible passage, how would you summarize it in just a few simple sentences?
-Before you return to your day, spend some additional time in prayer asking the Father to help you apply what you learned today to your life and your circumstances so that you can please Him in every way.
Thursday, August 26, 2021
-Pause before beginning today’s Bible study so you can spend a few moments in prayer to ask the Father for help to concentrate, see what He wants you to see, and to understand how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for the privilege of studying His Word and for His grace, goodness, and kindness today and every day.
-Today’s Scripture on the theme of pleasing God:
“By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:5-6, ESV
Something to Think About:
Hebrews 11 is actually a record of SEVERAL men and women who were pleasing to God in some way during their lives, primarily in how they acted based on their faith in God. Enoch was kind of an exception to most of the other believers in that he chose to be faithful to God with his entire life AND God chose to take Enoch out of this earth without him dying first. I think that Elijah was the only other person who left earth without dying that we know of in Scripture.
We’ll read Enoch’s story in a minute, but first consider that you and I could very well ALSO be faithful children of God who are taken into God’s presence without physically dying first. This is only if the Rapture occurs during our lifetime, but this is most definitely a possibility. There is a difference, though. The Bible says that Enoch was faithful so God took him—and when God says the Church Age is over and sends Jesus Christ to collect all Christians in the sky, we may or may not be living faithfully at that time (but we sure should be trying to!).
Here’s what Genesis has to say about Enoch. “When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah. Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years. Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.” (Genesis 5:21-24)
Here are some things we know based on these two passages:
-Enoch lived 365 years before God took him.
-Enoch had sons and daughters, but the most famous was Methuselah, who is the longest-lived person on earth that we have record of. Methuselah lived 969 years.
-Enoch “walked with God.” He maintained a close relationship with Him.
-Enoch pleased God.
-Enoch’s pleasing God is tied up with his faith. Enoch believed that God existed and that God rewards those who seek Him.
-God, Himself, “took” Enoch away, but we’re not really given details about how and when.
Hebrews 11:1-3 gives us a little more insight into faith. It says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. 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.”
In order to please God with our faith, we must be confident that God did what He said He did in the past, that He currently does what He says He does for us, and that He will fulfill every single promise He has made for the immediate future—and throughout all of eternity. This kind of trust sets God’s children apart from the unbelieving world, and it provides a strong foundation for what we base our lives on and why. The Word of God is a sure foundation, one that is trustworthy, utterly dependable, and a place of safe refuge.
If we want to please God, having faith in Him is a necessary first step.
-Personal Application Time!
-Based on today’s Bible passage, what pleases/displeases God?
-List at least one way you can use this truth in your life today or soon.
-If someone were to ask you what you learned from today’s Bible passage, how would you summarize it in just a few simple sentences?
-Before you return to your day, spend some additional time in prayer asking the Father to help you apply what you learned today to your life and your circumstances so that you can please Him in every way.
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
-Pause before beginning today’s Bible study so you can spend a few moments in prayer to ask the Father for help to concentrate, see what He wants you to see, and to understand how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for the privilege of studying His Word and for His grace, goodness, and kindness today and every day.
-Today’s Scripture on the theme of pleasing God:
“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly. Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged. Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” Colossians 3:18-24, NLT
Something to Think About:
If you’ve ever wondered how to make your family “work,” you’ve come to the right place. This passage (and Ephesian 5:22-6:9) explain pretty clearly how a home should work—and what the rewards are for everyone doing what God asks of them. Furthermore, it’s not a question of who is more important or which role is superior to the others. It’s that God has assigned a role to each person in a family unit—and since He is the One Who created us, families, and it is He Who “holds everything together,” it just makes sense to live the way He tells us to (though, it IS also a command, so disobeying WILL bring ugly consequences).
The role of the husband is to love his wife and not treat her harshly. Neither is he to aggravate his children (by changing the rules, not following up, being inconsistent, being impossible to please, etc.). The wife is to submit to her husband—because she belongs to the Lord. This is not a position of inferiority, simply the order that God in His perfect wisdom chose. She can definitely share her ideas and opinions (as long as she is doing it humbly, kindly, and in love), but in the end, it is her husband who is responsible for making the final decision. Unless she is asked to sin, she must willingly go along with him (attitude is everything!).
Then we get to children. Their role (while they are minors and in the home) is to obey what their parents tell them to do. Why? Because it pleases the Lord—and THIS is the goal for all of us, isn’t it? We all have a role in our families, in our church families, in areas of friendship, at work, and wherever we go; whatever we do. To CHOOSE to be pleasing to the Lord is both our foundation AND our goal.
Paul goes on to address slaves (which were extremely common in that time—and NOT condemned by God, though mistreating them was forbidden by God). We might equate slavery in the New Testament time to our role as employees (and “masters” as employers). Paul commands slaves to obey their earthly masters in EVERYTHING (be thorough, be consistent!) – BECAUSE of their view of God’s sovereignty in their lives; because of Who God is and what is important to Him.
Slaves—and all of us—do well to do all that we do with the view of PLEASING GOD. As Paul warned, not just when we are being watched, but at all times. To obey our bosses, those in authority over us, and God Himself whether or not someone sees us, speaks to our heart and just how sincere we are in what we are doing and why. If we have made a commitment to obey God fully in all areas, to please Him at all times, it makes no difference if we are standing on a stage in front of a thousand people—or all alone in our bedroom at night. Obedience is obedience whatever the circumstances.
In the end, we are reminded yet again, that God sees and God rewards. What all His rewards are, I don’t think anyone alive knows fully, BUT we do know the awesome and tremendous loving kindness of our gracious Father, so we can be completely confident that it will be better than “the best.”
FYI: God honoring relationships are a reciprocal kind of thing. That is, BOTH sides should be giving their all without expecting anything in return. It is choosing to give our best to benefit the other person (especially in order to help them in their walk with the Lord).
BONUS: Other passages that talk about the “house rules” (as I heard someone call these passages) for God’s family include: Ephesians 5:22-6:9; I Timothy 2:8-15; I Timothy 6:1-2; Titus 2:1-10; II Peter 2:18-3:7.
-Personal Application Time!
-Based on today’s Bible passage, what pleases/displeases God?
-List at least one way you can use this truth in your life today or soon.
-If someone were to ask you what you learned from today’s Bible passage, how would you summarize it in just a few simple sentences?
-Before you return to your day, spend some additional time in prayer asking the Father to help you apply what you learned today to your life and your circumstances so that you can please Him in every way.
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
-Pause before beginning today’s Bible study so you can spend a few moments in prayer to ask the Father for help to concentrate, see what He wants you to see, and to understand how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for the privilege of studying His Word and for His grace, goodness, and kindness today and every day.
-Today’s Scripture on the theme of pleasing God:
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14, ESV
Something to Think About:
We’ve found a few awesome life-verses in this month’s study about pleasing God – and Psalm 19:14 is definitely one more! I have long loved this simple, yet profound prayer, “Let the words of MY mouth and the meditation of MY heart be PLEASING (same word meaning as “acceptable”) in YOUR sight, O Lord, MY Rock and MY Redeemer!” Kind of says it all!
BUT WAIT.
How do I even know what is pleasing to God as far as my words and thoughts?
You know the answer! It is in God’s Word. The answers are ALWAYS in God’s Word! In fact, Psalm 19 is a treasure-trove of how to view God’s Word. Read it for yourself in verses
7-11. “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.”
God’s Word is perfect (complete) and exactly what we need to “revive” our souls (remove the impurities of the world and put in TRUTH, holiness, and righteousness). It makes us wise (the application of God’s Word to the circumstances of our lives), it shows us what is true, right, and good. It helps us to see God for Who He really is and reverence Him properly. God’s Word is worth valuing more than any earthly “thing,” and obedience to it not only blesses us in the here and now, great rewards are promised throughout eternity to those who are faithful to God.
So, what words and meditations are the pleasing ones in God’s sight? HIS words, His meditations. And, with much gratitude and thanksgiving, we acknowledge that He has given us an entire Book explaining what those words are and aren’t. We just need to imitate them. =)
P.S. When I was a teenager, our youth group loved to sing. One of our all-time favorites was Psalm 19:7-11 put to music. I STILL love this song (only I have to sing it in the KJV so all the words fit properly). I tried, but couldn’t find a good example of someone singing it, but if you call me on the phone, I can sing it to you. =)
-Personal Application Time!
-Based on today’s Bible passage, what pleases/displeases God?
-List at least one way you can use this truth in your life today or soon.
-If someone were to ask you what you learned from today’s Bible passage, how would you summarize it in just a few simple sentences?
-Before you return to your day, spend some additional time in prayer asking the Father to help you apply what you learned today to your life and your circumstances so that you can please Him in every way.
Monday, August 23, 2021
-Pause before beginning today’s Bible study so you can spend a few moments in prayer to ask the Father for help to concentrate, see what He wants you to see, and to understand how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for the privilege of studying His Word and for His grace, goodness, and kindness today and every day.
-Today’s Scripture on the theme of pleasing God:
“Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew taller and grew in favor with the Lord and with the people.”
I Samuel 2:26, NLT
Something to Think About:
We’ve looked at two other people who are identified as people who pleased the Lord, now let’s look a bit at young Samuel.
You may remember that Samuel’s mother, Hannah, was barren and unable to have children. This broke her heart, so she prayed and prayed to God, vowing that if He were to bless her with a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord’s service for his entire life. God answered her prayer—and Hannah fulfilled her word, sending her very young son to live in the Temple complex to be the High Priest Eli’s assistant. She faithfully visited Samuel once a year, bringing a new coat for him each time. But Hannah did something even more valuable, Hannah prayed for Samuel. As a result, we find Samuel serving the Lord from the time he was very small. The verse we printed at the beginning of this study says that Samuel grew taller and bigger—and that he grew in favor with the Lord and with people.
Sound familiar? It should! Fast forward many, many years and read what Luke wrote about the boy Jesus Christ, “Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people.” Kind of awesome, wouldn’t you say!
Just for fun, read the following excerpts from I Samuel 1 and 2 and see if you can pick up what might have made an impact on Samuel’s decision to please the Lord.
I Samuel 1:9-11 “Once after a sacrificial meal at Shiloh, Hannah got up and went to pray. Eli the priest was sitting at his customary place beside the entrance of the Tabernacle. Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord. And she made this vow: “O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the Lord, his hair will never be cut.”
I Samuel 1:19-22 “The entire family got up early the next morning and went to worship the Lord once more. Then they returned home to Ramah. When Elkanah slept with Hannah, the Lord remembered her plea, and in due time she gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, “I asked the Lord for him.” The next year Elkanah and his family went on their annual trip to offer a sacrifice to the Lord and to keep his vow. But Hannah did not go. She told her husband, “Wait until the boy is weaned. Then I will take him to the Tabernacle and leave him there with the Lord permanently.”
I Samuel 1:24-28 “When the child was weaned, Hannah took him to the Tabernacle in Shiloh. They brought along a three-year-old bull for the sacrifice and a basket of flour and some wine. After sacrificing the bull, they brought the boy to Eli. “Sir, do you remember me?” Hannah asked. “I am the very woman who stood here several years ago praying to the Lord. I asked the Lord to give me this boy, and he has granted my request. Now I am giving him to the Lord, and he will belong to the Lord his whole life.” And they worshiped the Lord there.”
I Samuel 2:11 “Then Elkanah returned home to Ramah without Samuel. And the boy served the Lord by assisting Eli the priest.”
I Samuel 2:18-19 “But Samuel, though he was only a boy, served the Lord. He wore a linen garment like that of a priest. Each year his mother made a small coat for him and brought it to him when she came with her husband for the sacrifice.”
I Samuel 2:26 “Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew taller and grew in favor with the Lord and with the people.”
I’d be interested to hear what you saw there, but I see a praying mother in the background, don’t you? I’ve often wondered how many people have prayed for me over the years of my life. I’ve wondered, too, how God used my prayers for others. I have complete confidence that our prayers for others and others prayers for us is HUGELY important in God’s eyes! Be sure to make a list of everyone you know—and pray for them! From time to time, let someone know that you prayed. It will be a blessing and an excellent witness all rolled into one!
I love, too, that Samuel was immersed in God’s House serving God from the time he was a little boy. We should be just as eager to get our children into church. Start when they are infants—and never stop bringing them! Will it be easy? Nope. Will they always be eager to go? Maybe—maybe not. Is it the RIGHT thing to do? Absolutely! And be sure to not just show up right before the service begins, then leave the second it’s over. Come early so you can fellowship and, perhaps, help out here and there. Stay a bit after it’s done for the same reasons. Perhaps God brought someone there that day for YOU to help, bless, and build up in the things of the Lord. Adults can do this, but so can children!
Lastly, note that Samuel grew first in favor with God. When our lives are right with God, THEN we can be a help and blessing to others.
I love these passages that address specific people that pleased the Lord, don’t you? I can’t help, however, to also want to BE one of those folks who God is pleased with. With His help, all of us CAN be!
-Personal Application Time!
-Based on today’s Bible passage, what pleases/displeases God?
-List at least one way you can use this truth in your life today or soon.
-If someone were to ask you what you learned from today’s Bible passage, how would you summarize it in just a few simple sentences?
-Before you return to your day, spend some additional time in prayer asking the Father to help you apply what you learned today to your life and your circumstances so that you can please Him in every way.
Saturday, August 21, 2021
-Pause before beginning today’s Bible study so you can spend a few moments in prayer to ask the Father for help to concentrate, see what He wants you to see, and to understand how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for the privilege of studying His Word and for His grace, goodness, and kindness today and every day.
-Today’s Scripture on the theme of pleasing God:
“So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. For we live by believing and not by seeing. Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.” II Corinthians 5:6-10, NLT
Something to Think About:
II Corinthians 5:9 is an awesome life verse to claim if you don’t already have one. The NASB (1995) states it like this, “Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.”
Whether we are young or old, our goal, focus, desire, and DELIGHT is to do what pleases the Lord.
Whether we are healthy or sick, our choice concerning how to live is based first and foremost on what is pleasing to the Lord.
Whether we are sitting in our pew at church, having a meal with the pastor and his family, or at a meeting with a group of ungodly co-workers, pleasing the Lord must be in the front of our mind and what dictates how we evaluate what’s being said, how we respond, and what we do with it.
Bringing God glory is the #1 goal of every Christian. In order to bring God glory, we must be pleasing to Him in our words and deeds. Choosing to live a life that pleases God WILL bring Him glory.
There are other (HUGE) benefits, though! For example, when we stand before our Savior, the One Who died in our place so we could live forever in His presence, having made the decision to only do what pleases God will make this meeting one of great joy and delight. You see, the Bema Seat Judgment is one every Christian faces in order to be rewarded for the obedient things we have done in this lifetime (since our salvation and until our death). We will be honored AND rewarded for all the ways we were faithful, but we will also feel the loss of the rewards we could have had if we chose to please self or others instead of Christ.
The Bema is about Christians being evaluated for what they’ve done as children of God. There will be sorrow over all the times we lived for self and not Christ, but there will also be tremendous gratitude that eternity has begun and we will forever be free from the effects of sin—and forever in the presence of God Almighty.
With that in mind, thinking of all the glories to come (and the accounting we’ll all give), make it YOUR ambition to please the Lord with every breath from right this moment until you’ve taken your very last breath.
FYI In case you didn’t know, the Bema Seat Judgement is not about our sins. When someone trusts in Jesus Christ as their Savior, the penalty for their sin has forever been removed and God the Father views us just as righteous as Jesus Christ—because He sees us washed in the blood of the Lamb. The evaluation of Christians is about our deeds (along with motives, thoughts, attitudes, and words). All humans who have refused to trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior, however, WILL be judged for their sin. This is called the Great White Throne Judgment and this is the judgment where they will be cast into the Lake of Fire for all of eternity.
Two takeaways: Keep telling everyone you meet about how Jesus came to die for their sin! When you, as a believer, are tempted to sin, remember what Jesus did for you—and all He has planned for your eternity—and choose to please Him by doing what you know He wants you to do.
-Personal Application Time!
-Based on today’s Bible passage, what pleases/displeases God?
-List at least one way you can use this truth in your life today or soon.
-If someone were to ask you what you learned from today’s Bible passage, how would you summarize it in just a few simple sentences?
-Before you return to your day, spend some additional time in prayer asking the Father to help you apply what you learned today to your life and your circumstances so that you can please Him in every way.
Friday, August 20, 2021
-Pause before beginning today’s Bible study so you can spend a few moments in prayer to ask the Father for help to concentrate, see what He wants you to see, and to understand how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for the privilege of studying His Word and for His grace, goodness, and kindness today and every day.
-Today’s Scripture on the theme of pleasing God:
“In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.”
Luke 1:26-38, ESV
Something to Think About:
Mary, the mother of Jesus, is another example of someone with whom God was pleased.
Again, God didn’t show His grace to Mary because of anything SHE did, but because God is gracious, merciful, and full of lovingkindness. That being true, we ALSO find from this passage that God chose to use Mary in this incredibly special way BECAUSE she was already obeying Him and choosing to live her life to please Him. God always rewards our obedience to Him! Very often, His reward is opportunities for more service—and while we may sometimes wonder if we think a good reward for sacrifice and hard work is more sacrifice and hard work, in God’s “book” of all things right and good, IT IS. You see, we were CREATED to bring Him glory and to serve Him by taking care of the people and possessions He has brought into our lives. When we find some way to obey God in the Bible and then do it, we are fulfilling our purpose in life because this brings God great glory.
When Gabriel first spoke with Mary, he told her that she was “favored.” He meant that God was going to use her—and when He does that with any of us, we are most definitely “favored” (blessed). We don’t always recognize the truth of this (especially, if our “task” is not something we wanted to do!), but in God’s eyes, it is so. In Mary’s case, she was picked to do THE ONE THING that every Hebrew girl since Sarah was hoping to do, be the one from whom God’s Messiah came.
Gabriel also told Mary that she had found favor with God. Her life and testimony pleased Him. We get a glimpse of how this might be true in her simple acceptance of God’s plan by humbly stating, “I am a servant of the Lord, let it be to me according to your word.” We see it, as well, in Luke 2, where Mary composed a magnificent praise song using Scripture she had memorized during her own Bible study. Being a willing servant of God—no matter what He asks of us—and memorizing and using Scripture to praise God are both wonderful life pursuits for every believer. This checks the box of “what pleases God.”
FYI:
-Did you know Mary’s name is the New Testament equivalent of Miriam? It means “exalted one.”
-Did you know that girls often become betrothed (pledged for marriage to a specific man) upon puberty.
-Luke, the author of the gospel that tells this account, probably spoke with Mary directly to find out all this insider information.
-Only five other children have been named in Scripture before their birth besides Jesus: Isaac, Ishmael, Moses, Solomon, and Josiah. Earlier in Luke, John the Baptist was also named.
-Jesus was a common name. The Old Testament equivalent was Joshua, “Yahweh Saves.”
-Personal Application Time!
-Based on today’s Bible passage, what pleases/displeases God?
-List at least one way you can use this truth in your life today or soon.
-If someone were to ask you what you learned from today’s Bible passage, how would you summarize it in just a few simple sentences?
-Before you return to your day, spend some additional time in prayer asking the Father to help you apply what you learned today to your life and your circumstances so that you can please Him in every way.
Thursday, August 19, 2021
-Pause before beginning today’s Bible study so you can spend a few moments in prayer to ask the Father for help to concentrate, see what He wants you to see, and to understand how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for the privilege of studying His Word and for His grace, goodness, and kindness today and every day.
-Today’s Scripture on the theme of pleasing God:
“But know this: Hard times will come in the last days. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, demeaning, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good, traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to the form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid these people.” II Timothy 3:1-5, CSB
Something to Think About:
One of the things that we hear around us a lot these days in media, in ads, and in well-meaning advice is the necessity to show ourselves “self love” and “self care.” We, as humans, are encouraged to “do you,” to do what feels good to us (giving no thought to consequences), and to otherwise focus on what WE think is best, while not letting nay-sayers ruin our fun.
I suppose that on the surface this sounds like great advice and the likely road to happiness. The only problem is that it is the exact opposite of what GOD says. It is in direct violation to His Written Word. And being a lover of self leads to being greedy, being selfish, being arrogant, being unkind, being rude, being unthankful, being unholy, being unloving, and saying and doing things that are just plain ugly, destructive, and mean. Being a lover of self dishonors God and brings pain, despair, and hopelessness.
This sort of horribly wrong code of conduct has even become a big part of “religion.” A common cry among many churches is to allow others to worship God however they think best, to be free to do or not do whatever “seems right” to you. And as Paul warned Timothy close to 2,000 years ago, choosing to please ourselves cannot and will not EVER please GOD. Paul warns Timothy (and those of us reading his words all these decades later) that we cannot pick and choose what is “godliness.” Either what we are holding to and focusing on is God’s Word—or it isn’t. Either we are obeying God 100%, or we’re not obeying Him and are, instead, loving self more than Him.
Try not to mix this warning up with unintentionally not living in a God-honoring way. This is addressing those who CHOOSE to think and act in a different way than God dictated in His Word. Theirs is a deliberate choice of self over God. Those of us, though, who are yearning to be imitators of God and to be becoming more like the Son, are only responsible for what we know God wants. He doesn’t hold against us what we never learned. However, it is also true that we should be in His Word every day TRYING TO LEARN WHAT IS PLEASING TO HIM. Didn’t we just study that in Ephesians 5:10? As we do our daily personal devotions, as we sit under the teaching of a Bible-teaching pastor, as we interact with mature believers, we will be learning more about God, more about what is godly, and more about how to apply Scripture to all the things that comprise our days here on planet Earth. Living as lovers of God means that we choose to please Him rather than ourselves. The pretty awesome thing, though, is that as long as we are walking hand-in-hand with God, choosing to obey all we know to do, He PROVIDES the desire to keep on learning more SO THAT we can also love Him more. He will just keep on richly blessing His children who want to love Him first, most, and best.
Self love cannot ever be fulfilled, because it is an empty and useless pursuit. Loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength is more and more fulfilling every single day, filling our hearts with joy, peace, purpose, and great anticipation for Christ’s return.
-Personal Application Time!
-Based on today’s Bible passage, what pleases/displeases God?
-List at least one way you can use this truth in your life today or soon.
-If someone were to ask you what you learned from today’s Bible passage, how would you summarize it in just a few simple sentences?
-Before you return to your day, spend some additional time in prayer asking the Father to help you apply what you learned today to your life and your circumstances so that you can please Him in every way.
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
-Pause before beginning today’s Bible study so you can spend a few moments in prayer to ask the Father for help to concentrate, see what He wants you to see, and to understand how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for the privilege of studying His Word and for His grace, goodness, and kindness today and every day.
-Today’s Scripture on the theme of pleasing God:
“When the Lord saw that human wickedness was widespread on the earth and that every inclination of the human mind was nothing but evil all the time, the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and he was deeply grieved. Then the Lord said, “I will wipe mankind, whom I created, off the face of the earth, together with the animals, creatures that crawl, and birds of the sky—for I regret that I made them.” Noah, however, found favor with the Lord. These are the family records of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among his contemporaries; Noah walked with God.” Genesis 6:5-9, CSB
Something to Think About:
We have a few accounts in Scripture of God being pleased with a person. Noah is one such person. He lived in an exceedingly wicked world, a world not dissimilar to our own! The wickedness was widespread, so much so that God was deeply grieved by it all. BUT, Noah, found favor with the Lord.
The word “favor” is the word “grace.” Did you know that the Hebrew language is FILLED with plays on words and tricky ways to state things? For example, if you read the Hebrew letters for Noah backwards, it is the word for grace. Isn’t that interesting?
A common conclusion that people make when reading the account of the worldwide flood that God sent to punish people for their exceedingly grave sins, is that there was something super special about Noah—and that’s why God saved him (and his immediate family). The truth is that it is always GOD Who is super special and He often shows great grace to sinful mankind. Noah was a human like any other, but because of God’s grace, he believed in God’s program of redemption. Then, with God’s help, he chose to live a righteous and blameless life. In other words, he chose to do what he knew God wanted him to do and to not do what he knew displeased God. Because of this obviously unpopular choice, God showed grace to him and allowed him to live when the rest of the human population would die.
You know, Noah is an excellent example of what God wants from us, too. Even if we are THE ONLY ONE who obeys His Word (in whatever situation we find ourselves), this is still the right thing to do—and this pleases God. This includes what might first come to mind, finding yourself in the middle of an ungodly crowd being tempted to go along with whatever they are doing, but this also includes taking a stand when among Christians who might be speaking or acting in a less-than-godly way. Standing for God’s Word must always be our priority and we must be firm and unshakable in choosing to do right, though there’s always also a need for humility, graciousness, patience, and kindness. It’s not pleasing to God to do the right thing, but in a wrong way. With His help, we can please Him in a way that is honoring to Him and rightly representing His character.
Like Noah, we are also a vessel of God’s grace. It was His grace that chose us for salvation, brought us into a Bible teaching church, made us part of a great church family, and gave us His Written Word and His Holy Spirit to teach us, lead us, and help us please and honor Him. We have much to be thankful for! We have no reason to EVER not obey Him, speak of Him to others, praise His name in word, prayer, and song, and otherwise imitate Him in all we say and do.
What town do you live in? How many people live there too? If God were to look at your town, would He see YOU as one who is righteous? As one who walks with Him?
-Personal Application Time!
-Based on today’s Bible passage, what pleases/displeases God?
-List at least one way you can use this truth in your life today or soon.
-If someone were to ask you what you learned from today’s Bible passage, how would you summarize it in just a few simple sentences?
-Before you return to your day, spend some additional time in prayer asking the Father to help you apply what you learned today to your life and your circumstances so that you can please Him in every way.
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
-Pause before beginning today’s Bible study so you can spend a few moments in prayer to ask the Father for help to concentrate, see what He wants you to see, and to understand how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for the privilege of studying His Word and for His grace, goodness, and kindness today and every day.
-Today’s Scripture on the theme of pleasing God:
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:1-10, ESV
Something to Think About:
You will recognize, I’m sure, that we are once again back in Ephesians 5 where our 2021 theme verse is located. Verse 1 says, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.” It then goes on to give several examples of what that looks like, as well as several examples of what the opposite of imitating God looks like.
Verse 10 carries this same thought, including our focus this month of pleasing God. It tells us to “try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.” In other words, each and every day that we are given here on planet earth, be focusing on finding out what pleases God SO THAT we can do it (and NOT do what displeases Him.) The Bible is FILLED with examples of what pleases and displeases God, so ALL Bible study is beneficial and useful in our quest. In fact, though Ephesians 5 has more than 10 verses, let’s look at all the helps these ten verses give us in the quest to discern what pleases the Lord.
-Imitating God (as beloved children, not unwilling distant relatives!).
-Walking in love (following the incredible example of Jesus Christ in His sacrificial service on our behalf).
-NOT indulging in any form of sexual immorality, impurity, covetousness AT ALL.
-NOT speaking filthy words, foolish (useless) words, or crude joking (not even a HINT of ugliness in what we say).
-Speaking words that are “proper” for saints (those set apart by God to be holy as He is holy).
-Speaking and expressing thanksgiving—all day long.
-Living as a child of light (never like the “dark” world that surrounds us).
-Choosing to do and be what is “good, right, and true.”
-Never ceasing to learn new things that please the Father SO THAT we can incorporate them into our thoughts, words, and deeds.
I think that a super cool thing about Ephesians 5:10 is the hint that there is always something more to learn and some bigger and better way to live a life that honors God and brings Him glory. What an exciting thought! Why not take a minute right now to ask His help to recognize ways you can imitate Him more accurately and wholeheartedly—and for help to keep on doing this every single day.
-Personal Application Time!
-Based on today’s Bible passage, what pleases/displeases God?
-List at least one way you can use this truth in your life today or soon.
-If someone were to ask you what you learned from today’s Bible passage, how would you summarize it in just a few simple sentences?
-Before you return to your day, spend some additional time in prayer asking the Father to help you apply what you learned today to your life and your circumstances so that you can please Him in every way.
Monday, August 16, 2021
-Pause before beginning today’s Bible study so you can spend a few moments in prayer to ask the Father for help to concentrate, see what He wants you to see, and to understand how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for the privilege of studying His Word and for His grace, goodness, and kindness today and every day.
-Today’s Scripture on the theme of pleasing God:
“Then David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly: ‘O Lord, the God of our ancestor Israel, may you be praised forever and ever! Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength. O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name! But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us! We are here for only a moment, visitors and strangers in the land as our ancestors were before us. Our days on earth are like a passing shadow, gone so soon without a trace. O Lord our God, even this material we have gathered to build a Temple to honor your holy name comes from you! It all belongs to you! I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. You know I have done all this with good motives, and I have watched your people offer their gifts willingly and joyously. O Lord, the God of our ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, make your people always want to obey you. See to it that their love for you never changes. Give my son Solomon the wholehearted desire to obey all your commands, laws, and decrees, and to do everything necessary to build this Temple, for which I have made these preparations.” I Chronicles 29:10-19, NLT
Something to Think About:
The reason we have found this passage in I Chronicles in our pursuit of what pleases God is found in verse 17 (which I have highlighted for you), but as I was reading this prayer of David, spoken right after the people all sacrificially and generously gave of their wealth toward the building of the Temple, I thought of a few things I wanted to point out to you.
First, you should know that there are two ways one might approach a Bible study—or even a sermon (it’s more complicated than that, but bear with me). One might think of something “important” that they wanted to talk about, then find Bible verses to support whatever it is they wanted to convey. I suppose, if they were very careful and stayed true to the text, that this could be a valuable way to teach. However, God’s Word is not “just” a book. It is the Word of GOD. It was “breathed out” by God, using the characteristics and personality of the men whom He chose to author the different books. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, every single word in the original text is EXACTLY what God wanted—and every single word is important (otherwise, it wouldn’t be there. Yes, even genealogies and lists of numbers!). Somewhere within its pages, at some point between Genesis 1:1 and Revelation 22:21, we can find everything that we need to know to live obedient and faithful lives according to God’s standards of right v. wrong.
With that in mind, a second way one might approach Bible study is to simply read what is there—and from that, discover what GOD has to say about whatever subject we might be interested in. Can you see the difference? One uses the Bible to support a pre-conceived idea about how to please God while the other one simply reads and makes note of what God says pleases Him. This same basic concept is true for every area of life and godliness. It’s AS we read Scripture that we find out all the ins and outs of godly living.
So, what about this passage brought that all on? Well, if you’ve ever wondered what a “good” prayer looks like, this prayer of David is an excellent place to find out!
First, David prays to God the Father. Jesus, too, said that God the Father is the One we are supposed to address when we pray (not Him or the Holy Spirit). Check it out in Matthew 6:9-13.
Also, as Jesus instructed, David’s first statements are those that recognize God’s majesty, power, and goodness – and give Him praise for Who He is. Now, there are times when we are in a dangerous situation and the appropriate prayer is “HELP!”, but most other times, it is right, good, and appropriate to start our prayers praising and glorifying God.
David then acknowledges that everything that exists actually belongs to God (and not him!). He is, in essence, acknowledging God’s sovereignty over the whole world (including himself) in a very personal and particular way. We, too, benefit greatly by reminding ourselves Who is actually in charge of our lives—and the world as a whole, as a matter of fact. This helps us have a right perspective as far as remembering that we are not the ones who are able and capable. It’s all God. It also helps us not fret over scary world circumstances because we know that ultimately God is in control and He will not allow anything to happen that’s not for our spiritual good and His glory.
Did you notice that there’s a whole lot of gratitude going on in David’s prayer? Gratitude and thanksgiving should be a huge part of all of our prayers, too! Without God we are nothing and we have nothing! He is EVERYTHING!
David then asks God for help to obey Him and to live in a way that pleases Him. He ALSO asks this on behalf of his son. We need to pray for God’s help to live faithfully for Him each and every day—and praying for our family members, church family, loved ones, and other believers around the world is also always an important daily petition.
Oh, and don’t miss that David was praying out loud in front of everyone. Some of you may be intimidated at the thought of praying out loud in a group setting. You are missing a blessing! You might be thinking, “I don’t pray as eloquently as Mrs. X,” or, “I think Mrs. Y will look down on me if she hears how I pray.” You’re forgetting that you’re praying TO GOD and FOR GOD (and He will help you!). No need to fuss and fret about what all you should say, just share your heart and all will be well. =) You’re not trying to impress anyone, or show off your theological wisdom; you’re communicating with your Heavenly Father.
And now, wait for it, the verse about pleasing God. It’s in verse 17. The ESV puts it this way, “I know, my God, that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness.” (the NLT says “integrity.”)
God is pleased when we think and act the right way, that is, the way that He defines “right.” So, every single time we think about it, then make the decision to do what we know fits the Word of God, we are pleasing God. That simple, that WONDERFUL!
-Personal Application Time!
-Based on today’s Bible passage, what pleases/displeases God?
-List at least one way you can use this truth in your life today or soon.
-If someone were to ask you what you learned from today’s Bible passage, how would you summarize it in just a few simple sentences?
-Before you return to your day, spend some additional time in prayer asking the Father to help you apply what you learned today to your life and your circumstances so that you can please Him in every way.
Saturday, August 14, 2021
-Pause before beginning today’s Bible study so you can spend a few moments in prayer to ask the Father for help to concentrate, see what He wants you to see, and to understand how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for the privilege of studying His Word and for His grace, goodness, and kindness today and every day.
-Today’s Scripture on the theme of pleasing God:
“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” I Timothy 2:1-4, CSB
Something to Think About:
What pleases God? That we pray for all kinds of people—including our leaders, government officials, and those who are in authority. For what? For their salvation, of course! It is God’s desire that everyone trust in His Son for salvation—and it causes Him great grief to be rejected.
The three words for prayer here are more or less synonyms, perhaps making them all the more directed and focused. Petitions are earnest supplications because we see a great need. Prayers are general communication with God (WITH GOD!!!). Intercessions are confident requests for others and self. This is all to be done by INCLUDING thanksgiving, an expression of gratitude. Prayers should never be just about our needs and desires, they should also include gratitude and praise.
I guess a big question that we have to ask when considering this reminder that praying for all people pleases God is, why WOULDN’T we pray? Why wouldn’t we express our NEED for the intervention of GOD in the affairs of our world? Why wouldn’t we petition Him for wisdom, strength, direction, and help in the lives of our loved ones—and everyone else?
The Bible tells us that God WANTS us to ask Him for help to live faithfully for Him and to know how to act, think, and speak.
Why pray for our president and others in authority? Well, first and foremost is that EVERYONE needs to get saved so they can avoid eternity in the Lake of Fire. Second, though, it takes being a Christian in order to think right, act right, and make right decisions. When we’re praying for our leaders, we can ask God to bring them to Himself…so they might make decisions in keeping with God’s Word . . . which would make our world run better . . . which would open more doors for us to be a witness . . . which would help us fulfill our purpose in life . . . which would bring God great glory!
Hey, are YOU praying for our leaders and all those in authority? To do so pleases God!
BONUS:
Here are two quotes that I found while studying this passage that I appreciated:
-The purpose of prayer isn’t to get man’s will done in heaven, but to get God’s will done on earth (Wiersbe).
-Even those who will not allow you to speak to them about God cannot prevent you speaking to God about them (King).
-Personal Application Time!
-Based on today’s Bible passage, what pleases/displeases God?
-List at least one way you can use this truth in your life today or soon.
-If someone were to ask you what you learned from today’s Bible passage, how would you summarize it in just a few simple sentences?
-Before you return to your day, spend some additional time in prayer asking the Father to help you apply what you learned today to your life and your circumstances so that you can please Him in every way.
Friday, August 13, 2021
-Pause before beginning today’s Bible study so you can spend a few moments in prayer to ask the Father for help to concentrate, see what He wants you to see, and to understand how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for the privilege of studying His Word and for His grace, goodness, and kindness today and every day.
-Today’s Scripture on the theme of pleasing God:
“Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting. The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. The Lord lifts up the humble; he casts the wicked to the ground. Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre! He covers the heavens with clouds; he prepares rain for the earth; he makes grass grow on the hills. He gives to the beasts their food, and to the young ravens that cry. His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man, but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.”
Psalm 147:1-11, ESV
Something to Think About:
Psalm 147 provides a clear answer to “What pleases God?”. Verse 11 states that the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His steadfast love.
To fear God is to view Him for Who He truly is. While it’s true that God’s children don’t need to be terrified of God in the same way all those who have rebelled against Him should, that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t have tremendous respect—enough respect to not want to insult Him, disregard Him, or disobey Him. These are serious offenses that shouldn’t ever be entertained among God’s own children.
Rather, we should stand in awe of Him. We should praise His mighty deeds to Him—and to everyone we come across. We should marvel at His steadfast, merciful, grace-filled love. We should wake up saying “Praise the Lord” and go to bed singing praises to our God. Songs of praise should just come from our hearts and overflow our voices many times every day. We should thank Him with hearts full of gratitude that He heals the brokenhearted and binds their wounds (who hasn’t been broken hearted!). We should recount with wonder that He knows all the stars He created and, in fact, named each one! When the rains come to nourish the earth, we should be thanking God. When we see green things growing, we should be praising Him.
Every single day, yes, every single moment, provides multiple reasons to thank and praise God and stand in awe of His majesty.
Are you?
-Personal Application Time!
-Based on today’s Bible passage, what pleases/displeases God?
-List at least one way you can use this truth in your life today or soon.
-If someone were to ask you what you learned from today’s Bible passage, how would you summarize it in just a few simple sentences?
-Before you return to your day, spend some additional time in prayer asking the Father to help you apply what you learned today to your life and your circumstances so that you can please Him in every way.
Thursday, August 12, 2021
-Pause before beginning today’s Bible study so you can spend a few moments in prayer to ask the Father for help to concentrate, see what He wants you to see, and to understand how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for the privilege of studying His Word and for His grace, goodness, and kindness today and every day.
-Today’s Scripture on the theme of pleasing God:
“Now we who are strong have an obligation to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not to please ourselves. Each one of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself. On the contrary, as it is written, The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me. For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures. Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, according to Christ Jesus, so that you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with one mind and one voice.”
Romans 15:1-6, CSB
Something to Think About:
In a nutshell? Our focus must be on pleasing God.
How do we fail the quickest? When we focus on pleasing ourselves.
How is pleasing ourselves often played out? By disapproving of what other Christians are doing.
Don’t we have an obligation to point out sin? Yes, of course. However, if we’re being totally open and honest, what percentage of what bothers us about others is actually sin—and what percentage are things that we, personally, don’t “approve” of for some reason or other?
So, in what way are we supposed to “bear the weaknesses” of those without strength—and what does that even mean? Perhaps a simple illustration is being asked to help a small child across the street. I think we can all agree that it would be kind of hard hearted to grab their little hand and drag them across the street without any words of encouragement, any smiles, or any explanation about what we’re doing and why. Now picture it is YOUR tiny granddaughter who looks up into your face and pleads, “Grandma, I’m afraid of going across the street all alone! Will you help me?” You would smile into her eyes, offer your hand to her, and gently, carefully, and pleasantly help her to her destination.
Guiding a young or immature believer to greater godliness is an attitude and action similar to lovingly and carefully helping that little girl. You are seeking her well-being and safety. Now, is it okay to offer a bit of kind instruction as you cross, showing her what to watch out for and how to be careful? Of course, but these things are done IN LOVE and for her good, not unkindly, not impatiently, not standing in judgment, and not by tearing her down.
As in all of life, Jesus Christ is our perfect Example. Simply spending time in the gospels identifies His kindness, patience, and heart’s desire for each and every person to get right with God and stay right with God. Jesus wanted all believers to live faithfully for God so that they would be richly blessed and so that they could be used by God to bring Him glory.
In working with other believers, these goals can be our goals as well. This is, of course, NOT a get-out-of-jail-free card to ignore sin, to not challenge someone who is wandering off the path of godliness, or to otherwise not lovingly, kindly, and HUMBLY help other believers to live a life that pleases and glorifies God. That will ALWAYS be our focus until the Lord calls us home. The result? Harmony with other believers and glory given to God both individually and as brothers and sisters in Christ.
BONUS: Paul teaches a TON more on this important topic in Romans 14. Take some time to read it carefully and prayerfully. Try using a different translation from what you’re used to reading it in to see things in a different light. For fun, you could also find a free audio app so you can listen to someone reading the passage to you. Try biblegateway.com for that (and for multiple translations).
-Personal Application Time!
-Based on today’s Bible passage, what pleases/displeases God?
-List at least one way you can use this truth in your life today or soon.
-If someone were to ask you what you learned from today’s Bible passage, how would you summarize it in just a few simple sentences?
-Before you return to your day, spend some additional time in prayer asking the Father to help you apply what you learned today to your life and your circumstances so that you can please Him in every way.
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
-Pause before beginning today’s Bible study so you can spend a few moments in prayer to ask the Father for help to concentrate, see what He wants you to see, and to understand how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for the privilege of studying His Word and for His grace, goodness, and kindness today and every day.
-Today’s Scripture on the theme of pleasing God:
“Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.”
Romans 8:5-12, NLT
Something to Think About:
There are some essential truths in this section of Romans 8. Let’s try to line some of them out.
-People are controlled by the sin nature they are born with—or, if they have trusted in Jesus Christ as their Savior, they can cooperate with the Holy Spirit and He will help them to please God in what they do—and why they do it.
-Those who have never gotten saved (trusted in Christ as their Savior) are only always dominated by their sin nature. They may “seem” nice, they may do nice things, but at their core, they are rebels against God and God’s holiness. All other things being equal, this means practically that they will always choose to do what seems best to them (while believers who are submitted to God will choose to do the things that are pleasing to Him).
-Paul speaks about unbelievers being “dominated” by their sin nature, while Christians are “controlled,” that is, gently led, in the direction of God-honoring behavior.
-Sin leads to death. Spiritual death in unbelievers and a disruption in a close relationship with God with believers. Sin is ALWAYS ugly and destructive. Sin is ALWAYS wrong.
-Once again (third time so far this month!) we find that peace is a result of trusting and obeying God.
-Those who are controlled by their sin natures cannot please God. It is impossible. God will never, ever have any sort of bond with those who have sin in their lives.
-Upon salvation, believers were given the Holy Spirit to reside in their hearts permanently. They become part of God’s permanent family. Though their physical bodies may die, the real them will live forever in the presence of God (and they will someday have a physical, resurrected, glorified body as well.)
-Christians do NOT have to sin. Though it may seem like sin is our only option sometimes, this is a lie from satan and from our sin nature. Christ won the victory over sin on our behalf and we never have to give in to it.
What are some essential takeaways from all this?
-Only Christians have the capability of pleasing God with their lives.
-Although Christians CAN please God and say “No!” to sin, they often CHOOSE to live as if they had not been freed from the power of sin by saying “Yes” to sin, sinful thoughts, and sinful actions.
-When God the Father chooses someone for salvation, He provides the Holy Spirit so that the person can be becoming like Christ and so they can learn to imitate Him. The Holy Spirit helps, directs, and empowers believers to live righteously and set apart for Christ.
-This life is NOT all there is! The challenges and hardships we face in the 80-ish or so years we are allotted is just a mere blip in all of eternity. Choosing to be faithful to God TODAY (and for as many todays as He gives us) will result in multiple millennias of joy, PEACE, great purpose, and delight. Don’t EVER give up on welcoming the Holy Spirit’s direction and help. Don’t EVER stop living to please God.
-Personal Application Time!
-Based on today’s Bible passage, what pleases/displeases God?
-List at least one way you can use this truth in your life today or soon.
-If someone were to ask you what you learned from today’s Bible passage, how would you summarize it in just a few simple sentences?
-Before you return to your day, spend some additional time in prayer asking the Father to help you apply what you learned today to your life and your circumstances so that you can please Him in every way.
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
-Pause before beginning today’s Bible study so you can spend a few moments in prayer to ask the Father for help to concentrate, see what He wants you to see, and to understand how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for the privilege of studying His Word and for His grace, goodness, and kindness today and every day.
-Today’s Scripture on the theme of pleasing God:
“For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel preached by me is not of human origin. For I did not receive it from a human source and I was not taught it, but it came by a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard about my former way of life in Judaism: I intensely persecuted God’s church and tried to destroy it. I advanced in Judaism beyond many contemporaries among my people, because I was extremely zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. But when God, who from my mother’s womb set me apart and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me, so that I could preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone. I did not go up to Jerusalem to those who had become apostles before me; instead I went to Arabia and came back to Damascus. Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to get to know Cephas, and I stayed with him fifteen days. But I didn’t see any of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. I declare in the sight of God: I am not lying in what I write to you. Afterward, I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia. I remained personally unknown to the Judean churches that are in Christ. They simply kept hearing, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God because of me.” Galatians 1:11-24, CSB
Something to Think About:
Today’s passage is the second half of yesterday’s (August 9, 2021). We have to get through a few verses before we find Paul’s second use of “pleasing God” in this first chapter of Galatians. His first use was to explain that he had no intention of preaching and teaching in order to please people because his focus was on pleasing GOD. After this, though, he begins to talk about his personal testimony. He first explained to them that what he had to say was not something he made up, nor was it something ANY human made up. As a matter of fact, Jesus Christ Himself revealed it to him personally. Paul was, in fact, an apostle personally chosen by Jesus Christ.
Paul goes on to explain just how “important” he was in the world of the Hebrew scholars (before his salvation)—a real up-and-comer, and just how zealous he was to exterminate all sprouts of Christianity. That is, until Jesus Christ literally stopped him dead in his tracks and called him to salvation. What an about-face! All salvation accounts are literally miraculous, but some are also especially astonishing.
And then Paul notes that God not only showed tremendous grace in saving him, but He also was “pleased to reveal His Son” in him so that he could preach to the Gentiles. Did you catch that? God chose Paul to be an imitator of Him so that others would come to salvation.
This is where you and I should be sitting up and taking notice, BECAUSE God saved you and me to be imitators of God too! God chose us for salvation SO THAT we could live in such a way so others would be attracted to Him, eager to also get saved. God chose us to reveal His Son in what we do –and why. In what we say—and with what attitude we say it. In where we go—and what our goals are for going there. EVERYTHING. Every single thing we do either reflects Jesus Christ or gives a wrong impression of Who He is and what’s of value to Him.
Did Paul sound a bit oppressed by this thought? Not at all! He was EAGER to be about the Lord’s work! He was so intense about serving God that he thought NOTHING of facing conflict, attacks, imprisonments, and literal death threats. He said that knowing Christ and sharing Christ was all that really mattered, so those were the things that he would pursue, whether alive or dead.
To know how to please God, we first need to follow Jesus’ perfect example, but isn’t it such a blessing to read about men and women who are also excellent examples of pleasing God? We find several in Scripture, but do you know some in your own life, either currently or in your past? Praise God for them, thank them if they’re still around, but most of all, BE one of those precious-in-the-eyes-of-God ones! Be pleasing to God in every area so that others coming behind you will also desire to “reveal the Son” in and through their lives.
-Personal Application Time!
-Based on today’s Bible passage, what pleases/displeases God?
-List at least one way you can use this truth in your life today or soon.
-If someone were to ask you what you learned from today’s Bible passage, how would you summarize it in just a few simple sentences?
-Before you return to your day, spend some additional time in prayer asking the Father to help you apply what you learned today to your life and your circumstances so that you can please Him in every way.
Monday, August 9, 2021
-Pause before beginning today’s Bible study so you can spend a few moments in prayer to ask the Father for help to concentrate, see what He wants you to see, and to understand how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for the privilege of studying His Word and for His grace, goodness, and kindness today and every day.
-Today’s Scripture on the theme of pleasing God:
“I am amazed that you are so quickly turning away from him who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another gospel, but there are some who are troubling you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, a curse be on him! As we have said before, I now say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, a curse be on him! For am I now trying to persuade people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:6-10, CSB
Something to Think About:
Paul, in writing to believers in Galatia, jumps right in to challenge them for “so quickly” moving from faith in Christ to listening to false teachers contradict what Christ said (and what Paul taught them about Christ). This reminds me a bit of watching a debate where the audience believes whoever is currently standing and talking, but then quickly changing their minds when someone new presents something completely different. Only we’re not talking about whether to eat plant-based versus ketogenic foods or whether it is, in fact, okay to wear white shoes after Labor Day. This is a debate about Who Jesus Christ is, how to get saved, and how to live in a God-honoring way. This is important TRUTH that the folks there were being swayed against.
Paul then makes a statement that is pertinent to our quest to find out what pleases God. He states that he didn’t talk to them with the goal of being a people pleaser (saying what he knew they wanted to hear). His main goal and sole focus was on pleasing God—on being God’s servant by sharing God’s truth (as found in Scripture) with others.
I don’t think there can possibly be anyone alive who has not fallen prey to peer pressure. Sometimes this is (relatively) harmless, such as a group of female friends encouraging each other to indulge in some sweet treat, but other times peer pressure can cause someone to go someplace a child of God doesn’t belong, to watch some movie that we, as the dwelling of the Holy Spirit, should not watch, or to take a stand that is popular, but not biblical.
There are a lot of areas that all believers should commit to God every morning: that our thoughts, words, and deeds honor God, please Him, and might bring Him glory is certainly one of the biggies. That our decisions would be in keeping with His perfect will is another. That our eyes would be opened to the needs and concerns of the people around us (and not be fixed solely on our own selfish wishes and desires) is also important. That we might have opportunity to talk to others about the Lord at some point that day (and take advantage of it when it happens) – AND- that our main overriding goal (that will affect all other areas) is to choose to please God (not our spouse, not our children, not our bestie, not a co-worker—and not ourselves). Living to please God first, foremost, and best is always the right way to view life.
BONUS:
One of the most common tragedies that happens in our churches these days is people deciding to leave their Bible-teaching, Bible-obeying churches in order to go somewhere that focuses on other things, things that may be flashier, easier to adhere to, and less demanding in areas of personal holiness and commitment to Christ. To do so may be a modern day example of what Paul was warning these Galatian believers about.
BONUS #2:
Paul warns these young believers that they were exchanging the gospel (which literally means, “good news”) for something else, something that was, in fact, BAD news. He also warns them that while the true gospel brings peace (remember this from our last study in Luke 2?), false teaching brings upset and a distinct LACK of peace (v.7).
-Personal Application Time!
-Based on today’s Bible passage, what pleases/displeases God?
-List at least one way you can use this truth in your life today or soon.
-If someone were to ask you what you learned from today’s Bible passage, how would you summarize it in just a few simple sentences?
-Before you return to your day, spend some additional time in prayer asking the Father to help you apply what you learned today to your life and your circumstances so that you can please Him in every way.
Saturday, August 7, 2021
-Pause before beginning today’s Bible study so you can spend a few moments in prayer to ask the Father for help to concentrate, see what He wants you to see, and to understand how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for the privilege of studying His Word and for His grace, goodness, and kindness today and every day.
-Today’s Scripture on the theme of pleasing God:
“That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:8-14, NLT
Something to Think About:
It always feels a bit “wrong” to read the Christmas account in a different month than December, but, of course, there’s certainly a lot of essential information in the various accounts! For example, this recounting of that unforgettable night for a group of shepherds outside of the village of Bethlehem has a pretty essential truth that fits with our pursuit to find out what pleases God.
The message the angels gave the shepherds that night so long ago was twofold. First, they were sharing with them the world-shattering good news that the One Who God has ordained to save mankind from their sin had ARRIVED. After something like FOUR THOUSAND years since sin entered the perfect world God created, the Promised One, the Messiah, had come—and nothing would ever be the same again! This night was most definitely a night worthy of great joy for all people!
The angels had another message, however. They shared a pretty important “secret” that humans have been seeking since time began, that of experiencing peace. Humans have been looking high and low for this elusive peace and have tried finding it in possessions, in prestige, and in power. They have tried being brutal to get it, trying to force it to come to them by stepping on others to get it—while others have tried to live far away from people as monks, nuns, and hermits, assuming it would come if they were not influenced by the actions of others. But the secret to peace (which isn’t actually a secret at all since it’s found right here in black and white!) is “found” in PLEASING GOD.
We would be wise to pause here for just a sec to point out that the KJV, while a majestic translation, sometimes mistranslates the original Greek the New Testament was written in (NO English translation is perfect. We have an amazing heritage of great translations in the English language, and many translations done since the King James was published in 1611 have improved the translational accuracy, readability, and consistency.) The KJV says, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” This version of what the angel said kind of hints that God gives peace and good will to everyone—no matter what. The rest of the Bible, however, makes it crystal clear that sin infected and affected everything, causing an uncrossable rift between God and man (that is, until Jesus died, was buried, and returned to life after three days, forever paying the debt no human could ever pay). Until any man, woman, or child places their trust in Jesus Christ as the Savior for their personal sin, they will not and cannot have peace with God, nor good will. BUT, when we do, then it is most definitely possible, though there’s a tiny catch, which brings us back to the fact that peace comes to God’s children, those who have trusted in Christ as their Savior, when God is pleased with them. What must we do to cause God to be pleased with us? Trust Him and obey Him. That simple, that essential, that INCREDIBLE.
Missing out on some peace? Prayerfully evaluate if you are not obeying God fully in some area of your life. God WANTS all of His children to have peace and be at peace with Him, confessing sin and choosing to live a life that is obedient to His Word frees Him up to bless, and bless, and BLESS.
-Personal Application Time!
-Based on today’s Bible passage, what pleases/displeases God?
-List at least one way you can use this truth in your life today or soon.
-If someone were to ask you what you learned from today’s Bible passage, how would you summarize it in just a few simple sentences?
-Before you return to your day, spend some additional time in prayer asking the Father to help you apply what you learned today to your life and your circumstances so that you can please Him in every way.
Friday, August 6, 2021
-Pause before beginning today’s Bible study so you can spend a few moments in prayer to ask the Father for help to concentrate, see what He wants you to see, and to understand how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for the privilege of studying His Word and for His grace, goodness, and kindness today and every day.
-Today’s Scripture on the theme of pleasing God:
“And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.” Matthew 17:1-8, ESV
Something to Think About:
This is a pretty special passage—with many truly amazing things to note, but for the sake of our current focus on what pleases God, let’s talk about what God the Father said to Peter, James, and John after they had witnessed a corner of Jesus’ humanity peeled back, revealing His deity. They were, not surprisingly, pretty flabbergasted. And in the middle of their astonishment at what they had witnessed, God the Father spoke, helping them to focus on what was truly important: Jesus Christ.
The Father identified Jesus as His “Beloved Son,” then explained that He is well pleased with Him. In other words, what Jesus had been doing, thinking, saying (and why—His motives and goals) were all pleasing to the Father. They were in keeping with what reflects His character and Who He is as God Almighty, God Most-Holy.
You’ve certainly heard before that we can be “like” God by choosing to do the things He has told us in His Word, by NOT doing the things that His Word tells us He hates or disapproves of, and by focusing on the things that God says are important for both today and for all of eternity. We can be like God by keeping eternity’s values in view and making them our own values. BUT, have you ever stopped and thought about what a super huge possibility that is? Think about it right now. Stop doing devotions while also thinking about your next to-do. Turn off music, your phone, or whatever other distraction is playing in the background. If possible, remove yourself from other humans for a few minutes.
Think about this: YOU can be LIKE GOD and resemble His CHARACTER when you lean on His strength, wisdom, and direction to humbly, simply, yet wholeheartedly do what He tells you to in the Bible.
God keeps His promises. There’s nothing He says that isn’t true or obtainable if He says it is. You and I CAN live our lives IMITATING GOD.
Wow.
Did you catch a glimpse of the enormity of that?
Did you pause to picture in your head what it must have been like for Peter, James, and John to hear God the Father addressing them? Did you think what it must have been like for JESUS to hear the Father express complete confidence and approval on everything about Him?
Did you know that each and every time that you say “No” to sin and “Yes” to God’s way that the Father is pleased with YOU! This is a blessed truth that we can hold tightly to, finding joy and peace in the midst of hard times—and the enthusiasm and steadfastness to keep on keeping on, trying even harder tomorrow, determining to never give up on pleasing God a bit better each and every day.
Every single morning when your mind comes to consciousness and you are aware that a new day has dawned, think of what the Father said to those three disciples that epic day, “Listen to Jesus.” Simply focusing on Scripture and living according to what it says will help us to please and honor God. And even though considering a lifetime of faithful living definitely seems daunting right this moment, remember, too, what Jesus said to those terrified men, “Rise and have no fear.” Why? Because they lifted their eyes and saw Him. We, too, can focus on our Redeemer, Savior, and Friend. He will help us be like Him moment by moment, day by day, until we stand at last in His presence and hear the much-coveted, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master.”
-Personal Application Time!
-Based on today’s Bible passage, what pleases/displeases God?
-List at least one way you can use this truth in your life today or soon.
-If someone were to ask you what you learned from today’s Bible passage, how would you summarize it in just a few simple sentences?
-Before you return to your day, spend some additional time in prayer asking the Father to help you apply what you learned today to your life and your circumstances so that you can please Him in every way.
Thursday, August 5, 2021
-Pause before beginning today’s Bible study so you can spend a few moments in prayer to ask the Father for help to concentrate, see what He wants you to see, and to understand how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for the privilege of studying His Word and for His grace, goodness, and kindness today and every day.
-Today’s Scripture on the theme of pleasing God:
“I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God while I live. May my meditation be pleasing to him; I will rejoice in the Lord.” Psalm 104:33-34, CSB
Something to Think About:
Have you ever heard of a Christian having a life-verse? Personally, I would find it hard to choose just one! That being said, picking a Bible verse which helped you focus every aspect of your life to pleasing, honoring, appreciating, and obeying God seems like a pretty wise thing to do! Psalm 104:33-34 would make a pretty good one.
Here is what the author is committing to the Father:
1. I will sing to the Lord all my life.
I believe he may be using this in a more generic way, since the next promise is to sing praises to God. I’m not positive about that, BUT it does make every bit of sense to me, at some point in our lives, to make the commitment to only sing TO THE LORD. What does that even mean? Well, first, it’s going to mean that what we choose to sing either audibly or in our heads is targeting at pleasing, honoring, and worshiping God. That would mean that we DON’T sing songs that praise ungodly things or which turn our hearts away from God. I think, too, there is a choice to sing—EVEN IF we think we have a horrible voice. I’m not sure I’ve heard even one Bible verse ever that commanded us to sing to the Lord UNLESS we have a lousy singing voice. Rather, it DOES say that we are to make a joyful noise—which is a heart attitude, not a sound. That being said, everyone can improve their singing voice with a bit of instruction. You could pray about pursuing this if you would like to feel more comfortable singing where other people can hear you. I think the bigger issue, however, is that we remember (whatever sound comes out of our mouths) that we should be singing TO THE LORD.
2. I will sing praise to my God while I live.
On sunny days, on dark dismal days. During times of great celebration, during times of sorrow. When alone, when with a crowd of people. In church services, when out of the building. At the heart and core of our music must be praise to God. Not just once or twice, but every day of our lives.
3. May my meditation be pleasing to God.
I don’t know about you, but I spend a lot of time thinking. Sometimes it’s about what I need to accomplish that day. Sometimes it’s about an event coming up and everything that needs to get done before then. Sometimes, though, it’s about something that has upset me for some reason. I want to be honest with you and tell you that unless that kind of thinking isn’t quickly redirected to praising and thanking God, that it can quickly spiral out of control into areas that not only displease or dishonor God, but which make me unstable, sad, and miserable. HOWEVER, if I (or any child of God) chooses to redirect our thoughts to areas that please God, He helps us see things clearly, which results in encouragement, hope, and joy.
4. I will rejoice in the Lord.
Closely tied with choosing to think only about what pleases God is the choice to rejoice in Him—to KNOW that God is good and that all He does is good (whether or not it makes sense to us!). Simply living every moment trusting in God’s perfect plan and care leaves us free to not concern ourselves with the things out of our hands, and instead focus on doing what we know God wants us to do moment by moment.
Do you have a life verse? If you do, perhaps now would be a good time to review it and recommit to the Lord. If not, how about starting a list of possibilities? It’s fun—and a tremendous blessing. When you find one, be sure to share it the next time the pastor asks for testimonies. Sharing it will bring glory to God AND bless God’s people (you, too!).
-Personal Application Time!
-Based on today’s Bible passage, what pleases/displeases God?
-List at least one way you can use this truth in your life today or soon.
-If someone were to ask you what you learned from today’s Bible passage, how would you summarize it in just a few simple sentences?
-Before you return to your day, spend some additional time in prayer asking the Father to help you apply what you learned today to your life and your circumstances so that you can please Him in every way.
Wednesday, August 4, 2021
-Pause before beginning today’s Bible study so you can spend a few moments in prayer to ask the Father for help to concentrate, see what He wants you to see, and to understand how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for the privilege of studying His Word and for His grace, goodness, and kindness today and every day.
-Today’s Scripture on the theme of pleasing God:
“Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Philippians 2:12-13, NLT
Something to Think About:
These verses provide tremendous encouragement and hope. How? Because they tell us that GOD Himself will help us be becoming like Himself—even including the desire to do it. It’s not up to us. It’s never been up to us. God knows that we have no strength or ability in and of ourselves, so trying to “pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps” simply will not work. HOWEVER, trusting God and obeying His Word DOES.
Paul is addressing the church in Philippi in today’s passage. The church family did an outstanding job of listening to him preach God’s Word and then applying those truths to every component of their lives. Paul, however, had been around the block a time or two, and he realized that human nature is such that “when the cat is away, the mice will play.” He wanted the church family to remain faithful to God—whether or not he (or another preacher) was literally watching them. He wanted them to each be convicted in their own hearts that they wanted to obey GOD first, foremost, and always—no matter where they were and whether or not they were being observed. I read just recently someone’s definition of having good character is that you do the right thing whether or not anyone is there to witness it. There’s a lot of truth in that. Whether or not people observe our actions, attitudes, thoughts, and internet viewing, GOD sees, GOD knows, and GOD is either honored or deeply saddened.
I appreciate that the NLT says that Paul is encouraging the believers to “work hard to show the results of (their) salvation,” instead of the more well known, “Work out your salvation.” The second phrase could be misunderstood to mean that we have to do something to earn salvation and the Bible is crystal clear that simple belief in the work of Jesus Christ on the cross is all that is needed to be saved spiritually. Working to show the RESULTS of our salvation, however, paints the picture of what we’ve mentioned many times in our studies: just because we ARE a Christian, it doesn’t mean like we are acting like one. Learning to be imitators of God helps us to know how to live in order to accurately show the results of our salvation, of our relationship with God.
And, again, we can take tremendous comfort in realizing that God Himself is working in us and giving us the desire and the ability to do what pleases Him. In other words, pleasing God is definitely possible. No question. We simply need to rely on the Father’s infinite power and follow His perfect lead.
-Personal Application Time!
-Based on today’s Bible passage, what pleases/displeases God?
-List at least one way you can use this truth in your life today or soon.
-If someone were to ask you what you learned from today’s Bible passage, how would you summarize it in just a few simple sentences?
-Before you return to your day, spend some additional time in prayer asking the Father to help you apply what you learned today to your life and your circumstances so that you can please Him in every way.
Tuesday, August 3, 2021
-Pause before beginning today’s Bible study so you can spend a few moments in prayer to ask the Father for help to concentrate, see what He wants you to see, and to understand how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for the privilege of studying His Word and for His grace, goodness, and kindness today and every day.
-Today’s Scripture on the theme of pleasing God:
“O God, you take no pleasure in wickedness; you cannot tolerate the sins of the wicked. Therefore, the proud may not stand in your presence, for you hate all who do evil. You will destroy those who tell lies. The Lord detests murderers and deceivers.” Psalm 5:4-6, NLT
“Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. You do not want a sacrifice, or I would give it; you are not pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. You will not despise a broken and humbled heart, God.” Psalm 51:16-17, CSB
Something to Think About:
Because I’m not that fond of the do nots and the negative side of things, let’s discuss a few verses on this topic first thing in the month—and then we can get on to all the fun ones. =)
Even though I don’t enjoy unpleasant or hard things, I still understand the importance of knowing them in order to be becoming like Christ and to better imitate God. In order to honor Him to the best of our ability, we need to keep searching out what God says He is pleased by—and displeased by. In today’s verses, we find that God takes no pleasure in wickedness. This means that we shouldn’t either.
You may ask, “How in the world are Christians taking pleasure in wickedness!” Here are a few examples that I can think of—and perhaps they will help you think of more.
-We are taking pleasure in wickedness when we laugh at someone’s dirty or off-color joke.
-We are taking pleasure in wickedness when we listen intently when someone is slandering someone else or gossiping about them in some way.
-We are taking pleasure in wickedness when we continue to watch a movie (or read a book or stay on an internet site, etc.) even though it is saying things or showing things that are not fitting for the eyes of a child of God.
-We are taking pleasure in wickedness when we plot evil against someone in our mind (simply imagining it is enough to dishonor God).
-We are taking pleasure in wickedness when we are glad when we hear someone we don’t like “got what was coming to them.”
-We are taking pleasure in wickedness when we wear apparel that we know isn’t completely modest or appropriate, but we do it anyway because WE like it.
-We are taking pleasure in wickedness any time and every time we choose to do what we want while turning our backs on what we know God wants.
Wow! That’s a lot to consider! Furthermore, that’s just one thing in today’s verses. God takes no pleasure in wickedness, He cannot tolerate the sins of the wicked (can we???) – which seems to include pride! He cannot abide liars (do we have the same policy about untruth???), He DETESTS murderers and deceivers.
The next passage (thankfully!) gives a few things that God DOES want. He wants our praise! He wants our hearts to be broken (when contemplating our own propensity to sin against Him), and he wants us to develop a humble heart—to choose above all else to follow His lead as our Sovereign Master and King.
Did you notice that both of these psalms are also prayers and petitions to God? We can follow the excellent example of the author and utter a prayer of our own,
“Dear Father in heaven—MY God, I know that you take NO pleasure in wickedness of any kind. Please help me to have the same view! Help me to recognize when something I am seeing, hearing, or doing is dishonoring to You so that I can stop immediately—and, instead, praise Your name and talk about all Your wonders. Father, You have told me many times in Your Word that You hate pride, but You know that this is something I am so prone to! Help me, I pray, to develop a servant’s heart and to reset my auto-default to think of others as more important than myself—just like Your Son did the entire time He was on earth. Help me speak truth (in love!) and to refuse to utter lies of any ‘degree’ at all. I don’t want my attitudes, thoughts, or actions to be something You detest or are displeased by. Thank You, Father, that You are great in every possible way. Thank You for being so praiseworthy! May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to You, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer!”
Do you have a prayer today?
-Personal Application Time!
-Based on today’s Bible passage, what pleases/displeases God?
-List at least one way you can use this truth in your life today or soon.
-If someone were to ask you what you learned from today’s Bible passage, how would you summarize it in just a few simple sentences?
-Before you return to your day, spend some additional time in prayer asking the Father to help you apply what you learned today to your life and your circumstances so that you can please Him in every way.
Monday, August 2, 2021
-Pause before beginning today’s Bible study so you can spend a few moments in prayer to ask the Father for help to concentrate, see what He wants you to see, and to understand how to apply it to your day and life. Be sure to thank Him for the privilege of studying His Word and for His grace, goodness, and kindness today and every day.
-Today’s Scripture on the theme of pleasing God:
“So they said to him, “Who are you?” Jesus said to them, “Just what I have been telling you from the beginning. I have much to say about you and much to judge, but he who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from him.” They did not understand that he had been speaking to them about the Father. So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” John 8:25-29, ESV
Something to Think About:
In our pursuit to be imitators of God in 2021, it just makes sense to check out verses that speak about what pleases Him. Right at the beginning of our study, we find the perfect example of Jesus Christ, God’s Beloved Son. Stated quite simply, yet profoundly, Jesus declared to those heckling Him that day that He not only didn’t do anything on His own authority (only doing what the Father told Him to), He also ONLY “always did the things that are pleasing to Him.”
What an awesome thing—and an awesome goal for each one of us! What a wonderfully faithful life if, upon our death, people said of us that we only did the things that were pleasing to the Father!
So, how? How can we do what pleases God? How do we know what pleases Him and what doesn’t? You know the answer as well as I do. The answers will ALWAYS be in God’s Word, the only Source of TRUTH.
Won’t you join me in a brief look in Scripture about what pleases God, why, and in what way? Just to whet your appetite, here are a few of the things that we’ll be reading about:
-God was pleased with His creation of our world.
-God was pleased to choose Israel as His special people.
-God is pleased when His children thank Him.
-God is pleased when His children live a life of obedience to His Word.
-Prayers of trust please God.
-God was pleased to offer His Son as the substitute to pay for our sin.
-God is pleased by those who fear Him.
-The prayer of the upright child of God pleases Him.
-Jesus Christ pleases the Father.
As you go through your day, BEFORE you speak, BEFORE you respond in some way, BEFORE you make a decision, consider whether or not it is something that pleases God. We might not know every single detail about what pleases or displeases God, BUT we can be obedient to what we DO know. We can, with the help of the Holy Spirit, spend a lot of time in prayer today asking for help to ONLY always do the things that are pleasing to the Father. Whether or not we are 100% successful, God is honored in our faithful and continued attempts to live in the same way as the Son.
-Personal Application Time!
-Based on today’s Bible passage, what pleases/displeases God?
-List at least one way you can use this truth in your life today or soon.
-If someone were to ask you what you learned from today’s Bible passage, how would you summarize it in just a few simple sentences?
-Before you return to your day, spend some additional time in prayer asking the Father to help you apply what you learned today to your life and your circumstances so that you can please Him in every way.
September 2021 DBSQ
Thursday, September 30, 2021
-Before jumping into your Bible study, pause first to ask the Father for help to set aside distractions, to focus on what you are reading, to understand what it is saying, and to apply its truths to your life so that you can grow to imitate Jesus Christ more day by day.
-Scripture pertaining to God being holy:
“Sing to the Lord, you his faithful ones, and praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor, a lifetime. Weeping may stay overnight, but there is joy in the morning.” Psalm 30:4-5, CSB
-Something to Think About:
Psalm 30 starts out with a call to sing to the Lord and praise His holy name. What a great way to start EVERY day! The fact that our God is holy is a tremendous blessing. Can you even IMAGINE if the God in charge of EVERYTHING was only partially holy? It’s just too horrible to even think about! BUT, our God is perfect in everything – in His holiness, in His faithfulness, in His wisdom, in His plans, in His righteousness—everything. We have MUCH to sing praises to Him about!
I included the fifth verse in this Psalm in our study because it has been a precious verse to me for many, many years. It gives me such peace to remember that the hard things of life (deserved and undeserved) won’t last forever. And though the author is speaking specifically about the punishment from God for wrongdoing, any reason for weeping is temporary in this life. Even losing a deeply loved believer to death is but a temporary separation, and when we’re reunited, it will be for eternity.
The idea of weeping “staying overnight” is the picture of a guest coming to stay in your home, but for an extremely short visit. While you might wish SOME visitors to stay as long as they can, there are definitely others that are only bearable in very small doses! BUT, the contrast in this verse is huge: shouts of joy will come in the morning. This is the idea of God providing tremendous relief after a hard thing. Even if our full rejoicing isn’t until we go home to be with Him, this joy far, far outshines and outlasts the sadness of momentary hardships.
That’s nice, but what do we do with this truth as children of God who are trying to imitate Him? We (get to) sing to the Lord! We get to give thanks at the mention of His holiness! After all, if we, the holy ones who belong to God do not sing to Him and express gratitude at His holiness, who will? Once again I am reminded that extolling God’s incredible characteristics and attributes is a TREMENDOUS privilege that very few are chosen to enjoy. We should see this as precious and gladly speak His praises every single day to ourselves, to Him, and to everyone we come across.
-Study & Application Questions:
1. Who is supposed to sing to the Lord?
2. What are to praise?
3. How long does God’s anger at our sin last?
4. How long does His favor last?
5. What does God provide at the end of sorrow?
6. Today’s application addressed the fact that sorrows, hardships, even the disappointment we feel when we sin is all temporary and that when we get to glory, there will be shouts of joy. It addresses how much we have to look forward to. Take a few minutes to list some of the things that you are most looking forward to in eternity, then stop to thank the Father for each one.
7. A few things to pray about based on today’s study:
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
-Before jumping into your Bible study, pause first to ask the Father for help to set aside distractions, to focus on what you are reading, to understand what it is saying, and to apply its truths to your life so that you can grow to imitate Jesus Christ more day by day.
-Scripture pertaining to God being holy:
“Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright. Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings! Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts. For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host. He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap; he puts the deeps in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man; from where he sits enthroned he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, he who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds. The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue. Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.”
Psalm 33, ESV
-Something to Think About:
Have you ever noticed how blessings from God are often given to us AS we obey His Word and do the right thing? Psalm 33:21 is an example of this. Our hearts will rejoice WHEN we place our trust in His holy name. In other words, If you are looking for reasons to rejoice, trust that what God said He would do, He will do (and live your life as if it were a done deal—because it is). Another example of this is found in Romans 15:13:
“Now may God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace as you believe, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Joy and peace come to the believer who IS trusting in God in his daily life and in the circumstances of each day. In this case, trusting that God will do what He promised also results in hope, the assurance that it WILL happen.
God has shown us before in other Bible studies how even though the Holy Spirit is the One Who causes spiritual growth and maturity, He does it AS we endeavor to live out the qualities and characteristics of Jesus Christ and apply His Word to each situation as it arises. It is how God rewards faithfulness. In fact, we can use this principle in our lives when we DON’T have joy or peace, we can look up Scripture that talks about joy and peace to find out how we might not be obeying God in some way. Based on today’s Scripture, if we are lacking in joy in our life, perhaps we’re trusting someone or something else other than God.
One thing is certain, God wants His children to know great joy and deep peace—and He sure isn’t the One holding His blessings back. We are the ones who forfeit it when we choose to do things apart from His Word. When we leave God out of the picture, it turns bleak in a big hurry.
-Study & Application Questions:
1. Our soul waits for the ___; He is our ___ and our ___.
2. For our heart is glad in him, because ___ ___ ____ ___ ___ ____.
3. Let your ____ love, O Lord, be upon us, even ____ we hope in you.”
4. Today’s application spoke about how we could use the lack of joy or peace in our hearts to hint strongly that we might not be trusting God fully. What other truths from Scripture can also be used as a checklist to evaluate where we are with God? Do you have a personal experience story that demonstrates these truths?
5. A few things to pray about based on today’s study:
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
-Before jumping into your Bible study, pause first to ask the Father for help to set aside distractions, to focus on what you are reading, to understand what it is saying, and to apply its truths to your life so that you can grow to imitate Jesus Christ more day by day.
-Scripture pertaining to God being holy:
“Hallelujah! I will praise the Lord with all my heart in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation. The Lord’s works are great, studied by all who delight in them. All that he does is splendid and majestic; his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered. The Lord is gracious and compassionate. He has provided food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. He has shown his people the power of his works by giving them the inheritance of the nations. The works of his hands are truth and justice; all his instructions are trustworthy. They are established forever and ever, enacted in truth and in uprightness. He has sent redemption to his people. He has ordained his covenant forever. His name is holy and awe-inspiring. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his instructions have good insight. His praise endures forever.” Psalm 111, CSB
-Something to Think About:
What a great little Psalm! It begins with giving thanks to God with all our hearts and ends with the reminder that while not everything lasts forever, praise of God DOES. In our temporary, disposable EVERYTHING kind of existence in the twenty-first century, that is a big deal!
What else does God say lasts forever? Here’s just a few:
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his gracious love is eternal.” Psalm 118:1
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his uniquely existing Son so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life.” John 3:16
“Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for God has said, “I will never leave you or abandon you.” Hebrews 13:5
“Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard? The Lord is the eternal God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not grow tired or weary; and his understanding cannot be fathomed.” Isaiah 40:28
“But the word of the Lord lasts forever.” I Peter 1:25
“This is why the Messiah is the mediator of a new covenant; so that those who are called may receive the eternal inheritance promised them, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the offenses committed under the first covenant.” Hebrews 9:15
“That’s why we are not discouraged. No, even if outwardly we are wearing out, inwardly we are being renewed each and every day. This light, temporary nature of our suffering is producing for us an everlasting weight of glory, far beyond any comparison, because we do not look for things that can be seen but for things that cannot be seen. For things that can be seen are temporary, but things that cannot be seen are eternal.” II Corinthians 4:16-18
“But the Lord’s counsel stands firm forever, the plans in his mind for all generations.” Psalm 33:11
“Now to the King Eternal—the immortal, invisible, and only God—be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.” I Timothy 1:17
“There will no longer be any curse. The throne of God and the lamb will be in the city. His servants will worship him and see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night, and they will not need any light from lamps or the sun because the Lord God will shine on them. They will rule forever and ever.” Revelation 22:3-5
What should be our response? Along with the author of this Psalm, we can shout “Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the Lord! Splendid and glorious are His awesome deeds, and His righteousness endures forever! The Lord is gracious and compassionate, whatever He does is reliable and just, and all His precepts are trustworthy, sustained through all eternity, and fashioned in both truth and righteousness! His name is holy and awesome! Praise God forever!”
-Study & Application Questions:
1. I will praise the Lord with ____ my heart.
2. The Lord’s works are ____. All that He does is ____ and ___.
3. The Lord’s righteousness endures ____.
4. The Lord’s name is ____ and awe-inspiring.
5. All who follow the Lord’s instructions have good ____.
6. Today’s application lists several things that last forever. What other examples can you think of? What, specifically, do you want to praise God for in this area?
7. A few things to pray about based on today’s study:
Monday, September 27, 2021
-Before jumping into your Bible study, pause first to ask the Father for help to set aside distractions, to focus on what you are reading, to understand what it is saying, and to apply its truths to your life so that you can grow to imitate Jesus Christ more day by day.
-Scripture pertaining to God being holy:
“Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion, and to you shall vows be performed. O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come. When iniquities prevail against me, you atone for our transgressions. Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple! By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas.”
Psalm 65:1-5, ESV
-Something to Think About:
Psalm 65 is, simply stated, a psalm giving praise to God.
One of the reasons to praise Him is found in verse 4. To be chosen by God and to draw near to Him in His holy presence is an awesome thing.
Though this is written to God’s chosen people, the Israelites, those of us living in the Church Age who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb have access to God the Father at all times. The person who draws close to Him is blessed and “satisfied” with the goodness of His House—as well as His holiness.
The concept of being satisfied with God’s goodness and holiness may be a hard one for Christians to get a grip on—and even STAY focused on. I think at least some of that is because we are literally surrounded by lies about what is “good” in the world we live in. Those who aren’t maintaining a regular meaningful personal Bible study and are not being fed from God’s Word at church, are going to struggle to not have a wrong view about every single part of life—and I’m speaking of believers!
The unsaved, of course, will not have a right view about spiritual things, and yet, they are the ones who are telling us via media (and in-person) what we should be wearing, how we should do our hair and make-up, what is an appropriate response to a challenge, what we should educate ourselves in, what is important in politics and world events (and why), what a good vacation looks like, the (supposed) necessity of “me” time, how to raise our children, how to take care of our elderly, what car to drive, how to spend or not spend our money – even whether we should eat bread or not! The world has an exceedingly strong opinion about every single part of our lives, and if we don’t fall in line with it, they say that we are the ones who are wrong.
BUT, have you recently looked at the statistics about how many people are on anti-anxiety medication or anti-depressants on a daily basis? What the current divorce rates are? How many children live in broken homes? How much alcohol and illicit drugs are sold and consumed daily? How many people see a therapist on a regular basis? How many people attempt suicide? It is clear that the world around us is NOT a place of happiness or peace.
Psalm 65:4 is a joyful reminder that when we belong to God, when we draw near to Him by reading and obeying His Word, and when we place our confidence and trust in Him via prayer and in how we view our circumstances, then we can enjoy and be part of God’s goodness and holiness. Both are part of one another—you can’t have holiness without what is good and right and true, and you won’t have goodness, righteousness, and truth without holiness.
How blessed we are to be able to place ourselves at the feet of our Savior to listen, learn, and grow! How blessed we are to share our hearts with the Father and find comfort and guidance! How blessed we are to have a church family to serve God together with and a pastor who teaches us God’s Word! How blessed we are to be able to anticipate and look forward to a world where sin will no longer reign and where everyone will enjoy God’s holiness and goodness!
Follow David’s example in Psalm 65 and give God the praise which is His due.
-Study & Application Questions:
1. Who hears prayer?
2. Who is blessed?
3. What will satisfy us?
4. The God of our salvation is the ____ of all the ends of the earth.
5. Today’s application listed several examples of how we are influenced by the world around us. What other examples can you think of? Prayerfully consider what Scripture can combat some of these lies. List them below:
6. A few things to pray about based on today’s study:
Saturday, September 25, 2021
-Before jumping into your Bible study, pause first to ask the Father for help to set aside distractions, to focus on what you are reading, to understand what it is saying, and to apply its truths to your life so that you can grow to imitate Jesus Christ more day by day.
-Scripture pertaining to God being holy:
“Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God with a jubilant cry. For the Lord, the Most High, is awe-inspiring, a great King over the whole earth. He subdues peoples under us and nations under our feet. He chooses for us our inheritance— the pride of Jacob, whom he loves. Selah God ascends among shouts of joy, the Lord, with the sound of a ram’s horn. Sing praise to God, sing praise; sing praise to our King, sing praise! Sing a song of wisdom, for God is King of the whole earth. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne. The nobles of the peoples have assembled with the people of the God of Abraham. For the leaders of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted.”
Psalm 47, CSB
-Something to Think About:
The majesty of God sitting on His holy throne is seen in several places throughout Scripture. Some of the most awe-inspiring is found in the Book of Revelation. Come join me as we peek into the Throne Room of God in the not-so-distant future:
“After these things, I saw a door standing open in heaven. The first voice that I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” Instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven with a person seated on the throne. The person sitting there looked like jasper and carnelian, and there was a rainbow around the throne that looked like an emerald. Around the throne were 24 other thrones, and on these thrones sat 24 elders wearing white robes and gold victor’s crowns on their heads. Flashes of lightning, noises, and peals of thunder came from the throne. Burning in front of the throne were seven flaming torches, which are the seven spirits of God. In front of the throne was something like a sea of glass as clear as crystal. In the center of the throne and on each side of the throne were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature was like an ox, the third living creature had a face like a human, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. Each of the four living creatures had six wings and were full of eyes inside and out. Without stopping day or night they were saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, who is, and who is coming.” Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the one who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the 24 elders bow down and worship in front of the one who sits on the throne, the one who lives forever and ever. They throw their victor’s crowns in front of the throne and say, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory, honor, and power, because you created all things; they came into existence and were created because of your will.” Then I saw in the right hand of the one who sits on the throne a scroll written on the inside and on the outside, sealed with seven seals. I also saw a powerful angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” No one in heaven, on earth, or under the earth could open the scroll or look inside it. I began to cry bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or look inside it. “Stop crying,” one of the elders told me. “Look! The Lion from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered. He can open the scroll and its seven seals.” Then I saw a lamb standing in the middle of the throne, the four living creatures, and the elders. He looked like he had been slaughtered. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent into all the earth. He went and took the scroll from the right hand of the one who sits on the throne. When the lamb had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders bowed down in front of him. Each held a harp and a gold bowl full of incense, the prayers of the saints. They sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals, because you were slaughtered. With your blood you purchased us for God from every tribe, language, people, and nation. You made us a kingdom and priests for our God, and they will reign on the earth.” Then I looked, and I heard the voices of many angels, the living creatures, and the elders surrounding the throne. They numbered 10,000’s times 10,000 and thousands times thousands. They sang with a loud voice, “Worthy is the lamb who was slaughtered to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise!” I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and on the sea, and everything that is in them, saying, “To the one who sits on the throne and to the lamb be praise, honor, glory, and power forever and ever!” Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!”, and the elders bowed down and worshipped.” (Revelation 4-5)
It’s coming, gals! Our trials and struggles right now are but a drop in the bucket—very small in the eternal scope of God’s great plan! Soon we’ll be standing face to face with our God and joining the throng as we sing,
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, who is, and who is coming,”
“Worthy is the lamb who was slaughtered to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise!”
“To the one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise, honor, glory, and power forever and ever!”
-Study & Application Questions:
1. What sort of throne does God sit on?
2. Who is the great King over the whole earth?
3. ___ praise to God, sing ___ to our King.
4. Today’s application includes a lengthy Scripture passage from the book of Revelation. How does this encourage you? In what ways are you giving praise to God right now? Is there someone the Holy Spirit is laying on your heart to share this most wonderful truth with?
5. A few things to pray about based on today’s study:
Friday, September 24, 2021
-Before jumping into your Bible study, pause first to ask the Father for help to set aside distractions, to focus on what you are reading, to understand what it is saying, and to apply its truths to your life so that you can grow to imitate Jesus Christ more day by day.
-Scripture pertaining to God being holy:
“Lord, who can dwell in your tent? Who can live on your holy mountain? The one who lives blamelessly, practices righteousness, and acknowledges the truth in his heart— who does not slander with his tongue, who does not harm his friend or discredit his neighbor, who despises the one rejected by the Lord but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his word whatever the cost, who does not lend his silver at interest or take a bribe against the innocent— the one who does these things will never be shaken.”
Psalm 15, CSB
-Something to Think About:
This Davidic Psalm asks a question in verse 1, then answers it in the next four verses. It’s a good question! Maybe we could paraphrase it to ask, “Who would make a good houseguest in God’s home?”
David answers this question by listing some do’s and don’ts of pleasing God.
-The person God is pleased to have near Him is one who lives blamelessly. That is, with integrity/moral uprightness. As we’ve noted before, this cannot be “perfect” since that is impossible in these bodies and in this time. However, we can CHOOSE to be faithfully obedient—and when we sin, confessing it right away so that we can return to obeying God and pleasing Him in all areas and at all times.
-The person God is pleased to have near Him is one who does righteous deeds. These are actions that are “right” as God defines the word. He lives in harmony with God’s character. The opposite, of course, would be someone who chooses to do something that he knows God doesn’t like.
-The person God is pleased to have near Him is one who speaks truth and does so consistently. He speaks truth to others—and to himself, not giving himself the leeway to “almost” say what is truthful, but not quite doing so completely.
-The person God is pleased to have near Him is one who does not use his tongue (or gestures!) to speak poorly of others and defame them in some way.
-The person God is pleased to have near Him is one who doesn’t harm his friends or discredit his neighbors (the people God places in his life).
-The person God is pleased to have near Him is one who can’t stand sin in any way, shape, or form, but who has a proper reverence for God and His holiness. He encourages those who are trying to live obediently before God and humbly, lovingly, yet firmly, warns those who have turned their backs on Him.
-The person God is pleased to have near Him is one who keeps his word no matter what – even if it costs him or is extremely difficult. He is known for his reliability.
-The person God is pleased to have near Him is one who doesn’t take advantage of others in any area, maybe especially financially. He is known for his honesty and excellent ethics.
The above descriptions convey the kind of believer who won’t be easily shaken (because of his trust in God and obedience to His Word). God said so.
With His help, we can BE this kind of believer. We can be the kind of Christian that “fits” in God’s own household!
-Study & Application Questions:
1. Lord, who can dwell in your tent? ______?
2. The one who lives __, practices ___, and acknowledges the _ in his heart
3. Who does not __ with his tongue, who does not __ his friend or discredit his neighbor,
4. Who despises the one rejected by the Lord but __ those who _ the Lord,
5. Who keeps his word ___ __ ___,
6. Who does not lend his silver at interest or take a bribe against the innocent— the one who does these things will ___ ___ ____.”
7. Today’s application listed some do’s and don’ts of pleasing God. What other things do you know from Scripture (cite the reference if you know it)?
8. A few things to pray about based on today’s study:
Thursday, September 23, 2021
-Before jumping into your Bible study, pause first to ask the Father for help to set aside distractions, to focus on what you are reading, to understand what it is saying, and to apply its truths to your life so that you can grow to imitate Jesus Christ more day by day.
-Scripture pertaining to God being holy:
“Lord, how my foes increase! There are many who attack me. Many say about me, “There is no help for him in God.” Selah But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. I cry aloud to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain. Selah I lie down and sleep; I wake again because the Lord sustains me. I will not be afraid of thousands of people who have taken their stand against me on every side. Rise up, Lord! Save me, my God! You strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked. Salvation belongs to the Lord; may your blessing be on your people. Selah.” Psalm 3, CSB
-Something to Think About:
This short Psalm of David was written when he was fleeing for his life from his own son, Absalom. The confidence in God David demonstrated and the acknowledgment of how God answers his cry is a blessing and help to those of us living thousands of years later. We too can “cry” to the Lord and express whatever burden is on our hearts. Perhaps we, like David, have someone who is attacking us and speaking against God’s care of us. Or perhaps our struggles are physical or financial. No matter what the crisis, we can call out to God in prayer—and He hears us from His holy mountain.
God not only hears us, but David reminds us in Psalm 3 that He places a shield of protection around those who belong to Him, He lifts our heads up, He helps us rest in peace and calm assurance, He helps us to not be afraid, and He is the One Who gives blessings unnumbered – and undeserved.
What is your struggle today? Are you telling it to God? Are you trusting that He’s got your back and will not allow anything to happen to you that is not for your spiritual good and His glory? Are you declaring to friend and foe alike that YOUR God is good and He always hears and answers your smallest cry?
FYI: You can read about David’s problem with Absalom in II Samuel 15-16.
-Study & Application Questions:
1. Who wrote Psalm 3?
2. What was the occasion of his writing it?
3. From where did God answer David’s cry?
4. Who alone provides salvation?
5. Today’s application addresses the challenges that we may face as believers. The point isn’t the suffering, per se, but that God provides the help we need before a crisis hits, during the crisis, and after it has ended. In what ways has God helped you when in a crisis? Have you given testimony of this to others? What would you like to share about God’s grace and help extended to you?
6. A few things to pray about based on today’s study:
Wednesday, September 22, 2021
-Before jumping into your Bible study, pause first to ask the Father for help to set aside distractions, to focus on what you are reading, to understand what it is saying, and to apply its truths to your life so that you can grow to imitate Jesus Christ more day by day.
-Scripture pertaining to God being holy:
“I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart; I will sing your praises before the gods. I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name. As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength. Every king in all the earth will thank you, Lord, for all of them will hear your words. Yes, they will sing about the Lord’s ways, for the glory of the Lord is very great. Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud. Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me. The Lord will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.” Psalm 138, NLT
-Something to Think About:
This nice little Psalm is a song of gratitude to God for His personal attention and care. It’s short and well worth taking the time to read.
The author makes many promises about how he will honor God and tell others about Him, but verse 2 uses our word “holy.” The psalmist commits to bowing down and worshiping God “before” His holy Temple. It may be that he couldn’t be near the Temple, so he simply worshiped pointing in the direction of it.
Did you notice, though, that God’s Temple is called holy? That’s because where God is, it is holy. Remember how Moses had to remove his sandals when standing near the burning bush or how Joshua bowed before the Angel of the Lord (the pre-incarnate Christ) before the Battle of Jericho? We might not currently be able to stand physically in God’s presence, but we sure do it spiritually. Each time we pray, we are ushered into the very throne room of GOD! We would do well to remember His holiness when we are talking to Him. Furthermore, as believers living in the Church Age, we have the HOLY Spirit indwelling us at all times. This means that where WE go and all we do MUST maintain the holy standards of God!
The psalmist also gives thanks to God for His gracious love and truth. For (he says), God has done great things to carry out His Word – things that are consistent with His (holy) name. We can certainly join the psalmist in thanking and praising God for these very same things. God demonstrates His steadfast love to us each and every day. Really, every second of every day! He shows Himself to be a God of truth, carrying out what He says He will at the perfect time and in the perfect way. We, as a matter of fact, have seen far, far more of God’s reliability and plan for the world than whoever wrote Psalm 138. We have the record of the Messiah coming, carrying out His act of redemption on behalf of mankind, returning to heaven, and the birth and continuation of the church age. Most of these things the Old Testament saints had no idea about! Won’t it be fun to get to glory and find out things we didn’t know from other believers from different time periods, but more importantly, to join together with them to praise God’s holy name!
God is worthy of our worship and thanks. Let’s not forget to do it every single day.
-Study & Application Questions:
1. How is the Temple described in Psalm 138:2?
2. What backs God’s promises?
3. The glory of the Lord is very ___.
4. God keeps His distance from the proud, but cares for the__.
5. What will God work out in our lives?
6. What endures forever?
7. Today’s application notes that the psalmist was listing ways he was grateful to God for His personal attention and care. What things do YOU want to thank God for today?
8. A few things to pray about based on today’s study:
Tuesday, September 21, 2021
-Before jumping into your Bible study, pause first to ask the Father for help to set aside distractions, to focus on what you are reading, to understand what it is saying, and to apply its truths to your life so that you can grow to imitate Jesus Christ more day by day.
-Scripture pertaining to God being holy:
“Save us, Lord our God, and gather us from the nations, so that we may give thanks to your holy name and rejoice in your praise. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, “Amen!” Hallelujah!”
Psalm 106:47-48, CSB
-Something to Think About:
Psalm 106 is similar to yesterday’s Psalm, 105, in that it recounts many aspects of Hebrew history. What is different, however, is that this Psalm lists the many ways the people acted out of unbelief (Psalm 105 doesn’t mention this sad, but true, fact). That is, they didn’t trust God enough to obey what He said to do.
A lack of trust in God has been an outstanding problem in all of mankind (except Jesus Christ, the Perfect One) since Adam and Eve listened to satan’s lies and ate the forbidden fruit all the way back in the Garden of Eden.
A lack of trust is demonstrated in many ways. Psalm 106 gives several examples, in fact. The people didn’t comprehend God’s awesome deeds (perhaps taking them for granted), they didn’t remember His awesome deeds (maybe not bothering to try!), they rebelled against God and God’s chosen servants (thinking they knew better than Him), they did not wait for His instruction and counsel (acting as if their knowledge was greater than GOD’S), they allowed physical struggles to overwhelm them (forgetting His promise to take care of them), they tested God (checking to see if He REALLY meant what He said), they envied those whom God had set apart as leaders (and gave them a hard time), they turned their backs on worshiping Him (choosing to worship carved images made by people instead).
They also forgot all the miracles God had performed on their behalf, rejected the land He chose for them, murmured and complained (which is what happens when we don’t give thanks), and they acted exactly like the pagan nations around them—imitating their extreme ugliness and violence. . . and the list goes on.
These are not things you and I are immune to doing either! The names change, the places differ, but lack of trust in God and His promises is what leads to sin and heartache every single time. However, there is also something else pretty awesome found throughout Israel’s history—and yours and mine. God is always there. God is always faithful. God is always forgiving. God will never renege on His promises. God is always100% dependable and trustworthy—which brings us to today’s verse.
Psalm 106:47 is the psalmist speaking on behalf of all God’s people, requesting that God yet again deliver them, SO THAT they can praise His holy name and rejoice in praising Him. Verse 48 sums up what should be always on our lips and in our heart, too: “Blessed are YOU, LORD God of Israel, from eternity to eternity; Let all the people say, “Amen!” Hallelujah! (Praise the Lord!).”
With God’s help, we can skip the whole lack-of-faith-and-rebellion stuff and jump right to the praising of God’s holy name. Hallelujah! Amen!
-Study & Application Questions:
1. Psalm 106 recounts the disbelief of who?
2. In verse 47, the author wants God to save them. Why?
3. Verse 48 expresses praise to God from ___ to___.
4. Today’s application lists several ways Israel acted out of unbelief. Look at the list again and prayerfully consider how Church Age believers act out of unbelief. Give both examples in a general sense and a few that have affected you personally. Don’t forget to pray and ask the Father for forgiveness for these (if you haven’t already) and to ask for His help to live a life of trust so that He receive great glory.
5. A few things to pray about based on today’s study:
Monday, September 20, 2021
-Before jumping into your Bible study, pause first to ask the Father for help to set aside distractions, to focus on what you are reading, to understand what it is saying, and to apply its truths to your life so that you can grow to imitate Jesus Christ more day by day.
-Scripture pertaining to God being holy:
“Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered. . . that they might keep his statutes and observe his laws. Praise the Lord!” Psalm 105:1-5, 45, ESV
-Something to Think About:
Psalm 105 is a nifty history lesson for the Hebrew people about how God has been faithful to them for forever. It recounts how God worked in their lives and the people they met from the time of Abraham (when God first chose them to become His own people) up to the time they were brought into the Promised Land. There are two main take-aways for the reader: to give thanks to God and exult in His holy name (v.3), and to obey Him and live for Him personally (v.45).
We’re not Jews, so their history isn’t ours, but there can be no question that God has given us these accounts so that we, too, can see His faithfulness, His mercy, His just judgment, and yes, His holiness. These are all reasons to exult (glory) and rejoice. Verse 3 commands, “Let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.” In other words, true joy will always be located in Jesus Christ: what He has done, is doing, and will yet do. It will be located in our personal relationship to Him and our obedience to Him and our decision to imitate Him. By extension, trouble, heartache, depression, and the lack of joy comes from NOT exulting in God’s holiness and in not seeking God with all our hearts.
I really appreciate the last verse of this Psalm. The author painstakingly recounted all sorts of pertinent facts of Hebrew history, making sure to focus on God’s goodness and awesome deeds on their behalf, but he doesn’t just stop with a hearty “Amen!” No, he sticks in this: “So he brought his people out with joy, his chosen ones with singing. And he gave them the lands of the nations, and they took possession of the fruit of the peoples’ toil, that they might keep his statutes and observe his laws. Praise the Lord!” (v.43-45).
You see, it’s never been about just observing God’s goodness or even taking His holiness seriously, as important as that is. It’s always been about what we intend to DO with it. God gives us everything we need to live godly lives, BUT He expects us to then LIVE GODLY LIVES. He wants us to experience joy and gladness—in His service, WHILE living life the way He knows is best. When we do, we too can shout a hearty “Praise the Lord!” because we, too, recognize His perfect faithfulness, perfect care, perfect love, and perfect plan.
-Study & Application Questions:
1. Oh, give thanks to the ___. . . Make ___ His deeds among the peoples.
2. Sing to Him; tell of ___ His wondrous works!
3. Glory in His ___ name.
4. ___ His statutes and ___ His laws.
5. Today’s application mentions the faithfulness God displayed in the history of the Jewish nation. What ways has God been faithful to Church Age believers—and to you personally?
6. A few things to pray about based on today’s study:
Saturday, September 18, 2021
-Before jumping into your Bible study, pause first to ask the Father for help to set aside distractions, to focus on what you are reading, to understand what it is saying, and to apply its truths to your life so that you can grow to imitate Jesus Christ more day by day.
-Scripture pertaining to God being holy:
“I will also praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praises to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel.” Psalm 71:22, ESV
-Something to Think About:
This Psalm may have been written by someone in their old age (perhaps David), and it is a Psalm that both expresses confidence in God’s care, as well as a continued daily trust in God—even in tough circumstances. The Psalmist seems to understand that He Who began a good work in us will continue it until the day of Christ (Phil.1:6).
The psalmist has clearly made a decision to never stop praising God—no matter his age, the challenges he is living through, or even if he is the only one who is being faithful to God. In this verse, he is specifically praising God’s faithfulness and he is doing it via a harp and lyre. These are both stringed instruments that are portable, so they could be easily moved around to be played inside or outside.
Say, have you ever learned a musical instrument of any kind? If you have, how are you using it to praise God? If you are proficient enough to do special music for your church services from time to time, are you? If you COULD do special music, but don’t, why not?
There are tons and tons of musical instruments that are affordable and not that hard to learn to play. When I was a teenager, I had a friend who bullied me into learning the recorder (this is similar to a flutophone, which is commonly taught to elementary school children in music class). It was not an easy task to learn (and learn WELL), but since that time, I have derived great pleasure and joy in playing simple tunes for my Father. I miss notes, my instrument occasionally shrieks or makes some horrid noise due to “moisture,” but it is still a nifty way to praise God. If I learned it, you sure can!
People give away pianos all the time! There are free piano playing courses online and other courses you can purchase, but I expect there is at least one person in your church who can give you an idea about the basics. Even if you only ever play when the house is empty and only use one finger, there is STILL delight and peace in playing hymns and other songs of praise to God.
I know what you’re thinking!!! “I have NO TALENT!” So what? Who said anything about talent? =) WHATEVER we do for God’s glory, well, glorifies Him. AND whatever we do to glorify God boomerangs back to us with major blessings!
Pray about it! Give it a try!
PS Please note that the psalmist is praising the HOLY ONE. I really enjoy fun songs and silly songs, but we need to keep in mind the holiness of God when we are singing or playing to Him to bring Him glory.
-Study & Application Questions:
1. What is the psalmist determined to do?
2. What instruments does he plan to use?
3. What title does he give God?
4. Today’s application lists a few ways we might choose to praise God through music. What other areas can we praise God with? Is there something the Holy Spirit nudged YOU to do or do more of?
5. A few things to pray about based on today’s study:
Friday, September 17, 2021
-Before jumping into your Bible study, pause first to ask the Father for help to set aside distractions, to focus on what you are reading, to understand what it is saying, and to apply its truths to your life so that you can grow to imitate Jesus Christ more day by day.
-Scripture pertaining to God being holy:
“God in his holy dwelling is a father of the fatherless and a champion of widows.”
Psalm 68:5, CSB
-Something to Think About:
While this Psalm as a whole looks at how God has cared for His people over the millennia, the focus of verse 5 is a comforting summary of our Father’s concern for us and for all who are hurting in a special way. It says that He pays special attention to those who are widows or orphans.
Being a widow or orphan was a really big deal in Old Testament times, but even this many centuries later, being widowed or orphaned is recognized as a very hard and potentially painful thing. Some of the concern is for physical well-being and care, but a lot of the concern has to do with emotional needs and challenges. In fact, James 1:27 teaches that giving special attention to taking care of widows and orphans is not an option for children of God. It is something all believers who are trying to live lives pleasing before God will do.
How comforting then is the knowledge that our loving, gracious, kind Father is a “Father” to the orphans and an “Advocate” for the widows – even from His holy dwelling place! He is the Father to the fatherless and the Protector of widows. What a solace that is to those of us who have a loved one who is alone—or who ARE in this position ourselves! Later on in this Psalm, we are told that God daily “carries” us. That is, He bears a load on our behalf. The Psalm even gives us all sorts of ways to respond to this blessed truth! We can (and should) rejoice, exult before God (jump for delight!), be overwhelmed with joy, sing to God, sing praises to God’s name, be jubilant in His presence—you get the idea.
How are YOU acknowledging God’s perfect care and comfort?
How are you BEING caring and comforting to those with special needs?
Here are a few bonus verses to bless and encourage:
“The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need.” Psalm 23:1
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:17-18
“I waited patiently for the Lord, and he turned to me and heard my cry for help. He brought me up from a desolate pit, out of the muddy clay, and set my feet on a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and they will trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40:1-3
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
-Study & Application Questions:
1. How is God’s dwelling place described?
2. What two areas does God focus His special care on?
3. Today’s application noted that all believers should have a heart for orphans, widows, and all who need special care, attention, and help. Who did the Holy Spirit lay on your heart when you read this? How might you be a help and a blessing to someone in your church family today, this week, or soon?
4. A few things to pray about based on today’s study:
Thursday, September 16, 2021
-Before jumping into your Bible study, pause first to ask the Father for help to set aside distractions, to focus on what you are reading, to understand what it is saying, and to apply its truths to your life so that you can grow to imitate Jesus Christ more day by day.
-Scripture pertaining to God being holy:
“You who love the Lord, hate evil! He protects the lives of his faithful ones; he rescues them from the power of the wicked. Light dawns for the righteous, gladness for the upright in heart. Be glad in the Lord, you righteous ones, and give thanks to his holy name.” Psalm 97:10-12, CSB
-Something to Think About:
Psalm 97 is another Psalm that rejoices in the future reign of King Jesus over the entire world. How blessed God’s children are to know WHO Jesus is and to worship and obey God with our whole hearts RIGHT NOW. I love the reminder, in fact, that there IS a place for hate in our hearts. It is right and good to hate EVIL, to despise sin in the same way our righteous God does. We could even put an equal sign between loving God and hating evil. To love God IS to also hate evil—and vice versa.
Verse 12, the last verse of Psalm 97, reminds those who are righteous and morally upright* to rejoice in the Lord and to give thanks at the mention of His holiness. Hmmm? I wonder how often we thank God for being a holy God? You would think with being constantly faced with sin and ugliness all around us in the world, we would very quickly come to the realization of just how awesome it is that our God is completely and totally 100% free from sin and sin’s effects, and how He is completely righteous. His righteousness gives us encouragement and hope that one day we too will be like Him in true holiness and righteousness. What an incredible thought!
Giving some serious thought-time to God’s attributes and characteristics is always a good thing. This is both so we will keep intentionally being thankful for Him—and so we will know what reflecting His image should be like in our thoughts, attitudes, actions, and words. The way to find all this out is to keep studying Scripture. It would be fun to keep a notebook that has the attributes and characteristics of God as its focus. Then, when we read something in our devotions, or our pastor says something in a sermon or Bible study, we can jot that reference down in our notebook and list what it tells us about God. Of course, not every single verse in the Bible is going to make reference to one of God’s characteristics, but there will be quite a few that do in either outright statement or principle. Give it a try!
*All who have placed their trust in Jesus Christ as the Savior from their sin ARE morally upright and righteous positionally. Once we have our glorified, sin-free bodies in eternity, we will also ACT morally upright and righteous all the time. In the meantime, it should be our striving ambition to please the Lord in all things—which will include choosing to think and act in a way that fits with who we are in Christ, holy as He is holy.
-Study & Application Questions:
1. Who should hate evil?
2. What does God do for His faithful ones?
3. Who does light dawn for?
4. Be glad ___ ___ ___, you righteous ones, and give ___ for His holy name.
5. Today’s application suggested spending some time thinking about and thanking God for some of His characteristics and attributes. Specifically mentioned here is His holiness. What about God’s holiness blesses and encourages you? What specific areas in your heart and actions could better imitate His holiness?
6. A few things to pray about based on today’s study:
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
-Before jumping into your Bible study, pause first to ask the Father for help to set aside distractions, to focus on what you are reading, to understand what it is saying, and to apply its truths to your life so that you can grow to imitate Jesus Christ more day by day.
-Scripture pertaining to God being holy:
“Sing a new song to the Lord; let the whole earth sing to the Lord. Sing to the Lord, bless his name; proclaim his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his wondrous works among all peoples. For the Lord is great and is highly praised; he is feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name; bring an offering and enter his courts. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; let the whole earth tremble before him. Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns. The world is firmly established; it cannot be shaken. He judges the peoples fairly.” Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and all that fills it resound. Let the fields and everything in them celebrate. Then all the trees of the forest will shout for joy before the Lord, for he is coming—for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with his faithfulness.” Psalm 96, CSB
-Something to Think About:
Psalm 96 is calling attention to the glorious day when the whole world—Jew and Gentile alike—will honor and worship Jesus Christ as King during the Millennium. Those who enter His presence in the Temple in Jerusalem to bring an offering (v.8), will worship Him as the Holy One. They will recognize that He is THE one and only God and tremble before Him because they cannot help but see His greatness and wisdom. His glory will be evident and impossible to not acknowledge. It will be a wondrous thing!
This made me think a bit about how we are privileged to worship God right now and about the opportunities He gives us to come together with other believers to fellowship, to sing praises to His name, to joyfully present our tithes and love gifts, to serve Him and each other. . . to worship Him as His children and as one unified Body of Christ.
I guess my concern is: are we doing this in “holy splendor”? Are we remembering the holiness of the One Who called us to be set free? Are we showing respect (fear/reverence) to Him by our actions, words, and thoughts?
What do I mean? Well, what is your view of how many services a week is “enough”? Do you begrudge church attendance, maybe valuing sleeping in or meeting someone for brunch more than being in God’s House? When you are in church, are your thoughts on being a blessing to others, looking for ways to encourage and lend a helping hand, or are you waiting for people to come to you to show you that they care about you? When the hymns are being sung, are you paying attention to the words? Do you mean them? Are you even singing? When Scripture is being read, are you paying attention to the words—or perhaps just waiting to see if anyone misspeaks or stumbles over their words? When corporate prayer is being offered, do you join in, or just “think your own thoughts” until you hear the “amen”? When the sermon is being preached are you listening for what God prepared for YOU, or are you hoping Mr. so-and-so is listening, because he sure needs to make some changes?
All these things are indications of whether or not we are worshipping our holy God in the right way and with the right attitude and goals. I would even argue that what we are wearing demonstrates how much we respect God and how we want to show Him honor and praise. Doesn’t it only seem right to always give Him our best in every area, including attention to our appearance as well as to our thoughts and actions?
One day the whole world will honor God the right way. You and I are exceedingly privileged to be able to do it RIGHT NOW.
-Study & Application Questions:
1. What sort of song should be on the lips of God’s children (v.1)?
2. What sorts of things should God’s children be proclaiming and declaring?
3. What must we “ascribe” to the Lord?
4. We must “worship the Lord in the ___.
5. What will Jesus’ rule be like?
6. Today’s application lists several examples about how we might or might not have the right view of church attendance. Did the Holy Spirit impress on your heart any others? Did He ask you to consider some new or different attitude?
7. A few things to pray about based on today’s study:
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
-Before jumping into your Bible study, pause first to ask the Father for help to set aside distractions, to focus on what you are reading, to understand what it is saying, and to apply its truths to your life so that you can grow to imitate Jesus Christ more day by day.
-Scripture pertaining to God being holy:
“I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations. Let the heavens praise your wonders, O Lord, your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones! For who in the skies can be compared to the Lord? Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord, a God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones, and awesome above all who are around him? . . . Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you. Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face, who exult in your name all the day and in your righteousness are exalted. For you are the glory of their strength; by your favor our horn is exalted. For our shield belongs to the Lord, our king to the Holy One of Israel. Of old you spoke in a vision to your godly one, and said: “I have granted help to one who is mighty; I have exalted one chosen from the people. I have found David, my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him, . . . but I will not remove from him my steadfast love or be false to my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips. Once for all I have sworn by my holiness; I will not lie to David. His offspring shall endure forever, his throne as long as the sun before me. Like the moon it shall be established forever, a faithful witness in the skies.” Selah
Psalm 89:1-7, 14-20, 34-37, ESV
-Something to Think About:
Since Psalm 89 is so long (but it’s a good one!), I’ve included just the five verses that use the word “holy” (along with some context). They are v. 5, 7, 18, 20, 35.
I think one of the things Christians most yearn for is to be in God’s presence. A big part of that is because, at that point, we will no longer have our sin natures and will be completely and totally able to serve God the right way and at all times.
But, have you ever considered that there are many things we can do for God right now that those who are in heaven are also doing? Two things are found right in Psalm 89:5: we can praise God’s wonders (His awesome deeds), and we can praise His faithfulness. Isn’t that exciting! We, God’s children, can echo the constant chorus of heavenly beings who are worshipping God in His holiness, justice, mercy, grace, and faithfulness.
What is faithfulness, anyway? It is defined as firmness, fidelity, steadfastness, steadiness. Dictionary.com defines a faithful person as someone who is true to one’s word, promises, and vows. It has to do with reliability and trustworthiness, in addition to loyalty. Over the years of Bible study together, we have unearthed dozens and dozens of promises that God has made. Each and every one WILL happen—because it is GOD Who promised.
What should be our response to God’s faithfulness? Like Father, like daughter—remember? WE should be just as loyal, just as dependable, just as steadfast in our devotion to God as He is to us—and with His help, we can be! We can commit each and every day upon waking to choose to only do the will of our Father, setting aside our own agendas, timing, and ideas. We can apply Scripture to the circumstances of our day, choosing to react in a God-honoring way, forsaking our “old” auto-default reactions that are centered around us feeling superior and in charge. We can pray before each decision, each conversation, each action, committing what we do to honor God and give Him praise, as well as encouraging and building up fellow believers. Certainly, we can be faithful to God in daily Bible study and prayer, as well as choosing to be in God’s House as often as we possibly can. Also, an essential component for living in a manner pleasing to God is to never forget His holiness and to mimic His standards of right and wrong in all we do, say, and think.
We have much to praise God for. We WILL do that throughout eternity, but why wait? Let’s join the heavenly chorus right this second! Let’s “sing of the steadfast love of the Lord” with our mouths, making known His faithfulness to all!
-Study & Application Questions:
1. What promise does the psalmist make in verse 1?
2. What about God should be praised according to verse 5?
3. Verse 14 lists what as the foundation of God’s throne?
4. What title is God given in verse 18?
5. Today’s passage lists several attributes/characteristics of God (what defines Who He is and what’s important to Him). List a few, then pick one to explain how this is a blessing and help to you.
6. A few things to pray about based on today’s study:
Monday, September 13, 2021
-Before jumping into your Bible study, pause first to ask the Father for help to set aside distractions, to focus on what you are reading, to understand what it is saying, and to apply its truths to your life so that you can grow to imitate Jesus Christ more day by day.
-Scripture pertaining to God being holy:
“Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness”
Psalm 29:1-2, ESV
-Something to Think About:
To ascribe is to credit or attribute as belonging to. “Glory” means honor, exaltation, and splendor.
The picture presented in this Psalm as a whole is that of a gigantic, really loud thunderstorm with amazing power, might, and splendor clearly visible and heard. Seeing and hearing a storm such as this would impact us greatly, perhaps becoming something we never forget –BUT—our God’s power and glory is far greater than the biggest storm ever!
What He can do is infinite and magnificent, YET, this same Almighty Father cares for US with tenderness and compassion. He blesses His people with peace and gives them the strength they need day by day (v.11).
Our translation says to worship God “in the splendor of holiness” (verse 2). Other translations talk about wearing “holy attire” when we worship Him. What’s that all about?
This is actually one of the many Hebrew phrases that scholars aren’t completely sure what it means, but it does seem to have something to do with what we are wearing—whether literally or figuratively. In fact, you may remember just how much of the Books of the Law in the Old Testament go into great detail about how every single piece of the priest’s clothing was to be holy and set apart for use in service to God. Really, everything associated with contact with God was to be made exactly as God dictated and used exactly as He said.
What is the principle for us? Since no unholy thing could possibly come into God’s presence, let alone commune with Him and have a sweet relationship as a Beloved Father and child, it is essential for each of us to keep striving to live a holy life. We do this by yielding our will to that of the Fathers, doing what He wants—and doing so with the right attitude. And when we slip up (because we do!), confessing our sin and receiving His forgiveness and cleansing from all unrighteousness is kind of like “wearing” holy attire.
When we are living as Scripture says we ought to—which will, by default ALSO mean we are placing our trust and confidence in our merciful and mighty Father, then we will have MUCH to “ascribe to the Lord” and we can indeed shout near and far how worthy our God is.
-Study & Application Questions:
1. Who deserves glory?
2. Worship the Lord in the splendor of___.
3. Today’s application mentions how no unholy thing can come into God’s presence. Prayerfully contemplate Scripture that you know and list a few attitudes or actions that cannot be part of the life of a Christian if they are to worship God according to His holiness:
4. A few things to pray about based on today’s study:
Saturday, September 11, 2021
-Before jumping into your Bible study, pause first to ask the Father for help to set aside distractions, to focus on what you are reading, to understand what it is saying, and to apply its truths to your life so that you can grow to imitate Jesus Christ more day by day.
-Scripture pertaining to God being holy:
“My soul, bless the Lord, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. My soul, bless the Lord, and do not forget all his benefits. He forgives all your iniquity; he heals all your diseases. He redeems your life from the Pit; he crowns you with faithful love and compassion. He satisfies you with good things; your youth is renewed like the eagle. The Lord executes acts of righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. He revealed his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel. The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love. He will not always accuse us or be angry forever. He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve or repaid us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his faithful love toward those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him. For he knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust.” Psalm 103:1-14, CSB
-Something to Think About:
What a wonderful reminder Psalm 103 is that we need to be praising God for Who He is and what He’s done, to do it from the deepest part of our heart, and to keep doing it all day long, and every day of our life!
Note that the praise is directed, according to the first verse, to God’s holy name. In Scripture, someone’s name stands for their character and reputation. Who is God? What is He like? He is HOLY. He is not only free from the teeniest, tiniest unholiness, He is the definition of righteousness, goodness, and truth. He is our example of what being perfectly holy looks like—and He is the One Who will help us transform into His image as we obey His Word and live life as He commanded.
In America, we don’t usually place very much emphasis on people’s names and what their names indicate about the person, but we do sometimes develop prejudices against a name if we know someone with a name who is an unpleasant person. Conversely, we may grow fond of the name of someone who is sweet, kind, and a joy to be around.
As women who have placed our trust in Jesus Christ as our Savior from sin, we are new creatures in every single area—including our name. We now bear the name of Christ. We now share the name and reputation of God. The big question, of course, is if we are living up to that high calling – if we are holy as God is holy.
We have SO MUCH to bless (praise and thank) the Lord for! One of the biggies is that our loving, kind, gracious God is also holy. I couldn’t even begin to imagine how horrible our world would be if He wasn’t.
-Study & Application Questions:
1. What Psalm are we studying today?
2. How much of us must bless the Lord?
3. What about God’s name should we bless?
4. I’ve included 14 of the 22 verses of Psalm 103. Take a few minutes and list some of the other reasons we have to bless God’s holy name from these 14 verses.
5. A few things to pray about based on today’s study:
Friday, September 10, 2021
-Before jumping into your Bible study, pause first to ask the Father for help to set aside distractions, to focus on what you are reading, to understand what it is saying, and to apply its truths to your life so that you can grow to imitate Jesus Christ more day by day.
-Scripture pertaining to God being holy:
“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 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. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Isaiah 43:1-3, ESV
-Something to Think About:
Just as is true of much of the Old Testament, these verses are directed to Israel, but there are principles that apply to those of us living in the church age as well.
Pertinent to our focus this month on “God is holy,” is verse 3, where God identifies Himself as the Holy One of Israel. He ALSO, though, identified Himself as the Lord YOUR God and Savior. These truths should be held most precious in our minds and hearts! God is holy, therefore we must be pursuing holy living. We could accurately say, “For God is MY Lord and God and MY Savior. As He is holy, I too will strive to be holy in my thoughts, words, and deeds.”
Another biggie here in Isaiah 43 is that God has called us by name too. In John 10, Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me (v.14).” GOD KNOWS YOU BY NAME. That should never get old! He knows us because He created us. He formed us. He redeemed us. We belong to Him.
Yet another biggie is found in verse 2: “I will be with you.” We never go through even one single “river” or “flame” by ourselves. God is always with us every step of the way. Do you remember the Apostle Paul’s confident proclamation in recounting his long, lonely imprisonment? He said in II Timothy 4:17, “The Lord stood by me and gave me strength.” This same God is YOUR God. He has unlimited strength. Are you availing yourself of it?
What should be our response to these precious truths about our God? “Do not be afraid.” Again we find that the simple and right response to whatever challenge we are confronted with is to trust God, to remember Who He is and how much He loves us, to claim His promises, and respond in calm trust. Jesus spoke about this in the New Testament, too. He said in John 6:20 “Do not be afraid, it is I.” He also provided reassurance and comfort in many places and to many people by speaking different versions of “fear not” (Matthew 9:2; 17:7; 28:5,10—just to list a few).
I don’t know what hard thing you might be facing today, but God does. He loves YOU and He will be with you every single step of it minute by minute, day by day—for your lifetime (and beyond). He is THE only One Who can properly guide you, help you, comfort you, and get you through with calm confidence in Him and His perfect and “good” plan.
-Study & Application Questions:
1. But now thus says the Lord, he who ___ you,
2. O Jacob, he who __ you, O Israel:
3. Fear __, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, __ are mine.
4. When you pass through the waters, ___ ___ ____ ___ ___; 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.
5. For I am the Lord your God, the ___ ___ of Israel, your Savior
6. Today’s application lists a few references to the New Testament that fit what is being taught in Isaiah 43. What other examples can you think of that speak of God creating you, forming you, calling you by name, claiming you, being with you, and helping you?
Thursday, September 9, 2021
-Before jumping into your Bible study, pause first to ask the Father for help to set aside distractions, to focus on what you are reading, to understand what it is saying, and to apply its truths to your life so that you can grow to imitate Jesus Christ more day by day.
-Scripture pertaining to God being holy:
“My mouth will declare the Lord’s praise; let every living thing bless his holy name forever and ever.” Psalm 145:21, CSB
-Something to Think About:
I am reminded that in the end, ALL will confess Jesus as Lord and God WILL be praised. Some days, though, I admit that this seems impossibly far away. We look around us and see that the world is not only not praising God, but it is cursing Him and making life more and more miserable for those who belong to Him. It can be discouraging, but dear ones, it is all extremely temporary. The end of this evil age is at hand and very soon Jesus Christ, the rightful Heir, will sit on the throne in Jerusalem and He will rule the world. It IS coming, and it is coming SOON.
For today, though, in spite of the gloom and doom around us, we, children of God, can praise Him with our mouths. We can bless His holy name today, tomorrow, and forever and ever.
How are you doing with that? It can sometimes be discouraging to get to the end of our day and realize that, once again, we forgot to praise God very much. I believe our heart is often in the right place, but our “forgetters” can be pretty strong (especially once you hit 50 and beyond!). Perhaps some practical steps could help. We could jot down a Bible verse, a truth about God that blessed us, an answered prayer, the words to an excellent hymn, or other praise-worthy items on a piece of paper and stuff it in our pocket, and/or stick it on the bathroom mirror or fridge door – wherever we are a lot. =) Perhaps we could write an assortment of things and post them in lots of places!
What about setting an alarm on whatever electronic device you keep close to your side and when it goes off, you praise God for something? What about getting a friend to work with you on this? You could pray for each other and remind each other to praise God throughout the day. Those of you who use paper organizers could put that in your list of daily musts.
However you figure it out, praising God with our mouth is a PRIVILEGE that we as God’s children have that is unlike any other person on earth. Oh, the unsaved can praise God (and they should), BUT that is merely God’s due. God will hear it and note it, but it is only His children who can PLEASE Him – and only His children can cause Him to smile!
Let’s not miss out on this marvelous joy! Even if we are the only ones, let’s determine to use our mouths to speak praise to the Lord and bless His holy name!
-Study & Application Questions:
1. Whose mouth should declare the Lord’s praise?
2. Who should bless God’s holy name?
3. Today’s application gave some practical ways how to praise God and how to remember to do it. What other ideas came to your mind? How might you help another believer in this quest?
4. A few things to pray about based on today’s study:
Wednesday, September 8, 2021
-Before jumping into your Bible study, pause first to ask the Father for help to set aside distractions, to focus on what you are reading, to understand what it is saying, and to apply its truths to your life so that you can grow to imitate Jesus Christ more day by day.
-Scripture pertaining to God being holy:
“Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.” Matthew 6:9-13, NLT
-Something to Think About:
This passage is often known as the Lord’s Prayer, but it could probably be more accurately called the Disciples’ Prayer since this was a pattern of what a good prayer is, as given by Jesus to them. Note first that Jesus didn’t say “When you pray. . .” The fact that we ARE praying is assumed. What “good” student wouldn’t talk to their Master and Teacher? What beloved child would go a day or more without talking to their Father? It is foolish at best and sinful at worst.
Jesus said, “This is how you should pray. . .” He was instructing the disciples (and us!) what a good prayer is as opposed to those who pray merely to be noticed for their cleverness (v.5), or those who endlessly repeat meaningless phrases as some sort of mantra that might earn them points with God (v.7). Jesus teaches that our prayers should START with the understanding that our Heavenly Father already knows the things we need. So, rather than jumping right in with the ol’ “give me this, give me that,” we should begin our prayers with an acknowledgment of just WHO we are praying to (GOD—our FATHER!), simultaneously recognizing and praising His holiness. The name of God should never be spoken carelessly or flippantly. It should always be treated in the highest regard and set apart as holy.
“May Your kingdom come.” This could be paraphrased something like this: “May Your plans for sovereignty and rule on the earth be fulfilled soon.” Jesus knew, of course, that one day He would sit on the throne in Jerusalem, but believe it or not, at that time He didn’t know God’s timing for when this would take place. He, like us, desires greatly for it to be SOON! You see, Jesus knew He needed to die to pay the penalty for our sin, and He knows that He will return to earth to set up His kingdom seven years after the church is raptured away, but the Bible says that He does not know what date God picked for the rapture itself. In the meantime, though, we can live according to God’s desire in the here and now. We can choose to live under “kingdom” rules as much as we are able to in this imperfect world and in our non-glorified bodies.
“May Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Another reminder that the only One we should be seeking to please and obey is God. As His children, He has given us the ability to honor, glorify, and obey Him—even if we are the only ones.
“Give us today our daily bread.” God knows what we need. It is good to bring our concerns and wishes before God, but it is more important that we leave them with Him completely trusting His timing and method.
“Forgive us our sins as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us.” God has given us a pattern to follow. As He forgives, we should forgive; as He loves us, we should love, and so on. Our generosity and grace should reflect God’s generosity and grace extended to us—unworthy though WE are!
“And never bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” God doesn’t ever tempt us to sin, but we’re pretty good at doing that to ourselves. God can—and does—give us a way to escape, and sometimes, if we’re living obediently according to His Word, we’re able to recognize a potential problem before it has happened, and are thus saved from the need to flee. God also tells us that in the power of the Holy Spirit we can resist satan and he will have no recourse but to flee from us.
Basically put, Jesus teaches that our prayers should first and foremost worship God, acknowledging His holiness, sovereignty, and right to rule in every aspect of every part of our lives. Then we need to place our trust in Him for the needs of the day—physical needs AND spiritual needs. Prayer is a pretty awesome thing, wouldn’t you say!
-Study & Application Questions:
1. Who are we to address in our prayers?
2. God’s name must be kept ___.
3. What did Jesus desire to come soon?
4. Whose will is the one that must be done?
5. In what way were you blessed or challenged by what Jesus prayed? How can praying this way help you better imitate God?
6. A few things to pray about based on today’s study:
Tuesday, September 7, 2021
-Before jumping into your Bible study, pause first to ask the Father for help to set aside distractions, to focus on what you are reading, to understand what it is saying, and to apply its truths to your life so that you can grow to imitate Jesus Christ more day by day.
-Scripture pertaining to God being holy:
“And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.” John 17:11, ESV
-Something to Think About:
This verse is taken from Jesus’ prayer to the Father just before His arrest and crucifixion. It is the only occurrence of God the Father being addressed as “Holy Father.” How interesting!
We often have many ways we address God the Father in our prayers, but I fear that many of them are simply out of habit and we’ve long since stopped thinking about what we are saying. How much better to stop and think before opening our mouths, paying attention to WHO we are addressing and why.
Certainly, giving attention to God’s holiness is a GREAT way to begin a prayer. I would imagine if we consciously think hard about God’s holiness (His purity and righteousness as well as the entire LACK of anything UNgodly or UNholy in His character), it might help us be more God-honoring about what we are praying for. For example, will we be likely to ask God’s help to finance that DVD we’ve been wanting to watch when we know full well that it probably has “stuff” in it that is ungodly and teaches us to love the things of the world? Will we be as quick to gripe about so-and-so’s “bad attitude” and how much they bug us when acknowledging God’s holiness shows our own bad attitudes pretty clearly? Does meditating on God’s holiness fit with fluffy, me-first kind of prayers?
There are some other pretty nifty things to notice in this one verse:
-Jesus may no longer physically be in this world with us, but He is VERY aware that we are, and He is very aware of the struggles and hardships we face. We are not, nor have we ever been, on our own. Not only is God watching over us very carefully, but God the Holy Spirit lives WITHIN us.
-Jesus prays on our behalf. Did you know that? Jesus intercedes on our behalf to the Father! Who better to tell God what our true needs are than the One Who lived life as a Human and loved us enough to sacrifice Himself for us?
-God’s name/belonging to the family of God, carries with it some degree of protection. One way we know this is true is that we cannot lose our salvation. It is impossible. The Bible is VERY clear on this point: once we become a member of God’s family, we will always be a member of His family. No one – not even ourselves – can take that away from us.
-Living obediently according to God’s Word gives us, among other benefits, an incredibly close, precious, unified relationship with other believers who are also living obediently according to God’s Word. In fact, we can be one similar to the oneness the Trinity shares! Wow!
John 17 has a boatload of other amazing blessings for us to meditate on and treasure in our hearts. Read it!
-Study & Application Questions:
1. Who is praying to Whom in this verse?
2. How does Jesus address the Father?
3. What does Jesus ask for on behalf of all believers?
4. What other “nifty” things did you notice in this verse or in other verses in John 17?
5. A few things to pray about based on today’s study:
Monday, September 6, 2021
-Before jumping into your Bible study, pause first to ask the Father for help to set aside distractions, to focus on what you are reading, to understand what it is saying, and to apply its truths to your life so that you can grow to imitate Jesus Christ more day by day.
-Scripture pertaining to God being holy:
“Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body.” I Corinthians 6:19-20, CSB
-Something to Think About:
You may remember that one of the things that I like to bring up on a regular basis is the absolute necessity to read the context of a verse before we draw conclusions about it. This is sometimes even more necessary when it comes to a verse that we have “always” known and which we are pretty confident we know what it is about. I Corinthians 6:19-20 (our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit) is a pretty well-known verse and many people have drawn some great general applications for us to consider as children of God. BUT, have you read the context lately? Here it is:
“Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything. Food is for the stomach and the stomach for food,” and God will do away with both of them. However, the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. God raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. Don’t you know that your bodies are a part of Christ’s body? So should I take a part of Christ’s body and make it part of a prostitute? Absolutely not! Don’t you know that anyone joined to a prostitute is one body with her? For Scripture says, The two will become one flesh. But anyone joined to the Lord is one spirit with him. Flee sexual immorality! Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the person who is sexually immoral sins against his own body. Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body.” (I Corinthians 6:12-20)
Whew, doggie! There IS more to the picture than “just” a general warning that we need to be careful what we do, where we go, etc., and so forth, because the Holy Spirit lives within us (though this is certainly true)! The context of verses 19 and 20 has to do with sexual immorality! How???
The Corinthian believers lived in one of the most wicked cities in the whole world. There was prostitution (often involving the worship of false gods) on every street corner. Some believers got the idea that although their hearts needed to be kept pure and right with God, their physical bodies weren’t important, and in fact, COULDN’T really sin. BUT this sure isn’t the picture Paul is painting in these verses. He reminded them that every single part of our lives: our thoughts, our actions, our attitudes, and literally our bodies, ALL belong to God, and God alone. We are His property. First, because He created us, but also because He paid for us with the blood of His own beloved Son!
Furthermore, also critical to remember is that the physical union of a husband and wife is a picture of the union of Jesus Christ with His bride, the church. It is a HUGELY important thing! It’s about becoming “one,” a special bond that is only for a husband and his wife. Just as a husband or wife sleeping with a different person is called super ugly words like “adultery,” “fornication,” and “prostitution,” believers who use their bodies for ANYTHING other than honoring God are ALSO prostituting themselves against God.
Wow! Pretty heavy stuff!
The more we study God’s view of holiness and how essential it is to Who He is and what He expects us to be becoming, the more WE will see the absolute seriousness of how important holiness is and how essential it is for us to flee immorality of any kind. An obvious danger taken from this context is sex outside of marriage, but included would be our THOUGHTS and what we put into our mind via TV, movies, the internet, books, conversations with people, music, and a host of other influences. Our world looks down on those who choose to remain pure. The world wants to brainwash people into thinking that sex only within marriage is boring and of no worth, and that to have as many partners as you can is preferable and “good.” According to God, THAT is perverted, sinful, and despised by God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
We could ALL use a very regular time of self-examination to study every aspect of our lives – public and private – to evaluate anything that we are doing that might violate what God calls holy and righteous. There can be no challenge or weakening about what to do with ANYTHING that doesn’t bring honor and glory to God completely and totally. It must be ruthlessly eliminated. It’s just not worth it at all. BUT the smile on our Father’s face when He greets us face to face to say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!,” THAT will be worth any “sacrifices” we make in the here and now.
-Study & Application Questions:
1. The body of a Christian is a temple of __.
2. Who gave the indwelling Spirit to believers?
3. Does anyone truly “own” their body?
4. Why not?
5. What are we to do with our bodies?
6. Today’s application lists several areas where the child of God should remain holy. What other examples came to your mind? In what ways are these commands a comfort and help to you as you seek to be an imitator of God?
7. A few things to pray about based on today’s study:
Saturday, September 4, 2021
-Before jumping into your Bible study, pause first to ask the Father for help to set aside distractions, to focus on what you are reading, to understand what it is saying, and to apply its truths to your life so that you can grow to imitate Jesus Christ more day by day.
-Scripture pertaining to God being holy:
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” I Corinthians 3:16-17, ESV
-Something to Think About:
God the Father is holy, Jesus Christ is holy, the Holy Spirit is holy—and the church, the family of God, must be holy.
I Corinthians 3 is addressing the building of the church. The “you” in verses 16 & 17 are plural, but the “sanctuary” is singular and refers to the church. Yes, it is true that the Holy Spirit also dwells in each child of God individually, but this passage is specifically teaching that the church is also a “container” of the Holy Spirit. Kind of interesting to think about!
Also essential to understand in this passage is that the defining characteristic of the church (God’s “temple”) is its holiness. It is set apart from sin – and dedicated TOWARDS God’s holiness and righteousness. This should lead us to ask a few important questions of ourselves:
-Why are we going to church? Is it because it is a kind of religious “club”? Is it simply a nicer version of the Elks? A good place to show off a new outfit? God’s church is the place the Holy Spirit dwells! It is built upon the foundation of Jesus Christ and is referred to as His Bride! It is where we go to hear GOD’S WORD, where we find out how GOD wants us to live, where we fellowship with others of God’s children so as to build each other up in the things OF THE LORD.
-Is there a right way to “do” church? Of course! What good is God’s House if God is not honored and obeyed there? I Corinthians speaks a lot about those who would try to raise up a church on their own terms, making rules and doctrines of their own choosing, rather than sticking to God’s Word, and God’s Word alone. They put themselves in grave danger! God will not tolerate people who are trying to “destroy” God’s temple, the church. These troublemakers would certainly include cults, false religions, those who worship science, and other focuses instead of God, BUT it would also include even Christians who may on the surface seem to be teaching God’s Word until you compare what they are saying to Scripture. Any deviation from God’s Word is heresy and is very dangerous. These are the things we are being warned against.
What is the right way to do church? It begins and continues in God’s Word. It finds out what GOD says to do and how, and then follows it to a T. It works to maintain holiness and separation from sin. It gives all its focus to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. It eagerly awaits the coming of Jesus Christ, Who will soon come to take His Bride away so that we will forever be with Him.
Making the time and effort to be in church every time the doors are open is the right course of action for every believer, but we need to be reminded from time to time WHY we are going there. Fellowship with God’s people is such a huge blessing and we love it. So is singing our little hearts out to the Lord, learning about God’s love for us, but if all that isn’t done while also keeping in mind God’s holiness, then we have missed an essential part of Who God is and what is critically important to Him. If, on the other hand, our focus is on upholding His holiness in all we do, then there is nothing more amazing on God’s earth than being with the church family He gave to us.
Churches need our prayers! The pull of the world is hard. The choice to ease off on Godly principles is the easy route. BUT this is not what God wants for His church. May He help each one of us to stand true for Him individually and as a Body, to be holy as He is holy!
-Study & Application Questions:
1. According to I Corinthians 3:16-17, the church is God’s ___.
2. Who dwell in the church?
3. God’s temple is __.
4. Today’s application lists several reasons why church attendance is essential. List other reasons based on Scripture as well as personal experience.
5. A few things to pray about based on today’s study:
Friday, September 3, 2021
-Before jumping into your Bible study, pause first to ask the Father for help to set aside distractions, to focus on what you are reading, to understand what it is saying, and to apply its truths to your life so that you can grow to imitate Jesus Christ more day by day.
-Scripture pertaining to God being holy:
“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.” John 14:26, CSB
-Something to Think About:
In our quest to learn about how “God is holy,” we have seen that God the Father and God the Son are both identified as holy. Now we find God the Spirit also being identified as holy. In fact, even though we may often have other names/titles for God the Father and God the Son, the Holy Spirit is almost always identified as the “Holy” Spirit. This is not a coincidence; it identifies, perhaps, THE most important characteristic of God—and one of the most important ways a child of God must learn to imitate Him.
Besides the critical truth (and blessing!) that the Spirit of God is holy, is that He has been given to all Christians as our Counselor to teach us about God and remind us of the things that Scripture said (so we can claim them as our own and apply them to the circumstances of our lives). He helps us to REMEMBER.
One of the greatest themes of humor when talking about women as they age is their challenge to remember things. Sometimes it is something as simple as where the car keys got put when you got home last night, other times it is more important information such as appointments, taking medicine, etc. Forgetfulness is ripe for humor, but at the same time, there is a real sense of concern when we begin to worry about just how much our brains will have forgotten by the time we are 70, 80, or older.
Isn’t it SO COMFORTING to know that the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity, will help us remember truths from God’s Word! In fact, I know more than one believer who recounts with great joy an elderly member in their church who literally quoted Scripture right up to the point of their earthly death. They had grown to love God’s Word so much, that they memorized it, applied it, and used it in their lives daily. As a result, the Holy Spirit helped them remember it, even when, perhaps, they no longer knew their own name or the names of their children. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound!
Thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit Who resides within us from the point of our salvation. This is a gift too precious to properly get a grip on, but one we should regularly thank God for anyway. Then after the gratitude, be sure to be the kind of believer that the Holy Spirit can lead, guide, and influence toward greater godliness each and every day you are alive. Don’t stifle Him by filling your mind with worldly things in between the spiritual things on Sundays and Wednesdays. Don’t cause Him agony by “bringing Him along” to places and situations where God would not want to be. Don’t “tie His hands” by refusing to confess sin or keep a short account with God.
And when you need help with a problem, or guidance in a sticky situation, or comfort in a hard time, ask the Father to use the Holy Spirit to bring to mind the things that He said in His Word – and blessed peace will soon be headed your way. Who knows God’s Word better than God Himself? Who knows what His beloved daughter needs the most more than her Creator? What words could possibly be better than the Way, the Truth, and the Life?
-Study & Application Questions:
1. What are the roles the Holy Spirit plays in the life of a believer based on John 14:26?
2. Who gives the Holy Spirit to the believer?
3. What other name does Jesus give the Holy Spirit in this verse? (this word can also be translated “Advocate” or “Helper.”)
4. Todays’ application lists a few ways we might not listen to or obey the Holy Spirit in our life. Can you think of others? Can you think of ways to welcome His leading and help?
5. A few things to pray about based on today’s study:
Thursday, September 2, 2021
-Before jumping into your Bible study, pause first to ask the Father for help to set aside distractions, to focus on what you are reading, to understand what it is saying, and to apply its truths to your life so that you can grow to imitate Jesus Christ more day by day.
-Scripture pertaining to God being holy:
“After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”
John 6:66-69, ESV
-Something to Think About:
Yesterday we saw that God the Father is holy, today we find that God the Son is also holy.
I love these two verses in John 6! There is so much here that is pertinent to our lives. First of all, we can read about the sixty-million-dollar question that Peter got right. Jesus had been rejected by many of His followers as the Messiah, but when He turned to the Twelve to ask them whether or not they would also return to their homes, Peter poses a question of his own. “To whom would we go?”
Did you ever notice how often Jesus answered a question with a question? Do some checking in the gospels. He does this a lot. But He isn’t doing it to annoy people, He is asking them to consider something much deeper than whatever it was they were asking, and He is engaging them with critical thinking skills. Jesus wanted people to be thinkers and to explore the heart of the matter before they got all doubtful or discouraged. AND this is what Peter is doing here. He answers a question with a question BECAUSE at the heart of the matter is the fact that Jesus is the only One with words of eternal life; He is THE Holy One of God.
This basic truth could help us in amazing ways when we are trying to figure life out. It could help us know what activities are good ones to pursue and which ones should be stopped and gotten rid of. We simply need to use Jesus Christ as the “measuring tool” to determine what is good and what isn’t; what is holy and what isn’t; what pleases God and what doesn’t. As the Holy One of God, He cannot and will not do anything that isn’t pleasing to God, so following His example, obeying His direction, and listening to what He has said, is all beneficial to the child of God who desires to be just like their Father.
We could further drive this truth in by also asking ourselves Peter’s rhetorical question: “to whom would we go?” If we aren’t following Jesus, who or what ARE we following – and to what end? What are the goals and purposes of “other” people, religions, and clubs? Are they upholding the holiness of God – or are they fighting for personal accolades and honor? Is their purpose to bring honor and glory to God or attain money, glories, recognition, and fame to benefit themselves?
Of course, the only right answer about who to follow/listen to is ALWAYS God. No one else can provide eternal life and no one else can lead us to holy living. I’m assuming you have believed this at some point, so the question for today is, are you still convinced about it? If you are, how are your behavior and words demonstrating it?
-Study & Application Questions:
1. Who does Peter identify Jesus as in verse 69?
2. What critical truth did Peter ask in verse 68?
3. Today’s application posed the question, “To whom would we go?” What other examples can you give about looking in the wrong place for truth and the answers to life’s hard questions? What has God taught you personally in this area?
4. A few things to pray about based on today’s study:
Wednesday, September 1, 2021
-Before jumping into your Bible study, pause first to ask the Father for help to set aside distractions, to focus on what you are reading, to understand what it is saying, and to apply its truths to your life so that you can grow to imitate Jesus Christ more day by day.
-Scripture pertaining to God being holy:
“The Lord reigns! Let the peoples tremble. He is enthroned between the cherubim. Let the earth quake. The Lord is great in Zion; he is exalted above all the peoples. Let them praise your great and awe-inspiring name. He is holy. The mighty King loves justice. You have established fairness; you have administered justice and righteousness in Jacob. Exalt the Lord our God; bow in worship at his footstool. He is holy. Moses and Aaron were among his priests; Samuel also was among those calling on his name. They called to the Lord and he answered them. He spoke to them in a pillar of cloud; they kept his decrees and the statutes he gave them. Lord our God, you answered them. You were a forgiving God to them, but an avenger of their sinful actions. Exalt the Lord our God; bow in worship at his holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy.”
Psalm 99, CSB
-Something to Think About:
To be imitators of God, we need to know what God is like. One of His chief characteristics is that He is holy. That is, He DEFINES what holy means. All of God’s children would do well to study what the Bible has to say about holiness (and it says a LOT), so if you’ll join me, we’ll be looking at the word “holy” this month in our DBSQs. First up is Psalm 99.
Psalm 99 says three different times, God is holy (v.3, 5, 9). It is clearly a critical truth to keep in mind when contemplating our Father in heaven. I noticed, too, that verse 9 commands the Israelites to worship Him at His holy mountain (Jerusalem, where the Temple sits). It occurred to me that an application we could make in the Church Age is to worship God in the manner He prescribes. What I mean is that the Jews were given exceedingly detailed commands about when to worship God, how to worship Him, who was to lead the worship, what they were to wear, etc. Every single detail was ordained by God and they were expected to obey each and every item.
In some ways, our life is much easier. We are not under the Law. Nonetheless, God does still have several ground rules about what He wants from us (and for us!). A super biggie is that we do not allow sin to remain in our lives. We are commanded to confess sin the second we recognize we have done it – and to keep on confessing our sins every day until the day He calls us home. Another “expected” for a child of God is regular Bible study: an in-depth search of Scripture to both store knowledge about God and His plan in our head and heart, but also to apply it to our daily decisions and actions.
God also expects His children to talk to Him in prayer. He wants us to come to Him for help and answers, but He also wants to hear gratitude and praise for His goodness, kindness, and grace. God wants us to put doing His will as our number one goal, which is part of loving Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
He wants us to love others as ourselves and treat their needs as more important than our own. He wants us to be thankful and not complain or worry. He wants us to be good workers, doing our best for others, while understanding that all we do is ultimately for Him. He wants us never to forget that all we do for Him will be richly rewarded in eternity, and in fact, our REAL home is with Him, not on this earth. We belong to Him and He belongs to us.
God IS holy. Acknowledging His holiness and sovereignty is to worship Him exactly as He says.
-Study & Application Questions:
1. What phrase is found three times in Psalm 99?
2. What should God’s people praise (v.2)?
3. What does God love (v.4)?
4. Psalm 99 speaks about God answering the prayers of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel. Name at least one prayer that God has answered of yours and how His answer was a help and blessing to you.
5. Today’s application lists several things that God expects of His children. What others do you remember the Bible listing? In what ways are these commands a comfort and help to you as you seek to be an imitator of God?
6. A few things to pray about based on today’s study:
October 2021 DBSQ
Saturday, October 30, 2021
(Thank God for the privilege of prayer! Ask His guidance as you try to live out His Word today and every day!)
I John 5:3
“For this demonstrates our love for God: We keep his commandments, and his commandments are not difficult.”
-How can we demonstrate our love for God?
-What does God tell us about His commandments?
Something to Think About:
On this final day of the month where we are looking at what God says about Himself in His Word, I thought this simple reminder would be a blessing: keeping God’s commands is not difficult, or “burdensome,” as one translation puts it. When we consider everything God did for us so we can be His child, when we count up the uncountable number of ways He helps us, guides us, loves us, protects us, meets our needs, and so on, when we think about the glories of spending all of eternity in the presence of God – obeying what He said to do in this lifetime is not that hard after all.
Furthermore, when we consider that it is God Himself Who gives us the strength and wisdom to obey His Word, we find that considering this difficult is to have a wrong view about how the whole thing works. Our job is to yield and trust (which God helps us do), His is everything else. Can’t be more simple than that!
Look back at all the Bible study you did this month, reviewing what you learned about our loving, faithful, mighty, wise, merciful, generous Father, and consider just how GREAT it is to be able to demonstrate our love for Him by keeping His commandments.
-Did the Holy Spirit teach you something or make you think hard about something from this passage? Summarize it:
-What do you want to thank God for based on this passage?
-What are your prayer targets for today based on this passage?
(Don’t forget to list one thing you have learned about God based on today’s study!)
Friday, October 29, 2021
(What a privilege and blessing it is to be able to come to God at any time about anything! Thank Him.)
I John 4:7-21
“Dear friends, let us continuously love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born from God and knows God. The person who does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent his uniquely existing Son into the world so that we might live through him. This is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, if this is the way God loved us, we must also love one another. No one has ever seen God. If we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us. This is how we know that we abide in him and he in us: he has given us his Spirit. We have seen for ourselves and can testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. God abides in the one who acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, and he abides in God. We have come to know and rely on the love that God has for us. God is love, and the person who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. This is how love has been perfected among us: we will have confidence on the day of judgment because, during our time in this world, we are just like him. There is no fear where love exists. Rather, perfect love banishes fear, for fear involves punishment, and the person who lives in fear has not been perfected in love. We love because God first loved us. Whoever says, “I love God,” but hates his brother is a liar. The one who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love the God whom he has not seen. And this is the commandment that we have from him: the person who loves God must also love his brother.”
-Where does love come from?
-God ___ love.
-How was God’s love revealed?
-How many people have seen God?
-Who does God abide in?
-Who was the first to love?
Something to Think About:
If you want to know what genuine love really looks like, I John is the place to go. Reading the Book in its entirety on a regular basis is a really good use of time! Let’s focus, though, on what we can learn about God from verses 7-19 in I John 4.
-Love comes from God. He is the Author of love.
-God is love. His character and actions define what real love actually is.
-God revealed His love for us by sending His Son into the world so that we might have spiritual life through His work on the cross. In other words, God gave us His very best.
-God the Father in His full glory has not been seen by living human eyes. The various manifestations of God in the Old Testament were Jesus Christ in His preincarnate form.
-God’s lives in those who love one another, perfecting His love in us. The Holy Spirit is proof that He abides in us. This only happens once we acknowledge Jesus Christ as God and believe in Him as our personal Savior.
-God is the One Who loved us first. Without Him, it is impossible for us to love in the biblical sense.
Obviously, there are tons and tons of practical applications in this passage about how our love should reflect God’s—namely, that we love others to the same degree that He loved us (He sent His SON to die for us!). The more we follow His example to love fully and completely, the more we will become like Him. That basic truth being said (and astonished over!), let’s line out a few practical ways we can imitate God based on today’s passage.
-Continuously love others. Not only when we “feel” like it, not only when we “like” the other person. Continuously. Everyone.
-Tell EVERYONE what God did for them in sending His Son and what the Son did in LOVINGLY sacrificing Himself on the cross to pay the penalty for sin that they could not pay.
-Obey God. Every word. All the time.
-Live, think, and act “just like” Jesus Christ did.
-Give yourself no permission to be fearful, timid, or uncertain about God’s love or His perfect fulfillment about every single thing He promised for today and for eternity. Have 100% confidence and trust in Him.
-And, once again (because we obviously need reminding!), prove you love God by loving others. That is, put their needs before your own and treat them with kindness, generosity, mercy, grace, and patience.
What other actions or attitudes did you see from this passage?
-Did the Holy Spirit teach you something or make you think hard about something from this passage? Summarize it:
-What do you want to thank God for based on this passage?
-What are your prayer targets for today based on this passage?
(Don’t forget to list one thing you have learned about God based on today’s study!)
Thursday, October 28, 2021
(Don’t forget to pray, committing to the Father to be faithful to Him today—and to thank Him often for His faithfulness to you!)
Hebrews 4:12-13
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow, as it judges the thoughts and purposes of the heart. No creature can hide from him, but everyone is exposed and helpless before the eyes of the one to whom we must give a word of explanation.”
-What is living and active?
-What is sharper than any double-edged sword?
-What can it divide?
-What does it judge?
-What creature can hide from God?
-What must everyone give to God one day?
Something to Think About:
I suspect that Christians sometimes take their Bibles for granted. We might know that it is the Word of God, and we might call it “God’s Word,” but how often do we stop to appreciate that the Book we can hold in our hands is a translation of THE WORDS OF GOD?
As you know, the originals of all the Books of the Bible were inspired by God and contained no faults or errors whatsoever. However, copies of those original documents were made—sometimes with errors—and the originals were lost. To further compound this, when the original Books began to be translated into other languages, it wasn’t always possible to translate every word exactly as it was originally stated, merely because there was no word in the new language that was exactly the same word as the original, so the translators chose a similar word—or at least a word they HOPED was similar. Over the centuries, translations changed a bit here and there. Some translators determined to be as accurate as possible, making changes when “new” texts were found (meaning older, more reliable manuscripts), others opted to make their translations easy to read, perhaps changing some words to allow the text to read more smoothly. The result is that while a lot of English translations are excellent, some might not be quite as good. Some which our pastors recommend are the ESV, NASB (1995), the 1984 NIV (if you can still find it), and the CSB.
Should all this make us doubt our English Bibles? Of course not! God is God. He is not limited by such things as which language we are using to read His Word. Even though we are working from translations, it is still the Word of God, and it is still living, active, sharp, able to get to the heart of the matter, and able to judge our thoughts and purposes. It is still THE source of truth. It is still used by God Himself to teach us, challenge us, direct us, and bless us.
Let us never take for granted that the Book we can hold and read to our heart’s content is not “just” a book. It is the WORD OF GOD.
-Did the Holy Spirit teach you something or make you think hard about something from this passage? Summarize it:
-What do you want to thank God for based on this passage?
-What are your prayer targets for today based on this passage?
(Don’t forget to list one thing you have learned about God based on today’s study!)
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
(Time to pause to pray.)
I Corinthians 1:8-9
“He will keep you strong until the end, so that you will be blameless on the Day of our Lord Jesus the Messiah. Faithful is the God by whom you were called into fellowship with his Son Jesus the Messiah, our Lord.”
-How long will God keep His children strong?
-This is so we stand _____ on the Day of the Lord.
-Our God is ____.
-He called us into fellowship with Whom?
Something to Think About:
A day or two ago we kind of breezed by a super important part of Who God is: His faithfulness. The entire Bible is loaded with example after example of His faithfulness. We also find Scripture passage after Scripture passage that outlines various examples of His faithfulness. I Corinthians 1:8-9, specifically, reminds us that God can be trusted (because of His faithfulness) to keep us strong until the Day of the Lord (Jesus’ second coming, after the Tribulation, which is the beginning of the Millennium).
To keep us strong is the idea of making us firm and established. It has been translated also as strengthened and confirmed.
To be blameless is to be guilt-free; unreproveable.
Being called into fellowship is the idea of joint participation.
I Corinthians chapter one is the beginning of one of Paul’s “tough” letters—epistles he wrote to churches that needed a lot of correction and tough talk to get straightened out. Yet, how interesting and comforting that he notes at the start of this letter that God will confirm the Corinthian believers to the end. In other words, He will keep on working on His project of Christlikeness and bringing glory to Himself in their lives until He has accomplished His will for them – and us. God can take any Christian at any point in his or her spiritual development, and because He is capable and faithful, make a beautiful, useful vessel out of that individual—one that will be useful to the Master on into the Kingdom and beyond (see II Timothy 2:20-21). How much nicer (and wiser!) it is to cooperate with God through our willing submission and obedience in this project than to be constantly under God’s discipline, or—worse yet—set aside on a shelf as a vessel that cannot be used by the Master.
This isn’t really saying that we will come to the point in our Christian walk where we stop sinning, though that sure would be GREAT. It is looking ahead to what God has promised concerning our eternal state. Interestingly, in a positional sense, we ARE blameless right now—all because of Christ’s work on the cross. However, in God’s perfect plan, the complete realization of that won’t be seen until we enter eternity either through death or the rapture. That, according to I Corinthians chapter 15, is when we will be given a new, sin-free, resurrection body. Because God is faithful, we can count on His promise that this amazing transformation will take place, just as He has said (see Philippians 3:20-21).
God is constantly and perfectly faithful to us. Just how committed are we to be faithful to HIM?
FYI:
The “Day of our Lord Jesus” is a phrase that Paul and other New Testament writers use many times to identify the Bema—the Judgment Seat of Christ. Our sin will not be judged there—for believers, our sin was already judged in Jesus Christ on the cross. Rather what is in view is an evaluation of our faithfulness to Him. II Timothy 2:12 calls it “enduring.” If we simply continue to trust and obey our Savior, that Day will be one of great joy (Jude 24)!
-Did the Holy Spirit teach you something or make you think hard about something from this passage? Summarize it:
-What do you want to thank God for based on this passage?
-What are your prayer targets for today based on this passage?
(Don’t forget to list one thing you have learned about God based on today’s study!)
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
(Wondering what treasures God has for you today? Ask Him!)
Mark 10:18
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked him. “Nobody is good except for one—God.”
-Who is “good”?
-Who else?
Something to Think About:
In this short verse, God tells us that He alone is good. Simple and profound.
Maybe one of the most cliché comments you might hear from some bald-headed guy in white robes sitting on the top of a mountain is, “But what is good?” – giving the impression that it depends on who you are, your outlook, and your goals—which is exactly how the world DOES view it!
The dictionary defines good as: morally excellent, virtuous, satisfactory in quality, quantity, or degree; right; proper; honorable; worthy—and many other similar descriptors. But can you see the flaw? Good according to WHOSE standards???
There is no one who is good except for One—God. The One Who created us said that He alone is good. THAT’S our answer: He is the Standard of what is good, morally excellent, virtuous, satisfactory in every way, proper, honorable, worthy—and everything else.
We tend to throw around the word “good” all day long (“That was a good night’s sleep,” “That was a good drive to work,” “That was a good lunch.”), and there’s nothing wrong with those statements, except this: let’s try to focus on what GOD says is good and praise that – AND let’s pay attention to all the GOOD things God blesses us with and give Him the honor and praise.
Remember this old Sunday School song? “The Lord is good, tell it wherever you go. The Lord is good, tell it that others may know. Tell of His blessings and tell of His love; tell how He’s coming from heaven above. The Lord is good, tell it wherever you go.” What a delightful reminder of what should be a huge part of our every day! (Words and music by Alfred B. Smith)
-Did the Holy Spirit teach you something or make you think hard about something from this passage? Summarize it:
-What do you want to thank God for based on this passage?
-What are your prayer targets for today based on this passage?
(Don’t forget to list one thing you have learned about God based on today’s study!)
Monday, October 25, 2021
(Be sure to thank God for His Word before you jump in to your study today.)
Matthew 6:31-33
“So don’t ever worry by saying, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ because it is the unbelievers who are eager for all those things. Surely your heavenly Father knows that you need all of them! But first be concerned about God’s kingdom and his righteousness, and all of these things will be provided for you as well.”
-What is evidence that you are worrying?
-Who is eager to know where their provisions are coming from?
-What does our Father know?
-What should be our first concern?
-While we are focusing on obeying God, what will happen?
Something to Think About:
I’m aware that these are really well-known verses, but in our quest to learn a tiny bit about what God teaches us about Himself, a basic truth we must all know and remember is that it is GOD Who provides for our physical needs. It isn’t our cleverness or hard work. It isn’t whether we have a good-paying job or not. It isn’t a matter of how much we have stashed away in our savings account. It isn’t about us at all! Oh, make no mistake, God expects us to be EXCELLENT managers of all that He gives us—including our finances, but He is always the one Who determines what we truly need, when we need it, and IF we need it.
What must be our response to this truth? First of all, never worry. Worry is something for those who do not trust God.
Second, focus on what our priorities are as children of God/those who are trying to be a bit more like Jesus Christ from day to day. Our priority is to live now as if the Kingdom of God were already here. We are to love God supremely and love others as ourselves. We are to honor God in every area, making His will our will. We are to be becoming holy. We are to be imitating Christ’s example from Scripture. We are to live with one eye on the sky, eagerly and joyfully anticipating our Savior’s imminent return.
What a comfort to know that our Father knows what we need—and that He always provides it. What a joy to know that we can display our trust in Him by directing our labors to live the kind of lives that brings Him great honor and joy in our obedience to Him.
-Did the Holy Spirit teach you something or make you think hard about something from this passage? Summarize it
-What do you want to thank God for based on this passage?
-What are your prayer targets for today based on this passage?
(Don’t forget to list one thing you have learned about God based on today’s study!)
Saturday, October 23, 2021
(Don’t let even one day go by without a heart-to-heart with God in prayer.)
Isaiah 55:8-9
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
-God’s _____ and ____ are not the same as ours.
-God’s ways and thoughts are ____ than ours.
Something to Think About:
The context of what God is telling us about Himself is mankind’s sin and how it affects our thoughts and actions. What we think and what we choose to do are not the things God would think or do simply because we have a sin nature and He is perfect and entirely holy. Really, apart from Him, our choices are going to be the exact opposite of what He wants for us every single time. This sobering thought should be kept in the front of our thoughts so we can set our auto-defaults from reacting from our guts to reacting according to God’s direction in His Word.
HOWEVER, because God chose us, redeemed us, and set us free from the impossible-to-resist pull of our sin natures, we CAN begin to learn what God’s thoughts are and what His ways are like. AND, we can begin to copy this in our own thoughts and actions. We CAN be becoming like Christ; we can “imitate” Him.
Let’s pause to reflect on this incomprehensible amazement, then thank God with great joy!
So, I guess the big question is this: who or what are you choosing to pattern your thoughts and actions afterward? Spend some time in prayerful evaluation. These sorts of questions are exactly the kind that God loves to answer for us!
-Did the Holy Spirit teach you something or make you think hard about something from this passage? Summarize it:
-What do you want to thank God for based on this passage?
-What are your prayer targets for today based on this passage?
(Don’t forget to list one thing you have learned about God based on today’s study!)
Friday, October 22, 2021
(What does God want you to know today? Ask Him!)
Isaiah 30:18
“Nevertheless, the Lord will wait so he can be gracious to you; and thus he will rise up to show you mercy. For the Lord is a God of justice. How blessed are all those who wait for him.”
-Why does the Lord wait for His people to return to Him?
-What will He rise up and show to them?
-The Lord is a God of _____.
-How ___ are those who wait for Him.
Something to Think About:
In a nutshell, our God is faithful. He is faithful whether or not WE are faithful to Him, and when we leave our sin and selfishness behind and return to Him in love, dependence, and trust, He is gracious to us, He shows mercy to us, and His justice will always be appropriate and perfect.
It is true that this portion of Scripture is addressed to Israel in regard to one of their many times as a nation that they turned their backs on God and pursued idolatry, but the principles are true for us as well. II Timothy 2:13 is just one example of this basic truth: God is ALWAYS faithful. It is Who He is.
“If we are faithless, He remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.”
Rather than using this marvelous truth as a license to sin, though, the God-honoring response is to mirror our Father’s faithfulness and be faithful to HIM! This would play out in the decisions we make, the actions we engage in, the thoughts we think, the life goals we set—everything. To be faithful to God is to choose HIS WAY, even if we think it will be hard, unpleasant, or not “fun.”
Something that I have heard more than once that is beginning to stick in my brain is that we don’t HAVE to like God’s way before we obey it. Well, maybe that’s not an exact quote, but turning it around, it may look like this: not everything WE enjoy is pleasing to God. An easy illustration is in the music we love. Our preference for music might be classic country music because that’s what we heard every day growing up, BUT our CHOICE should be songs that clearly honor God in words, rhythm, style, AND melody. This is being faithful to God! AND God, being also a gracious God, will, with time, give us a greater love for the music that truly honors Him, while dimming the pull toward ungodly music (though it would also be wise to avoid it as much as humanly possible).
In what other areas of life might God be calling you to be more faithful to Him? Dressing more modestly? How you spend your “free time”? Who you call your closest friends? How often you show gratitude to Him and to others? Showing hospitality? How you spend your money? What your main goal is for today, this week, and your life?
-Did the Holy Spirit teach you something or make you think hard about something from this passage? Summarize it:
-What do you want to thank God for based on this passage?
-What are your prayer targets for today based on this passage?
(Don’t forget to list one thing you have learned about God based on today’s study!)
Thursday, October 21, 2021
(Jesus said, “When you pray…” He wanted to remind us that praying should be commonplace.)
Isaiah 6:1-5
“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting upon his throne, high and exalted. The train of his robe filled the Temple. The seraphim stood above him. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he was flying. They kept on calling to each other: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of the Heavenly Armies! The whole earth is full of his glory!” The foundations of the thresholds quaked at the sound of those who kept calling out, and the Temple was filled with smoke. “How terrible it will be for me!” I cried, “because I am ruined! I’m a man with unclean lips, and I live among a people with unclean lips! And my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of the Heavenly Armies!”
-How is the Lord described on His throne?
-Who continually calls “Holy is the Lord?”
-What is the whole earth filled with?
-Isaiah said he was a man with ____ lips, but his eyes have seen the ___, the ___ of the Heavenly Armies.
Something to Think About:
The verse that tells us something HUGE about God is in verse 3, but how could I not include these other verses! In fact, the chapter goes on to describe more of this amazing experience of Isaiah, leading to his famous response, “Here am I. Send me” – an appropriate response for ALL of God’s chosen ones!
This heart-stirring vision of God’s throne room includes these mysterious beings known as Seraphim, who are in the presence of God continually with the sole job of proclaiming that God is holy. One scholar suggested that the three repeats of “holy” are one each for the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, but the real focus, either way, is that GOD IS HOLY. This is the quintessential component of Who He is, and is integral to all His other characteristics, actions, plans, etc. It stands to reason, then, that as God’s child, this should be the major focus of our lives as well.
Obviously, we, like Isaiah, can only see our own complete sin and ugliness when we look at God’s holy perfection, but here’s the truth of the matter: because of what Jesus did for us in dying and coming to life again, GOD SEES US AS HOLY. Oh, He knows that we too often choose to live according to our old sin nature, not enjoying the freedom His Son provided to live victoriously for Him, BUT, we are holy—we just haven’t yet seen the complete fulfillment of His Spirit’s sanctifying work in us. In His divine wisdom, He chose to have us wait until we have died or been raptured to receive our new glorified bodies that no longer have a sin nature. What a day that will be!
In the meantime, BE BECOMING HOLY, as Peter exhorts us. Keep fighting to honor God, and not succumb to the pressures of this world and our own sin natures. Lean on the power of the Holy Spirit and the might of His living, active Word to hang in there and inch by inch, be becoming holy as God is holy.
What a day it will be when we can join the seraphim and declare with complete abandon, “Holy! Holy! Holy! Is the Lord God Almighty!”
-Did the Holy Spirit teach you something or make you think hard about something from this passage? Summarize it:
-What do you want to thank God for based on this passage?
-What are your prayer targets for today based on this passage?
(Don’t forget to list one thing you have learned about God based on today’s study!)
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
(Have you entered God’s Throne Room in prayer yet? When you do, be sure to give Him glory for Who He is and all His marvelous works!)
Proverbs 30:5
“Everything God says is pure; he is a shield for those who take refuge in him.”
-How much of what God says is pure?
-Who is God a shield for?
-What do those who take refuge in God find Him to be?
Something to Think About:
What is our Father like, we ask? Every single thing He says is pure. Some of our other trusted English translations say that God’s words are flawless, proven true, tested, and tried. In other words, what GOD says cannot be improved upon, nor should it be added to, taken away from, or changed in any way. The application that we can make from this comforting truth is that WE CAN TRUST GOD’S WORD, and in fact, we MUST trust it and live by it.
But wait, there’s more! Those who DO listen to Him and take their refuge in Him, discover that He is their Shield and Protector. He provides a place where we can go to find rest from the turbulent happenings of our day. He provides comfort when we’re being battered and beaten by our enemies—and our friends. He provides a place to get our heads screwed on straight again when we’ve gotten off track. He provides a place where genuine truth can be found so that we know the right way to think and act. He provides rich evidence of constant, complete love—simply because He chose us and will never un-choose us. He provides new mercies every morning. He provides new energy to walk and not faint, to run and not get weary.
What GOD says is perfect. He is our Shield and place of refuge. How we MUST stick close to Him every second of every day!
-Did the Holy Spirit teach you something or make you think hard about something from this passage? Summarize it:
-What do you want to thank God for based on this passage?
-What are your prayer targets for today based on this passage?
(Don’t forget to list one thing you have learned about God based on today’s study!)
Tuesday, October 19, 2021
(Have you remembered to ask God to help you in your Bible study today? Ask His help, too, to apply what you are learning to your daily life.)
Psalm 147:4-5
“He keeps track of the number of stars, assigning names to all of them. Our Lord is great, and rich in power; his understanding has no limitation.”
-What does God keep track of?
-What does He assign to each one?
-What has no limitation?
Something to Think About:
I did a super quick search on stars and found out that, depending on who you ask, our own Milky Way galaxy has between one BILLION and four BILLION stars in it! AND, there are roughly one hundred billion galaxies in our known universe. Yikes.
And, because I KNOW you wanted to know, there really isn’t any “real” service for naming stars. The only official group keeping a record of the stars is the International Astronomical Union (IAU), not NASA, and they call stars by numbers, not names. In fact, the stars that we know so well: the North Star, Sirius, Regulus, and others, are not even called those names in other parts of our planet.
However, GOD has “real” names for each and every one—and He keeps track of every single one of them! His brain is not taxed by this seemingly impossible task, because His understanding has NO limitation!
This, dear ones, is OUR Father. This is the One Who loves YOU. This is the One Who considers YOU far more valuable than the birds and flowers that He takes such perfect care of. This is the One Who truly and completely “understands” the ins and outs, ups and downs of what you’re going through. But more than just perfectly understanding us and what we are facing, God has the power to do whatever it takes to bring Himself glory and to bring about spiritual good for us.
Are we ever guilty of thinking our God cannot do something? I guess we need to get rid of that foolish notion once and for all time! Instead, let us join the psalmist, who in verse 1 proclaims, “Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant and a song of praise is fitting.”
-Did the Holy Spirit teach you something or make you think hard about something from this passage? Summarize it:
-What do you want to thank God for based on this passage?
-What are your prayer targets for today based on this passage?
(Don’t forget to list one thing you have learned about God based on today’s study!)
Monday, October 18, 2021
(Prayer time for a new day, a new work, and new opportunities to imitate God in word and deed!)
Psalm 139 (selected portions)
“Lord, you have examined me; you have known me. 2 You know when I rest and when I am active. You understand what I am thinking when I am distant from you. 3 You scrutinize my life and my rest; you are familiar with all of my ways. 4 Even before I have formed a word with my tongue, you, Lord, know it completely! 5 You encircle me from back to front, placing your hand upon me. . . 7 Where can I flee from your spirit? Or where will I run from your presence? 8 If I rise to heaven, there you are! If I lay down with the dead, there you are! 9 If I take wings with the dawn and settle down on the western horizon 10 your hand will guide me there, too, while your right hand keeps a firm grip on me. 11 If I say, “Darkness will surely conceal me, and the light around me will become night,” 12 even darkness isn’t dark to you, darkness and light are the same to you. 13 It was you who formed my internal organs, fashioning me within my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you, because you are fearful and wondrous! Your work is wonderful, and I am fully aware of it. 15 My frame was not hidden from you while I was being crafted in a hidden place, knit together in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes looked upon my embryo, and everything was recorded in your book. . . 17 How deep are your thoughts, God! How great is their number! 18 Were I to count them, they would number more than the sand. When I awake, I will be with you.”
-v.1 God is able to ___ us and ___ us.
-v.2 God knows when we are ___ and when we are __.
-He understands what we are ___, even though we are far away.
-v.3 God is ___ with all our ways.
-v.4 He knows what we are about to ___ before we say it.
-v.5-12 Can anyone “get away from” God?
-v.13-16 How does God know so much about us?
-v.17-18 What is great and impossible to number?
Something to Think About:
Psalm 139 is another well-known Psalm. It is especially known for how it pertains to our creation and care. However, let’s see if we can look at it with the goal of listing what we learn about God from its content.
-God does examine us—and He does know us completely.
-God knows what we do and when we do it.
-God understands our thoughts, regardless of space or time.
-God is familiar with our “ways.” He knows our habits and why we do what we do.
-God knows what we’re going to say before we say it. He knows our thoughts.
-God completely surrounds us and there is no place we could possibly go that He is not already there. His guidance and help are with us at all times and in every place.
-God is not limited by what limits us, including darkness.
-God formed every part of us, knowing who we’d be, when we’d be born, what we’d be like—everything— and He knew this before the foundations of the earth.
-God is fearful and wondrous. His work is wonderful.*
-God’s thoughts are deep and impossible to count.
-God was before our beginning, and when our life ends, He’ll be there too.
Let’s switch gears again and ask what should we do based on this truth? As the psalmist requested in verses 23-24, take advantage of your relationship with the Father Who loves you and knows you intimately to ask Him to show you every single time something isn’t pleasing to Him in your life in any way SO THAT you can get rid of it and go back to pleasing Him and enjoying the special bond He has with you. “Examine me, God, and know my mind, test me, and know my thoughts. See if there is any offensive tendency in me, and lead me in the eternal way.”
(*ISV translates verse 14 “I praise you, because you are fearful and wondrous,” while the ESV translates it, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” This is one of the verses where the inclusion or exclusion of the teeniest Hebrew mark makes this passage read one way or the other. Scholars have been debating for a really long time which one is right, but they also agree that contextually, both statements are equally true.)
-Did the Holy Spirit teach you something or make you think hard about something from this passage? Summarize it:
-What do you want to thank God for based on this passage?
-What are your prayer targets for today based on this passage?
(Don’t forget to list one thing you have learned about God based on today’s study!)
Saturday, October 16, 2021
(Ask God to show you some way you can show your love to Him during the day today by being a blessing to someone He brings across your path.)
Psalm 23
“The Lord is the one who is shepherding me; I lack nothing. He causes me to lie down in pastures of green grass; he guides me beside quiet waters. He revives my life; he leads me in pathways that are righteous for the sake of his name. Even when I walk through a valley of deep darkness, I will not be afraid because you are with me. Your rod and your staff—they comfort me. You prepare a table before me, even in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Truly, goodness and gracious love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will remain in the Lord’s Temple forever.”
-v.1 Because it is God Who shepherds us, what do we lack?
-v.2 What kind of grass and water does He bring us to?
-v.3 What kinds of pathways does He lead us in?
-v.4 What do we not need to fear?
-Why?
-v.5 What is true about the cup God prepares for us?
-v.6 Truly, _____ and ____ ____ will pursue me ____ the days of my life, and I will ___ in the Lord’s Temple ____
Something to Think About:
Well, first of all, let me say that I’m NOT going to try to give you all the ins and outs of this extremely famous and beloved Psalm! However, since our focus is on what God teaches us about Himself, let’s simply look at it and see what we see.
The ISV translates verse 1, “The Lord is the One Who is shepherding” us. And BECAUSE it is the Lord Who is shepherding us, we lack nothing. Lesson over. That simple truth is ENOUGH. =)
Okay, there are lots more blessings in this Psalm for us: the kinds of places where GOD guides us are places with green grass and quiet water. This would be in stark contrast to the decayed “food” and tumultuous “water” that the world tries to convince us is better and more fun!
God, OUR Shepherd, is able to revive our life and lead us along paths of righteousness so that we can honor the family name. The world offers death, depression, destruction, sin, wickedness—all in the name of trying to make ourselves look important and superior to others.
Our God and Shepherd’s presence provides comfort and strength even in the midst of the most hurtful situations ever. Knowing He’ll never leave us or forsake us causes us to keep our chins up and our eyes open knowing there are blessings all around us—including sitting at God’s table as His special guest, knowing that we are FAMILY, that we belong to Him and with Him FOREVER.
What does God want us to know about Him? His love for each of us is very personal; His care for us is perfect and complete.
Here are the words to a song from a group that calls themselves, “Unto the Chief Musician”:
Little Sheep
Little Sheep follow Me, I will guide you, you’ll see to a place where pastures are green. You’ll find rest for your soul, as you seek Me you’ll know, I’m your Shepherd faithful and true.
For I died for thee, I live for thee And none shall snatch you away; with my staff and rod I will be your God, And no evil shall you fear.
When the cold winds blow and the waters overflow, I will lead you through the night. When death’s shadows fall and in weakness you call, I will be your strength and shield.
For I died for thee, I live for thee And none shall snatch you away; With my staff and rod I will be your God, and no evil shall you fear.
I will bless thee with oil, at My table you will sit and your cup shall overflow. And My mercy and grace will follow all your days, Then dwell in My house for evermore.
For I died for thee, I live for thee and none shall snatch you away; Little Sheep follow Me, I will guide you you’ll see, to a place where pastures are green. To a place where pastures are green.
(Ps. 23; 25:12; John 10; Rom. 8:28-39; Rev. 1:12-18)
Words of Testimony and Music – DJP I.F.
Arrangement Assistants – Joel Hryniewicz, Adam Boone
Musical Arrangement – Timothy Hryniewicz
(Available to purchase or listen to at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84w-7DAhKhI)
-Did the Holy Spirit teach you something or make you think hard about something from this passage? Summarize it:
-What do you want to thank God for based on this passage?
-What are your prayer targets for today based on this passage?
(Don’t forget to list one thing you have learned about God based on today’s study!)
Friday, October 15, 2021
(Pray for the others who you know are also studying God’s Word today, most especially your own church family members.)
Psalm 84:11
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord grants grace and favor; the Lord will not withhold any good thing from those who walk blamelessly.”
-The Lord God is a ___ and ____.
-What does He grant?
-What will He not withhold?
-From whom?
Something to Think About:
The Bible as a whole has a lot to say about God and His connection to light. In this verse, it says that He is a Sun. Basically put, if we want true “light,” we have to look to God. Focusing on something even a fraction of an inch away from Him becomes total darkness, deception, lies, and harm.
God is our Shield. He is our Protector, our Fortress, our Rock, our everything! Nothing and no one else can truly protect us and watch over us—only God.
God will not hold back any good (righteous) thing from those who walk blameless (upright according to His Word; doing His will). He, in fact, “grants grace and favor,” a place of special blessing reserved for those who live faithfully according to His Word. This is not what is sometimes called the “health and wealth gospel.” The health and wealth people believe that God will grant good physical health and abundant financial gifts to those who are the most obedient to Him (so, they would say that if you are sick or poor, you’re obviously living a life of sin). This is simply not supported in the Bible for Church Age believers, though He did promise blessings for obedient Old Testament Jews—and harsh penalties for disobedience.
God DOES bless His faithful children in this day and age. He has, in fact, promised to take care of all of our needs so we don’t have to worry about them. The blessings that God is focused on for our benefit and good are more along the lines of spiritual blessings. These would include learning more about Him, being better able to see His hand of goodness as we go through our day, opportunities to do more for Him and serve Him even better, being able to pray to Him in a deeper and richer way, knowing how to pray for others (and knowing that others are praying for us), to name a few.
God also blesses us greatly with our pastor and church family. Another biggie is the blessing of His written Word in our own language so we can study, learn, and grow. He blesses us with wonderful music to bring Him honor and praise (and bless and encourage our own hearts).
Oh, we have lots of blessings, that’s for sure! We need simply to take our eyes off ourselves and look to Him to see blessings too numerous to count.
P.S. You may have heard me mention it a time or two, but God MOST ESPECIALLY rewards our faithful lives for Him in the here and now by giving us bigger and better ways to serve Him in the Millennium and beyond. This is a super huge deal! Are you earning those rewards by how you are living TODAY?
-Did the Holy Spirit teach you something or make you think hard about something from this passage? Summarize it:
-What do you want to thank God for based on this passage?
-What are your prayer targets for today based on this passage?
(Don’t forget to list one thing you have learned about God based on today’s study!)
Thursday, October 14, 2021
(Try praying without asking God for even one thing for yourself besides understanding His Word today as you study it.)
Psalm 50:6
“The heavens revealed his justice, for God is himself the judge.”
-Who reveals God’s justice?
-Who is Judge?
Something to Think About:
The thing we are being reminded about our Father today is that He is THE Judge. This is a comfort when we consider corrupt rulers and judges on our earth and when we are “judged” unfairly by friends, family, and the world. God is righteous and always rules with perfect justice.
It is also a much-needed reminder that WE are not THE Judge, either. It’s one thing to lovingly, humbly guide another believer away from a wrong idea or action, it’s quite another to sit back and fuss, fret, and fume because someone isn’t doing something to our liking.
There is great value in allowing the Bible to give us a more full understanding concerning some area of teaching. With that in mind, let’s read a bit more about what God says about His role as Judge:
“For the Lord is our judge, and the Lord is our lawgiver; and the Lord is our king, and it is he who will save us.” Isaiah 33:22
“The victor’s crown of righteousness is now waiting for me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on the day that he comes, and not only to me but also to all who eagerly wait for his appearing.” II Timothy 4:8
“There is only one Lawgiver and Judge—the one who can save and destroy. So who are you to judge your neighbor?” James 4:12
“God takes his stand in the divine assembly; among the divine beings he renders judgment.” Psalm 82:1
“I kept on watching until the Ancient of Days was seated. His clothes were white, like snow, and the hair on his head was like pure wool. His throne burned with flaming fire, and its wheels burned with fire. A river of fire flowed out from before him. Thousands upon thousands were serving him, with millions upon millions waiting before him. The court sat in judgment, and record books were unsealed.” Daniel 7:9-10
“Then I saw a large, white throne and the one who was sitting on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and no place was found for them. I saw the dead, both unimportant and important, standing in front of the throne, and books were open. Another book was opened—the Book of Life. The dead were judged according to their actions, as recorded in the books.” Revelation 20:11-12
“Therefore, stop judging prematurely, before the Lord comes, for he will bring to light what is now hidden in darkness and reveal the motives of our hearts. Then each person will receive his praise from God.” I Corinthians 4:5
“The field and all that is in it will rejoice; then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy in the Lord’s presence, because he is coming; indeed, he will come to judge the earth. He will judge the world fairly and its people reliably.” Psalm 96:12-13
-Did the Holy Spirit teach you something or make you think hard about something from this passage? Summarize it:
-What do you want to thank God for based on this passage?
-What are your prayer targets for today based on this passage?
(Don’t forget to list one thing you have learned about God based on today’s study!)
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
(What have you thanked God for lately? Do you use the same “list” every time—or are you adding all the most current reasons to praise God too?)
Psalm 33:4-11
“For the word of the Lord is upright; and all his works are done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the world is filled with the gracious love of the Lord. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made; all the heavenly bodies by the breath of his mouth. He gathered the oceans into a single place; he put the deep water into storehouses. Let all the world fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him; because he spoke and it came to be, because he commanded, it stood firm. The Lord makes void the counsel of nations; he frustrates the plans of peoples. But the Lord’s counsel stands firm forever, the plans in his mind for all generations.”
-The word of the Lord is ____; all his works are done in ___
-God loves ____ and ____.
-What fills the world?
-By what were the heavens made?
-What two things did He gather?
-The whole world should do what two things?
-Why?
-What stands firm forever?
Something to Think About:
What does God tell us about Himself through the author of Psalm 33?
-His word is upright (correct, right, straight, fitting, proper).
-His works are done in faithfulness (steadfastness, firmness, truth).
-He loves righteousness (rightness, justice, all that is morally right).
-He loves justice (a verdict that fits the crime; righteous judgment).
-The world is filled with His gracious love (mercy, lovingkindness, goodness).
-By His word the heavens were made—and all that our universe contains.
-His control over the oceans and water is complete.
-He is to be feared (our actions should reflect our reverence for all He is and can do).
-He is worthy of being considered with great awe (to stop and think deeply about).
-What He says happens – and it stands firm.
-What men determine is brought to nothing by Him. Their plans are frustrated by Him.
-By contrast, His counsel (plans, purpose) stands firm forever.
The first verse of this Psalm gives the only possible right response to this: “Rejoice in the Lord, righteous ones; for the praise of the upright is beautiful.” Are you rejoicing? God sees this as a very beautiful thing!
-Did the Holy Spirit teach you something or make you think hard about something from this passage? Summarize it:
-What do you want to thank God for based on this passage?
-What are your prayer targets for today based on this passage?
(Don’t forget to list one thing you have learned about God based on today’s study!)
Tuesday, October 12, 2021
(Don’t forget that God loves to have you tell Him your burdens!)
Job 42:2
“I know that you can do anything and nothing that you plan is impossible.”
-Write this verse out, not as a quote from Job, but from your own heart:
Something to Think About:
After God was extremely forthright and thorough in telling Job a little bit about what He does, Job was, not surprisingly, completely overwhelmed—and completely humbled. He replied to God, “I know that you can do anything and nothing that you plan is impossible.” I expect that after the burning lecture from God’s own mouth, Job meant every single word!
Do YOU know that God can do anything and that nothing He plans is impossible? How does your life show it? How do your decisions reflect it? How does what you choose to say and leave unsaid demonstrate it?
Once again, we find that we may struggle with our stated theology versus our functional theology. That is, we may say something (because we know the right answer), but often, if we take a good long look at what we do, say, and think, we realize that we are not acting like we believe what we say we believe. How sad! How THANKFUL we ought to be for God’s immense patience, grace, and mercy! How thankful we ought to be that He gives us new opportunities to live out what we say we believe! How eager we ought to be to depend on Him to help us make the changes necessary to better honor Him in this area.
I surely did not desire to discourage or overwhelm you with today’s challenge! I am so very aware that every pointed finger leaves three pointed right back at the pointing person. I am so very aware of how the Holy Spirit is pricking MY heart about areas that need some pretty major housecleaning. AND, I am so very aware of how my Father loves all of us and DELIGHTS in helping us mature and become more and more like His precious Son.
We have so much to be thankful for! We have so many ways to love God better and better!
-Did the Holy Spirit teach you something or make you think hard about something from this passage? Summarize it:
-What do you want to thank God for based on this passage?
-What are your prayer targets for today based on this passage?
(Don’t forget to list one thing you have learned about God based on today’s study!)
Monday, October 11, 2021
(Pray first!)
Job 38:4-7
“Where were you when I laid the foundation of my earth? Tell me, since you’re so informed! Who set its measurement? Am I to assume you know? Who stretched a boundary line over it? On what were its bases set? Who laid its corner stone while the morning stars sang together and all the divine beings shouted joyfully?”
-What did God lay the foundation of?
-Were there any humans present for this?
-What did He set?
-Was a boundary line established for the foundation of the earth?
-God laid a ___ ___ for it.
-What was happening while God was laying the foundation of the earth?
Something to Think About:
We’re focusing this month on what God said about Himself as part of a greater study in learning how to be imitators of God. We may not always be looking at only direct quotes, but since God is the author of the Bible, everything it says about God is what He wanted us to know about Himself. Job 38-41, however, is almost entirely quotes from God. The occasion is God responding to Job’s confusion about the reason for his suffering. On a special side note, Job was extremely confident in God’s right to do what He wanted initially, but his ungodly friends kept beating at him until he finally felt a little used and abused. This sure ought to be a lesson to us to maintain our trust in God NO MATTER WHAT— and if we are given the opportunity to help someone through a crisis, to make trusting God—no matter what—our primary counsel to them, too.
Getting back to what God said about Himself, well, you’re just going to have to take the time to read Job 38-41. It is INCREDIBLE! God gives a tiny insight into what all He did to create our magnificent world and how He keeps it going. Reading Job 38-41 should cause us to drop to our knees in awe, with thanksgiving, adoration, and praise on our lips. AND, like Job, it should remind us that God is not a disinterested, lackadaisical God. He LOVES us. He watches over every single detail, night and day—forever. His rule is complete and completely perfect. What He does, He does perfectly—including what He allows and doesn’t allow in our life, and the timing of those things. Our task? Trust Him. Obey Him. Thank Him. Serve Him. Stand in awe of Him. Give Him all glory and praise. Stand true for Him. Tell others about Him. Magnify Him. Imitate Him. Delight in Him.
What did the Holy Spirit lay on YOUR heart to do/be?
-Did the Holy Spirit teach you something or make you think hard about something from this passage? Summarize it:
-What do you want to thank God for based on this passage?
-What are your prayer targets for today based on this passage?
(Don’t forget to list one thing you have learned about God based on today’s study!)
Saturday, October 9, 2021
(Ask God to show you exactly what He has prepared for YOU to learn from today’s study.)
Deuteronomy 10:17-18
“For the Lord your God is the God of all gods, the Lord of all lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who does not show favoritism or take bribes. He executes justice for the orphan and the widows, loves the foreigner, and gives them food and clothing.”
-What do we find out God “is” from these verses?
-What do we find out God does/doesn’t do from these verses?
Something to Think About:
As we have noted in the past, finding a verse that begins with for, because, therefore, etc., should make us want to find out what came before that verse so we can understand what our verse is making a concluding comment about. In this case, Moses is instructing the people of Israel in basic being-a-good-Jew. In a nutshell, it is to love God and obey Him. This is what God wanted them to remember—and it is what He wants us to remember, too!
The previous verses (v.12-16) give some very specific ways to love God and obey Him. Moses asks, “What does the LORD your God desire from you?” This answer included to fear Him, walk in all His ways, love Him, serve Him with all our heart and in all our lives, observe His commands and statutes (for our own good), circumcise our hearts (remove anything that stands between us and God, specifically stubbornness).
Sounds like some pretty good advice! In a nutshell: fear, walk, love, serve, obey, dedicate. The focus? God. Not self, not spouse, not a celebrity, not a friend—only God.
Why? Because the Lord our God is Lord of all, the great God, mighty and awesome. Because He doesn’t show favoritism but executes justice. Because He loves and supplies the needs of those who are neglected by others.
We’ve learned today about some things that God requires of us. What are you going to do about it?
-Did the Holy Spirit teach you something or make you think hard about something from this passage? Summarize it:
-What do you want to thank God for based on this passage?
-What are your prayer targets for today based on this passage?
(Don’t forget to list one thing you have learned about God based on today’s study!)
Friday, October 8, 2021
(Ask God to help you apply His Word to today’s happenings.)
Deuteronomy 6:4-5
“Listen, Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You are to love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.”
-Who is this addressed to?
-Who alone is their God?
-They were to love God with all their ___, ___, and __
Something to Think About:
These verses are part of a very special passage addressed to the Jewish people (the entire passage is in Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 11:13-21) known as the “Shema,” which is the Hebrew word for “hear.” To this day, many Jews have this passage inscribed on a piece of paper and placed inside a small container next to their front doors. It is known as a mezuzah, and some Jews believe it gives merit in the owner’s favor simply for being there (sounds like it has the danger of becoming an idol to me!). Observant Jews kiss the mezuzah (by kissing their fingertips and then placing their fingers on the tube) when they enter or exit the house.
So what does God tell us about Himself in these verses? The LORD is Israel’s God – ONLY the LORD (I AM, Yahweh, Jehovah). They must not worship any other gods—because there literally aren’t any others!
Their response? They were to love Him with all their heart, soul, and strength. AND, as I’m sure you’re aware, this command is repeated in the New Testament, making it relevant to us as well. (Matthew 22:37-39 “Jesus told him, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important commandment. The second is exactly like it: You must love your neighbor as yourself.’”)
Back to Deuteronomy 6, read what came after the command to have a wholehearted unreserved commitment to loving God:
“Let these words that I’m commanding you today be always on your heart. Teach them repeatedly to your children. Talk about them while sitting in your house or walking on the road, and as you lie down or get up. Tie them as reminders on your forearm, bind them on your forehead, and write them on the door frames of your house and on your gates.” (verses 6-9).
Now, while these instructions were not repeated exactly in the New Testament, their wisdom cannot be disputed. Basically, it is this: don’t ever, ever forget that the LORD is YOUR God. In fact, teach your children about this from the time they are born, until they are gone – every moment and at all times. The Jews were given additional instruction to tie these commands onto their forearm and forehead and attach them to the door frames of their homes and on their gates—and they literally did this, making” phylacteries” (also known as tefillin), which were small boxes of leather, with straps to wrap around their arm and another for their head (and they made mezuzahs for their homes to hold the Shema as mentioned previously).
While wearing Scripture in a little box isn’t required of Church Age believers, surrounding ourselves with Scripture can be a pretty valuable thing to do. We could do this with framed Scripture art, wall calendars with Scripture, fridge magnets, and a host of post-it notes and 3X5 cards plastered where we’ll see them (Hobby Lobby is a great resource for all these things). Changing them out from time to time helps them stay fresh and noticeable.
Posting Scripture everywhere can be a great daily reminder that we are to CHOOSE to love God and His Written Word, the Bible (but, not because we are trying to follow the law of Moses). We should remind ourselves, however, that just because we have neatly framed Scripture verses all around the house, this does not make us more holy or more spiritual—any more than the Hebrews kissing the mezuzahs on their doorposts made them holy. We must submit to the Spirit of God by applying the Bible to our minds, hearts, and actions for genuine spiritual growth to take place.
How about teaching our children about God? OF COURSE! As Moses recommended, teach them repeatedly: when you’re sitting around the dinner table or in the car, when you’re walking in a store, when you tuck them in for the night, when they get up in the morning. There isn’t ANYTHING that comes up in a day that cannot be used to talk about God’s love for us and how we can trust Him and obey Him. Don’t forget, though, that what they see us doing, saying, listening to, and teaching is what will show to them whether or not we truly love the Lord OUR God with all our heart, soul, and strength. Furthermore, we don’t have to limit this joyful discussion to only children. Tell everyone! Our God is awesome, why WOULDN’T we share that with joy and enthusiasm!
-Did the Holy Spirit teach you something or make you think hard about something from this passage? Summarize it:
-What do you want to thank God for based on this passage?
-What are your prayer targets for today based on this passage?
(Don’t forget to list one thing you have learned about God based on today’s study!)
Thursday, October 7, 2021
(Prayer time! Commit this time in God’s Word to Him in prayer—as well as the entire day, that you would remember to live according to His Word in thought and deed.)
Deuteronomy 4:23-24
“Be careful! Otherwise, you will forget the covenant of the Lord your God, who established that covenant with you. Don’t make carved images of any likeness in violation of everything that you were commanded by the Lord your God. Indeed, the Lord your God is a consuming fire. He is a jealous God.”
-What were the Hebrews to not forget?
-Who established a covenant with them?
-Don’t make carved images of ____ likeness in violation of ____ that you were ___ by the Lord your God.
-God is a ____ fire.
-God is a ____ God.
Something to Think About:
Chapter 4 of Deuteronomy is part of the awesome pep talk by Moses to the people as they prepared to enter the Promised Land and move to God’s next step for them as His chosen people. God wanted to be able to richly bless them and to show His amazing grace and great compassion, BUT He could only do that if they were obedient to His commands. Verses 23-24 mention a key area where the people had struggled and continued to struggle: choosing to treat things as more important than God, “things” that they invested with power and authority over their lives in place of God. This was not only exceedingly foolish and sinful, but it was quite the slap on the face to the only real God Who chose them out of all the millions of people He had created—His own chosen people on whom He had covenanted to lavish His attention and love!
When we in the twenty-first century talk about idols, we are usually quick to point out that we are not so foolish as to make clay images of some false gods. We quickly acknowledge that our idols are more things and people that we put on the thrones of our hearts to displace God. This is true, of course, BUT aren’t there sometimes actual “idols” we fashion and give authority to? What about, say, rabbit’s ears, good-luck charms, a photograph, memorabilia, angels, cross jewelry, “chain letters”, lucky numbers, garden gnomes, fairy balls—even the family Bible sitting on the coffee table! Do we ever look at these objects as having some kind of power? Do we sometimes think of them as bestowing some ability to watch over us and get us out of jams? This makes them idols! Even our Bibles aren’t able to help us simply because they’re a Bible—it is the words and truths inside them that God uses to transform our lives, that is, the hearing, applying, and obeying of the words.
How about phrases? Do we ever use those as idols, giving them special powers to protect and help? How about “knock on wood”? How about “good luck”? How about “Bless you!” Each of these phrases originates from the belief that saying them would prevent evil spirits from causing mischief for you or someone else. It might surprise us to learn what ancient, pagan sources some of our traditions and superstitions come from. Most people do them because they saw someone else do them and consider them an “innocent” habit. But if we dig down into why we say or do them, we might discover it is actually a nod in the direction of relying on other spiritual powers or entities instead of acknowledging the true lordship of Jehovah, the Almighty.
My point? I am simply reminding you what I try to remind myself of every single day: the lies of the world literally surround us constantly and it is very easy to absorb them into our minds and habits without even noticing. BUT, if we want God, and God alone, to have our allegiance, we need to carefully and prayerfully evaluate our thoughts and motives to make sure we are not relying on anything other than Him for wisdom and help. After all, He is jealous (in the right way). He wants the very, very best for us and if we turn away from Him, we are cutting off our Source of goodness, righteousness, and blessing. Out of the billions and billions of people He created, He chose to lavish His love on YOU. How are you loving Him in return?
-Did the Holy Spirit teach you something or make you think hard about something from this passage? Summarize it:
-What do you want to thank God for based on this passage?
-What are your prayer targets for today based on this passage?
(Don’t forget to list one thing you have learned about God based on today’s study!)
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
(Time to thank God for the chance to open His Word!)
Deuteronomy 3:24
“Lord God, you’ve begun to show your greatness and your strong power to your servant. For what god in heaven or on earth can equal your works and mighty deeds?”
-What had God shown to Moses?
-What can no other “god” equal?
-How does Moses refer to himself?
Something to Think About:
Here’s yet another super simple, yet profound, truth about our God. The occasion behind this statement is the end of Moses’ life when he has been denied entrance to the Promised Land because he disobeyed God by striking the rock to get water, rather than speaking to it as God had commanded (read about it in Numbers 20:1-13).
Moses notes three important things: 1) he is God’s servant, acknowledging that God is sovereign with the right to call the shots; 2) God does display His greatness and strong power to us, and 3) no one can equal God’s works and mighty deeds.
The lesson for those of us living thousands of years later? God is STILL sovereign. He is still the only Ruler and Authority. It is to Him alone we owe all our allegiance—and this should be at the foundation of every single decision, thought, and action. Also, God STILL displays His greatness and strong power. We see it on a global scale every single moment of every single day – and we see it personally when He answers our smallest prayer, inclining His ear to give His full attention to His beloved child. And, God STILL has no equal—not in kings, dictators, terrorists, or even natural disasters or nuclear weapons—or a small virus. He is THE Ruler and Authority. Nothing can happen apart from His divine will.
When Moses said these words to God, the nation of Israel was on the verge of FINALLY entering the Promised Land. They would be faced with many battles, both physically and spiritually, but in the end, God promised to get them into the land, and He did just that. Have you thought that you and I, members of the Church Age, are also on the verge of something HUGE? At literally any moment, we too will enter a place that has been promised to us. We will enter heaven and be in the presence of God. How are we preparing for that TODAY? How are we proving that we trust God’s promises will come true in what we say and think TODAY?
BONUS LESSON: It would be easy to think that God was being way, way too hard on Moses to deny him entrance into the Promised Land, but sin is sin. While we too often view sin in varying degrees of “badness,” this is not how GOD views it. To Him, every single sin is huge, and every single sin is so awful, that I’m not sure we even have the capability to understand it! There are undoubtedly many reasons why God punished Moses for striking the rock when he was told to speak to it, but here’s one super important reason. It wasn’t “just” a rock and just the act of striking it. God was using it as a picture of what the Savior would one day do on our behalf. Jesus would die ONCE and that single death was enough to pay for sin for all time. Jesus did not have to die more than once, so Moses’ disobedience destroyed the critical illustration that God wanted to use to teach about the amazing plan of redemption. We, too, often do not know why God asks us to do or not do certain things. Part of trusting and obeying Him is to not HAVE to know, but simply, humbly to say, “Yes, LORD.”
-Did the Holy Spirit teach you something or make you think hard about something from this passage? Summarize it:
-What do you want to thank God for based on this passage?
-What are your prayer targets for today based on this passage?
(Don’t forget to list one thing you have learned about God based on today’s study!)
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
(What’s God got in store for you today? Have you asked Him?)
Numbers 23:19
“God is not a human male— he doesn’t lie, nor is he a human being— he never vacillates. Once he speaks up, he’s going to act, isn’t he? Once he makes a promise, he’ll fulfill it, won’t he?”
-Bonus Points: Look up Numbers 23 to see who is talking to who.
-God is not a ___ male.
-God does not ___.
-God is not a ___ ___.
-God never ___.
-Once God speaks up, He will ___.
-Once God has made a promise, He will ___ it.
Something to Think About:
If you haven’t read the account of Balak, Balaam, and the talking donkey in a while, you should set aside some time to do it. It’s a pretty fascinating tale of how nothing and no one can successfully rise up against God’s protection and care of His people. The event is found in Numbers 22 and 23.
Context aside, simply looking at Numbers 23:19, our first response might be something like, “Duh! Everyone knows that God is not a human and that God doesn’t lie, don’t they???”
Perhaps, BUT do we always live like we believe it?
Are we not sometimes guilty of projecting onto God the same failures that we have in our own character and in our relationships? Thinking that maybe He doesn’t have all the facts to know how to respond in the right way? Thinking that His ability to do something about our problem is limited in some way – or is even a poor decision? Thinking that even though God said He would do something, He meant it for other people and not us? Thinking that God maybe doesn’t lie, per se, but may not tell us the whole truth?
We may not SAY these things out loud, but do we ever THINK them? Do we ever pretend to not think them, but then base our actions and attitudes on that erroneous thinking? The FACT is that God is NOT a human! He is GOD – with unlimited power, knowledge, wisdom, grace, love, mercy, etc., and so forth! The FACT is that God CANNOT lie. It is impossible for Him. The FACT is that God ALWAYS keeps His promises—every single one. He ALWAYS does what HE says. Every single time.
This is both a tremendous comfort and peace to us, but should also be a sober reminder that God also follows through on what He has said about consequences. This means that when we choose to not live as He commanded, there will be pain and sorrow. We can’t lose our salvation. Praise His holy name, that will NEVER happen. However, we can definitely do things to mar our relationship and close off our communication with Him. We can displease Him and dishonor Him. We can make Him disappointed in us and embarrassed for us. These are things we want to avoid at all costs! Rather, we must trust and obey Him completely and, as a result, enjoy the impossible-to-describe joy and peace that comes to those who are walking closely with Him.
May we NEVER be guilty of underestimating or undervaluing our Father.
-Did the Holy Spirit teach you something or make you think hard about something from this passage? Summarize it:
-What do you want to thank God for based on this passage?
-What are your prayer targets for today based on this passage?
(Don’t forget to list one thing you have learned about God based on today’s study!)
Monday, October 4, 2021
(Have you asked God for direction and wisdom?)
Exodus 34:5-7
“The Lord came down in a cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed the name of the Lord. The Lord passed in front of him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and filled with gracious love and truth. He graciously loves thousands, and forgives iniquity, transgression, and sin. But he does not leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of the ancestors on their children, and on their children’s children to the third and fourth generation.”
– From where did the Lord come down?
-The Lord proclaimed that He is _____ and ___, slow to ___, and ___ with gracious love and ___.
-The Lord graciously ___ thousands, and ___ in iniquity, transgressions, and sin.
-The Lord does not leave the guilty ____.
Something to Think About:
At this second writing of the ten commandments on the stone tablets, God once again told Moses “I AM.” He used His name to instruct Moses Who He is and what He is like.
Try for a moment to picture Moses standing on that mountain WITH GOD ALMIGHTY. Listen to what God is saying as if you were there, and as if this was the very first time you were hearing these incredible characteristics about the Creator—Who chose YOU as His own special possession:
I am compassionate.
I am gracious.
I am slow to anger.
I am filled with gracious love.
I am filled with truth.
I graciously love thousands.
I graciously forgive iniquity, transgressions, and sin.
I do not leave the guilty unpunished.
YOUR Father is compassionate—He cares about everything having to do with you. YOUR Father is gracious—He is tender, kind, and gentle. YOUR Father is slow to anger—often giving you a second chance, or even a third or fourth, wanting you to turn from sin and return to a right relationship with Him. YOUR Father is filled with gracious love—He is merciful, loving, faithful, and righteous. YOUR Father is filled with truth—He defines what is true! YOUR Father graciously loves thousands—and helps you to love in the same way that He loves. YOUR Father graciously forgives sin every single time you ask—and He chooses to no longer remember it or hold it against you. YOUR Father punishes the guilty—He will one day right all wrongs.
This listing by God of Who He is was so ginormous to the Israelites, that they praised God for it multiple times throughout the Old Testament. It was a truth they clung to over and over throughout their history, and it is mentioned numerous times in Scripture. And it is a marvelous truth for us to cling to as well. It is both a comfort and encouragement – and a reminder about what we are to be becoming as we mature and become more Christ-like.
-Did the Holy Spirit teach you something or make you think hard about something from this passage? Summarize it:
-What do you want to thank God for based on this passage?
-What are your prayer targets for today based on this passage?
(Don’t forget to list one thing you have learned about God based on today’s study!)
Saturday, October 2, 2021
(Step #1 is always prayer! Don’t forget, though, to start your prayer with gratitude and not just the “give me’s”!)
Exodus 3:14
“God replied to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM,” and then said, “Tell the Israelis: ‘I AM sent me to you.’” (Or, I WILL BE WHO I WILL BE or I AM THE ONE WHO IS)
-Who said “I AM WHO I AM”?
-Who was He speaking to?
-What was Moses to tell the Israelis?
BONUS POINTS: How many “I AM’s” of Jesus Christ can you remember from the Gospel of John?
Something to Think About:
This was an extremely important point in Israel’s history—and not just because God was speaking from a burning bush! God gave Moses HIS NAME—the name of the Eternal, Almighty God.
Did you know that most of what we call the names of God are really His titles? He has a TON of titles because His character and works are so vast, high, and wonderful – and I expect we’ll find a few more before the month is out – but, I AM is God’s name, not His title. It is also printed as “LORD” (all caps) in most of our English translations and “Yahweh” or Jehovah in a few of them.
What is the significance of God giving Moses and the people of Israel His name? He was establishing with them a very personal connection, He was demonstrating to them that they are exceedingly important to Him, and He was sharing with them a bit about Himself in telling them that He is I AM, the Self-Existing One. It denotes His sovereignty, His supreme rule, His right to call the shots—His right to be praised and honored above all else!
In our me-first society, we sure need to be reminded that there is One God and it’s not us, or anyone or anything other than the great I AM. He deserves our total allegiance. His will is our command, His wishes are our joy to fulfill. His smile what we CRAVE to see.
When Moses heard God speak to Him, he hid his face, acknowledging his unworthiness to even be near God’s holiness. What is YOUR response to God as He calls to you through His Word? To fight for your rights—or to fall on your face and say, “Here am I.”
FYI: Jesus, God’s Son, also told the crowds that He is I AM in John 8:58. In addition, He elaborated on this to present the seven great I AMs: I AM the Bread of Life (John 6:35), I AM the Light of the World (John 8:12), I AM the Gate/Door (John 10:9), I AM the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), I AM the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25-26); I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6), I AM the True Vine (John 15:1).
Did You Know?
-Thorn bushes did (and do) sometimes burst into flames in the Sinai Desert (these particular plants have a high oil content). The difference is that this bush didn’t burn up.
-This is the first time God spoke directly with someone (in as far as Scripture records) in over 400 years. This is similar to the time between the prophets in the Old Testament and Gabriel coming to announce two special births in the New Testament (400 years of silence from God, known as the intertestamental period).
-The custom of removing ones’ shoes to show respect was common in that time and place—and is still common in many parts of the world.
-Did the Holy Spirit teach you something or make you think hard about something from this passage? Summarize it:
-What do you want to thank God for based on this passage?
-What are your prayer targets for today based on this passage?
(Don’t forget to list one thing you have learned about God based on today’s study!)
Dear Student of the Word,
Thank you for joining me for another month of studying God’s Word in order to find out how we as His children can imitate Him in a way that pleases Him and brings Him glory. As we enter the tenth month of the year, we can look back to remember that we have learned about: imitating God, following Jesus’ example, observing His “ways,” studying what pleased Him in the lives of other believers down through the millennia, finding out what it means to please God, and in what ways God is light, love, and holy. We’ve been blessed by so many wonderful Bible passages!
As we bring the year to a close, let’s focus on verses where God tells us a bit about Himself. This month, in particular, let’s look at verses specifically addressing God the Father. To help us focus and remember what we are learning, I strongly suggest that you keep an ongoing list about what you are learning about God and add to it after each study (I have included this in the back of the paper version of this Bible study.)
May we all be blessed, encouraged, and challenged to greater Christlikeness as we study God’s Word this month!
By His Grace,
Lorie
-Past studies can be found on our church’s website: firstbaptistnorthconway.org.
-We are using the ISV translation this month courtesy of Biblegateway.com.
-Feel free to share these devotions with whomever the Lord lays on your heart.
-THANK YOU for praying for this ministry! We are nothing without God’s direction and help!
Friday, October 1, 2021
(Be sure to take a few minutes to pray and ask God to help you understand His Word. Pray as well for brothers and sisters in Christ to spend time in God’s Word today and to apply it obediently and willingly to their lives.)
Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning, God created the universe.”
-When did God create the universe?
-What did God create?
-Who created the universe?
-Bonus Points! Look up “universe” in a dictionary. What does it say?
Something To Think About:
The focus of our study in the month of October is what God the Father tells us about Himself in His written Word, the Bible. I’m sure you recognize that this is a subject so vast that it is something Christians will be working on for all the millennia to come, but that’s not to say a short, concise study is a waste of time. In fact, I can’t speak for you, but simply trying to tackle a study that is too big has sometimes given me enough mental challenge that I’ve quit even before I started. So, sit back and enjoy twenty-six days of amazement as we read a bit about our Father in heaven (I don’t mean that you will be amazed because of anything I have written, but because of what GOD will impress on our hearts!).
Where better to begin a study on God than the beginning? Genesis 1:1, in all its simplicity, contains profound truths about our God. He is the Creator of the “universe” – which is all that we have ever known (but, we acknowledge, also contains a whole lot we don’t know!). It consists of people, animals, plants, physical things, spiritual things, huge things, things too tiny to see—everything. It is GOD Who created it. In fact, everyone and everything aside from God is something that has been formed and fashioned by Him. Since we are His creation, we are completely dependent on Him in every way and at all times.
By way of application, Who better to go to with our problems, challenges, and questions than THE CREATOR? Choosing anyone or anything other than Him as our source of knowledge, information, and direction just doesn’t make sense.
When did God create the universe and everything in it? In the beginning. Did you notice something pretty important? God was already there in the beginning. God has always existed and will always exist. Maybe your brain is a lot bigger than mine (this is almost certainly true!), but I find that pretty hard to comprehend.
By way of application, why WOULDN’T we want to please the Creator and Sustainer of everything? Since, as His children, we’ll be spending ETERNITY with Him, why wouldn’t we be working hard now to learn everything about Him that we can so that we can apply it to our daily lives?
In time, God assigned jobs to the various parts of His universe and the creatures He created, but a key foundational truth is that, ultimately, everything was created to bring God honor and glory. This truth alone is a huge gem! Knowing why we are here helps us to have both proper short-term and long-term goals, all with the overarching purpose of bringing God honor and glory.
Genesis 1:1. One verse. Seven words. HUGE IMPACT.
-Did the Holy Spirit teach you something or make you think hard about something from this passage? Summarize it:
-What do you want to thank God for based on this passage?
-What are your prayer targets for today based on this passage?
(Don’t forget to list one thing you have learned about God based on today’s study!)
November 2021 DBSQ
Dear Students of the Word,
Welcome to the eleventh month of DBSQs in 2021 for the Mary & Martha Ladies’ Bible Study Group of the First Baptist Church, North Conway, New Hampshire, on the focus of being imitators of God (Eph. 5:1).
Our work this month will be to look at what God’s Word tells us about Jesus Christ, a follow-up to last month’s work on what God the Father told us about Himself. I encourage you to keep a master list of what you are learning day by day to refer to in the future (one is provided in the back of the hard copy of this study).
All those who are within driving distance of our church are welcome to join us for our monthly review session of these studies. The next meeting is Monday, November 8th, at 6:30 pm. Our meetings consist of sharing prayer requests and praises, praying together as a group, and reviewing the work done in these packets. Contact me at writeloriebrown@gmail.com for more information.
Here are some tips to enhance your work in these studies:
-Share what you’ve learned with a friend or two daily, weekly, or at the end of the month.
-Because we are only ever able to get through about 7-10 days of work at our meetings (we always run out of time!), reviewing the rest of the work with someone at the end of the month could be a help and a blessing.
-AND, be sure to pray before you study God’s Word AND after. Pray, as well, for others who are working on their studies.
May God be greatly honored and glorified—and may you be blessed and challenged to greater godliness through the study of God’s Word this month!
By His Grace,
Lorie
-There are many resources available on our church website: firstbaptistnorthconway.org.
-We also host a channel on YouTube where you can watch recorded services from the past or even view services live. It can be found by going to YouTube.com, then searching for FBCNorthConway.
-Scripture is courtesy of biblegateway.com.
Monday, November 1, 2021
(What a privilege God has given to us to be able to ask Him how to understand and live out His Word! Have you done that yet today?)
Scripture that tells us something about Jesus Christ:
Isaiah 9:6-7 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the growth of his government and peace there will be no end. He will rule over his kingdom, sitting on the throne of David, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of the Heavenly Armies will accomplish this.”
True or False
1. The child born to us was no ordinary child.
2. His government will end after the Millennium.
3. Jesus will sit on the throne of Solomon forevermore.
4. The Lord of the Heavenly Armies will accomplish what He set out to do.
(Answers: yes, no, no (kind of), yes. If you got something wrong, look back over the Scripture to see if you can figure out why.)
Something to Think About:
Do you ever get discouraged thinking about how long it’s been since Jesus ascended into the clouds, promising to call us to meet Him “soon”? Do you ever wonder just how many more years (or centuries) will have to pass before the Church Age is fulfilled and done? I was thinking that very thing when reading Isaiah’s prophecy of King Jesus. He actually wrote about this hundreds of years before it was fulfilled in a tiny, helpless Baby born on a dark night in the village of Bethlehem, too tiny to be considered of any importance whatsoever.
This made me think of Adam and Eve and the day they sinned, bringing all of mankind under condemnation with them. When God promised to one day send a Redeemer to “fix” their awful, awful problem, how they must have yearned for it to happen the next day, or maybe the day after! Yet, even though they lived several hundred years, they didn’t live to see it happen. In fact, it was hundreds of additional years before Isaiah prophesied about Jesus, and another several hundred before Jesus came. BUT HE DID COME. He came and He DID pay the price that God’s wrath demanded with His very own life.
All this should help us to bear up under the hardships of this lifetime with a whole lot more patience and joy, BECAUSE God always, always, always keeps His Word. At just the right time Jesus WILL rapture all those who have trusted in Him as their Savior and He WILL return to earth a mere seven years later to set up His earthly kingdom in Jerusalem—and oh what a kingdom it will be! His rule will be unlike anything anyone has EVER known! He is the Wonderful Counselor! The Mighty God! The Everlasting Father! The Prince of Peace! His rule will be one of perfect justice and righteousness. It will be one of peace. AND, fellow child of God, WE WILL BE THERE! And because of what Jesus did for us, we’ll be privileged to rule and reign WITH HIM and for Him—for all of eternity.
I KNOW how hard life can be in the here and now, how hard it can be to not give in to sorrow and despair, BUT wonderful things are just around the corner—literally ANY SECOND. Keep on keeping on. Excel still more. Shine as lights of God into the darkness. King Jesus’ kingdom is one day closer.
-You and the Lord:
-Name at least one thing you learned about Jesus Christ or were reminded about from today’s Scripture:
-What about this blessed you, challenged you, or piqued your interest to maybe learn more about it?
-What would you like to thank God for or praise Him about based on today’s Scripture?
-Name one thing that you want to remember in order to be a God-honoring imitator of God:
Tuesday, November 2, 2021
(Spend some time in prayer before opening God’s Word today. He’s eager to help us understand it and apply it!)
Scripture that tells us something about Jesus Christ:
Isaiah 53:3-7 “He was despised and rejected by others, and a man of sorrows, intimately familiar with suffering; and like one from whom people hide their faces; and we despised him and did not value him. “Surely he has borne our sufferings and carried our sorrows; yet we considered him stricken, and struck down by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, and he was crushed for our iniquities, and the punishment that made us whole was upon him, and by his bruises we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned, each of us, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and he was afflicted, yet he didn’t open his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, as a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.”
True or False
1. Jesus was despised by some people.
2. God struck down Jesus because of what He did.
3. Every single hardship Jesus dealt with was our fault and He bore it willingly and patiently.
4. Jesus was slaughtered like a lamb brought to be sacrificed, but we are the ones who are guilty.
(no, no, yes, yes)
Something to Think About:
We are looking at a very small selection of verses and passages from the Bible that tell us a bit about Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Godhead, the One Who lives to do the Father’s will – and the One Who suffered in unspeakable ways FOR US.
Even though we’re focusing on facts, information, and truths about Jesus this month, I just don’t see how we can read Isaiah 53 and not see the multiple personal references in this passage (“we,” “our,” “us”).
It was for US that Jesus left heaven’s glories and the perfect oneness with the Father to come to earth, forevermore in the body of a man, only to be disregarded, despised, rejected, and become intimately familiar with suffering! If ANYONE had even the tiniest question in their mind about just how awful mankind’s sin nature is, we have but to look at our reaction to Jesus’ complete surrender to His slaughter in our place. He didn’t have to do any of it, but He did, and our response was to turn away from Him, sneering at Him in disgust.
Wow.
God the Son suffered untold agony for YOU – and He did it willingly. He did it because His love for you is everlasting. THIS is what we need to remember when we “feel” that we are unloved, abandoned, or not cared about. Nothing could be further from the truth. We might not have valued Jesus in our sinful hearts, but He always values us! Another take-away from today’s passage is to consider how God’s immeasurable love for us should lead to us showing love, patience, kindness, mercy, and grace to the people in our lives who sometimes (or all the time!) push our buttons.
How are these earth-shattering truths going to impact YOUR day TODAY? How are you going to thank the Father? How are you going to value Jesus Christ? Who is the Holy Spirit laying on your heart to tell about what Jesus did for THEM?
-You and the Lord:
-Name at least one thing you learned about Jesus Christ or were reminded about from today’s Scripture:
-What about this blessed you, challenged you, or piqued your interest to maybe learn more about it?
-What would you like to thank God for or praise Him about based on today’s Scripture?
-Name one thing that you want to remember in order to be a God-honoring imitator of God:
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
(Spend some time in prayer thanking the Father for sending His Son to die on your behalf. Ask His help to live for Him today in your actions and attitudes.)
Scripture that tells us something about Jesus Christ:
Isaiah 61:1-3 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed and to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness for the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, a mantle of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”
Something to Think About:
Did you know that the books of prophecy are often talking about current events (current in relation to their lives, not ours!), but then may suddenly switch to future events with no warning (some of which happened after they were written about, but many STILL haven’t happened)? Did you know that they are also often talking about someone who is living at that time AND something or someone yet to come? I fully confess that I find these books often to be quite a challenge, but I’ve also come to realize that they contain some pretty amazing treasures. Isaiah 61, for example, is pretty cool. Did you remember that Jesus quoted part of it in one of His first synagogue visits once He began His ministry? In fact, it was in His own hometown, and because the people knew that the Book Jesus was reading from (Isaiah) was referring to the long-awaited Messiah, they rejected Jesus, thinking in their limited brains that Jesus couldn’t possibly be the One Who God would send to redeem them – because they knew Him as a child. Oh, how wrong they were! They literally told God to go away to His face!
Here’s Luke 4:16-21, “Then Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had been raised. As was his custom, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day. When he stood up to read, the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling the scroll, he found the place where it was written, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he has anointed me to tell the good news to the poor. He has sent me to announce release to the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to set oppressed people free, and to announce the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. While the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on him, he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled, as you’ve heard it read aloud.”
If you compare what Jesus quoted from Isaiah with the prophecy, you’ll notice that Jesus stopped partway through. He stopped before He said, “The day of vengeance of our God,” This is because that day hadn’t come yet. In fact, it STILL hasn’t come. The day of vengeance is referring to the end of the Tribulation, which ushers in the Millennium, where Jesus sets up His earthly kingdom. Jesus’ first coming (what is recorded in the four gospels) is about Jesus’ coming to earth with the mission of taking the punishment that our sin demanded: death. His second coming will be to establish His glorious, righteous rule.
Isaiah 61 (and Luke 4) tell us some pretty astounding things about Jesus in reference to His first coming. He said that He operated by the power of the Holy Spirit (we do, too!), He was chosen by God to tell the “good news” of how God was going to fulfill His promise to make a way for us to be reconciled to Him (we get to tell others the “good news,” too!), He said that His coming would release prisoners (all those imprisoned by sin), restore vision (spiritual eyesight), set the oppressed people free, and announce the year of the Lord’s favor. Jesus DID heal thousands of their physical problems, but more importantly, He made a way for us to be free from sin and all its horrible imprisonment and blindness. Simple faith in Him brings everyone from darkness into His marvelous light.
BONUS! Did you notice how it was Jesus’ HABIT to be in the synagogue every Sabbath? How do you think this should affect our view of the importance of church attendance?
BONUS #2! One other thing we should know about Jesus from this passage (and many others), is that He fulfilled every single prophecy that Scripture gave about Him. God is 100% trustworthy!
-You and the Lord:
-Name at least one thing you learned about Jesus Christ or were reminded about from today’s Scripture:
-What about this blessed you, challenged you, or piqued your interest to maybe learn more about it?
-What would you like to thank God for or praise Him about based on today’s Scripture?
-Name one thing that you want to remember in order to be a God-honoring imitator of God:
Thursday, November 4, 2021
(Spend some time in prayer thanking the Father for the Scripture accounts that He gave us that not only tell us many wonderful stories, but help us to know how to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him.)
Scripture that tells us something about Jesus Christ:
Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Watch! The virgin is conceiving a child, and will give birth to a son, and his name will be called Immanuel.”
Something to Think About:
This is another prophetic passage that is extremely important to us AND was also pertinent to King Ahaz, the recipient of the warnings and promises of God in Isaiah 7. I’ve warned you before that a scholar I am NOT, but sometimes God will graciously help me to see a HUGE truth in a simple, basic kind of way. If you want an incredibly detailed, uber awesome explanation of this passage (and the rest of Isaiah), please contact Pastor Brown. However, for now, you are stuck with me. Here’s a simple take on this verse (and chapter): God wants to provide help and direction to His children in our lives today, but whether or not we listen and obey Him, He will STILL be faithful and He will STILL fulfill all of His promises. One such promise was that God Himself would one day dwell among people.
This is a passage of Scripture that was fulfilled in the New Testament with Jesus’ birth—and it is one that will be fulfilled in the grandest, most outstanding, hard-to-grasp, permanent way at the end of the Millennium—and the beginning of the ages of the ages. All three Persons of the Godhead will dwell with us upon the creation of the new heavens and new earth.
This first passage records God (the Son) becoming Man (though, of course, He never stopped also being God). The second passage is a record of God’s ultimate plan for Himself and those He has chosen to be His children.
“Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah happened in this way. When his mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, before they lived together she was discovered to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to disgrace her, decided to divorce her secretly. After he had thought about it, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” he said, “don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he is the one who will save his people from their sins.” Now all this happened to fulfill what was declared by the Lord through the prophet when he said, “See, a virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel,” which means, “God with us.” When Joseph got up from his sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary as his wife. He did not have marital relations with her until she had given birth to a son; and he named him Jesus.” Matthew 1:18-25
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, because the first heaven and the first earth had disappeared, and the sea was gone. I also saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband. I heard a loud voice from the throne say, “See, the tent of God is among humans! He will make his home with them,
and they will be his people. God himself will be with them, and he will be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There won’t be death anymore. There won’t be any grief, crying, or pain, because the first things have disappeared.” Revelation 21:1-4
What did we learn about Jesus today? He is God’s gift to us. He is Immanuel, God WITH us. He came to earth as a Baby to fulfill God’s will and plan. He will return to remove all traces of sin forevermore and will take up residence WITH US. Forever.
Our response? Gratitude! Prayers of thanksgiving! A decision to trust God in not only these incredible future events, but in the nitty-gritty of TODAY. A sense of tremendous anticipation while watching the skies for Jesus’ return. A calm assurance that God IS in control, has always been in control, and will always be in control.
-You and the Lord:
-Name at least one thing you learned about Jesus Christ or were reminded about from today’s Scripture:
-What about this blessed you, challenged you, or piqued your interest to maybe learn more about it?
-What would you like to thank God for or praise Him about based on today’s Scripture?
-Name one thing that you want to remember in order to be a God-honoring imitator of God:
Friday, November 5, 2021
(Spend some time in prayer thanking God for His care today—and for all of eternity.)
Scripture that tells us something about Jesus Christ:
Luke 1:31-35 “Listen! You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. He will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will never end.”
Something to Think About:
As a reminder, we are looking at what the Bible tells us about Jesus Christ. When we get into these very familiar passages (like for the entire month!), we will find a ton of things that gets our attention, to the point where we might be distracted—and rightly so. However, we’re going to TRY to focus on what we learn about Jesus, though we’ll also always seek to discover how God wants us to apply it to our daily habits and circumstances.
What do we learn about Jesus from Luke 1? Jesus is GREAT, Jesus is the Son of the Most-High, Jesus is the One God chose to sit on the throne of David forever, Jesus will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will never end.
All this is extremely pertinent for the Jewish people, but you and I know that later in Jesus’ ministry, He began to give hints that God would ALSO bring some Gentiles into His kingdom. No one at that time had even a tiny clue that once Jesus returned to the right hand of His Father in heaven, a new age would be ushered in—the Church Age—the age you and I are living in right now. Jesus is OUR Savior, too! And someday, maybe soon, we will have the honor of seeing Him crowned King of Israel – and of the world. Then we will have the delight and privilege to serve the King of kings and Lord of lords, and in fact, we can and should be doing that right now.
Aren’t you just amazed at God’s incredible plan of redemption? When we look at our Bible as a whole, we can see His love from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21. God designed us to fellowship with Him and be blessed by Him, and even when we rejected Him and chose to hate everything about Him, He STILL loved us and He carried out His plan to save us, restore us, and claim us as His beloved ones; members of His own household—children of the King!
Our response? From waking to sleeping, choose to make honoring Him and obeying Him as the foundation of everything we think, say, and do; thanking Him in word and action for sending His own Son to be Immanuel, our Redeemer, and our Master.
-You and the Lord:
-Name at least one thing you learned about Jesus Christ or were reminded about from today’s Scripture:
-What about this blessed you, challenged you, or piqued your interest to maybe learn more about it?
-What would you like to thank God for or praise Him about based on today’s Scripture?
-Name one thing that you want to remember in order to be a God-honoring imitator of God:
Saturday, November 6, 2021
(Spend some time in prayer thanking God for bringing you into His forever-family.)
Scripture that tells us something about Jesus Christ:
Luke 2:41-52 “Every year Jesus’ parents would go to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. When Jesus was twelve years old, they went up to the festival as usual. When the days of the festival were over, they left for home. The young man Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. They thought that he was in their group of travelers. After traveling for a day, they started looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching desperately for him. Three days later, they found him in the Temple sitting among the teachers, listening to them, and posing questions to them. All who heard him were amazed at his intelligence and his answers. When Jesus’ parents saw him, they were shocked. His mother asked him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been worried sick looking for you!” He asked them, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I had to be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he told them. Then he went back with them, returning to Nazareth and remaining in submission to them. His mother continued to treasure all these things in her heart. Meanwhile, Jesus kept on growing wiser and more mature, and in favor with God and his fellow man.”
Something to Think About:
There’s a lot about Jesus in this passage!
-Jesus was raised in a family that obeyed God’s Law. It was required for all Jewish males to go to Jerusalem for the Passover every year (many men traveled with their whole family), so that’s what they did. (If you were raised in a Christian home, be sure to thank God—and be sure to thank your parents!)
-Jesus could not sin, so staying behind could not have been disobedience to His parents.
-His parents loved Him and took great care of Him.
-For the Jews, twelve years old was on the brink of manhood, so Jesus was leaving childhood in this event.
-Jesus had relatives and friends, enough that His parents didn’t notice He was missing (how blessed we are to have Christian family members and friends!).
-His parents did not always understand Him.
-Jesus listened to those who taught God’s Word and questioned them in a way that was evidently insightful and intelligent. He seemed to have excellent understanding of God’s Word, therefore we can conclude that He was both taught well from the time He was very young, and that He studied God’s Word Himself (if you’re a parent, never stop teaching your children from God’s Word!).
-Jesus HAD to be in His Father’s House. This indicates that (at least by this time) He understood that God was His Father, and that God the Father had a job for Him to do (He also had an extremely strong conviction about the importance of being in God’s House. Do you?).
-Jesus submitted Himself to His earthly parents’ authority (submission to legitimate authority is required of all believers).
-Jesus grew as a normal boy would, but He also grew in favor with God and His fellow man as He aged (our testimony may or may not have always been sterling, but we can sure work hard to make it a bit more God-honoring every year we are alive).
This is the only place in the Bible that tells us something about Jesus as a child, but what an amazing passage it is! It gives us great examples to follow as well as clear direction in raising our own children. Basically, we ought to teach our children to see the necessity to be in God’s Word, to be in God’s House, and to be about HIS business. That is, to obey Him, to love Him, and serve Him. As we do this, we too can “grow” in favor with God, since trusting Him and obeying Him gives Him great pleasure.
How does what you learned today impact your day—and life?
-You and the Lord:
-Name at least one thing you learned about Jesus Christ or were reminded about from today’s Scripture:
-What about this blessed you, challenged you, or piqued your interest to maybe learn more about it?
-What would you like to thank God for or praise Him about based on today’s Scripture?
-Name one thing that you want to remember in order to be a God-honoring imitator of God:
Monday, November 8, 2021
(Spend some time in prayer thanking God for the blessings of being in His House yesterday.)
Scripture that tells us something about Jesus Christ:
Luke 4:1-14 “Then Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan. He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where he was being tempted by the Devil for 40 days. During that time he ate nothing at all, and when they were over he became hungry. The Devil told him, “Since you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One must not live on bread alone, but on every word of God.’” The Devil also took him to a high place and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in an instant. He told Jesus, “I will give you all this authority, along with their glory, because it has been given to me, and I give it to anyone I please. So if you will worship me, all this will be yours.” But Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’” The Devil also took him into Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the Temple. He told Jesus, “Since you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, because it is written, ‘God will put his angels in charge of you to watch over you carefully. With their hands they will hold you up, so that you will never hit your foot against a rock.’” Jesus answered him, “It has been said, ‘You must not tempt the Lord your God.’” After the Devil had finished tempting Jesus in every possible way, he left him until another time. Then Jesus returned to Galilee by the power of the Spirit. Meanwhile, the news about him spread throughout the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was continuously receiving praise from everyone.”
Something to Think About:
Four brothers left home for college, and they became successful doctors and lawyers. One evening, they chatted after having dinner together. They discussed the 95th birthday gifts they were able to give their elderly mother who had moved to Florida.
The first said, “You know I had a big house built for Mama.” The second said, “And I had a large theater built in the house.”
The third said, “And I had my Mercedes dealer deliver an SL600 to her. “The fourth said, “You know how Mama loved reading the Bible and you know she can’t read anymore because she can’t see very well. I met this preacher who told me about a parrot who could recite the entire Bible. It took ten preachers almost 8 years to teach him. I had to pledge to contribute $50,000 a year for five years to the church, but it was worth it. Mama only has to name the chapter and verse, and the parrot will recite it. “The other brothers were impressed.
After the celebration, Mama sent out her “Thank You” notes. She wrote: Milton, the house you built is so huge that I live in only one room, but I have to clean the whole house. Thanks anyway.” “Marvin, I am too old to travel. I stay home; I have my groceries delivered, so I never use the Mercedes. The thought was good. Thanks.” “Michael, you gave me an expensive theater with Dolby sound and it can hold 50 people, but all of my friends are dead, I’ve lost my hearing, and I’m nearly blind. I’ll never use it. Thank you for the gesture just the same.”
“Dearest Melvin, you were the only son to have the good sense to give a little thought to your gift. The chicken was delicious.
Thank you so much.” Love, Mama
(author unknown)
Forgive me for being a little unconventional for this application, but the joke seemed pertinent to this passage of Scripture. Why? Because the exceeding value of Scripture is the point of what Jesus taught in this event – and we don’t always recognize just how critical it is to everything we are and need to be as God’s children. We have been given a priceless treasure, but sometimes all we see is a bird to eat.
There were three takeaways from Jesus’ example: 1) Jesus always did God the Father’s will. 2) Jesus relied on the strength of the Holy Spirit to enable Him to do the right thing and withstand temptation. He did not rely on His own strength or wisdom or preferences. 3) Jesus quoted God’s Word as the final word on the subject, really the ONLY word on the subject. He didn’t need to say anything more than to repeat back what God had said.
These are the three things that you and I have at our constant disposal as well. In fact, they are OUR all-powerful weapons to battle temptation and do the right thing too.
Awesome!
How much do you value your Bible? Do you recognize it for the incredible treasure it is?
-You and the Lord:
-Name at least one thing you learned about Jesus Christ or were reminded about from today’s Scripture:
-What about this blessed you, challenged you, or piqued your interest to maybe learn more about it?
-What would you like to thank God for or praise Him about based on today’s Scripture?
-Name one thing that you want to remember in order to be a God-honoring imitator of God:
Tuesday, November 9, 2021
(Spend some time in prayer asking God to help you remember to look to the Bible in order to know what to say and do.)
Scripture that tells us something about Jesus Christ:
Luke 19:10 “And the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.”
Something to Think About:
What can we learn about Jesus from this one short verse?
-Jesus called Himself the Son of Man. This was His favorite way to refer to Himself and it speaks of both His Deity and His humanity. Before He became a human, He was, from all eternity, God. Because Jesus willingly followed God’s plan for our salvation and took on human nature and a human body (without any sin in His nature), Jesus will also forever be 100% Man (in addition to being 100% God). He is pleased to have it this way—because of His love for you and me.
-Jesus had a mission. He came to seek and save the lost. This has a few key sub-points:
-Jesus is the One Who came looking for us. He took the initiative. Scripture tells us that if it were up to us, we would NEVER have gone looking for Him. His great love is the theme of Scripture – and one worthy of continuous meditation and tremendous praise to God on our part.
-Just as the word “salvation” does not always refer to (spiritual) salvation from our sins (the word means “rescue”), the word “lost” does not always refer to unbelievers. Jesus DID come to die for unbelievers—and He most definitely wants every single person to trust in Him for salvation, but Jesus also came to seek and save those who are saved, but who have wandered away from a right relationship to God. Some key passages that talk about this are Luke 15:4-7, the one lost sheep, Luke 15:8-10, the lost coin, and Luke 15:11-32, the prodigal son. In each of these stories, the lost thing had been in the possession of the owner, therefore, these lessons are for believers. God does not wish for even one of His children to wander away from His tender loving care.
Jesus came to seek and save the lost. How can we EVER thank God enough for that!
-You and the Lord:
-Name at least one thing you learned about Jesus Christ or were reminded about from today’s Scripture:
-What about this blessed you, challenged you, or piqued your interest to maybe learn more about it?
-What would you like to thank God for or praise Him about based on today’s Scripture?
-Name one thing that you want to remember in order to be a God-honoring imitator of God:
Wednesday, November 10, 2021
(Spend some time in prayer thanking the Father that He seeks and saves all who are lost.)
Scripture that tells us something about Jesus Christ:
John 1:1-18 “In the beginning, the Word existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. Through him all things were made, and apart from him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life brought light to humanity. And the light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out. “This was the true light that enlightens every person by his coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him. Yet the world did not recognize him. He came to his own creation, yet his own people did not receive him. However, to all who received him, those believing in his name, he gave authority to become God’s children, who were born, not merely in a genetic sense, nor from lust, nor from man’s desire, but from the will of God. The Word became flesh and lived among us. We gazed on his glory, the kind of glory that belongs to the Father’s uniquely existing Son, who is full of grace and truth. John told the truth about him when he cried out, “This is the person about whom I said, ‘The one who comes after me ranks higher than me, because he existed before me.’” We have all received one gracious gift after another from his abundance, because while the Law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus the Messiah. No one has ever seen God. The uniquely existing God, who is close to the Father’s side, has revealed him.”
Something to Think About:
I hope you’ve read the Gospel of John enough times to fall in love with it. It is such an awesome Book! In fact, it jumps right in with several key truths about Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Trinity.
-Jesus has always been. Like God the Father, He is eternal.
-Jesus is the Word. This means that He is the divine communication, as well as the divine logic—what we might call the meaning of life.
-Jesus is both with God and He IS God. This means He is in intimate fellowship with God the Father and that He partakes of the same essence and nature.
-Jesus is the One Who created the heavens and the earth and all that is in our universe. In addition, Colossians tells us that it is Jesus Who continues to hold all things together. If He were to let go, everything would explode into nothingness.
-Jesus is the author of physical life AND spiritual life. The person that Jesus saves and makes whole is given a light that simply can never be put out. Even when our physical bodies return to dust, the real “us” lives on forever. Our salvation can never be taken away from us.
-Jesus is the True Light. This infers that everything else is a false light and/or darkness. When we listen to something/someone instead of God, we are choosing to place ourselves in darkness. This reminds us yet again that there’s more to “salvation,” “righteousness,” and “being in darkness” than the moment someone trusts in Jesus Christ as their Savior from the sin they were born in. Believers who wander away from an obedient and faithful lifestyle may need saving from their sinful choices.
-Jesus enlightened every person by coming into the world. If He hadn’t come, we would all be unable to understand truth.
-Jesus, God’s Son, God Himself, was not recognized as being God by many people, most especially the Jewish Religious Leaders.
-Jesus was not honored by the Jews as their Messiah. In fact, most rejected Him, ultimately plotting to have Him killed. We may judge them and condemn them, but doesn’t the Bible say that every time we make a decision to do what we want in defiance of what we know the Bible says, that we are turning our back on God too? That we are rejecting Him?
-Jesus has the authority to bestow upon every person who believes in Him as their Savior the name of “child of God”; a fellow heir along with Him! May this truth never grow commonplace in our hearts!
-Those who have believed in Jesus as their Savior have done so because it was the will of God. It’s always all about God, never about us.
-Jesus came to live among His creation (this is the same exact idea of God dwelling in the most-holy place of the tabernacle and Temple to commune with His specially chosen people, the Hebrews).
-Jesus came so that He could show us what God is truly like. There are even three descriptors in this one short passage that tell us a bit about God: He is full of glory, grace, and truth (splendor, magnificence, excellence, majesty; loving-kindness, goodwill, favor; the state or character of being true; unfailing love and faithfulness).
BONUS: John mentioned in verse 15 that Jesus ranks higher than Him. In Hebrew culture, older people were to be highly honored and respected, so since John was born before Jesus, it would have made sense that he would have been thought of as ranking higher. However, since Jesus has always existed, He deserves the ultimate respect and honor. The concept of what John said would have been understood by those who heard him, but that doesn’t mean that they automatically accepted that Jesus was God and has eternally existed.
-You and the Lord:
-Name at least one thing you learned about Jesus Christ or were reminded about from today’s Scripture:
-What about this blessed you, challenged you, or piqued your interest to maybe learn more about it?
-What would you like to thank God for or praise Him about based on today’s Scripture?
-Name one thing that you want to remember in order to be a God-honoring imitator of God:
Thursday, November 11, 2021
(Spend some time in prayer telling God all the things that are praiseworthy about His Son.)
Scripture that tells us something about Jesus Christ:
Acts 10:38 “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and because God was with him, he went around doing good and healing everyone who was oppressed by the Devil.”
Something to Think About:
Many years ago I was teaching a Sunday School class to some young children and the curriculum writers had written a song to go with the lesson that began with the phrase, “Jesus went around doing good.” I don’t remember what came after that, though I know it was patterned after this verse, so I imagine it had something to do with healing the sick and demon-possessed, but I guess what I was especially blessed with was the simple truth that Jesus went around doing good—and as His disciple, I can and must do that too!
Here’s the challenge, though: LOTS of people try to do good, and there is more than one way of thinking about what “doing good” is. In fact, the men who hijacked airplanes on 9/11 and flew them into buildings were very certain that THEY were doing good! So, here’s where all of us need to remember that Jesus said that “no one is good except God,” and so OUR definition of what is good must always be what GOD says is good. In fact, He very graciously gave us SIXTY-SIX BOOKS defining what good is and isn’t!
Sometimes “good” is bringing food to the homeless, picking up something someone else dropped, providing a meal for someone who has been sick—that kind of thing, but sometimes good is lovingly, graciously, and humbly sharing with a sister in Christ that the words that are coming out of her mouth do not represent Christ as they ought. Is that fun? Is it nice to hear? No, but good is always going to be what is glorifying to God—and—something that gives someone something to pray about, which when received rightly, edifies or “builds up” others up in the things of the Lord (edifying, of course, is also encouraging others to hang in there in their faithfulness to God).
Of course, we would be remiss to not mention that the most foundational and essential first way we can do good is to tell people about their need for a Savior; that is, Jesus Christ, the only name by which anyone can be saved (Acts 4:12).
I don’t think we could ever come to the end of a list that gives ideas for how we can “go about doing good,” but that shouldn’t stop us from trying to construct such a list. Furthermore, rather than just thinking about the list, we should act on it (with the direction and help of the Holy Spirit). This would be a GREAT use of our time and energy.
-You and the Lord:
-Name at least one thing you learned about Jesus Christ or were reminded about from today’s Scripture:
-What about this blessed you, challenged you, or piqued your interest to maybe learn more about it?
-What would you like to thank God for or praise Him about based on today’s Scripture?
Friday, November 12, 2021
(Spend some time in prayer asking the Father for help to go around and do good!)
Scripture that tells us something about Jesus Christ:
I Corinthians 11:23-26 “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you—how the Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took a loaf of bread, gave thanks for it, and broke it in pieces, saying, “This is my body that is for you. Keep doing this in memory of me.” He did the same with the cup after the supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. As often as you drink from it, keep doing this in memory of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink from this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
Something to Think About:
This account from Paul conveys what Jesus said and did during the final meal He shared with His disciples before being crucified. Of course, Paul wasn’t present at that meal, but he either heard about it directly from the Lord or he heard accounts about it from the disciples at a later date. Our focus, though, is on what the Bible is telling us about Jesus. Going in order: Jesus gave thanks for the bread and the juice before passing it out to the men, Jesus told them that the bread represented His body, which He was giving up on their (our) behalf, Jesus instructed them that the cup was the “new covenant” in His blood and that they (we) should commemorate His death by partaking in this ceremony since it an important reminder about what He did for us in His death and resurrection.
Jesus said to “keep doing this in memory of Me.” He didn’t give a timetable as to how often, but it would seem that doing so regularly would be appropriate. Most churches like ours celebrate the Lord’s Table once a month.
Jesus said to keep doing it, leading us to understand that until He comes to take us home with Him, we should KEEP doing it. So… when is the last time YOU were part of your church’s communion service? When you go, are you remembering how important it is to make sure you are right with God and with your fellow believers before taking part? The rest of I Corinthians 11 addresses some of the consequences of not taking this ceremony seriously enough. When the service is going on, are you paying close attention to what it’s all about? Are you remembering what your Savior did for YOU? Are you thanking God for His plan to save you and make you His child?
Communion, or the Lord’s Table, is a super special thing for Christians to participate in. It is an act of obedience to our Savior’s wishes, and it is something we can do to keep His sacrifice on our behalf fresh in our minds and hearts. Don’t let anything but the direst circumstances allow you to miss it!
-You and the Lord:
-Name at least one thing you learned about Jesus Christ or were reminded about from today’s Scripture:
-What about this blessed you, challenged you, or piqued your interest to maybe learn more about it?
-What would you like to thank God for or praise Him about based on today’s Scripture?
-Name one thing that you want to remember in order to be a God-honoring imitator of God:
Saturday, November 13, 2021(Spend some time in prayer in order to make sure you have no unconfessed sin so that you can please God today in all your doings!)
Scripture that tells us something about Jesus Christ:
II Corinthians 5:21 “God made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that God’s righteousness would be produced in us.”
Something to Think About:
II Corinthians 5 (bonus points if you pause to read the whole thing!) tells us some pretty grand things about Jesus Christ:
-He will reside over a special Judgment Seat where what we have done for Him as believers will be evaluated (v.10) (and rewarded!).
-His love controls us, helping us to live for God and not for self (v.14-15).
-He has made us brand-new creations with a whole new outlook, goal, and destination (v.17).
-He reconciles us to God the Father (v.19), making the way for us to have a relationship with Him—and more than a relationship, becoming a part of God’s own family!
If this wasn’t amazing enough, verse 21 reminds us that Jesus BECAME sin for us—He Who never sinned, nor COULD ever sin—took upon Himself all the vile filth of OUR sin. He did it because it was the only way that it could be removed. Praise to God for His plan and the work His Son did should never be far from our thoughts or lips!
Did you notice that there always seems to be SOMETHING we can—or must—do in response to what Jesus did for us?
-We can choose to live a life that is pleasing to Him (v.9)!
-We can choose to live for God and not for self (v.15)!
-We can choose to represent Christ in what we do—and why (v.20)!
-AND, we can be “good soil” so that God’s righteousness can be produced in us (v.21).
Like all the other godly attributes God wants to grow in us, He does all the work, but He also gives us the privilege and responsibility of obeying Him by implementing His Word in every area of our lives.
-You and the Lord:
-Name at least one thing you learned about Jesus Christ or were reminded about from today’s Scripture:
-What about this blessed you, challenged you, or piqued your interest to maybe learn more about it?
-What would you like to thank God for or praise Him about based on today’s Scripture?
-Name one thing that you want to remember in order to be a God-honoring imitator of God
Monday, November 15, 2021
(Spend some time in prayer thanking God for the lessons and blessings of the weekend!)
Scripture that tells us something about Jesus Christ:
Ephesians 2 “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love for us. . . raised us up with him, and seated us with him in the heavenly realm in the Messiah Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might display the limitless riches of his grace that comes to us through his kindness in the Messiah Jesus. . .For we are God’s masterpiece, created in the Messiah Jesus to perform good actions that God prepared long ago to be our way of life. . . But now, in union with the Messiah Jesus, you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of the Messiah. For it is he who is our peace. Through his mortality he made both groups one by tearing down the wall of hostility that divided them. He rendered the Law inoperative, along with its commandments and regulations, thus creating in himself one new humanity from the two, thereby making peace, and reconciling both groups to God in one body through the cross, on which he eliminated the hostility. He came and proclaimed peace for you who were far away and for you who were near. For through him, both of us have access to the Father by one Spirit. That is why you are no longer strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, the Messiah Jesus himself being the cornerstone. In union with him the whole building is joined together and rises into a holy sanctuary for the Lord. You, too, are being built in him, along with the others, into a place for God’s Spirit to dwell.”
Something to Think About:
I provided Ephesians 2 for you today, but I highlighted only what is said about Jesus. You may have to compare it to the whole text from your Bible to get context, but I wanted to figure out a way to focus solely on what the Bible says about Jesus in this passage.
So, did you see it? “IN Him,” “BY Him,” “THROUGH Him, “WITH Him, “BY THE BLOOD OF Him,” and so on. Without Jesus, we are dead in our trespasses and sin, destined for God’s wrath, but BECAUSE of Him—because of God’s amazing grace and mercy—we are alive WITH Jesus Christ, raised up WITH Jesus Christ, and SEATED WITH GOD in the heavenly realm IN Jesus Christ, SO THAT God will be able to show us MORE of the limitless riches of His grace that comes through His kindness IN Jesus Christ.
I could go on like this through the whole passage, but I hope you will do it yourself so that it is fresh and meaningful to YOU. I’m not even sure that mere words can convey what awesome things we learn about Jesus from this one chapter of the Bible. Clearly, all that we are, have, can be, and will be—is because of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. How are we thanking God in our actions, words, attitudes, decisions, and goals? In what ways do we need to further sever ourselves from “fulfilling the desires of our flesh and senses” that once defined us? In what areas are we not representing well what being a citizen of heaven means?
There is much to prayerfully and carefully consider as we live as a “new” creation, God’s masterpiece, created to carry out the good actions God prepared for us to do.
-You and the Lord:
-Name at least one thing you learned about Jesus Christ or were reminded about from today’s Scripture:
-What about this blessed you, challenged you, or piqued your interest to maybe learn more about it?
-What would you like to thank God for or praise Him about based on today’s Scripture?
-Name one thing that you want to remember in order to be a God-honoring imitator of God:
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
(Spend some time in prayer today asking the Father for wisdom to know which “good actions” are the ones He wants you to tackle.)
Scripture that tells us something about Jesus Christ:
Ephesians 5:22-33 “Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of his wife as the Messiah is the head of the church. It is he who is the Savior of the body. Indeed, just as the church is submissive to the Messiah, so wives must be submissive to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives as the Messiah loved the church and gave himself for it, so that he might make it holy by cleansing it, washing it with water and the word, and might present the church to himself in all its glory, without a spot or wrinkle or anything of the kind, but holy and without fault. In the same way, husbands must love their wives as they love their own bodies. A man who loves his wife loves himself. For no one has ever hated his own body, but he nourishes and tenderly cares for it, as the Messiah does the church. For we are parts of his body—of his flesh and of his bones. “That is why a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a great secret, but I am talking about the Messiah and the church. But each individual man among you must love his wife as he loves himself; and may the wife fear her husband.”
Something to Think About:
Have you been thankful for just how practical our Bible is? It addresses literally every single thing we need to know about life and godliness (in either stated do’s and don’ts or in principle form)! Ephesians 5, in fact, shows us two things that are incredibly important to Jesus Christ. It stands to reason that if our Savior thinks something is a critical truth, then we had better see it that way too.
The two things that are so important to Jesus Christ are marriage and the church. In fact, these two things are intertwined, making each even more important because of it. And I believe that BECAUSE marriage and church are so important to God, these two sacred institutions are ESPECIALLY targeted by satan and the corruption of sin.
One hardly needs to be perceptive at all to note how media has been pecking away at the sanctity of marriage and the essentialness of church for decades. Even in my lifetime, there has been a huge, huge downward spiral in how movies, sitcoms, novels, jokes, and music portray these two things that Jesus paid special attention to. Marriage is not only downplayed to the point where many people simply live together, not thinking they need or want to be “legal,” it has been corrupted and perverted to legally acknowledge men married to men and women married to women! This should cause us to be sick to our stomach every single time we think of it! God created something extremely precious when He created marriage and to degrade it is a horrible, ugly thing.
I would even take our thoughts in a less-welcome conversation among obedient Christians: how likely does it seem that Jesus would give detailed instruction about marriage and how it is a picture of His relationship to the church, then indicate that divorce is an option? I would contend that He never does.
The gift of the church to our world was something that happened only about 2,000 years ago, and it was something that God chose to surprise His followers with. It was His grand plan that He chose to keep as a mystery throughout the entire Old Testament, revealing it only bit by bit as His Son drew closer to the completion of His mission to die on our behalf. In those early years, thousands of people were literally exiled, jailed, or even brutally murdered because they determined that being in church was not optional to them, yet these millennia later, many of us attend out of guilt or obligation, forgetting it is a privilege that not every believer in every corner of the world has. What happened? When did church become an old-fashioned “habit”? It is clear from Ephesians 5 and several other passages that the church is a super important thing, and it is, in fact, the place of God’s blessing for this present age. We do ourselves and our God a great disservice to not consider church attendance a glorious “must,” a central pillar, in our life.
-You and the Lord:
-Name at least one thing you learned about Jesus Christ or were reminded about from today’s Scripture:
-What about this blessed you, challenged you, or piqued your interest to maybe learn more about it?
-What would you like to thank God for or praise Him about based on today’s Scripture?
-Name one thing that you want to remember in order to be a God-honoring imitator of God:
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
(Spend some time in prayer thanking God for just how much Jesus loves the church, that is, believers just like you and me!)
Scripture that tells us something about Jesus Christ:
Philippians 2:5-11 “Have the same attitude among yourselves that was also in the Messiah Jesus: In God’s own form existed he, and shared with God equality, deemed nothing needed grasping. Instead, poured out in emptiness, a servant’s form did he possess, a mortal man becoming. In human form he chose to be, and lived in all humility, death on a cross obeying. Now lifted up by God to heaven, a name above all others given, this matchless name possessing. And so, when Jesus’ name is called, the knees of everyone should fall, wherever they’re residing. Then every tongue in one accord, will say that Jesus the Messiah is Lord, while God the Father praising.”
Something to Think About:
This passage is thought to be an early Christian hymn by some scholars (and is why this translation words it in this poetic form). Technically, it is known as the “kenosis” (ken—OH—sis) passage, because of the Greek word for emptying out, found in verse 7. What Jesus gave up, or emptied Himself of, though, is sometimes debated.
Let’s start right out by saying that it couldn’t have been His deity, because how then could He be God? No, what Jesus gave up was the independent USE of His divine attributes—meaning He did not act using His own power, choosing instead to place Himself completely and totally in the hands of His Father, doing His will and never His own. He also relied on the power of the Holy Spirit to do miracles, to cast out demons, to know things only God could know, and to be guided when and where the Father wanted Him to be. Why? Jesus Christ, God’s Son, and God Himself, chose to take on the form of a servant AND the forever-body of a human male in order to please His Father and carry out His wishes. Jesus continued to be 100% God, but now He was also 100% Man. He did this willingly, joyfully, and without any hesitations whatsoever. It is this incredible attitude, in fact, that led God to honor Jesus’ name above every other name ever given, and give Him the honor of having every single human acknowledge that He is indeed, LORD—the great I AM.
Wow.
Humility and willing obedience, then, should be the hallmark of anyone claiming to be a Christian: a “little” Christ. CHOOSING to do the Father’s will over our own and relying on the strength and direction of the Holy Spirit should also be “who” we are. May God help us all yearn for and strive for these things!
BONUS! Every single person, saved and unsaved, WILL one day bend their knee to Jesus Christ, acknowledging Him as Lord whether they want to or not. That is a fact. We, however, have the immense privilege of choosing to do that RIGHT NOW. Furthermore, it is important to recognize that although someone may rightly acknowledge Jesus as Lord on that great coronation day, that fact does not mean that they are God’s child, nor that they are pleasing to Him in any way. We, though, children of the King, imitators of God, can PLEASE God by our humble, grateful, obedient lives. How are you doing with that?
-You and the Lord:
-Name at least one thing you learned about Jesus Christ or were reminded about from today’s Scripture:
-What about this blessed you, challenged you, or piqued your interest to maybe learn more about it?
-What would you like to thank God for or praise Him about based on today’s Scripture?
-Name one thing that you want to remember in order to be a God-honoring imitator of God:
Thursday, November 18, 2021
(Spend some time in prayer asking Father to go one step beyond bringing Him glory—to cause Him to smile in pleasure at some act of Christlikeness today.)
Scripture that tells us something about Jesus Christ:
Philippians 3:17-20 “Join together in imitating me, brothers, and pay close attention to those who live by the example we have set for you. For I have often told you, and now tell you even with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross of the Messiah. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on worldly things. Our citizenship, however, is in heaven, and it is from there that we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus, the Messiah. He will change our unassuming bodies and make them like his glorious body through the power that enables him to bring everything under his authority.”
Something to Think About:
While this passage is about Jesus Christ, it is also very much about us (but since He is our ultimate Example, EVERYTHING about Him should be seen in us). We are told that Jesus is coming for us, and He is coming from heaven (where, by the way, we are currently citizens). We are also told one reason why our attention should be focused eagerly on Jesus’ return is because He will change our lowly bodies into a body that is like His resurrected body—a “glorious” body.
Several years back, I was just chatting with my beloved daughter-in-law, who at the time, was dealing with near-constant nausea due to pregnancy (a good reason to be sick, for sure!), and she was mentioning how she had been recently blessed to realize that God can use us no matter what shape our physical bodies are in. Even though we may be sick, handicapped, crippled with pain, recovering from surgery, blind, autistic—whatever, God can use us for His glory and honor and to be a blessing and help to other people. What a wonderful thing this is! However, we won’t always be limited by bodies that fail and fall. Because Jesus conquered death, we will also live forever, and we will live forever in a body that doesn’t get sick, injured, or tired, and most importantly, doesn’t sin. What a glorious day that will be!
P.S. As much as we often don’t enjoy thinking about the sad and hard things of life, don’t miss the important warning Paul delivered in the first part of our passage today. He was warning the faithful Christians to NOT follow the example of unfaithful Christians who are, sadly, living as ENEMIES of the cross. How are they doing this? By living just like the sinful world around them. How this ought to sober us up about the importance of separating ourselves from everything that is “worldly” and opposed to biblical teaching!
-You and the Lord:
-Name at least one thing you learned about Jesus Christ or were reminded about from today’s Scripture:
-What about this blessed you, challenged you, or piqued your interest to maybe learn more about it?
-What would you like to thank God for or praise Him about based on today’s Scripture?
-Name one thing that you want to remember in order to be a God-honoring imitator of God:
Friday, November 19, 2021
(Spend some time in prayer thanking God for the health and strength He has given to you TODAY. Ask His help to serve Him wholeheartedly exactly as you are, not just as you wish to be.)
Scripture that tells us something about Jesus Christ:
Colossians 1:15-20 “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether they are kings, lords, rulers, or powers. All things have been created through him and for him. He himself existed before anything else did, and he holds all things together. He is also the head of the body, which is the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he himself might have first place in everything. For God was pleased to have all of his divine essence inhabit him. Through the Son, God also reconciled all things to himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, thereby making peace through the blood of his cross.”
Something to Think About:
To find out what the Bible is teaching about Jesus in this super special passage, let’s let it speak for itself (since we used the ISV earlier, let’s switch to ESV to enjoy a few word variations):
-Jesus is the image of the invisible God. God was once a pretty big mystery to humankind, but when Jesus became a Man and came to earth, He shared with us what we need to know. Of course, we don’t understand everything, and we might not ever be able to (after all, He is GOD!). Nonetheless, what we do know should cause us to bow before Him with reverence and awe, to delight to obey Him and please Him, and to eagerly work to be becoming more like Him with each passing day.
-Jesus is the firstborn of all creation. This is NOT saying Jesus was created, rather that He is in the position of greatest authority in God the Father’s eyes. He has all the rights and responsibilities as God’s Heir. As children of God, we too will inherit many incredible benefits once eternity begins, not the least being eternal life in the presence of God!
-By Jesus all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. As I grew up and grew in my understanding of Scripture, I realized that I didn’t always get some things right concerning what God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit did (what the Bible says Their roles are). For example, although God the Father is the Architect of the plan for creating the world, it was Jesus Who did the work, utilizing the power of the Holy Spirit. This pattern seems to be carried out in most all other areas as well, including the plan of salvation. Does it REALLY matter, though, Who did what? On one hand, since God is One God, maybe not, but on the other, why wouldn’t we want to know everything about our Creator and Sustainer that we could? Nothing is more important than God. (By the way, this list of created beings seems to be addressing angelic beings as well as humans and all of earth’s contents.)
-All things were created through Jesus and for Jesus. Not only did Jesus create everything, they were created for Him—He is the end-point or the reason for the existence of all things. In other words, we exist by His good pleasure, and to glorify Him, please Him, and point to Him is the ultimate purpose for why creation exists.
-Jesus is before all things, and in Him, all things hold together. I have to confess that science classes were never my strong suit when in school. In fact, if it weren’t for my lab partner, Tracy, I never would have passed chemistry! But I do remember that there are a whole bunch of tiny things in atoms, things that we cannot see with our naked eye, and probably a whole lot of things that have never even been identified. Jesus knows what they are because He made them. What’s more, is that He is the One Who keeps them in their proper place. Without His constant care, our atoms—and our world—would explode into nothingness.
-Jesus is the head of the body, the church. Decapitation is a super gross thing to think about, but it is a sure-fire way to kill something that was alive. Why would any church try to “live” and have its being without its proper Head? Foolishness—and evil! Similarly, why would we, CHRISTians, try to live and think and act apart from the wisdom and direction of God through His Word? This is utter folly.
-Jesus is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent. Jesus Christ was the first to be resurrected to endless life after death and those who have placed their faith in Him for salvation will follow in His steps of eternal life. Because of what Jesus did, He will always have preeminence, that is, first place.
-In Jesus, all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell. All of God’s glory, all of God’s perfect characteristics, all of Who God IS, is also found in the Son.
-The Father used Jesus to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of Jesus’ cross. The mess of fighting that occurs among various groups of people stops when people become believers because we are one body in Jesus (or, at least, it should!). Although our unity in Christ is true right now, it is not always seen in our sin-filled world, but when sin is done away with, there will be true unity among all who belong to God.
Taking some time to prayerfully ponder these amazing truths would be an excellent use of our time.
-You and the Lord:
-Name at least one thing you learned about Jesus Christ or were reminded about from today’s Scripture:
-What about this blessed you, challenged you, or piqued your interest to maybe learn more about it?
-What would you like to thank God for or praise Him about based on today’s Scripture?
-Name one thing that you want to remember in order to be a God-honoring imitator of God:
Saturday, November 20, 2021
(Spend some time in prayer asking the Father for help to keep Jesus Christ first place in your heart today.)
Scripture that tells us something about Jesus Christ:
Colossians 2:3 “In him are stored all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Something to Think About:
(FYI: this verse builds on what we read in yesterday’s verses, 1:15-20.)
One short verse with HUGE truth! I mean, just think about what a big deal searching for treasure is for people! There are countless movies made around the theme of buried or lost treasure, there are endless books about looking for or finding treasure, and to this day, there are real-life treasure hunters spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in search of a sunken ship, lost paintings, or some other item that they hope will make them exceedingly rich and famous. Then, of course, there is the perpetual search for “truth” and/or “wisdom.” This, too, is considered extremely valuable by many people, and millions of dollars are spent annually in the drive to know more and be honored in the areas of science, philosophy, and education.
Good news! You and I know where to find immeasurable treasures of wisdom and knowledge! It is found in the Person of our Savior and Best Friend. It is found in Jesus.
As in all of life, there is a right way and a wrong way to do things. There are right motivations and wrong ones; right goals, and wrong goals. The wrong place to look for true wisdom and knowledge is ANYWHERE besides Jesus Christ. In fact, knowledge and wisdom apart from Him is empty, useless, and deceptive—leading to sin, destruction, and death. How do I know? God’s Word says so! Knowledge FROM God, however, is true, right, useful, edifying, enlightening, and good in every sense. Our Creator and Sustainer knows exactly what we need to know and how to apply it to our daily lives. We have but to ask. Are you?
-You and the Lord:
-Name at least one thing you learned about Jesus Christ or were reminded about from today’s Scripture:
-What about this blessed you, challenged you, or piqued your interest to maybe learn more about it?
-What would you like to thank God for or praise Him about based on today’s Scripture?
-Name one thing that you want to remember in order to be a God-honoring imitator of God:
Monday, November 22, 2021
(Spend some time in prayer thanking the Father for the riches He showed you from His Word yesterday.)
Scripture that tells us something about Jesus Christ:
I Thessalonians 4:13-18 “But we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve like other people who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so through Jesus God will bring those who have died with him. For we declare to you what the Lord has told us to say: We who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who have died. With a shout of command, with the archangel’s call, and with the sound of God’s trumpet, the Lord himself will come down from heaven, and the dead who belong to the Messiah will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. So then, encourage one another with these words.”
Something to Think About:
Here’s yet another glorious passage where it is hard to ONLY focus on what the Bible has to teach us about Jesus. After all, this is talking about the huge event that we are waiting for right this second! It is indeed EXCEEDINGLY comforting and encouraging to remember that our time here is short, while ETERNITY will be spent in the presence of the Lord!
So, what does this passage teach us about Jesus? First, He brings us hope and gives us the joy of not needing to grieve for believers in the same hopeless manner those who aren’t saved do. We can know exactly what will happen—and it is marvelous!
Second, we are reminded that all our blessings are because Jesus came, died for us, and rose again.
Third, we know that Jesus WILL come back for those who belong to Him, whether they have died or are still alive at the time of His coming. There will be no believer left behind.
Fourth, we know that unlike the mystery of God being born as a Baby in that small cave in Bethlehem, when Jesus raptures up His followers, it will be with a lot of noise and jubilation.
Fifth, we are reminded again that Jesus HIMSELF will come to get us, meeting us in the air.
And last, but far from least, the rapture marks the end of the Church Age and the beginning of forever – the amount of time we will be in His presence. Nothing could be better than that!
What are the applications? Today might well be the last day to deal with the challenges we currently face— live like it. Praise God more, trust Him more deeply, apply His Word to what you think, say, and do more consistently, tell others that you may not be around much longer and why—then tell them that if they trust in Jesus, they’ll get swooped away too!
BONUS: The first half of I Thessalonians 4 gives a ton more applications and responses: learn to live to please God even more, stay away from sexual immorality in any form, control your body in a holy and honorable way, BE HOLY, show love to other believers more and more, and so on—a truly worthy “bucket list” of what an imitator of God is to be like.
-You and the Lord:
-Name at least one thing you learned about Jesus Christ or were reminded about from today’s Scripture:
-What about this blessed you, challenged you, or piqued your interest to maybe learn more about it?
-What would you like to thank God for or praise Him about based on today’s Scripture?
-Name one thing that you want to remember in order to be a God-honoring imitator of God:
Tuesday, November 23, 2021
(Spend some time in prayer asking the Father to help you live today in such a way that if the Rapture occurs, you will be pleasing Him at the time it happens.)
Scripture that tells us something about Jesus Christ:
II Thessalonians 1:6-12 “Certainly it is right for God to pay back those who afflict you with affliction, and to give us who are afflicted relief when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in blazing fire. He will take revenge on those who do not know God and on those who refuse to obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. Such people will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction by being separated from the Lord’s presence and from his glorious power when he comes to be glorified by his saints and to be regarded with wonder on that day by all who have believed—including you, because you believed our testimony. With this in mind, we always pray for you, asking that our God might make you worthy of his calling and that through his power he might help you accomplish every good desire and faithful action. That way the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified by you, and you by him, according to the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus, the Messiah.”
Something to Think About:
While I Thessalonians 4 was speaking about the rapture of Church Age believers, II Thessalonians 1:6-12 is speaking about the Second Coming of Christ, the time when He comes all the way back to earth to defeat satan and his followers and to set up His one-thousand-year reign on earth centered in Jerusalem.
What do we learn about Jesus from this passage?
-Jesus will be revealed. There will be no doubt in anyone’s mind that He IS God.
-Jesus has mighty angels. They will accompany Him to earth in apparently a very jaw-dropping way (blazing fire!).
-Jesus will punish those who are unsaved; those who have refused to obey the gospel by trusting in Him as their Savior from their sin.
-Jesus will come with glorious power.
-When Jesus comes, He will be glorified by His saints and regarded with wonder.
So. . . what should be our response?
-Realize that we will not always be afflicted because of our belief in Jesus and our stand for Him.
-Realize that evil and evil people will not always dominate – and that their punishment will be just. That the permanence and awfulness of being forever cast out from the presence of God is too horrific to think about!
-Realize that we get to take part in seeing THE KING in His glory. We will be filled with wonder when we gaze upon Him.
-Realize that today is the day to work on living in a worthy way, using His power and help to accomplish every good desire and faithful action.
-Realize that our lives can glorify the name of our Savior right now.
Times are changing! Are you preparing?
-You and the Lord:
-Name at least one thing you learned about Jesus Christ or were reminded about from today’s Scripture:
-What about this blessed you, challenged you, or piqued your interest to maybe learn more about it?
-What would you like to thank God for or praise Him about based on today’s Scripture?
-Name one thing that you want to remember in order to be a God-honoring imitator of God:
Wednesday, November 24, 2021
(Spend some time in prayer asking the Father to help you live in a worthy way for His glory.)
Scripture that tells us something about Jesus Christ:
I Timothy 2:5-6 “There is one God. There is also one mediator between God and human beings—a human, the Messiah Jesus. He gave himself as a ransom for everyone, the testimony at the proper time.”
Something to Think About:
Jesus Christ is our Mediator. A mediator is someone who works with two different parties to help them reach an agreement, become reconciled, and otherwise bring them together about something. In our case, however, what was at stake is far bigger than a dispute over land, possessions, or anything temporary like that. What Jesus did was to make a way for God’s enemies, sinful mankind, to become God’s family—family members who are righteous in God’s eyes. The Bible explains in countless ways how every single thing Christians have and are is IN Jesus Christ. Without Him, we are hopeless and helpless.
The book of Hebrews gives a few other examples of Jesus Christ as our Mediator. They show His perfection and permanence of looking out for us—forever.
Hebrews 8:6 “However, Jesus has now obtained a more superior ministry, since the covenant he mediates is founded on better promises.”
Hebrews 9:15 “This is why the Messiah is the mediator of a new covenant; so that those who are called may receive the eternal inheritance promised them, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the offenses committed under the first covenant.”
Hebrews 12:24 “To Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better message than Abel’s.”
We have MUCH to be thankful for. Keep in mind what Christ did for you when you are making out your Thanksgiving gratefulness list this year.
-You and the Lord:
-Name at least one thing you learned about Jesus Christ or were reminded about from today’s Scripture:
-What about this blessed you, challenged you, or piqued your interest to maybe learn more about it?
-What would you like to thank God for or praise Him about based on today’s Scripture?
-Name one thing that you want to remember in order to be a God-honoring imitator of God:
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Thursday, November 25, 2021
(Spend some time in prayer simply thanking God for—everything.)
Scripture that tells us something about Jesus Christ:
Hebrews 1:1-4 “God, having spoken in former times in fragmentary and varied fashion to our forefathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by a Son whom he appointed to be the heir of everything and through whom he also made the universe. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact likeness of his being, and he holds everything together by his powerful word. After he had provided a cleansing from sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Highest Majesty and became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is better than theirs.”
Something to Think About:
Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of many roles. Two are mentioned in this passage: prophet and king. A prophet, as most of us know, is a spokesman for God. Sometimes they proclaimed God’s truth about future events, but more often their message was a more immediate warning – something the listeners needed to deal with right away (much like a pastor’s sermon on Sunday).
Many Bible prophets had wonderful godly characteristics and faithfully served God, but none can compare to Jesus Christ. He not only preached God’s words, but He was also the reflection of His glory and the exact likeness of His being (all that makes God, God). ALL of His words are worth listening to, meditating on, and making a part of our lives.
Another hugely important time period in Israel’s history was the time of the kings. David was the most beloved king by far and, in fact, he was the one God chose to have his heirs sit on the throne of Jerusalem as long as they lived righteously. None did, until Jesus. Jesus lived PERFECTLY righteous, and thus became the One God designated to be the “forever” King over Israel.
Jesus’ designation is THE King and THE Heir, not because He is the Son of God, but because He earned it by living a sinless life and fully obeying the Father’s plan.
One of the obsessions humankind has is to always be on the search for something better. When we were children it was a better toy. When we were teenagers it was better clothes, friends, or electronics. When we became adults, it was a better paying job, a bigger house, a nicer car—an elusive reaching for whatever is an improved model over what we currently own (sadly, this may include the desire for a better spouse!). Christian, there is NOTHING better than Christ. Pleasing Him, obeying Him, honoring Him, imitating Him—this is to be excellent, and this is to please the Father. The world may endlessly search, but you and I have exactly what we need in Him.
-You and the Lord:
-Name at least one thing you learned about Jesus Christ or were reminded about from today’s Scripture:
-What about this blessed you, challenged you, or piqued your interest to maybe learn more about it?
-What would you like to thank God for or praise Him about based on today’s Scripture?
-Name one thing that you want to remember in order to be a God-honoring imitator of God:
Friday, November 26, 2021
(Spend some time in prayer expressing your gratitude for Jesus Christ, the perfect example of imitating God.)
Scripture that tells us something about Jesus Christ:
Hebrews 4:14-16 “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone to heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us live our lives consistent with our confession of faith. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses. Instead, we have one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet he never sinned. So let us keep on coming boldly to the throne of grace, so that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Something to Think About:
Another role that Jesus perfectly fulfills is that of High Priest. But since Jesus wasn’t a Levite, how could He be a priest, you ask? He is a priest after the order of Melchizedek, a unique and somewhat obscure office – which is not from the tribe of Levi where Israel’s priests came from.
Even as Jesus’ designation as High Priest is different than the Old Testament high priest, what Jesus knows and how that can help us is vastly different as well. For example, Jesus Christ, our High Priest is alive and will always be alive. Our High Priest is in heaven, interceding on our behalf; mediating between us and the Father. Our High Priest knows exactly how hard it is to live on this earth and He is sympathetic to our struggles. Our High Priest knows that it is perfectly possible to be tempted but not sin. He did it and so can we.
The application? Keep coming to God the Father in prayer (the throne of grace), and you will find mercy and grace to help you whenever you need it! Rather than grumbling, pray! Instead of worrying, pray! Your High Priest is ever available to you – and His care is constant and perfect.
-You and the Lord:
-Name at least one thing you learned about Jesus Christ or were reminded about from today’s Scripture:
-What about this blessed you, challenged you, or piqued your interest to maybe learn more about it?
-What would you like to thank God for or praise Him about based on today’s Scripture?
-Name one thing that you want to remember in order to be a God-honoring imitator of God:
Saturday, November 27, 2021
(Spend some time in prayer thanking God for the mercy, grace, and help He offers every moment and at all times.)
Scripture that tells us something about Jesus Christ:
I Peter 2:20-25 “What good does it do if, when you sin, you patiently receive punishment for it? But if you suffer for doing good and receive it patiently, you have God’s approval. This is, in fact, what you were called to do, because: The Messiah also suffered for you and left an example for you to follow in his steps. “He never sinned, and he never told a lie.” When he was insulted, he did not retaliate. When he suffered, he did not threaten. It was his habit to commit the matter to the one who judges fairly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the tree, so that we might die to those sins and live righteously. “By his wounds you have been healed.” You were “like sheep that kept going astray,” but now you have returned to the shepherd and overseer of your souls.”
Something to Think About:
One of the ways Jesus is such a blessed Example to us is in the area of suffering. Everyone suffers, and in fact, the more we are living obediently according to God’s Word, the more likely we are to be persecuted and misunderstood. While no one likes to have their sin pointed out, most everyone feels more comfortable when other people sin in the same manner they do (choosing to NOT sin is considered being a troublemaker by some—a sort of peer pressure).
Jesus suffered a great deal when He was on earth, but He endured it gladly because He knew it was the Father’s will for Him. He also knew He had a mission to accomplish for God, so He refused to be bogged down by those who weren’t interested in living God’s way.
Here’s how Jesus left us a good example in the area of suffering for doing good:
-Jesus was patient. He understood that suffering is temporary, but living in the joy of knowing you pleased God with your attitudes and actions is eternal.
-Jesus did not sin when He was tempted. As we read earlier this year, He used God’s Word and the power of the Holy Spirit to combat those who would try to trip Him up. And because of His death, burial, and resurrection, NO Christian ever has to sin either. We have His example, God’s Word, and the power of the Holy Spirit to help us say “yes” to good and “no” to evil.
-Jesus chose to not give a tongue lashing to those who insulted Him. Neither did He threaten those who tried to do Him harm physically, emotionally, or in any other way. Instead, He trusted His Father to deal with the situation the way He wanted to—and when He wanted to. Since God the Father was in charge, He didn’t need to give it a second thought. Nor do we.
-Even though Jesus is Himself the object of our faith (we believe in Him for eternal life), He is also the example of faith: He entrusted Himself to the Father every day of His earthly life and ministry.
-Jesus died for us SO THAT we not only can, but WOULD, choose to “die” to sin, and instead live righteously. Jesus’ wounds healed us.
Taking all this into consideration, prayerfully consider how you will respond the next time someone gives you a hard time.
-You and the Lord:
-Name at least one thing you learned about Jesus Christ or were reminded about from today’s Scripture:
-What about this blessed you, challenged you, or piqued your interest to maybe learn more about it?
-What would you like to thank God for or praise Him about based on today’s Scripture?
-Name one thing that you want to remember in order to be a God-honoring imitator of God:
Monday, November 29, 2021
(Spend some time in prayer asking the Father to help you put into practice what He showed you in His Word yesterday.)
Scripture that tells us something about Jesus Christ:
Revelation 1 (selected verses) “This is the revelation of Jesus the Messiah, which God gave him to show his servants the things that must happen soon. He made it known by sending his messenger to his servant John, who testified about this message from God and the testimony about Jesus the Messiah. How blessed is the one who reads aloud and those who hear the words of this prophecy and obey what is written in it, for the time is near! From John to the seven churches in Asia. May grace and peace be yours from the one who is, who was, and who is coming, from the seven spirits who are in front of his throne, and from Jesus the Messiah, the witness, the faithful one, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To the one who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and has made us a kingdom, priests for his God and Father, be glory and power forever and ever! Amen. Look! He is coming in the clouds. Every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of him. So be it! Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” declares the Lord God, “the one who is, who was, and who is coming, the Almighty.” Then I turned to see who was talking to me, and when I turned I saw seven gold lamp stands. Among the lamp stands there was someone like the Son of Man. He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash around his chest. His head and his hair were white like wool, in fact, as white as snow. His eyes were like flames of fire, his feet were like glowing bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of raging waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp, two-edged sword. His face was like the sun when it shines with full force. When I saw him, I fell down at his feet like a dead man. But he placed his right hand on me and said, “Stop being afraid! I am the first and the last, the living one. I was dead—but look!—I am alive forever and ever! I have the keys of Death and Hades.”
Something to Think About:
This first chapter of the Book of Revelation (singular, not “Revelations” – the whole book is the unfolding disclosure of Christ) is a pretty awe-inspiring start to a very sobering and inspiring letter, wouldn’t you say? I cannot even imagine being John and seeing and experiencing all he did to write this account out for us! Not the least being given the chance to see the things of heaven that no one alive had ever seen before, and especially, to see and hear Jesus Christ in all His glory and power! Wow!
I confess to feeling totally inadequate to summarize what we learn about Jesus Christ from this chapter. It’s just too much. I hope you’ll read and re-read it often to cement in your mind just WHO we are living faithfully for now – and Who we will spend eternity getting to know better and better.
Here are some of the things this chapter says about Jesus:
-He is the Messiah, the Christ/Anointed One. He is the One promised to Adam and Eve in Genesis 3 on the very day sin entered the world. God promised and His Deliverer was far, far greater than anyone could have ever guessed—it was His own Son.
-Jesus is the Witness.
-Jesus is the Faithful One.
-Jesus is the Firstborn from the dead.
-Jesus is the Ruler over all the kings of the earth.
-Jesus loves US.
-Jesus freed us from our sins by His blood.
-Jesus made us a kingdom of priests for His Father.
-Jesus is coming in the clouds and everyone will see Him, those who love Him and those who have rebelled against Him. Those who rejected Him will mourn greatly at their folly.
-Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.
-Jesus is the One Who is, Who was, and Who is coming.
-Jesus is the Almighty.
-Jesus’ appearance was so staggering that John couldn’t stand before Him. His face was like the sun when it shines with full force.
-Jesus is able to keep us from fear.
-Jesus is the First and the Last.
-Jesus is the Living One. He is alive forever and ever.
-Jesus has the keys of Death and Hades.
What can we do but humbly bow our knees and thank God for His Son and all He did and will yet do for us.
-You and the Lord:
-Name at least one thing you learned about Jesus Christ or were reminded about from today’s Scripture:
-What about this blessed you, challenged you, or piqued your interest to maybe learn more about it?
-What would you like to thank God for or praise Him about based on today’s Scripture?
-Name one thing that you want to remember in order to be a God-honoring imitator of God:
Tuesday, November 30, 2021
(Spend some time in prayer thanking God for telling us about Himself in His Word and through His Son.)
Scripture that tells us something about Jesus Christ:
Revelation 22:12-16 “See! I am coming soon! My reward is with me to repay everyone according to his behavior. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. “How blessed are those who wash their robes so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city! Outside are dogs, sorcerers, immoral people, murderers, idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give this testimony to you for the churches. I am the root and descendant of David, the bright morning star.”
Something to Think About:
Before our world was ever created, there was Jesus. Since our universe began, there has been Jesus. When this present age is over and the heavens and earth are remade, Jesus will be there.
One of the things that is most sought after and yearned for by people in this life is stability. People want to feel safe and secure and that they will always be taken care of. Dear fellow child of God, we have that right now – and we will never NOT have that – because of Jesus. He is the Alpha and the Omega (the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet), He is the First and the Last; the Beginning and the End. How blessed are those who strive to be holy as He is holy! Their rewards will be great. CLEARLY, this does not describe every Christian. Some, due to their lack of striving for excellence, will be gravely disappointed when they stand before Christ. Oh, they will certainly have joy at being in the presence of God and the Lamb, but they will find that what they chose not to do for Him during their life greatly impacts what they can do for Him in the ages to come.
BUT, today is a new day! God is giving us new mercies every morning! His faithfulness is great, encouraging us to leave the past behind and begin RIGHT NOW a life that IS pleasing to Him; a life that isn’t content with the status quo and desires to EXCEL for God’s honor and glory.
There are two groups of Christians mentioned in Revelation 22:12-16. Which group are you in AND how are you going to live today to excel still more?
-You and the Lord:
-Name at least one thing you learned about Jesus Christ or were reminded about from today’s Scripture:
-What about this blessed you, challenged you, or piqued your interest to maybe learn more about it?
-What would you like to thank God for or praise Him about based on today’s Scripture?
-Name one thing that you want to remember in order to be a God-honoring imitator of God:
December 2021 DBSQ
Welcome to the twelfth month of Daily Bible Study Questions! It’s me, your annual guest author, Rachel (Pastor & Lorie’s daughter).
This month we’ll be studying the lovely little book of Ruth. It’s a love story—but not the fluffy Hallmark movie kind of love story, nor the wicked Hollywood kind of love story. No, this love is the biblical kind: faithful, sacrificial, active, enduring. Ruth is also a book of sorrow and bitterness, grace and faith, hard work and reward. All that in four short chapters, you say? Let’s dive in and see!
-RDB, November 2021
Wednesday, December 1
Hold on a second! You’d better pray before starting this time in God’s Word. Pray for understanding, no distractions, and help in applying it.
If you’re like me, when you open to the book of Ruth, you tend to think of it as its own isolated story. Let’s see how it’s connected to the rest of the Old Testament and what was happening to God’s people at the time.
Please read: Ruth 1:1; Judges 21:25
Note: Although I’ll include the text of Ruth (in the English Standard Version), I encourage to have your personal Bible open and make notes as we go. For example, you could write the reference to a similar passage in the margin, note the passage of time, underline important words or phrases, write questions, or even color-code key words. Don’t leave that Bible blank! =)
In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons.
In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
Question time!
In whose days is the book of Ruth set?
Israel had no ______, and
Everyone did what was _________ in his ______ eyes.
Look up Proverbs 16:25 and write it down:
Let’s Dig In
The narrator of Ruth sets the stage by telling us the time: the days of the judges of Israel. And what were those days like? There was no central authority, and every man “did what was right in his own eyes.” This might sound fine and dandy until you read Judges. In fact, that note about everyone doing what he thought was right is repeated three more times in Judges (17:6; 18:1; 19:1), and each is linked with a story more horrible and sinful than the last: first, a man stole silver from his mother, made an idol, and decided his son was that false god’s priest. Second, the tribe of Dan, unable to conquer the land God gave them because of their sin, wander by and adopt those idols as their gods and a Levite as their priest. Finally, a Levite shoved his mistress outside to be abused and killed by wicked men; this snowballs into war and the near-destruction of one of the tribes of Israel.
Our culture encourages us to “follow your heart.” The world says that man is good—or at least, more good than bad. They want to believe even the worst criminals can be reformed with enough love, the right programs, or “support.”
What does God say? “The heart is deceitful above all things” (Jer. 17:9) and “None is righteous, no, not one; no one does good” (Rom. 3:10, 12) and “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). Wise King Solomon noted, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Prov. 16:25).
God alone is truth (John 14:6) and speaks truth (John 17:7); we can trust all His words written down for us in His Word. We cannot trust what the world tells us about mankind and our nature. We cannot even trust our own hearts (thoughts, emotions).
So should we make decisions based on what looks right to us? Absolutely not! In order to please and glorify God, we must do what is right in His eyes, not ours. Try asking yourself something like, Would doing this thing please Him or grieve Him? Would making that comment help or hinder my testimony as God’s child in front of my unsaved coworkers? Would God smile if I decided to do this task with grumbling and complaining?
I’m not saying this easy, but it’s right—in God’s eyes—and if we depend on Him, God gives us the desire and the ability to obey Him (Phil. 2:13), one little decision at a time. Just do the next right thing—in God’s eyes.
Personal application time:
-Consider some of the little decisions you made today (or yesterday, if it’s early morning). Were they right in your eyes? Were they right in God’s eyes? Acknowledge any sin if necessary, and ask God for help in glorifying Him—He loves answering that kind of prayer!
-Optional “homework:” grab an index card, a pretty stationary note, or just some scrap paper. Write yourself a reminder about making sure your next decision is right in God’s eyes. (For example: “Would this action glorify God or grieve Him?”) Carry this card in your pocket or purse, keep it in your car, or tape it up by your desk.
-Notes/questions/prayer:
Thursday, December 2
Hold on a second! You’d better pray before starting this time in God’s Word. Pray for understanding, no distractions, and help in applying it.
Please read: Ruth 1:1-2
In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there.
Question time!
There was a ______ in the land.
What was Elimelech’s wife’s name?
Who were their two sons? _____ & ______
What tribe of Israel were they from?
Where did Elimelech take his family to live?
Let’s Dig In
God allowed a famine to strike the land of Israel, probably as a consequence of the people’s sin (Deut. 28:15, 23-24). Famines, just like today, meant scarce harvests and therefore scarce food (and inflated prices). However, unlike today, food could not just be shipped in on an overnight truck from halfway across the country. People in ancient days undergoing a drought or famine could do little: tighten their belts and ration what little food they did have while paying more for it, or travel and stay for some time—perhaps even years–where the rain was still falling and growing crops and grasses for the livestock to eat. You might recall Abram and Sarai traveling to Egypt and staying there to avoid a famine (Gen. 12) and Jacob sending his sons to buy food from Egypt during another famine (Gen. 42). This one must have been severe, as even the fertile area around Bethlehem, which means “house of bread,” was hit.
So one Israelite, Elimelech from the tribe of Judah, decided that instead of suffering in his native town of Bethlehem, he would move his family out of Bethlehem to live in Israel’s pagan neighbor, Moab. This might sound like a perfectly logical solution to us, but we must remember that God had commanded His chosen people Israel to have nothing to do with several of their neighbors, including Moab. (In fact, it’s possible some of Elimelech’s friends and relatives warned him not to go to Moab.) But the idea was “right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25), so that’s what he did. He packed up his little family and left his God-given inheritance (his land) behind. They traveled about fifty miles to the country of Moab and “remained there.” He failed to live up to his name, which means “My God is King.”
We are not Jews (most of us, anyway), and we don’t have special land from God, nor are we commanded to avoid intermingling with our neighbors. In fact, avoiding all those who don’t believe in Christ as their Savior would be impossible, as the apostle Paul notes (I Cor. 5:9-10). But we Church Age believers are commanded to keep separate from the world—or, more precisely, what we might call “the world system.” The ideas, culture, beliefs, lifestyle, and even humor of fallen mankind want to squeeze us to be just like them: they want us to laugh when they laugh, agree with them, applaud their decisions, and so on. Instead, we are to be transformed into the image of Christ (Rom. 12:2; 8:29).
But God says, “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world” (I John 2:15-16). (Again, this doesn’t mean we are to hate sinners, but sin.) We live physically in the world, but Christ says we are not “of” the world; He sent us into the world to glorify Him through faithful obedience (John 17:14-18).
So we could use the metaphor that the world system is “Moab,” while time spent studying one’s Bible, praying, with faithful believers, at church listening to the pastor, singing, and worshipping God is the place of God’s blessing, or “Israel.” We all make daily forays into “Moab” in the form of errands, work, and media. But do we “remain” there, in that realm of ungodly thinking?
Personal application time:
-Consider where your heart has been today (or yesterday, if it’s early morning). If you were surrounded by ungodly coworkers, family, or acquaintances, did their ideas, humor, and speech sweep you along? Or did you stand out as different and separate?
-Remember that God, as soon as you confess any sin, casts it behind His back (Is. 38:17), forgives any other sin you were unaware of (I John 1:9), and His mercies are new (Lam. 3:23). However, this is not any excuse for deliberate sin (Rom. 6:1-2), but God gives grace to those under temptation and always provides a way of escape (I Cor. 10:13). Choose one or more of these verses (or another one the Holy Spirit brought to your mind) to write out.
-Notes/questions/prayer:
Friday, December 3
Hold on a second! You’d better pray before starting this time in God’s Word. Pray for understanding, no distractions, and help in applying it.
Please read: Ruth 1:3-5
But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. They lived there about ten years, and both Mahlon and Chilion died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband.
Question time!
Who died?
Naomi’s sons took ____ wives.
They lived there about ____ years.
What happened next?
Let’s Dig In
Perhaps it was a few days after the family’s move to Moab; perhaps it was a few months. But it seems like not much time passed before Elimelech died. We’re not told how: a work accident? City violence? A fatal sickness? In any case, we can speculate (but not assume) that God allowed this early, “tragic” death because Elimelech had disobeyed God’s command to dwell in the land He had given His people (Ps. 37:3); Elimelech had failed to trust God and had decided to live among a wicked people instead.
Poor Naomi! Suddenly she was a widow in a foreign land. Thankfully she still had her late-teenage or young adult sons, who could work and take care of her. (The parent-child bond was strong in that culture, and adult children usually provided for their aging parents. There were no nursing homes in the ancient world.)
Did Naomi object when her sons started courting Moabite girls? We’re not told, but it was extremely unwise—and perhaps even sin—for Mahlon and Chilion to marry them. God forbade His people Israel from intermarrying with the wicked, idol-worshipping nations around them (Deut. 7:1-4) because they would turn their hearts away from the one true God (Mal. 2:11). The Moabite people, while not mentioned by name in the Deuteronomy passage, also worshipped false gods. In addition, they had treated Israel harshly on their journey into the Promised Land and had tried to curse Israel through Balaam. Besides that, it is extremely unlikely that these brides had believed in God and had denounced their native false gods. (Of course, as we’ll see, God can turn even sin and ugliness into grace and use it in His grand plan.)
The narrator of the book summarizes about ten years: the young men almost certainly brought their new wives into the family home, building new rooms if necessary. During the day while their husbands were at work, Ruth and Orpah would have done chores together with Naomi. Undoubtedly, she (and her sons) taught the Moabite pair much about Israelite history, customs, and the Law. Perhaps they celebrated the normal Jewish feasts together (without the travel to the Tabernacle). We can guess that the little family of five was quite close and loving. Apparently, however, neither young couple was blessed with any children from God.
Then, after those ten years, both Mahlon and Chilion died. Again, we’re not told how or why. Now Naomi, wearing sackcloth and ashes again, was bereaved of her sons: she was left without blood relatives in a foreign land. In fact, she was left without hope, because without sons, who would provide for her in her old age? Who would protect her? Would she even last that long? (We’ll read later about the custom of Levirate marriage, but Naomi was too old for that, too.)
I’ve heard people say that “death is just part of life,” but if you look closer, that’s not true. God never intended for death to be part of His perfect creation. It was man’s sin that brought spiritual death (separation between man’s spirit and God) and eventually physical death (separation between one’s spirit and one’s body). As James says, “Sin, when it is fully grown, brings forth death” (1:15). But for the believer, death has lost its sting and its power (I Cor. 15:54-57), because Christ has conquered death! Upon the moment of placing faith in Christ, God gives that person spiritual life, and promises a glorified body one day which will never face physical death or decay. Death for the believer is merely stepping through a doorway to our real, permanent home in the presence of the One who saved us.
Have you believed in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? Have you acknowledged that you are a sinner before God? All of us are sinners. Have you believed that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die in your place, taking the punishment we all deserve? That He died, was buried, and rose again the third day? This belief in what God has already done for us is all that is needed to accept God’s gracious gift of salvation from eternal punishment and hopelessness and slavery to sin.
If you have believed, praise God! You need not fear death. You never have to sin. You are free to serve Him and love Him!
Personal application time:
-If you’re not sure if you’re going to heaven, please look up these verses (either in a physical Bible, or go to BibleGateway.com): Romans 3:10-12; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1-9; John 3:16-17; I Peter 2:24; I Corinthians 15:1-4; Isaiah 52:13-53:12
-If you have believed, praise and thank God! How about writing down blessings and gifts associated with salvation, and then praying and thanking God for them? Here are some verses to start you out: I Pet. 1:3-4; John 6:37; Rom. 8:1-2; James 1:5; Eph. 2:7, 13, 18-19; 3:12; Col. 1:12-14
-Notes/questions/prayer:
Saturday, December 4
Pray before starting this time in God’s Word. Pray for understanding, no distractions, and help in applying it. Also, tomorrow is the Lord’s Day—pray for your pastor to speak boldly and clearly, and that all who can be there will be.
Please read: Ruth 1:6-10
Then she arose with her daughters-in-law to return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the fields of Moab that the Lord had visited his people and given them food. So she set out from the place where she was with her two daughters-in-law, and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah.
But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each of you to her mother’s house. May the Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. The Lord grant that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband!” Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept.
Question time!
Where did Naomi set out to go to?
Why?
What did Naomi tell Ruth and Orpah? “____, _____ each of you to her mother’s ____”
Why do you think she told them to go home?
Let’s Dig In
Back in Israel, God had graciously provided food and ended the famine. This almost certainly occurred after the people cried out to God for help, and possibly after a God-appointed judge delivered them from the power of an oppressor (Judges 10:10). And the good news—the barley harvest had actually come in well this spring—eventually spread to surrounding areas, including Moab.
I can almost picture Naomi packing up her few belongings, leaving the house, and getting a way out of town, utterly self-absorbed in her grief, before she realized her daughters-in-law were still with her. Perhaps she thought they were accompanying her for a short way out of respect; this was common in their culture. (In our culture, it’s a bit like escorting your guests to the door, or maybe even to their car, as they’re leaving your home.)
Then Naomi stops in the middle of the road and turns and tells them to go, to return to their people. She also blesses them in God’s name: “May God show you faithful love and give you rest (peace, safety, comfort, the ceasing of striving and trouble) in the form of new husbands.” But why did she send them home? Perhaps she thought she was showing them kindness: surely these young widows would easily find new husbands among their own people, as opposed to among hers, where they would be Gentiles and foreigners. Or, as one scholar suggested, perhaps she didn’t want to take her Gentile daughters-in-law home where they would serve as living proof that her sons had married outside the people of Israel.
In any case, let’s pause here and consider the phrase “God grant that you may find rest.” The word “rest” (Hebrew menuchah*) can be used as a resting place, a home, peace from enemies, relief from anxiety, or security. It can also mean quiet, or ease. The word has an interesting trail throughout Scripture: God took a day of rest after creation (Gen. 2:2-3) and later established it as part of the Law (Ex. 20:8-11). God offered rest to the Israelites in the form of the Promised Land.
But the picture becomes clearer in the New Testament: Christ said, “Come to Me, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28-30). Christ is the ultimate rest: peace, safety, security, fulfillment, lack of striving or worrying or questioning. A personal relationship with God’s Son—through faith alone in Him alone—brings quiet contentment and trust, like a small child resting on his mother’s lap (Psalm 131).
Have you found your rest in God’s Son? If you’ve never believed in Him, there is no better day than today. And if you have believed, are you resting in Him? It actually takes work to set aside our human pride to strive, to do things on our own, to be “independent.” (Read Hebrews 3 and 4 for more on this.)
God wants us to rest in Him, to wait on Him and His perfect timing. He wants us to do what He’s already commanded us while waiting patiently for further instructions. There is great blessing and peace when one is fully dependent on God.
*Pronunciation: the “ch” is actually a guttural sound like the “ch” in “Loch Ness:” meh-NOO-cha.
Personal application time:
-Consider your mind and heart as of the past day or so. Have you been working hard to get things done all by yourself? Or are you turning each task over to God and asking for His help and guidance?
-Look up Psalm 46:10 and write it down here or on another piece of paper. (Try looking it up in another version as well.)
-Notes/questions/prayer:
Monday, December 6
Don’t forget to pray for understanding, no distractions, and help in applying God’s Word.
Please read: Ruth 1:10-14
And they said to her, “No, we will return with you to your people.”
But Naomi said, “Turn back, my daughters; why will you go with me? Have I yet sons in my womb that they may become your husbands? Turn back, my daughters; go your way, for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say I have hope, even if I should have a husband this night and should bear sons, would you therefore wait till they were grown? Would you therefore refrain from marrying? No, my daughters, for it is exceedingly bitter to me for your sake that the hand of the Lord has gone out against me.”
Then they lifted up their voices and wept again.
And Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her.
Question time!
Did Ruth and Orpah leave when Naomi told them to go home?
Naomi was too _____ for a husband.
Even if Naomi remarried immediately, and even if she was able to bear more children, Ruth and Orpah would have to wait ____ _____ ____ ____.
“It is ___ ____ to me for your sake that the hand of the LORD has gone out ____ me.”
Who left?
Let’s Dig In
After Ruth & Orpah’s initial refusal to go home (perhaps politely, perhaps sincerely), Naomi launches into the hopelessness of her situation. There is no human reason for Ruth and Orpah to stick with Naomi, because, as an older (childless) widow, she has no means of support whatsoever. Her life will be a hard one: she has no one to provide food, shelter, and money for her (and women could do little to earn a living on their own in that time). She is past childbearing years and therefore of no use as a wife—no man would marry her. But even if that happened, and even if she somehow conceived and bore sons, Ruth and Orpah would have to wait in impoverished widowhood and abstinence for almost twenty years.
Do you think Naomi has the right focus? I don’t think so, especially since she concludes that “it is exceedingly bitter to me for your sake that the hand of the LORD has gone out against me.” There are a couple of adjectives that spring to mind here: selfish. Bitter. Angry. And it sounds to me like she’s blaming God.
Do you remember Job? After Satan killed all his children, wiped out his entire fortune and livelihood, and struck him with terrible health, Job grieved but worshipped God. He acknowledged that God has the right both to give and to take (Job 2:10). He did not “charge God with wrong” (Job 1:22). However, after a little time had passed, he started blaming God, implying that God had made a mistake, and grew self-righteous.
When suffering great loss and pain, it is okay to pour out one’s soul to God. In fact, that’s one kind of prayer (Ps. 62:8). The psalms are full of prayers that could be paraphrased to something like “God, it feels like You have turned Your back on me. I’m in a great trial and I can’t stop crying. It seems everyone is against me, and even my body is affected. I am helpless!” Confessing known sin and examining self for hidden sin are also good responses to a trial. But it is never okay to blame God or accuse Him of wrongdoing. The psalms are again a good example because even the darkest of them turn a corner by remembering God’s deeds in the past, calling upon God to act, or focusing on God’s character.
Personal application time:
-Look up a few lament psalms. On a separate paper, summarize the psalmist’s trouble, and then summarize what he chooses to focus on in the middle of the trial. Here are a few to start with: Psalm 6, 10, 42, 54, 74, 77
-If you are currently in a trial, how about writing your own psalm? You don’t have to use flowery language or rhyme (unless you want to). Keep in mind the principles above, and simply pour out your soul to God on paper. Then move the focus by talking about how God has helped you in the past, meditating on His character, or talking to Him directly.
-If you’re not currently in a trial, collect a few of these principles and some meaningful verses. Put them somewhere (such as in one of those blank pages in the back of your Bible) to have on hand the next time a trial shows up to help you maintain the right mindset.
-Notes/questions/prayer:
Tuesday, December 7
Don’t forget to pray for understanding, no distractions, and help in applying God’s Word.
Please read: Ruth 1:15
And she said, “See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.”
Question time!
Naomi told her daughter-in-law to _____ to her _____ and to her _______.
Look up I Kings 11:7. One of the main gods in question is described as “_______, the ____ of the Moabites.”
Look up what “abomination” means.
Let’s Dig In
Naomi’s speech was half successful: Orpah kissed her goodbye and left. She presumably walked back into town and likely went to her parents’ house. It’s a safe guess that her father arranged a second marriage to a Moabite young man, and that she lived the rest of her life in Moab with him. But Ruth hadn’t left yet. So Naomi told her to follow Orpah’s example, and to return to her people and her gods.
But what kind of people would she be returning to? A wicked, materialistic, pagan people descended from incest. What gods? The pantheon of the Canaanite peoples, including Moab, were a particularly nasty bunch. Deities such as Baal, Asherah (goddess of fertility), Dagon, and many more were violent and angry. The people created twisted stories and relationships for them, as if they were powerful, wicked humans. It seems Chemosh was the national god of both Moab and Ammon and was a god of war and destruction. Worshipping—and merely appeasing—Chemosh and those other gods required not just animal sacrifice, but child sacrifice (II Chron. 28:3). In desperate times, a man might kill his own child in order to “appease” Chemosh or Molech (II Kings 3:27)!
In Naomi’s haste, she had forgotten how vile Ruth’s people and native gods were. Although Ruth had believed in Yahweh at some point, living among her own people without the light of an Israelite nearby might have dragged her back into darkness. (This is not to say that Ruth could have lost her salvation—that is impossible—but she could have turned her back on God.)
How does this apply to us today? Very few of our neighbors worship false gods openly. Suppose a new coworker shows up at my job. “April” is about my age, and is very friendly. We get to talking and discover we have some similarities: we both like video games and reading. April is aware I’m a Christian, but she never asks questions about the Bible. A friendship develops—and in fact, we spend time together outside of work a few times. But if I never bring up spiritual things, talk about church and the Bible, and how God has saved me and helps me every day—am I truly loving her? Or is talking to her just a pleasant way to pass time between waiting on customers? It’s almost as if, at the end of every shift, I tell her to “return to her gods:” “Go home to your own personal idols and obsessions. Keep ignoring God; it’s fine.” But sooner or later, April will meet her Maker face to face—and so will I. How will I answer God when He asks me why I never told April about the hope that is within me?
Personal application time:
-Do you have an “April” at work (or in your family or neighbors)? Someone you talk to, but not about God? Or multiple “Aprils?” Write down any names that come to mind:
-Pray about how you might tell each person the good news about Jesus Christ—not in a pushy, preachy way, but in a loving way.
-Pray for unsaved family & friends, but also pray that if God gives you an opportunity to witness, that you would see it, take it, and speak truth clearly.
-Notes/questions/prayer:
Wednesday, December 8
Ask your heavenly Father for understanding, no distractions, and help in applying His holy Word.
Please read: Ruth 1:16-17
But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.”
Question time!
Did Ruth want Naomi to keep trying to persuade her to go home?
Where did Ruth promise to go?
Whose people did Ruth say would be her people?
Whose God did Ruth say would be her God?
Where would Ruth die and be buried?
What would part Ruth and Naomi?
Let’s Dig In
Ruth replies to Naomi’s persuasions with poetic, beautiful promises: a pledge of loyalty and love. She promises to follow and stay with Naomi for the rest of her life. It was an unconditional covenant, promised out of a faithful heart. English doesn’t have a good word to sum up Ruth’s heart, but Hebrew does: it’s the word chesed.* Translators of the Bible have used various phrases to try to convey this filled-to-the-brim word: “mercy” (KJV) “lovingkindess” (NASB), “faithful love” (CSB), “unfailing love” (NLT), and “steadfast love” (ESV). It’s a selfless love that’s not just a warm fuzzy feeling or nice thoughts, but a useful love that’s an action and a promise. Chesed is a commitment to another person or party, a loyalty. Here Ruth proclaims her chesed toward Naomi, and we’ll see her prove it by sticking with Naomi through thick and thin.
Has anyone ever promised chesed toward you? If you have believed that Jesus Christ died for your sin, then you are a recipient of God’s chesed: His loyal, unending, useful love. God is the source of true love (I John 4:7), and He loved us (mankind) first. God loved fallen mankind so much that He sent His Son to be the propitiation (full payment) for our sins (John 3:16; I John 4:10). And this useful love doesn’t stop with “mere” salvation from an eternity in the Lake of Fire; God also gives His children everything we need for life and godliness (II Pet. 1:3), the desire and ability to grow spiritually (Phil. 2:13), our daily needs such as food and clothing (Matt. 6:25-33), the indwelling Holy Spirit to comfort and guide us into truth (John 14:16-17; 26), and so, so much more. A scholar I respect described God’s chesed toward us as “better than unconditional,” because it is unsatisfied with our current position; it wants us to “excel still more” (I Thess 4:10).
Praise God for this incredible love! He has blessed His children richly with salvation, gifts, and blessings. He deserves unending thanks and praise!
*Pronunciation: The “ch” is actually a guttural sound, like the “ch” in “Loch Ness:” ches-sed.
Personal application time:
-Spend some time thanking God for His sacrificial love toward His people in general and you in particular. How has He helped you in the past? What trials has He given you grace to endure?
-This love of God’s should motivate us to obey Him (John 14:21, 23) and to love one another (John 15:12). What are some ways for you personally to show God chesed back to Him?
-How can you show chesed to other believers? (Hint: read I Cor. 13).
-Notes/questions/prayer:
Thursday, December 9
Ask your heavenly Father for understanding, no distractions, and help in applying His holy Word.
Please read: Ruth 1:16-18
But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.”
And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more.
Question time!
Was Ruth a Jew?
Did she grow up in Israel?
By whose Name does she invoke a curse on herself if she doesn’t keep her promise?
Let’s Dig In
Déjà vu, you might be saying. But let’s take a look at Ruth’s words from another angle: that of faith. Ruth was born and raised in a pagan home and taught to fear and worship horrible, angry gods who were worshipped with violence and wickedness. But then a newcomer, a young Israelite man, took notice of her, bargained with her father for her hand, and married her. Through her new family, Ruth certainly learned about Israelite laws and history—and their God. She learned that Israel’s God, Yahweh, is not just the mighty God who brought Israel out of Egypt with plagues and miracles, but also a kind God who shows chesed (eternal love) to thousands. Yahweh’s laws called not just for holiness, but also for honesty, justice, and provisions for poor folk. It commanded kindness to widows, orphans, and foreigners. And, Ruth learned, Yahweh had made some very special promises regarding the Offspring of the first woman, the Seed of Abraham, who would descend from Judah… this special Son would save His people from their sins!
Sometime during those ten years of marriage to one of God’s chosen people, Ruth—descended from a man who had turned aside from the place of God’s blessing (Gen. 13)—believed in Yahweh and His promise. (And since God instituted the Law to reign during that era, Ruth doubtless began obeying its rules.)
Fast forward to today’s verses: after the death of her husband and brother-in-law, after packing up the house and leaving town with her remaining in-laws, Naomi told Ruth and Orpah to go home to their people and their gods. Orpah left, but Ruth had a choice: go home to the people and customs and gods she grew up with—go home to security from a human perspective, but abandon the God whom she had believed. Or, Ruth could leave everything familiar and cling to her mother-in-law and her God. She would, in a sense, become a Jew.
And that is what Ruth chose. She wholeheartedly declared her loyalty to Naomi and Naomi’s people and Naomi’s God. She made an unconditional covenant of loyalty to Naomi and to her God, binding it in Yahweh’s personal name (not in Chemosh’s).
Such faith! Such bravery! Such simple trust in God! And yet I am sure that this was not the first time Ruth exercised faith in God. Just as David’s experience trusting God to help him fight wild animals later led to him trusting God to defeat an enormous warrior (I Sam. 17:34-37), I’m sure that smaller tests of faith led to this one. (As a side note: Naomi’s response to Ruth’s moving, probably emotional, pledge of loyalty was to stop talking to her. The Hebrew gives the impression that it was curt—you might paraphrase it as “Naomi shut up.”)
How are you doing with trusting God? If you trust Him in little things (His grace to get you through a tough day at work, all the pieces to fall into place for an important event, safety in traveling out of state and back), He may one day provide you with a bigger opportunity to trust Him.
Personal application time:
-List two or three big or little things you need to trust God with right now. (For example: money to pay the bills, health situation in yourself or someone else, your long to-do list, how busy work will be on such-and-such a day, etc.) Turn each one over to God in prayer, asking Him for His help to trust Him:
-Notes/questions/prayer:
Friday, December 10
Ask your heavenly Father for understanding, no distractions, and help in applying His holy Word.
Please read: Ruth 1:19-22
So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem.
And when they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, “Is this Naomi?”
She said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the Lord has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?”
So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabite her daughter-in-law with her, who returned from the country of Moab. And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest.
Question time!
Who recognized Naomi? ______ _____ of Bethlehem
Naomi wanted to be called “_____”
According to Naomi, what had God done? ____ against her and _____ ____ upon her
What time of year did Naomi and Ruth arrive in Bethlehem?
Let’s Dig In
Naomi, with Ruth following faithfully, had to travel north and then west to get around the Dead Sea. The author gives us a time marker: the beginning of barley harvest. This is the first harvest of the year, in spring: the middle of April, by our calendar. The temperature can be up to 76° F, but even in spring, the Middle Eastern sun is a force to be reckoned with, and I’m sure their journey was a hot, sweaty, and dusty one.
In any case, the pair finally arrived at Bethlehem. The town sits on a spur of land above fertile fields; various grains, as well as olives, figs, and grapes, were grown there. (The name Bethlehem means “house of bread.”) As a small town, the residents doubtless all knew each other, and thus newcomers stood out immediately. And some of the women—former friends and neighbors of Naomi—recognized her. But I’m guessing that Naomi had aged beyond her years, given her losses (and her response to her losses). Naomi and Ruth may have been wearing sackcloth as well—scratchy goat hair “cloth” worn by the grieving, similar to our custom of wearing black when in mourning. (Ruth is not mentioned in the narrative here; perhaps the Israelite women ignored a Gentile foreigner, or perhaps they were so focused on Naomi that they missed her. Or perhaps there’s some other reason. But Naomi almost certainly didn’t introduce her right then.)
Naomi’s response to the women reveals her heart. Naomi’s name means “pleasant,” so she renames herself “Mara” instead, which means “bitter,” because God had “dealt very bitterly” with her. She also accuses God of “testifying against” her and “bringing calamity” upon her! It’s pretty clear who she’s blaming for her trials, isn’t it? And her new name certainly fits; she has become a bitter, angry woman.
Did you know that your response to trials can shape your life? Naomi had placed all the blame for the deaths of her husband and sons squarely on God, and that angry spirit had eaten away inside of her until it was her sole focus, her sole way of viewing the world.
What does the Bible say about bitterness? Other examples of bitter people include Esau (Heb. 12:15-17) and Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:23). While a “bitter cry” and “bitter weeping” are reasonable human reactions to terrible news (Gen. 27:34; II Kings 20:3), long-term bitterness is not an attitude that pleases God. Believers are commanded to put away bitterness (Eph. 4:21) and warned against “bitter jealousy” (James 3:14), which is evidence of earthly wisdom. Believers are also to watch out for a “root of bitterness” which can cause trouble and bring many into sin (Heb. 12:15): bitterness can be contagious! Bitterness is like a fast-spreading fungus on the leaves of your houseplants: if you don’t deal with the source quickly, it can bring many to ruin.
Personal application time:
-How have you responded to the little “bumps in the road” that God allows? When your pet made a mess, when you tried a new coffee and it was very disappointing, when a stranger was rude to you? Did you fuss over the offense, or did you give it over to God?
-The “put off, put on” principle says that we should replace sinful habits and responses with God-glorifying ones. Instead of grumbling under your breath, how about quoting Scripture, pondering on the character of God, singing (or humming) a spiritual song, or finding something to thank God for? Choose one or more godly responses you can have the next time something goes wrong:
-Is there a brother or sister in Christ you suspect or know has a “root of bitterness?” Pray for wisdom on how to help him or her.
-Notes/questions/prayer:
Saturday, December 11
Ask your heavenly Father for understanding, no distractions, and help in applying His holy Word. Tomorrow is the Lord’s Day—pray for your pastor to speak boldly and clearly, and that all who can be there will be.
Please read: Ruth 2:1-3
Now Naomi had a relative of her husband’s, a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz.
And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor.”
And she said to her, “Go, my daughter.”
So she set out and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers, and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelech.
Question time!
What did Ruth ask Naomi permission to do?
Whose field did she “just so happen” to come to?
What clan did he belong to?
Let’s Dig In
It was the beginning of barley harvest (in the middle of our April), and workers—landowners and their servants—would have marched out from town into the fields around Bethlehem to reap the harvest, starting early in the morning. Reapers used a curved, sharpened metal tool called a sickle to cut the stalks of grain—barley in this case. Then they (or other workers) would collect the stalks into bundles (sheaves) and tie them. These sheaves could then be carried or carted to the threshing floor. All this was hot, sweaty work: we’ll see later that the workers brought water with them to be able to take a break once in a while. It was, however, a time of joy, especially after a famine: food for the year had been supplied!
Reapers might miss some stalks of grain, especially around the edges of the field. And the gatherers might drop some. But God told them not to go back or go through a second time; the missed grain was reserved for gleaners (Lev. 19:9-10; 23:22). In fact, gleaning was ordained by God as a right for the disadvantaged, such as the very poor, widows, orphans, and foreigners. Gleaners came through and gathered the leftovers of a grain or fruit harvest after the reapers had gone through and collected the main bulk of the harvest. So Ruth went to glean, but first she revealed more godly character by asking permission to go glean—even though she and Naomi had basically no other way to get food. (Naomi did own the land Elimelech had had, but it was either fallow and full of weeds after sitting unused for ten years, or squatters had claimed it in the landowner’s absence.) Ruth left the house and followed the streams of workers out of town into the fields. Once there, she apparently picked one at random and started gleaning after the reapers and bundlers.
Ruth almost certainly didn’t have a sickle (although maybe she had a knife), and she probably had to walk further to collect the leftover stalks. When she had enough for a bundle, she may have had to keep moving it with her, or walk back and forth to add to her little pile. I bet her hands grew sore from handling the stalks. Her back probably hurt from constantly bending over.
And although she had a right to glean as a widow and a foreigner, that did not protect her from potentially being shouted at, harassed or mocked, chased out of a field, or even assaulted. She was, after all, a lone young woman with no male protector.
But whose field did she “just so happen” to work in? The field of Boaz, a “worthy man” of Elimelech’s clan of Judah. (The narrator is employing a literary technique called “foreshadowing” by introducing him and his connection to Naomi now.) But was it chance or coincidence or fate? No. Who really guided her there? God. God led her to the right field, in a great swath of fields around the town, that belonged to a godly man. God was already beginning to bless and reward Ruth for her chesed (loyal love) to Naomi!
Personal application time:
-We as believers know that God is in charge of all things, including “chance” (Prov. 16:33), but how often do we say “What a funny coincidence” or “knock on wood?” How about wishing someone “good luck?” Our culture is steeped with “innocent” superstitions, but these are not appropriate for the child of God. Are there any sayings or habits that you need to adjust?
-Notes/questions/prayer:
Monday, December 13
Ask your heavenly Father for understanding, no distractions, and help in applying His holy Word. Pray for your church family, too.
Please read: Ruth 2:4-7
And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem. And he said to the reapers, “The Lord be with you!” And they answered, “The Lord bless you.”
Then Boaz said to his young man who was in charge of the reapers, “Whose young woman is this?”
And the servant who was in charge of the reapers answered, “She is the young Moabite woman, who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves after the reapers.’ So she came, and she has continued from early morning until now, except for a short rest.”
Question time!
What kind of employer does Boaz seem to be?
Had Ruth asked permission before starting to glean?
What did the head servant emphasize about Ruth?
(a) Her nationality
(b) Her accent
(c) Her hard work
(d) A and C
Let’s Dig In
Introducing Boaz!
It was perhaps now mid-morning, and Boaz came from town to check on his staff. He blesses them, and they respond in kind: we can guess that he was a kind employer who cared about his servants. In fact, he knows them well enough that he notices a stranger among them, so he goes to ask his head servant. This head servant reports that the stranger is Ruth; he mentions her nationality twice. (Undoubtedly the whole town knew about Naomi’s return by now.) Then, even though Boaz didn’t ask, the head servant tells him how polite and hard-working Ruth has been.
Are you a hard worker? Would a stranger watching you for half a morning applaud you? Of course, rest is necessary, but God is honored when we do a task to the best of our ability (II Thess. 3:6-13; Col. 3:23-24).
Personal application time:
-Look up these verses: Phil. 2:14-16a; Gal. 6:9; Ps. 90:11; Col. 3:17; II Thess. 3:6-13; Col. 3:23-24. Choose one or more to write out (or type & print) and put in your work area (locker, desk, pocket of work clothes, etc.).
-How about starting a new habit? Before you get out of your car at work, put on your apron, or walk through the door, or after morning coffee for those who work at home (or whatever time works for you), devote the workday to God in prayer. Ask for His help to glorify Him, work hard, and be a good testimony to others. (Another excellent habit would be to thank God for His help at the end of a shift!)
-Notes/questions/prayer:
Tuesday, December 14
Ask your heavenly Father for understanding, no distractions, and help in applying His holy Word. Pray for your church family, too.
Please read: Ruth 2:8-10
Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women. Let your eyes be on the field that they are reaping, and go after them. Have I not charged the young men not to touch you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink what the young men have drawn.”
Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?”
Question time!
Where did Boaz tell Ruth to glean?
What did he offer her?
Did Ruth appreciate his kindness?
Let’s Dig In
After checking in with his head servant and learning about Ruth gleaning behind his reapers, Boaz apparently went to talk to his male servants, probably the reapers. He commanded them not to touch this vulnerable young woman, in case their sin nature suggested such a thing.
Boaz then went to Ruth. He calls her “my daughter,” a respectful term for a younger woman. He tells her to stay in the fields that he owns and follow after his servants—because he has power to protect her on his land. He also offers her free access to the water his servants worked to draw from the well and carry out to the fields.
Ruth’s response is humble gratitude. Bowing to one’s social superior was customary in that culture, but Ruth amplifies this by bowing so deeply that her face was to the ground. She knows she’s very low in the social pecking order and she wasn’t expecting any favors. In fact, she seems surprised by Boaz’s kindness. (Other ancient peoples had law codes like the Israelites had the Mosaic Law, but theirs do not mention foreigners at all. God gave many protections—and some responsibilities—for foreigners living in Israel.)
Humility and gratitude are always good responses to any kind of grace for us, too. Our sin nature wants to think we’re the most important person around, but we know from God’s Word that we, too, were headed for Hell before God intervened and rescued us. As for gratitude, God tells us it is His will for us to give thanks in all circumstances (I Thess. 5:18).
Personal application time:
– How’s your view of yourself before God? In my experience, pride is a sin that must be knocked down periodically. Consider your words, thoughts, and attitudes recently. (One example: interrupting others because what you have to say is “more important”)
-Are there some practical ways you can “count others more significant than yourself?”
-Fill up these lines with things, people, and blessings you’re grateful for:
-Notes/questions/prayer:
Wednesday, December 15
Don’t forget to ask for help in understanding, no distractions, and help in applying His holy Word.
Please read: Ruth 2:11-13
But Boaz answered her, “All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!”
Then she said, “I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not one of your servants.”
Question time!
What had Boaz heard about Ruth?
Paraphrase Boaz’s blessing of Ruth.
What character traits did Ruth show?
Let’s Dig In
Word spreads, especially in a close-knit community. Ruth already had a reputation as the young woman who had shown great sacrificial love and loyalty to her mother-in-law, the one who had left her native land to be with her. Once Boaz had a name to go with a face, he knew who Ruth was and offered protection and kindness to her, honoring her chesed to Naomi.
Boaz also blessed her: “May Yahweh (God) reward you—the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.” This unusual imagery—that of God as a protective bird—is used elsewhere in Scripture. It’s possible Boaz borrowed it from the song of Moses, who compared God’s care and protection of Israel to a loving eagle caring for its young (Deut. 32:10-12). The metaphor seems to have become a family saying: David, Boaz’s great-grandson, employs this beautiful imagery several times in his poetry (Ps. 17:8; 36:7; 57:1; 61:4; 63:7). (The psalmist of Psalm 91 also uses it in verse four; this psalm’s author is unknown, but it might also be David.) And then, centuries later, Jesus Christ, descendant of David, also spoke similarly in His lament over Jerusalem (Matt. 23:37).
What does this metaphor mean? God is a protector of those who take refuge in Him. Those who look around for places of security—important friends, a security system, a guard dog, stockpiles of supplies or money—and then place their trust wholly in God will find He is a rock and a fortress, a very present help in time of trouble (Ps. 46:1)
Personal application time:
– Who or what do you look to for safety and peace? Imagine if you received bad news: would your initial reaction be to pick up the phone and call your friend so-and-so? Or would it be to flee to your loving, all-powerful heavenly Father for comfort and peace?
-The biblical authors used many other metaphors and titles for God. For example, my Rock, my Fortress, my Deliverer, my Shield, the Horn of my salvation, my Stronghold (Ps. 18:2). Pick one of the titles of God and pretend you’re describing it to a new believer:
-Notes/questions/prayer:
Thursday, December 16
Ask your heavenly Father for understanding, no distractions, and help in applying His holy Word.
Please read: Ruth 2:14-16
And at mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come here and eat some bread and dip your morsel in the wine.”
So she sat beside the reapers, and he passed to her roasted grain. And she ate until she was satisfied, and she had some left over.
When she rose to glean, Boaz instructed his young men, saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. And also pull out some from the bundles for her and leave it for her to glean, and do not rebuke her.”
Question time!
What did Boaz do at mealtime?
Did Ruth get enough to eat?
What did Boaz tell his reapers?
“Let Ruth glean from the sheaves”
“Pull out some from the bundles for Ruth to glean”
“Do not shame her”
“Do not rebuke her”
Let’s Dig In
After the conversation in the previous verse, Ruth got back to work. But at the noon mealtime, Boaz again initiated kindness to Ruth: he invited her over to share in the food and fellowship of himself and his servants. (Ruth likely had little or nothing with her to eat.) The meal consisted of hearty pita bread dipped in hummus (the ESV translates it as “wine;” other versions as “vinegar”) and roasted grain—perhaps some of the freshly harvested barley had already been threshed and roasted in a mudbrick oven. Maybe they had some raisins or dried figs afterward. Ruth “ate until she was satisfied, and had some left over.” It seems she packed this up and stored it for the rest of the day.
When everyone was done and gearing up to work again, Boaz had some special instructions for his servants: make sure Ruth has plenty to glean, and don’t reproach (shame, mock, insult) or rebuke (tell her no, yell at her) her. Boaz went out of his way to show kindness and grace to Ruth, a lowly widow and foreigner. He was generous with the barley harvest that was rightfully his—sown by his servants months ago from his valuable seeds after years of famine in his fields, carefully tended and protected. But he didn’t clutch them like a Scrooge. He gave, and gave generously.
Boaz was imitating his God well: Yahweh is a generous God. He loves to bless us: He has blessed us “with every spiritual blessing” (Eph. 1:3). He “lavished” His grace upon us (Eph. 1:7-8) and “richly provides all things for us to enjoy” (I Tim. 6:17). He does not withhold good things from those who walk uprightly (Ps. 84:11); He gives good gifts to His children (Matt. 7:7-11). And if anyone asks for wisdom, He gives generously (James 1:5).
Praise God! As David says, “My cup overflows” (Ps. 23:5).
Personal application time:
-Write out Psalm 31:19:
-How about you? Are you a Scrooge or a Boaz? Generosity to others—whether they deserve it or not—honors God. I’m talking about more than just money, by the way. You can also be generous with your time, energy, talents, and even your spouse (for example, when a friend needs his expertise or listening ear). Is God bringing something to mind?
-Bonus! Here are some more verses about God’s generosity. Look them up and circle your favorite(s): Phil. 4:19; Ps. 36:7-8; II Cor. 9:8; Heb. 11:6; Ps. 81:10; II Cor. 8:9
-Notes/questions/prayer:
Friday, December 17
Ask your heavenly Father for understanding, no distractions, and help in applying His holy Word.
Please read: Ruth 2:17-19
So she gleaned in the field until evening.
Then she beat out what she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah of barley. And she took it up and went into the city.
Her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned.
She also brought out and gave her what food she had left over after being satisfied.
And her mother-in-law said to her, “Where did you glean today? And where have you worked? Blessed be the man who took notice of you.”
So she told her mother-in-law with whom she had worked and said, “The man’s name with whom I worked today is Boaz.”
Question time!
How long did Ruth glean?
How much had she gleaned?
What did Ruth give Naomi?
When Naomi saw how much Ruth had gleaned, what did she say? “____ be the _____ who ____ ____ of you”
Let’s Dig In
More gleaning for Ruth. I wonder how long it took her to notice that there was more “missed” and “dropped” barley than that morning? It was still hard work, of course, but I’m sure she was praising God as she went.
Finally, evening came, and with it the end of daylight to work. Ruth carried her hard-earned sheaf to a good spot, found herself a stick, spread out the barley stalks, and beat the heads. This was necessary to extract the seeds—the actual edible part—from the rest of the plant, the chaff. Then (although the narrator of the book doesn’t mention it) Ruth had to winnow the seeds from the chaff. She probably didn’t have a winnowing fork, so she likely collected the valuable seeds by hand. (The seeds would be crushed into flour to make bread later.) As for how much it was, biblical measurements like “ephah” are notoriously difficult to determine, but it seems this amount would be enough for the two of them for at least a week—much more than the just-barely-enough Ruth had probably been hoping for.
I can almost picture Ruth, with aching feet, carefully carrying her seeds home in her skirt under a beautiful sunset. There she showed Naomi the fruit of her labor. She also gave Naomi her lunch leftovers (which may have been all she herself had to eat for supper). Apparently, Naomi had a sense of how much Ruth might have gathered on her own and realized that a man must have “taken notice” of her. She even blesses him—the first positive thing we’ve heard her say. Then she asks who it was. Ruth’s answer must have come as a surprise to Naomi: Boaz, her husband’s relative and a godly man. If he had taken notice of Ruth and showed her kindness, then perhaps more could be arranged? (As a side note: Boaz would’ve missed a huge opportunity to be a blessing if he hadn’t been paying attention that day—if he’d been “too busy” or “too important” to help someone in need!)
What a huge difference Boaz’s kindness and special instructions to his servants made to these two women! His generosity probably made the difference that day between growling stomachs and happy ones, between quiet desperation and hope. Boaz was obeying God’s command (and beyond). God made special provisions in the Law for orphans, widows, and foreigners, and Israelites were never to be harsh to foreigners because they had once been foreigners in the land of Egypt (Ex. 22:21). God also commanded Israel to care for widows (Deut. 27:19; 14:29) because He Himself cares for them (Deut. 10:18; Ps. 146:9).
Those commands carry over into the New Testament: “true religion” includes caring for widows and orphans (James 1:27). And Christ says caring for needy strangers is like caring for Himself (Matt. 25:34-40). You may not know any true orphans, but let’s broaden that to those who don’t have both parents in the picture due to divorce and separation as well as death, absent or neglectful parents, and abusive parents. “Foreigners” would certainly mean those from another country temporarily or permanently living here, but “strangers” simply means those you don’t know, especially those in need. And of course, widows, while not usually financially adrift as in ancient times, need extra care. God Himself cares for these people—do you?
Personal application time:
-Write down names of orphans, “orphans,” foreigners, and widows that you know:
-How can you help these people and show them chesed? How can you pray for them? What practical things can you do to help?
-Notes/questions/prayer:
Saturday, December 18
Ask your heavenly Father for understanding, no distractions, and help in applying His holy Word. Tomorrow is the Lord’s Day—pray for your pastor to speak boldly and clearly, and that all who can be in church will be.
Please read: Ruth 2:20-23
And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by the Lord, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!” Naomi also said to her, “The man is a close relative of ours, one of our redeemers.”
And Ruth the Moabite said, “Besides, he said to me, ‘You shall keep close by my young men until they have finished all my harvest.’”
And Naomi said to Ruth, her daughter-in-law, “It is good, my daughter, that you go out with his young women, lest in another field you be assaulted.”
So she kept close to the young women of Boaz, gleaning until the end of the barley and wheat harvests. And she lived with her mother-in-law.
Question time!
Was Naomi thankful that Boaz had shown chesed to Ruth?
How long had Boaz told Ruth to glean in his fields?
Did Naomi think sticking to Boaz’s fields was a good idea?
How long did Ruth glean in Boaz’s fields and live with Naomi?
Let’s Dig In
God’s kindness (chesed) through Boaz had cracked the ice of Naomi’s bitter heart. She now recognized that God had not abandoned her. And the very man who had been generous to Ruth was a kinsman-redeemer. And Naomi tells Ruth what we, the readers, have already been told: Boaz is a “close relative,” one of their “redeemers.”
The word that ESV translates as “redeemer” is the Hebrew word go’el. (Other translations say “kinsman-redeemer,” “close relative,” or “family redeemer.”) A go’el was a male relative (starting with a brother or brother-in-law and expanding to cousins, uncles, and nephews) who had special responsibilities given to him by the Law. If a man died childless, his go’el had the responsibility to marry his widow; the first son born legally carried on the dead man’s name. This provision was called “Levirate marriage” (Deut. 25:5-10). If a man was murdered, the victim’s go’el had the responsibility to avenge blood (Num. 35:9-29). If a man fell on hard times and had to sell his land, his go’el had the responsibility to buy it so it would stay in the family clan (Lev. 25:25-28). Someone who had been forced to sell himself into slavery could be redeemed by a go’el (Lev. 25:47-49).
So Boaz was closely related to Elimelech, Naomi’s husband; he was probably in Elimelech’s generation, as he was an older man by this point. We’re not told how exactly he was related, so it’s not important. He was one of the relatives who could be a go’el for Naomi and therefore for Ruth.
Back to the present conversation. Boaz had apparently told Ruth to keep gleaning in his fields not just that day, but for the entirety of the harvest (including both barley as well as wheat, which ripens right after barley). Naomi agreed this was a fine plan; Ruth would benefit from Boaz’s generosity and protection. So that’s what Ruth did. Every day (except on Sabbaths, the day of rest), she went and gleaned under the hot sun. She gathered the leftovers of the barley harvest behind Boaz’s servants. She probably threshed (beat out) each day’s sheaves afterward, before returning home to Naomi. When the barley was gathered, the whole crew migrated to the newly ripened wheat fields. The wheat harvest ended around the end of May or the beginning of June. Therefore, Ruth lived with Naomi for about two months.
Do you think Naomi was an easy person to live with? Although she expressed praise toward God and Boaz after that first day, she had fully embraced a bitter mindset some time previously, and such a position rarely changes quickly. I bet Naomi complained a lot. I bet she found something wrong with everything. I bet she rarely (or never!) thanked Ruth for all she did. But based on Ruth’s character, we can also guess that Ruth bore up under such treatment with grace and compassion: her promise of chesed lived out daily by sweetly caring for her mother-in-law, working hard to provide food for her, and speaking kind words, never complaints.
Personal application time:
-Do you have a “Naomi” in your life—a bitter soul who is hard to live with? How can you imitate Ruth’s example (and ultimately God’s) of showing chesed?
-Notes/questions/prayer:
Monday, December 20
Ask your heavenly Father for understanding, no distractions, and help in applying His holy Word.
Please read: Ruth 3:1-6
Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you? Is not Boaz our relative, with whose young women you were? See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. But when he lies down, observe the place where he lies. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do.”
And she replied, “All that you say I will do.”
So she went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in-law had commanded her.
Question time!
What was Naomi seeking for Ruth?
“Boaz is ____ ____ at the ____ ____”
Did Ruth obey these odd instructions from her mother-in-law?
Let’s Dig In
The barley and wheat harvests are done. Ruth and Naomi are well supplied with seeds to process into flour to make their daily bread. But their long-term wellbeing is still uncertain.
Naomi has apparently been thinking. She now tells Ruth the plan she has come up with to secure “rest” for her: peace, safety, a home, a family. Boaz would be winnowing barley that night at the threshing floor.
The barley had been harvested and gathered into sheaves, but it was hardly ready to eat in that form. The next step was threshing to free the seeds from the rest of the plant. Small quantities could be beaten out by hand with a stick or club as Ruth had done, but this large amount required more power. In this case, Boaz probably supervised oxen pulling a heavy threshing sledge, a weighted wooden sled with rocks embedded on the underside. Finally, one had to separate the seeds from the chaff, the stalk of the plant. Threshing floors sat near the tops of hills to take advantage of seasonal breezes coming in from the Mediterranean Sea—particularly in the evening. Workers would take a scoop of the mixed plant matter from the floor and toss it into the air, where the breeze would blow away the lightweight chaff, but the heavier grains would fall back down. Over and over the workers would toss, and eventually switch to a shovel and then a sieve. It was dusty and hard work, but joyful work.
Boaz would be supervising all this, and perhaps working himself, at the threshing floor. Naomi gave Ruth special instructions. She was to bathe (a special occasion in a water-poor land) and anoint herself (probably with olive oil as a skin treatment–Ruth’s skin had probably suffered from her weeks of work in the hot sun). She was to bring her cloak: her outer garment (somewhat like our modern-day full-length jacket, but without sleeves), which could double as a blanket for sleeping away from home. Then Naomi told Ruth to go to Boaz’s threshing floor, but keep herself out of sight for the time being. (The secrecy was possibly for privacy and avoiding embarrassment: Ruth could quietly ask Boaz to redeem her instead of publicly.) Boaz and his servants would be threshing and winnowing barley, as well as celebrating God’s provision for a good harvest, but after they lay down to sleep (and protect the barley from theft), Ruth was to go uncover Boaz’s cloak from his feet and lie down there. (I hasten to add that there is nothing sinful or sexual about this ancient custom. We’ll discuss its meaning later.)
This ancient Israelite custom may seem bizarre to us, and it probably was new to Ruth, too—but she trusted Naomi and obeyed her exactly. She didn’t complain, offer excuses, or even give Naomi a funny look. What a worthy example to follow—that of simple trust and obedience. God says “do this” in His Word, and we do it.
Personal application time:
-What’s your reaction when you read a command in God’s Word or hear a pointed application in a sermon? Excuses and justification as to why it doesn’t apply to you? Muttered complaints? A grim sense of duty and obligation? Prayerfully consider your recent actions and attitudes in this area:
-If you’re ready, write out Ruth’s words in verse 5—not as a quotation of Ruth, but as your own commitment to God:
-Bonus! Look up I John 5:3.
-Notes/questions/prayer:
Tuesday, December 21
Ask your heavenly Father for understanding, no distractions, and help in applying His holy Word.
Please read: Ruth 3:7-13
And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain.
Then she came softly and uncovered his feet and lay down.
At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman lay at his feet! He said, “Who are you?”
And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.”
And he said, “May you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman. And now it is true that I am a redeemer. Yet there is a redeemer nearer than I. Remain tonight, and in the morning, if he will redeem you, good; let him do it. But if he is not willing to redeem you, then, as the Lord lives, I will redeem you. Lie down until the morning.”
Question time!
Had Boaz expected Ruth?
Was Boaz a younger man or an older man?
Was Boaz willing to redeem Ruth?
What was the complication to the plan? There was a redeemer ___ than Boaz.
Let’s Dig In
Boaz and his servants threshed and winnowed grain that evening, using the breeze blowing in from the sea. It was dusty, hard work, but a happy occasion: God had provided a bountiful harvest! I can imagine there was laughter and teasing—maybe forkfuls of half-sifted barley occasionally ended up on the head of one’s fellow worker. Afterward, everyone gathered to eat and drink in celebration. That Boaz’s “heart was merry” just means he was happy (and probably praising God), not drunk. Then the threshing floor grew quiet and dark as everyone went to sleep. Ruth crept over to where she had seen Boaz lie down, at the end of the heap of grain (to protect it). She pulled his cloak (outer garment, currently serving as a blanket) off his feet and lay down there: a place of humility and supplication. Maybe she was rehearsing what to say. Maybe she was praying.
I bet Ruth hardly slept for those several hours until Boaz startled awake (with chilly toes, I’m sure) and realized someone—a woman—was at his feet. “Who are you?” he said. “It’s me, Ruth,” she said, her heart pounding in her chest. “Spread your wings over me—you are a redeemer.” With these words, Ruth was asking him to redeem her through marriage. Naomi was not eligible for Levirate marriage (Deut. 25:5-10) due to her age, but Ruth could take her place. The word translated “wings” (Hebrew kanap) can also mean “the edge of a garment.” Perhaps Ruth was following a formulaic phrase used in this ancient custom, as there are some connections of “uncovering” or “spreading” one’s garment in connection to marriage (Deut. 22:30; Mal. 2:16). This phrase also connects with taking pity on, taking charge of, and claiming someone (Ezek. 16:8; I Kings 19:19)—in other words, “redeeming” or “taking under one’s wing.” It’s also possible that Ruth was referencing Boaz’s own words to her in 2:12: (to paraphrase) “May God bless and reward you, you who have come to take refuge under His wings!” (“Wings” is the same Hebrew word.)
Boaz blesses her in God’s Name because of her “last kindness:” she had not pursued redemption through one of the young men. Evidently, Boaz was an older man, and possibly not a particularly attractive one. (But God says the “inner beauty” of godliness is far more valuable than physical appearance.) “Kindness” by the way, is chesed: faithful love. Boaz goes on to gently reassure her: “Do not fear, my daughter.” (I know I would be on edge if I was in Ruth’s sandals!) He promises that he will redeem her—if he can. It turns out there’s a nearer relative to Naomi. He also says that he—along with the whole town—knows that she is a “worthy woman.” This adjective (Hebrew chayil) could also be translated as “valiant, strong, heroic, valorous, or virtuous.”
Now, where have we read about a virtuous woman? Proverbs 31! It’s the same Hebrew phrase. The woman described there is hard-working, kind, wise, dignified—and most importantly, she fears the Lord. I’d certainly agree with those townspeople that Ruth was a Proverbs 31 woman.
Say, how’s your reputation? What adjective might your coworkers, neighbors, and friends use to describe you?
Personal application time:
-The world says we’re not supposed to care what people think about us, and while the most important thing is one’s standing before God, not others, a good reputation is a valuable thing. Look up and summarize these verses: Ecc. 7:1; Prov. 22:1; I Pet. 2:12
-Are there any behaviors or habits you do that are innocent but might look worldly to others (I Thess. 5:22)?
-Bonus! Read Prov. 31:10-31. Consider what descriptions apply to you (by God’s grace!). Consider what you need to work on.
-Notes/questions/prayer:
Wednesday, December 22
Ask your heavenly Father for understanding, no distractions, and help in applying His holy Word.
Please read: Ruth 3:14-18
So she lay at his feet until the morning, but arose before one could recognize another.
And he said, “Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.” And he said, “Bring the garment you are wearing and hold it out.”
So she held it, and he measured out six measures of barley and put it on her.
Then she went into the city.
And when she came to her mother-in-law, she said, “How did you fare, my daughter?”
Then she told her all that the man had done for her, saying, “These six measures of barley he gave to me, for he said to me, ‘You must not go back empty-handed to your mother-in-law.’”
She replied, “Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.”
Question time!
Did Boaz want everyone in town to know that Ruth had been there?
What gift did Boaz give to Ruth?
How did Ruth carry it?
True or false: Boaz was a man of action.
Let’s Dig In
After that conversation at midnight—Ruth asked Boaz to redeem her and he promised to do so if the nearer redeemer would not—I’m guessing Ruth didn’t sleep much. Would Boaz keep his promise? What if this other redeemer chose her? What was he like? Was he as godly and kind as Boaz? Finally, in the pre-dawn darkness, Ruth got up. Boaz asked his servants who had woken up not to spread word of Ruth’s visit, probably to protect both their reputations. (As a side note: this reveals more of Boaz’s character: he was such an honorable boss that he could trust his servants not to spread “juicy gossip,” and his servants trusted that his deeds were not questionable.)
Then Boaz had Ruth hold out her cloak as a carrying device, and he gave her a generous gift: six measures of barley seeds. Ruth left—after thanking him, I’m sure—and went home to Naomi, who was probably already up, eagerly awaiting her. (Fun fact: the ESV translates Naomi’s initial words to Ruth as “How did you fare,” but it’s literally “Who are you?” It must have still been pretty dark in the house! I bet they lit a lamp.) Upon hearing the news and seeing Boaz’s gift, Naomi reassured Ruth that Boaz was a man of action; he wouldn’t put off dealing with the matter but would see it through that day.
Are you a woman of action? I admit I have long struggled with procrastination, but God is honored when we strive to order our time well.
Personal application time:
-How are your time management skills? Do you use a planner (physical or digital)? If so, is it working well for you? If not, research other kinds of planners or productivity apps. How about looking up some productivity tips online? You can find articles or videos on youtube, whichever you prefer. Find systems that work for the way God made you and use your time and energy—however much God has given you—to serve Him and others.
-Pick one of these verses to write out: Eph. 5:15-17; Col. 4:5; James 1:5; or Psalm 90:12:
Consider writing one of these verses on the front of your planner (or on a post-it note to move to the current week in your planner) in your favorite color ink.
-Notes/questions/prayer:
Thursday, December 23
Ask your heavenly Father for understanding, no distractions, and help in applying His holy Word.
Please read: Ruth 4:1-4
Now Boaz had gone up to the gate and sat down there.
And behold, the redeemer, of whom Boaz had spoken, came by. So Boaz said, “Turn aside, friend; sit down here.” And he turned aside and sat down.
And he took ten men of the elders of the city and said, “Sit down here.” So they sat down.
Then he said to the redeemer, “Naomi, who has come back from the country of Moab, is selling the parcel of land that belonged to our relative Elimelech. So I thought I would tell you of it and say, ‘Buy it in the presence of those sitting here and in the presence of the elders of my people.’ If you will redeem it, redeem it. But if you will not, tell me, that I may know, for there is no one besides you to redeem it, and I come after you.”
And he said, “I will redeem it.”
Question time!
Who did Boaz collect at the gate? The ___ and ten ___ of the city
Did Boaz mention Ruth to the redeemer right away?
Did the redeemer agree to buy Naomi’s land?
Let’s Dig In
The gate of a town or city was the place of business (as well as a place to trade and gossip), so that’s where Boaz gathered the nearer relative in question, the redeemer, as well as ten elders to serve as witnesses to a legal transaction. There were also townspeople around, sitting and listening.
As a side note, the redeemer is not named, but instead called “friend,” which is better translated “so-and-so” or “a certain one.” It’s possible that the author did not name him to save him and his descendants embarrassment. Or perhaps it serves as a sort of judgment.
Boaz introduces the matter to the redeemer by bringing up Naomi’s land: two women physically could not plow, sow, maintain, and harvest crops, but they could live on the money selling it would bring. (Redeeming land and redeeming a widow are covered separately in the Law, but they hang together. Maybe Ruth had passed a message from Naomi to Boaz, not recorded in Scripture, that Naomi wanted to sell Elimelech’s land, too.) The land had to stay within Elimelech’s tribe and clan, so it was his go’el’s (relative/redeemer) duty to buy it. This man, as nearest single relative of Elimelech, was first in line to become the go’el—and in fact, he should have already approached Naomi about the land and marrying her (or in this case, her daughter-in-law). He was supposed to take the initiative (Deut. 25:5)! Undoubtedly he had heard Elimelech’s widow had returned to Bethlehem (with a Gentile daughter-in-law) and had decided to do nothing about it. (Boaz, who was not first in line, had no responsibility to act as go’el to Naomi; all that he had done for Ruth and Naomi was out of his chesed.) Naomi had sent Ruth in her stead to request Boaz instead of the redeemer to be their go’el out of chesed: Ruth would gain a loving, godly husband if the venture succeeded. It is clear by this point that Boaz loves Ruth and was honored to be asked instead of the nearer relative, and thus speaks wisely by mentioning the land first.
The redeemer thought “More land equals more crops, which equals more money and luxury for me” and said “Yes, I will redeem Naomi’s land.” Meanwhile, it seems that Ruth and Naomi were not present while their fate was being decided. Ruth had to wait to find out who her husband was going to be: the selfish redeemer, or loving, kind, generous, godly Boaz? Do you think she was pacing the house? Worrying and fretting? Sitting and praying? Peacefully doing a chore?
How do you handle waiting on important news?
Personal application time:
-Waiting on the Lord is a skill to develop for both big matters (closing on a house, getting the job) and small things. God wants us to wait patiently for His perfect timing, taking contented, peaceful rest in Him, taking strength in Him—while doing good. How do you handle waiting? How can you excel still more?
-Choose one of these verses to write out: Lam. 3:25-26; Is. 64:4; Ps. 25:4-5; Ps. 27: 13-14; Ps. 37:7; Matt. 6:33; Is. 40:28-31
-Notes/questions/prayer:
Friday, December 24
Ask your heavenly Father for understanding, no distractions, and help in applying His holy Word.
Please read: Ruth 4:5-8
Then Boaz said, “The day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you also acquire Ruth the Moabite, the widow of the dead, in order to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance.”
Then the redeemer said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I impair my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption yourself, for I cannot redeem it.”
Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and exchanging: to confirm a transaction, the one drew off his sandal and gave it to the other, and this was the manner of attesting in Israel.
So when the redeemer said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself,” he drew off his sandal.
Question time!
Buying Naomi’s land also meant marrying ___ the ___.
Did the redeemer agree?
What did the redeemer take off to confirm his refusal?
Let’s Dig In
Now Boaz brings up the heart of the matter: redeeming Naomi’s land also means to redeem her daughter-in-law, Ruth the Moabite, by marrying her. Suddenly the redeemer backs out. To paraphrase: “Oh, uh, I can’t,” he said. “That would damage my own inheritance.” Does that sound like an excuse, or does that sound like an excuse? I think the redeemer was happy to spend some money on some additional land that would profit him within a year, but he balked at the idea of marrying a Gentile—especially a Moabite. And passing his land on to a half-Moabite son would “damage” it. This selfishness is ironic since one of his and Boaz’s ancestors, Onan the son of Judah, refused to father a son in his brother’s name (Gen. 38).
The redeemer confirmed his refusal with an ancient custom: he took off his sandal and handed it to Boaz. This sounds pretty odd to us, but it was a different time and a different culture. Think of it like a handshake or a signature: a formal sign of one’s legal decision.
How about you—do you ever give excuses and back out of a ministry opportunity, a nudge from the Spirit to go talk with that brother or sister, or even a commandment written in God’s Word?
Personal application time:
-We humans are great at coming up with excuses, aren’t we? In the lines below, write down three excuses you hear often, and then three answers that glorify God:
For example: “Oh, I don’t know anything about that” versus “Just tell me what to do—I’m here to serve.”
-Changing one’s mindset isn’t easy—but God gives grace to those who ask. Ask your Father for help to quit making excuses and delight to do His will (Ps. 40:8). Write your prayer down if that helps you:
-Notes/questions/prayer:
Saturday, December 25
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Ask your heavenly Father for understanding, no distractions, and help in applying His holy Word.
Please read: Ruth 4:9-10
Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses this day that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and to Mahlon. Also Ruth the Moabite, the widow of Mahlon, I have bought to be my wife, to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance, that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his native place. You are witnesses this day.”
Question time!
Who did Boaz speak to? The _____ and _____ the ___
They were ____
Boaz bought from Naomi all that belonged to ____, ___, & __
Boaz also bought _____ the _____, the widow of _____
Boaz was concerned that the ____ of the ____ not be cut off from among his brothers
Let’s Dig In
This official statement from Boaz may sound boring at first: he’s audibly confirming his redemption of Elimelech’s land and his redemption of Ruth to the elders and other witnesses there at the gate. But it’s so much more than that. With these words, and the action that followed—payment to Naomi, marriage of Ruth—Boaz became Naomi and Ruth’s redeemer, their go’el, their savior from destitution, hopelessness, vulnerability, loneliness, and hard work for just barely enough food. He bought back Naomi from where she (with her family) had wandered into the wicked land of Moab. He “bought” Ruth to be his wife, redeeming her from lonely, impoverished widowhood.
This concern for “the name of the dead” is quite foreign to us, but it is mentioned several times in the Law, and was therefore important to Boaz: he didn’t want the names of Elimelech, Chilion, and Mahlon to be forgotten because they had died without sons.
Did you know that Boaz is a type or picture of Christ? Boaz was willing to redeem a poor foreign woman who had nothing to offer (including a barren womb)—he was not forced by anyone, but he did it anyway. Christ is our spiritual redeemer, and He wasn’t forced, either (Heb. 10:7). Boaz was under no obligation to redeem, but he acted out of love—chesed. Christ too had no obligation to die for us; He paid the price of our sin out of His incredible chesed for us.
It’s not mentioned directly, but this redemption did not cost Boaz nothing. He paid a price to redeem Naomi and Ruth. God’s cost to redeem His children was much, much greater. God the Father paid the price of His beloved Son, His only Son.
About two thousand years ago, Christ gave up the blessings and constant praise of angelic beings in heaven to take on human flesh (while not losing His divine nature; He never stopped being God, but also became a man). During those years on earth, Christ also gave up the independent use of His divine attributes, as well as His time and energy: He constantly healed, taught, and served people. In the garden He gave up His free will (“Not my will, but Yours be done”) and on the Cross, He gave up His dignity, body, and blood: His life. Father, Son, and Spirit sacrificed their perfect unity within the Trinity when Jesus took our sin in His body and God the Father poured out His wrath for our sin on Him. Many songs have been written to thank God for the incredible price He paid: we were redeemed—bought back from slavery to sin—by Christ’s blood (I Cor. 6:20). And we will praise Him in the future (Rev. 5:9-10).
Like Ruth the poor, foreign widow, we too were hopelessly lost in spiritual poverty—we could not save ourselves from the punishment we deserve. All of us Gentile (non-Jew) believers were “separated from Christ, alienated from the blessings of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Eph. 2:12-14). “But you are a chosen race, a royal priest-hood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy” (I Pet. 2:9-10).
Boaz gave generous gifts and protection to Naomi and Ruth. God gives even more generous and amazing gifts. He gave eternal life and salvation from eternal punishment to those who believe that Christ, the Son of God, took our punishment, died, and rose again. God gives good gifts to His children and blessings for us to enjoy. Sunshine and rain are from Him, even on the wicked (Matt. 5:45).
To sum up: “thanks be to God for His indescribable gift” (II Cor. 9:15)!
Personal application time:
-Spend some time thanking God for all He gave up for us, what He endured for us, and all the blessings He bestows on us. Thank Him for redeeming you from the power of sin and death!
-List a few before & afters of your redemption by God:
-Notes/questions/prayer:
Tomorrow is the Lord’s Day—pray for your pastor to speak boldly and clearly, and that all who can be there will be.
Monday, December 27
Ask your heavenly Father for understanding, no distractions, and help in applying His holy Word.
Please read: Ruth 4:11-12
Then all the people who were at the gate and the elders said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman, who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you act worthily in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem, and may your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring that the Lord will give you by this young woman.”
Question time!
Did the people and the elders approve of Boaz’s choice?
Which three women of Israel’s past did they hope Ruth would be like?
The people’s blessing also wished Boaz well: “may you ____ ____ in Ephrathah and ____ ____ in Bethlehem”
Let’s Dig In
The elders Boaz had gathered, plus the Bethlehemites who happened to be present at the gate that morning, heartily approved of Boaz’s redemption of Naomi and Ruth. They blessed Boaz, wishing him fame and honor in return for his (continuing) virtuous, worthy deeds. They blessed Ruth and asked God to make her as fruitful as Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. (In other words, they bore many sons who became important men.) They also blessed Boaz’s “house”—not his physical dwelling place, but his descendants, his legacy: children. The “house of Perez,” descendants of Judah, had grown into one of the bigger tribes of Israel.
The inclusion of Tamar brings up another point: Tamar was not an Israelite, but a foreigner, just like Ruth. Her husband had also died, leaving her childless. Both were joined to older Israelite men. Tamar’s acts were shameful; Ruth’s were virtuous. God did use the Gentile Tamar—He can turn ugliness into grace—but He richly blessed and rewarded the Gentile Ruth.
Unless you are a Jew, you are also a foreigner, a Gentile. God’s focus and blessing was on Israel—but His grace is bigger than just Israel. He included Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and others. He sent his prophet Jonah to the wicked city of Nineveh. And then, about two thousand years ago, Christ started the church, which includes both Jews and Gentiles. We Gentiles are like a “wild olive tree shoot” grafted onto a “cultivated olive tree,” which is Israel (Rom. 11:17-24). How great is God’s grace to include us! May we never forget how greatly God has blessed us. God’s grace can reach anyone!
Personal application time:
-Thank God for your salvation! Also thank Him for your local church.
-Do you know any Jews? Pray that God might soften their hearts and that they might believe in Jesus their Messiah. Do you know any other hard-hearted people who will “never get saved?” Pray for them—and that God will help you believe that He can do anything, including redeem the “impossible.” Write down their names (and your prayer, if you wish) here:
-Notes/questions/prayer:
Tuesday, December 28
Ask your heavenly Father for understanding, no distractions, and help in applying His holy Word.
Please read: Ruth 4:13
So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son.
Question time!
Who got married?
What did God give Ruth?
She bore a ______.
Let’s Dig In
I can’t imagine Boaz stood around after concluding his business at the gate. Within short order he officially paid Naomi for the value of Elimelech’s land (and likely more, given his previous generosity). Then he hurried to make preparations for a wedding: servants sent with invitations, preparing lots of food, including the fattened calf, and wedding clothes. (It is likely he bought wedding clothes for Ruth, since she was still poor.) Weddings were an even bigger deal in that culture than they are in ours—and especially between a well-known, influential, wealthy man and a woman with a reputation like Ruth’s. I bet pretty much all of Bethlehem showed up to celebrate when it was time.
Finally, when everything was ready, Boaz, resplendent in wedding clothes, and his wedding party left his house in a procession with joyful singing, gathering friends along the way. Ruth was ready and waiting at Naomi’s house, beautifully adorned and veiled. The procession returned with the bride to the groom’s house, where the couple sat under a canopy—like a king and queen—and all the guests celebrated with festivities such as dancing and feasting. All this could last a week.
Naomi’s plan succeeded, by God’s grace and chesed! Ruth now had “rest:” a home and a marriage to a godly husband. She no longer had to glean, laboring hard under the hot sun, for just barely enough food. She had security and peace. (Naomi moved in as well, also enjoying the peace and safety and love of a godly household.)
Ruth had no child. She had been barren for ten years with her first husband. But now God richly rewards Ruth for her chesed by giving her conception. Can you imagine her joy and delight a few months into her new marriage to discover that she was expecting? How she must have praised and thanked God for this beautiful gift! I can picture her weeping tears of joy before God, who showed her great chesed. And she gave birth to a son.
This is nothing short of a miracle! But “with God, nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37). Praise Him!
Personal application time:
-What other “impossible” things has God done? Write down a few and praise Him for His great strength and power:
-What children has God blessed you with? Not just any of your own, but also nieces and nephews, grandkids, kids of friends, and kids at church. Write down their names and thank God for each little one:
-Notes/questions/prayer:
Wednesday, December 29
Ask your heavenly Father for understanding, no distractions, and help in applying His holy Word.
Please read: Ruth 4:14-17
Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.”
Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse.
And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.
Question time!
Who spoke to Naomi?
Who did they bless?
God had given Naomi a ___
He would be to Naomi a ___ of ___ and a ___ of her _____ _____
Ruth was ____ to Naomi than ____ ___
What did the neighborhood woman name the baby boy?
Let’s Dig In
I am positive that the kind, loving new bride of the influential, respected Boaz quickly made friends with all the neighborhood women. Suddenly she had the resources to show chesed to others besides Naomi—although of course, she remained loyal to Naomi. She did not abandon her mother-in-law now that she had a husband. Instead, I’m sure she used her new time, energy, and resources to be an even greater blessing to her mother-in-law. Whereas before she had to leave and work all day to get food for Naomi, now she could spend time with her, take her to call on old friends, and bless her with gifts, such as new clothing or an edible treat.
Ruth’s labor must have been assisted not just by the town midwife, but also by close friends and Naomi. After the birth of a beautiful baby boy—legally son of both Elimelech and Boaz—the women turned to Naomi and exclaimed (to paraphrase), “Blessed be Yahweh, who has not left you empty! May this redeemer of yours be honored in Israel! He will serve you in your old age, this son of your daughter-in-law, whose love is greater to you than seven sons.”
It was these neighborhood women whose name for the baby stuck: Obed, which means “he who serves.” And he would serve Naomi in her old age; he would be her go’el. When he was grown, he would provide food and shelter for her (as well as his parents.) He would also serve God, which we’ll see tomorrow. And Naomi “became his nurse:” she had the enormous blessing of not just becoming a grandmother, but having a large role in raising the child. I’m sure she was a doting, attentive, loving grandmother.
Ruth had pledged her loyalty, her chesed, to Naomi, and she had proved it—it was clear to all around her, including the neighborhood women. Ruth had shown incredible chesed to Naomi; she stuck with her through thick and thin and worked hard to provide for her. She had endured bitterness and complaints. Now God was showering Ruth with rich rewards: a loving, godly husband and a baby boy, among many other things. God had blessed Naomi too. Although Naomi had strayed from God, it seems she had returned to Him at some point. She had started looking beyond her own nose and thought up a plan to gain rest for Ruth, forgoing the possibility of a husband for herself. And now God was showing her chesed as well.
Did you know that God loves to bless His children? He is a loving heavenly Father who has abundant resources. He cannot, however, richly bless disobedient children—but He eagerly awaits a straying believer’s repentance and return, so that He can bless him or her.
Personal application time:
-What are some of God’s blessings to you personally? Name them and thank God for them:
-Do you feel that God is not blessing you right now? Is there, perhaps, something in the way? Is there a commandment that you haven’t been willing to obey, or are doing it grudgingly? Ask God to show you if there’s something wrong.
-If, as far you know, there’s nothing between you and God, and yet you still feel oppressed and un-blessed… that might be emotions lying to you. Your heart can’t be trusted (I John 3:19-20; Jer. 17:9). Focus instead on what you know is true from God’s Word: truths like God’s chesed for you, your salvation is based on Christ and not you (Eph. 1:13-14; I Pet. 1:3-9), and so on. Search for the biblical truths that you need, write them down (here or elsewhere), and read those verses to yourself whenever your heart is lying to you:
-Notes/questions/prayer:
Thursday, December 30
Ask your heavenly Father for understanding, no distractions, and help in applying His holy Word.
Please read: Gen. 49:10; Ruth 4:18-22; Luke 1:30-33
The scepter shall not depart from Judah,
nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet,
until tribute comes to him;
and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.
Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez fathered Hezron, Hezron fathered Ram, Ram fathered Amminadab, Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon, Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed, Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered David.
And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
Question time!
A son of ___ would become king.
Who was Boaz’s father?
Look up Matt. 1:5. Who was Boaz’s mother?
Ruth and Boaz’s son Obed, when he grew up, became the father of ___, who in turn became the father of King ____.
Thousands of years later, an angel told Mary her son would be called the ____ of the ___ ___. God would give Him the ___ of His ___ ___.
How long will Jesus reign?
Let’s Dig In
These last two verses may be “just” a genealogy, but it’s a super exciting genealogy. About 750 years earlier, an elderly Jacob (also named Israel) had gathered his twelve sons to proclaim a sort of prophetic blessing on each of them (or in some cases, a curse for previous sins). Judah was not his firstborn (that culture’s position of honor), and yet Jacob prophesied that kings would come from Judah. In fact, Jacob said “the scepter shall not depart from Judah,” which implies either that a dynasty of kings would always rule, one after another (which did happen for about sixteen generations), or that one king in particular would rule forever. God had chosen Judah for something special: the line of the Promised One, the coming One who would save mankind from our sin.
Judah had five sons, but it was Perez that God chose. Hezron, Ram, Amminadab, and Nahshon’s generations lasted from Israel’s 400 years in Egypt and 40 years in the wilderness. Salmon was part of the generation who began conquering the Promised Land under Joshua; he married Rahab the Gentile prostitute, whose faith had led her to protect the two Israelite spies from her own king (Josh. 2). She became mother (or grandmother; genealogies occasionally skip less important names) of Boaz. So the godly, kind Boaz was the son of a Gentile—he was half Israelite, half Gentile! He had grown up seeing God’s grace extended to a Gentile woman, so he was gracious to the one he met as an adult.
Ruth gave birth to Obed, who grew up and fathered Jesse, who grew up and fathered two daughters and eight sons, the youngest of whom was David. God chose David when he was just a teenager as a “man after His own heart” to be the next king of Israel. To David God promised an everlasting throne. And of David’s sons, God continued picking those who would be in the line of the Promised Son, although He did not reveal any names beyond David.
Just over a thousand years later, the fullness of time had come. God sent forth His Son (He is 100% God), born of a woman (He is also 100% man), descended from the line of David (Gal. 4:4). He lived a perfect, sinless life on earth for thirty-three and a half years, then died on a cross, taking the punishment for mankind’s sin, was buried, and rose again the third day. He is now in heaven at the right hand of God the Father, but one day—any day now—He will return, and the end times will begin. During and after that, Jesus Christ will reign physically on earth forever and ever.
Back to Ruth. Do you see now why that little genealogy is so exciting? A Moabite woman had placed her complete trust in God and proved it by pledging her loyalty to her Israelite mother-in-law and to her mother-in-law’s people and God. She then proved her pledge of chesed by faithfulness and hard work. God saw this and richly rewarded Ruth not just with a godly husband, a baby boy, and material things, but also the immense privilege of being in the line of the Promised Son: the Messiah, Jesus Christ. In fact, if Ruth was long-lived (and this is a distinct possibility), then she may have lived to see not just her grandson Jesse, but her great-grandsons, including the youngest. Ruth had no idea who her great-grandson would become, nor especially the most important of her descendants!
Who knows what blessings God has in store for those who simply trust Him and faithfully serve Him, one day at a time?
Personal application time:
-Either here or on a separate paper, write out I Cor. 2:9. Whenever you’re having a bad day or feeling like your labor is worthless, read this amazing (and exciting!) promise of God:
-Notes/questions/prayer:
Friday, December 31
Ask your heavenly Father for understanding, no distractions, and help in applying His holy Word.
Please look over: the book of Ruth as a whole
Let’s Dig In
What are some ways you can imitate Ruth?
Who should you avoid imitating?
How are you like Ruth? How are you unlike her?
What topics came up that you would like to study more?
What did you learn about God from this book?
What is your favorite verse from the book?
Is there an application that the Spirit told you to do that you haven’t?
What else have you learned from the book of Ruth?
-Notes/questions/prayer:
****This is Lorie. I just wanted to express my gratitude to Rachel for writing such excellent devotions for us for the month of December. They were chock-full of valuable information, interesting background facts, and especially, AWESOME SCRIPTURE. I additionally was both challenged, moved, and blessed by the very pertinent thought questions and applications. There is SO MUCH for us to praise God for based on the Book of Ruth – and the incredible chesed of our Father in heaven! May God bless you as you put the truths of the Book of Ruth into personal practice in the coming year!
First Baptist Church of North Conway, NH 