Devotions

Thanksgiving Time

Published on by Joan

Joan - BEING THANKFUL

 

If you stopped by because you read my devotion today (November 27, 2015) over at Encouragement Cafe, WELCOME!   So glad you are here!

 

Enjoying Time With The Lord

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  James 1:17 NIV

The church I attend has two different Sunday School meeting times.  I attend an adult Sunday School class the first hour and then a children’s class meets in the same room the second hour.  The next Sunday morning, it’s interesting to read the prayer requests and the praises the young children listed on the whiteboard.  They innocently ask for prayer for their dog or to do well on a test.  Then they will give praise for passing a test, getting a new toy or pet, or getting to play with their friends.

I think as adults we often forget to think about the simple blessings we receive.  Children are thrilled to get to play with friends.  Toddlers can play and repeat the game of dropping a toy and saying “uh-oh,” just so someone can pick it up and give it back to them again and again.  My grandchildren love playing “tennis” with me in the house with balloons or walking to the park to swing.  It’s not just the things they are given, but the attention they get that gives them so much joy.

When we think about the things we ought to be thankful for, we think of our homes, food and clothing.  We think of our family and friends.  And yes, we should thank God every moment for those wonderful blessings.  How often though, do we thank God for the time and attention He gives us?

When I have my quiet time, I so cherish the days when God’s Word seems to leap off the page, filling me with the knowledge of His presence.  Not every day is like that.  Sometimes God’s presence is so real in a worship service at church that the congregation can’t stop singing worship songs and people can’t stop standing up, publicly giving praise for God’s blessings.  Every service isn’t like that.  Sometimes God makes His presence really known, and then other times we just trust by faith that He is with us, even if He has chosen to be silent.

Yes, I’m thankful for my family and friends.  I’m thankful for my home and other material blessings that I have been so richly given from God.  But more than anything, I’m thankful when God takes the time to show up and “play” with me.

The Complete Package

Published on by Joan

If you stopped by because you read my devotion today (November 17, 2015) over at Encouragement Cafe, WELCOME!   So glad you are here!​​

Joan-When you're feeling down

 

Seeing Ourselves From God’s Viewpoint

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”   Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

Everywhere we look there are images of the “perfect” body, the “perfect” car, “perfect” house, family, life, etc.  People seem to be consumed with trying to look the best, have the best and be the best.  As women, we often compare ourselves and our lives to those “best” things and feel we are coming up far short of what others see as perfect.  This is mistake one – comparing ourselves with others.

Then mistake two is that we start trying to be like everyone else and chase after all of those things.  Why do we do this to ourselves?  We look at others and put ourselves down and then we try to be like the very ones who make us feel inferior.

We need to start looking at ourselves from God’s perspective.  When we accept Christ as our Savior, we are new creations in Him.  It doesn’t matter what our outward appearance is, only the condition of our heart matters to God.  “Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation.” (Galatians 6:15 NIV)

When we get to feeling down, we need to ask ourselves 2 questions.  Do we believe in Christ?  And, do we believe that God’s Word is true?  If we have accepted Christ as our Saviour, we are in Him and we need to believe what He says in His Word.

“We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.  We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.”  1 John 5:19-20 (NIV)

And just as we learn to believe how God sees us, we are told to not believe the things the world says about us.

“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.  For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;  and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.”  Colossians 2:8-10 (NKJV)

So how does God see us?  We were created in God’s image; we are God’s handiwork; we are His chosen people; we are overcomers.  All of these things, and even more, are true for everyone.  God does have specific plans for every individual, and gives different talents and spiritual gifts to each one, but no one is better than anyone else in His sight.

Yes, it’s hard to not compare ourselves with others; but as we really stop to think about the fact that God loved us so much that He sent His only Son to die for us, how can we not but believe that in His eyes we are significant and important?

Take time to study His Word and accept in your heart that we are precious to God.  And as we let that truth really soak into our hearts and mind, we will be of more use to Him and we will be able to encourage others around us that we are the complete package because of Christ living in us.

Offer This Prayer to God:

My Heavenly Father,

Thank you for sending Your only Son to die, just for me!  In this world so full of self-importance, help me to see that I am important to You.  May I always keep my eyes on You instead of accepting the things the world says about me.  Thank You, Father, that in You I am complete.  Please use me to fulfill the plan You have for my life.  Amen.   

What Was I Thinking?!!

Published on by Joan

If you stopped by because you read my devotion today (November 4, 2015) over at Encouragement Cafe, WELCOME!   So glad you are here!​​

 

Thankful for Blessings

 

 

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.   I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”  Your ways, God, are holy.  What god is as great as our God?  You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.  Psalm 77:11-14 (NIV)

 

After 30 years of marriage, things have settled down.  But I remember the days of laundry, dishes, cleaning house, job, kids, homework, husband, church and on and on.  In the middle of all the chaos I would find myself thinking,

“This is not what I signed up for.”

But then I remembered, I had.

I distinctly remember in my early teens dreaming of being married and having a family.  It was the beginning of a new decade and Christians began talking a lot about the Lord’s return.

Being naïve, I would say to the Lord,

“Can you wait until I have my first kiss?”

Then it was,

“Can you wait until I get married?”

Next it was,

“Can you wait until I have children?”

When the chaos of juggling all those things was a reality, it was,

“Come quickly, Lord Jesus!”

Amid the busyness of life, those moments would come that made sense out of the madness.  Growing children led to cleaning outgrown garments from closets to replace with new ones.  As the little dresses were removed, memories of special moments would come.  Preschool graduations and Christmas plays.  T-shirts brought back memories of ballgames and vacations. Instead of thinking of the chore of cleaning, I would find myself smiling and taking time to reflect.

When school projects required childhood pictures, I would spend time looking through shoe boxes and drawers full of pictures.  As my girls and I searched for just the right ones, we would laugh and recall the moments when the pictures were taken.

On those rare date nights with my husband, we would slow down over dinner and talk about the girls and our plans for the future.  We would enjoy retelling stories of antics in which our children had been involved.  Slowing down to remember all of those things which, at the time they were happening, seemed hard and nerve-wracking, suddenly brought back fond memories and joy at the blessings God had given us.

In the Old Testament, the Children of Israel were continually being told to, “Remember how God…”  Many times they were told to remember because they had turned their back on God.  Sometimes they were told to remember because they were discouraged.  When they looked back and remembered how God had brought them out of bondage, how God had provided protection and supplied their needs, it caused them to repent and worship God.

Take Out:

We too, should look back at all of our blessings, even the ones that caused us headaches at the time, and humbly praise God for them.  We need to remember that everything we’ve got, everything we’ve gone through, even the bad times, were times when He was still in control and when He was giving us those things for our good.

Dessert:

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the blessings You have so richly blessed me with – even the ones I don’t recognize in the moment as good.  When it seems my life is in chaos, help me to remember that You are working all things for my good.  Thank you for memories of wonderful times You have allowed me to experience.  But most of all, Lord, help to “Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead.” (2 Timothy 2:8 NIV)    Amen.

Living Rich

Published on by Joan

If you stopped by because you read my devotion today over at Encouragement Cafe, WELCOME!   So glad you are here.  

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.  In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.    1 Timothy 6:17-19 NIV

Money is an everyday concern. From paying bills, putting gas in our cars, clothing and food, money seems to go out faster that we can bring it in.  But if we use our resources wisely, giving first to God what He has asked us to give, God gives us this promise:  “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10 NIV

The world’s view of money is that it’s all about how much we can get. In the Bible, every time the people focused on giving of their resources instead of gaining, the result led to worship and praise.  King David wanted to build a temple for the Lord.  Even though God told him that Solomon would be the one to build the temple, David did start the preparations, giving from his own wealth.  When people saw him giving, they began giving themselves.  In 1 Chronicles 29:9 it says, “The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord.”

When King Hezekiah led the people to give to the repair of the temple in 2 Chronicles 31, it says that the people gave generously of their firstfruits and tithes and that a great amount was brought. It was told of them that, “Since the people began to bring their contributions to the temple of the Lord, we have had enough to eat and plenty to spare, because the Lord has blessed His people, and this great amount is left over.”  (vs. 10, NIV)

As we give to the Lord what He has asked us to give, it leads us to praise Him. In return, He will bless us and provide all our needs.  It’s a cycle we need to continue.  In fact, we cannot out give God.  The more we give to Him, the more He will bless us.  It may not be in great wealth of material goods, but our cups will surely run over.

More than money, though, there is something else we should desire. Wisdom.  Proverbs tells us that wisdom is more profitable than silver and has better returns than gold.  It also says that, “nothing you desire can compare with her.”  (Proverbs 3:14-15 NIV)  It is the wisdom of God that teaches us how to live.  And it is the wisdom of God and the guiding of the Holy Spirit that directs us on how to handle our finances in a way that will bring glory to Him.

Do you have problems budgeting money? The Apostle Paul gave the Corinthians advice that we all can follow.  It was their desire to give a worthy offering to the ministry of the gospel.  But this advice can be followed for every aspect of managing our finances.  Paul told them this:

“On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” 1 Corinthians 16:2 (NIV)

As we strive to honor God with our resources, we can bring honor and praise to Him; we can meet the needs of others; we can reap the rewards of His blessings that are far more valuable than all of the money in the world.

Heavenly Father, You have so richly blessed me in so many ways. Help me to honor You with all that You have entrusted me with. My time, my talents and my resources are Yours. Give me wisdom on how to give and spend in ways that will glorify Your Name. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

This Post first appeared on Encouragement Cafe on October 20, 2015. As it appears again today, it is a good reminder that we are still to continue to give our tithes and offerings to our local churches, even though we are unable to meed physically during the corona virus outbreak.

In The Race

Published on by Joan

If you stopped by because you read my devotion today (October 13, 2015) over at Encouragement Cafe, WELCOME!   So glad you are here!  Please take time to read some posts and share your thoughts.  T

A Gold Medal Event

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”   Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

We are bombarded every day with a multitude of things we have to think about. We have to tend to our home, our family, our work, and so much more. I think if my body could run as fast as my mind races, I could be an Olympic champion!

It’s often hard to reign in all those thoughts and concentrate on one thing. Women are so capable of multi-tasking that I think we have come to consider it normal if we are mulling over a variety of topics at any given moment. But if we can’t at some point calm our minds and hearts, we will find ourselves becoming stressed and anxious.

One tool the devil uses to bring us down is our busyness. So how do we slow down our minds and calm our anxious hearts in the midst of a busy day? We have to consciously make the decision to think about the Lord. When we feel ourselves beginning to give way to those negative thoughts, we can stop and say, “I’m not going to think about that!”

In Philippians 4, it tells us to rejoice always and to give thanks in all circumstances. As we determine to do that, then we are promised that God will guard our minds and hearts. Instead of feeling burdened over washing dishes or doing laundry, we can thank God that He blesses us with food and clothes. As we hurry to take our children to one thing or another, we can thank God that our child is healthy. Or when we have to care for a loved one who cannot tend for themselves, we can praise our Lord that we’re able to meet the needs of the one we love.

Is any of this easy? No. But what we can keep in our minds is the knowledge that we are on God’s mind. The Psalmist stated this perfectly in Psalm 8, where he is praising God for His majesty. As he takes in the wonders of creation, he is in awe of the fact that God has us on His mind. And not only that, but we are also told that our minds cannot fathom the marvelous things that God has prepared for us. So if our minds are going to race with a multitude of thoughts, let it race after the things of God.

If you have trouble calming your racing mind, take it to the Lord. We are “under God’s mighty hand” and when we come humbly seeking after Him, we can “cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NIV.

Take time to study 1 Peter 5, and Philippians 4. We are promised as we rejoice in our Lord and strive to keep our minds centered on things that are pure and praiseworthy, God will cover us with His peace.

Be in awe like the Psalmist that God has us on His mind. He longs for our attention and praise. He thinks so much of us that He is, even now, preparing a place for us to spend eternity with Him. That is the gold medal finish line we need to let our minds race toward.

If you are struggling with busyness in life, try praying this prayer:

Heavenly Father,

It’s so easy to get caught up in the rat race of life. When I find myself worried and distracted with all I have to do, help me know that I am on Your mind. Give me strength to keep my mind from dwelling on the negative things that surround me. Instead, help me to remember all of the blessings you shower on me. Thank you, Lord, that you will give me a peace that can only come from you.  Amen.

Here are some additional scriptures to think over:

“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived – the things God has prepared for those who love him.”   1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV

“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.” 1 Peter 1:13 NIV

“Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! …4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” Psalm 8:1, 4 NIV

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”  Isaiah 26:3 NIV

Dusting Off The Bible

Published on by Joan

Josiah was a king in Judah and the Bible tells us that he did what was right in the sight of the Lord.  He was eight years old when he became king.  We are told that in the eighth year of his reign, he began actively pursuing and seeking the ways of God.  He destroyed the altars and idols that the people had set up for foreign gods in Judah and in Jerusalem.  He then led the people to repair the house of the Lord, the Temple, which had been neglected and damaged by other kings who had chosen to serve and set up altars for the false gods of that day.  He even put to death the priests who had served and led the people to worship the idols made by man.

During the reconstruction period, Hilkiah, the high priest, found the Book of the Law.  He then gave that book to a scribe who read it to King Josiah.  When King Josiah heard all the words of the Lord, he tore his garments, which was a sign of great distress.  Then he began leading the people back to the Lord.  He instructed the leaders to return to God and had the people to observe the Passover.  The complete story can be read in 2 Kings, chapters 22 and 23, and also in 2 Chronicles, chapter 34.  I sincerely hope you will read these passages.

A couple of things stood out to me in these passages.  Since it tells us that Hilkiah “found” the Book of the Law, that would lead us to surmise that the people had not been reading the Book.  It would seem that they had not been having church and were not studying the Laws of God.  But when the Book of the Law was found and was presented to the King to hear, people responded to the truth it contained.

As Christians, we have the whole Bible to read, not just the part of the Old Testament that was referred to as God’s Law.  But how many of us read it.  Depending on which website you look at, I found that the Bible is still the best-selling book with anywhere from 2.5 billion [1] copies sold to maybe 3.9 billion [2].  Polls also reveal that 88% of respondents said they own a Bible and that the average household has 3.9[3] to 4.4[3] Bibles in their homes.  However, despite having multiple copies readily available to read, only 37% of people read their Bible once or more a week. [5]

The other thing that stood out was how, upon reading the Book of God’s Laws, Josiah was immediately convicted and led the nation to repentance.  And again, they only had part of the Old Testament to read.  Of course within that Book, God promised again and again to bless His people if they were careful to keep His word and to worship Him only.  But the Book also told how God would punish His people if they failed to follow Him.  Josiah became fully aware of how the people had not been following the Laws of God and he could see how they had been reaping the consequences of their sinful actions.  God’s blessings and protection of the people had been removed.  Josiah wanted to lead the people back to God because of Who God is, but also to once again have God’s blessing and protection.

Now think about this.  If Josiah became that convicted just from reading the Book of Law and about God’s blessings and the removal of those same blessings, how is it today we cannot be that convicted when we have the complete Word of God?  After all, when we read God’s Word today, we are not just learning about a list of laws to keep.  We learn how Christ came to fulfill that law.  We learn that Christ is our Passover Lamb and we no longer have to bring an animal as a sacrifice before Him to have our sins forgiven.  We learn that through our faith and trust in Christ as our Lord and Savior, not only will we receive His blessings here on this earth, but that we have an eternal home reserved for us in Heaven.  We learn that we have the Holy Spirit to come to live within us, teaching us and guiding us into all truth.  We learn that we can have full access to the whole power of Christ.

When we are reading the Word of God, we have so much more being revealed to us than what the people of Josiah’s day did.  This isn’t saying we should only read the New Testament.  I am saying we have the complete revelation of God today within the whole Bible, not just within a select set of scriptures the people of the Old Testament had.  So why are we not as repentant as they were?

Perhaps, it’s because we have not been reading it.  Perhaps, in our rush to be like the world, to follow the “idols” of our day, we have forgotten that we have God’s Word available to us.

We are told this in reference to God’s word:

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper that any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”  Hebrews 4:12-13 (NKJV)

The purpose of God’s word is to convict us, teach us and guide us away from sin.  We are to read it, study it, meditate on it and allow it to transform our lives.  When we read God’s Word, the Holy Spirit will illuminate and reveal the truth.  The Word of God is surely powerful.

So maybe it’s time to return to the “Temple.”  It’s time we clean it out, restore it and to once again bring out God’s Word, dust it off, and more importantly, read it.

 

References

[1] https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=how+many+bibles+have+been+sold; Accessed 6/29/15

[2] http://www.ask.com/world-view/many-copies-bible-sold-e9696e587c3244b6#; Accessed 6/29/15

[3] http://www.christianpost.com/news/poll-americans-own-many-bibles-but-rarely-read-them-71823/; Accessed 6/29/15

[4] https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=how+many+bibles+do+people+own; Accessed 6/29/15

[5] https://www.barna.org/barna-update/culture/664-the-state-of-the-bible-6-trends-for-2014#.VZFiRzIpBMw ; Accessed 6/29/15

Blind, Deaf and Foolish

Published on by Joan

You’re walking down a road with a blind man. He stops and says to you, “I believe the sky is red.”

You look up at the blue sky, free of all clouds. You tell the man, “The sky is blue.”

“No,” says the blind man. “I believe the sky is red, therefore it is.”

Because he has no sight, there is nothing you can do to prove to him that he is wrong.

You go to hear a symphony with a deaf man. The deaf man says to you, “I do not believe that a violin can make beautiful music just by moving a string across the others.”

You listen to the violinist play a solo, and you answer, “The violin in the soloist hands is making a beautiful sound.”

“No,” says the deaf man. “I do not believe the violin sounds beautiful, therefore it does not.”

Because the man cannot hear, there is nothing you can do to prove to him that he is wrong.

“The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” Psalm 53:1 (NKJV)

Can you convince the foolish man he is wrong?

 

Dear God,

Please open our eyes to see You.

Please open our ears to hear Your speak

Please give us a voice to talk to the lost.

Help us the blind, deaf and lost to reach.

Amen

I woke up this morning with this little story going through my mind.  I got up thinking that when I sat down to put the story on paper, I would look up the scripture about the foolish man not believing in God.

Before I began to write, I read my devotions.  For my daily devotions I’m reading through the Chronological Study Bible and the scripture for me to read today began with Psalm 53.  How cool is that?

There have been many times lately when I will have certain things on my mind, and throughout the day little things happen that all relate to that specific topic.  One day I was discouraged, feeling like I should just give up pursuing this desire I have to write.  Three different times that day, God spoke to me through other people.  I felt Him telling me to continue doing what He’s asked me to do.  The first time was part of a message Dr. Stephen Davey was preaching on Wisdom for the Heart.  The second time was in the words of a song I heard on Joy FM.  And the third time, from a devotion someone was sharing.

It never ceases to amaze me that God would choose to speak to me.  But He does.  That is exactly what He wants to do with all of us as His children.

He has shown us how to live by giving us His Only Son to be an example – if we have eyes to see.  He speaks to us every time we read His Word – if we have ears to hear.  When we have accepted Him by faith, He places His Spirit within us, teaching us all we need to know.

But if we are like the blind man, we refuse to look to Jesus.

If we are like the deaf man, we refuse to listen to His voice.

And if we try to do things our own way, in our own strength, we are like the foolish man, believing we can make it without God.

My desire and my prayer is that I may:

…have eyes to see,

“Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” John 4:35 (NKJV)

…have ears to hear

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:27 (NKJV)

…and be wise.

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30 (NKJV)

Credited As Righteousness

Published on by Joan

“After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram.  I am your shield, your very great reward.”2 But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.”  4 Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” 5 He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”  6 Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.”  Genesis 15:1-6 (NIV)

God made a covenant with Abraham that his descendants would outnumber the stars.  God told him that salvation would come to His people through Abraham’s lineage; that all people would be blessed through him.  In Genesis 15, we find where God was confirming that what He said would come to pass.  This was a little confusing to Abraham since he did not yet have children.

By this point in Abraham and Sarah’s life, they believed they would never have children.  Abraham obviously had that fact on his mind since he had already figured out who his inheritance would go to. (vs. 2)

The start of verses 4 and 5 got my attention.  In verse 4 it says, “Then the word of the LORD came…” and verse 5, “He took him…”

When we are facing things that causes us to doubt and fret, it seems we cannot let those things go until the, “Then God,” moment happens.  When God speaks, and when God takes us out, out of ourselves, then we can start trusting.  We can trust whatever God says and whatever God does.  His word contains the promises and instructions that should cause us to pause and stop thinking about all the impossibilities and trust the truth that all things are possible with God.

Abraham had that moment.  Verse 6 says, “Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.”

Abraham became esteemed and was referred to often as an example of faith.  Galations 3:6 and Romans 4:3 are direct quotes of this verse in Genesis.  I, myself, have often wished that description could be made of my life.  Would it not be wonderful, that of all the things people may be able to say about us, that the one thing that would stick out in their mind would be that our faith was credited to us as righteousness before our God?

But wait.  Before we think that our faith would never equal that of Abraham’s, let’s look at some other verses.

“So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.”  Galatians 3:9 (NIV)

In the Old Testament, people were taught that they had to obey the laws of God in order to be considered righteous.  Moses was addressing the people of Israel when he made this statement:  “The Lord commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the Lord our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today. 25 And if we are careful to obey all this law before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness.”  Deuteronomy 6: 24-25 (NIV)

But then God, (there it is), came to us.  Just like the word of the Lord came to Abraham, the Word of the Lord came to us, in the flesh.   And when He came, He came to draw us to Himself, to call us to come to Him.

The Apostle Paul wrote a lot about the difference between trusting in the works of our flesh, the Law, and trusting in God.  Galations 3 and Romans chapters 3 and 4 are wonderful to read.  We cannot obtain righteousness through our works but only in our faith in God and in what Christ did for us on the cross.  Abraham did not perform any works.  He simply believed.

Paul writes this in Romans:

“Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” 23 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.”  Romans 4:18-25 (NIV)

So there it is in verse 24: “but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.”

We can be credited for our righteousness.  But we have to believe wholly on God.  We need to believe in Christ.  Not in ourselves, our works.  Not on anyone or anything else.  We have to hold on to the promises of God.  We need to praise Him for all He has done and will do.  We have to have faith in Him.

But, do we live that faith outwardly?  Do we allow others to know and see how strong our faith is?  Abraham proved his belief and trust in God’s promises by the way he lived.  And because of how he lived, others could see outwardly the faith he had inwardly for God.  That’s how people were able to say God credited that to him as righteousness.

I hope we can all say we believe in God.  We believe in Christ, His birth, death, burial and resurrection.  We believe so God does credit that to us as our righteousness.  The question is, can others see it?

Walking With God

Published on by Joan

“When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. 22 After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. 23 Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 365 years. 24 Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.”  Genesis 5:21-24 (NIV)

“By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”  Hebrews 11:5-6 (NIV)

In Genesis 5:24, we read that Enoch walked with God and that then “he was no more, because God took Him away.”  I like to imagine Enoch and God just walking along one day, maybe like they had many times before.  Perhaps they were admiring the beauties of creation or talking about the state of men’s hearts.  But then imagine this; God looks at Enoch and says, “You want to come on home with Me?”

I’ve seen people pass away peacefully.  They seemingly are just asleep and simply take one last breath.  Then there are some who, unfortunately, have to experience a horrible death.  In talking with others about death, I’ve said I don’t fear dying, because I hold on to the truth that to be absent from my body means I will be present with the Lord.  But I do fear how I may die.  I long to be in Heaven, but like I’ve heard my pastor say, “I’m not getting a load up to go tonight.”

It must have been great to be so close to God that He decides to just usher you on into His heavenly home.  How wonderful it must have been to not have to go through death.  However, I think instead of focusing on the fact that Enoch didn’t experience death, it would benefit us more to focus on how close he was with God.  In Genesis 5, it says that Enoch walked faithfully with God and in Hebrews 11, it says he pleased God.  The key to Enoch not having to experience death was in how he lived.

Have you ever been around people who are so close to each other that they finish each other’s sentences?  I know some twins who do that often.  They are able to finish each other’s sentences, often talking in unison, because they have been with each other since birth (or you could say, 9 months before birth.)  My husband thinks I can read his mind because many times I know what he is going to say or do before he says or does it.  But we have been married for over 30 years so it’s easy to predict how we both will react in certain situations.

The Bible says we can have the mind of Christ.  If we have that type of intimate relationship with God, that daily communion, then we can cease being ourselves, but instead be one with God.  We can know how He would have us to act and what we should say in any situation.  We can only have the mind of God if we are filled with His Spirit and we can only be filled with His Spirit if we have accepted Him as Lord and Savior.

“These are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.  The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. 14 The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. 15 The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, 16 for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.”   1 Corinthians 2:10-16 (NIV)

So we can think the thoughts of God because the Spirit of God lives within us. The sad thing is that the opposite of this is also true.  For those who have not accepted Christ, not only can they not discern the things of God, but they are blinded by Satan.  The things of God seem foolish to unbelievers as it tells us in the following scripture:

“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”  2 Corinthians 4:4 (NIV)

As believers, when we strive to obey God and allow the Spirit to give us insight and wisdom into the things that He wants us to do, then we, too, can walk close to God.  In fact, walking with God is exactly what He wants us to do.

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”   Micah 6:8 (NIV)

 

I want to walk with God daily like Enoch and the saints of old.  I don’t really believe God would simply transport any of us now from this earth to His home without us going through the process of death.  However, if we are His child, He will usher us into His home the moment we breathe our last breath here.  Even though God may not choose to simply take me like He did Enoch, I do hope to hear Him say someday, “Come on home with Me, good and faithful servant.”

When The Lord Comes to Visit

Published on by Joan

Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. 2 As people moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there.  3 They said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. 4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”  5 But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. 6 The Lord said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.”  8 So the Lord scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. 9 That is why it was called Babel – because there the Lord confused the language of the whole world. From there the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth.  Genesis 11:1-9  NIV

In Genesis 11:5, it says that the Lord came down to see what the sons of men were doing.  Of course, we know that God is all-knowing and all-seeing.  So why would He have to come down?  Matthew Henry’s Commentary gives a very good explanation of this chapter.  It is so theologically deep and covers way too much for me to be able to expound on it here.  (For those who want to study this further, the link is below.)  The Lord didn’t just come down to “hang out” with the people.  He already knew what they were doing, but as a result of them trying to do things on their own and without the leading of God, the Lord came down, “Before he gave judgment upon their cause, he enquired into it; for God is incontestably just and fair in all his proceedings against sin and sinners, and condemns none unheard.” [1]

I believe that the Lord wants to have fellowship with man.  Just like in the beginning when the Lord would spend time with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, God desires fellowship with His creation.  But on this occasion in Chapter 11, the people were attempting to build a tower that would reach to the heaven in order to build a name for themselves.  When the Lord saw the works of their hands, He said that if the people continued to work together as one people, then nothing would be impossible for them to do.  He, of course, did not mean that they would be stronger than God.  If the people accomplished this act, then they would continue living in sin, giving God no thought or room in their lives.  With one language and united in the revelry of a sinful lifestyle, they would have had no reason to fill the earth as God had intended.  So God confused their language to cause the people to scatter throughout the earth.

We are not told if the Lord revealed Himself to the people or whether or not He talked with them.  It seems, though, that the people were not aware of His presence for they continued to work on the tower even after He came down.  However, He did observe them and carried out His plan for their lives.

This passage says several things to me:

  1. God wants to be involved in our lives. He sees every act that we do, knows every thought and intent of our hearts. Good and bad. Sometimes He meets with us to bless us with His mighty presence, but sometimes He confronts us with our sin so that we can repent and have our fellowship with Him restored.
  2. He knows what is best for us. If the people had continued to build the tower and as God said, tried to do everything on their own, they would not have learned to rely on God. Sometimes we need to be faced with our shortcomings to realize we can do nothing of real value without our Lord.  “He has performed mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.” Luke 1:51 NIV
  3. Even when we are not aware of Him, He is fully aware of us. He watches over us and orders circumstances around us for our own good. It may be confusing to us, but makes total sense to God.

As believers, we have the awesome privilege of having God living inside of us all the time.  We still at times, though, try to do our own thing and fail to listen to the leading of the Spirit.  When God visited the people in Shinar, He came for the purpose of confusing their language because of their sin.  That was a lasting change to the world because it led to the development of all the different nations.

At other times, God visits us by allowing His presence to become so real, it feels like He is standing right there in the room.  That’s the kind of visit from the Lord I long for.  His presence is always within me, but at those times when His presence is all around me, that’s the best visits of all.  My hope is that when God chooses to “visit” me with His presence, it will be for the purpose of fellowship and not to confuse my plans because they were not initiated by Him.

 

[1] Accessed 3/25/15: https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Gen.11.5-Gen.11.9