Scripture
2 Timothy 3:16-17
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 competent, equipped for every good work.
Observation
The Word of God, the 'B I B L E' is inspired by God, and it is His Word to us. The Bible is good for teaching us all about God and His ways. It's profitable and useful in bringing correction into our lives and exposing rebellious attitudes and behaviors. It instructs, trains, and teaches us how to live a life doing what is right and good. It demonstrates to us how to love God and people. It speaks to us about being reconciled to God and that in being in relationship with Him, He will make us complete and competent; shaped to do the tasks He has given us to do. As we read God's Word, we will have all we need to finish well.
Application
God's Word is alive with His very breath, His plan, and His invitation to me to be fully equipped for what my life will be. Reading the Bible is the most important thing I can do to be ready for what God has purposed for me today. When I read His Word, I can know He's wanting to talk to me, and I'm telling Him I want to hear what He has to say.
Prayer
Father, You are important to me and everything You have to say is significant in my walk with You.
May Your Word influence how I walk out today and how I treat others. You are the ultimate authority in my life and I desire to obey Your Word as well as have it adjust me where it is needed: whether it's in my actions or attitude, Your Word will not return void.
Thank You that You love me enough to teach, reprove, correct, and train me in doing right. In Jesus Name, A-men.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Throwing Stones at God's Anointed
Scripture
2 Chronicles 24:22
Thus Joash the King did not remember the kindness that Jehoiada, Zechariah's father had shown him, but killed his son. And when he was dying, he said 'May the Lord see and avenge.'
Observation
Joash forgot Jehoiada's kindness to him and how Jehoiada had mentored, trained and served him from the time he was 7 years old, until Jehoiada's death.
Zechariah, Jehoiada's son, prophesied to the people under the anointing of God to tell them they had 'forsaken the Lord and that He has forsaken them.' Their response was to conspire against him and eventually King Joash had him killed. They threw stones at God's anointed! God saw and did avenge.
Application
I must not forget where I have come from and how God has brought people into my life to love, care for, and even correct me. Throwing stones can be like hurling criticisms at anointed leaders and is not pleasing to the Lord. Zechariah was speaking God's word to the people and instead of repenting they conspired to shut his mouth permanently! God gives us a choice when He confronts us with our sin. Repent and turn back to Him for life, or stop our ears and hum a little tune and throw stones at those who speak God's word, which leads to death.
As for me, I choose life everlasting, and I'm putting my stones down.
Prayer
Father, let me hear your word and not reject it or the one You send to deliver it. Never let me 'throw stones' at Your messengers and leaders. Help me to remember my beginnings and the wonderful servants of God You have sent in my path to stay the course and keep the faith. In Jesus Name, A-men.
2 Chronicles 24:22
Thus Joash the King did not remember the kindness that Jehoiada, Zechariah's father had shown him, but killed his son. And when he was dying, he said 'May the Lord see and avenge.'
Observation
Joash forgot Jehoiada's kindness to him and how Jehoiada had mentored, trained and served him from the time he was 7 years old, until Jehoiada's death.
Zechariah, Jehoiada's son, prophesied to the people under the anointing of God to tell them they had 'forsaken the Lord and that He has forsaken them.' Their response was to conspire against him and eventually King Joash had him killed. They threw stones at God's anointed! God saw and did avenge.
Application
I must not forget where I have come from and how God has brought people into my life to love, care for, and even correct me. Throwing stones can be like hurling criticisms at anointed leaders and is not pleasing to the Lord. Zechariah was speaking God's word to the people and instead of repenting they conspired to shut his mouth permanently! God gives us a choice when He confronts us with our sin. Repent and turn back to Him for life, or stop our ears and hum a little tune and throw stones at those who speak God's word, which leads to death.
As for me, I choose life everlasting, and I'm putting my stones down.
Prayer
Father, let me hear your word and not reject it or the one You send to deliver it. Never let me 'throw stones' at Your messengers and leaders. Help me to remember my beginnings and the wonderful servants of God You have sent in my path to stay the course and keep the faith. In Jesus Name, A-men.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
God's Word
I love God’s Word. I love reading it, hearing it read, journaling it, but most of all I love that it is living, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12).
Last October, I received an invitation (for ladies only) from a well-known speaker, author, and friend, Margaret Feinberg, to accompany her on a 50mile hike in the Scottish Highlands. There were only 10 spots open for the trip and it was a first come, first serve basis. My dear husband, Louie, encouraged me to fill out an application to be a part of the team. So I did.
For months now I have been ‘in training’ with pilates, hiking, tread mill, bicycle, eating right; trying to condition this 61 year old body to get into shape! But I have to say, it’s an uphill battle and physical conditioning profits little – and it doesn’t last long if you don’t keep it up!
The other morning, I was feeling very weak and worried that I just didn’t have it in me to do this. I was basically having a very difficult time. I ached, my hip was out, my feet hurt, and I was tired and hungry for a big fat pizza! I cried out to the Lord, ‘What did I get myself into? What was I thinking? How can I do this?’
It was a few minutes later when I quit complaining and got quiet before the Lord; that I laid down on our bed. A small ‘scripture pillow’ a friend made for me that I keep on our bed was in my way, so I picked it up and looked at it, and read the verse she had sewn into it. ‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ (Isaiah 41:10)
Tears filled my eyes as I was gently reminded, that God is with me. He will give me the strength I need – He will help me. He will hold my hand. I need not fear, I need not be anxious, for He is my God!
God’s Word sustains, uplifts, encourages, exhorts, comforts, strengthens, edifies, convicts, blesses, promises, . . . so no matter what I’m going through, just knowing that God is in control and is with me, is more than enough. Thank You Lord.
Last October, I received an invitation (for ladies only) from a well-known speaker, author, and friend, Margaret Feinberg, to accompany her on a 50mile hike in the Scottish Highlands. There were only 10 spots open for the trip and it was a first come, first serve basis. My dear husband, Louie, encouraged me to fill out an application to be a part of the team. So I did.
For months now I have been ‘in training’ with pilates, hiking, tread mill, bicycle, eating right; trying to condition this 61 year old body to get into shape! But I have to say, it’s an uphill battle and physical conditioning profits little – and it doesn’t last long if you don’t keep it up!
The other morning, I was feeling very weak and worried that I just didn’t have it in me to do this. I was basically having a very difficult time. I ached, my hip was out, my feet hurt, and I was tired and hungry for a big fat pizza! I cried out to the Lord, ‘What did I get myself into? What was I thinking? How can I do this?’
It was a few minutes later when I quit complaining and got quiet before the Lord; that I laid down on our bed. A small ‘scripture pillow’ a friend made for me that I keep on our bed was in my way, so I picked it up and looked at it, and read the verse she had sewn into it. ‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ (Isaiah 41:10)
Tears filled my eyes as I was gently reminded, that God is with me. He will give me the strength I need – He will help me. He will hold my hand. I need not fear, I need not be anxious, for He is my God!
God’s Word sustains, uplifts, encourages, exhorts, comforts, strengthens, edifies, convicts, blesses, promises, . . . so no matter what I’m going through, just knowing that God is in control and is with me, is more than enough. Thank You Lord.
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