Category Archives: God’s Word: The Bible

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June 2, 2014

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Church & Worship, God's Word: The Bible, Nature

LET’S GET REAL

2014 - 6- 2 scarlet hibiscus webFrom infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures. They have the power to give you wisdom so that you can be saved through faith in Christ Jesus. Every Scripture passage is inspired by God. All of them are useful for teaching, pointing out errors, correcting people, and training them for a life that has God’s approval. They equip God’s servants so that they are completely prepared to do good things. [2 Timothy 3:15-17 (GW)]

As I walked through my favorite bird sanctuary there was a cacophony of sound. Birds were warbling and cooing, hooting and chirping. That same holiday weekend, thousands of people were a few hours north at Disney World sitting in comfortable theater seats to watch and hear artificial birds and flowers sing. They were missing the real thing: the butterflies and birds, the lizards and alligators, the scarlet hibiscus and swamp lilies. Of course, they also didn’t hear the piercing shriek of the hawk, the guttural croak of the pig frog, or see the gator put an end to the anhinga. Nor did they have to contend with cobwebs, pesky flies, even peskier mosquitos or humidity and heat. They were in comfort, enjoying air conditioning, soft seats and perfectly orchestrated songs, seeing and hearing precisely what they wanted to see and hear.

2014 - 6-2 great egret - little blue - webI wonder if, like choosing Disney’s tiki birds over a walk in a real bird sanctuary, some of us choose our churches for the comfort instead of the truth. If the only messages given are the ones we want to hear, if the only messages we receive make us feel good about ourselves, we might be in the wrong place. Christianity isn’t about complacency and feeling righteous. It’s about change and change isn’t always pleasant. Sometimes we need to hear things that challenge us, that make us question who we are, and how we spend our time and money. Along with hopeful messages about love and forgiveness, we need messages that open our eyes to hidden sins. Yes, He brought us good news and “tidings of comfort and joy;” but he also told us the road would not be easy. His purpose is not to entertain us; His purpose is to save us!

 If you believe what you like in the gospels, and reject what you don’t like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself. [St. Augustine]

 

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April 30, 2014

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God's Word: The Bible, Wisdom & Guidance

Who Built Your House?

2014-4-30Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash. [Matthew 7:24-27 (NLT)]

We can establish our careers, our homes, and our families, but without God at their center, they won’t flourish; they might even crumble and fall apart. We can try to protect our lives, but without Christ as our foundation, we may collapse at the first challenge.

There is only one secure foundation: a genuine, deep relationship with Jesus Christ, which will carry you through any and all turmoil. No matter what storms are raging all around, you’ll stand firm if you stand on His love. [Charles Stanley]

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March 15, 2014

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Challenges & Difficulty, God's Word: The Bible, Holy Spirit, Wisdom & Guidance

Let’s Not Get Lost

Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil. [Psalm 119:133 (NLT)]

Thank you, Lord, for providing us with all we need to navigate the challenges of life. With the Bible as our guidebook and the Lord Jesus leading the way, we can stay on the right road.

Remember, if you’re headed in the wrong direction, God allows U-turns! [Allison Gappa Bottke]

The Christian is not one who has gone all the way with Christ. None of us has. The Christian is one who has found the right road. [Charles L. Allen]

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March 14, 2014

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God's Grace & Love, God's Word: The Bible, Joy, Obedience, Thanks & Praise

What Blessings Have You Enjoyed?

The teachings of the Lord are perfect; they give new strength. The rules of the Lord can be trusted; they make plain people wise. The orders of the Lord are right; they make people happy. The commands of the Lord are pure; they light up the way. Respect for the Lord is good; it will last forever. [Psalm 19:7-9a (NCV)]

The question was asked, “What blessings have you enjoyed as a result of obeying God’s word?” My first thought was the satisfaction that comes from knowing I’ve done the right thing. Then I realized that by obeying God’s word, my life is blessed, not with a sense of righteousness, but with a sense of direction, peace, and joy. Obeying God’s word enlightens, guides and restores me. Obeying God brings not just an eternal reward in heaven but also an immediate reward in this life.

Thank you, God, for loving us enough to give us your holy word to teach, direct and bless us through this life and into the next.

The judgments of the Lord are true; they are completely right. They are worth more than gold, even the purest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even the finest honey. By them your servant is warned. Keeping them brings great reward. [Psalm 19:9b-11 (NCV)]

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March 3, 2014

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God's Word: The Bible, Wisdom & Guidance

Let’s Eat HIs Words

Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of Hosts. [Jeremiah 15:16 (ESV)]

When we’re at a banquet, do we simply look at the food or do we eat it? Do we nibble just a bit or do we really dig in, relishing all of the wonderful flavors and textures? We have a banquet of wisdom in the Bible and it’s waiting for us to feast on it. Let’s eat His words!

In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. [Colossians 2:3 (NLT)]

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February 4, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, God's Word: The Bible, Love & Works

Be an Example

Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. [1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT)]

One of my Bible translations is called The Living Bible. The real living Bibles, however, are you and I. After all, we may be the only Bible some people ever read! When we’re opened up, what do they see? How does our faith translate in our daily actions? Lord, fill us with your Holy Spirit so that we always live in such a way that people will be able to see Christ within us.

Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words. [St. Francis of Assisi]