Life Verse Week

This week we will look at some scriptures that many believers adopt as “life verses” - verses they use as foundations for daily living. Have you identified some life verses? If so, share them with us.

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Life Verse Week

This week we will look at some scriptures that many believers adopt as “life verses” - verses they use as foundations for daily living. Have you identified some life verses? If so, share them with us.

Psalm 28:7 - The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.

Life Verse Week

This week we will look at some scriptures that many believers adopt as “life verses” - verses they use as foundations for daily living. Have you identified some life verses? If so, share them with us.

Proverbs 3:5&6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Life Verse Week

This week we will look at some scriptures that many believers adopt as “life verses” - verses they use as foundations for daily living. Have you identified some life verses? If so, share them with us.

Micah 6:8 - 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. [this happens to be one of mine]

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I Know God's Promise...But

In Luke 8 and Mark 4, we see Jesus’ instruction to the disciples to hop in the boat and head over to the other side of the lake. While they were all on the boat a great storm came. They were being tossed to and fro and Jesus was asleep. The disciples woke Him up and said, “Don’t you care if we drown?!?” Jesus rebuked the wind and waves and told them to be still. Then He said to His disciples “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

In Genesis 15 we see that God promised Abraham an heir – a son of his own flesh and blood. He also promised that his offspring would be as numerous as the stars. Over time, when Sarah, Abraham’s wife, had still not had any children, Abraham and Sarah decided to go a different route and use Hagar as a surrogate. Hagar bore Abraham a son and he was named Ishmael. In chapter 17 we see the Lord reiterating that Abraham would be father to many nations and that Sarah would bear him a son. Abraham scoffed because he and Sarah were close to 100 years old, He asked if He could just bless Ishmael. God said yes but that he was not the promised child and that Isaac was on the way.

In Matthew 11 and Luke 7 we read of John, Jesus’ cousin, sitting in jail awaiting execution. John, who, before he was born, leapt in his mother’s womb when a pregnant Mary came to visit...John who baptized believers…John who worshipped the Lord and said he was not worthy to even untie his sandals…John who declared Jesus to be the son of God, John, the messenger foretold in scripture. This John was now in jail and sent word to Jesus asking “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

In Matthew 2 we see that the Magi saw the star and knew that the “king of the Jews” had been born. They wanted to worship him. King Herod sent them to Bethlehem to worship Him and told them to come back and report to him so that he may worship Him.  (side note: Herod did not want to be dethroned nor worship this new “king of the Jews”) Scholars speculate that by the time the Magi reached Jesus, he would have been between 6 months and 2 years old.

In all four gospels, we see that Jesus is recognized as the Savior; the Son of God. Then we see Him crucified. The disciples didn’t understand what was going on. (see John 13)Was Jesus the Savior or not?

In all of these instances there is a waiting period. A promise….but then the passage of time.

The disciples were told that they were going over to the other side but their faith waivered when the storm came. Abraham and Sarah were told that they would have a son but their faith waivered as they watched the clock ticking. John knew Jesus was the promised Savior – Jesus said John was a great prophet – but in this time of distress, when the expected deliverance did not come, even John had questions. The Magi knew the King had been born, they pursued him, and as much as two years later, they were finally able to worship Him. Christ’s disciples walked with Him for three years. They knew who He was but it didn’t make sense when He was crucified.

In our humanity, it can sometimes be perplexing to see what God does…what He allows…His methods. His ways are certainly not our ways nor are His thoughts the same as ours. We are prone to distrust, to take matters into our own hands, to wonder why the Lord does not do what we think is quite reasonable or logical. Thankfully the Lord understands that we are fragile and He is compassionate toward us.

The Magi give us a great example. They persist. They see the star and pursue God for up to two years. Many of you have the Magi beat – you have been pursuing God regarding a particular matter for much longer than two years. Praying for a loved one’s salvation. Praying for healing. Praying for employment. Praying for a home. Praying for the will of God to be done in your life. You’ve been faithful even when the storms arose. Even when it was illogical. Even when God did not come through as you’d expected. You were faithful. Like Job, you’ve declared “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.”

God bless you as you faithfully persist in His promises. Your trust in Him pleases Him and is a beautiful example to all who are watching your life journey. Blessings to you dear one. You are not alone.

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (Deuteronomy 31:8)

The Power of Sharing

A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them…Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” (excerpts from Luke 7)

When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing. (Luke 9:10&11)

He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him. When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. (Acts 9:29&30)

In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf (Colossians 1:6&7)

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Someone told the woman who lived a sinful life that Jesus was in town. She went to Him, worshipped Him, and was saved.

Someone told a crowd of people that Jesus was in Bethsaida. They went to Him, He welcomed them, He spoke to them, and He healed those who needed healing.

Someone told the believers that the Hellenistic Jews wanted to kill Saul. They took Saul to Caesarea, sent him off to Tarsus, and saved the life of this newly converted prophet of God.

Epaphras told the Colossian believers about the gospel of Jesus Christ. The believers understood God’s grace, and the gospel began to bear fruit and grow among them.

What have the people in your sphere of influence learned from you? Have they learned that Jesus is “in town”? When you have learned of the enemy’s efforts to kill, steal from, and destroy those in your circle, have you sought to save them? Has anyone learned from you about the gospel of Jesus Christ?

The word of God, in 1 Corinthians 3:6-8, says “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor.”

We may, through just a few words or as part of some collaborative effort, be a part of eternally changing someone’s life. We don’t know the magnitude of how we may influence the world around us by planting a seed or watering one that’s already been planted. Let’s lovingly seek to speak life into those around us and watch God cause the gospel to continue to bear fruit and grow throughout the world.

Knowing God

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)

The Lord tells us that we are to be still and know that He is God. Let’s explore what that means.

Be still, and know that I am the Creator – mighty and strong

Be still, and know that I am Provider

Be still, and know that I am Healer

Be still, and know that I am the One who makes you holy

Be still, and know that I am your Peace

Be still, and know that I am There (I’m with you)

Be still, and know that I am Everlasting

Be still, and know that I am the One who sees

Be still, and know that I am your Righteousness

Be still, and know that I am the Promise Keeper

Be still, and know that I am the Giver of all good things

Be still, and know that I am your Defender

Be still, and know that I am your Savior

Be still, and know that I am your Protector

Be still, and know that I am your Shield and your very great Reward

Be still, and know that I am your Deliverer

Be still, and know that I am the One who loves you with an everlasting love

In Exodus 3:14a - God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” God is communicating that He is self-existent, self-sufficient, and in fact, all-sufficient. He is the “inexhaustible fountain of being and bliss” according to Matthew Henry. He is unchangeable, true, and faithful to all His promises. He is all that we need and invites us to be still, and rest in the knowledge that He is who He is.

Just a Praise Break

The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.  Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: "The LORD's right hand has done mighty things!  The LORD's right hand is lifted high; the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!" (Psalm 118:14-16)

The Benefits of Sadness

Sorrow is better than laughter, for by a sad countenance the heart is made better. (Ecclesiastes 7:3NKJV)

This is a very interesting verse! I like the clarification that comes from the Living Bible translation:

Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us.

The preacher who pens this Ecclesiastes verse presents us with a thought-provoking concept. Essentially he is saying that the sorrow man faces – challenges to health and well-being, family, and survival – serve us well. The heart is made better: fortified, humbled, intentional regarding honor. In contrast, the heart which faces no challenge is given to selfishness, vanity, and a lack of integrity. But a stable, character is not built in the absence of challenge.

Our Savior has promised us that in this world we will have tribulation. There is therefore no lack of opportunity to be fortified and humbled, to grow in integrity and honor. These times of distress are moments that the Lord can seize to give us opportunity to grow in intimacy with and trust in Him. God is with us. He will never leave us. He will lead and protect and strengthen us in the midst of these trials.

Isaiah 41:10 - Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

1 Corinthians 10:13 - 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.

James reminds us to endure in hardship, to let it do its work in us so that at the conclusion of the time of trial we may be “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:4).

That’s a tall order!  But it is good to know that in the midst of our sorrow, sadness, and trials, the Lord is refining us and that He is strengthening us to triumphantly walk through our seasons of challenge.

Humble Confidence

In his book Ruthless Trust, Brennan Manning shares that a poor self-image reveals a lack of humility because “feelings of insecurity, inadequacy, inferiority, and self-hatred rivet our attention on ourselves. Humble men and women do not have a low opinion of themselves; they have no opinion of themselves, because they so rarely think about themselves.” Going further, he says “humble people are small in their own eyes, honest about their struggles, and open to constructive criticism. Following the counsel of Jesus to take the last place, they are not shocked or offended when others put them there.” I love this last sentence especially. It can be difficult for us to gracefully handle being marginalized or overlooked but meditating upon and internalizing the Word of God can help us, as Manning says, to follow the counsel of Jesus. God’s word says “Humble yourselves [feeling very insignificant] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up and make your lives significant].” (James 10:4AMP). His Word also reminds us that Christ died for us (John 3:16) (there is no greater love than that) and that we are accepted by Christ (Ephesians 1:6). There is no need for us either to have a low self-image or for us to be prideful – we can simply be humble.

Going a little further regarding the concept of humble confidence, Manning refers to Jesus’ parable found in Mark 4:26-29:

Then Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is like someone who plants seed in the ground. Night and day, whether the person is asleep or awake, the seed still grows, but the person does not know how it grows. By itself the earth produces grain. First the plant grows, then the head, and then all the grain in the head. When the grain is ready, the farmer cuts it, because this is the harvest time.”

Manning shares that this is the way it is with trust. “Based on the solid, irrefutable evidence of God’s relentless faithfulness, a certainty in the trustworthiness of the tremendous Lover evolves without the least sweat and strain on our part.” This is where a humble confidence is birthed. Our confidence is not based on an inflated trust in ourselves; rather, when we see over and over and over again the faithfulness of the Father, our trust in Him matures and ripens into confidence. Beautiful!

So the farmer who has planted seeds may rest well. He need not have anxiety regarding whether the seeds will grow or not. He does not stay awake at night trying to somehow ensure it produces. No. Jesus says that whether that farmer is asleep or awake, the seed still grows. And Manning gives this illustration about the “spiritual woman”: She lives in quiet confidence that God is working in her by day and by night. Like the farmer, she is not totally passive or presumptuous. The woman knows that she has her full measure of work to do, but realizes that the outcome rests with God and that the decisive factor is unearned grace.

YES!

Father, may we have a humble confidence in you – resting in who we are in You and trusting You for all that we need.

"Doing who you are...not just "being"

We are often encouraged to be all that the Lord has designed us to be. I fully support that idea. But let me introduce a nuance using the following story as an illustration:

There is a woman I have known all of my life – my sister. As kids, I would play “banker” and “business woman” and my mom would bring home forms from work that I could use in my play times. As you may guess, I have the gift of administration and crossing items off of my “to do” list gives me more joy than it probably should. A few years ago, my family was kind of teasing me about some early childhood “business-related” shenanigans I got into, but also pointing out the common themes among my career and volunteer practices which have developed.

My sister, on the other hand, used to do hair. No doll in our home was safe from being styled by her. She had several different types of dolls or styling “heads” over time. She was great at it. I was never interested in any of that.

Today my sister is a hairdresser with a particular specialty that she has studied and she is an innovator in that field. She is AMAZING. And you know what? The joy that she displays in the midst of carrying out her craft is inspiring. The love with which she serves and ministers to her clients is unique and admirable. The creativity and innovation that arises from her is impressive!

All of this is because my sister is DOING what the Lord designed within her. She is an incomparable hair guru! When she was younger, our parents may have simply thought, “She really likes dolls.” or “She has fun combing doll hair.” They may not have recognized that this was the outflow of her design. The Father, who chose her before the foundation of the earth because He knew her before He formed her in our mother’s womb and had a plan for her, was being glorified even in the actions of a 9 year old child! He was being glorified as His gifting and calling was on display. And now a few decades later, she is fully DOING what she is.

There is nothing like seeing God’s anointed one moving according to the Father’s unique design!

Do you know what the Lord’s design is for you? Do you know why you have been created? Do you know who you are and how you are to fulfill your purpose on this earth? Do you recognize the gifts that the Father has entrusted to you to give away?

Let me encourage you; if you don’t know, seek Him to find out. If you do know, DO IT! Don’t spend one more day depriving the world of receiving the gifts that the Father wants us to receive through you.

Side note: the benefits to you will be phenomenal. J

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The Lord's Supper

In 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, we see Paul rebuking the Corinthian believers regarding their behavior as it related to their practices surrounding the Lord’s Supper.

In this time, the Lord’s Supper was often observed in tandem with a meal referred to as a Love-Feast. The Love-Feast was to be a time of fellowship and worship. The Passover meal has also been characterized as such. In the instance of the Love-Feast, participants would partake of the meal prior to the Lord’s Supper. These mealtimes “would be characterized by festive, joyous religious discussion”. However, in this 1 Corinthians passage, we see that Paul is incensed by the behavior of the participants.

Paul says that he has heard that when the believers get together, it is not for the good of all. There is division, fighting, and arguing. In fact, he says they truly have not gathered for the ceremony of the Lord’s Supper – what they are doing is not in keeping with the supper that was instituted by the Lord. Some are rushing to get food; leaving others (specifically the poor) behind. Some remain hungry while others are drunk! Paul asks a rhetorical question: do you not have homes to eat and drink in? He goes on to ask, “Or do you despise the church of God and mean to show contempt for it, while you humiliate those who are poor (have no homes and have brought no food)?” (see verse 22)

Paul reminds them of the Lord’s instruction and that this ordinance is to be reverently engaged in remembrance of Him. The Corinthian believers had taken a precious and sacred event about which we learn “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes” and turned it into a profane and corrupt practice.  

Dear ones, how is your reverence of the Lord’s Supper? In westernized Christianity, we run the gamut from partaking in the ordinance of communion at every gathering, to partaking only on specialized occasions. The frequency is not the issue; our reverence is. We are to remember the sacrifice of the Savior – the One who gave His life for a sinful world, knowing that many would not appreciate or receive or even care about His sacrifice. Many would reject Him and not recognize who He is and what He is offering. Some would even hate Him and make it their life goal to tear down the truth of who Christ is.

So again I ask, how is your reverence? I encourage you (and myself as I meditate on these truths) to not allow the practice of this ordinance to become mundane or common – like routinely taking the same route home from work or watching your favorite television program every Wednesday evening. Remember this is a holy ordinance that our precious Savior asked us to do in remembrance of His loving sacrifice on our behalf. What a wondrous love!

God's Riches

Philippians 4:19 - And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

In the world of Christianity, this Philippians verse is one of our favorites. We love to rest on the promise that God will supply all of our needs. Often though, we reduce the grandeur of His supply by defining these “riches” solely as monetary. This verse is found in the context of Paul praising the generosity of the Philippian believers. It seems clear that they have given monetarily to Paul but their gifts may have included other supply as well – Paul speaks of their sacrificial giving in the plural, implying not just a single monetary gift was received. But then he assures them that the Father will, from His riches, repay them where need may now be found because of their generosity.

In the Greek, this word “riches” is rooted in the concept of fulfilling, supplying, and furnishing, and is defined as wealth (as fullness), money, and possessions in the literal sense. Figuratively it speaks of abundance, richness, and valuable “bestowment”. This would support the theory that the gifting of the Philippians was not only monetary.

Merriam-Webster defines “riches” as follows:

1. large amounts of money and possessions [we typically think of this definition first]

2. good things that are available to use or choose

3. things that make one rich (wealth)

The riches of God certainly do include monetary blessings. However, His riches are not limited to finances. In the fullness of relationship with the Father, we learn that if we need grace, favor, shelter, transportation, health, wisdom, empathy, protection, insight, employment, clothing, safety, love, peace, joy, kindness, sensitivity, relationship, etc., He can supply it! These things are part of the richness of our God. In fact, James teaches us that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” (James 1:17) God is the Giver of all good gifts and He never changes!!! Hallelujah!

Dear heart, our Father, who is the Supplier of all of our needs, will not be found lacking. In relationship with the Father, there is richness to be realized! May you, first and foremost, seek His will and desire for you when you face need in your life – whether it is revealed through circumstances (like needing finances to pay a bill) or through His direct revelation to you (like you need to have more compassion toward that irritating co-worker). When we come to Him seeking His will and desire, He withholds nothing. He is rich. And one final word:

Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. (1 Corinthians 9:10&11)

Tainted Gifts

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.  – Proverbs 4:23

Guarding the heart takes place on two fronts: offense and defense.

On the side of offense, we take measures to proactively fortify, protect, and set up safeguards for our heart. We do this by following God’s words of wisdom, through prayer, through self-discipline, in loving and accountable relationships, and other actions to protect our hearts. In doing so, we attack the enemy of our soul – the enemy who strategizes for our destruction.

On the side of defense, we must respond to the ploys of the enemy. As with our offense, our first line of defense is God’s word. We see that even Jesus, when the enemy came to Him after His time of fasting, responded with the Word. Matthew 3:4-11 says “The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down…” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

The enemy knows how to appeal to our sensitive spots. Jesus had just been on a 40-day fast and so the enemy approached Him with a “solution” to meet His hunger. Jesus didn’t fall for it. He then appealed to Jesus’ pride, suggesting that He might like to perform a miracle and prove who He was. Jesus didn’t fall for that either. Finally, the enemy tried to attack Jesus’ very relationship with His Father! Strike three for the enemy! And at that point, Jesus ordered him to be gone.

Our first line of defense is the Word of God but we must also fortify ourselves through our offensive actions in order to have the strength to fight the enemy.

When we do not guard our heart, we can allow all manner of destructive forces in that will not only hurt us but will taint what we give to others – and possibly hurt them as well. This means that if we let in things like pornography (disrespect, objectification, lovelessness), bitterness, hate, loose morals, gossip, the love of money, evil ambitions, etc., that everything we do in life will be “seasoned” with those things! So even our best efforts are tainted (at least) and destructive (in their fullness).

Moses’ words to the children of Israel, regarding the commands of God: Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. (Deuteronomy 4:9)

Hold the commands of God in your heart. Do not let them fade. Guard your precious heart.

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Our Verbal Power

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. – Proverbs 18:21

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. – Proverbs 12:18

From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive. - Proverbs 16:23

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. – Ephesians 4:29

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. – Proverbs 16:24

For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. – Matthew 12:37

But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. – Colossians 3:8

The Word of God is replete with instruction regarding the words that come from our mouths.  Our words are powerful. So powerful, in fact, that they have the power to affect life and death. Matthew Henry advises us that “A man may do a great deal of good, or a great deal of hurt, both to others and to himself, according to the use he makes of his tongue.” Our words, I will repeat, are powerful. Capable of persuasion, strengthening, healing, wisdom, persuasion, grace, blessings to the soul, health, justification, condemnation, anger, wrath, malice, slander, obscenity, and so much more – the words from our mouths are to be guarded, calculated, and wise.

The best way to do this is to only speak what the Father speaks – to align ourselves (our thinking, meditations, actions, desires, guiding principles, words) with the truth of the Word of God. And in order to do this, we need to be consumers of God’s word. We need to make it our practice to daily read, meditate upon, pray about, and put in to practice the truths found in the scriptures.

I will take it a step further and invite you to also allow this principle to inform your prayer life. A prayer of thanksgiving may look like: I thank You Father that You are my Shepherd and I want for nothing. I praise You because my future is filled with prosperity and not harm. I thank You that I am the head and not the tail, I am above and never beneath because I pay attention to Your commands. I thank You that Your peace guards my heart and mind. Thank you Father!

This is a prayer of thanksgiving but it is fully in line with the scriptures. Prayers of request may also be aligned in this manner. This is not a part of the “Name it and claim it” movement. We are rightly and simply agreeing with what the God of the universe has said. His word is true and should be our foundation…it is life to us.

But He replied, It has been written, Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God. – Matthew 4:4AMP [see Deut. 8:3]

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16&17

So what are you saying?



Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (Amen!) – Psalm 19:14

Identifying Ourselves Rightly

John referred to himself on several occasions as “the disciple whom Jesus loved”. He was the only one who referred to himself in that way. His identity was wrapped up in being loved by Jesus.

Like John, our identity should rest in the fact that we are loved by the Lord with an unconditional love. As a matter of fact, in the fifteenth chapter of the gospel according to John (the disciple whom Jesus loved), we read “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” This is exactly what Jesus did – He laid down His life for us! This means that we are loved with the greatest love possible. A perfect, irrevocable, love! So this was John’s self-image – wrapped up in Christ’s perspective…His perspective about him.

Our self-image can develop from a variety of sources: family, life circumstances, teaching, persons of influence, education, mental capacity, self-assessment, societal influence, etc. We may choose to primarily identify ourselves with our role as father, husband, employee, student, or a myriad of other roles. And in doing so, we may positively or negatively assess how well we are carrying out that role or how much people are pleased with us. And that may be the main source of our self-image.

But John drew his self-image from the most perfect of sources: the sovereign God. He condensed his value to simply being the one who was loved by the Savior. Part of the beauty of this choice is that it gives John a perfectly accurate self-image. For every believer, in fact, this is a perfectly accurate self-image.

So, with this self-image, how would that inform our actions, thoughts and world perspective? How would that inform the way we love others? How would that inform our behavior? I would submit that the answer to these questions is found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a - Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Dear one, let the truth that you are loved by the God of the universe be your guide. Let that truth permeate your being so that this is your view of yourself and the love of the Father may be displayed in all of your actions.

One more word spoken by Christ and recorded by the disciple whom He loved:

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:35)

Patriot Day

Patriot Day is an annual observance on September 11 to remember those who were injured or died during the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001.

Simply Christian is praying for all who were negatively affected by this event.

Jesus

Some thoughts that J.John shared about Jesus:



“Jesus Christ came into the world to do something for us…And if you read the gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, you discover Jesus being presented to us in so many different ways so that people can understand at least one of the pictures…one of the images.



He’s the Bread of Life so that bakers can understand…

He’s the Water of Life so that plumbers can understand…

He’s the Light of the World so that electricians can understand…

He’s the Cornerstone so that architects can understand…

He’s the “Sun” of Righteousness so that astronomers can understand…

He’s the Hidden Treasure so that bankers can understand…

He is the Life so that biologists can understand…

He’s the Door so that carpenters can understand…

He’s the Great Physician so that doctors and nurses can understand…

He is the Good Teacher so that educators can understand…

He’s the Lily of the Valley so that florists can understand…

He’s the Rock of Ages so that geologists can understand…

He’s the True Vine so that horticulturalists can understand…

He’s the Righteous One so that judges can understand…

He’s the Pearl of Great Price so that jewelers can understand…

He is Wisdom so that philosophers can understand…

He is the Word so that actors can understand…

He is the Good Shepherd so that farmers can understand…

He is the Alpha and the Omega so that scientists can understand…

He is the Truth so that politicians can understand.

JESUS IS THE ONE!”

A Life Manual

It would be very convenient if, when our children were born, the hospital handed us an “owner’s manual” that would outline exactly how to care for these bundles of joy in order to achieve maximum results – intelligent, generous, successful go-getters who are world-changers and just all around awesome people. But alas, that doesn’t happen. Just as well though, because the hospital would not have the know-how to help us raise godly men and women. This is where the book of Proverbs comes in! I’ve often thought, as friends have had babies, that I’d like to give them the book of Proverbs written in plain language, and maybe even break the scriptures into categories for them, and then tell them, “This is how to raise your child. These are the principles to live by and to instill in them.” They may find that useful…they may think I’m a little crazy…but this is what Solomon says in Proverbs 1, verses 1 through 6: The proverbs of Solomon, David’s son who was king of Israel, given to grasp wisdom and discipline, to understand deep thoughts, to acquire the discipline of wise behavior—righteousness and justice and fairness—to give insight to gullible people, to give knowledge and foresight to the young—a wise person will listen and continue to learn, and an understanding person will gain direction—to understand a proverb and a clever saying, the words of wise people and their riddles.

Oh my goodness! Isn’t that perfect?!?!

And in verse 7, Solomon informs us that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Stubborn fools despise wisdom and discipline.”

The whole of the Bible is written to glorify God and for our benefit. But if you read nothing else, you are guaranteed to find wisdom in the book of Proverbs – to find the principles for living. And even in that book, you will see the Savior of our souls being foretold and glorified.

The book of Proverbs is a life manual…one which we should regularly read, faithfully adhere to, and diligently pass on to our children both in the words we impart to them and in the way that we behave.

Zion

Have you ever heard the body of believers referred to as “Zion”? The children of God are often referred to, collectively, as “Zion”. But why? Here’s what I’ve learned…

“Zion was the name of a small mountain in Jerusalem. After the Ark of the Covenant was placed there, the term ‘Zion’ was used to represent not only Jerusalem but also Israel (1 Kings 1:8)”

In Luke 1:30-33 we read: The angel told her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. You have found favor with God. You will become pregnant, give birth to a son, and name him Jesus. He will be a great man and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. Your son will be king of Jacob’s people forever, and his kingdom will never end.”

The relation here is that King David (referred to in the Luke passage) was the king who was finally able to defeat the Zion region in Canaan, which for the prior 400 years (after their exodus from Egypt), the Israelites were unable to possess. King David conquered the land, made it the capital city of Israel and reigned. This is why Zion is referred to as the city of David.

2 Samuel 5:7, 9a &10 - But David captured the fortress Zion (that is, the City of David).  David lived in the fortress and called it the City of David...David continued to grow more powerful because the Lord God of Armies was with him.

However, “The most important use of the word “Zion” is in a theological sense. “Zion” is used figuratively of Israel as the people of God (Isaiah 60:14). The spiritual meaning of “Zion” is continued in the New Testament, where it is given the Christian meaning of God's spiritual kingdom, the heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22; Revelation 14:1). Peter refers to Christ as the Cornerstone of Zion: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in Him will never be put to shame” (1 Peter 2:6).”

Jesus’ inheritance of the throne of His ancestor David is a spiritual inheritance. It is a spiritual inheritance and reign over a spiritual Zion – the body of believers.

Psalm 132:13&14 - The Lord has chosen Zion. He wants it for his home. “This will be my resting place forever. Here I will sit enthroned because I want Zion.

Psalm 133:3 - It is like dew on Mount Hermon, dew which comes down on Zion’s mountains. That is where the Lord promised the blessing of eternal life.

Although we see that the land of Zion was destroyed, we read in Isaiah 49, God’s promise.

Isaiah 49:19 - Though you are destroyed and demolished and your land is in ruins, you will be too crowded for your people now. Those who devoured you will be long gone.

Jesus, who was prophesied about, came subsequently, and through His death, brought with Him the blessing of eternal life. He now dwells with and reigns over the spiritual Zion; those who accept Him and will dwell with Him eternally. The scripture says that Zion will overflow and Christ’s kingdom will never end! Zion’s enemies are forever defeated. Praise God!!!!

We believers are referred to as “Zion” because our Savior Jesus reigns as did His ancestor David and He “inherited” His throne. David’s reign was over the inhabitants of the physical location of Zion. Christ’s reign is over the spiritual kingdom (the New Jerusalem) residents - referred to as Zion. Very interesting!

Psalm 8

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name throughout the earth! Your glory is sung above the heavens. From the mouths of little children and infants, you have built a fortress against your opponents to silence the enemy and the avenger.

When I look at your heavens, the creation of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have set in place—what is a mortal that you remember him or the Son of Man that you take care of him?
You have made him a little lower than yourself. You have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him rule what your hands created. You have put everything under his control: all the sheep and cattle, the wild animals, the birds, the fish, whatever swims in the currents of the seas.

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name throughout the earth!

The Certainty of God

Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. (Habakkuk 2: 2&3)

God does not waste His words! Habakkuk, in chapter one, had been making some complaints to God and in verses 2 and 3 of chapter two, we see the beginning of the Lord’s response to Habakkuk’s second set of complaints. But today we will not focus on Habakkuk’s concerns; rather, we will take note of how the Father begins this response.

From verse 4, through the end of chapter two, the Lord tells Habakkuk what is going to happen in response to the matters he has brought before the Lord. Awesome! God answers prayers. But what is especially amazing to me is that the Father not only is answering Habakkuk’s concerns but He tells him to write it down! In other words, “Be assured, My son, that this will happen just as I say. You will have to wait a bit to see it come to pass but don’t let that throw you off. My word is true.”

I believe the Lord - Who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8) – says the same thing to us.  Every word that He has spoken can be counted on. And the record of His words and actions is a blessing for us to possess! Mathew Henry points out that “What is handed down by tradition is easily mistaken and liable to corruption; but what is written is reduced to a certainty, and preserved safe and pure.” The Bible is so valuable to us as believers because although memories fade and circumstances can take us in the wrong direction, the written Word of God is infallible – it can be trusted – it is sure.

Isaiah 55:11 - so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Isaiah 40:8 - The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.

2 Samuel 7:28 - O Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant.

John 14:1 - Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.

Precious one, be assured that everything which the Lord has foretold and promised will come to pass. Wait, I say, on the Lord.

Be Stunning to the Enemy (Lisa Bevere)

Stun: To shock, to daze, to dumbfound, to upset, to astonish, to amaze, to astound, to stager, to confound, bewilder, flabbergast, startle, paralyze, numb, stupefy, and make unconscious.

“I believe that we are the stunning daughters of God and that we need to stun the enemy.” – Lisa Bevere

This is how Lisa Bevere began her sermon titled “Be Stunning to the Enemy”. It is a powerful teaching that I encourage you to take 40 minutes to listen to, to be blessed, and to move forward courageously and be stunning to the enemy! Follow the link below:

Be Stunning to the Enemy (Lisa Bevere)

Keeper of the Castle (a Biblical meditation for the brothers)

In 1972 the American R&B singing group The Four Tops released a song called Keeper of the Castle. Although The Four Tops are not known for their theological teaching, this song has some significant spiritual meaning…meaning worth exploring. Sisters, feel free to keep reading. Brothers, be encouraged.

The Four Tops are speaking directly to our men, referring to them as the Keeper of the Castle and encouraging them to live up to their responsibilities within the home.

The song starts by telling the men that they all will endure hardship (see John 16:33 and 1 Corinthians 10:13) – that’s common. But they warn our brothers that while they are concerning themselves with those things in the world that are drawing their attention, the “leaves on your family tree are callin’ you to come home.” You see, as the keeper of the castle, you need to be a father to your children and a provider of their needs (see 1Timothy 5:8). You also need to be a protector that helps to guide them into their destiny (see Proverbs 22:6). You can’t get caught up in worldly events and neglect home.

The Tops go on to tell the brothers that if they don’t believe what the “Good Book” says, they are going to “strike out” because this world is seeking their destruction (see John 10:10a). They tell them that their family is of the utmost importance and to keep them in mind as they go about their business.

Finally, the Tops get into the marriage relationship. They tell them to be a good man to their wife, to bring sunshine into her day, to be a friend, and to lovingly tend to her as you would a garden (see Ephesians 5:25&28). Through this behavior, the man will keep his heart at home; resisting the temptation to infidelity.  

Brothers, may I piggy back on these words of encouragement? As the keepers of the castle – the priest within your home – I encourage you to take very seriously the responsibility to care for your children and wife. You have the opportunity to speak into the lives of your children and to raise strong men and women in Christ. In Ephesians 5, we see you as the head in your marriage. Cover your wife, protect her, love her!  And in 1 Corinthians 11, we see that Christ is your head. This is the key to fulfilling your role as keeper of the castle. You need Christ and your family needs you to follow the lead of the ultimate Keeper. The healthy success of your family largely depends on you.

Will you step up to the plate? Will you be a masterful keeper of your castle? I pray you will. I believe you can.

Blessings to you brothers!!!!