James is full of practical theology. I hope you are being blessed by our meditation through this book. Time in the Word of God is never wasted. You may walk away from your devotional time not feeling that you "got" anything from your reading, but it is never wasted. Press on Sister. For consistency let me back up one verse.
James 1:13-15 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
Commentary:
"The process of Temptation. James turns to the other side of trials, namely, when testing becomes temptation...1:13 God tests his people...so that their character is strengthened, but he never tempts (i.e. lures people into sin). Since God cannot be tempted with evil, and he is unreservedly good, he would never entice human beings to sin or seek to harm their faith. Tempted...is the verb form of the noun translated 'trial'...in James 1:12, but the context shows that different senses of the word are intended. God brings trials in order to strengthen the Christian's faith. He never tempts, however, because he never desires his people to sin. Christians should never blame God when they do wrong.
1:14 lured and enticed. A fishing metaphor for drawing prey away from shelter in order to trap them with a deadly hook. Here it is the person's evil desire that ensnares...Sin is never God's fault...1:15 the picture changes to a birth/rebirth metaphor, as full-grown desire bears its own child, sin, which itself grows into maturity and bears the grandchild, death. This dramatic depiction shows the terrible result when one gives into temptation." [ESV Study Bible pg. 2392]
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Digging Deeper James 1:13 Points to Ponder
James 1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
Every trial, every test, can be used by Satan to trip us up and tempt us to sin. The old adage "The devil made me do it" is just that, an old adage. As a believer in Jesus Christ, regenerated and redeemed, Satan can't MAKE you do anything. Because of the Cross - we choose. We have all the power of God necessary to obey, to walk away from temptation and sin. God will never put us in a circumstance in which we don't have that choice. 1 Cor 10:13 tells us He, Himself, will provide us a way of escape. We have to decide whether we will take it our ignore it. I admit, I've ignored it far more than I care to admit.
Never lose sight of the truth that God is on your side. He has already won the victory (1 Cor 15:57). He is in the process of making you more like Jesus Christ. That process will not be done until we are in glory. Every trial, every difficulty, every circumstance, every joy, every trouble, every success, every failure, every person, every opportunity, everything is part of God's plan to make you more like Jesus Christ if you are born of God. "Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it" (1 Thess 5: 23-24). "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God" (John 1:12).
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Every trial, every test, can be used by Satan to trip us up and tempt us to sin. The old adage "The devil made me do it" is just that, an old adage. As a believer in Jesus Christ, regenerated and redeemed, Satan can't MAKE you do anything. Because of the Cross - we choose. We have all the power of God necessary to obey, to walk away from temptation and sin. God will never put us in a circumstance in which we don't have that choice. 1 Cor 10:13 tells us He, Himself, will provide us a way of escape. We have to decide whether we will take it our ignore it. I admit, I've ignored it far more than I care to admit.
Never lose sight of the truth that God is on your side. He has already won the victory (1 Cor 15:57). He is in the process of making you more like Jesus Christ. That process will not be done until we are in glory. Every trial, every difficulty, every circumstance, every joy, every trouble, every success, every failure, every person, every opportunity, everything is part of God's plan to make you more like Jesus Christ if you are born of God. "Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it" (1 Thess 5: 23-24). "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God" (John 1:12).
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
FEAR NOT
Recently during the New Year's Conference at America's Keswick, Dr. Joe Olachea made the following statement and I believe it is so profound I had to pass it along. He said: "We should fear God so much that we fear nothing else." I cannot add to the impact of that statement other than to share some applicable Scripture.
Deuteronomy 6:13 It is the LORD your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve and by his name you shall swear.
Deuteronomy 13:4 You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him.
Joshua 4:23-24 For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up for us until we passed over, 24 so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever.
2 Kings 17:37 You shall not fear other gods,
Psalm 96:4 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods.
Isaiah 35:4 Say to those who have an anxious heart, "Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you."
Isaiah 41:13 For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the one who helps you."
Hebrews 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
I appreciated Dr. Olachea's reminder - thought I'd pass it along.
Blessings, Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:13
Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
Deuteronomy 6:13 It is the LORD your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve and by his name you shall swear.
Deuteronomy 13:4 You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him.
Joshua 4:23-24 For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up for us until we passed over, 24 so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever.
2 Kings 17:37 You shall not fear other gods,
Psalm 96:4 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods.
Isaiah 35:4 Say to those who have an anxious heart, "Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you."
Isaiah 41:13 For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the one who helps you."
Hebrews 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
I appreciated Dr. Olachea's reminder - thought I'd pass it along.
Blessings, Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:13
Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
ARE YOU SPREADING THE WORD?
Charles Spurgeon once said, "Nothing pleases our Lord better than to see His promises put in circulation,"
Do you let others know when one of His promises bears fruit? Do you spread the word about His truth? I want to, but I tend to remain quiet, not wanting to offend anyone.
Here are some of the promises that need to be circulated.
PERSONAL
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and HE WILL MAKE YOUR PATHS STRAIGHT." Proverbs 3:5-6 As I look back over my life, I see that God has directed me, clearly, even at times when I did not understand, but I knew God was directing me. As a young teen, I chose as my life verse, Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord, and HE WILL GIVE YOU THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART." God has certainly altered my "desires" over the years, but he has definitely kept His promise and given me the desires of my heart.
CHILDREN
"Train a child in the way he should go and WHEN HE IS OLD, HE WILL NOT TURN FROM IT" (Proverbs 22:6). There were times while raising three teenagers that I really clung to "when he is old." I do believe the hardest task for a parent is to let God be original with our kids. I don't know about you, but I do know that I wanted my children to learn by osmosis without having to experience all of the mistakes that their parents made. Unfortunately life doesn't generally work that way, and fortunately neither does God. It is true that we learn from our mistakes. I have learned that I could pray my children through many of the rough experiences of life, and God was very gracious to them.
MARRIAGE
We were married 52 years ago and we were taught that marriage was serious business. We believed Hebrews 13:4, "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, FOR GOD WILL JUDGE THE ADULTERER," so we kept ourselves pure before marriage and we were taught divorce was not an option and we believed that and lived by that commitment. We both chuckle when we think of how naive we were when we got married; we actually had no concept of what we were doing. We love to look back and see how God chose us for each other.
SPIRITUAL
I received Christ as a five-year-old and my husband received Christ when he was 19.
Acts 16:31; And they said, "Believe In the Lord Jesus Christ, and YOU WILL BE SAVED...."Christ transformed our lives and gave us a guide for life. I cannot say it has been an easy life, but it has been GOOD. Our life has been different, and I believe better, because we have chosen to serve Jesus Christ.
John 10:10b states: "I have come, that they may have life, AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL."Our life has been full of blessings, not because we were good or deserving but only because of JESUS.
I imagine many reading this devotional could write examples very similar to mine, but going back to Spurgeon's quote "Nothing pleases our Lord better than to see His promises put in circulation," may I ask, "Are you putting the completion of his promises into circulation"? Are you spreading the word that Jesus is the answer, and He keeps His promises?
MARILYN W. HEAVILIN
Marilyn is a wife and mother, author, and international conference and retreat speaker. She and her husband Glen serve as Counselors-in-Residence at America's KESWICK during the summer months.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:13
Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one
Do you let others know when one of His promises bears fruit? Do you spread the word about His truth? I want to, but I tend to remain quiet, not wanting to offend anyone.
Here are some of the promises that need to be circulated.
PERSONAL
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and HE WILL MAKE YOUR PATHS STRAIGHT." Proverbs 3:5-6 As I look back over my life, I see that God has directed me, clearly, even at times when I did not understand, but I knew God was directing me. As a young teen, I chose as my life verse, Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord, and HE WILL GIVE YOU THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART." God has certainly altered my "desires" over the years, but he has definitely kept His promise and given me the desires of my heart.
CHILDREN
"Train a child in the way he should go and WHEN HE IS OLD, HE WILL NOT TURN FROM IT" (Proverbs 22:6). There were times while raising three teenagers that I really clung to "when he is old." I do believe the hardest task for a parent is to let God be original with our kids. I don't know about you, but I do know that I wanted my children to learn by osmosis without having to experience all of the mistakes that their parents made. Unfortunately life doesn't generally work that way, and fortunately neither does God. It is true that we learn from our mistakes. I have learned that I could pray my children through many of the rough experiences of life, and God was very gracious to them.
MARRIAGE
We were married 52 years ago and we were taught that marriage was serious business. We believed Hebrews 13:4, "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, FOR GOD WILL JUDGE THE ADULTERER," so we kept ourselves pure before marriage and we were taught divorce was not an option and we believed that and lived by that commitment. We both chuckle when we think of how naive we were when we got married; we actually had no concept of what we were doing. We love to look back and see how God chose us for each other.
SPIRITUAL
I received Christ as a five-year-old and my husband received Christ when he was 19.
Acts 16:31; And they said, "Believe In the Lord Jesus Christ, and YOU WILL BE SAVED...."Christ transformed our lives and gave us a guide for life. I cannot say it has been an easy life, but it has been GOOD. Our life has been different, and I believe better, because we have chosen to serve Jesus Christ.
John 10:10b states: "I have come, that they may have life, AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL."Our life has been full of blessings, not because we were good or deserving but only because of JESUS.
I imagine many reading this devotional could write examples very similar to mine, but going back to Spurgeon's quote "Nothing pleases our Lord better than to see His promises put in circulation," may I ask, "Are you putting the completion of his promises into circulation"? Are you spreading the word that Jesus is the answer, and He keeps His promises?
MARILYN W. HEAVILIN
Marilyn is a wife and mother, author, and international conference and retreat speaker. She and her husband Glen serve as Counselors-in-Residence at America's KESWICK during the summer months.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:13
Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Yes...or Better
A couple weeks ago I heard something in a message by Charles Zimmerman and it stuck in my mind. I've been mulling it over since it was a really different way of thinking about things. He mentioned a phone call he received from a man at his church whose wife had just passed away after a battle with cancer. The man told Charles that he and his wife had been holding on to something Charles had said in a recent sermon, that God answers our prayers either "Yes" or "Better."
I have often been told God answers us "Yes," "No" or "Wait." I think I like Charles' answer for one simple reason. "No" is not something any of us wants to hear. And while waiting is a part of life, most of us don't really like it. But "no" and "wait" can both be superceded by "better." And I think most of the time, I don't really know what to ask God for anyway. But He still wants me to ask and to trust Him that He will either answer "yes" and give me what I ask, or He has something better in store for me.
Jesus told His followers, Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:9-11 NIV) Jesus is basically telling us "yes" or "better" is our Father's answer!
How much more eagerly would we go to our Father with our requests if we knew His answer would be either "Yes" or "Better"? "For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us." (2 Corinthians 1:20).
Trust His heart and know that His answer is "Yes" or "Better"!
RS
Ruth Schmidt is on full-time staff at America's Keswick, and grateful to be a daughter of the King.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:13
Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one
I have often been told God answers us "Yes," "No" or "Wait." I think I like Charles' answer for one simple reason. "No" is not something any of us wants to hear. And while waiting is a part of life, most of us don't really like it. But "no" and "wait" can both be superceded by "better." And I think most of the time, I don't really know what to ask God for anyway. But He still wants me to ask and to trust Him that He will either answer "yes" and give me what I ask, or He has something better in store for me.
Jesus told His followers, Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:9-11 NIV) Jesus is basically telling us "yes" or "better" is our Father's answer!
How much more eagerly would we go to our Father with our requests if we knew His answer would be either "Yes" or "Better"? "For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us." (2 Corinthians 1:20).
Trust His heart and know that His answer is "Yes" or "Better"!
RS
Ruth Schmidt is on full-time staff at America's Keswick, and grateful to be a daughter of the King.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:13
Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one
Monday, February 21, 2011
Digging Deeper James 1:13 with Commentary
Have you noticed how rich the Word of God is when you savor it? All too often we read our 2 or 3 chapters, mark it off our to-do list and move on. How would you feel if your spouse or friend treated you that way? "Call Diane" check, move on. Our time in the word is not just about reading but being with the Author. Do you forget that? I do. Each week we are taking a verse or two from the book of James. Let it dwell in you richly. Savor it. Let it change you. If you have not yet joined the journey, it's not too late.
James 1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
Commentary:
"The same Greek word translated 'trials' (vv. 2-12) is also translated 'temptation' here. James' point is that every difficult circumstance that enters a believer's life can either strengthen him if he obeys God and remains confident in His care, or become a solicitation to evil if the believer chooses instead to doubt God and disobey His word ... God purposes trials to occur and in them He allows temptation to happen, but believers can endure and never without a way to escape (1 Cor. 10:13). They choose whether to take the escape God provides or to give in..." [The MacArthur Bible Commentary pg. 1883].
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
James 1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
Commentary:
"The same Greek word translated 'trials' (vv. 2-12) is also translated 'temptation' here. James' point is that every difficult circumstance that enters a believer's life can either strengthen him if he obeys God and remains confident in His care, or become a solicitation to evil if the believer chooses instead to doubt God and disobey His word ... God purposes trials to occur and in them He allows temptation to happen, but believers can endure and never without a way to escape (1 Cor. 10:13). They choose whether to take the escape God provides or to give in..." [The MacArthur Bible Commentary pg. 1883].
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Digging Deeper James 1:12 Points to ponder
James 1:12. Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Points to ponder:
Every test or trial is an opportunity for us to grow in grace and faith. We can succumb or surrender. If we succumb, we believe the lies of the enemy and fail to walk by faith in grace and truth. If we surrender, we embrace the work of God in our lives to accomplish His plan and purposes. Trials make us stronger when we remain steadfast, clinging to our faith and the person of Jesus Christ. Yes, we will receive the crown of life, but even better we receive more of God Himself. God is for us. He empowers us to persevere and overcome every obstacle and trial. He gives us the victory. "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57.
Stand firm, sister; don't succumb, but surrender to the love and work of Jesus Christ in your life.
Diane
Points to ponder:
Every test or trial is an opportunity for us to grow in grace and faith. We can succumb or surrender. If we succumb, we believe the lies of the enemy and fail to walk by faith in grace and truth. If we surrender, we embrace the work of God in our lives to accomplish His plan and purposes. Trials make us stronger when we remain steadfast, clinging to our faith and the person of Jesus Christ. Yes, we will receive the crown of life, but even better we receive more of God Himself. God is for us. He empowers us to persevere and overcome every obstacle and trial. He gives us the victory. "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57.
Stand firm, sister; don't succumb, but surrender to the love and work of Jesus Christ in your life.
Diane
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Be Not Stubborn
Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart and be no longer stubborn. Deuteronomy 10:16
Stubborn? Who me? Who you?
Do you, like me, find there are still way too many times that you go your own way, choose to follow you own agenda?
There are times I would probably look no different than the Israelites which God said, 'hardened their hearts'.
Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness, where your fathers put me to the test and saw my works for forty years."
(Hebrews 3:7-9)
Now, you may be thinking I'm only referring to disobedience, blatant rebellion, basically saying "no" to God. And that, of course, is some of it but as serious and egregious as that is there is a more subtle form of stubbornness - the callous heart of legalism and self-righteousness. This is subtle because this form of stubbornness appears to be saying "yes" to God but really is taking matters too far. These people (and at times I am one of them), are more comfortable with rules, laws and standards, the very things Christ came to set us free from.
Our acceptance in Christ is not determined by how clean our house is (thankfully), what we wear to church, whether we wear make-up or jewelry or not, what version of the Bible we read, whether we have piercings or tattoos or not.
I believe there is a stubbornness that is rooted in a judgmental and critical spirit.
Sister, I may be talking straight to you, but I'm talking to me, too.
To have a circumcised heart means we will be sensitive to the workings and guidance of the Holy Spirit and be surrendered and obedient to His whispers.
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:12
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Stubborn? Who me? Who you?
Do you, like me, find there are still way too many times that you go your own way, choose to follow you own agenda?
There are times I would probably look no different than the Israelites which God said, 'hardened their hearts'.
Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness, where your fathers put me to the test and saw my works for forty years."
(Hebrews 3:7-9)
Now, you may be thinking I'm only referring to disobedience, blatant rebellion, basically saying "no" to God. And that, of course, is some of it but as serious and egregious as that is there is a more subtle form of stubbornness - the callous heart of legalism and self-righteousness. This is subtle because this form of stubbornness appears to be saying "yes" to God but really is taking matters too far. These people (and at times I am one of them), are more comfortable with rules, laws and standards, the very things Christ came to set us free from.
Our acceptance in Christ is not determined by how clean our house is (thankfully), what we wear to church, whether we wear make-up or jewelry or not, what version of the Bible we read, whether we have piercings or tattoos or not.
I believe there is a stubbornness that is rooted in a judgmental and critical spirit.
Sister, I may be talking straight to you, but I'm talking to me, too.
To have a circumcised heart means we will be sensitive to the workings and guidance of the Holy Spirit and be surrendered and obedient to His whispers.
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:12
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The Lord of Hosts
There are many different names in the Bible that are used for the name of the Lord. One of the names is "The Lord of Hosts." It is this name that gives me peace in the midst of the trials of life. It is this name I cry out to when seeking how to pray or what strategy to use that will result in victory.
I found 273 references to the Lord of Hosts in the Old Testament. I surely will not refer to all of those in this devotional. However one story you are likely very familiar with is in the book of Joshua. The scripture relates a time when Joshua was likely pre-occupied with the coming battle with Jericho. "Now it came about when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing opposite him with his sword drawn in his hand, and Joshua went to him and said to him, 'Are you for us or for our adversaries?' And He said, 'No, rather I indeed come now as Captain of the host of the Lord.' And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and bowed down, and said to Him, 'What has my Lord to say to his servant?' And the captain of the Lord's host said to Joshua, 'Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.' And Joshua did so." (Joshua 6:13-15 NAS)
Joshua seems to have realized that the "man" he saw was no ordinary man. He removed his sandals and worshiped the Lord of Hosts, the Captain of the host of the Lord. He must have come to know at that moment the battle was not his but the Lord's. I can almost hear him give a shout....Hallelujah!! He still had to engage the enemy but the Lord of hosts would release the plan that would lead to victory. And so in the following chapters Joshua explains to the people the plan the Lord of Hosts has revealed. God's people followed the plan. Did you ever wonder what they must have thought about the plan? Who would ever consider marching around a city for six days with seven priests carrying seven trumpets before the ark, with armed men before the priests and a rear guard after the ark? And then to march in silence until the seventh day when Joshua told them to shout!! And yet the scripture does not relate any grumbling or complaining. They followed the plan "and the walls fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight ahead, and they took the city." (Joshua 6:20b) Amazing!!
Another familiar time the Lord of Hosts appears is when David approached Goliath, the Philistine, and said "You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day the Lord will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you." (1 Samuel 17:45-46a NAS) Was David simply an arrogant young man? I think not. David had ears to hear what the Spirit of God was saying to him. He did not listen to the advice of his brothers or even his earthly king. He followed the training and the plan the Lord of Hosts had released to him. He was victorious in the name of the Lord of Hosts.
I believe the Lord of Hosts continues to be alive and well. I believe with all my heart that in the midst of the trials of life it is critical that I seek first the Lord of Hosts, worship Him, and seek His plan. I will likely still have to face the trial as did Joshua and David but as with them I will be victorious to the glory of my Lord. I may not recognize the plan as a sound plan by my own understanding, but it will line up with His Word. Friends and even family may think I am a little crazy but if I humble myself and am obedient to His plan I am confident I can be more than an overcomer. The Lord of Hosts lives and it is He who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly far more than you or I could think or ask. Glory to His name.
Consider the following prayer:
Lord of hosts, I thank you for the lessons of scripture. I thank you for the pictures you give us of those who submitted themselves to seek your face and humbly obey. I thank you that I can release the trials of this world to you. My enemy is a defeated foe. Lord, I long to fully submit to you as Lord of my life. I long to love you with my whole mind, heart, soul and strength. Please release unto me ears to hear what Your Spirit is saying and the heart to obey, that I might walk victoriously to the glory of Your name, dear Lord of hosts.
Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:12
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
I found 273 references to the Lord of Hosts in the Old Testament. I surely will not refer to all of those in this devotional. However one story you are likely very familiar with is in the book of Joshua. The scripture relates a time when Joshua was likely pre-occupied with the coming battle with Jericho. "Now it came about when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing opposite him with his sword drawn in his hand, and Joshua went to him and said to him, 'Are you for us or for our adversaries?' And He said, 'No, rather I indeed come now as Captain of the host of the Lord.' And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and bowed down, and said to Him, 'What has my Lord to say to his servant?' And the captain of the Lord's host said to Joshua, 'Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.' And Joshua did so." (Joshua 6:13-15 NAS)
Joshua seems to have realized that the "man" he saw was no ordinary man. He removed his sandals and worshiped the Lord of Hosts, the Captain of the host of the Lord. He must have come to know at that moment the battle was not his but the Lord's. I can almost hear him give a shout....Hallelujah!! He still had to engage the enemy but the Lord of hosts would release the plan that would lead to victory. And so in the following chapters Joshua explains to the people the plan the Lord of Hosts has revealed. God's people followed the plan. Did you ever wonder what they must have thought about the plan? Who would ever consider marching around a city for six days with seven priests carrying seven trumpets before the ark, with armed men before the priests and a rear guard after the ark? And then to march in silence until the seventh day when Joshua told them to shout!! And yet the scripture does not relate any grumbling or complaining. They followed the plan "and the walls fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight ahead, and they took the city." (Joshua 6:20b) Amazing!!
Another familiar time the Lord of Hosts appears is when David approached Goliath, the Philistine, and said "You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day the Lord will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you." (1 Samuel 17:45-46a NAS) Was David simply an arrogant young man? I think not. David had ears to hear what the Spirit of God was saying to him. He did not listen to the advice of his brothers or even his earthly king. He followed the training and the plan the Lord of Hosts had released to him. He was victorious in the name of the Lord of Hosts.
I believe the Lord of Hosts continues to be alive and well. I believe with all my heart that in the midst of the trials of life it is critical that I seek first the Lord of Hosts, worship Him, and seek His plan. I will likely still have to face the trial as did Joshua and David but as with them I will be victorious to the glory of my Lord. I may not recognize the plan as a sound plan by my own understanding, but it will line up with His Word. Friends and even family may think I am a little crazy but if I humble myself and am obedient to His plan I am confident I can be more than an overcomer. The Lord of Hosts lives and it is He who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly far more than you or I could think or ask. Glory to His name.
Consider the following prayer:
Lord of hosts, I thank you for the lessons of scripture. I thank you for the pictures you give us of those who submitted themselves to seek your face and humbly obey. I thank you that I can release the trials of this world to you. My enemy is a defeated foe. Lord, I long to fully submit to you as Lord of my life. I long to love you with my whole mind, heart, soul and strength. Please release unto me ears to hear what Your Spirit is saying and the heart to obey, that I might walk victoriously to the glory of Your name, dear Lord of hosts.
Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:12
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
"Ashamed"
I found myself running to Jesus this morning. Two friends had shared some heavy burdens and I just felt the need to lay them at the feet of Jesus. But when I knelt to pray, I realized I hadn't been quieted on my knees in quite awhile.
Hhmmmm....maybe I need to take care of some things before I start to barrage God with my load! I started asking myself why I hadn't been in prayer fellowship with God and thought, "Wow! I must think a lot of myself! For when I feel things are too big for ME then I go to Jesus?" *sigh* Oh boy! How did I stray so far?! How ashamed I felt!
So I spent some time confessing and taking a look into my heart before I laid my burdens for others at His feet. I looked at the way I was spending my time. Was I spending it with my Lord in His Word or was I sleeping in? Was I spending time with other believers and being encouraged to speak the name of Christ and what He has been doing in my life or was I zoning in front of the TV/computer? What kind of music was I listening to? (Not an issue for everyone, but for me it is)
I was discovering a lot of SELF was present. Filling myself with what "I" wanted to do and be about. Wow, Lord! Forgive me! "Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love." I'm glad that He reminds me when I stray - baaah, baaah! So thankful that He is a good Shepherd!
"Here's my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above. Amen"
May we take today to stop and do a little inventory - how are we doing in our communion with our Lord? Are we straying or are we in the fold? Thank Him today for drawing us back to Himself.
Sue Mercer
WOC Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:12
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Hhmmmm....maybe I need to take care of some things before I start to barrage God with my load! I started asking myself why I hadn't been in prayer fellowship with God and thought, "Wow! I must think a lot of myself! For when I feel things are too big for ME then I go to Jesus?" *sigh* Oh boy! How did I stray so far?! How ashamed I felt!
So I spent some time confessing and taking a look into my heart before I laid my burdens for others at His feet. I looked at the way I was spending my time. Was I spending it with my Lord in His Word or was I sleeping in? Was I spending time with other believers and being encouraged to speak the name of Christ and what He has been doing in my life or was I zoning in front of the TV/computer? What kind of music was I listening to? (Not an issue for everyone, but for me it is)
I was discovering a lot of SELF was present. Filling myself with what "I" wanted to do and be about. Wow, Lord! Forgive me! "Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love." I'm glad that He reminds me when I stray - baaah, baaah! So thankful that He is a good Shepherd!
"Here's my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above. Amen"
May we take today to stop and do a little inventory - how are we doing in our communion with our Lord? Are we straying or are we in the fold? Thank Him today for drawing us back to Himself.
Sue Mercer
WOC Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:12
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Digging Deeper James 1:12 with Commentary
Sometimes people get the impression that if they get saved all their troubles are over. This week's verse does not support that. A friend of mine and I were recently discussing the world situation (this is way out of my league) and she commented, "I would not want to be going through all that is going on in the world with out Jesus Christ." Christians are not exempt from trials or difficulty but we have grace and power and hope. I need to be reminded today. We have grace and power and hope.
James 1:12. Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Commentary:
"Reward for Those Who Endure. James returns to the theme introduced in v. 2. Crown of life alludes not to the jewel encrusted ruler's crown but to the laurel wreath given to winners in athletic games (1 Cor 9:25) and victorious emperors. The reward for faithful perseverance is eternal life, with all its abundant blessings (cf Rev. 2:10)." [The ESV Study Bible, study notes pg 2392]
Diane
James 1:12. Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Commentary:
"Reward for Those Who Endure. James returns to the theme introduced in v. 2. Crown of life alludes not to the jewel encrusted ruler's crown but to the laurel wreath given to winners in athletic games (1 Cor 9:25) and victorious emperors. The reward for faithful perseverance is eternal life, with all its abundant blessings (cf Rev. 2:10)." [The ESV Study Bible, study notes pg 2392]
Diane
Friday, February 11, 2011
Digging Deeper James 1:9-11 Points to Ponder
James 1:9-11 "Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits."
Points to Ponder
As I consider this week's verse, I am reminded of the brevity of life. Whether rich or poor, both will come to an end. We can waste a lot of time on worldly issues, distracted by money, little or much. Both can be distracting. Remember Matthew 6:24, "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."
In reality anything can distract us from God. Good things can distract us from God. Because they are good, their distraction is ever so subtle.
In the end, what will matter is not how much money we had, what letters came after our names, how thin or not we were, how big or small our house was, but in the end were we totally devoted to God? Did we love God with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength? It is a challenge to keep our eyes on the eternal rather than the temporal because oft times the temporal screams for attention. Let us look beyond the things of this world to gaze upon the person of Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
Diane
Points to Ponder
As I consider this week's verse, I am reminded of the brevity of life. Whether rich or poor, both will come to an end. We can waste a lot of time on worldly issues, distracted by money, little or much. Both can be distracting. Remember Matthew 6:24, "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."
In reality anything can distract us from God. Good things can distract us from God. Because they are good, their distraction is ever so subtle.
In the end, what will matter is not how much money we had, what letters came after our names, how thin or not we were, how big or small our house was, but in the end were we totally devoted to God? Did we love God with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength? It is a challenge to keep our eyes on the eternal rather than the temporal because oft times the temporal screams for attention. Let us look beyond the things of this world to gaze upon the person of Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
Diane
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Fear
A few moments ago, I was reading an article in my local paper about "faking courage" which brought to mind a recent conversation I'd had with my good and faithful friend Diane. In that conversation I shared a string of thoughts which included a not-so- new-to-her-fact, that this almost 52 year old woman is afraid of the dark (among other things).
The Lord Himself knows how I wish I wasn't, and yet, the truth is, I am. I can go way back in my childhood memories and pinpoint specific things, occurrences: such as scary stories, the bogeyman, etc. All of which cultivated in me this deep fear of what could be in the dark which I cannot see that could hurt me.
One of the statements the writer made in the article was: "To this day, I'm uncomfortable in basements and dislike sitting with my back to windows at night."1 I can relate to that. In fact, I could add a whole bunch of other things to that list.
She goes on to say: "I know people whose fear of bridges or heights has stopped them from traveling. Several close relatives were so terrified of cats, they got goosebumps if they saw one. And what fears are more daunting than those of failure or success, which keeps us silent and immobile in the face of opportunity or change...everything we do out of our comfort zone is scary."2
All of this brings my thoughts back to the myriad conversations I've had with Di over the years about stepping out of my "comfort zone(s)". Personally, I like my comfort zones. Why? Well, because they're comfortable. And yet, as true as it is that I could be a-okay with my status quo, I am not okay with settling for less than I was created for.
"He whom the Son sets free is free indeed."3
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of POWER and of LOVE and of a SOUND mind."4
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love."5
If, in fact, I am free, then I must require more of me, as He enables and equips me for, rather than sitting still IN FEAR for fear of "whatever" could or would happen IF...
I can choose to get up and walk in power, thinking with the sound mind which the LORD has given me and walk forward doing the "whatever" in LOVE instead of fear.
"Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."6
I could tell you lots of stories of my failure to walk in faith. But this Victory Call is not about all the ways I could and sometimes do let fear overwhelm. It is about Him and all the ways I could also tell you of His perfect love casting out fear IN moments of great distress.
Dear sister, whether you are like me or not, there may be a situation you are living with or within right now and there is only one thing for you to do - RUN!! Run to Abba!
Running to Abba Father in the Word has a huge impact on our soul! His Spirit in us is instantly quickened and we will find over and over again that to stand and persevere will reap a reward that all by itself accomplishes His will IN us.
In Psalm 56:11 the psalmist writes, "In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" This is an awesome testimony to the power of trusting in God. Regardless of what happens, the psalmist will trust in God because he knows and understands the power of God. The key to overcoming fear, then, is total and complete trust in God. Trusting God is a refusal to give in to fear. It is a turning to God even in the darkest times and trusting Him to make things right. This trust comes from knowing God and knowing that He is good. As Job said when he was experiencing some of the most difficult trials recorded in the Bible, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him" (Job 13:15 NKJV)."7
Stephanie
Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An "instrument of change" in the Redeemer's Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America's Keswick as Woman of Character Program Administrator.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:10-11
10and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
1 Bobbi Seidel: Second Thoughts "Faking Courage.." Observer Reporter 1/27/2011
2 ibid
3 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%208:36&version=NKJV
4 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy%201:7&version=NKJV
5 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%204:18&version=NKJV
6 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah%2041:10&version=NKJV
7 http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-fear.html
The Lord Himself knows how I wish I wasn't, and yet, the truth is, I am. I can go way back in my childhood memories and pinpoint specific things, occurrences: such as scary stories, the bogeyman, etc. All of which cultivated in me this deep fear of what could be in the dark which I cannot see that could hurt me.
One of the statements the writer made in the article was: "To this day, I'm uncomfortable in basements and dislike sitting with my back to windows at night."1 I can relate to that. In fact, I could add a whole bunch of other things to that list.
She goes on to say: "I know people whose fear of bridges or heights has stopped them from traveling. Several close relatives were so terrified of cats, they got goosebumps if they saw one. And what fears are more daunting than those of failure or success, which keeps us silent and immobile in the face of opportunity or change...everything we do out of our comfort zone is scary."2
All of this brings my thoughts back to the myriad conversations I've had with Di over the years about stepping out of my "comfort zone(s)". Personally, I like my comfort zones. Why? Well, because they're comfortable. And yet, as true as it is that I could be a-okay with my status quo, I am not okay with settling for less than I was created for.
"He whom the Son sets free is free indeed."3
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of POWER and of LOVE and of a SOUND mind."4
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love."5
If, in fact, I am free, then I must require more of me, as He enables and equips me for, rather than sitting still IN FEAR for fear of "whatever" could or would happen IF...
I can choose to get up and walk in power, thinking with the sound mind which the LORD has given me and walk forward doing the "whatever" in LOVE instead of fear.
"Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."6
I could tell you lots of stories of my failure to walk in faith. But this Victory Call is not about all the ways I could and sometimes do let fear overwhelm. It is about Him and all the ways I could also tell you of His perfect love casting out fear IN moments of great distress.
Dear sister, whether you are like me or not, there may be a situation you are living with or within right now and there is only one thing for you to do - RUN!! Run to Abba!
Running to Abba Father in the Word has a huge impact on our soul! His Spirit in us is instantly quickened and we will find over and over again that to stand and persevere will reap a reward that all by itself accomplishes His will IN us.
In Psalm 56:11 the psalmist writes, "In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" This is an awesome testimony to the power of trusting in God. Regardless of what happens, the psalmist will trust in God because he knows and understands the power of God. The key to overcoming fear, then, is total and complete trust in God. Trusting God is a refusal to give in to fear. It is a turning to God even in the darkest times and trusting Him to make things right. This trust comes from knowing God and knowing that He is good. As Job said when he was experiencing some of the most difficult trials recorded in the Bible, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him" (Job 13:15 NKJV)."7
Stephanie
Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An "instrument of change" in the Redeemer's Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America's Keswick as Woman of Character Program Administrator.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:10-11
10and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
1 Bobbi Seidel: Second Thoughts "Faking Courage.." Observer Reporter 1/27/2011
2 ibid
3 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%208:36&version=NKJV
4 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy%201:7&version=NKJV
5 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%204:18&version=NKJV
6 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah%2041:10&version=NKJV
7 http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-fear.html
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Love, Part 2
There are two Hebrew words that, when translated into English, mean love. One is agapao (verb) or agape (noun). The other is phileo (verb) or philanthropia (noun).
According to Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary, agapao and the corresponding noun agape is used to describe the attitude of God toward His Son (John 17:26), mankind in general (John 3:16, Romans 5:8), and those who receive Jesus (John 14:21). It is used to convey His will to His children concerning their attitude toward one another (John 13:34) and toward all men (1 Thes. 3:12; 1 Cor. 16:14; 2 Peter 1:7), and to express the essential nature of God (1 John 4:8). Vine's Dictionary explains the meaning in detail. To summarize let me simply say that agape love is not the love of complacency, or affection. This love is not an impulse from feelings. It seeks the welfare of all; it seeks opportunity to do good to all. It is a deep and constant love with no account if the recipient is worthy of love.
You may not have the time to look up all of the scripture above, but if you want to read an example of agape love I would invite you to read and consider 1 John 4:7-21. We can love (agape) others because God first loved us. God is love and the one who lives in the place, with that kind of love, lives in God and God lives in Him. Amazing Grace, Praise God!!
Vine's Dictionary tells us that phileo or philanthropia represents "tender affections". It is an unselfish love that is ready to serve others. This word for love is used as a warning in 1 Cor. 16:22. It is also the word the Lord used when he asked Peter the third time "Do you love Me?" In essence the Lord was asking Peter "Do you love Me with an unselfish love, that is ready to serve My sheep without concern for yourself?" (John 21:15-17). In the past Peter's concern for himself caused him to deny Christ. It was a totally reasonable question and I think Peter understood what was being asked of him. He was now ready to serve Jesus' sheep selflessly.
It appears to me that both agape and phileo love go beyond a warm feeling. These words represent a love that may not necessarily seem wise or even sensible. It is the kind of love that frees you from keeping accounts of wrongs suffered, or picking up an offense even when it could have been justified. Did you ever love someone so much you simply did not count the cost of loving? Such was a woman from Bethany. Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were coming. Jesus is in the home of Simon the leper in Bethany. A woman came and broke an alabaster vial of very costly perfume and poured it over His head. Some of the people in the room got really upset with her, as the perfume was expensive. In fact the Word says it was worth over three hundred denarii. That would have been equal to about 300 days of wages for a rural worker in that time. No wonder they were upset. But she apparently didn't count the actual cost of the perfume or the cost of being ridiculed. It would seem that God the Father revealed to her that she was to pour out that perfume on Jesus, whom she loved (phileo), and so she did so. With unselfish love she was obedient and served the Lord. Jesus responded by rebuking those who criticized her. He lets them know that she was chosen to anoint His body for burial. What an example of love. God loved her so much He chose her to anoint His Son for burial. Her love for God was such that she was confident that she was given a God assignment and responded in total obedience not counting the cost. Amazing love!!
I close with this prayer for you:
"Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You that You are love and it is You who has loved each one reading this devotional so much that You sent Your Son to die and bear our sin. Father, because You are love and You are filled with lovingkindness I would ask that by grace You would pour out upon each the gift of love. May each of us know in a deeper, richer, more meaningful way the love You have for us. May each of us live in such a way that Your love is manifested in us, that we might demonstrate Your love, as we love others every day of our lives by Your grace. Father, we thank you, for the greatest of all gifts is love. I pray in the name of the One we give all praise and glory, Jesus our Lord and Savior." (1 John 4:9; 1 Cor.13:13)
Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate
In preparing this devotional the following was used:
My Utmost for His Highest
Oswald Chambers; Welch Publishing Company Inc.
The Ryrie Study Bible
New American Standard Translation; Moody Press
Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words
W.E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, William White, Jr.; Thomas Nelson Publishers
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:10-11
10and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
According to Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary, agapao and the corresponding noun agape is used to describe the attitude of God toward His Son (John 17:26), mankind in general (John 3:16, Romans 5:8), and those who receive Jesus (John 14:21). It is used to convey His will to His children concerning their attitude toward one another (John 13:34) and toward all men (1 Thes. 3:12; 1 Cor. 16:14; 2 Peter 1:7), and to express the essential nature of God (1 John 4:8). Vine's Dictionary explains the meaning in detail. To summarize let me simply say that agape love is not the love of complacency, or affection. This love is not an impulse from feelings. It seeks the welfare of all; it seeks opportunity to do good to all. It is a deep and constant love with no account if the recipient is worthy of love.
You may not have the time to look up all of the scripture above, but if you want to read an example of agape love I would invite you to read and consider 1 John 4:7-21. We can love (agape) others because God first loved us. God is love and the one who lives in the place, with that kind of love, lives in God and God lives in Him. Amazing Grace, Praise God!!
Vine's Dictionary tells us that phileo or philanthropia represents "tender affections". It is an unselfish love that is ready to serve others. This word for love is used as a warning in 1 Cor. 16:22. It is also the word the Lord used when he asked Peter the third time "Do you love Me?" In essence the Lord was asking Peter "Do you love Me with an unselfish love, that is ready to serve My sheep without concern for yourself?" (John 21:15-17). In the past Peter's concern for himself caused him to deny Christ. It was a totally reasonable question and I think Peter understood what was being asked of him. He was now ready to serve Jesus' sheep selflessly.
It appears to me that both agape and phileo love go beyond a warm feeling. These words represent a love that may not necessarily seem wise or even sensible. It is the kind of love that frees you from keeping accounts of wrongs suffered, or picking up an offense even when it could have been justified. Did you ever love someone so much you simply did not count the cost of loving? Such was a woman from Bethany. Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were coming. Jesus is in the home of Simon the leper in Bethany. A woman came and broke an alabaster vial of very costly perfume and poured it over His head. Some of the people in the room got really upset with her, as the perfume was expensive. In fact the Word says it was worth over three hundred denarii. That would have been equal to about 300 days of wages for a rural worker in that time. No wonder they were upset. But she apparently didn't count the actual cost of the perfume or the cost of being ridiculed. It would seem that God the Father revealed to her that she was to pour out that perfume on Jesus, whom she loved (phileo), and so she did so. With unselfish love she was obedient and served the Lord. Jesus responded by rebuking those who criticized her. He lets them know that she was chosen to anoint His body for burial. What an example of love. God loved her so much He chose her to anoint His Son for burial. Her love for God was such that she was confident that she was given a God assignment and responded in total obedience not counting the cost. Amazing love!!
I close with this prayer for you:
"Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You that You are love and it is You who has loved each one reading this devotional so much that You sent Your Son to die and bear our sin. Father, because You are love and You are filled with lovingkindness I would ask that by grace You would pour out upon each the gift of love. May each of us know in a deeper, richer, more meaningful way the love You have for us. May each of us live in such a way that Your love is manifested in us, that we might demonstrate Your love, as we love others every day of our lives by Your grace. Father, we thank you, for the greatest of all gifts is love. I pray in the name of the One we give all praise and glory, Jesus our Lord and Savior." (1 John 4:9; 1 Cor.13:13)
Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate
In preparing this devotional the following was used:
My Utmost for His Highest
Oswald Chambers; Welch Publishing Company Inc.
The Ryrie Study Bible
New American Standard Translation; Moody Press
Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words
W.E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, William White, Jr.; Thomas Nelson Publishers
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:10-11
10and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Love
Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant. Does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. (1 Cor. 13:4-8a NAS)
February is the month to think about the gift of love. I am so thankful for the gift of love that has been poured out upon me. When I was a child I was loved by my Mom, Dad, brother and sister. I grew up in a home where I learned to honor and love God. What a precious gift.
As a young woman I met the man who would become my husband and I came to know a new kind of love. Then I became a mother. What kind of love is this? It was so new to me. My Mom often said I would understand how much she loved me when I had my own children. She was right. Then I was to have my second child. I was honestly fearful that I could love this baby as I did my first child. And then he was born and so came the increase of love. At no time did I make love happen. It came, it was there. And so I began to understand that love was a gift from God. He created us. He made us in His image. We are his His children. He loves us and He wants us to love one another. I came to understand sacrificial, unconditional love. Even in the times I did not like my children I always loved them and would to this day lay down my life for them. I began to understand the love God has for His children.
Over and over God has modeled love..........
.....It was His love that was patient with Abraham when he let fear overtake him and introduced his wife as his sister. (Genesis 12) Abraham still became the Father of nations.
.....It was His love that did not give up on Jacob when he deceived his father and Esau. (Genesis 27) He was to receive a new name, Israel, and also become the father of nations.
.....It was His love that did not take into account when Peter denied Jesus who was on His way to die for our sin. (Luke 22:54-62) Peter, an apostle of Jesus, was used by God to, in one day, lead 3,000 souls to Jesus, heal the sick and record the Word.
.....It was love that led God to send His Son into the world (John 3:16).
.....It was love that held Jesus to the cross, which bore all our sin, and endured all. (Luke 23)
Love is a gift. We can choose to receive that love and grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior. Or we can reject the gift of love. Over the years I have learned that the more I love and invest in my relationship with God, the more He can grow me that I might love as He loves. Apart from Him and the gift of His love, I am nothing more than a noisy, selfish gong. (1 Cor. 13:1)
Sisters, prayerfully consider the following verse. Invite the Lord to reveal His great love for you. Allow the love of God to fill you up, that you may know the unspeakable joy of so great a love.
Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant. Does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. (1 Cor. 13:4-8a NAS)
Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:10-11
10and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
February is the month to think about the gift of love. I am so thankful for the gift of love that has been poured out upon me. When I was a child I was loved by my Mom, Dad, brother and sister. I grew up in a home where I learned to honor and love God. What a precious gift.
As a young woman I met the man who would become my husband and I came to know a new kind of love. Then I became a mother. What kind of love is this? It was so new to me. My Mom often said I would understand how much she loved me when I had my own children. She was right. Then I was to have my second child. I was honestly fearful that I could love this baby as I did my first child. And then he was born and so came the increase of love. At no time did I make love happen. It came, it was there. And so I began to understand that love was a gift from God. He created us. He made us in His image. We are his His children. He loves us and He wants us to love one another. I came to understand sacrificial, unconditional love. Even in the times I did not like my children I always loved them and would to this day lay down my life for them. I began to understand the love God has for His children.
Over and over God has modeled love..........
.....It was His love that was patient with Abraham when he let fear overtake him and introduced his wife as his sister. (Genesis 12) Abraham still became the Father of nations.
.....It was His love that did not give up on Jacob when he deceived his father and Esau. (Genesis 27) He was to receive a new name, Israel, and also become the father of nations.
.....It was His love that did not take into account when Peter denied Jesus who was on His way to die for our sin. (Luke 22:54-62) Peter, an apostle of Jesus, was used by God to, in one day, lead 3,000 souls to Jesus, heal the sick and record the Word.
.....It was love that led God to send His Son into the world (John 3:16).
.....It was love that held Jesus to the cross, which bore all our sin, and endured all. (Luke 23)
Love is a gift. We can choose to receive that love and grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior. Or we can reject the gift of love. Over the years I have learned that the more I love and invest in my relationship with God, the more He can grow me that I might love as He loves. Apart from Him and the gift of His love, I am nothing more than a noisy, selfish gong. (1 Cor. 13:1)
Sisters, prayerfully consider the following verse. Invite the Lord to reveal His great love for you. Allow the love of God to fill you up, that you may know the unspeakable joy of so great a love.
Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant. Does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. (1 Cor. 13:4-8a NAS)
Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:10-11
10and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
Monday, February 07, 2011
Digging Deeper James 1:9-11 with commentary
Last week I divided the verses in an awkward place (between 9 and 10), so I'd like to include verse 9 this week to keep the flow of the verse.
Have you been tracking with us through the book of James? We are taking it in very small bites so everyone can join in. I would encourage you to read the book of James through in one sitting often.
James 1:9-11 "Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits."
Commentary:
"The place of Rich and Poor before God. Both poverty and riches bring enormous pressure on a person to focus on the world rather than on Christ. Thus James exhorts the poor to boast (or glory) in their high status in Christ. The lowly brother will be exalted or vindicated by God. In contrast, James, exhorts the rich to boast in their humiliation. (1) by realizing that their wealth is temporary and that it brings them no advantage before God, and (2) by identifying with the poor in their affliction. The church is to be a 'countercultural' community, which reverses the values of the world (cf 2:2-4). Given the context, James seems to be saying that the challenges of poverty and wealth may be one of the greatest "trials" for Christians, as would be suggested by his immediate emphasis (see 1:12) on the 'blessed' status of those who remain 'steadfast under trial.' " [The ESV Study Bible study notes pg. 2391]
Have you been tracking with us through the book of James? We are taking it in very small bites so everyone can join in. I would encourage you to read the book of James through in one sitting often.
James 1:9-11 "Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits."
Commentary:
"The place of Rich and Poor before God. Both poverty and riches bring enormous pressure on a person to focus on the world rather than on Christ. Thus James exhorts the poor to boast (or glory) in their high status in Christ. The lowly brother will be exalted or vindicated by God. In contrast, James, exhorts the rich to boast in their humiliation. (1) by realizing that their wealth is temporary and that it brings them no advantage before God, and (2) by identifying with the poor in their affliction. The church is to be a 'countercultural' community, which reverses the values of the world (cf 2:2-4). Given the context, James seems to be saying that the challenges of poverty and wealth may be one of the greatest "trials" for Christians, as would be suggested by his immediate emphasis (see 1:12) on the 'blessed' status of those who remain 'steadfast under trial.' " [The ESV Study Bible study notes pg. 2391]
Friday, February 04, 2011
Digging Deeper James 1:9 Points to Ponder
Have you been pondering James 1:9 this week? I hope you have also been reading the entire book of James as often as you can. You can probably read the entire book in 15 - 20 minutes. It is well worth the read. It will be our focus for 2011.
James 1:9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation (ESV)
James 1:9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, (NKJV)
James 1:9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. (NIV)
James 1:9 When down-and-outers get a break, cheer! (The Message)
Points to ponder:
I have to admit this took some serious pondering. At first glance it didn't make much sense to me. In the ESV it says "the lowly brother should boast..." yet elsewhere we are told "o that, as it is written, 'Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.' " 1 Corinthians 1:31 And then further, to boast in his exaltation. According to Webster, 'exaltation means an excessively intensified sense of well-being, power, or importance"1 So, I think we could say it means to be elevated. The NIV also gives a similar interpretation: "take pride in their high position."
What could this mean?
Here is a good example of the need to consider the whole counsel of God. "for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God." Acts 20:27 If we considered this verse in isolation we could come to the conclusion that we should be so proud of our humility. But when we consider the context of the Bible we come to a very different consideration.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you. 1 Peter 5:6. Could our week's verse be saying that the humble brother should declare, exclaim, and proclaim the mighty work of God in his life? When God lifts him up, that He give glory, thanksgiving and praise to God for His work of grace in his life? In otherwords, isn't it possible that the boasting is not at all about self but rather God for what He has done in the life of a lowly brother (sister)?
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
1 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exaltation accessed 1.29.11
James 1:9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation (ESV)
James 1:9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, (NKJV)
James 1:9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. (NIV)
James 1:9 When down-and-outers get a break, cheer! (The Message)
Points to ponder:
I have to admit this took some serious pondering. At first glance it didn't make much sense to me. In the ESV it says "the lowly brother should boast..." yet elsewhere we are told "o that, as it is written, 'Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.' " 1 Corinthians 1:31 And then further, to boast in his exaltation. According to Webster, 'exaltation means an excessively intensified sense of well-being, power, or importance"1 So, I think we could say it means to be elevated. The NIV also gives a similar interpretation: "take pride in their high position."
What could this mean?
Here is a good example of the need to consider the whole counsel of God. "for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God." Acts 20:27 If we considered this verse in isolation we could come to the conclusion that we should be so proud of our humility. But when we consider the context of the Bible we come to a very different consideration.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you. 1 Peter 5:6. Could our week's verse be saying that the humble brother should declare, exclaim, and proclaim the mighty work of God in his life? When God lifts him up, that He give glory, thanksgiving and praise to God for His work of grace in his life? In otherwords, isn't it possible that the boasting is not at all about self but rather God for what He has done in the life of a lowly brother (sister)?
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
1 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exaltation accessed 1.29.11
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Remember
Joshua 3:12-17 Now therefore take twelve men from the tribes of Israel, from each tribe a man. And when the soles of the feet of the priests bearing the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off from flowing, and the waters coming down from above shall stand in one heap.
So when the people set out from their tents to pass over the Jordan with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people, and as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest), the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, and those flowing down toward the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. And the people passed over opposite Jericho. Now the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firmly on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, and all Israel was passing over on dry ground until all the nation finished passing over the Jordan.
This is an amazing story of faith. The priests had to get their feet wet BEFORE God cut off the water. What did the Israelites have to go on?
1. God's Word told them what they were to do
2. Their knowledge of God's past faithfulness
That is no different than today. What do we have to go on?
1. God's Word
2. Our knowledge of God's past faithfulness to Israel and ourselves
When your faith wobbles or is challenged, do you intentionally remember? Do you call to mind the evidence of God's faithfulness in the Bible (these are great faith growers) and the evidence of God's faithfulness to you in the past?
Remember. Remember. Remember.
I so love this story of God's faithfulness and the faith of His people that it is the name of the Bible Study several of us wrote. "Crossing the Jordan: Living Victoriously in the Midst of Adversity." Here is an excerpt from the Introduction:
The title Crossing the Jordan: Living Victoriously in the Midst of Adversity, was chosen because it beautifully depicts the life of freedom that awaits those who choose to get their feet wet and to cross from the wilderness into the land of promise. Just like the Israelites, as you choose to step out in faith to move from your wilderness wanderings to lay hold of the Promised Land in your life, God will go with you. He will empower you moment-by-moment to lay claim to the promises of freedom and hope awaiting you on the other side of the Jordan.
Thanks to generous friends of the ministry this Bible Study will soon be in print. It has been a long time coming and we are excited to see this dream become a reality.
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:9
Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation,
So when the people set out from their tents to pass over the Jordan with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people, and as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest), the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, and those flowing down toward the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. And the people passed over opposite Jericho. Now the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firmly on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, and all Israel was passing over on dry ground until all the nation finished passing over the Jordan.
This is an amazing story of faith. The priests had to get their feet wet BEFORE God cut off the water. What did the Israelites have to go on?
1. God's Word told them what they were to do
2. Their knowledge of God's past faithfulness
That is no different than today. What do we have to go on?
1. God's Word
2. Our knowledge of God's past faithfulness to Israel and ourselves
When your faith wobbles or is challenged, do you intentionally remember? Do you call to mind the evidence of God's faithfulness in the Bible (these are great faith growers) and the evidence of God's faithfulness to you in the past?
Remember. Remember. Remember.
I so love this story of God's faithfulness and the faith of His people that it is the name of the Bible Study several of us wrote. "Crossing the Jordan: Living Victoriously in the Midst of Adversity." Here is an excerpt from the Introduction:
The title Crossing the Jordan: Living Victoriously in the Midst of Adversity, was chosen because it beautifully depicts the life of freedom that awaits those who choose to get their feet wet and to cross from the wilderness into the land of promise. Just like the Israelites, as you choose to step out in faith to move from your wilderness wanderings to lay hold of the Promised Land in your life, God will go with you. He will empower you moment-by-moment to lay claim to the promises of freedom and hope awaiting you on the other side of the Jordan.
Thanks to generous friends of the ministry this Bible Study will soon be in print. It has been a long time coming and we are excited to see this dream become a reality.
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:9
Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation,
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
God Created Me
I have been dwelling on "what was God's purpose for placing us here." The answer came quickly thorough the scripture, "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things and by Your will they were created and have their being." Revelation 4:11.
"That the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 1:12.
There you have it - everything is for God's will and glory. Will means "determination." In other words, God created us because He wanted to.
The word glory means "the unveiling of God's character." It might, at first, seem selfish that God created things for His glory. But think about it for a minute. What are the best possible circumstances that we could live in? Total dependence upon God - in other words, immersion in God's character. So what God wants for us is the very thing that is best for us. Notice that 2 Thessalonians 1:12 includes the words "and you in Him." This isn't God's selfishness, it's His love.
We can be very thankful that God has taken an interest in us and revealed Himself to us. God's love may be the most incomprehensible aspect of God's purpose in creating us.
The next time you are struggling and trying to figure out why you are are, think about the reasons why God created us and rejoice in who He is and your struggle will lessen.
Patsy Foley
Women of Character Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:9
Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation,
"That the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 1:12.
There you have it - everything is for God's will and glory. Will means "determination." In other words, God created us because He wanted to.
The word glory means "the unveiling of God's character." It might, at first, seem selfish that God created things for His glory. But think about it for a minute. What are the best possible circumstances that we could live in? Total dependence upon God - in other words, immersion in God's character. So what God wants for us is the very thing that is best for us. Notice that 2 Thessalonians 1:12 includes the words "and you in Him." This isn't God's selfishness, it's His love.
We can be very thankful that God has taken an interest in us and revealed Himself to us. God's love may be the most incomprehensible aspect of God's purpose in creating us.
The next time you are struggling and trying to figure out why you are are, think about the reasons why God created us and rejoice in who He is and your struggle will lessen.
Patsy Foley
Women of Character Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:9
Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation,
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
FEELINGS OR FAITH
If you are anything like me, there are times when you feel as if your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling. We wonder, is God really hearing me? Is He ever going to answer me? When this happens, what do we do? Do we end up praying less, or even ceasing altogether? Or do we press on, going by faith rather than feeling? And do we tell the Lord how we are really feeling?
Recently, I've been reading through Psalms. I was struck by how very open and honest David was with the Lord about how he was feeling. Psalm 13:1-2 says, "How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and everyday have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?" David was a man who could openly and honestly communicate with the Lord how he was feeling. Many of his Psalms begin with an earnest, oftentimes desperate, plea for help. David would then pour out his heart and lay out his requests before God, and most times, by the end of the Psalm, his whole outlook changed. Psalm 13 ends, "But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me." (vs. 5 & 6)
We see a similar pattern in Psalm 28. Verses 1 & 2 say: "To you I call, O Lord my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit. Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help." Then verses 6 & 7, "Praise be to the Lord, for He has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song." David was already thanking the Lord for hearing and trusting Him to help.
Psalm 55:1-2, "Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught." After pouring out his heart to the Lord, David says in verses 16-18, "But I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice. He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me." And verse 22, "Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall."
I think we can all learn a lesson from David who was, after all, a man after God's own heart. May we seek the Lord earnestly, being totally honest with Him (He already knows our feelings anyway), and then, by faith, expectantly wait for Him to answer. Psalm 5:3 says, "In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."
Allow the truths of Scripture to re-affirm and strengthen your faith. "Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for Himself; the Lord will hear when I call to Him." (Psalm 4:3) "When you feel as though your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling, remember that as a believer you have been set apart by God and that He loves you. He hears and answers, although His answers may not be what you expect. Look at your problems in the light of God's power instead of looking at God in the shadow of your problems." 1
Stacey Poplawski
WOC Graduate
1 Life Application Bible - NIV by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (c)1991
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:9
Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation,
Recently, I've been reading through Psalms. I was struck by how very open and honest David was with the Lord about how he was feeling. Psalm 13:1-2 says, "How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and everyday have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?" David was a man who could openly and honestly communicate with the Lord how he was feeling. Many of his Psalms begin with an earnest, oftentimes desperate, plea for help. David would then pour out his heart and lay out his requests before God, and most times, by the end of the Psalm, his whole outlook changed. Psalm 13 ends, "But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me." (vs. 5 & 6)
We see a similar pattern in Psalm 28. Verses 1 & 2 say: "To you I call, O Lord my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit. Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help." Then verses 6 & 7, "Praise be to the Lord, for He has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song." David was already thanking the Lord for hearing and trusting Him to help.
Psalm 55:1-2, "Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught." After pouring out his heart to the Lord, David says in verses 16-18, "But I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice. He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me." And verse 22, "Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall."
I think we can all learn a lesson from David who was, after all, a man after God's own heart. May we seek the Lord earnestly, being totally honest with Him (He already knows our feelings anyway), and then, by faith, expectantly wait for Him to answer. Psalm 5:3 says, "In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."
Allow the truths of Scripture to re-affirm and strengthen your faith. "Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for Himself; the Lord will hear when I call to Him." (Psalm 4:3) "When you feel as though your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling, remember that as a believer you have been set apart by God and that He loves you. He hears and answers, although His answers may not be what you expect. Look at your problems in the light of God's power instead of looking at God in the shadow of your problems." 1
Stacey Poplawski
WOC Graduate
1 Life Application Bible - NIV by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (c)1991
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:9
Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation,
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