1 Peter 3:4
but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.
What 5 words would you use to describe yourself? Do you catch yourself leaning toward what you really are or what you know you should be? And isn't it wonderful when the lists match?! I guess the real test comes when someone else is asked to characterize you...
Friday, August 24, 2012
Friday, August 10, 2012
Making Choices
James 4:8a is a favorite verse. "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." Unfortunately my relationship with God isn't always what it needs to be. This verse is a reminder that if there's an issue with our relationship, it's my job to turn to Him. That's all I have to do, because He is always there.
In v7 we see how we can apply this idea. When the devil is tempting us or trying to bring us down, we first need to recognize what is happening. This may sound strange, but I think saying that the devil is causing you a problem is a great way to call out the fact that you have a choice to either give in to the devil or resist him and turn to God. If we choose God, it says that the devil will flee from you.
Thinking of it this way helps me to make better choices. You should give it a try. :)
In v7 we see how we can apply this idea. When the devil is tempting us or trying to bring us down, we first need to recognize what is happening. This may sound strange, but I think saying that the devil is causing you a problem is a great way to call out the fact that you have a choice to either give in to the devil or resist him and turn to God. If we choose God, it says that the devil will flee from you.
Thinking of it this way helps me to make better choices. You should give it a try. :)
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Practice Makes Perfect
We have to practice Christianity to be good at it. This shouldn't be a surprise since the same also holds true for basically everything else we do in life, but I'm not sure we approach it that way.
We need to immerse ourselves in the Bible's teachings, just like we would if we were trying to learn a new language. And we have to keep practicing Christianity every day, because to really learn something you have to apply it to your life, not just read or hear about it. I think that is what James is saying in 1:22-25. "...being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."
We need to immerse ourselves in the Bible's teachings, just like we would if we were trying to learn a new language. And we have to keep practicing Christianity every day, because to really learn something you have to apply it to your life, not just read or hear about it. I think that is what James is saying in 1:22-25. "...being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."
Monday, July 16, 2012
Robin Hood
The Psalms aren't my favorite book in the Bible, because I'm not great with poetry and imagery, but Psalm 64 painted a vivid Robin Hood type image for me.
David is asking God to hide him from his enemies who are coming at him with figurative swords and arrows. I can picture David running from these guys and calling out to God. Then God steps up and David hides behind Him as He takes down the bad guys with His arrow.
Everyone who sees this fears the Lord and spreads the word about what happened. But the righteous rejoice because they see that they can call on God and take refuge in Him.
This works for us today too. We should pray for help & guidance in situations where we're facing enemies - whatever those my be - and be confident that God is looking out for us and will help us through those situations.
I think the key is knowing who to run to when you're being chased.
David is asking God to hide him from his enemies who are coming at him with figurative swords and arrows. I can picture David running from these guys and calling out to God. Then God steps up and David hides behind Him as He takes down the bad guys with His arrow.
Everyone who sees this fears the Lord and spreads the word about what happened. But the righteous rejoice because they see that they can call on God and take refuge in Him.
This works for us today too. We should pray for help & guidance in situations where we're facing enemies - whatever those my be - and be confident that God is looking out for us and will help us through those situations.
I think the key is knowing who to run to when you're being chased.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Be Still...
v10 of Psalm 46 is a favorite, I keep it on my desk at work.
It gives me perspective, so I don't get too stressed about things. God is more powerful than anything I can imagine and, fortunately, He is in control. :)
In my most recent reading of this Psalm, I noticed a footnote in v10 that referred to Ex 14:13 And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today.
I guess that means the same phrase is used when Moses is about to part the Red Sea. God is mighty and can do everything from saving the Israelites to giving us an opportunity to go to Heaven. We just need to keep that in mind and put our trust in Him instead of worrying about what might be going on around us.
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