Tag Archives: Christianity

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

One Promise

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Many People, Same Promise

They came from a variety of backgrounds and places. Some were of Jewish descent while others shared a different heritage. Some were poor and could barely make ends meet while others had plenty of wealth. They lived in different locations and celebrated different cultures. They were a diverse people, but they received the same promise.

They received the promise presented by Christ. That is, forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God through grace. This was the same promise for everyone.

Paul writes to the Galatians in chapter 3, “So in Christ Jesus, you are all children of God through faith. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ than you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs, according to the promise.”

The promise was offered to everyone and the only deciding factor was acceptance. The Lord only looked at the heart and nothing else.

The Lord has not changed. He still only looks at the heart and nothing else. You and I may be part of a diverse group of people, but the promise made to us is the same. We come from a wide variety of backgrounds and places, but we can share in the Lord’s grace.

The Bible challenges us to look at one another’s heart rather than outward appearance. How well do you and I meet this challenge?

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Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Unity

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The labor of unity.

Intending to raise cattle, a New York family purchased a ranch in Kansas. They could not agree on the name of the ranch, and when a family friend visited, the would-be rancher explained the disagreement.

“I wanted to name the ranch the Barr J, my wife favored the Susie Q, one of our sons wanted the Flying W, and the other son preferred the Lazy Y,” explained the rancher, “so we named it the Barr J Susie Q Flying W Lazy Y Ranch.”

The friend asked, “Where are all your cattle?”

“They did not survive the branding,” stated the rancher.

Disagreement usually brings about disaster, while unity brings peace. In Ephesians 4, Paul implores us to labor for unity in love.

“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.”

As Christians, our attitude should be one of humility, patience, and gentleness. When we see others hurting, we should have a desire to act. Our actions should bring with them meaningful results.

Max Lucado asks, “Is your attitude toward other believers marked by love, humility, patience, and gentleness? Paul encouraged us to display unity in the body of Christ and accept one another in love. If you are not doing that, check your attitudes. Your spiritual gifts and talents should help bring the body of Christ together.”

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Coming Together

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Harmony brings joy, refreshment, and well-being.

The worshipers of the Lord in David’s day had some differences. They came from different parts of the country, they descended from different tribes or were immigrants to Israel, and they did not all look exactly the same. With all these differences, they did have common ground.

They traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate feasts. No matter their heritage, socioeconomic status, or looks, every follower of the Lord traveled to Jerusalem. As they traveled up the mountain road to the city, they would recite Psalms. One such Psalm is Psalm 133.

“How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony. For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard, and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon, that falls on the mountains of Zion, and there the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting,” writes David in Psalm 133.

This Psalm reminds you and me harmony is beautiful. It brings joy and refreshment. Living harmoniously is what is best for all. David reminds us the Lord blesses harmony.

Today, we still find differences. Geography, race, ethnicity, economics, and more create differences between us and our neighbors, yet we have common ground. The Lord’s grace is available to us. On the night of Jesus’ birth, the angel told the shepherds, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”

God does not restrict salvation to one people group. It is available to all, and the Bible challenges us to live in harmony with one another.

Scripture implores us to make every effort to keep the unity of the bond of peace. This is certainly hard work, and involves listening rather than shouting, respecting rather than destroying, and promoting peace over agitation. Psalm 133 reminds us the Lord blesses harmony.

Can I suggest we step back and ask ourselves how well we are doing at living in harmony with our neighbor?

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

God’s Word has benefits

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Psalm 119:89-176 offers many benefits of following God’s Word.

Following God’s word offers many benefits, and Psalm 119 lists many of them for us.

God’s Word is eternal.

Verse 89 reminds us God’s Word stands firm in Heaven. When everything else is gone and nothing else can be considered secure, we can count on the words and promises of the Lord.

God’s Word provides wisdom.

In Psalm 119, the Psalmist states the word of the Lord gives him wisdom. We find guidance for every part of life in the Scriptures.

God’s Word offers guidance.

Verse 105 says, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” As we walk through life, God’s Word can guide us. We should think of it like a flashlight at night. A flashlight guides our path and lights up what is right in front of us. If we turn it off, there is a chance we will run into something. If we do not allow God’s Word to guide us, there is a chance we will run into a pitfall in life.

God’s Word is a treasure for us.

Psalm 119:111 says, “Your laws are my treasure, they are my heart’s delight.” God’s Word is the most valuable thing we can possess. It is more valuable than gold or silver.

Verse 162 says, “I rejoice in your word like one who has found a great treasure.”

God’s Word can bring justice.

The Psalmist reminds us following God’s Word brings justice to all.

The writer of Psalm 119 expressed a genuine desire to continually follow God’s Word. May we echo his desire and work daily to apply the truth of Scripture to our lives. Doing so will be beneficial to us and our neighbors.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Benefits of God’s Word

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Psalm 119:1-88 gives benefits of God’s Word.

There are many benefits to God’s Word. Here are a few listed in Psalm 119:1-88.

God’s Word gives us wise advice.

Psalm 119:24 says, “Your laws please me; they give me wise advice.” There’s advice on every topic.

God’s Word encourages us.

When we are in need of encouragement, it seems the Bible has just the right words for the moment.

Psalm 119:50 says, “Your promise revives me. It comforts me in all my troubles.”

God’s Word gives us hope.

Psalm 119:43 says, “Do not snatch your word of truth from me, for your regulations are my only hope.”

Psalm 119:49 says, “Remember your promise to me. It is my only hope.”

God’s Word is trustworthy.

Psalm 119:86 says, “All your commands are trustworthy.”

The promises we find in God’s Word can be trusted. The shepherds on the night of Jesus’ birth can serve as an example for us. According to Luke 2, the shepherds trusted the angel’s word and went to find Jesus. They found the baby, his mother, and everything just as the angel had said it would be. God’s Word is trustworthy.

Hiding God’s Word in our hearts has many benefits. May we echo the desire of the Psalmist in always keeping God’s Word close to us using it as the compass to guide our lives.

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Finding Our Way

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Psalm 119 suggests storing up God’s Word.

In 1914, Ernest Shackleton and a team of explorers set out from England to do something no one before had accomplished, cross Antarctica from one side to the other across the South Pole. Disaster struck when the team’s ship                           became entrapped in ice and the hull was eventually crushed. The ship sank, and the team was marooned on nearby Elephant Island. There seemed little hope for their survival.

In a desperate attempt to get help, Ernest and 5 others set out in a 20-foot lifeboat across some of the most dangerous and storm filled waters in the world. It was an 800-mile journey to South Georgia Island where help could be found. For 15 days, the men battled the treacherous seas and massive storms with waves up to 100-feet using only a compass and a sextant. Frank Worsley, who had captained the Endurance, navigated their course until they safely reached land and found help.

The group found another ship and returned to rescue all of the team. Shackleton became a national hero in England for his courage and persistence.

All of us will go through stormy times in life. The uncertainties of tomorrow are many. The level of misinformation we see on a daily basis is extremely high. In these moments, Psalm 119:11 suggests we store up God’s Word to guide us.

The Psalmist says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” In other words, the Psalmist says, “I have stored up God’s Word so I know the difference between right and wrong and true and false.”

The only way to ensure that we do not go astray is to have an objective source of truth that will guide us just as a compass can guide sailors through dark and uncharted waters. God’s Word can guide us through uncertain and difficult circumstances. We need to trust God’s Word over everything else. Our feelings and emotions can lead us astray, but Scripture can guide us.

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God is Everywhere

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“Out of the quiet, I heard his voice.”

Church In A Chevy

Jordan Davis reminds us the Lord is just not in a church building. He’s everywhere.

The Lord’s fingerprints can be found all over creation. The beautiful sunrise over the mountains is his work. The beauty of ocean waves lapping to the seashore is his work. The awe of stars twinkling and moon shining in a night darkened sky is his work. And, the breath-taking mosaic that is your life is the Lord’s masterpiece. The Lord is everywhere; he is not restrained to a single geographical location.

Take a moment today to gaze at the beauty you see before you. Be sure to thank the Lord for what he has done. His creation is a beautiful testimony of his love for you and me.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

The Wisest Conclusion

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The conclusion of the wisest man.

The Bible records Solomon was the wisest man to ever live. Upon his request, Solomon was granted wisdom. God granted Solomon wisdom like no other.

1 Kings 4:29-34 says, “God gave Solomon very great wisdom and understanding, and knowledge as vast as the sands of the seashore. In fact, his wisdom exceeded that of all the wise men of the east and the wise men of Egypt. He was wiser than anyone else…. His fame spread throughout all the surrounding nations. He composed some 3,000 proverbs, and wrote 1,005 psalms. He could speak with authority about all kinds of plants from the great Cedar of Lebanon to the tiny Hyssop that grows from cracks in a wall. He could also speak about animals: birds, small creatures, and fish. And kings from every nation sent their ambassadors to listen to the wisdom of Solomon.”

Solomon also had wealth, and he did not lack in provisions.

With his vast wisdom and provisions, Solomon examined the aspects of life. He looked at every path life could take. He tried to find fulfillment in partying and working hard. He tried to find fulfillment in himself and his wealth. He came to the conclusion everything was meaningless unless he pursued the Lord first and foremost.

Solomon writes his final conclusion at the end of Ecclesiastes. In 12:13, Solomon writes, “That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thin whether good or bad.”

Take a moment to reflect on your priorities. How well do they align with Solomon’s conclusion?

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Always Confident

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Confidence even when bad news and opposition surrounds us. Headlines may be bringing bad news to mind. It does not seem there is a shortage of bad news in our current culture. Opposition may stand at every corner. It is easy to lose trust, but we can have confidence. Our bad news may not make the headlines and our opposition may not be as well-known, but it is as devastating to us. The relationship that ends and the job that is lost probably will not make the news, but it still shakes us. Even though our trust is shaken, we can have confidence. Psalm 112:7-8, in speaking of those who follow the Lord, says, “They do not fear bad news. They confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless, and can face their foes triumphantly.” Psalm 112 states this confidence in the Lord comes in true wisdom. It comes in following his guidance for our lives. Following the Lord will give us light in darkness. It will provide us with a path when it seems there is no path to be found. As you read today’s headlines and survey your current situation in life, ask this question. “Where is my confidence?” Confidence in the Lord will give us the boldness to tackle today and approach tomorrow.

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What is true wisdom?

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True wisdom is the foundation for success.

There is an ancient Indian legend of a king who loved Chess. He challenged visitors to a game, and he was usually victorious. One day a traveling sage visited the kingdom and was challenged to a game. To entice him to play, the king offered to gave the sage whatever reward he asked if he won. When the king was defeated, to honor his word, the king asked the sage what prize he would like. The sage asked for one grain of rice to place on the first square of the Chessboard, and then, that it be doubled on each following square.

The request seemed modest, and the king asked for a bag of rice to be brought. It soon became apparent the terms of the request were impossible to meet. By the 21st square, more than 1 million grains would be required; by the 31st square, the total would go over 1 billion, with more than half the Chessboard still left to go.

Small things have a big impact when they are added together. It is important that we seek God’s wisdom for every decision we make regardless of how small it seems to us. When we add to our wisdom and understanding, it grows stronger and stronger.

Getting God’s wisdom.

James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

The Bible records Solomon being able to ask for whatever he wanted, and he asked for wisdom to lead Israel. The Lord was so impressed by Solomon’s request that he granted it as well as all the others things he could have requested. Wisdom was the foundation for Solomon’s success. It is also the foundation for our success.

Wisdom is the foundation for success.

Ecclesiastes concludes wisdom is the foundation to everything else. Solomon writes in 12:13, “That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: fear God and obey his commands. For this is everyone’s duty.”

Wisdom has a good look.

James 3:13 says, “If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.” Wisdom is humble.

James 3:17 says, “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure.

According to the IVP New Testament Commentary Series, “James is deliberate to state a foremost characteristic of the wisdom from above. It is first of all pure, and only then the other qualities. His term speaks of holiness and provides the immediate contrast to every evil practice. The first and foremost reason for valuing wisdom is that it will lead people to do what is morally right. Today’s popular relativism makes it all the more pressing Christians do what is right.”

Verses 17-18 go on, “It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.”

Is true wisdom from above our guiding force? Are we allowing wisdom to guide our decisions? Will we do what is wise?

As we move forward in our lives, these are good questions to ask ourselves.