“For I am the Lord, I do not change [but remain faithful to My covenant with you]; that is why you, O sons of Jacob, have not come to an end.” Malachi 3:6 AMP
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
“But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.” 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 NIV (emphasis mine)
Something to think about: Are you putting up with unbiblical teaching? (Hint: There is plenty of it going around. Can you tell the difference?)
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
Our teachers of God’s Word are not always to be trusted. In fact, we should not follow any of them unconditionally, for God will call us to account for the use of our understanding. When even our pilot errs, it is necessary for us to follow the chart of the Word of God closely, so we might be able to save the vessel.
C.H. SPURGEON
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:8-9 NIV
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” Ephesians 5:15-17 NIV
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:9-10 NIV (emphasis mine)
My thoughts: Teaching children in your church is a great way to do this!
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
“After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’” Acts 13:22
There are no words I would rather hear from the Lord than “She is a woman after my own heart; she will do everything I want her to do.”
I sought to understand how David did this. How was he able to do everything God wanted him to do? How did he know and do God’s will? How was he so different than others that God would say such a beautiful thing about him?
The answer is found in Psalm 119. David repeatedly proclaims how much he loves God’s Word. Here are a few important verses, but I urge you to read the entire Psalm HERE. Notice that this man whom God called “a man after my own heart” loved and cherished God’s Holy Word.
“I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, for I delight in your commands because I love them.” Psalm 119:46-47
I think David is saying, “I will not be intimidated by anyone’s status. I will speak God’s Truth.”
“The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.” vs. 72
If we want to be a woman (or man) “after God’s own heart”, we must be a lover of His Word. This is how we will do “everything He wants us to do.” There is no other way.
New Age-influenced “Bible teachers” have taught a way to pray called contemplative prayer. This method teaches Christians to have a conversation or dialog with God. They say, “God said this. I said that. Then God said…” etc.
There is nothing in the Bible to back this up. This is New Age mysticism. The Bible is our treasure. Why must we always search for something more? (Read a brief description of contemplative prayer HERE, or an in-depth description HERE.)
If we want to know God’s will, we must read and study the Word of God: the Bible. Then we must obey what it says.
This may not always be easy. Social pressure to go along with the world is tremendous. But the person who does God’s will is the person who knows His Word and obeys it.
“The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” Psalm 19:7
This verse tells me that God’s Word can and should be trusted. It will make even the simple person wise. But contemplative prayer seeks more than what is written in God’s Word. The person engaging in contemplative prayer seeks a supernatural experience. But God’s Word is sufficient.
“Never take your word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws.” Psalm 119:43 NIV
“Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law.” vs.53
“I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.” vs. 125
“Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed.” vs. 136
“My zeal wears me out, for my enemies ignore your words.” vs. 139
These proclamations by David reveal his heart, his love for, and his respect for God’s Word. Remember, it is God’s Word that equips you for service.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (emphasis mine)
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
“Satan disguises submission to himself under the ruse of personal autonomy. He never asks us to be his servants. Never once did the serpent say to Eve, ‘I want to be your master.’ The shift in commitment is never from Christ to evil; it is always from Christ to self. And instead of His will, self-interest now rules and what I want reigns. And that is the essence of sin.” (emphasis mine)
Dennis F. Kinlaw, “This Day With the Master”
“Personal autonomy” has become a popular theme in today’s society. Read Steve Brewer’s excellent post on how this relates to God’s Word HERE. Steve’s blog, The Brew Is Amusing, always brings an excellent message (and he does it in a few words)!
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?