SCRIPTURE
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner
worthy of the gospel of Christ. Philippians 1:27
OBSERVATION
Before reading chapter one I read the introduction
to the book of Philippians and found it to be most
interesting. It states that while the book has only four
chapters Paul uses the words "joy" and "rejoice" fourteen
times. Paul is writing to the church while he himself
is in prison. Here's a man in jail for his faith and he
continues preaching the gospel to anybody and
everybody.
For me the words "whatever happens" jumps out. I am
to exalt the Lord and share the gospel no matter what is
happening in my life. It doesn't have to be a day with
perfect weather where everything's going right, I'm
exactly where I want to be, doing exactly what I want to
be doing. NO! It's not about me. Even in a day where
everything is going wrong I'm still called to conduct
myself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
That tells me I have something others need it's Jesus!
APPLICATION
I will remember that my ups and downs of life do not determine
if I share the gospel with someone today. I cannot be ruled by
emotions and feelings that change with the passing of minutes
in a day's time. I must remember that this hurting world needs
the love of the Lord and they need it today. My great days or bad
days do not determine that fact.
PRAYER
Lord help me to walk in a manner that reflects the love and caring
of Christ, NO matter what's going on in my day. Give me that gentle
reminder. It's not about ME, it's all about YOU and YOUR kingdom.
May I be a woman who is not lead by her feelings and emotions, but
may I be a woman who is lead and walks by Your Holy Spirit.
In Jesus name, AMEN
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Get That Armor On!
SCRIPTURE
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand
against the devil's schemes. Ephesians 6:11
OBSERVATION
I love to read about the armor of God. I can just picture in my mind a solider
dressing for battle putting each piece on. The helmet of salvation, the breastplate
of righteousness, the belt of truth, feet fitted with the gospel of peace, the shield of faith,
and the sword, which is the Word of God. Even though this is spiritual armor I can
picture it in the physical realm. This scripture tells us to PUT on the FULL armor. We
must put the armor on, it doesn't just jump on us. A soldier doesn't go out to battle and
leave his armor in the closet. We must put on every piece, the FULL armor. Than means
each piece is important for the fight. The scripture tells us we CAN stand against the devil's
schemes. We cannot be passive when it comes to our enemy, we must stand and fight!
APPLICATION
I need to put on my armor every day. I'm saved, I know the Lord, my helmet is secure. My breastplate is doing what's right, not just knowing what's right, but doing it. That protects my heart and keeps me from sin. Speaking the truth and taking God's peace as I walk on a daily basis. Believing God can and will do what his word tells us. My shield of faith will extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. My sword which is the Word of God in my hand. I don't walk around with something in my hand if I'm not going to use it. This means I read God's Word, quoting scripture sends the devil running. Jesus is our example. He quoted scripture to the devil each time he tried to tempt Him in the wilderness. I will stand and use my armor!
PRAYER
Lord, I thank you that you have provided a complete outfit of armor for me to use against
the devil. Help me Lord to be wise and put it on each day using each piece to its full
measure. In Jesus name, Amen:)
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand
against the devil's schemes. Ephesians 6:11
OBSERVATION
I love to read about the armor of God. I can just picture in my mind a solider
dressing for battle putting each piece on. The helmet of salvation, the breastplate
of righteousness, the belt of truth, feet fitted with the gospel of peace, the shield of faith,
and the sword, which is the Word of God. Even though this is spiritual armor I can
picture it in the physical realm. This scripture tells us to PUT on the FULL armor. We
must put the armor on, it doesn't just jump on us. A soldier doesn't go out to battle and
leave his armor in the closet. We must put on every piece, the FULL armor. Than means
each piece is important for the fight. The scripture tells us we CAN stand against the devil's
schemes. We cannot be passive when it comes to our enemy, we must stand and fight!
APPLICATION
I need to put on my armor every day. I'm saved, I know the Lord, my helmet is secure. My breastplate is doing what's right, not just knowing what's right, but doing it. That protects my heart and keeps me from sin. Speaking the truth and taking God's peace as I walk on a daily basis. Believing God can and will do what his word tells us. My shield of faith will extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. My sword which is the Word of God in my hand. I don't walk around with something in my hand if I'm not going to use it. This means I read God's Word, quoting scripture sends the devil running. Jesus is our example. He quoted scripture to the devil each time he tried to tempt Him in the wilderness. I will stand and use my armor!
PRAYER
Lord, I thank you that you have provided a complete outfit of armor for me to use against
the devil. Help me Lord to be wise and put it on each day using each piece to its full
measure. In Jesus name, Amen:)
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Warning Watch Out!
SCRIPTURE
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
OBSERVATION
In the first part of this scripture there is a warning to not just be careful, but it says, "be VERY
careful how we live". That let's me know I must WATCH OUT! It also says "because the days are evil". When evil is all around truth can be relative. Whose truth? The line between right and wrong seems to get crossed a lot when evil surrounds us. God's truth always remains the same. He tells us in Hebrews 13:8, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Jesus taught in Matthew 7:24 about a wise man and a foolish man. He used the comparison of the wise man building his house on a rock, a firm foundation while the foolish man built his house on sand. When the rain came, the house built on the rock stood firm while the house on the sand fell with a great crash. Jesus tells us in this story if we put his words into practice then we are like the wise man, but if we do not then we are like the foolish man.
APPLICATION
I must be on a consistent path of praying and reading God's word so I will understand what God's will is for my life. I love this childrens song that says, "I like the Bible cause I read it and I do it"! This little song reminds me that I can know God's word, but not put it into practice. I must be a doer of the word not just a reader of it. To take advantage of every opportunity using God's wisdom to live my life.
PRAYER
Lord, Help me to be wise in how I live my life, placing it on a firm foundation, YOU! Help me to live by the truth of your Word that I may be a doer of your Word and not just a reader.
In Jesus name, AMEN:)
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
OBSERVATION
In the first part of this scripture there is a warning to not just be careful, but it says, "be VERY
careful how we live". That let's me know I must WATCH OUT! It also says "because the days are evil". When evil is all around truth can be relative. Whose truth? The line between right and wrong seems to get crossed a lot when evil surrounds us. God's truth always remains the same. He tells us in Hebrews 13:8, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Jesus taught in Matthew 7:24 about a wise man and a foolish man. He used the comparison of the wise man building his house on a rock, a firm foundation while the foolish man built his house on sand. When the rain came, the house built on the rock stood firm while the house on the sand fell with a great crash. Jesus tells us in this story if we put his words into practice then we are like the wise man, but if we do not then we are like the foolish man.
APPLICATION
I must be on a consistent path of praying and reading God's word so I will understand what God's will is for my life. I love this childrens song that says, "I like the Bible cause I read it and I do it"! This little song reminds me that I can know God's word, but not put it into practice. I must be a doer of the word not just a reader of it. To take advantage of every opportunity using God's wisdom to live my life.
PRAYER
Lord, Help me to be wise in how I live my life, placing it on a firm foundation, YOU! Help me to live by the truth of your Word that I may be a doer of your Word and not just a reader.
In Jesus name, AMEN:)
Monday, June 8, 2009
Watch Those Words
SCRIPTURE
Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
OBSERVATION
This scripture reminds me to think before I speak, and again, think before I speak. There have been countless times where I allowed words to come out of my mouth and then think to myself right away, I wish I didn't say that, but it's too late they are already out there. Of course that warning thought always seems to come to me after and not before I speak. Our words are very powerful indeed. They are able to build up or tear down. I remember hearing that wise saying many times, " you have one mouth and two ears so listen more than you speak". I have seen the power of words in the look on others' faces as they receive life changing words spoken into their lives. The huge smile and even the tears.
APPLICATION
I will apply God's truth to my life and obey His word. Think BEFORE I speak. Will these words build up, help, or even benefit the listener? If not I should not speak. We all know at times we must share things with others that they would probably really rather not hear, but the truth spoken in love is the best policy. I will guard my lips and remember they are small yet very powerful.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
OBSERVATION
This scripture reminds me to think before I speak, and again, think before I speak. There have been countless times where I allowed words to come out of my mouth and then think to myself right away, I wish I didn't say that, but it's too late they are already out there. Of course that warning thought always seems to come to me after and not before I speak. Our words are very powerful indeed. They are able to build up or tear down. I remember hearing that wise saying many times, " you have one mouth and two ears so listen more than you speak". I have seen the power of words in the look on others' faces as they receive life changing words spoken into their lives. The huge smile and even the tears.
APPLICATION
I will apply God's truth to my life and obey His word. Think BEFORE I speak. Will these words build up, help, or even benefit the listener? If not I should not speak. We all know at times we must share things with others that they would probably really rather not hear, but the truth spoken in love is the best policy. I will guard my lips and remember they are small yet very powerful.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
Give me wisdom and discernment in my choice of words. Help me, Lord, to think and reflect on this scripture before I speak that I may bring glory to your name.
In Jesus' name,
Amen & Amen
Saturday, May 30, 2009
The Tongue
SCRIPTURE
Proverbs 15:1-2, 4, 7, 28 (1) A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (2) The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. (4) The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. (7) The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools. (28) The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
OBSERVATION
Wow! In just this one chapter of Proverbs are all of these cautionary words about how we use our tongue. And, of course, this same topic is covered in so many other places in the Bible. Is it any wonder? It must mean that it's a topic we need to hear from God about over and over and over again, until it sinks in. Or does it ever? I love to read the verses that address what I need to work on in my life because they are good reminders and keep me on track.
APPLICATION
Okay, Sylvia, here's another verse for you to put on a 3X5 card (I'm going to run out of room for all of these cards). A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Check your words before they leave your lips. Do they build up or tear down? Do they encourage or discourage? Are they words God would use or are they of man? We can do more damage with what we say than in any other fashion. Likewise, we can certainly build people up and encourage and love.
PRAYER
Lord, I choose love. Please keep Your words on my lips. Remind me, Holy Spirit, to think before I speak. Amen.
Proverbs 15:1-2, 4, 7, 28 (1) A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (2) The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. (4) The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. (7) The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools. (28) The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
OBSERVATION
Wow! In just this one chapter of Proverbs are all of these cautionary words about how we use our tongue. And, of course, this same topic is covered in so many other places in the Bible. Is it any wonder? It must mean that it's a topic we need to hear from God about over and over and over again, until it sinks in. Or does it ever? I love to read the verses that address what I need to work on in my life because they are good reminders and keep me on track.
APPLICATION
Okay, Sylvia, here's another verse for you to put on a 3X5 card (I'm going to run out of room for all of these cards). A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Check your words before they leave your lips. Do they build up or tear down? Do they encourage or discourage? Are they words God would use or are they of man? We can do more damage with what we say than in any other fashion. Likewise, we can certainly build people up and encourage and love.
PRAYER
Lord, I choose love. Please keep Your words on my lips. Remind me, Holy Spirit, to think before I speak. Amen.
Friday, May 29, 2009
How to Be Saved
SCRIPTURE
Romans 10:9-10 That if you confess with you mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
OBSERVATION
Sometimes we make salvation a complicated thing particularly when we are explaining it to the unsaved or to children. As I read Romans 10:9-10 I thought, "How simple is this?" Confess and believe. I love the last sentence - with our heart we believe and with our mouth we confess and are saved. I've added so many other sentences to these simple truths even when leading someone in a salvation prayer.
APPLICATION
I want to make salvation as simple as possible for any who desire to KNOW the Lord. I'm going to memorize these two scriptures and keep them in the back of my mind so that I don't make it too complicated for anyone.
PRAYER
Thank you Lord for your word and for the opportunity to learn more and more each time we delve in. I pray you will continue to give me opportunities to share the simple truths of You with others. Amen.
Romans 10:9-10 That if you confess with you mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
OBSERVATION
Sometimes we make salvation a complicated thing particularly when we are explaining it to the unsaved or to children. As I read Romans 10:9-10 I thought, "How simple is this?" Confess and believe. I love the last sentence - with our heart we believe and with our mouth we confess and are saved. I've added so many other sentences to these simple truths even when leading someone in a salvation prayer.
APPLICATION
I want to make salvation as simple as possible for any who desire to KNOW the Lord. I'm going to memorize these two scriptures and keep them in the back of my mind so that I don't make it too complicated for anyone.
PRAYER
Thank you Lord for your word and for the opportunity to learn more and more each time we delve in. I pray you will continue to give me opportunities to share the simple truths of You with others. Amen.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Do Not Swerve
SCRIPTURE
Proverbs 4: 24-27 Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; keep your foot from evil.
OBSERVATION
There are several places in the Bible that are so direct about how to live life or how not to live life. They are like a 'how to' for life. Proverbs is one such place. I read these verses not only for myself, but to refer to in teaching my children. God gives specifics in these verses about how we are to talk, where we are to look, where we are to walk. He has a specific path for us. It is a path that leads to a prosperous, fulfilling life. He wants the best for us. If we stay on that path and do not swerve to the right or the left, we will benefit greatly and have more of what God wants for us in this life. I love how this chapter ends - 'keep your foot from evil'.
APPLICATION
I need to remember that God watches and hears my every action and word. That when I swerve to the left or right of his righteousness, I am stumbling along. It is not what God wants. I need to guard my words, my eyes, my ears and my steps very closely. I want what God wants.
PRAYER
Lord, keep me on Your path for my life. Help me to think before I speak or act. Help me to find opportune moments to pass this wisdom on to my loves ones. Amen.
Proverbs 4: 24-27 Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; keep your foot from evil.
OBSERVATION
There are several places in the Bible that are so direct about how to live life or how not to live life. They are like a 'how to' for life. Proverbs is one such place. I read these verses not only for myself, but to refer to in teaching my children. God gives specifics in these verses about how we are to talk, where we are to look, where we are to walk. He has a specific path for us. It is a path that leads to a prosperous, fulfilling life. He wants the best for us. If we stay on that path and do not swerve to the right or the left, we will benefit greatly and have more of what God wants for us in this life. I love how this chapter ends - 'keep your foot from evil'.
APPLICATION
I need to remember that God watches and hears my every action and word. That when I swerve to the left or right of his righteousness, I am stumbling along. It is not what God wants. I need to guard my words, my eyes, my ears and my steps very closely. I want what God wants.
PRAYER
Lord, keep me on Your path for my life. Help me to think before I speak or act. Help me to find opportune moments to pass this wisdom on to my loves ones. Amen.
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