Just how much do you praise the Lord through out the day? How much publically? I fear that many Christians fail to praise the Lord enough! He has done so much for us. Just think of His grace in providing salvation for us. But He has done so much more than just that for us. He showers us with so many blessings. Even through the difficult times of life He is there for us and encourages us through His word.
In Psalm 30 David can't help but to praise the Lord. The context for the Psalm is probably 2Samuel 24 & 1Chronicles 21. David grew prideful through his successes. He decided to take a census to see how mighty his army was, but unfortunately, that was displeasing to God. David was to trust in the Lord and not in his strength. The Lord had to chastise him and the Nation and He did it through a plaque. The Chronicles account tells us that 70,000 men died. David realized quickly that he sinned against the Lord and repented. God stopped the plaque and spared David along with the rest of Israel.
Take your Bible and read Psalm 30. In v.1 David cries out "I will extol Thee." He gives the reason why; "for Thou hast lifted me up." The Hebrew idea is pictured in lifting up a water bucket out of a deep well. David felt like he was sinking in a deep well that he could not get out of. V.3 continues this thought; "O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit." David thought that he was doomed. After all, he knew he sinned greatly against God, But God in His grace removed the plaque and spared David's life once he repented.
David was so thankful that he cried out in v. 4 "Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness." Notice what David says in v.5; "For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." God's anger does not last forever. When God's children repent He forgives and restores them to fellowship with Himself. Notice that David says that "weeping may endure for a night." The Hebrew word for "endure" has the idea of "lodges" as an overnight visitor who leaves very early in the morning to continue on his journey. The whole picture here is that in grace God forgives and restores us. What a comfort to David, and what a comfort to us.
Spend some time in this great Psalm and think through God's grace. No wonder David ends the Psalm in v.12 by stating that he could not keep silent, but that he would sing praise to God. (Psalms 30:12) "To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever."
As I stated in the beginning, I fear that we fail to praise our great God enough. Are you silent? Praise the Lord loudly! Shout out His praises so that those around you realize that you love the Lord. Shout out His praises as a testimony of the greatness of God. You never know how God may use your praise as a way to lead others to Himself!!
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
Giving of Ourselves
Our Churches today need more than just finances; we need people to give of themselves. For a church to survive the people must also give of themselves and practice their spiritual gifts. For any church to thrive, the people must play an active part. 2 Corinthians 8:5 explains that the Macedonian believers first gave of themselves to the Lord and His work and that is why they pleasantly surpassed Paul’s expectation at Corinth when they gave sacrificially to the Jerusalem church. Commenting on v.5, Murray Harris writes, “…the reason the Macedonians exceeded Paul’s expectations was that they did not restrict their contribution to financial aid. On the contrary, ‘in keeping with God’s will’ they dedicated themselves first and foremost to Christ but also to Paul for the performance of any service in connection with the collection (v.5).” As believers mature spiritually they realize that God has a purpose for them and wants to use them.
1 Peter 4:10 informs that every believer has received a spiritual gift and Peter commanded that the believer be a good steward and use his or her gift for the benefit of others. Paul teaches the same thing in Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4:1-16. The passages are clear that God has equipped His children to serve in the local church. In his commentary on Ephesians 4:7, Harold Hoehner teaches that, “Each believer is to function in Christ’s body by God’s enablement, proportionate to the gift (spiritual ability) bestowed on him, no more and no less. This means that a variety of gifts will be exercised, as seen in verse 11; Romans 12:4-6; and 1 Corinthians 12:4-6.”
It is imperative that pastors teach believers their responsibility to serve in the local church. No church will function well in God’s eyes when the members of that church fail to see the need to serve as God has equipped them. Ephesians 4:12 clearly teaches that each believer serves, “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Every believer needs to understand that he or she is needed in the work because God has ordained it that way. Paul says it best in Ephesians 4:16, “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”
Comparing the congregation to the human body, Kent writes, “Now, the proper functioning of all interrelated parts is necessary for normal growth in a human body. Any overactivity of one part may result in a misshapen, monstrous organism. In the same way each member of Christ’s body…is to exercise his ministry (4:11) and thus contribute to the upbuilding of the whole church. If even one Christian fails todevelop spiritually, the church as a whole is not as strong as it ought to be.”
We need to understand the importance of every believer learning to give of themselves and not just their tithes and offerings. How about you my friend? If you are reading this blog post, have you given of yourself to God? Are you exercising your gifts and abilities in a local church?
1 Peter 4:10 informs that every believer has received a spiritual gift and Peter commanded that the believer be a good steward and use his or her gift for the benefit of others. Paul teaches the same thing in Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4:1-16. The passages are clear that God has equipped His children to serve in the local church. In his commentary on Ephesians 4:7, Harold Hoehner teaches that, “Each believer is to function in Christ’s body by God’s enablement, proportionate to the gift (spiritual ability) bestowed on him, no more and no less. This means that a variety of gifts will be exercised, as seen in verse 11; Romans 12:4-6; and 1 Corinthians 12:4-6.”
It is imperative that pastors teach believers their responsibility to serve in the local church. No church will function well in God’s eyes when the members of that church fail to see the need to serve as God has equipped them. Ephesians 4:12 clearly teaches that each believer serves, “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Every believer needs to understand that he or she is needed in the work because God has ordained it that way. Paul says it best in Ephesians 4:16, “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”
Comparing the congregation to the human body, Kent writes, “Now, the proper functioning of all interrelated parts is necessary for normal growth in a human body. Any overactivity of one part may result in a misshapen, monstrous organism. In the same way each member of Christ’s body…is to exercise his ministry (4:11) and thus contribute to the upbuilding of the whole church. If even one Christian fails todevelop spiritually, the church as a whole is not as strong as it ought to be.”
We need to understand the importance of every believer learning to give of themselves and not just their tithes and offerings. How about you my friend? If you are reading this blog post, have you given of yourself to God? Are you exercising your gifts and abilities in a local church?
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Declaration of Dependence
The Believer’s
DECLARATION of DEPENDENCE
________________________________________
As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and based on the facts of God’s Word, I DECLARE myself to be FREE INDEED (John 8:36).
My liberty is seen in three realms: First, concerning the god of this age, to whom I once belonged, I have been DELIVERED from the power of darkness and have been translated into the kingdom of God’s beloved Son (Col. 1:13), turned from the power of Satan unto God (Acts 26:18).
Secondly, concerning my relationship to this world system, my Saviour gave Himself for me that He might deliver and rescue me from this present evil world (age), according to the will of God my Father (Gal. 1:4).
Thirdly, concerning the terrible slavery of sin, the Scriptures declare that though I once was the slave of sin, I am now the slave of God (Rom. 6:17-22) and the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death (Rom. 8:2).
The source of my liberty is found in the cross of my Lord Jesus Christ in which I truly boast (Gal. 6:14). The cross is my Statue of Liberty, as it were. It was there that my soul was set free. In Christ’s death I died, and in Christ’s life I now live (Rom. 6:4).
Based on the unchanging facts of God’s Word, I joyfully declare myself to be dead indeed unto sin and alive unto God in Jesus Christ my Lord (Rom. 6:11). I am not free to live as I please or do as I want. I am free to serve Christ and do as He pleases, living unto the One who died and rose again for me (2 Cor. 5:15).
My Declaration was not written by men, but written by the living God. It was not signed by men, but signed by the Lord Himself and sealed with the blood of Christ. God has declared me to be FREE INDEED and I am to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made me free (Cal. 5:1).
My Declaration is not a Declaration of Independence, but rather a "Declaration of Dependence." I declare myself to be totally DEPENDENT upon my God. Of myself I cannot keep the law. I cannot measure up to God’s righteous standards. "How to perform that which is good I FIND NOT" (Rom. 7:18). The more I try in and of myself, the more I seem to fail, "for the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do" (Rom. 7:19). I thus acknowledge that Jesus Christ is my only deliverance from my wretched self (Rom. 7:24-25).
The Lord Jesus Christ is MY VINE (John 15). He is my LIFE SOURCE. Apart from Him I can do nothing, because HE IS MY LIFE (Col. 3:3-4). The battle is the Lord’s! He shall fight for me. The life is the Lord’s! He shall live in me. "Christ liveth in me" (Gal. 2:20). "For to me to live is Christ" (Phil. 1:21). I can’t, but He can. Whenever I try, I fail; but whenever I trust, He succeeds. Thus, with a firm reliance upon my God I will claim the victory which He won and which He gives to me: "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 15:5 7).
________________________________________
(George W. Zeller) July 4,2000
The Middletown Bible Church
(860) 346-0907
DECLARATION of DEPENDENCE
________________________________________
As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and based on the facts of God’s Word, I DECLARE myself to be FREE INDEED (John 8:36).
My liberty is seen in three realms: First, concerning the god of this age, to whom I once belonged, I have been DELIVERED from the power of darkness and have been translated into the kingdom of God’s beloved Son (Col. 1:13), turned from the power of Satan unto God (Acts 26:18).
Secondly, concerning my relationship to this world system, my Saviour gave Himself for me that He might deliver and rescue me from this present evil world (age), according to the will of God my Father (Gal. 1:4).
Thirdly, concerning the terrible slavery of sin, the Scriptures declare that though I once was the slave of sin, I am now the slave of God (Rom. 6:17-22) and the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death (Rom. 8:2).
The source of my liberty is found in the cross of my Lord Jesus Christ in which I truly boast (Gal. 6:14). The cross is my Statue of Liberty, as it were. It was there that my soul was set free. In Christ’s death I died, and in Christ’s life I now live (Rom. 6:4).
Based on the unchanging facts of God’s Word, I joyfully declare myself to be dead indeed unto sin and alive unto God in Jesus Christ my Lord (Rom. 6:11). I am not free to live as I please or do as I want. I am free to serve Christ and do as He pleases, living unto the One who died and rose again for me (2 Cor. 5:15).
My Declaration was not written by men, but written by the living God. It was not signed by men, but signed by the Lord Himself and sealed with the blood of Christ. God has declared me to be FREE INDEED and I am to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made me free (Cal. 5:1).
My Declaration is not a Declaration of Independence, but rather a "Declaration of Dependence." I declare myself to be totally DEPENDENT upon my God. Of myself I cannot keep the law. I cannot measure up to God’s righteous standards. "How to perform that which is good I FIND NOT" (Rom. 7:18). The more I try in and of myself, the more I seem to fail, "for the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do" (Rom. 7:19). I thus acknowledge that Jesus Christ is my only deliverance from my wretched self (Rom. 7:24-25).
The Lord Jesus Christ is MY VINE (John 15). He is my LIFE SOURCE. Apart from Him I can do nothing, because HE IS MY LIFE (Col. 3:3-4). The battle is the Lord’s! He shall fight for me. The life is the Lord’s! He shall live in me. "Christ liveth in me" (Gal. 2:20). "For to me to live is Christ" (Phil. 1:21). I can’t, but He can. Whenever I try, I fail; but whenever I trust, He succeeds. Thus, with a firm reliance upon my God I will claim the victory which He won and which He gives to me: "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 15:5 7).
________________________________________
(George W. Zeller) July 4,2000
The Middletown Bible Church
(860) 346-0907
Saturday, May 28, 2011
What Is True Worship?
We live in a day where few seem to understand what true worship is all about. Many people attend church for the social value more than learning of Christ and what He expects out of us. True worship must center on God and not on man’s desires. According to William Wilson in his Old Testament Word Studies the word worship ultimately means to pay adoration to God. The Psalmist in Psalm 95 calls for the people of Israel to praise and worship God because He is their Creator, Protector, and their Shepherd. The Psalmist proclaims in v.6, “O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.” Then again in Psalm 96:9 the Psalmist proclaims: “O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before Him, all the earth.” God is worshipped because of who He is and what He has done for us an undeserving people of His grace.
So we see worship is about God. Anywhere in the Bible that we see biblical worship or praise, it is focused on God. In true worship the worshiper is totally focused on God (or Christ) and nothing else. Remember Isaiah in Isaiah 6, his total focus was on the Lord because he got a glimpse of God’s power and glory. Interestingly in v.3 even the angels worshipped God with total reverence. In 2 Samuel 7 God told David that he could not build the Temple, but that his son would (vv.12-13). David was also told in v.16 that his throne would be established forever. Then in vv.18-29 we find David praising and worshipping God because of His greatness and mercy. The praise was all about God not David. In Luke 2:21-35 we find the story of Simeon who whole heartedly worshipped God in the Temple when He took up the baby Jesus in his arms because God promised him that he would not die until he saw his salvation. Let me offer one more example. The Apostle Paul’s life since his conversion was dedicated to the worship of God, for it was he who wrote; “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor 10:31) From what we can gather from the biblical record, Paul lived a worshipful life.
We see then that worship should be a natural outcome of a saved person who appreciates all that God is and what He has done for him or her. Believers need to dedicate their lives to worshipping God His way because we will be worshipping God for all eternity. In the Book of Revelation chapters 4 and 5:8-14 we find heavenly worship of God during the Tribulation Period. The four beasts and the 24 elders are worshipping God because He is worthy of the honor for He created all things for His pleasure (Rev. 4:11). I believe that this heavenly scene will be repeated continually for all eternity. We have the blessed privilege of worshipping Christ forever.
Implementing true worship in our churches can be a difficult task. It starts with solid biblical preaching and teaching. We are dealing with people who are strongly influenced to think more of themselves than of others. Many people come to church for what they can get out of it instead of focusing on the Lord in true worship. We need to teach our congregations about the glories of God and Christ. We need to help them to take the focus off of themselves and to look to Christ.
We need to build an atmosphere of worship. We need to choose songs that are theologically accurate and true to God’s character. Our music leaders can explain the richness of the hymns they choose and help the congregation to focus on what they are actually signing. This is not popular in most churches today, but I believe it is healthy to help people to learn to keep the noise down in the sanctuary so others can prepare their hearts for true worship. Many of our sanctuaries are very noisy and disruptive. I am not arguing for a false piety, but I do believe there should be a proper atmosphere for worship.
We need to teach that every aspect of the service is a part of the worship. Pastoral prayers should be meaningful and not just something we do. The offering time is a special time of worship as we give back to God in thanksgiving for how He has provided for us. Nothing should be done as a filler, but everything with a purpose.
What is our attitude about worship? We need to understand that life is about Christ and not about ourselves. We must go to church and live our lives to glorify Christ!!
So we see worship is about God. Anywhere in the Bible that we see biblical worship or praise, it is focused on God. In true worship the worshiper is totally focused on God (or Christ) and nothing else. Remember Isaiah in Isaiah 6, his total focus was on the Lord because he got a glimpse of God’s power and glory. Interestingly in v.3 even the angels worshipped God with total reverence. In 2 Samuel 7 God told David that he could not build the Temple, but that his son would (vv.12-13). David was also told in v.16 that his throne would be established forever. Then in vv.18-29 we find David praising and worshipping God because of His greatness and mercy. The praise was all about God not David. In Luke 2:21-35 we find the story of Simeon who whole heartedly worshipped God in the Temple when He took up the baby Jesus in his arms because God promised him that he would not die until he saw his salvation. Let me offer one more example. The Apostle Paul’s life since his conversion was dedicated to the worship of God, for it was he who wrote; “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor 10:31) From what we can gather from the biblical record, Paul lived a worshipful life.
We see then that worship should be a natural outcome of a saved person who appreciates all that God is and what He has done for him or her. Believers need to dedicate their lives to worshipping God His way because we will be worshipping God for all eternity. In the Book of Revelation chapters 4 and 5:8-14 we find heavenly worship of God during the Tribulation Period. The four beasts and the 24 elders are worshipping God because He is worthy of the honor for He created all things for His pleasure (Rev. 4:11). I believe that this heavenly scene will be repeated continually for all eternity. We have the blessed privilege of worshipping Christ forever.
Implementing true worship in our churches can be a difficult task. It starts with solid biblical preaching and teaching. We are dealing with people who are strongly influenced to think more of themselves than of others. Many people come to church for what they can get out of it instead of focusing on the Lord in true worship. We need to teach our congregations about the glories of God and Christ. We need to help them to take the focus off of themselves and to look to Christ.
We need to build an atmosphere of worship. We need to choose songs that are theologically accurate and true to God’s character. Our music leaders can explain the richness of the hymns they choose and help the congregation to focus on what they are actually signing. This is not popular in most churches today, but I believe it is healthy to help people to learn to keep the noise down in the sanctuary so others can prepare their hearts for true worship. Many of our sanctuaries are very noisy and disruptive. I am not arguing for a false piety, but I do believe there should be a proper atmosphere for worship.
We need to teach that every aspect of the service is a part of the worship. Pastoral prayers should be meaningful and not just something we do. The offering time is a special time of worship as we give back to God in thanksgiving for how He has provided for us. Nothing should be done as a filler, but everything with a purpose.
What is our attitude about worship? We need to understand that life is about Christ and not about ourselves. We must go to church and live our lives to glorify Christ!!
Monday, May 16, 2011
BENNEFITS OF THE WORD
An ingredient in the salvation process: (Romans 10:13-14) "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" (Romans 10:17) "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
Matures us: (2 Timothy 3:16-17) "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect (maturing), throughly furnished (equipped) unto all good works. ………….." (Romans 12:2) "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind (Through the Word), that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Guides us: (Psalms 119:103-105) "How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." The Word illumines our way in a dark world. It gives us clear direction on how to follow the right way & avoid the wrong way. The oil of the lamp is the Holy Spirit who guides us.
Teaches us to Fear God: (Deuteronomy 4:10) "Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children." We are to stand in awe of His holiness and reverence Him- give Him glory & praise!!
Convicts of sin: 2Kings 22:8-13, In the days of Josiah the high priest Hilkiah found the Book of the Law. Notice the proper response: (2 Chronicles 34:27) "Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD."
Can protect us from sin: (Psalms 119:11) "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
Comforts us: (Psalms 119:50) "This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me." Quickened- revive, restore, recover, nourish.
Provides success for our life: (Joshua 1:8) "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." Prosperous & success- meaning the work we do for God as He leads in our lives will be profitable. We will have the wisdom to behave & serve properly- we will be in tune with our Lord. This includes activities such as parenting, serving the Lord, & etc.
Standard of judgment: (John 12:48) "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day."
Our responsibility: (James 1:22) "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." It is not enough to study & know the Word of God. We can have great Biblical knowledge & fail to live a pleasing life for God. We must be “doers of the Word” practicing it, living it out daily in our lives. This means humbling ourselves & submitting to the Word- its every command & precept. We cannot pick & choose what Scriptures to obey according to our fancy.
Thomas Paine:
The Bible is a book that has been read more and examined less than any book
that ever existed.
Mark Twain
Most people are bothered by those passages of Scripture they do not
understand, but the passages that bother me are those I do understand.
Dwight L Moody
The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.
Abraham Lincoln
I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man.
A.W. Tozer
The Bible was written in tears, and to tears it yields its best treasures.
Anonymous Reading the Bible without meditating on it is like trying to eat without
swallowing.
An ingredient in the salvation process: (Romans 10:13-14) "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" (Romans 10:17) "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
Matures us: (2 Timothy 3:16-17) "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect (maturing), throughly furnished (equipped) unto all good works. ………….." (Romans 12:2) "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind (Through the Word), that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Guides us: (Psalms 119:103-105) "How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." The Word illumines our way in a dark world. It gives us clear direction on how to follow the right way & avoid the wrong way. The oil of the lamp is the Holy Spirit who guides us.
Teaches us to Fear God: (Deuteronomy 4:10) "Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children." We are to stand in awe of His holiness and reverence Him- give Him glory & praise!!
Convicts of sin: 2Kings 22:8-13, In the days of Josiah the high priest Hilkiah found the Book of the Law. Notice the proper response: (2 Chronicles 34:27) "Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD."
Can protect us from sin: (Psalms 119:11) "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
Comforts us: (Psalms 119:50) "This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me." Quickened- revive, restore, recover, nourish.
Provides success for our life: (Joshua 1:8) "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." Prosperous & success- meaning the work we do for God as He leads in our lives will be profitable. We will have the wisdom to behave & serve properly- we will be in tune with our Lord. This includes activities such as parenting, serving the Lord, & etc.
Standard of judgment: (John 12:48) "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day."
Our responsibility: (James 1:22) "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." It is not enough to study & know the Word of God. We can have great Biblical knowledge & fail to live a pleasing life for God. We must be “doers of the Word” practicing it, living it out daily in our lives. This means humbling ourselves & submitting to the Word- its every command & precept. We cannot pick & choose what Scriptures to obey according to our fancy.
Thomas Paine:
The Bible is a book that has been read more and examined less than any book
that ever existed.
Mark Twain
Most people are bothered by those passages of Scripture they do not
understand, but the passages that bother me are those I do understand.
Dwight L Moody
The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.
Abraham Lincoln
I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man.
A.W. Tozer
The Bible was written in tears, and to tears it yields its best treasures.
Anonymous Reading the Bible without meditating on it is like trying to eat without
swallowing.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Just A Quick Note!
I am sorry for the formatting problems on many of my posts. I am new at using this blog. Sometimes there is a space between paragraphs and other times it all runs together. It is quite frustrating. But I will eventually get it right:) I pray that you will keep reading and bennefit from the articles.
Steps To Being A Good Parent Part 3
In our last two articles we noted that a parent must cultivate their own spiritual life and a parent must understand that their children are a gift from God. God owns them and simply lent them to us to raise for His glory. In this article I want us to concentrate on a third important element in becoming godly parents. A Parent must fulfil his/her responsibilities. This will not be an exhaustive list but simply some important responsibilities that a parent must not ignore.
First of all we must love them. If we are going to love as God loves (imperfect of course as sinful people) we must purpose their good. This will take spending a lot of time with our Lord in prayer seeking what is best for our children. We must gaurd against our selfish desires and realize that everything we do for them needs to be for the purpose of leading them in the direction of a knowledge and love for God. This will include discipline. Sometimes our love must be tough love. But we must never forget that discipline is for the purpose of training. Consider a few verses from the Bible. (Proverbs 22:15) Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. (Proverbs 13:24) He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
Secondly, we must be committed to the task of raising our children. If you are not willing to spend quality time with your children, they will struggle to mature both mentally and spiritually. If you are not spending time with your children, someone or something else will influence them for good or for bad. Some parents are totally consumed with their jobs, but your children are more important. We have to work, but we cannot afford to neglect our children. Good parenting takes commitment!!
Thirdly, we must be parents of prayer. Our real power comes from a committed prayer life. God works through prayer! We must be praying for God's strength to parent wisely and to make right decisions for our children. We must be praying for their salvation. Once they are saved we must pray for their spiritual maturity, decision making, usefulness for God, and to follow God's leading for their lives. Parents, we have a lot to pray about, please don't neglect your prayer life!
Fourthly, we must protect them. Protect them from both physical and spiritual harm. We must protect them from what they watch, read, listen to, from any influence that would lead them away from God. It is our duty to teach them how to make right decisions based on God's Word and principles.
Fithly, we must be an example for them to watch. Parents this is very humbling, but we must "practice what we preach." If we don't set the example someone else will!! Exhibit to them how to love and serve the Lord. We do a terrible injustice to our children when we tell them one thing and we do another. We must follow Paul's pattern; (Philippians 3:17) Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
First of all we must love them. If we are going to love as God loves (imperfect of course as sinful people) we must purpose their good. This will take spending a lot of time with our Lord in prayer seeking what is best for our children. We must gaurd against our selfish desires and realize that everything we do for them needs to be for the purpose of leading them in the direction of a knowledge and love for God. This will include discipline. Sometimes our love must be tough love. But we must never forget that discipline is for the purpose of training. Consider a few verses from the Bible. (Proverbs 22:15) Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. (Proverbs 13:24) He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
Secondly, we must be committed to the task of raising our children. If you are not willing to spend quality time with your children, they will struggle to mature both mentally and spiritually. If you are not spending time with your children, someone or something else will influence them for good or for bad. Some parents are totally consumed with their jobs, but your children are more important. We have to work, but we cannot afford to neglect our children. Good parenting takes commitment!!
Thirdly, we must be parents of prayer. Our real power comes from a committed prayer life. God works through prayer! We must be praying for God's strength to parent wisely and to make right decisions for our children. We must be praying for their salvation. Once they are saved we must pray for their spiritual maturity, decision making, usefulness for God, and to follow God's leading for their lives. Parents, we have a lot to pray about, please don't neglect your prayer life!
Fourthly, we must protect them. Protect them from both physical and spiritual harm. We must protect them from what they watch, read, listen to, from any influence that would lead them away from God. It is our duty to teach them how to make right decisions based on God's Word and principles.
Fithly, we must be an example for them to watch. Parents this is very humbling, but we must "practice what we preach." If we don't set the example someone else will!! Exhibit to them how to love and serve the Lord. We do a terrible injustice to our children when we tell them one thing and we do another. We must follow Paul's pattern; (Philippians 3:17) Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
Sixthly, we must be the primary instructers in our children's lives. It is the job of the parent first to teach our children especially in the things of the Lord. Don't expect this to be the job of the Sunday School teachers alone. Some parents feel that is the job of the church or later the Christian college. No parents, they are to help but the primary job belongs to you. Our children need instruction from the word of God. Douglas Wilson exhorts; "children of Christian parents are to be brought up in an enviroment dominated by the Word of God." Take your bilbe and read deuteronomy chapter six and Psalm 78. Parents teach your children to have disciplined lives, how to love God, how to pray, how to cultivate a relationship to God, how to follow God's will, and etc. We have a lot to teach them, but it is a true privilege to raise our children.
These are only a few responsibilities that parents must practice. Their are many more that could be listed, but for sure we cannot ignore these. Parents, we have a big responsibility before us, but it is well worth it. Take your job as a parent seriously. Go to God for strength and wisdom because we cannot do a good job in our own strength.
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