A thought that started my day . . .
2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
I picked out a few keys words (Scripture/God-breathed/righteousness) and at the prompting of the Holy Spirit I attempted to look at their definitions and their application to my life. Here's what the He allowed me to understand:
Scripture -
God's instructions to us
God's revelation of who He is
God's revelation of who we are to be
God's promises to us
God-Breathed -
God brought the Word to life. He Himself gave men the thoughts and knowledge and wisdom they needed to document what it was that He wanted us to know.
Righteousness -
The result of living a life that mirrors that of Christ's.
Webster's Dictionary . . .
Acting in accordance with divine or moral law
Free from guilt or sin
Genuine/right behavior/ethical
The meaning of this verse:
God Himself brought to life every possible truth that would enable us to know and accept Him.
When followed, we can then walk the walk and fully serve the purpose for which we were created.
Applying the Lesson . . .
Be in the Word - spend time devouring the message that God wants you to know
Know the Word - not just for more head knowledge but seek to know it passionately within my heart
Humble yourself in order to 'talk it' and 'walk it' throughout the day.
As I was getting ready for work I kept thinking about this lesson and how we need to fore go the fact that this (and many other verses) are familiar, faithful passages to us. We need to approach these kinds of verses with a eagerness to learn something new - rather than arrogantly flip them aside.
It's like drinking coffee . . . you don't stop drinking coffee just because you've already had a thousand other cups. A 'funny' side thought is that as you drink the coffee it leaves stains on your teeth. Likewise, you need to take in so much of the Word that it leaves a stain (although I prefer to say an impression) behind on your mind and your heart.
Seasoned Christian's should renew the truths of God's Word - not treat them like old callous' on our hands that have become such a part of us that we don't even remember how awesome it was when the dead skin wasn't there. We should realize that if we were to scrape the callous' off and get down to the fresh new skin we would see that it's thirsty for lotion and massage.
Well, my own callous' need to be cut away and lotion applied so I'll end by praying that the Holy Spirit renew in each of us a hunger, a thirst, a desire to take in His Word to overflowing!!!
Father, may it be so, in Jesus' name, I pray.
Amen and Amen
bo
www.anencouragersheart.blogspot.com
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Comfort My People
If you've never had an opportunity to read the 40th chapter of the Book of Isaiah let me encourage you to do so. If you are seeking to know the God of the universe - the only true and living God that you serve and worship - then read Isaiah 40.
As a teaser let me share with you the journey that this chapter took me on:
Theme
Comfort my people.
Comfort them
With hearts that burn for healing, reach out to those who are hurting and in pain.
Speak tenderly
Let them know that their service is not required.
Let them know that their sins have been forgiven.
Repent
Ready them for the coming Rapture.
The Promise
People will come and people will go but God's Word will stand forever.
Go Then
Desire a heart that will say 'Here am I. Send me'.
We are directed to lift up our voice with a shout
(be louder than 10 boys!)
We are instructed not to be afraid.
We are given treasure that is to be declared . . .
HERE IS YOUR GOD:
He is power.
He brings with Him a reward
He is here to carry you close to His heart
His deeds/His abilities are beyond measure
His total love/His perfect nature are without end
WOW!!!
I pray Lord Jesus that you will allow everyone who knows you to go on their own journey with you through this book/chapter of your Word. May each of them know the fullness of who You are.
For those who say to You, 'Lord, Lord' with their lips but not with their hearts, I pray that they will have a burning desire within themselves to seek You fully.
For those who don't yet know You Lord, I pray that their eyes would be opened to see the wonders of Your Glory and in that I pray that they will surrender themselves to you.
I pray all these things through the blessed and powerful name of the King of kings - Jesus the Christ.
Amen and Amen
bo
www.anencouragersheart.blogspot.com
As a teaser let me share with you the journey that this chapter took me on:
Theme
Comfort my people.
Comfort them
With hearts that burn for healing, reach out to those who are hurting and in pain.
Speak tenderly
Let them know that their service is not required.
Let them know that their sins have been forgiven.
Repent
Ready them for the coming Rapture.
The Promise
People will come and people will go but God's Word will stand forever.
Go Then
Desire a heart that will say 'Here am I. Send me'.
We are directed to lift up our voice with a shout
(be louder than 10 boys!)
We are instructed not to be afraid.
We are given treasure that is to be declared . . .
HERE IS YOUR GOD:
He is power.
He brings with Him a reward
He is here to carry you close to His heart
His deeds/His abilities are beyond measure
His total love/His perfect nature are without end
WOW!!!
I pray Lord Jesus that you will allow everyone who knows you to go on their own journey with you through this book/chapter of your Word. May each of them know the fullness of who You are.
For those who say to You, 'Lord, Lord' with their lips but not with their hearts, I pray that they will have a burning desire within themselves to seek You fully.
For those who don't yet know You Lord, I pray that their eyes would be opened to see the wonders of Your Glory and in that I pray that they will surrender themselves to you.
I pray all these things through the blessed and powerful name of the King of kings - Jesus the Christ.
Amen and Amen
bo
www.anencouragersheart.blogspot.com
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
The Town Crier . . .
It is written in Matthew 5: 14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
From the time I was a little girl I did all I could to be heard. I wasn't looking to be seen - just heard. As a matter of fact, my father, God rest his soul, use to say that I was 'louder than 10 boys'. Over the years the reality of that statement has brought both tears of pain and smug acknowledgment of its truth.
Recently it seems that the Lord has provided me with ample opportunities to continue in my efforts to be heard. He has showered me with so much of His love that I just can't keep it all to myself - so out it oozes on to others. Try as I might, I just can't hold it back.
When I'm asked how I'm feeling I just can't help but to tell people that I'm blessed. When the mere mention of something good comes into a conversation I just can't help but lead people to know that God's hand print is all over it. You don't have to hit people over the head with the truth - just be willing to be fruitful!
Well, this evening as the Lord and I spent some quiet time together I began thanking Him for the boldness that He has given me lately. I thanked Him for the awesome opportunities that he's provided for me to witness to people and suddenly it occurred to me that Daddy (my earthly father) use to consider my loudness to be a bad thing . . . but Abba (my Heavenly Father) considers it something much different. He created me to be the trumpeter that I am today. He fully intended for me to be the modern day version of the Town Crier so He's thrilled with my big mouth. I'm focused and ready to go out to all the nations . . . all right, all right . . . I'm focused to go out to all the people He brings to me in this county (heeheehee) and tell them who this Jesus is that I love and who loves me.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus said . . . "for this reason I was born - for this reason I came into this world . . . to testify to the truth". I am very thankful that the Lord has allowed me to see that "for this reason I was born - for this reason I came into this world . . . to be the Town Crier - sharing the Good News of the Gospels wherever I go!!! I love being a beam of Christ's light rather than living in darkness.
I love it when I have proof that He is alive and more than just a little bit active in my life!!!
Jesus, my cup overflows with Your goodness and grace. I stand as living proof to Your promise as it is written in Matthew 25:29 "For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance." Help us all Lord, to be ready and to help others be ready, for your immanent return.
Hallelujah, Jesus. Thank You, Lord.
Amen and Amen.
bo
www.anencouragersheart.blogspot.com
From the time I was a little girl I did all I could to be heard. I wasn't looking to be seen - just heard. As a matter of fact, my father, God rest his soul, use to say that I was 'louder than 10 boys'. Over the years the reality of that statement has brought both tears of pain and smug acknowledgment of its truth.
Recently it seems that the Lord has provided me with ample opportunities to continue in my efforts to be heard. He has showered me with so much of His love that I just can't keep it all to myself - so out it oozes on to others. Try as I might, I just can't hold it back.
When I'm asked how I'm feeling I just can't help but to tell people that I'm blessed. When the mere mention of something good comes into a conversation I just can't help but lead people to know that God's hand print is all over it. You don't have to hit people over the head with the truth - just be willing to be fruitful!
Well, this evening as the Lord and I spent some quiet time together I began thanking Him for the boldness that He has given me lately. I thanked Him for the awesome opportunities that he's provided for me to witness to people and suddenly it occurred to me that Daddy (my earthly father) use to consider my loudness to be a bad thing . . . but Abba (my Heavenly Father) considers it something much different. He created me to be the trumpeter that I am today. He fully intended for me to be the modern day version of the Town Crier so He's thrilled with my big mouth. I'm focused and ready to go out to all the nations . . . all right, all right . . . I'm focused to go out to all the people He brings to me in this county (heeheehee) and tell them who this Jesus is that I love and who loves me.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus said . . . "for this reason I was born - for this reason I came into this world . . . to testify to the truth". I am very thankful that the Lord has allowed me to see that "for this reason I was born - for this reason I came into this world . . . to be the Town Crier - sharing the Good News of the Gospels wherever I go!!! I love being a beam of Christ's light rather than living in darkness.
I love it when I have proof that He is alive and more than just a little bit active in my life!!!
Jesus, my cup overflows with Your goodness and grace. I stand as living proof to Your promise as it is written in Matthew 25:29 "For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance." Help us all Lord, to be ready and to help others be ready, for your immanent return.
Hallelujah, Jesus. Thank You, Lord.
Amen and Amen.
bo
www.anencouragersheart.blogspot.com
Monday, November 17, 2008
A New Command . . .
It is written in John 13:34-35
"A new command I give you: Love one another.
As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
By this all men will know that you are my disciples,
if you love one another."
In a study I'm working on (actually it's an incredible study called The Truth Project) the teacher says . . .
"If God mentions something once, you should write it down.
If He mentions it twice, you should sit up and take notice.
If He mentions it a third time, maybe we should fall to our knees and listen."
LOVE ONE ANOTHER - 3 TIMES IN 2 CONSECUTIVE VERSES!!!
I'm not sure about you but I'm thinking that the chances are pretty good that Christ considers this to be an important subject!!
Who has Christ brought into your life that is easy to love? Go ahead, smile as you meditate for a moment. Isn't it wonderful that the Lord is so generous in allowing us the ability to recall such pleasures?
Now ask yourself who Christ has brought into your life that is a challenge to love. Think about it . . . wouldn't life be much more simple if only everyone would allow the love of Christ to enter their hearts and minds. In Christ we are a new creations. We can love AND be loved. The two meet in perfect harmony.
The bible talks about the fullness of Christ and the beauty of Christ. The joy and pleasures and treasures of Christ. When every part of my being is consumed by Him, I can do nothing but weep joyously. It is beyond description - beyond explanation - beyond reason.
I pray, through the powerful name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, that the fullness of Christ would consume all those who are challenged to love and be loved.
How Great Is Our God!!!!!! Hallelujah!
Amen and Amen
bo
www.anencouragersheart.blogspot.com
"A new command I give you: Love one another.
As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
By this all men will know that you are my disciples,
if you love one another."
In a study I'm working on (actually it's an incredible study called The Truth Project) the teacher says . . .
"If God mentions something once, you should write it down.
If He mentions it twice, you should sit up and take notice.
If He mentions it a third time, maybe we should fall to our knees and listen."
LOVE ONE ANOTHER - 3 TIMES IN 2 CONSECUTIVE VERSES!!!
I'm not sure about you but I'm thinking that the chances are pretty good that Christ considers this to be an important subject!!
Who has Christ brought into your life that is easy to love? Go ahead, smile as you meditate for a moment. Isn't it wonderful that the Lord is so generous in allowing us the ability to recall such pleasures?
Now ask yourself who Christ has brought into your life that is a challenge to love. Think about it . . . wouldn't life be much more simple if only everyone would allow the love of Christ to enter their hearts and minds. In Christ we are a new creations. We can love AND be loved. The two meet in perfect harmony.
The bible talks about the fullness of Christ and the beauty of Christ. The joy and pleasures and treasures of Christ. When every part of my being is consumed by Him, I can do nothing but weep joyously. It is beyond description - beyond explanation - beyond reason.
I pray, through the powerful name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, that the fullness of Christ would consume all those who are challenged to love and be loved.
How Great Is Our God!!!!!! Hallelujah!
Amen and Amen
bo
www.anencouragersheart.blogspot.com
Monday, November 10, 2008
A Year of Thanksgiving
Well, it's almost that time of year again . . . no, I'm not talking about Christmas . . . I'm talking about the day that is set aside as a privilege for us to give thanks to our incredibly generous God.
I LOVE giving thanks . . . so much so that last week when asked at a gathering what it was that we were most thankful for this year, I gladly raised my hand and shared my heart with everyone. I am anxious even now to share with you that the one recurring thread that was woven throughout my year - the thing that I am most thankful for - is that the Lord taught me the true meaning of Psalm 46:10 in which it is written "Be still and know that I am God".
First He pulled the plug on all the service 'projects' that I had busily gone about doing for Him.
Then, He curbed my desire to leave my house. Gone was the urge to shop, search for crafty things to create or restaurants to eat at.
Taking full advantage of these times of solitude, He then put in my possession the "The Gospel of Matthew" on DVD. I saw Jesus as I had never envisioned Him before. As I watched that recording over and over . . . and over . . . again, I grew to love Him to a degree that I had never loved Him before.
This was a year of healing . . . and prayer . . . and singing praises to His glorious name. I experienced an intimacy with Him that I can't even begin to describe. My eyes have been opened and my heart has been saturated with endless love as I've spent incredible moments of oneness with Him.
He has showered me with gifts and blessings and tenderness and mercy. In it all I have come to realize that I am not the center of all that is . . . HE IS! I have learned that I didn't have any idea - not even a clue - about how intelligent He is or how clever He is or the degree to which He desires to lavish us with His pure love.
I am so incredibly thankful to have been chosen by the Creator of the Universe to spend eternity with Him. And truly I'm blown away when I realize that His blessings here on the earth are only a faint shadow of the glory we will experience forever, with Him, into eternity.
Praise God. Thank You Jesus.
Amen and Amen
bo
I LOVE giving thanks . . . so much so that last week when asked at a gathering what it was that we were most thankful for this year, I gladly raised my hand and shared my heart with everyone. I am anxious even now to share with you that the one recurring thread that was woven throughout my year - the thing that I am most thankful for - is that the Lord taught me the true meaning of Psalm 46:10 in which it is written "Be still and know that I am God".
First He pulled the plug on all the service 'projects' that I had busily gone about doing for Him.
Then, He curbed my desire to leave my house. Gone was the urge to shop, search for crafty things to create or restaurants to eat at.
Taking full advantage of these times of solitude, He then put in my possession the "The Gospel of Matthew" on DVD. I saw Jesus as I had never envisioned Him before. As I watched that recording over and over . . . and over . . . again, I grew to love Him to a degree that I had never loved Him before.
This was a year of healing . . . and prayer . . . and singing praises to His glorious name. I experienced an intimacy with Him that I can't even begin to describe. My eyes have been opened and my heart has been saturated with endless love as I've spent incredible moments of oneness with Him.
He has showered me with gifts and blessings and tenderness and mercy. In it all I have come to realize that I am not the center of all that is . . . HE IS! I have learned that I didn't have any idea - not even a clue - about how intelligent He is or how clever He is or the degree to which He desires to lavish us with His pure love.
I am so incredibly thankful to have been chosen by the Creator of the Universe to spend eternity with Him. And truly I'm blown away when I realize that His blessings here on the earth are only a faint shadow of the glory we will experience forever, with Him, into eternity.
Praise God. Thank You Jesus.
Amen and Amen
bo
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Stuck On You . . .
Just like Paul said in Colossians 1:17 . . . He holds us together . . .
He's our Glue!
Do you want proof? . . . then go to . . . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e4zgJXPpI4
and check out this video.
Who knew?!?!?!? How amazing - truly amazing - is that!
Lord God, I'm speechless. You've thought of EVERYTHING!
Thank You Lord for loving us so much that you embed yourself within us - literally you hold us together!
It's all about Jesus!
Hallelujah!
bo
He's our Glue!
Do you want proof? . . . then go to . . . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e4zgJXPpI4
and check out this video.
Who knew?!?!?!? How amazing - truly amazing - is that!
Lord God, I'm speechless. You've thought of EVERYTHING!
Thank You Lord for loving us so much that you embed yourself within us - literally you hold us together!
It's all about Jesus!
Hallelujah!
bo
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Pause With Me
Have you ever heard someone make a statement that you could swear you've heard before but until now it just hasn't penetrated your consciousness? Something that makes you wonder where your head (and your heart) has been. Well, today a friend of mine made such a statement. See if you don't agree that this one is worthy of a pause in your day . . .
Maybe my heart is just in a state that allows for absorption right now but when I stopped to consider this statement I realized that what he was saying was that his drive, his desires, his focus, his every thought and action, all feelings, motives and attitude . . . not to mention his very will . . . must be aligned in a way that would enable him to mirror the reflection of Christ.
The implication, of course, is that daily - no, moment by moment - you must set your sights on the Only One who is worthy to be emulated!
Do you do that? Do I? Sadly, I confess, no. I don't even come close to entertaining that depth of character. What would I be like if I did? What would my life be like?
It is written in John 18:37 "For this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth." Jesus came to tell us about the Father. He came to show us the Father. It is written in John 14:9 that He told His Disciples "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. 12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing." Jesus was the reflection of the Father and we, in turn, are to be a reflection of Jesus .... which would seem to close up the circle of life very nicely.
He lived among thieves and prostitutes and people with their hands stretched out looking to take advantage of Him. He lived among those who rejected him and hurt Him and yet, not once, did he turn His back on those in need. He fed the hungry. He gave to the poor. He healed the sick. They were barbarically cruel to Him and yet as He hung on a cross dying He said, "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34
What a challenge. My friend, who admittedly is not Divine but I assure you - divine - humbly seeks to walk this truth filled walk. Oh, that each of us could stand in front of our mirrors and watch our day as it passes by in memory; watching closely to see if there was a moment of our day that we were able to catch a glimpse of Christ in our reflection.
Jesus, we look to you today to kindle a desire within us, Lord, to live no differently than you. Thank You, Lord, for causing us to pause for a moment to consider the fruits that this challenge would harvest.
Amen and Amen
bo
"I cannot be different than my Lord."
Maybe my heart is just in a state that allows for absorption right now but when I stopped to consider this statement I realized that what he was saying was that his drive, his desires, his focus, his every thought and action, all feelings, motives and attitude . . . not to mention his very will . . . must be aligned in a way that would enable him to mirror the reflection of Christ.
The implication, of course, is that daily - no, moment by moment - you must set your sights on the Only One who is worthy to be emulated!
Do you do that? Do I? Sadly, I confess, no. I don't even come close to entertaining that depth of character. What would I be like if I did? What would my life be like?
It is written in John 18:37 "For this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth." Jesus came to tell us about the Father. He came to show us the Father. It is written in John 14:9 that He told His Disciples "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. 12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing." Jesus was the reflection of the Father and we, in turn, are to be a reflection of Jesus .... which would seem to close up the circle of life very nicely.
He lived among thieves and prostitutes and people with their hands stretched out looking to take advantage of Him. He lived among those who rejected him and hurt Him and yet, not once, did he turn His back on those in need. He fed the hungry. He gave to the poor. He healed the sick. They were barbarically cruel to Him and yet as He hung on a cross dying He said, "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34
What a challenge. My friend, who admittedly is not Divine but I assure you - divine - humbly seeks to walk this truth filled walk. Oh, that each of us could stand in front of our mirrors and watch our day as it passes by in memory; watching closely to see if there was a moment of our day that we were able to catch a glimpse of Christ in our reflection.
Jesus, we look to you today to kindle a desire within us, Lord, to live no differently than you. Thank You, Lord, for causing us to pause for a moment to consider the fruits that this challenge would harvest.
Amen and Amen
bo
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