God Remembers

Remembering can be fun!  I was looking through some old photographs recently, and it was addictive -- I couldn't stop until I had looked at them all!  Those photos of family and friends, past youth trips and family vacations brought a deluge of memories ... good, bad, joyful, sad -- but fun nonetheless ... just remembering!

 

The Word of the Lord came to Jeremiah like this: "I remember you, the kindness of your youth, the love of your betrothal, when you went after Me in the wilderness, in a land not sown." (Jeremiah 2:2).  God was referring to His Children whom He called out from Egypt, led into the Land of Promise, never once failing them.  You know their story of disobedience and wandering, as well as all the whining and doubt they leveled at God and His Chosen Leaders.  God's Word says God "remembered" as if to remind them of a time when their fellowship with Him was ... sweet.  At times I find myself "remembering" a time and place where I was more obedient to God, my fellowship with Christ more intimate, a deeper and more sincere sense of His peace and joy.  That may be the only time when my past needs to catch up to my present!  Our walk with Christ should never be a memory -- something we recall with wishful fondness.  Instead, it must be a part of who we are and where we are going each day -- a present journey, an ongoing pilgrimage.  If we're not moving forward and making progress in our spiritual journey, we're backing up and losing valuable ground.  Consider today just what God remembers about you and your walk with Him.  Don’t let it remain a memory!

His Words

You know how children do otherwise brainless things, and you can only scratch your head and wonder?  One little guy (I won't call his name), many years ago affixed a sticker to the wall in my bedroom, and of course, it peeled off paint and sheet rock when I removed it.  Most of the time, it's concealed behind a curtain but at times it shows itself and just glares at me!  

 

Psalm 119 celebrates the words of God as the perfect Guide for life.  Verse 1 ignites the whole chapter: "Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the LORD."  Imagine how crazy the roads would be without traffic laws, how lawlessness would reign as we drove to and from!  Well, wouldn’t you agree this pretty much describes the world in which we live?  Because sin has corrupted the heart of man, the world despises God's Laws.  This culture demands His words will not be displayed in public places and it certainly doesn't want to hear them in the public forum!  And this surprises us?  Well, it shouldn't: Jesus said, "If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you." (John 15:18).  Then, occasionally, there's that breath of fresh air when right in the middle of the madness, a Light breaks through!  The shine may be unexpected and even subtle, and it may even be brief, but the words of Truth will not be ignored.  They show up on social media, on television, in the news, and the topic of much public dialog; nonetheless, the words are front-and-center!  Isn’t it amazing how God's makes Himself known, even using what men meant for harm or evil … God uses for His own good (Genesis 50:20).  As committed as the world is to freeing itself of any moral compass or guide, and as diligent as it works to keep The Light in-check, God shines dispelling darkness.  You see, some battles are indeed lost in the public arena, but Hope remains.  That’s when we take up the most humble of Christian duties to bless and not curse those who despise Christ and His words of life (Romans 12:14).  I'm not real sure why I've not patched that pesky tear on the wall; perhaps it's just a sweet reminder of little ones past and those yet to come.  Christian friend, do not lose heart nor grow weary when the world doesn't embrace Christ and His perfect Words for life.  Written upon the tablets of our hearts (Proverbs 7:3), devote yourself to them and remember – He wins in the end!

His Fragrance

Many years ago, a friend had a "smelly" crisis on her hands: her dog had a "too-close” encounter with a skunk, then came into her house.  The skunk’s odor had soon permeated her carpet, drapes, sofa, recliner ... yes, the smell was everywhere!  For days, she worked to remove the smell.  Her experience reminded me of a passage written by Henry Gariepy.  What a beautiful picture for us how time spent with The Savior infuses His Fragrance in us, making our lives the “pleasing aroma of Christ” to others (2 Corinthians 2:15). 

 

"Roses are grown for the Vienna market in great profusion and with much distillation of fragrance. We are told that if you were to visit that valley at the time of the rose crop, wherever you would go the rest of the day, the fragrance you would carry with you would betray where you had been.  There is a beautiful parable given to us by the Persian poet and moralist, Saadi. The poet was given a bit of ordinary clay. The clay was so aromatic with sweet perfume that its fragrance filled all the room.  'What are you, musk or ambergris?' he questioned. 'I am neither,' it answered. 'I am just a bit of common clay.' 'From where then do you have this rare perfume?' the poet asked. 'I have companied all the summer with a rose,' it replied.  We are just bits of the common clay of humanity. But if we company with The One Who is the Rose of Sharon ... something of the Fragrance of His life will pass into ours. Then we will be a refreshing and a sweetening influence to the world around us."

Dependence

 

 

Teach me to do Your Will

for You are my God!

Psalm 143:10

“Well, it all depends” might be what we’d say to questions such as “can you keep a secret” or “will you do me a favor” or “will you loan me some money”.  In other words, the answer depends on the conditions of the question.  The question I was most asked from mischievous little boys was, “Mom, will you hold out your hand?”  Prior terrors always made me answer “no – absolutely not.”

 

How much do you really depend on God?  Now, before you answer, consider how much of the your day passes without thoughts of God: the challenges, the joys, the anxieties, the relationships, the anger – do you just “deal” with them in your own strength and wisdom?  Ruth declared to her mother-in-law, Naomi, “Wherever you lodge, I will lodge.” (Ruth 1:16).  By these words, Ruth intended to trust Naomi henceforth for all her basic needs!  From Scripture, we know Ruth’s decision to go with Naomi, thus following Jehovah as God, was monumental: she became a mother to be reckoned with – one who instilled in her children and future generations this same dependence.  Ruth married Boaz and became the mother of a son named Obed, who became the father of a son named Jesse, who became the father of a son named David, who wrote: “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor His descendants begging bread.” (Psalm 37:25).  In one of the very last conversations with my Nanny before she left us at the sweet age of 97, she spoke this verse to me in a personal testimony of her dependence on the God of all faithfulness!  It was trust, not misplaced, but perfectly placed!  My granddaughter, Ella, has already taught me not to hold out my hand (she loves bugs too), but God wants each us to extend an open and empty hand to receive all the goodness of Himself … day after day after day.  Depend on Him!

New Direction

How many times have you missed a turn only to hear that GPS person say, “re-calculating?”  This means she's trying to figure out how to get you from here-to-there.  Not sure why she doesn't just say “turn around, goofy – you missed your turn.”

 

“A new direction is always a telltale sign of genuine renewal.” (O. S. Hawkins).  In the Old Testament, Ruth said to her mother-in-law, Naomi, “… wherever you go, I will go” (1:16).  Ruth’s husband (Naomi’s son) died and suddenly Ruth was faced with what to do next.  God has graciously blessed my sons with three wonderful wives, and I’m so grateful they love me and we share a good relationship, however, if they found themselves in similar circumstances [as Ruth], I don’t see them packing up and leaving the country with their mother-in-law.  No, just not seeing that happen!  Ruth’s words, of course, go much deeper; she knew that to return to her family and homeland meant also returning to a land of false gods.  I suspect the irresistible goodness of [Naomi’s] One God helped influence Ruth’s decision.  Changing directions is often difficult – it usually means turning away from something we’ve come to love.  One thing is certain -- a godly change will always be in the opposite direction of sin, which He hates.  Scripture confirms this truth:  “Let those who love the LORD hate evil” (Psalm 97:10); “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” (Romans 12:9).  We cannot cling to our sin and cling to Christ!  There must be a singleness of spirit as God described in Jeremiah 32:39 -- "I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear Me" and as Jesus described in John 17:20 --  "that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You."  Thankfully, there are few dead-end roads and even the GPS person usually gets us turned back toward our destination (although often by-way-of-Omaha).  If the path you’re on isn’t moving you toward Christ, a turn-around is needed.  Seek The Father for a new direction!

Determined

Sometimes you can see determination in someone’s eyes.  I’ve probably had it in my own eyes too, but in more cases than not, these days I prefer the “whatever” approach.  “Lady, you can’t park there” – whatever.  “Excuse me, I was next in line” – whatever.  “Ma’am, this is the men’s restroom” – whatever.  The whatever-approach toward life can be quite a ride!

 

The human will is a powerful entity.  A former slow-pitch softball pitcher, I've watched batters step into the batter's box with a look of sheer determination to drive that ball down my throat!  It was a scary sight!  It is ultimately by God's grace we are able to move beyond what is past to  experience God's kind of victory; there is the element of human will (determination), however, with which we must contend.  Each of us must answer this question: do I continue in my present way or do I choose God's way?  The Prophet Isaiah wrote, "But the Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame." (50:7).  Used throughout ancient history, flint is an extremely hard rock found in abundance in Bible lands.  I recall standing in the desert hills of Judea years ago as our guide pointed to the "flint line," intricately woven and visible throughout the desert sands.  The Prophet Zechariah described the will of those who refused to obey Jehovah as having "hearts like flint." (7:12), which reveals the contrast to what Isaiah writes!  The time-of-decision for each of us comes when we confront personal sinfulness: will it be business as usual or newness of will and heart?  Do not be deceived -- we make the choice every single day, and many times a day.  Joshua confronted an obstinate people, "... Choose ye this day whom ye will serve" then proclaimed his own personal decision "... As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15).  What do people see in your face -- hardness against God, or the determination to live by His Grace?  It's totally your call …

New Is Good

New is good although the price tag for new isn’t always so good.  The sale and re-use of gently used items is extremely popular these days.  Local as well as online vendors put their used wares out for sale to the public, and I suppose it’s really true – “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” 

One thing for which I am so grateful is that our God is one of “newness.”  Used items can really be new-again – and, isn’t it great!  New old things at a great price even sweetens the deal!  Spiritually, it’s never too late to begin again!  God told Isaiah, “Behold, I will do a new thing” (Isaiah 43:19), and to Ezekiel God said, “I will give them one heart and I will put a new spirit within them” (Ezekiel 11:19).  New directions can indeed seem a bit daunting but with a forgiven past and promising future, gracious and refreshing is the reward.  Louisa Fletcher wrote of beginning again: “I wish that there were some wonderful place -- In the Land of Beginning Again -- Where all our mistakes and all our heartaches -- And all of our poor selfish grief -- Could be dropped like a shabby old coat at the door --and never put on again.”  Oh, Louisa and friend, there is such a place – because of Christ!  God’s mercy and grace gives us opportunity to drop that “shabby old coat” of past mistakes for one of newness and joy. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (1 Corinthians 5:17).  See, the old can be wonderfully new again!  New is good – really really good!

Stay Needy

Keeping two rough little boys clothed was quite a challenge!  What wasn’t ruined by stains was torn especially at the knees.  In frustration, I remember applying patches to some jeans that still had some wear left in them.  I was pretty proud of my clever patch work, but it was met with utter shock and dismay: “Mom, we’re not poor!”

 

How poor do you see yourself?  Regardless of what your bank balance is, by the world’s standards, Americans are quite wealthy – we tend to forget this.  By God’s measure, however, we’re all bankrupt!  He is, of course, most qualified to make that assessment since “every beast of the forest … and the cattle upon a thousand hills” are His! (Psalm 50:10).   Consider, however, your spiritual poverty – which word best describes it: arrogant or humble?  Should Mr. Bill be brave (and dumb) enough to ask me to shop for a ratchet tie-down, I would need help, i.e. what is it – where do I get it – what does it look like (also, why can’t you get it yourself).  David’s prayer in Psalm 86 said, “Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.” (86:1).  Wherever the phrase “God helps those who help themselves” originated, it wasn’t the Bible!  Scripture teaches the opposite:  “For You have been a Defense for the helpless, a Defense for the needy in his distress, a Refuge from the storm, a Shade from the heat.” (Isaiah 25:4).  God helps those who are of a humble and broken spirit, who admit their helplessness, weakness, frailty, and neediness.  The rest of Psalm 86 speaks of what He does for such ones: preserves – saves  forgives – delivers – comforts – strengthens - is compassionate, merciful, good, and gracious.  It’s good in the eyes of the LORD that we see ourselves poor and needy!  Those little boys were just embarrassed about those patches, so they got new jeans (yeah, Mom’s a softie!).  There’s no shame, however in being spiritually poor and needy; actually, it is priceless in the eyes of The Father!  Stay needy!

For Certain

Some things we take for ... certain. When did you last wonder if a chair would collapse if you sat in it? When were you last unsure a light switch would produce light? Do you even recall the last time you lacked faith that water would come when you turned the handle? There are certainly ... certainties in our lives.

God is many things, but He is certainly ... certain. Uncertainties are certain today: fathers do not always come home, children do not always bring honor, healthy lifestyles do not always guarantee good health, wealth and happiness are not always best friends. For those who have His Spirit, however, a life of uncertainties are seen as opportunities for work for His divine Hand. "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" (Matthew 7:7-11)
Friend, God is in control. Uncertainties quickly become certainties when we determine to simply trust Him. Oswald Chambers writes, "God is my Father, He loves me, and I will never think of anything that He will forget, so why should I worry?" There will be certain dark moments, but not darkness. Discouragement is certain, but not hopelessness. Sorrow and pain will certainly come, but not without joy. There is always perfect rest, perfect peace in The One who is for ... certain.

Held Tightly

Linus didn't leave home without it -- his blanket, that is.  Don’t laugh -- I know teenagers, even grown folks who still hold “things” dear and near.  It may be a stuffed bear or a special pillow but whatever it is, it holds much love and endearment.

Once again, I find myself hanging onto every word describing current events of terrorism.  The reminder that sudden and unexpected dangers exist can be overwhelming. On this Nation’s tragic 9-11, what dad kissed his children goodbye, or what mother dropped her kids off at school, or what businessman ate his bagel as he walked to work, or what woman pressed the last few wrinkles from her suit ... could have imagined that day's coming disaster! We embrace too much that is fleeting, and press it for faithfulness it cannot deliver. Security and hope misplaced ultimately leaves us vulnerable to Satan's acts of terrorism especially on our souls. Jesus Christ offers the rock-solid, unfathomable, and indestructible foundation for all that will be sifted with time. It took mere minutes to crumble an iconic skyline, yet still  men live with no real fear for our souls.  There is an Anchor, secure and eternal: "The Lord is my Rock, and my Fortress, and my Deliverer; my God, my Strength, in Whom I will trust ..." (Psalm 18:2).  Claim Him today (and beyond) as your Security, and remember: you’re not holding Him – He’s holding you!

I don't know about tomorrow, I just live from day to day
I don't borrow from its sunshine, for its skies may turn to gray
I don't worry over the future, for I know what Jesus said
And today I'll walk beside Him, for He knows what is a head
Many things about tomorrow I don't seem to understand
But I know Who holds tomorrow and I know Who holds my hand

Right-Thinking

Did your teacher ever tell you to, “put on your thinking cap”?  Mine did, and her challenge was to really-really think about what’s coming next!  Today, the older-me wonders what ever  happened to that thinking-cap.

Spiritual confusion – do you suffer from it?  Sometimes, usually in the middle of the night, a thought or idea comes to me absolutely crystal-clear!  Before long, however, I’ve chewed and reasoned on it so long it’s no longer so clear; human reasoning has set in -- maybe I imagined it, perhaps you dreamed it, that doesn’t make sense, or don’t rush into this.  My own “wisdom” has distorted its clarity. “Even the very smallest thing that we allow in our lives that is not under the control of the Holy Spirit is completely sufficient to account for spiritual confusion, and spending all of our time thinking about it will still never make it clear.” (Oswald Chambers).  An effective tool of Satan’s is to divide and distort our thinking, causing confusion.  He gets us preoccupied with other things and lures us to think as the world thinks – independently of the Word of God.  He uses cultural values and false belief systems to trip us up and snare our thinking with the intent to cause doubt and manipulate (just like Eve in the Garden, Genesis 3).  Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 10:5, “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”  These “speculations” refer to mindful calculations and thoughts that undermine and stand against God’s viewpoint.  Clearly, Paul warns us of such destructive thinking in this mind-battle.  So (practically speaking), how do we make prisoners of our destructive thought patterns?  The simple answer, not necessarily easy answer, is obedience!  When God tells us to do something, with all due respect to Nike, just do it!  Time spent pondering God’s Truth changes His Truth; It doesn’t change, It’s settled (“Forever, O LORD, Your Word is firmly fixed in the heavens.” Psalm 119:89).   When we know what God has said in His Word and obey Him, we make His Truth internal and personal; His Holy Spirit empowers us to live the Truth.  Yes, I know this is deep but divinely solid counsel.  We’ll need those thinking caps if we are to think with “the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16), and we’ll need “boots on the ground” to live in His Truth.  The result is real faith, a saying-to-doing faith, and it begins with … right-thinking!

Simplicity

Do you remember the once-popular comedy “Here’s Your Sign”?   This comedy routine began by stating that stupid people should have to wear warning signs for their lack of common sense.  Perhaps what made this so funny is how absolutely true how otherwise smart-intelligent-bright people all have moments of absolute senselessness!

 

Oswald Chambers begins one of his daily devotions with this statement: “Simplicity is the secret to seeing things clearly.”  My Nanny would have put it like this: “Don’t make a mountain out of a mole hill.”  How many times have I distinctly heard God say “do this,” only to respond “I’ll pray about it.”  Let me break this down: okay, I’m going to “pray about” something on which God has already spoken?  Mrs. Grace, a precious senior saint, would say: “Why are you arguing with God?”  Well, Beverly, here’s your sign!   Intellectually, we can think through and reason matters but with spiritual things, there is only one resolve to understanding – that is, obedience.  As we “trust and obey,” we avoid wandering thoughts and confusion.  Paul warned against over-thinking rather than simple obedience which leads us “astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (ESV) or “from the simplicity that is in Christ.” (KJV) (2 Corinthians 11:3b).  I propose spiritual confusion is never divine; submission through obedience, however, always clarifies!  All is clear when “we destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take very thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10;5).  Oh, yes, I’ve scratched my head and said, “Beverly, that was just plain dumb.”  Let it never be said, however, of those who claim Christ that we have chosen worldly reason over spiritual obedience.  Want to avoid your “sign”?  Hear Him then obey!

True Reflection

It’s been said, "The best mirror is an old friend."  I tend to agree!  When you spend a lot of time with someone, interesting things happen:  you begin to know what one another is thinking (that’s scary), you drink after one another (to everyone's horror), and you know what subjects to avoid (that's why you stay friends).  Mostly, with an old friend, you can scratch where it itches!

 

Something interesting about mirrors -- they rarely lie!  You wiggle your nose – the image in the mirror wiggles; you stick out your tongue – the mirror image does the same.  We are to mirror Christ – not be kinda-sorta like Him but a true reflection.  We are to imitate God (Ephesians 5:1) which deeper describes the reflection – our nature must be to do as He does!  Sometimes I think Christ’s reflection lived-out through me is more like one of those carnival mirrors -- distorted and unclear.  Why?  Because I'm not spending enough time with Him!  Just like that friend you have grown old with, time spent together is key to the relationship.  So it is with The Father; we will never be a true reflection unless we stay in His presence on a daily basis.  Don’t forget to check your reflection!

Grand Tasks

Grand tasks elude most of us ... or do they?  Sometimes I daydream of jetting off on a promotional tour for my latest book, shaking hands with and

smiling at anxious fans in exciting international cities.  Then, of course, I'm reeled back in with familiar sounds such as, “Miss Beverly, do you know what I did with my …”  Yeah, back to those ... grand tasks.

 

God only knows the "grand tasks" of our lives.  The grandest task we are called to do is to submit to His Lordship, then all else becomes ... grand!  Paul said, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God."  (Colossians 3:16)  How unpleasant it must be to The Father to hear us grumble and whine about what is to be done.  Elisabeth Elliot writes, "Work should always be associated with joy ... Ordinary work, which is what most of us do most the time, is ordained by God every bit as much as is the extraordinary. All work done for God is spiritual work and therefore not merely a duty but a holy privilege." Our homes, our churches, our workplaces, our communities seem to be flooded with crowds of Believers and non-Believers alike who can't seem to do "what they do" with any real measurable joy.  Sometimes it's hard to even get a smile out of the Wal-mart greeter!  My Dad has always said, “we’re here on purpose with purpose,” and what a joy it is [really] to be about grand tasks for The Father.  We don't get to pick and choose what those tasks are or if they will be grand by the world's standards, or even what the results will be.  We are simply called to be faithful and to do all for the glory of God.  That, dear friends, is evidence of Christ dwelling richly in each of us -- and that's the grand task of all.  Let's get at it ... joyfully!

Tender Mercy

My Dustin (Twin B as he was identified in the hospital) came home from kindergarten one day, and began to describe the events of his day.  Before he finished, I understood exactly the kind of day his teacher had experienced!  At the end of his story, he said, "And, Mama, you won't believe it -- the teacher gave me mercy!"

 

Mercy has been described as an “uncommon” grace, yet God's mercy is abundant!  Sadly, we live in a time when mercy is replaced with horn-honking, unkind words, and vulgar gestures.  I was on the wrong end of mercy recently when I was scolded for asking a question too close to quitting time.  Of course, I bowed up -- quitting time is 3:50 and it was still twenty minutes away! What I failed to remember is that God extends mercy to me and I never deserve it!  Because "the Lord is ... of tender mercy" (James 5:2), so must I be -- not IF others are merciful, but BECAUSE God is!  Show some tender mercy today, and watch the world be amazed!

Be A Fountain

At age five Danny was introduced to a fountain when we were attending a convention in Dallas, Texas.  Inside the convention center, it didn't take long for boredom to set in for him so we eased outside where a big and inviting water fountain became the perfect playground [of sorts] for his little feet & hands.  He was having so much fun, I wanted to join him!

 

We are fountains!  There is a fountain within each person who belongs to Christ. Romans 5:5 says, "God has poured out His Love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit."  His Spirit within Believers is the endless and bountiful Source of love and compassion.  We have no right to withhold this love and compassion from others.  Surrendered to Christ, we spill-to-overflowing ... much like a fountain.  Ever watched the splash of water at a bird bath?  The water by its very nature is refreshing to the bird.  Because of Christ, we are filled with potential to be that splash of joy, that Nature of Jesus Christ Who refreshes others.  Our splashes of joy can easily be showers of blessing to that neighbor, friend, co-worker, or stranger who needs a Touch of Christ. Look around today. Consider yourself a fountain, and splash a few folks today!

Every Step

Have you ever watched young parents teaching their baby to walk? They stand or sit a few feet apart and with tender words they entice the little one to

take a few steps, from one to the other. How excited they are when the baby at last turns loose and makes those few short steps alone.

 

Turning loose -- how scary that is! Sometimes we encounter troubles in life that make us have to learn to walk again. Psalm 37:23 says, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delighteth in his way." If we really believe God is in each step we take, we certainly are delighted! We will

trust Him completely and wait contentedly to see what He has in store for us. Every step of our way, we are safely within His care and keeping! John

Greenleaf Whittier wrote: “I know not where his islands lift their fronded palms in air; I only know I cannot drift beyond His love and care.”  Trust Him with every step today!

Disciplined Disciple

Mr. Bill has a tool belt which I see only occasionally; I know he hides it from me because he doesn’t want me hammering on the walls! I'm intrigued, however, at how many tools there are and how few I can identify.  I guess he likes his tools easily in reach so he doesn’t have to hear my words for them -- thingies, whichamabobs, and doojiggies.

 

Did you know all Believers are to be Word-handlers?  Just like Mr. Bill has a tool for this and a tool for that, Christians should have tools to help them study "rightly handling the word of Truth." (2 Timothy 2:15).  What a serious assignment we have to approach Scripture with utter reverence, never trying to spin or twist Its Truth to suit our own way of thinking!  This manner of study keeps us so we "need not be ashamed" but rather as one "approved" by God. (2 Timothy 2:15).  Sound (reputable) Bible commentaries, dictionaries, etc. are wonderful tools to help us study Scripture, but the greatest Tool is always prayerfully asking revelation of God's Truth through His Holy Spirit.  This high calling and awesome task of studying the Bible equips Christians to live before and share with others the Good News of Christ.  I suspect Mr. Bill's tool belt is well-equipped for most small projects, but the tools are useless if he never picks them up.  Don't let your Bible grow cold and dusty from lack of interest and use.  Make a conscious decision to pick it up -- open it -- read it -- hear it -- live it in the power of Christ.  It's the only way we'll one day stand before God approved and not ashamed!   God’s Word – make its study a discipline, then experience the joy of being a true disciple of Its Author!

Approved

The “stamp” of approval usually makes us smile!  Someone with authority has found us all-in-order – we’ve passed inspection and can proceed.  This was not the case for me at the Miami airport.  While Mr. Bill was haggling with an official about his pocket knife, I was pulled aside for a full-body search!  Mr. Bill’s pointing-laughing-heckling at me as he proceeded on, did not meet with MY approval!

 

What motivates you to study Scripture?  In retrospect, Mr. Bill should have given more thought to walking into an airport with a knife in his pocket.  I mean, really, how dumb!  Paul’s message gave us the motivation for studying the Bible – “to present yourself approved to God” (2 Timothy 2:15).  Bible study is a discipline – a life-priority.  More times than we care to admit, we study "if I have time" ” or “when I feel like it" or when we can "work it in."  The words "discipline" (practice of learning) and "disciple" (one who learns) come from the same Latin word "discipulus." What if Jesus' disciples had kinda-sorta followed Him ... if they had time, when they felt like it, or as they could work it into their busy lives?  Oh me and Oh my!  The Psalmist makes clear for us what the Words of God do for all who read it: "The unfolding of Your Words gives Light; it imparts Understanding to the simple." (119:130).  To know His words is paramount to living His words, which is the prerequisite to one day hearing God say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21).  Not sure what they were looking for in the airport body-search but they didn’t find it,  and I quickly caught up with my misbehavin' husband!   Let us never give God and His Word the day's leftovers; meet Him early and read His Words early in the day then walk in the Approved-Power of His Spirit all day long!

God's Assignment

Football season ignites a unique flame in people!  No other sport – neither basketball, hockey, soccer, even [my personal favorite] baseball – draws the same level of adrenaline in its fans!  Dedicated, committed, passionate, enthusiastic, eager, avid, fierce, fanatical and zealous -- all these words describe the true football fan!  And, ‘tis the Season!

 

God has given all Believers a mandate, a command, an assignment: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15).  Mr. Bill and I are grateful our boys finished high school and [varying degrees] of college, but it wasn’t without some prodding by parents, teachers, and coaches.  I’m not sure which “prodder” actually carried the most weight, but I suspect it was a combination of player eligibility and keeping some personal privileges.  What exactly is required in our study habits of Scripture?  I often pray for that "hunger and thirst for righteousness" (Matthew 5:6a), but never seem to experience the promise of satisfaction (Matthew 5:6b) apart from quiet moments and an open Bible!  Paul challenges young Timothy (and us) to be serious about studying Scripture!  It's not just the completion of God's assignment (obedience); God's Truth changes us from within and we "... shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all Your commandments." (Psalm 119:6).  We can learn much from football fans: Christians are commanded to be dedicated, committed, passionate, enthusiastic, eager, avid, fierce, fanatical and zealous about God's assignment.  'Tis the season ... always!

School's In!

Hats off to those of any generation who go back to school!  Mr. Bill and I are considering enrolling in a local Bible institute which meets only once a week and has no pass-fail requirements for completion … and we’re terrified!  The time element is, of course, the biggest scare but for me it’s also the fear I’ll have to do mine and Bill’s homework!

 

O. S. Hawkins writes, “One of the great temptations of the busy believer is to stop studying the Bible.”  When we graduated, most of us said goodbye to strenuous study habits and work ethic required to finish and to finish with good grades.  We are so grateful for those whom God called from among His Elect to teach and shepherd Believers.  One danger we all face, however, is we think it’s the ministers and pastors who alone are required to study Scripture.  Not so – Not so – Not so!  Paul writes, “Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15, Amplified Bible).  Another danger is we read much about the Bible, neglecting the Bible Itself!  It’s good we listen to Christian radio, hear countless sermons, read wonderfully inspirational books, attend conferences and workshops, yet not good that we spend an inadequate amount of personal time studying God’s Word.  In his letter, Paul encouraged Timothy to study to prove himself adequate and equipped to do God’s work!  Now, school with no stress to pass or fail sounds like my kind of school (certainly Mr. Bill’s).  Truth is, the born-again are never out-of-school: we’re instructed to be students of God’s Word, and class is in-session every single day!  No skipping school … school’s in!