Category: Thoughtful Threads

Thankfulness – (Re-post)

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Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. Psalm 100:4

Have you entered into the Lord’s gates today? I heard a message a while ago where the Pastor preached on our covenant with God. I was thinking how blessed we are that Christ’s death and resurrection created a covenant for us with the Father – for all born-again believers! What a joy to meditate on that today. So today, I want to encourage each of you toward righteousness.

We do not need to be defeated Christians. We do not need to give in to temptation. We just need to be hard workers at our faith in our precious Saviour. There is many a lady who gives it her “all” when it comes to caring for her husband, her family, her home, etc. We can’t stop there … we need to care for our spiritual lives with just as much zeal and effort. Yes, cleaning the bathroom and doing laundry is a chore. I just don’t get that same effervescent feeling the lady in the commercial gets about my scrubbing bubbles cleaning my toilet, you know? 😁 It’s WORK to get these chores done – but the feeling of satisfaction afterwards is priceless!

Making sure that we cover all the areas of our spiritual lives is work also. But this “work” has eternal results. The work in our homes is temporary – the dust will always come back and there will always be dishes and laundry to do. But the work we do for the Lord is forever. I think of Christ’s account of Mary and Martha. He did not use a parable here but referred to actual women. The Lord placed this account in His Word especially for us! Mary spent her time at His feet while Martha carried on with the chores. Mary gleaned from the Master while Martha missed out on His blessings from the Word.

Working at our spiritual lives is just that – WORK! Here is a little something that helps me strive in this area of training myself and I want to share it with you.

W – Wake up with the Lord with song! Sing your favorite hymn – you know the one – it just speaks to your heart and gets you in the right mood – Mine is “How Great Thou Art”

O – Open my heart to Him in prayer. I believe in making my heart right with God before praying for others. I confess my sins, I scootch into His side and then I pray for others. I have a prayer list – in fact, I’m making a prayer journal to start using – and I keep this list with my Bible – the list is so long but I’ve broken it down by days, so each day has a different grouping of people (i.e. Sunday = church family; Monday = missionaries; etc). I record specific details for each of these people so I’m praying for specific needs, not generalities.

R – Read His Word! Reading God’s Word is a learned trait that can greatly enhance your spiritual journey. It’s important to approach His Word with an open heart and mind, allowing it to inspire and guide you rather than becoming overly stringent in your study. By doing so, you can truly enjoy the richness and depth of Scripture, discovering lessons and insights that will apply to your daily life. I have a dedicated time for reading each day, which allows me to immerse myself in different passages—reflecting on their meanings, pondering their applications, and letting them fill me with peace and understanding. Embracing this routine not only deepens my faith but also brings a sense of joy and fulfillment that comes from connecting with the divine message.

K – Keep Him in the forefront of my mind all day. When I have sung, prayed and read, it’s pretty hard to forget the God I started your day with.

I used to have my time with Him at night because my children were early risers and I was “running” from the time they woke up till it was time for their bedtime. As mothers, our lives come in “seasons.” No matter what time suits you best, make it a habit. You may have to adjust the time as your home changes seasons but keep at it.

If you don’t have a special time, resolve to yourself to make one. If you want to succeed at this, hold yourself accountable to someone. Ask a good friend to ask you daily if you spent your time with the Lord. One who won’t take excuses but will lovingly tell you that your excuse is not a good one!

Dear God…
Help me to be like Mary
As I start this day, oh Lord
Mindful of the things I’ve gleaned
From Your Holy Word!

The Seeds of Life

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Matthew 13:19-23  When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.  (20)  But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;  (21)  Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.  (22)  He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.  (23)  But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

The greatest seed is that of God’s Word as we see in the Parable of the Sower. The seed of the gospel falls on a rocky heart when the hearer doesn’t understand it. Then the seed that falls in stony places doesn’t take root firmly or deep enough. The hearer understands what he has heard but because it has not taken root in his heart, he quickly loses interest. The next is when the seed falls amongst the thorns. The hearer understands the gospel and accepts it, but then the cares of this world, the distractions from riches choke everything he understood, and he falls away. Lastly the seed that falls on good ground, a ready heart, hears the gospel, accepts it and understands it, and the person comes to salvation in Jesus Christ. This seed grows in the person’s life, and he bears fruit. There is evidence in his salvation.

What kind of seeds are being sown in life and in the lives of others? Let’s compare our spiritual life as that of a peach tree.

  • Adequate sunlight – You cannot bear fruit with the sunlight. Neither can a person bear fruit for God without His Son, Jesus Christ. You must be born again (John 3:3) in order to bear fruit.
  • The soil must be well drained. It cannot be hardened mud but good soil. When the heart is hard, it won’t listen or absorb what the Bible teaches.
  • Soil needs consistent watering. Just like in our own spiritual life, we need the Bible to water our spiritual heart. Jesus said: (John 7:38)  He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
  • Pruning and controlling pests – Our spiritual lives are pruned when we recognize sin in our lives and repent from them. Repentance is a change of one’s mind and a determination that we won’t do that sin again. Jesus said: (Joh 15:2-3)  Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.  (3)  Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. What would you consider as the fruit of verse 2?
  • Fertilizer – God’s Word is the best fertilizer for our spiritual life. Reading, meditating and applying what we have learned. (Psa 119:11)  Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Many a time God brings a verse to my mind in time of need. I may not remember the address but I remember the verse. There is always a Bible verse that applies to every area of life.
  • Spreading Your Faith – The Holy Spirit started the Church when the disciples were in the upper room waiting as the Lord had told them to do. (Acts 2:2) And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. Just as the Holy Spirit came to the Church, so are we to spread that wind to the world. When the wind gets a hold of seeds from a dandelion or a maple tree, it carries it to its destination and that seed creates another life. So are we to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with those that cross our path.

Having a spiritually healthy “fruit tree” in our lives helps us to plant healthy seeds in those people we come in contact with. If you’re a shy person, hand out tracts. The gospel’s seeds are spread, and the Holy Spirit is in charge of the rest!

The Lord Thinks About You!

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Psalm 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.

If you are a true born-again believer, then you can rest assured that God thinks about you. His Holy Spirit is ever with us, residing in us, guiding our thoughts and actions in every moment of our lives. Therefore, God is in the midst of all that you do and sees everything, good or bad, from the smallest acts of kindness to the heaviest burdens of sin. Because of that, we should be very aware of what we participate in, consciously assessing our choices and their alignment with His will. Are we sinning? God is right there in the middle of it! Do we reject His quiet urging towards righteousness? Or do we continue in that sin? We can understand why David wrote: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me,” (Psalm 51:10). You cannot hide from God because His Spirit is in you!

Psalm 139:7-8  Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?  (8)  If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

For those Christians who contemplate infidelity or sex outside of marriage, you are taking God into your sin! This thought should drill down deeply within your heart and mind, as it highlights the gravity of such actions. If everyone thought of their sin in this manner, I dare say there would be more of a desire to live righteous lives! Imagine how different our lives could be if we regularly considered the impact of our choices, understanding that our actions not only affect ourselves but also those around us. It is vital to acknowledge that entering into these relationships outside the sacred bond of marriage can lead to emotional turmoil, broken trust, and a distancing from the grace of God. Embracing a life of submission to God and His Word, as well as a commitment to Him, can elevate our moral standards, and ultimately draw us closer to the purpose that God has laid out for us. When we do this, we can clearly understand that He sees everything.

It is always such a blessing when I hear from someone that they are thinking of me. Someone out there loves me and thinks of me! God thinks of me … why should the God of all creation think of me!?? He loves us with an ultimate and pure love. There is no greater love than God’s!

(1 John 3:1-2)  Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (2)  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

(1 John 4:19)  We love him, because he first loved us.

Because I am God’s child, He is concerned about every area of my life and deeply desires my well-being. He wants me to have a peaceful life in the midst of fiery trials, and He offers comfort and strength in moments of uncertainty. You’ve been there, haven’t you? Your children are all you think of in your decision making, constantly weighing choices that will affect their futures and happiness. Similarly, God is the perfect Father, who thinks of you all the time, even in small, fleeting moments. His love encompasses every detail in your life, allowing challenges and victories alike so that He can train you to be a spiritual adult, growing in faith and resilience. Through these experiences, He nurtures your character, teaching you valuable lessons about trust, patience, and the importance of relying on His guidance. Ultimately, every circumstance is a part of His divine plan, shaping you into the person He envisions.

(Jeremiah 29:11)  For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

God loves you so much! He is your ultimate cheerleader when you do right, encouraging you every step of the way, and celebrating your successes in your spiritual life with immense joy and pride! His love is unconditional and boundless! He provides a guiding light through both the challenges and triumphs you face. So much so, He sings over you, reminding you that you are never alone on this journey of faith and growth. Let that love impact your life, let it uplift you, and shine brightly as you navigate your path with confidence knowing you have a Father who loves you deeply!

(Zephaniah 3:17)  The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

Start your day knowing that the Holy Spirit of the Living God is with you 100% of the time! You take Him with you, whether that be in serving Him or sinning against Him. Keep that in mind. As a true born-again believer, you should be desperately shattered when you realize God was in the midst of your sin. Don’t allow yourself to get to this point. Allow His Spirit to convict you of sin and then resist it. It is possible to do so!

James 4:7  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

I would rather God think of me as a proud Father, delighting in my journey and singing over me with joy, than as a Father who is disappointed at my choices, wishing I had taken a different path. 😔 It is the understanding that my life, with all its ups and downs, is a testament to my growth in Christ, that brings me comfort. I seek a relationship filled with love, where my decisions, though flawed at times, are seen as learning experiences. I yearn for that connection, where I can feel His pride radiating in my heart, encouraging me to continue pushing forward in faith and hope.

If you have stumbled upon this devotional and have struggled with your position in Christ, strengthen that position by making certain that you are truly born again. I stress the word “truly” because there are many “Christians” that claim the title but haven’t really be born again. Won’t you visit this link and make doubly sure of your position in Christ? You will never regret being born again, but you will regret not taking this opportunity before you die.

What Are We Good For?

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Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand; (Psalm 149:6)

Today’s lost world looks at “Christianity” and mocks it. We see it on television, books and movies all the time. The Christian is depicted as some lunatic. Yes, the world probably has always viewed the believer in this light. But I believe we are viewed in this way much more today. Why do I think this? All I have to do is to look at those professing Christ around me. They do not have the praises of God in their mouths. They do not have their two-edged sword in their heads, heart, and mouths, let alone in their hand. The topic of Jesus Christ does not come up in general conversation amongst believers – why should His name be spoken in the presence of unbelievers? Of all places to speak Christ’s name is in the presence of unbelievers!

I’m saddened by the lack of testimony the Church holds today. No wonder the world laughs and turns away in doubt and cynicism. No wonder they do not want what we have, as the light we are meant to shine seems dimmed by our differences. My heart aches for today’s Church, which should be a source of unity and strength, yet we find ourselves at odds with one another. We can’t agree on a Bible, we can’t agree on basic doctrine – even in the fundamentals. I heard a message preached that more churches are started today due to splits rather than from a new work. How sad is that?

If the born again believers were busy praising God with their lips and their actions, as well as using the Word of God to lead souls to Him, they would be honouring Him instead of dishonoring Him. 2 Timothy 2:20-21, “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. (20) If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. (21)

What type of vessel are you? Are you a vessel of honour or dishonour? Consider this deeply as you meditate on your spiritual journey. When was the last time you led a soul to Christ? Have you ever had the joy and privilege of leading a soul to the Lord? If you have not, do you even know how to share the message of salvation? If you do not, that should be a vital part of your daily checklist! God first, then loving your neighbor as yourself; this latter command not only encompasses acts of kindness but also the crucial responsibility of guiding others toward a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Each day presents a fresh opportunity for us to reach out to those around us, shining a light of hope in their lives. Embrace this calling with an open heart and a willingness to be used as an instrument of His grace, and sharing the transforming love that comes from faith in Jesus.

If you don’t know how, follow this link and it provides all the Bible verses you need to lead someone to salvation. If you’re not truly born again, read it with the intention of absorbing what it says. I pray you are blessed!

One Sacrifice, One Offering

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Hebrews 7:27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

Having been raised in the Catholic Church, I was taught that the priest offered Christ as a sacrifice during the mass, and it was done daily. However, what do we do when we read the Bible and it teaches differently?

Hebrews 10:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

Hebrews 10:14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Romans 6:10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

Hebrews 10:18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

It is clear that there are no more offerings or sacrifices needed for the sins of man. Therefore, there is no need for a Catholic priest to offer the sacrifice of the mass. Jesus paid the price … it was perfect! Hebrews 10:14 (above) says that Jesus perfected them that are sanctified. You cannot be more “perfect” because Christ paid that perfect price.

If you are a Catholic reading this devotional, what do you do with those Scriptures? Do you disregard them and stick to what the Catholic Church has taught you? If yes, are you no different than the Pharisees that Jesus called whited sepulchers and blind guides? Jesus warned us in:

Mark 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.

Friend, Jesus tells us not to lay aside what is in the Scripture and replace them with the traditions of men. The Catholic Church relies heavily on Catholic tradition. Unfortunately, they will defend the traditions rather than God’s Word. There is nothing that will convince them otherwise. Only the Holy Spirit of the Living God can change their hearts and minds. How do I know this? The Holy Spirit did that in my own life. I was one of those Catholics!

Please, no matter what religion you are, if you are not 100% sure you will go to Heaven, please take a few minutes and read the Bible verses listed on this link. Please read them with a desire to know God! He will reveal Himself to you!

Why A Rock?

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2 Samuel 22:3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

The Bible uses the symbolism of a “rock” to refer to God? A rock signifies strength, stability, and permanence. These are qualities that are essential in understanding the nature of God. Just as a rock withstands the test of time and the forces of nature, God is portrayed as unchanging and reliable amid the uncertainties of life. This image offers us a sense of safety and security, as we can trust in God’s unwavering support during difficult times.

It’s interesting to note that in ancient cultures, rocks were often seen as foundational elements of shelter and protection, emphasizing the idea that God serves as a refuge for those seeking solace and guidance. The metaphor of God as a rock serves to encourage faithfulness, reminding the faithful that, like a rock, God provides a solid foundation upon which they can build their lives and endure challenges.

Another interesting tidbit is that many biblical end-time scholars believe that God will provide a place made of rock during the Tribulation in what some believe to be Petra. This site, known for its stunning rock-hewn architecture and natural defenses, has been a point of intrigue for many who study prophecy. If it is to be Petra, isn’t it like God to use rocks as a reminder of His steadfastness and refuge?

Revelation 12:6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

The symbolism of a solid foundation amidst our chaotic lives reflects the unchanging nature of His promises. I don’t know about you, but this gives me an overwhelming sense of security. I know that when I seek shelter in Him during troubled times, I can trust God to be my solid foundation. Such a promise serves as a spiritual testament that even in the most tumultuous of circumstances, there is a sanctuary to be found.

Is there anything in your life that can promise you such a sanctuary? Do you find comfort and strength from the world, or is it merely a distraction from the longings of your heart? There is no perfect human being who can flawlessly provide this, with all of their limitations. However, there is a perfect God who loves you unconditionally and desires to be your refuge in times of trouble. The Lord’s presence offers a sanctuary that transcends the chaos of life, a place where you can find peace and solace. When you choose to seek Him diligently and open your heart to His guidance, you will discover that His love is unwavering and ever supportive. This provides a sanctuary that your spirit yearns amidst the trials of the world.

If you happened to come to this blog and cannot honestly say you are born-again, please follow this link and it will outline Bible verses that will show you how to be saved.

A Warranty for Life!

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2 Corinthians 5:5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

From the moment we are truly born again, our salvation is guaranteed, providing us with an unshakeable foundation of hope and security. We cannot lose it, for it is not based on our own actions or decisions; rather, it is a gift from God that we cannot give up under any circumstances. Just as a baby can’t crawl back into the mother’s womb and be unborn, nor can a true born-again believer be unborn again! This truth reassures us that once we have received the grace of salvation through faith, it is forever ours, empowering us to live with confidence and purpose as we strive to reflect the love and light of Christ in a world that desperately needs it.

Today’s verse says that God gives His truly born-again child the earnest of the Spirit. What does that mean? The word “earnest” in Greek is defined as a guarantee or security:

arrhabōn
ar-hrab-ohn’
Of Hebrew origin [H6162]; a pledge, that is, part of the purchase money or property given in advance as security for the rest: – earnest.

Jesus purchased our redemption with His very own blood, shed on that cross at Calvary, an act of love and sacrifice that changed the course of history. It is that blood, symbolizing the ultimate price paid for humanity, that brings the forgiveness of our sins and gives security of our salvation through Him. Through His suffering, He demonstrated a commitment to us, not only reconciling us with God but also offering eternal life. This precious blood serves as a constant reminder of His grace and mercy, assuring us that no sin is too great to be forgiven for those who truly repent and believe in His name. With each drop that fell, the weight of our sins was lifted, and a new covenant of hope and renewal was established, inviting us to walk in relationship with our Creator. The moment I prayed and accepted Christ as my Saviour, I literally felt a tremendous weight lift from my shoulders.

1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

That very same purchase also has a promise attached to it. It is the promise of receiving Christ’s Holy Spirit into our lives. It is this promise that seals us until we die or are raptured!

Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

People who claim they got saved but yet their lives have never changed, are not truly born again. When a born-again believer sins, it eats him up! The convicting power of the Holy Spirit digs deep within the believer, and we feel far worse about our sin than the unbeliever. It is the Holy Spirit’s convicting power in our lives that cause us to follow Christ through our walk.

If this does not describe your walk with the Lord, check out your salvation. Reflect deeply on whether it was merely the result of satisfying someone’s church numbers, a checkbox filled out without true transformation. Did it bring about a genuine repentance of your sins, leading you to confront the weight of your sins with honesty? This kind of repentance is not a mere act; it should echo within your heart, stirring up a desire for change. When we truly repent, we open ourselves to the power of God’s grace, allowing it to guide us in a journey of renewal and a closer relationship with Him. Embrace this opportunity for a deeper understanding of faith and a more profound commitment to your spiritual journey.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Ephesians 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Can you say that your life reflects the verses above? Many believe that you can lose your salvation. However, the verses in this post most definitely say others … that is, if you are truly born again. If you are doubting whether you got saved or not, start over … make sure! If you know that you are not saved, please follow this link and it will take you to Bible verses that will define salvation and show you how to be born again.

The Salt Diet

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Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

There is diet that is taking the Internet by rage called the pink salt diet. It claims to cause a person to burn off fat quickly. People are so obsessed with their bodies these days. Yes, it’s important to keep one’s body healthy. However, what if more time was spent on one’s “spiritual” diet? Well, you know what? Salt can be used to help you gain, not lose, spiritual weight! 😀

I love the way the Lord used metaphors to deliver His messages. Each metaphor serves as a bridge connecting our understanding to a spiritual truth that He wants us to learn. This one is especially meaningful when you pick it apart and dissect it, revealing layers of insight and wisdom waiting to be uncovered. So, what is the Lord trying to teach us? Perhaps He is literally prodding us to examine our lives through a different lens, to explore our faith and emotions, and to recognize the lessons hidden within the simple things in everyday life.

  • Salt makes one thirsty – Our words and testimony should cause the lost to not only desire salvation but to actively thirst after it. (Matt. 5:6)
  • Salt burns when it’s put on an open wound – The Word should convict us of our sin and lead us to repentance, reminding us that just as salt stings, it serves a purpose in healing. God always wants us reconciled to Him. (2 Cor. 5:18)
  • Salt is used to preserve – Our salvation is preserved! We are sealed by the Holy Spirit of God until the day of redemption! (Eph. 4:30)
  • Salt is a seasoning – When used on food, it adds flavor. Our works as Christians adds flavor to our walk. As we walk in the footsteps of Jesus, we lead and point others to Him! (John 16:13)

These are just some of the uses for salt. Beyond its essential role in cooking, salt has a rich story in cultural and spiritual significance of many societies. A simple Google search will show you many more interesting uses! You can find more applications that can be applied to your own spiritual walk!

The Lord’s use of parables adds so much “punch” to what He wants to communicate to us. How blessed we are to have God’s own words put on paper for us to hold dear! However, one must read it in order to gain any wisdom. God’s Word is a light shining on our path in life. It gives direction, conviction and comfort, to name a few. Put His Word to good use: read and apply what you have learned!

If you happened to stumble upon my blog, I pray that you are a born-again child of God. If you are not certain, please follow this link and read the Bible verses that will instruct you on how to be saved.

Spiritual Cameleons

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(2 Corinthians 13:5) Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

It’s always a good idea to examine our bodies to make sure that we are healthy. We visit the dermatologist annually to check every inch of our bodies for cancerous growths. We go for an annual physical to thwart off any possible problems. But what about our walk with the Lord?

The Apostle Paul was dealing with a very carnal church when he addressed the Corinthians. They were surrounded by idolatry and most of the church came out of that lifestyle when they got saved. Notice that I say “most.” The church is filled with members that are spiritually sick; they are in search of some kind of healing. At some point, we all are, amen? Jesus said He didn’t come for the righteous but for those that were sinners. This is the importance of attending church. We all need to be exhorted to live a righteous life. But what about those members who sit there Sunday after Sunday and do not seem to care about their spiritual growth?

Paul encourages us to examine our spiritual life. He wants you to make sure that your salvation is based solely on Christ and not on the traditions of the world.

  • Examine – The Greek word examine means “to test (objectively), that is, endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline: – assay, examine, go about, prove, tempt (-er), try.” People who claim to have gotten saved but yet live and sin like they did prior to salvation, need to do this self-examination. Are you growing more like Christ with each passing day? Is that your desire? Do you spend time in your Bible in order to find out how to be like Him? Question your walk, Christian. Is your purpose to serve Him or to serve yourself? I once knew a person who joined the church merely to get names so he could grow his personal business. That is serving yourself. When you objectively look at your walk with the Lord, it is without bias. Do so as if you are grading another pupil’s exam. Look for those things in your life that are not according to Scripture. Be objective, not defensive!
  • Prove – The Greek word prove means “to test (literally or figuratively); by implication to approve: – allow, discern, examine, X like, (ap-) prove, try.” It’s similar to “examine” but this one adds icing on the cake. The Bible tells me that life is precious and that God fashioned (made) each and every one of us. Do I support the right for a woman to choose whether or not she should keep her unborn child even though I would not personally abort my child? This is one test that can be literally applied to one’s own life. Just because I would not commit such an act, doesn’t mean I should support that sin in someone else’s life. That is proving my faith.
  • Know – When Jesus Christ comes to reside within us at the moment of our salvation, we leave the life of sin and enter a life of righteous living through Jesus Christ. We should no longer desire the sinfulness of our old life. Granted, we still live in the same body and will be tempted to continue in some of those old sins. This is where obedience to God’s Word is key. As we obey His Word, we sin less and less. We give up that old life (2 Corinthians 5:17) and live a new life in Christ.

Examine yourselves! See where there’s room for improvement in your walk with Christ, as this self-reflection is absolutely necessary for spiritual growth. The Holy Spirit will guide you in this and He will shed a light on areas that need your attention. If you do not have a desire to examine yourself, something’s wrong, and it may indicate you need to go back to ground zero and check out whether you are actually saved or not. That is exactly the reason Paul told the Corinthians to do so; he understood the challenges they faced in a society far removed from the teachings of Christ. Remember the environment they came from, steeped in sin that could easily sway believers from their path. It’s vital to regularly reassess our lives and align them with the teachings of Christ. Doing so deepens our relationship with Him and our commitment to our faith.

If you have stumbled onto this page and wish to know how to be saved, please follow this link and it will lead you to the Scriptures explaining how you can be saved!

How Personal Is God In Your Life?

On By KateIn Devotionals, Thoughtful ThreadsLeave a comment

(2 Samuel 22:3) The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

(Psalm 18:46) The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.

Today’s devotional is geared toward the Christian who is struggling to make God personal in his life. It’s easy to find Scriptures dealing with verses containing personal pronouns; in fact, a closer examination reveals a wealth of Scriptures waiting to be discovered. All we have to do is a simple Bible software search, which can uncover verses that ring true with our everyday experiences and challenges. In each of the verses you find, you can apply them to yourself and grade your understanding and feeling of God’s presence in your journey. For example, when reflecting on 2 Samuel 22:3, I see how personal this verse can be if I apply it to my life: it serves as a powerful reminder that God is not just some distant figure but an intimate protector and refuge in all of my times of trouble. Each verse that we meditate on can help bridge that gap, allowing us to develop a deeper and more intimate relationship with the Lord. By consciously integrating these Scriptures into our lives, we can have that sense of closeness with God that transforms our daily walk of faith.

  • (2 Samuel 22:3) “The God of my rock; in him will I trust: ” – Is God the rock in my life? Remember the parable that Jesus taught about building your house upon a rock in Matthew 7:24-27? My “religion” or “faith” is wavering if its doctrine is not based on the Scriptures, solely. Anything added to salvation that is not found in the Bible is building your faith’s foundation on the sand. So is God my rock in my spiritual life? This is very personal to me because the firm foundation of the rock gives me assurance that I can trust God with everything the Scriptures reveal to me.
  • “he is my shield” – When I think of a shield, I think of something that protects me from harm. It could be as simple as the windshield in my car; or a shield used in battle: both provide protection. How can God be a personal shield to me? When I am tempted to sin, I can count on God’s Word to help me to overcome it. I bring to my memory Bible verses that I can concentrate on and the temptation to sin is crushed! (Psa 119:11) Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. I may not have the Bible verse to memory, but I can “semi” quote it which God uses. How personal of a God is that??? He provides me with that shield to ward of the enemy’s attacks! It doesn’t get any more personal than that!
  • “the horn of my salvation” – In the Bible, the horn represents strength and power. It is the main defense of any animal that has them. The musical instrument was used as late as the Civil War to call and direct soldiers in battle. Salvation is our only defense (the horn) against losing to the prince of the power of the air! A true born-again believer strives to live life according to Christ’s teachings. In so doing, our salvation keeps us and sustains us as children of the King! We no longer have to give in to sin; we have the horn of salvation that allows us to win the battle over sin!
  • “my high tower” – This happens to be one of my personal favorites. A high tower gives you a vantage point over what is occurring below. God’s Word most definitely contains solutions to every problem ever. When we are armed with Scriptures, we are literally sitting on God’s high tower. We see the enemy’s tactics and can turn to Scripture (or recall it) to help us. How personal is that??? Our God gives us the advantage over the enemy. No other “god” can do that!
  • “my refuge” – When I think of a refuge, I immediately think of a cave, a shelter if you will. If I was on a beach and a terrible storm came in, I would seek shelter in a nearby cave until the storm passed. Think of this for a moment. God can be your personal refuge in life’s storms. I think of Him leaning down, picking me up and holding me securely in His arms, just like the good Father He is. I can seek and find refuge in His Word when I am surrounded by hurt. I find comfort in the precious pages of Psalms. Now that’s a personal God. There is no book ever written that can provide this!
  • “my saviour; thou savest me from violence” – My Saviour, Jesus Christ, does provide me with salvation which in turn saves me from an eternity in Hell! It doesn’t get more personal than that! He is MY Saviour – the One who paid the price for all my sins so that I would not have to pay for them.

If today’s devotional has prompted thoughts about your personal relationship, that’s good! God should be personal in your life. He should be the first one you turn to when you are in need of anything! If you’re struggling with that, then check your head and heart knowledge. Is God simply someone you know about and has been a part of your upbringing? Or is He someone you have come to know through salvation? When a person comes to salvation, there is a change. Christ becomes a part of your everyday life and not just on Sundays. If you have discovered that He is not part of your everyday life, make Him. Check out this link and be sure that you are saved; that’s the most important thing!