To see what is right

“To see what is right and not to do it is want of courage.” Confucius

Is it?

Does the person who clearly understands the correct choice, yet chooses not to act is simply lacking courage?

Or is it something more?

Mark 4:19 KJV — And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

It is through the Word of God we find out what is right and what is wrong.

In Pilgrim’s Progress Christian and Hopeful discuss another man named Temporary.

Hopeful: What reason of his sudden change, and why do others backslide in this way? Christian: That is a good question. What do you think is the reason? Hopeful: In my judgement there are four reasons for it: First, though the conscience of some men is awakened, yet their minds are not changed. So when the feeling of guilt wears off, they naturally turn to their old carnal ways again. They’re guilty conscience causes them to fear hell, and the fear of hell begets their interest in heaven. But when the feeling of guilt is gone, the fear of hell vanishes and they lose their interest in heaven. So they go back to the old life for the fleeting pleasures of the world. Pilgrim’s Progress in today’s English by John Bunyan retold by Jamesh Thomas, Moody Publishers, 1992, pg. 145

Hopeful continues to give the other three reasons: fear of man, pride, hardening of one’s heart.

Not doing what is right,

or doing what is right,

are both choices.

Scripture is clear, we are to do what is right.

Proverbs 3:27 KJV — Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

Not only is it wrong to choose sin, it is as wrong to refrain from following through on what is right.

Doing right, following God’s command to do good is not a seesaw for when we feel like it or reserved for those who do good to us.

We are not to play favorites, but rather do good unto all.

Galatians 6:10 KJV — As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Because Jesus is our example:

Titus 2:14 KJV — Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

For our choices reflect upon our Lord.

Matthew 5:16 KJV — Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

1 Peter 2:12 KJV — Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for the truth and clear outline of right and wrong we find in Your Word. Lord, thank You for living in those things, showing us how to apply Your truth. Lord Jesus, please quicken my heart when I’m in error. Show me my danger that I might not sin against You either by doing wrong or by neglecting to do right. Thank You, Lord. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 KJV Amen.

Truth

God’s Word is truth and we find the answers to life’s questions within.

Psalm 25:5 NKJV — Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.

This leading and being taught by the Lord is a journey.

Psalm 25:10 NKJV — All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.

He’s infinite and we are finite, thus we can be blessed with continually learning from the Lord throughout our days on Earth.

Psalm 33:4 NKJV — For the word of the LORD is right, And all His work is done in truth.

He is God Almighty and He’s given us such an awesome gift in His Word, for through it’s pages are righteousness, truth, and the knowledge of the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Psalm 40:10 NKJV — I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth From the great assembly.

Not only should we enjoy regular time in the Word, we should speak of it with others.

For it is a gift far too precious not share.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your gift of salvation, righteousness, and truth. Lord, please continue to encourage each one of us through the washing of Your Word upon our souls. Lord, help us to be diligent to etch the Word into our hearts, to apply Your standards to our lives, and to encourage those around us to do the same. Thank You for Your wonderous works and Your great love for us. I love Your Word, Lord. Thank You for it. Amen.

Are you ready?

With all the preparation happening, this question came to mind.

But it has nothing to do with Christmas.

Instead, it’s about my heart.

For weeks now the Lord has been challenging me to give up my own ideas and expectations; to come to Him with a heart ready to listen rather than request.

Not that I’m without requests, for it is important to stand before the Lord in prayer for those He places on my heart.

Intercession is about coming before God on behalf of those God leads me to pray for and often I begin with asking the Lord for how He would have me pray.

Which is what He’s been leading me to do in my personal prayer time as well.

To come before Him with humility, acknowledging my sins, open to correction, and willingly laying down my desires.

Because I’m learning how beautiful it is to die to my flesh, to surrender my thoughts, and to adjust my expectations.

It’s not easy, but it’s so good.

Why?

Beginning each day with a heart ready to serve the Lord is the best way I can be ready for my day.

Choosing not to start with telling Him all my plans, but rather asking Him for His.

Am I ready?

Are you?

Romans 12:1-2KJV — I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for teaching me continually through Your scriptures. Please continue to train my heart to be ready for Your service, walking in humility, quick to listen and slow to speak. Lord, thank You for using my circumstances yesterday to show me a place in my heart which wasn’t ready to serve You, but was still stubbornly clinging to what I wanted. Lord, thank You for reminding me that I have no idea what is best for me and I have often wanted things which were not what was good for me. Lord, please keep me from living in rebellion to You and Your Word. Place a hedge of protection around my heart that I might not fall into sin, but rather be transformed by Your Word. Lord Jesus, Your ways are perfect. Your truth is amazing. Your salvation is proof of Your incredible love. Thank You. My heart is Yours. Whatever comes today, may I be Your faithful servant. In Your name, Jesus, I request these things. Amen.

When it’s most needed

Why do I lean towards putting off my time in the Word of God in the busy seasons?

For it is the time it’s most needed in my life.

For it is in my efforts to “get it all done” I can slip into sin rather than waiting upon the Lord.

This week I’ve found myself struggling to stay focused and realized I need more time in God’s Word.

In prayer I’ve asked God to use my life for His glory.

1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV — Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

My responsibility is to be attentive to His Holy Spirit, walking in His leading.

I’ve asked God to heal my heart from things in the past.

John 14:21 NKJV — “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

In return, I must surrender everything to Him, forgiving and loving as He does.

I’ve asked God to build my faith.

Romans 10:17 NKJV — So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

I must spend daily time in God’s Word, and not be hurried in it, but take my time to listen to what God is saying.

When I have the least amount of time to study and pray is when it’s the most needed and therefore the should be the top of every “To do” list.

Psalm 5:3 KJV — My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for reminding me of the value of Your Word. Thank You for bringing me to the understanding that nothing is more important than my time with You. Lord, please continue to hone my heart and walk me forward into Your will each day. Lord, please continue to teach me how to quiet myself before You, listening to what You are saying through Your Word. Lord, please continue to help me be patient, slow to speak and quick to listen. Lord, please continue to teach each one of us Your truths daily. May our lives be a continual blessing to You, bringing You praise, honor, and glory. I love You, Jesus. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Preparing for Christmas

1 Peter 3:15 KJV — But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

I’ve been struck by these words often of late.

When preparing for the holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas, I’ve not always thought to prepare my heart to the same degree in which I prepare the meal.

This I state to my shame, but am thankful for the Lord’s correction.

Thus, for the days leading up to Christmas, I’ll be focusing upon preparing my heart to celebrate the birth of my Savior.

Not neglecting the preparations of food and hone, but rather looking at these things as an out pouring of my heart’s desire to bring glory to God and gratitude for the greatest gift: salvation.

Psalm 30:12 KJV — To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your precious sacrifice and gift of salvation. Thank You for the gift of life eternal through Your redemption. Please make my heart ready to set apart myself for You in a special way as I celebrate the blessings You have given. Please place Your Word in my heart and may my lips sing Your praises continually. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

Build your faith

Romans 10:17 KJV — So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

How do we build our faith?

Through God’s Word.

Jesus told a parable which helps us understand this truth of building one’s faith.

And when a great multitude had gathered, and they had come to Him from every city, He spoke by a parable: “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold.” When He had said these things He cried, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
Luke 8:4‭-‬8 NKJV

The disciples were unsure of the meaning and asked Jesus for the interruption.

And when a great multitude had gathered, and they had come to Him from every city, He spoke by a parable: Then His disciples asked Him, saying, “What does this parable mean?” And He said, “To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in parables, that ‘Seeing they may not see, And hearing they may not understand.’ “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.
Luke 8:4‭, ‬9‭-‬15 NKJV

How the seed, Word of God, is accepted and allowed to grow is different per the individual.

God’s Word guides us in how to live for Him.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
John 14:6 NKJV

It warms us of the snares of the enemy.

1 Peter 5:8 KJV — Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

1 Peter 5:9 NKJV — Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

Scripture instructs us how to cut down the thorns of the sinful nature, which wants to crowd out room in our lives for God and His Word.

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.
Ephesians 5:15‭-‬21 NKJV

The Bible gives us clear direction in how to live fruitful lives.

You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
John 15:3‭-‬8 NKJV

May we purpose to build our faith through time in God’s Word applying it continually to our thoughts, our actions, and our attitudes.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your scriptures! Please help each one of us to walk daily abiding in You and applying Your Word to our lives. Lord, please open our understanding of Your Word, continue to instruct us through Your Holy Spirit, washing our hearts daily with scripture. Lord, unto You alone do I want to live. Unto Your precepts do I want to be faithful. Lord, please build my faith today that I might bear a life of fruitfulness for You. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.

Wheelbarrow

This wheelbarrow was a gift from my husband a few years ago.

One might think it a strange thing to give, but I was thrilled to receive it.

I’d been hauling things in five gallon buckets since our last wheelbarrow broke beyond repair.

We’d been doing some digging in our yard and had uncovered so many rocks.

If you can imagine the time and effort it was requiring for me to move rocks with a five gallon bucket, you should have an understanding of the blessing of a wheelbarrow.

I’m even more thankful for it here as I clean out pens or cages and haul the refuse to the compost or into the garden.

A wheelbarrow is a simple tool which makes my life easier everyday and I’m so thankful to both my husband and the Lord for His provision.

As I was thinking about the blessings of being able to use my wheelbarrow it occurred to me that it’s such a blessing because I use it.

If I were to ignore the benefits of using it and continued to haul everything in five gallon buckets, I’d not appreciate the gift.

But it’s ridiculous to try to use five gallon buckets to move soiled hay or manure when the wheelbarrow is available.

God’s Word, salvation, and the Holy Spirit are the most incredible gifts.

Yet, how easy is it for us to return to the “old ways” of doing things rather than avail ourselves of these precious gifts?

For those who have yet to believe in the Lord Jesus as their Savior, they are missing the most important gift anyone was ever offended: forgiveness from sin.

For those who believe and have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, if they are not in the Word their maturing in Christ will be extremely slow and difficult, for without the Word their spirit is starving.

For those who have both believed and are in the Word, it is folly to ignore the Holy Spirit and His place in our lives, for He was sent to Comfort and convict of sin, righteousness, and judgement.

John 16:7-8 NKJV — “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. “And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

To be truly grateful for these gifts of God we must regularly be recognizing the importance of each and diligent in our application of God’s blessings.

If I never used my wheelbarrow I’d not be blessed by the benefits it offers to my day.

As a believer if I forget the sacrifice of my Lord Jesus, or put off time in His Word, or grieve the Holy Spirit by choosing to live counter to the Word, I’m missing the incredible blessings God has bestowed.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for salvation. Thank You for sending the Holy Spirit. Lord, please continue to hone my heart that I might not forget these glorious blessings in my life. Lord, cut down anything that might eat away my time and waste my attention. Lord, please reveal my heart, that when I fall into sin I’m might repent of it quickly. Lord, please continue to grow my through Your Word and direct me. Thank You for teaching me so much. Thank You for Your wonderful gifts! I love You, Lord. Amen.

Train up a child

The enthusiasm of our grandchildren having preschool at our house is such a joy.

When Bubba found something green in the kitchen he gladly pointed it out multiple times stating proudly, “Green one!”.

When Faye discovered my socks were the color she was searching for (blue) she excitedly pointed, shouted the color, jumped up and down while clapping her hands.

Scripture is clear that we as parents and grandparents are to train our children.

They are not always excited about that training, but our responsibility is equal whether teaching something they enjoy or not.

God never intended us to “guess” what was the best things to teach, He gave us a guide.

We should revere God and teach our children to do so.

Proverbs 1:7 NKJV — The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

We should be reading, studying, memorizing, and applying God’s Word to our lives as well as using it for the foundation of all we train our children in.

Proverbs 30:5 KJV — Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Hebrews 4:12 NKJV — For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

As parents, we should avoid using anger as our motivation for obedience, for even young children resent being bullied into action.

Ephesians 6:4 NKJV — And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

Rather, we should train them to honor God and the authority God has placed over them, steeping our attitudes and actions in the reality of the value each person has before God, every single one so precious that He died for them.

Romans 5:8 KJV — But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

There are more instructions for parents within the scriptures and it’s both our pleasure and responsibility to seek God’s guidance as we train up the children He has placed in our families.

Proverbs 22:6 NKJV — Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

Clearly, the way we should go and train our children to follow is the one Jesus opened to us through His sacrifice and resurrection.

Matthew 7:14 KJV — Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your gift of Your Word. Thank You for children. Lord, please help each one of us to apply Your Word and Your truth daily. Thank You for how You have given us all we need in scripture, especially the instruction to train our children in Your ways. Lord, You are the One who not only created us, You understand us completely, You died to save us from our rebellion against You. Lord, thank You for Your gift of salvation. What an awesome God You are! Thank You for the opportunity to raise up others in the training and admonition of the Lord. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

Faith in the Word

Our family watched a movie called Play the Flute last night.

I’ve seen it before, but it was the first time our son had seen it.

When it was over we discussed it and something he said stuck with me.

“It’s about having faith in the Word of God.”

He went on to say he knew others who didn’t have that faith.

We discussed the importance of God’s Word as well as the costly price just to have it in our language.

I told him about William Tyndale and his passion for the Word.

As our conversation drew to a close, my heart was challenged.

Do I revere God’s Word as I should?

Am I passionate about it?

Have I given it the time and attention which something so profound deserves?

I feel there’s room for improvement.

Not only do I want to study, memorize, and meditate upon God’s Word, I want to apply it.

I want to seek answers from God’s Word, looking to Him for my plans, the standards I set, the measure I use.

If someone was to ask me if I believe the Bible, I’d respond quickly with a harty “Yes!”.

However, I know, I don’t always respond to God’s Word with that same quick “Yes!”.

I want to, but I’m still learning how to surrender myself before God in all things.

Things like:

Trusting God completely with our children, that He is using all things in their lives for good.

When suffering in one form or another, giving God praise and seeking His will for the circumstance.

Am I willing to surrender everything before God, including my physical abilities?

In my heart I have assurance that the Bible is God’s Word and I can rest in its truths to guide and direct.

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Luke 9:23 KJV

I’m still learning how to put these truths into practice; still learning how to die to my flesh.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for the wonderful gift of Your scriptures. Lord, thank You for showing me the error of my ways, where I need to have faith in Your Word and walk bearing my cross with joy. Lord Jesus, thank you for your patience with me, a slow learner. Please continue to hone my heart and help me see the areas that I need to surrender to You. Lord, thank You for Your truth and the many people who have given so much to translate the Bible throughout the Earth. Lord, thank You for teaching me to love Your Word and to hide it in my heart. I’m so grateful for Your promises and the blessings which come from applying the scriptures. Lord Jesus, I am picking up my cross today and following You, for there is no other way to Heaven and a fruitful life here on Earth. Thank You! Amen.

How do you deal with mistakes?

This morning I was in the garden briefly and noticed one these beauties laying on the ground.

I found a stake and tried to put it in the dirt, but it was way too dry.

I got the hose and watered the area then set the stake in.

As I gently lifted the plant my hold slipped.

Crack-snap!

I’d broken the plant clean off at the base!

“Oh no!” I exclaimed, but no one was around to hear it.

I felt like crying, but realized my best response would be to gather the flowers from the plant and thank God.

Maybe it sounds strange to be thankful to God at a moment when I just ruined something He gave me, but I’ve been asking the Lord to help me learn to have a thankful attitude.

Here was my chance.

And there is much to be thankful for.

How I handle myself when I’ve made a mistake speaks loudly to the condition of my heart.

Especially, if it’s something small and no one is around.

Luke 19:17 KJV — And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

God has been working on my heart a lot this past week through a variety of circumstances and His Word.

(It’s been a difficult journey.)

Challenging me to step up to His standards more fully.

Praise God continually.

Philippians 4:4 NKJV — Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

Submit myself daily before Him, including my schedule.

Proverbs 3:5 KJV — Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Don’t worry, and always bring requests before the Lord with a grateful heart.

Philippians 4:6 NKJV — Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Be humble.

James 4:10 KJV — Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

The Word of God is true and should be applied daily to our lives.

For through it we can see a more accurate picture of ourselves and what God is calling us to.

Personally, it was a struggle to realize I needed to revisit truths I know and to humble myself before God and people.

Yet, through the submission came incredible blessing, and I can testify to the goodness of God.

It’s one of the wonders of God’s Word, how it can be so familiar, yet still teach something new, still unearth something hidden inside our hearts, and still bring us closer to Our Heavenly Father.

No matter how much we know about the Lord, there is always more to learn and more to apply, for this is a journey.

But the path of the just is as the shining light, That shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
Proverbs 4:18 KJV

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for this past week and the difficulties You used to teach me and deal with me. Lord, thank You for holding me in Your hand and walking with me through this. Lord, thank You for helping me see that through humility I find clarity. When I’m proud in any area, I’m going to struggle with total surrender. Lord, thank You for bringing these things to my attention. Thank You for surrounding me those those who love me through my struggles and encourage me to do what is right. Lord, thank You for Your Word which teaches me so much. I love You, Jesus. May my life bring glory to Your name. Amen.