Who Knows You?

I've been working through a bible study recently, and read the following verse as part of the study.  This verse was not the point of that lesson, but it sure got me attention!!  I love when the Lord gives me things just for me! I shared this with my friend in an email....

 

In my quiet time this morning I was reading in 2 Timothy 3.  Verse 10 & 11 really slapped me in the face....

 

"But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me."

 

Paul is talking to Timothy and it struck me that he tells him, you KNOW what I teach...you KNOW my "manner of life" (how I handle things that come my way)...you KNOW my purpose (wow!  most people don't know their own purpose, but Paul says even Timothy knows what his purpose is - to preach the gospel & glorify God)...you KNOW my faith (you know who I believe in!)...you KNOW my longsuffering and love and patience...and he links all this to the persecutions and afflictions...

 

and I'm thinking, wow.  Paul was just a sinner saved by grace like me...but I don't think I'd want to point out to those closest to me these things in MY life because I know they'd think of the times I've failed and criticized others and complained about others or circumstances...and yet Paul wasn't bragging, he was confident - confident that even though he wasn't perfect or sinless, that his overall testimony was such that he could remind Timothy that he could look to Paul's life as an example!  So, that got me thinking...if I can't do the same thing, than why not?  Paul wasn't super-human.  What changes need to be made in MY life so that I could give the same testimony??

 

Uh.  I could have spent all morning in that chair, alone with the Lord.  It was very convicting!!  :)  

 *****************************************************************************

If you don't get anything out of your bible reading, I would suggest the following:

• Open your bible, but not randomly.  If you don't know where to start, start in Proverbs.  If today is the 25th of the month, read Proverbs 25.
• Before you read, ask the Lord to show you exactly what YOU need to see in His Word today.  "Lord, help me to read your word; help me to see your truth - the truth you have for ME this today."
• Don't get overwhelmed.  If an entire chapter seems like a lot, then just read the first 3-4 verses - just don't stop in the middle of a thought.
• Pray about what you just read.  Ask yourself what is God trying to tell you - is he making a promise?  bringing to mind some sin in your life?  asking you to obey a command that he is giving?
• Ask God to help you see the opportunities to use what he's taught you as you go through your day.

What Will You Change in 2013?

Its only the Saturday before Christmas - the New Year is still over a week away - but already I am thinking about the next year and what the Lord will bring/allow into my life.  As I was thinking on Him earlier today, it occurred to me that many of us will make "resolutions" - things like losing weight, stopping smoking, starting an exercise routine...perhaps, some of us will even make some "spiritual" resolutions...I'll be a better (more bold) witness, I'll go out on visitation, read thru the Bible in a year, have my devotions every day...

Do any of those sound familiar?  Have I triggered some ideas? As a born again, saved by grace believer, what are your goals for the new year?  I think one of the most common desires for many Christians is be faithful in their daily devotions, or "quiet time."  And yet, this is consistently one of the most difficult aspects of the Christian life to maintain!

Daily time with our Lord and Savior is, indeed, a worthy goal; in fact, doing so will bring us success!  Joshua 1:8 says, "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."  Not success as the world defines it, but success in the Christian life - which means to become more and more like Christ.

Worthiness aside, the daily nuts & bolts of accomplishing that goal are still a struggle for many of us.  When I came across the information below, I thought it would be worth sharing with you - but I want to be careful to point out that this is not original with me, and is taken from the book, Homework Manual for Biblical Living, by Wayne Mack.  If you're struggling with your quiet time - whether you need to start, need to ramp it up, or just need some variety, this may be of help to you.  Merry Christmas!  :)

DEVOTIONS[i]

How to Have a Quiet Time

What is a “Quiet Time”?

            A “Quiet Time” is a time of direct contact between your mind and God’s, using the Bible and prayer.  It is a time of dedication, cleansing, instruction, strengthening, and delight.

            Bible study and prayer are not simply for our sake.  God deeply desires our fellowship and worship – it gives Him joy and pleasure!  If you’re not moved by this fact, you have not understood it.

            Communication with God must be daily (Joshua 1:8-9).  To know God (not just to know about God) is the goal.  How we pray, delight, and think on God is the only true measure of whether our relationship with Him is alive (John 15:4).  God bought (in blood) personal access to His presence with us.  Even Abraham and Moses did not have this.  (2 Corinthians 3:12-18; Matthew 27:51).  Moses was denied (Ex.33:18, 20; 2 Cor. 4:6) that which we may have each morning (John 4:21-23).

            The maintaining of a daily quiet time is perhaps the most consistently difficult duty of the Christian life.  Its difficulty is a humbling reminder of our lack of commitment to Him.  It is an unalterable principle, however, that a quiet time is necessary for Christian growth and obedience.

What are the Goals of a Quite Time?
1.  First, worship - to get to know Him, to be humbled by His holiness, comforted by His love, strengthened by his presence.

2.  Second, change - to root out sins and establish biblical attitudes and actions in your life.

How do I have a Quiet Time?
1. First, meet God.  Still your heart, ask for His presence, concentrate.  You may wish to praise Him a bit with a psalm to "warm up" your heart.  Take a psalm and look for things to praise Him for.

2. Secondly, listen to God by reading a passage from His Word.  Don't chose more than a chapter!  Read it carefully, reverently, intelligently; read it more than once.  Pick out what you think is the central thought of the passage.  Record that thought and/or some truth that has struck you, in your own words.  Then determine what God's message is for you.  Is there:

• a promise to claim?
• a sin to confess?
• a command to obey?
• an example to follow?
• an error to avoid?
• a new thought about God?

Once this is determined, record it, and think of some way to practice or act upon the message if possible.

3. Thirdly, talk to God through prayer. The elements of prayer are:

• Praise & thanksgiving.  Be specific.  Search your life and mind for things to thank Him for and then praise Him for.  ("Thank you for letting me lose that contest!  I see how wise you are - it would have been bad for me!  Thank you for forgiving me after the way I acted yesterday; how merciful you are!")
• Confession.  Search your life for sins committed since yesterday.  Search for good deeds you avoided doing as well.  Ask for cleansing, and then thank Him for his full forgiveness through Christ's blood.
• Requests for self & others.  Be specific. Unload your burdens and pour out your feelings.  Also make a list of things to pray about for family and friends.  Use the list daily to pray.

How can I get started?

Make a contract right now to begin a daily quiet time.  Be consistent in time and place.  Start with about 20 minutes.  It should be unhurried.  The place for it should be quiet.  Morning is ideal.

Use a notebook and/or a “Quiet Time Sheet”.  Expect dry periods!  That’s no excuse for stopping.  Change your format, or the book of the bible you are reading, every so often to avoid stagnation.

Share what you are learning in your quiet time with other Christians.

---

[i] Developed by Pastor Timothy Keller

From the book, Homework Manual for Biblical Living, pp.63-65

By Wayne Mack

Note from Tammy:  Just a point - under "Confession" above, it says to "search your life for sins committed since yesterday" because the author is assuming you had quiet time yesterday!  If it's been longer than that - or if there is some sin that you have never confessed and forsaken - by all means, bring it to the Lord!

Also, if you would like a sample of the the "Quiet Time Sheet", send me a Facebook message!  :)

                                                                               

Quiet Time Sheet

(See “How to Have a Quiet Time”)

Date________________________

1.      Meet God.

2.      Listen to God.  Passage read _____________________________________________

a.       Best things I noticed today:

Reference:________________________

The thought in my own words:

b.      How it applies to me:

Reference:________________________

The truth to apply:

My plan:

3.      Talk to God.

Praise & Thanksgiving                                   Confession                          Requests for self & others

__________________________        _________________________    ________________________

__________________________        _________________________    ________________________

__________________________        _________________________    ________________________

__________________________        _________________________    ________________________

__________________________        _________________________    ________________________

__________________________        _________________________    ________________________

__________________________        _________________________    ________________________

__________________________        _________________________    ________________________

__________________________        _________________________    ________________________

__________________________        _________________________    ________________________

Who Are You?

In so many areas of our lives we walk a fine line between desiring to "fit in" and yet to "stand out". Between "being noticed" and yet not being "weird". Between being "uniquely individual" and being alone.

If I am a Vikings fan, I wear purple. A Memphis fan wears blue. I do not wear green & yellow or crimson red - I wear colors that identify me with my team.

As a Christian - which means "little Christ" or "Christ-like", I want to be identified with Christ. And while there may not be a particular color that would indentify me as such, certainly the way I dress does - ie, if my clothing highlights body parts instead of me as a person, others are going to be distracted by the body parts - they certainly will not see Jesus living in me! And not only the outward appearance, but also what I say, how I act, where I go...all these things identify me.

A Vikings fan does not brag about Green Bay's defense. A Christian should not be using foul language. A Vikings fan does not hang out at the Green Bay practice field, seeking autographs from the players; a Christian does not hang out with unbelievers, seeking their approval & desiring to be like them. A Vikings fan cheers for their own team; a Christian is excited to talk about Jesus.

In a world where we exalt the individual, where we strive to be unique, Christians have chosen to blend with the crowd. I challenge you today to let others know who you really are and to let them see Jesus in you. I WANT to be know as a Christian; I WANT others to know what Jesus did for me.

Eternity is a certainty for all of us. You just have to decide which side you will be identified with.

What Will You Do With What You Have?

Have you ever heard someone say that they were going to "wait until they could afford it" to have a baby?  Those of us who have children know that that day never comes!  :) 


But often times we do the same thing with the Lord.  "Lord, I'll serve you when my children get a little older..."  "I'll serve you when I pay off this one last school loan..."  "when I finish college..."  "when we get a bigger house and can have more people over..."  "when I feel more comfortable with (insert obstacle here)..."


God doesn't want us to wait.  He has given us EVERYTHING we need to accomplish the things HE wants us to do...notice I didn't say the things WE want to do (necessarily), but what HE wants us to do.


Don't wait for the "perfect" timing, situation, setting, circumstance - do what God wants you to do - TODAY!

For my children...

I cease not "to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hat made us meet (qualified us) to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son; (delivered us from the authority of Satan to that of Christ) in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins." Colossians 1:9-14

I love you guys and pray for you daily.  God is at work!  Listen...

Love,
Mom

Are You a Scholar?

I once heard a pastor make this statement: “I’ve heard people say, 'Well, I’m no bible scholar'.  My question back to them is:  why not??”

A scholar is defined as “a person who has done advanced study in a special field.”  Ponder this for a moment. When did we get the idea that being a bible “scholar” was only for those in full-time ministry? Or for those who have been to seminary? Do we really believe God would save us, give us His Word, and then make it all too hard for us to understand? Do we really believe God’s design is to give us this huge puzzle to figure out, which includes His will for our lives and the meaning of His Word? Really?

My grandfather used to tell me that anything worth having is worth working for. Is knowing and understanding God’s Word and God’s Will worth having? Is it worth working for? I think so. This knowledge, this understanding DOES require time and effort and desire (i.e., “study”)…but I don’t believe it’s some mystical puzzle that only a select few will be privileged to solve. God desires each and every one of us to know Him (which we can only do through his word).

And consider this: since all knowledge comes FROM God, is he not then able to give us that knowledge and understanding in spite of what man calls our “intellect”? Whether a Harvard graduate with multiple degrees or the simplest laborer with only a grade-school education, God’s Holy Spirit is able to enlighten our understanding – to believe otherwise is to deny the infallibility of God’s Holy Word, and therefore God himself.

Every one of us ought to be a bible “scholar”.   Don’t make “studying God’s Word” just another New Year’s Resolution – make it a daily choice.  No more excuses – what’s keeping you from it??

Walking in the Spirit...what does that MEAN??

It sounds so good, so righteous, so "spiritual" to say to one another, "Walk in the Spirit!" or "Walk in the ways of the Lord!" or "Walk honestly!" or "Put on Jesus!"...

But what does that look like in real life?  on a typical day for me? for you?

Let's try this...

The alarm goes off.  You stumble, bleary-eyed to the restroom.  Find your robe; go wake up the kids - who, by the way, are old enough to get up by themselves to their own alarms, but don't - you head to the kitchen.  Maybe you make breakfast or coffee; maybe you make lunches or find lunch money and set it out for each child.  Maybe you just get your own coffee and everyone else is on their own...

If your hubby has an office job, he may breeze past you on his way out the door with a peck on the cheek - to which you respond with a bleary-eyed grunt.  Or maybe he works an early morning shift and is already gone, (as evidenced by the dregs of coffee in the bottom of the cup on counter) or maybe he's just coming home from the night shift and ignores you completely as he heads directly for the shower and bed...

The kids have yet to appear and its time to go.  You holler for them to get moving, and in a flurry of activity, they fly past you shouting, "Bye, Mom!" as they sprint out the door to catch the bus, or their ride, or to catch up with their friends on the walk to school.

At some point, you realize the tv was turned on and the voices you now hear are coming from that box in the other room, not your head.  You decide it's probably time to get a move on yourself - maybe you need to get ready for work or at least ready for the day, so you head to the shower...

An hour later, you're in the car, muttering under your breath about the lil' old man who just pulled out in front of you, effectively boxing you in at 10 miles below the speed limit.  The lady in the car next to you is talking on the phone, applying mascara, AND smoking a cigarette - you keep a leery eye on her while wondering why the guy on the other side of you feels compelled to "share" his mind-jarring rap music with the entire world at 7:30 in the morning...

By the time you get to work, you wonder if they've changed the driver's licensing requirements in your state to say you MUST have absolutely NO knowledge of common sense road rules, to say nothing of common courtesy or knowledge of what decibel levels cause brain damage.  You find a message on your desk from a high-maintenance client who has already called this morning and you're beginning to wish you could contract the flu so you'd have a legitimate reason to go back home and pull the covers over your head...

Uh - so, where was the Spirit in THAT scenario?  Let's re-wind...

Your alarm goes off.  You stumble, bleary-eyed, to the restroom, grab your robe, and head to the kitchen.  "Lord, help me wake up!  I'm soooo not ready for morning!"  You start the coffee and grab your bible.  You find a quiet spot - shouldn't be hard because you're up before everyone else.  You've been reading the book of Ephesians.  You find where you left off, read a few more verses; think about what God is telling you through his Word; what he wants you to learn.

Your prayer time is filled with praise and thanksgiving to the Lord.  You petition the Lord for wisdom, discernment, godliness; you pray for the kids, your husband, the ladies in your church, your pastor and pastor's wife...

Now it's time for the rest of the household to rise.  You still have to get the kids up - but you realize this routine really needs to change and you make a mental note to discuss this with their dad. 

As they leave, you give each one a hug & a kiss.  Tell them you're praying for them today.  Turn the tv off and put on some godly music as you get ready for work, dressing with care.  Drive to work, praying for the idiots - er, lost people - all around you as you drive.  You pray for the high-maintenance client before you return their phone call, and pray that God will give you a sweet spirit, so that HE will shine through to that person, even over the phone.

See, the circumstances didn't change - but YOU did.  Because of God's grace.  Because you took the time to put on the armour of God, to bathe yourself in God's Word, to surrender to the Spirit.  To see others as God sees them.  You have "walked in the Spirit".

It's not really all about us.  It's about the Lord.  Get your eyes off yourself - it's not, "How can I do this?", but "Am I letting God do this?"

~Tammy