The Nearness of God

"Whom have I in heaven but You?
And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
For, behold, those who are far from You will perish;
You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You.
But as for me, the nearness of God is my good;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
That I may tell of all Your works."
Psalm 73:25-28

-Posted by Leah

Wholly Devoted

“Let your heart therefore be wholly devoted to the LORD our God, to walk in His statutes and to keep His commandments, as it is this day.” 1 Kings 8:61

As I was reading my Bible yesterday morning, this particular verse spoke to my heart . . . specifically the phrase “wholly devoted”. I pulled out our dictionary and looked at the definitions of these words and found that:

Devoted means to be: Solemnly set apart or dedicated; consecrated

Devote means: To give up wholly; to direct the attention wholly or chiefly

Wholly means: 1) Entirely; completely; perfectly 2) Totally; in all parts or kinds

How convicting the above verse and the definition of the words therein are! Our lives should have this one purpose: to be completely given to loving and obeying our great and holy God and through this, to bring glory and praise to His name . . . in all things having a life consecrated to Him for His use.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

*All definitions taken from Noah Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language

*Upon further study, the phrase “wholly devoted” was found to be the NASB’s translation in this particular verse of the Hebrew word ‘shalem’ (Strongs 8003) which means full, complete, whole, perfect. This word in the KJV and ASV is translated as: “perfect” in 1 Kings 8:61. In essence, it is to be perfect and complete with the Lord, blameless. This defining serves to deepen and broaden the implications meant in “wholly devoted”.

-Posted by Sarah

Love - Part 14: Endures All Things

“Love . . . endures all things”

1 Corinthians 13:7

Here is the last of the “all things” phrases. And this one focuses upon our response to outward circumstances. Endurance. 

The Greek word from which “endures” is translated is hupomeno, and as used here in 1 Corinthians 13, it means "to bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere" (taken from Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance). Vines Expository Dictionary states that this “hupomeno” denotes “to abide under, to bear up courageously” (under suffering).

The majority of verses that use this word 'hupomeno', refer to endurance being the mark of a follower of Christ and endurance in response to sufferings. Such is seen in a verse in Hebrews where the believers had “endured a great conflict of sufferings” (Hebrews 10:32). 

In the letter to the Romans, Paul encouraged them to “Be . . . rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,” (Romans 12:10, 12).

But why is endurance important? Our human nature is to buckle and break under adversity and persecution; to give in so that the pressure against us will cease. Why would we want to endure? First of all, the Lord has instructed us to. For that reason alone, out of our love for our God, we should strive to endure whatever circumstances He allows into our lives. 

As we endure, this also finds favor with God . . . it is pleasing to Him: “For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God” (1 Peter 2:20).

The Lord has also promised that “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12).

As believers in Christ, we are guaranteed persecution: “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12; see also John 15:20 and Acts 14:22). This persecution is something that we can know will come upon us as we walk in obedience to our Lord. Knowing this, we can decide even now how we will respond. Will we endure? Or compromise? Will the endurance be with joy and patience? Or will we grumble and complain?

In Scripture, we are given so many encouraging and convicting examples of those who persevered and endured under trial. Paul for example shares that he was:

 “beaten times without number, often in danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches” (2 Corinthians 11:23b-27). 

Wow, that is quite a list of things to endure and to have weighing on ones’ mind! Yet what was Paul’s response to all of these? He counted all things as loss for Christ (Philippians 3:7-8) and stated that he was “well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake;” (2 Corinthians 12:10a). 

With this heart, Paul was able to declare: “. . . I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.” (2 Timothy 2:10)

Paul is an excellent example of one who endured much adversity. Another is found in the life of a man whom James makes mention of in his letter: “We count those blessed who have endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful” (James 5:11).

The list of things that Job endured is quite impressive:

--The loss of his livestock (Job 1:13-17)

--The loss of many of his servants (Job 1:13-17)

--The loss of his physical wealth (Job 1:13-17)

--The loss of his sons and daughters (Job 1:18-19)

--Rejection and derision by family, intimate friends, servants, strangers (Job 19:13-19)

--Sore boils over his entire body (Job 2:7)

--His flesh clothed with worms and a crust of dirt (Job 7:5)

--The anger and rejection of his wife (Job 2:9-10, 19:17) 

--The condemnation of his friends (Job 16:20 and seen throughout the book of Job)

--He was a taunt and a byword (Job 30:9)

--Spit at and abhorred (Job 30:10)

--Burned with fever (Job 30:30)

Job was rejected by all those whom he loved and held dear, had extreme physical pain and illness, had lost his physical wealth . . . yet, he endured.

The last phrase of verse 11 in James chapter 5 (quoted above) is the encouragement that can help us to likewise endure: “You . . . have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.” 

Through whatever circumstances the Lord allows into our lives, He is all-loving, all-compassionate, all-merciful, and He is right there with us (Matthew 28:20). He is upholding us in His righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10). He is our strength, our rock, our refuge (Psalm 62:6-8) . . . our ever present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).

It is through Him and the strength that He alone provides, that we can love through enduring. That we can bear up under trials courageously, giving praise and glory to the Lord through the trials as we trust in Him.

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3)

-Posted by Sarah

A Living Sacrifice

"Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:1-2

Love - Part 13: Hopes All Things

“Love . . . hopes all things”

1 Corinthians 13:7

“Hopes”, as used in this particular verse, is translated from the Greek word ‘Elpizo’ (Strongs 1679) and it means:

1. to hope

a. in a religious sense, to wait for salvation with joy and full confidence

2. hopefully to trust in

(definition taken from our computer concordance).

This word, “hope” (elpizo) is also defined through Scripture itself: 

“For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it” 

(Romans 8:24-25; emphasis added). 

Hope is in something that we cannot see; generally in reference to something futuristic.

There are many verses in Scripture that use this same word “elpizo”, translated as “hope” here in 1 Corinthians 13:7, with many of them in reference to hoping for some future event to take place such as Herod hoping to see a miracle (Luke 23:8), John hoping to come to those whom he addressed in 2 John (2 John 12), and the Israelites hoping that Christ was the one who was going to redeem Israel (Luke 24:21).

For a believer in and follower of Jesus Christ, this 'hoping' in something is clarified by Paul in 1 Corinthians 16:7: “For I do not wish to see you now just in passing; for I hope to remain with you for some time, if the Lord permits” (emphasis added). There is the qualifier for what is hoped in. If the Lord permits . . . if the Lord wills. Paul is hoping for something, but only if the Lord should allow it to take place. His hope is in submission to the will of the Lord.

Just as shared in the previous post on believing all things, our hoping of all things must be in accordance with God’s Word firstly, and then be submitted to His will. Below is a section taken from Love – Part 12: Believes All Things as it ties in closely with this particular aspect of love:

Sometimes in Scripture (though, by far the minority), this word “all” does not mean to be inclusive of every single thing (individually), but to some of all types (collectively). For example: 

“God looked on the earth, and behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth” (Genesis 6:12). Had all flesh (each, every, in whole not in part) corrupted their way? Only a few verses prior it is stated that “Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his time, Noah walked with God” (Genesis 6:9). We see that the ‘all’ does not include the righteous man Noah.

And: 

“To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). Did Paul become a murderer to the murderers? A thief to the thieves? Obviously not. One must read this “all things” in context to find what indeed is being referred to.

The qualifier of what our hope should be in, what this "all things" is referring to, is in the fact of whether or not the thing hoped for is in accordance with the Lord, His Word and His will for our lives. We obviously cannot know what the Lord’s will is in every aspect of our lives, but our hearts’ response should be as that of Paul: If the Lord permits.

Ultimately, where should our hope be placed?

“Now she who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day” (1 Timothy 5:5; similar verses are found in 1 Timothy 4:10 and 6:17; emphasis added).

“For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands . . .” (1 Peter 3:5; emphasis added).

As believers in Christ, we are commanded to:

“. . . fix [our] hope completely on the grace to be brought to [us] at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13; emphasis added).

Our hope should be fixed upon God, and then our hope for futuristic events such as hoping to see or visit someone; hoping that a friend, sibling, or relative will change their course of living; hoping for the success and achievements of others; hoping to marry; hoping to teach; hoping to or for anything . . . these should all be in submission to the Lord’s will for our lives.

As the old hymn says:

My hope is built on nothing less,

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness

I dare not trust the sweetest frame

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name!

When darkness veils His lovely face,

I rest on His unchanging grace;

In every high and stormy gale

My anchor holds within the veil.

(Words taken from the hymn “The Solid Rock” by Edward Mote)

“Indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope.” (2 Corinthians 1:10)

-Posted by Sarah

Love - Part 12: Believes All Things

“Love . . . believes all things”

1 Corinthians 13:7

Of all the aspects of love, this one seems that it would be the one to be misunderstood and misapplied the most. In that, one could take it as meaning to be tolerant and accepting of sin, false doctrine, and any other manner of thing that is contrary to God’s Word. But as in Scripture the Lord clearly delineates between what a follower of Christ should believe and what they should not, we can understand that this is not the context of this verse. 

Proverbs 14:15 further supports this as it states that “The naïve believes everything, but the sensible man considers his steps.” We are to not be naïve, but to be sensible, examining everything to see if it is in accordance with God’s Word (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, 2 Corinthians 13:4, 1 John 4:1, 1 Corinthians 11:28). 

This brings us to the question of “what then does it mean to believe all things?” Is all not really all?

First, let us do a little breakdown on the words used in this phrase:

--“Believes” - Greek word ‘Pisteuo’ (Strong # 4100)

According to Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, ‘pisteuo’ is in part “to think to be true; to be persuaded of; to credit, place confidence in”. This word ‘pisteuo’ encompasses many different aspects of the life of a follower of Christ including firstly, believing in Christ as Lord and Savior. Thus, this “believes” is without doubt; and is full, complete trust and acceptance.

--“all things” Greek word ‘pas’ (Strong # 3956)

1. individually

      a. each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything

2 collectively

      a. some of all types

(Definition taken from our computer concordance)

Sometimes in Scripture (though, by far the minority), this word “all” does not mean to be inclusive of every single thing (individually), but to some of all types (collectively). For example:

“God looked on the earth, and behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth” (Genesis 6:12). Had all flesh (each, every, in whole not in part) corrupted their way? Only a few verses prior it is stated that “Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his time, Noah walked with God” (Genesis 6:9). We see that the ‘all’ does not include the righteous man Noah.

And:

“To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). Did Paul become a murderer to the murderers? A thief to the thieves? Obviously not. One must read this “all things” in context to find what indeed is being referred to. Likewise with the verse in 1 Corinthians 13 . . . “Love . . . believes all things”.

Taken in context then, this verse is teaching that true and genuine love will believe in another, in what they are teaching, in what they are doing unless it is either already known to contradict Scripture, or if upon later study and examination this is found to be the case. 

This true love does not doubt the word of another, and it is not distrusting of the motives of those around us. As Matthew Henry shares in his commentary on this verse: “it is apt to believe well of all, to entertain a good opinion of them when there is no appearance to the contrary . . .”

The more I think about and study this aspect of love, the more it becomes apparent how lacking it seems to be in today’s world . . . especially among those who claim to be followers of Christ. My Mom once shared that it is often those who claim to be Christians who judge their fellow brethren the harshest. Why is this so? Why is judgment and condemnation so prevalent among believers today? Could it be because this aspect of love is not being portrayed? 

Should we not love one another, believing in them and trusting in their motives? And if we do happen to see a brother or sister in the Lord believing in or teaching something that is in error, should we not gently go to them and show them this in love? Not judging or harshly treating them, but trusting in that they have a heart for the Lord, but yet may be misguided in this area? 

On the other hand should not the one receiving instruction, discipline or rebuke, trust the motives and heart of the giver? Recognizing that to do these things is actually an expression of true and godly love?

If such was done, if the bond of love was so strong between fellow believers, that we believed, hoped and taught one another in the love of Christ, what an example that would be to the world! The first step for developing this love for one another comes from recognizing that we are together a household of faith*. 

We may be separated in some form or fashion by distance, or perhaps by different walks of life, but the bonds as children of God should be just as strong, or stronger, than those within the physical family unit. Bonds that are strengthened in the pure love of Christ . . . and for what purpose? To bring glory to our Lord.

May we all truly grow in loving our brothers and sisters in the Lord as Christ would have us to. May we unselfishly display this 1 Corinthians 13 type of love to all of those we come into contact with. And may we develop trusting, believing hearts in one another . . .

“ ‘A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.’ ” (John 13:34-35)

*This does not at all imply ecumenism . . . please refer to the first paragraph of this writing.

-Posted by Sarah

Psalm 28:7-8

"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him. The Lord is their strength, and He is a saving defense to His anointed." Psalm 28:7-8

-Posted by Sarah

Love - Part 11: Bears All Things

“Love . . . bears all things,” 1 Corinthians 13:7

This little phrase is near the end of the list of qualities that describe love, and I must admit, it is one that I had not given a great deal of study to prior to this writing. The obvious question that comes to mind is, what does it mean to have a love that bears all things? What does it look like lived out in daily life?

I pulled out the concordance and began to do a bit of research . . . the Greek word for “bears” is ‘stego’ which translated means “to cover closely (so as to keep water out), generally to bear up under” (Taken from the Zondervan NASB Exahuastive Concordance). 

In the New American Standard Bible (NASB), this word ‘stego’ is used but four times, once here in 1 Corinthians and three other times it is used and translated as ‘endure’. 

A concordance that we have on the computer defines this word ‘stego’ as:

1. deck, thatch, to cover

      a. to protect or keep by covering, to preserve

2. to cover over with silence

      a. to keep secret

      b. to hide, conceal

              1. of the errors and faults of others

3. by covering to keep off something which threatens, to bear up against, hold out against, and so endure, bear, forbear.

The meaning of love bearing all things is deep and broad and is an aspect of love often neglected. When thinking of love bearing all things in regards to its defining, one thought that comes to mind is forgiveness. In fact, it is deeper than that for it not only forgives in the heart, but seeks to cover over the wrongdoing of another. 

Questions come to mind in relation to this . . . how many times when we are wronged do we go and tell others about it? How many times do we hold onto the memories of the wrongs done against us and then bring the sins of others back up to them . . . “but you did” . . . ? How many times by our attitude and countenance do we let those around us know that what they did/said angered us?

While this is the natural response of the fleshly nature, it is the opposite of a pure and godly love; opposite of the love that God calls His children to display in their lives. It is a heart that is thinking more of oneself than serving others and the Lord.

God has called us, as believers in Christ, to be long-suffering, to be forbearing with others. To have this love that bears all things . . . and it is by our love that others will know that we are of Christ: “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).

Different circumstances often arise in our lives that give us the opportunity to show this beautiful aspect of love of forbearing . . .

-Angry words . . . the response: forgiveness, gentleness, words of love.

-Dirty clothes on the floor . . . a heart of delight in picking them up.

-Gossip and slander being spread about ones’ self . . . trusting in the Lord; forbearing and not retaliating.

-The dishes are piled high in the sink . . . love and service shown through cheerfully tending to them.

-A car cuts one off on the highway . . . forgiveness and grace.

-Mud tracked on the newly cleaned floor . . . a smile and a rag quickly cures that situation.

-Persecution for one’s faith . . . remembering that it is the Lord who holds us in His hand and persecution is promised to those who love and serve Christ; response to the persecutors: love, forgiveness and service, turning the other cheek.

The list could go on and on . . . and while most of the above are little things, love that forbears should extend to all situations that we may encounter. (Granted there are definitely times for rebuke, correction, and discipline which is beyond the scope of this writing.)

To our families, our friends, our brothers and sisters in the Lord, and all others that we come into contact with, may the love of Christ, complete with bearing all things, be shown and expressed to them. May it come springing forth from a heart consecrated to the Lord.

“Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth . . . This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us. The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. We know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us” (1 John 3:18 and 23-24).

-Posted by Sarah

Not Forsaken

"But the LORD abides forever; He has established His throne for judgment, and He will judge the world in righteousness; He will execute judgment for the peoples with equity. The LORD will also be a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble; and those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You." Psalm 9:7-10

-Posted by Sarah

Love - Part 10: Rejoices with the Truth

“Love . . . does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;” 1 Corinthians 13:6

Rejoice is: “to be glad in” and “to experience joy and gladness in a high degree; to exult.”

As I was examining this aspect of love, the thought came to mind, how is this applicable? Usually one thinks of love as a response or action towards someone. 

When reading the first part of this chapter, it is fairly simple to understand how to show patience . . . to not brag and the like. But how do we show love to others by not rejoicing in unrighteousness but rejoicing with the truth?

Before going further, it is important to understand what unrighteousness is and what is the truth. As the Lord is all-righteous, unrighteousness would obviously be the opposite of that; that which is worldly, fleshly, separated from God, contrary to Scripture. This unrighteousness is not only portrayed through actions, but also in thoughts, beliefs, and words. 

Romans 1:29 begins a list of sins with this negative quality “God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful;” (Romans 1:29).

Unrighteousness and truth are at odds with each other. They are not compatible as is shown just a few verses prior to the above: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” (Romans 1:18). God’s wrath is against all that is unrighteous, all that is contrary to His holy name and perfect Word.

But what is truth? Scripture shows that truth is in the Lord alone. Ephesians 4:21 states that “truth is in Jesus”, and Christ Himself declared “‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’ ” (John 14:6). 

The Scripture itself is truth: “your word is truth” (John 17:17) and “In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation – having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,” (Ephesians 1:13). 

And the Holy Spirit whom the Lord has given to us upon believing in His name is described as “the Spirit of truth” (John 14:17).

The contrast between these two, unrighteousness and truth, is clearly shown in Scripture. Though, it is often difficult to distinguish the difference in every-day life circumstances. Everything we do should be judged by the light of Scripture to discern whether or not what we are doing, thinking, and believing is of the truth or of error. 

This discernment comes only through the word of God and the working of the Holy Spirit; and with that “. . . because of practice" (studying and examining God’s word and applying it to our lives) we will have our “senses trained to discern good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:14; emphasis added). To be able to discern between unrighteousness and truth.

But it is a choice that we must make between the two. Paul emphatically exhorts “do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.” (Romans 6:13). 

In our day to day life, we make the conscious choice to whom or what we are presenting ourselves to. It will either be to unrighteousness (that which is opposed to God), or to the Lord as instruments of righteousness (that which is in obedience to God.)*

Getting back to 1 Corinthians 13:6, how is not rejoicing in unrighteousness, but rejoicing in the truth a part of love? It is through love for people and for our Lord, that we do not approve the sin committed. 

We are to not condone wickedness, nor approve of it . . . not in other’s lives and especially not in our own lives. We must disprove of, and not endorse, lying (even the ‘little’ lies), anger, hurtful words, bragging, false doctrine, cruelty . . . every sin, everything that is at odds against our Lord and Savior and His Word, we should respond to with the same heart that the Lord responds with. 

Does this mean that we are to disprove of or hate those practicing or doing these sins? No indeed. Love is extended even though one sins for all have sinned and continue to sin, including ourselves (1 John 1:8, 10).

It always amazes me to think that the perfect, holy and true Savior, Jesus Christ “while we were yet sinners . . . died for us” (Romans 5:8). What love and mercy! And we are called to “follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21). As Christ loved, so should we love. As the Lord despises sin and desires righteousness, so should we. As God loves all men, so should we; and particularly those of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10).

It is through love, the pure love that comes from God, that we exhort, encourage, discipline, and if necessary, rebuke our brothers and sisters in the Lord. In the same token, we should have our hearts laid bare and open and earnestly desire to receive the same.

When we see or hear about our brothers and sisters walking in righteousness, our hearts response should be to rejoice with them. As John shared “For I was very glad . . . how you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.” (1 John 3-4). 

Throughout Scripture, different writers will declare their joy upon hearing of the others’ faith, and that should be our heart’s response when hearing of the faith and truth in our brothers and sisters in the Lord. And all of this because we desire in obedience to our Lord to love . . . and true love “does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth.” (1 Corinthians 13:6).

“Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:9

*[It is important to clarify that one is not saved, nor holds onto, salvation by works. Nor can one lose their salvation. In the Scriptures, salvation is clearly shown to be obtained through one having faith in the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ (believing in Him) and not by any physical work that one may do. (e.g. Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 2:16; Romans 4:3-5). 

It is also shown that we are eternally secure in Christ (e.g. John 6:39-40; 1 John 5:13). Though some Scriptures may appear to suggest that one is saved by works and/or can lose their salvation, one must look at these verses in context with the whole of God’s Word, using Scripture to interpret Scripture knowing that it will not contradict itself].

-Posted by Sarah

Trust the Lord

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil." Proverbs 3:5-7

-Posted by Sarah

A Question of the Heart

Of all the verses regarding the Proverbs 31 woman, the one that has always challenged and convicted me the most is verse thirteen.

“She looks for wool and flax and works with her hands in delight.” Proverbs 31:13

This verse shows that she was active in her work by using the words “looks” and “works”. But the word that really is convicting to me is the last one, the word delight. She was not just doing the labor, but had a God-honoring attitude to go along with it. So what does the word delight mean?

Delight: A high degree of pleasure or enjoyment; joy; rapture. Something that gives great pleasure.*

A high degree of pleasure, or satisfaction of mind; joy. To be greatly pleased or rejoiced.**

Delight is more permanent pleasure than joy, and not dependent on sudden excitement.**

By looking at these definitions, we can see that working with her hands gave her great pleasure, it pleased her, it gave her joy and satisfaction of mind. Why? Because she had the opportunity and the capability of serving others, of blessing them; she knew that it was pleasing to the Lord for her to delight in her activities. And because she knew that in each task of the day, she was not only serving her family, she was also serving the Lord.

“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” Colossians 3:23-24 (emphasis added)

It is often difficult to keep this in mind while doing the mundane tasks of every day life. Certainly, we may take care of the dishes, do the laundry, dust the furniture, but scripturally, we are to do much more than that. We should view each act of service, each mess to be cleaned, each dish to wash, each piece of clothing to be ironed, as a way to serve our Lord and those around us.

While we may think that we are simply doing these things to serve our families, Scripture tells us that it is our Lord Jesus Christ whom we are serving! He is watching us, and He sees how we respond in different circumstances. 

He knows what the condition of our heart is as we respond to a request by our parents, or as we clean up one of the ever-occurring spills on the floor. He sees not only our outward actions, but He can see just as clearly what we are thinking and what we are feeling. (“for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts.” 1 Chronicles 28:9)

An attitude of delight is not an easy thing to have. It takes concerted effort and dedication on our part. To do it, we must put aside our own wants and desires, and instead seek to please our Lord, and the ones that He has placed around us. We are to have an attitude of delight and gratefulness that God has given us the abilities to serve our families and our Lord.

“I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8

* Random House

** Websters

-Posted by Leah

Love - Part 9: Does Not Take into Account a Wrong Suffered

“Love . . . does not take into account a wrong suffered,” 1 Corinthians 13:5

This is one more quality that comprises a true and godly love . . . and it encompasses having a heart of forgiveness. By definition, the phrase “not take into account” means to “not consider, to not take notice of” (taken from an online dictionary). 

On the contrary, though, when wrongs are done against us, our human, fleshly nature is so quick to take offense, to have hurt feelings, to respond in anger, yet God has called us to not even notice when a wrong is done to us. What love, forgiveness and grace!

As always, our Lord has given us in Himself the perfect example of forgiveness, of “not taking into account a wrong suffered”. The epitome of forgiveness is shown in Christ’s words as He hung upon the cross, bleeding, bruised and dying, bearing the sins of the world: “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34). 

What wrongs have we endured that can compare with such as what our Lord has suffered? Yet, He revealed His heart of compassion and forgiveness with this petition to His Father.

Consider ourselves; we were condemned sinners under the just judgment and wrath of God. Yet God made His Son, Jesus Christ, “who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21). By this, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). 

Christ died in our place that we might live through Him having believed in His name. He declared “ ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die . . .’ ” (John 11:25-26) for “He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2).

The Lord has commanded us, as followers of Jesus Christ, to “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32). Just as Christ has forgiven us, so should we forgive those who do wrong to us. 

This brings to mind the parable in Matthew chapter 18. A slave owed the king a great debt and upon pleading with him for mercy, the king “forgave him the debt.” Right after this act of great forgiveness and mercy that was shown to the slave, he proceeded to act corruptly and selfishly to a fellow slave who owed him but a small sum. 

From him, the first slave demanded immediate payment which the second slave was unable to give. The first threw the second into prison . . . did he not remember that just a short time ago he was in the same situation? Did he not remember what great debt had been forgiven him?

How often does this same response pour forth from our own hearts? When we choose to not forgive but to take into account a wrong suffered, the consequences of this unforgiving heart will be grievous. Not only is this heart in disobedience to our God, but it bears the fruit of anger and bitterness which will infiltrate their poison throughout all other areas of our lives.

God has called us to respond to any perceived or genuine wrong committed against us, not as our fleshly nature would, but with a godly love. If we truly kept in mind how great of a debt we were forgiven, forgiveness of others would spring willingly from our hearts and would flow from a deep gratitude to God for the forgiveness that He has given to us.

As women striving to adorn ourselves with true beauty which comes from “the hidden person of the heart” (1 Peter 3:3), how great should be our desire to adorn ourselves with this aspect of love: a forgiving spirit. Having a heart of true love filled with compassion, mercy, grace and forgiveness. In these is true beauty manifested and this will bring glory to our Lord.

“. . . as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.” Colossians 3:12-13

-Posted by Sarah

How Great is Our Lord!

"I will sing of the lovingkindness of the LORD forever; to all generations I will make known Your faithfulness with my mouth . . . Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; lovingkindness and truth go before You. How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! O LORD, they walk in the light of Your countenance." Psalm 89:1, 14-15

-Posted by Sarah

Love - Part 8: Is Not Provoked

“Love . . . is not provoked” 1 Corinthians 13:5

Provoked – Excited; roused; incited; made angry; incensed (definition taken from Noah Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language).

Angry words. Angry thoughts. Angry actions. Yelling at our younger siblings, parents, or friends. Giving someone the ‘silent treatment’. Angry countenances. Strife and violence. Paying someone back. Rolling our eyes at our parents. Criticizing. Hostility.

These, and other like internal or external responses, are reactions that I am sure that we have all expressed or felt in part or in whole at some time or another. So many things can stir up that tiny flame of anger in our heart. Someone takes something that belongs to you. Perhaps someone is spreading false rumors about you. Your plans that you had made were changed against your will. These, and other similar circumstances, all can provoke us to anger . . . to sin according to the flesh instead of exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:19-23)*.

Proverbs is a book that is replete with instruction in regards to anger. Anger is shown to be the cause of many things including strife and further transgressions: “An angry man stirs up strife, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression” Proverbs 29:22 (also Proverbs 30:33). But the child of God is called to respond not according to the flesh, but according to the spirit and righteousness. By doing so, instead of anger being the fruit borne, peace and love abounds which is pleasing to the Father:

-“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1

-“A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but the slow to anger calms a dispute.” Proverbs 15:18

-“He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.” Proverbs 14:29

Before going further, it is important to realize the root cause of anger. We can keep pulling off the ‘leaves’ of the problem, but if the root is not removed, no gains will have been made in this area. When we examine the causing agents of anger, we see that it stems from the thought that we have been wronged; something is done against us or against what we feel is right or best; our plans, our desires, are set aside and considered secondary by others. Do you see what the focus is here? It is ourselves. It is setting our minds on our own things and not the things of others. This is a direct conflict with what is instructed in Philippians 2 and elsewhere in Scripture. If we forget ourselves, forsaking our own desires and needs to serve our Lord and Savior and to then in turn serve and bless others, where would anger have a place? This is called denying self. Christ has commanded that " 'If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me’ ” (Mark 8:24). Denying ourselves so that we can serve the Lord is the only means to overcome anger and its cousins.

In Colossians 3:8, we are commanded to “put . . . aside: anger, wrath, malice . . .” and again in Ephesians 4:31-32 “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” This is action on our part (and goes hand in hand with denial of self) that must take place before victory can be made in overcoming the anger which destroys. As we yield and relinquish our will to the Lord’s will, He will give us the strength to respond in a righteous manner.

Each time that a situation arises that can provoke to anger, we are faced with a choice. And which will we choose? To protect and defend our own perceived ‘rights’, or to follow in obedience our Lord and Savior by displaying a true and godly love that brings glory to the Father?

“This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves . . . .” James 1:19-23

* As mentioned above, anger is of the flesh and therefore is a sin and not a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:19-23). However, there is a righteous anger (Ephesians 4:26) which is not covered in this writing.

-Posted by Sarah

A Fork in the Road

"Make me a crisis man, O Lord; not just a sign-post on the highway of life, but a fork in the road so that men who meet me will come to know Jesus Christ." -- Jim Elliot

This quote is one that has always been convicting to our family. May the life that we live demand an explanation. May we be that light shining in the darkness . . . Christ living through us.

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

-Posted by Sarah and Leah

Verses from 1 John

As I read in 1 John this morning, a great many verses stood out to me, encouraged me and convicted my heart. Even though 1 John is one of the smallest books in the Bible, it has in it a great deal of encouragement to the believer in Christ, much teaching regarding how we are to live in this present age and also about the blessed hope we have - salvation in Jesus Christ with the promise of eternal life.

Below is a small sampling of the verses, and they are shared with the thought that they may also be a blessing to you all. (Note: I am currently reading in an interlinear New Testament and decided to use the literal translation when sharing the verses here. The words in brackets are those that are not in the Greek, but have been added in by the translator to make it understandable for those accustomed to the English language. Greek is read and formatted much differently than English!).

". . . but whoever keeps the word of Him, truly in this man the love of God has been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him. The [one] saying in Him to remain ought as that [one] (Christ) walked also [him]self so to walk." 1 John 2:5-6

"Love ye not the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; because all which[is] in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vainglory of life, is not of the Father, but of the world is." 1 John 2:15-16

"By this we have known love, because that one (meaning Christ) on behalf of us the life of Him laid down; and we ought on behalf of the brothers the(our) lives to lay down." 1 John 3:16

"Everyone believing that Jesus is the Christ has been begotten of God, and everyone loving the [one] begetting loves the [one] having been begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, whenever we love God and we do the commandments of Him. For this is the love of God, in order that we keep the commandments of Him; and the commandments of Him heavy are not, because everything having been begotten of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory overcoming the world, the faith of us. And who is the [one] overcoming the world except the [one] believing that Jesus is the Son of God?" 1 John 5:1-5

"These things I wrote to you in order that ye may know that ye have eternal life, to the [ones] believing in the name of the Son of God." 1 John 5:13

-Posted by Sarah

Love - Part 7: Does Not Seek Its Own

“Love . . . does not seek its own” 1 Corinthians 13:5

This seems to be the recurring theme throughout chapter thirteen of 1 Corinthians. Unselfishness. As not pleasing ourselves, but desiring to serve and bless others has already been addressed to a great extent in this study, we will look at a slightly different aspect of this verse.

In Scripture, the word ‘seek’ and its various tenses are used numerously. There are many things that people (as a whole) and also specifically believers in Christ are instructed to seek. But what does it mean to seek?

Noah Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language defines seek as “to make search or inquiry; to endeavor to make discovery; to make pursuit; to attempt to find or take; to endeavor to find.” Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary defines it as “to seek or strive after, endeavor, to desire; ‘seeking’ the kingdom of God and His righteousness, in the sense of coveting earnestly, striving after.” The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon also agrees with and supports these definitions.

We can see by the above defining that this seeking is an active effort on our part; it is an action. God has placed in mankind a spirit which separates us from the beasts, thus giving men alone the ability to seek Him, to know Him, to respond to Him. (This is a whole topic in and of itself!) He has given man a conscience (Romans 2:14-16). And He has revealed Himself to man (Romans 1:20). He has extended the call to man to “seek the LORD while He may be found” (Isaiah 55:6). This seeking does not simply ‘happen.’ It is not passive, and, it is not stationary. It is searching, striving after . . . is this the attitude of our hearts?

But what are we to seek? When looking through the verses on ‘seek’ in the concordance, the overwhelming number of usages are used in reference to seeking the Lord. There are two different aspects of seeking the Lord; 1) prior to salvation, and 2) after salvation (seeking to know Him more, etc.) Let us take a look at a sampling of verses from both of these categories:

1) Seeking the Lord which leads to salvation:

“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

“You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

Christ, during His ministry on earth, spoke also of seeking His kingdom and righteousness (being right before God/justified):

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you . . . . For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” Matthew 6:33, 7:7 (see also Luke 12:31)

This seeking is an active effort on man’s part. God draws the man: “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.” (John 12:32). Christ has drawn all men to Him, He has revealed Himself to all of mankind (Romans 1:18-23), but it is man’s responsibility to respond to that drawing; to “seek the LORD while He may be found” (Isaiah 55:6). The Hebrew word for ‘seek’ as used here is ‘darash’ which is usually used to mean ‘follow’ (for pursuit or search) (taken from Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible). This brings to mind Christ’s calling to the rich young ruler to “go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” (Matthew 19:21). Christ called . . . the young man, however, made the choice to turn away. The cost was too great “for he was one who owned much property.” (Matthew 19:22). He had his heart set on earthly things instead of heavenly things. He was seeking the treasure of this earth, instead of the heavenly treasure. “. . . for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). We can easily see where this man’s ‘treasure’ was, and his heart was anchored there with it. Where is our treasure?

Christ has extended the same call to all of men “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” (Matthew 16:24-26a).

2) After becoming believers in Christ, we are to continue this seeking of, striving after, the Lord for the purpose of drawing closer to Him, growing in the knowledge of Him, and growing in obedience to His Word. “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:1-3).

This seeking after God is not only spoken of in the New Testament, but the great majority of the verses related to this are found in the Old Testament:

“When You said, ‘Seek My face,’ my heart said to You, ‘Your face, O LORD, I shall seek.’ ” Psalm 27:8

“O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” Psalm 63:1

“Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face continually.” Psalm 105:4

“How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, who seek Him with all their heart.” Psalm 119:2

“At night my soul longs for You, indeed, my spirit within me seeks You diligently” Isaiah 26:9a

“The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him.” Lamentations 3:25

What a beautiful picture the above verses paint! To have such a longing after the Lord instead of the things of this world. To have ones’ eyes firmly fixed upon Him. To “thirst” after Him. Longing for Him. How convicting this is!

Is our heart cry the same? Or are we seeking our own desires; our own wants? Are we seeking to know the Lord more? Or have we set Him aside in an effort to seek after the things of the world? Are we seeking to serve, love and bless others? Or are we seeking our own interests? (Philippians 2:2-11).

After firstly seeking the Lord, there are other things that God has commanded us to seek after. Some of them are:

Wisdom - Proverbs 8:17

Peace – Psalm 34:14; 1 Peter 3:11

Knowledge: Proverbs 15:14; 18:15

Good and not evil: Amos 5:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:15

Righteousness, meekness: Zephaniah 2:3

To abound for the edification of the saints: 1 Corinthians 14:12

The good of his neighbor: 1 Corinthians 10:24

Self does not play a part in the above list, does it? In Scripture, all of the things that we are commanded to seek relate to either being made righteous (justified) before God, living righteously before Him (sanctification), and/or serving others. There is no room for seeking the desires and satisfaction of oneself.

May our heart’s desire be to firstly seek the Lord with all of our heart, diligently, and then seek to be obedient to His precepts and commands.

-Posted by Sarah