As I go through my Bible each year, or as I teach through it in Super Church, I grieve when we "bury" a Bible character. I recently saw Samuel go to Heaven, and today, I opened up and started reading about the last words of David.
II Sam. 23:1 Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said,
When I read that these were the last words of David, it made me sad. "You mean I've already finished his life? We just started!" I thought to myself. I remember being sad when I finished teaching about Moses in Super church. We'd had about 7 weeks of lessons about him. I hated to see him go. Fortunately, I can resurrect both David and Moses by simply flipping back a few pages. That's the beauty of any book, but especially the Bible. You can enjoy it over and over. With the Bible, you can get something brand new even though you've read it ten times! It's a living book.
I'm so thankful that I can enjoy the lives of great Bible characters over and over on Earth, and meet them face to face someday in Heaven!
Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts
Monday, May 5, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
The Lethal Combination
I Sam. 21:6 So the priest gave him hallowed bread: for there was no bread there but the showbread, that was taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away.
I Sam. 21: 8-9 And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste.9 And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: if thou wilt take that, take it: for there is no other save that here. And David said, There is none like that; give it me.
We see in the above verses that David is on the run from Saul. He has just been warned by his best friend, and Saul's own son, Jonathan, that he needs to "get out of Dodge". David heads to Nob, where the priest Ahimelech is. The priest is curious as to why the hero of Israel is alone. David tells him that the "king hath commanded me a business, and hath said unto me, Let no man know anything of the business whereabout I send thee, and what I have commanded thee..." (I Sam.21:2) This was the truth, for the King had sent him on a business. It wasn't King Saul, but the King of Kings! And his business was staying alive. David was being very discreet.
He continues to tell the priest that he needs bread. The priest offers him the shewbread, after he confirms that David is pure. David then asks for a weapon. Ahimelech tells him that all he has is Goliath's sword. David says (I like this part!)
"There is none like that; give it me." This sword was a token from the greatest battle in Israel. A battle that David himself had fought. God delivered a giant into the hand of a young man! What a boost to his spirit to be reminded of a great victory during a time of trial in his life. Isn't God good?
The thing that caught my eye was that David received food or nourishment for the journey from the priest, or at church. He also received a weapon there. When we go to church, we receive the food for our journey, from God's Word, as the Pastor preaches. We also receive a weapon to fight the spiritual battles in our lives at church. We get "ammunition" from the Bible, so to speak! Likewise, when we get in God's Word daily, we receive food from the Lord. When we go to God in prayer, we are using our greatest weapon against Satan.
There have been times that I have felt the enemy breathing down my neck. But just when I needed it, I received the "shewbread" to give me strength, I am reminded of a great victory that God wrought in my life and I remember to use the weapon needed to fight in spiritual warfare -God's Word! It isn't long before I see a victory!
Yes, any way you slice it, God's Word and prayer are a lethal combination.
I Sam. 21: 8-9 And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste.9 And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: if thou wilt take that, take it: for there is no other save that here. And David said, There is none like that; give it me.
We see in the above verses that David is on the run from Saul. He has just been warned by his best friend, and Saul's own son, Jonathan, that he needs to "get out of Dodge". David heads to Nob, where the priest Ahimelech is. The priest is curious as to why the hero of Israel is alone. David tells him that the "king hath commanded me a business, and hath said unto me, Let no man know anything of the business whereabout I send thee, and what I have commanded thee..." (I Sam.21:2) This was the truth, for the King had sent him on a business. It wasn't King Saul, but the King of Kings! And his business was staying alive. David was being very discreet.
He continues to tell the priest that he needs bread. The priest offers him the shewbread, after he confirms that David is pure. David then asks for a weapon. Ahimelech tells him that all he has is Goliath's sword. David says (I like this part!)
"There is none like that; give it me." This sword was a token from the greatest battle in Israel. A battle that David himself had fought. God delivered a giant into the hand of a young man! What a boost to his spirit to be reminded of a great victory during a time of trial in his life. Isn't God good?
The thing that caught my eye was that David received food or nourishment for the journey from the priest, or at church. He also received a weapon there. When we go to church, we receive the food for our journey, from God's Word, as the Pastor preaches. We also receive a weapon to fight the spiritual battles in our lives at church. We get "ammunition" from the Bible, so to speak! Likewise, when we get in God's Word daily, we receive food from the Lord. When we go to God in prayer, we are using our greatest weapon against Satan.
There have been times that I have felt the enemy breathing down my neck. But just when I needed it, I received the "shewbread" to give me strength, I am reminded of a great victory that God wrought in my life and I remember to use the weapon needed to fight in spiritual warfare -God's Word! It isn't long before I see a victory!
Yes, any way you slice it, God's Word and prayer are a lethal combination.
Monday, April 14, 2008
It's Not For Pastors Only
Hey everyone. I couldn't sleep. It is 4 something in the morning and my mind was whirling. I couldn't seem to turn it off. I started remembering this story and thought I would share it with you. I don't know if you'll agree, but these are just my thoughts. If it doesn't make sense, it is because it so early and I am sooo hungry! ;]
I was once a member of the church where the Pastor said in a sermon that his daughter had done something wrong (I can't remember what, it wasn't huge, she was only about 8 years old) and he said to his daughter, "Why did you do that? You know you shouldn't have done that, you're the Pastor's daughter." This girl seemed to resent the fact that she was a preacher's daughter. May I say, I can see why! She didn't ask to be a preacher's kid. There wasn't a big push at church for all who wanted to be in the pastor's family to please "sign up". So, why did it matter? Aren't we all called to a higher standard as Christians? Jesus wants the world to see His reflection in us. Also, on the selfish side, living life His way brings innumerable blessings. This doesn't apply to pastors only. If you're His child, then you can get in on the blessings, too!
We try to live to a high standard, not because we are better than anyone else, not because we believe in a works salvation and not because we are the pastor's family, but because of one reason: we are Christians. We do right because of Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.
My husband and I were married for seven years before he entered full time paid ministry. But we were in full time unpaid ministry for seven years prior to receiving the salary. We do not do one thing differently now than before we were a "Pastor". We read our Bibles then, and now. We dressed modestly then, and now. We did not watch filthy TV then, or now. We attended church faithfully then, and now. We went out soul winning then, and now. We corrected our children for disobedience then, and now. We did not listen to wicked music then, or now. We did not use foul language or even crude language then, or now. We did not drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes then, or now. We were honest then, and now. We tithed and gave to missions then, and now. Why? Because as Christians, we read the Bible and found verses that instructed us to live this way. Not because we thought "Well, we're gonna be pastoring, so we better clean up our life for the job." We do not live this way because there is a contract that pastors must sign before they can get a church. We live this way because the Bible teaches it. We live this way because we try to obey the Lord. Jesus said If ye love me, keep my commandments. John 14:15 I love Him, and I want to obey Him. Oh, I need to do more. You all already know that. But, I'm trying.
When my daughter asks me why we do or don't do something, I say "Lauren, we live this way because we're Christians, and we try to do what the Bible says." When she or Mitch or Leslie does wrong, Terry says "Why did you do that? You know that ________is a sin. The Bible says..." and then he fills in the verse. We are hoping that if we teach them what the Bible says that there will be a good chance they will live by the Bible as an adult. My teaching is faulty. My example is frail at best. But the Bible's teaching is infallible. Jesus is the perfect example. I hope I can keep their eyes on Him!
As the song says:
The Bible stands, though the hills may tumble.
The Bible stands, though earth may shatter and crumble.
I will plant my feet on its firm foundation,
though all around is sinking sand, the Bible stands!
The church people watch us closely. So does the world. I hope I am pointing everyone to Him.
I was once a member of the church where the Pastor said in a sermon that his daughter had done something wrong (I can't remember what, it wasn't huge, she was only about 8 years old) and he said to his daughter, "Why did you do that? You know you shouldn't have done that, you're the Pastor's daughter." This girl seemed to resent the fact that she was a preacher's daughter. May I say, I can see why! She didn't ask to be a preacher's kid. There wasn't a big push at church for all who wanted to be in the pastor's family to please "sign up". So, why did it matter? Aren't we all called to a higher standard as Christians? Jesus wants the world to see His reflection in us. Also, on the selfish side, living life His way brings innumerable blessings. This doesn't apply to pastors only. If you're His child, then you can get in on the blessings, too!
We try to live to a high standard, not because we are better than anyone else, not because we believe in a works salvation and not because we are the pastor's family, but because of one reason: we are Christians. We do right because of Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.
My husband and I were married for seven years before he entered full time paid ministry. But we were in full time unpaid ministry for seven years prior to receiving the salary. We do not do one thing differently now than before we were a "Pastor". We read our Bibles then, and now. We dressed modestly then, and now. We did not watch filthy TV then, or now. We attended church faithfully then, and now. We went out soul winning then, and now. We corrected our children for disobedience then, and now. We did not listen to wicked music then, or now. We did not use foul language or even crude language then, or now. We did not drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes then, or now. We were honest then, and now. We tithed and gave to missions then, and now. Why? Because as Christians, we read the Bible and found verses that instructed us to live this way. Not because we thought "Well, we're gonna be pastoring, so we better clean up our life for the job." We do not live this way because there is a contract that pastors must sign before they can get a church. We live this way because the Bible teaches it. We live this way because we try to obey the Lord. Jesus said If ye love me, keep my commandments. John 14:15 I love Him, and I want to obey Him. Oh, I need to do more. You all already know that. But, I'm trying.
When my daughter asks me why we do or don't do something, I say "Lauren, we live this way because we're Christians, and we try to do what the Bible says." When she or Mitch or Leslie does wrong, Terry says "Why did you do that? You know that ________is a sin. The Bible says..." and then he fills in the verse. We are hoping that if we teach them what the Bible says that there will be a good chance they will live by the Bible as an adult. My teaching is faulty. My example is frail at best. But the Bible's teaching is infallible. Jesus is the perfect example. I hope I can keep their eyes on Him!
As the song says:
The Bible stands, though the hills may tumble.
The Bible stands, though earth may shatter and crumble.
I will plant my feet on its firm foundation,
though all around is sinking sand, the Bible stands!
The church people watch us closely. So does the world. I hope I am pointing everyone to Him.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Studying God's Word
I want to read God's Word everyday. I may not get to blog everyday, and that's a bummer for me, since I love blogging! However, blogging will always take second place to my own devotional time. I not only want to read God's Word, but also to study it, to break it down, memorize it, and meditate upon it. Through God's Word, I can know my Savior like never before. I can read the Bible and walk away and forget it soon thereafter, but studying it helps ingrain His truths into my mind and heart. Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart. Prov. 7:2-3
I want to share these tips for studying God's Word that I believe are really going to help me this year.
When you're studying scripture ask yourself these three questions about the passage:
1. Observation: What does it say?
2. Interpretation: What does it mean?
3. Application: What do I do?
The next time I'm studying out a specific book of the Bible, or a topic, I am going to ask myself these questions. I thought this was a concise way to study God's Word in our daily devotions.
May we know Him better this year than ever before!
Happy reading! :0)
I want to share these tips for studying God's Word that I believe are really going to help me this year.
When you're studying scripture ask yourself these three questions about the passage:
1. Observation: What does it say?
2. Interpretation: What does it mean?
3. Application: What do I do?
The next time I'm studying out a specific book of the Bible, or a topic, I am going to ask myself these questions. I thought this was a concise way to study God's Word in our daily devotions.
May we know Him better this year than ever before!
Happy reading! :0)
Saturday, November 3, 2007
A Sense of Urgency
I read some many years ago a book entitled Life As Viewed from the Goldfish Bowl by Beverly Hyles. She wrote about life as a Pastor's wife, including some of the pitfalls to which many a preacher's wife become victims. If you are in the ministry, I highly recommend this book. In the book, Mrs. Hyles talks about going to God each day with a sense of urgency. We never know what each day holds for us, and we need to be as close to Him as possible so that whatever does happen, we have the help we need close at hand. I know that God is with us always if we're saved, not just if we have our daily devotions. However, be honest, if you had a good friend that moved away, and you never wrote her, called her or visited her, would you call her for a loan if you were in a tight spot financially? I wouldn't dream of it! If I didn't care to keep in touch with her during my good times, why would I dare ask a favor in harsh times?? That would take a lot of nerve!
Now think about your walk with God. Do you talk to Him daily? Do you hear from Him by reading His letter to you each day, the Bible? Is your life going great right now? Good! You should thank Him for making that possible. Are things a bummer? Then talk to Him about it. Maybe you haven't kept in touch with Him like you should, but go ahead and tell Him you blew it. He's there waiting to restore you.
I've recently seen in the national news a story about Fred Phelps, the pastor of Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas. He is a preacher of hate, and he just lost a law suit to the sum of $11 million for picketing soldiers funerals. We lived in Topeka and witnessed his church's hate first hand. I don't find Fred Phelp's god in the Bible. I believe John 3:16! God loves America - He loves you! Is He just? Yes. But He cannot hate. If you haven't been what you should be, don't be afraid to go to Him now. He is hoping you will come back!
I don't pray and study my Bible like I should, but I do feel a renewed "sense of urgency" to get to it sometime in my day. I need to know He's close
to me as I face each new day.
Now think about your walk with God. Do you talk to Him daily? Do you hear from Him by reading His letter to you each day, the Bible? Is your life going great right now? Good! You should thank Him for making that possible. Are things a bummer? Then talk to Him about it. Maybe you haven't kept in touch with Him like you should, but go ahead and tell Him you blew it. He's there waiting to restore you.
I've recently seen in the national news a story about Fred Phelps, the pastor of Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas. He is a preacher of hate, and he just lost a law suit to the sum of $11 million for picketing soldiers funerals. We lived in Topeka and witnessed his church's hate first hand. I don't find Fred Phelp's god in the Bible. I believe John 3:16! God loves America - He loves you! Is He just? Yes. But He cannot hate. If you haven't been what you should be, don't be afraid to go to Him now. He is hoping you will come back!
I don't pray and study my Bible like I should, but I do feel a renewed "sense of urgency" to get to it sometime in my day. I need to know He's close
to me as I face each new day.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Once again, God's Word comes through
I'm going to share with you another of my many weaknesses. I sometimes worry about my health, and the health of my loved ones. It started after I got married, and then it became a lot worse after I had children. It increased greatly after my Dad went to Heaven, because loss suddenly became so close, so personal. I have found out by talking to other mothers, that most women, especially mothers, worry about their own, and their kids', health too. So, at least I am not alone.
Since I know worry is a sin, I try not to do it. Yes, I can see the shock in your expression: "You must not try too hard" those who know me are thinking. Well, maybe not, but I do try!
Because I know the Bible is the best source for help, I am always on the lookout for verses that promise me a long life, or productive life, etc. It's a comfort. Of course, I realize God is sovereign and can do as He wants with my life, but still, it's a comfort.
Here's my newest "find":
Proverbs 9:11 "For by me [wisdom] thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. So, there ya go! I mean, there I go. Another great promise for a long life from my favorite infallible source: the KJV Bible! If I use wisdom in my life, I'll have my days multiplied and my years increased. I am not too wise, but there's one thing I do know, it's where to get wisdom: from God's Word. More specifically: Proverbs! That's why I read one every day! It's like taking "spiritual vitamins." I try to increase my "Proverbs Quotient" (PQ) everyday. (Did you notice there are 31 chapters?) Isn't the Bible great?
Since I know worry is a sin, I try not to do it. Yes, I can see the shock in your expression: "You must not try too hard" those who know me are thinking. Well, maybe not, but I do try!
Because I know the Bible is the best source for help, I am always on the lookout for verses that promise me a long life, or productive life, etc. It's a comfort. Of course, I realize God is sovereign and can do as He wants with my life, but still, it's a comfort.
Here's my newest "find":
Proverbs 9:11 "For by me [wisdom] thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. So, there ya go! I mean, there I go. Another great promise for a long life from my favorite infallible source: the KJV Bible! If I use wisdom in my life, I'll have my days multiplied and my years increased. I am not too wise, but there's one thing I do know, it's where to get wisdom: from God's Word. More specifically: Proverbs! That's why I read one every day! It's like taking "spiritual vitamins." I try to increase my "Proverbs Quotient" (PQ) everyday. (Did you notice there are 31 chapters?) Isn't the Bible great?
Monday, October 8, 2007
The Bible has my answer!
If my husband has said it once, he's said it a thousand times in the two years we've been pastoring here: "Christians need to read their Bible everyday." As most of you know, I have a two 1/2 year old and a 10 month old, and I get very little sleep or time to myself right now. (One of these days, I'm going to visit my library - alone!) I may not get to do any scrapbooking, shopping or reading, but I do however, fight for my daily Bible time. I try to get up around 5:30 or 6 so I can beat my children up and have my quiet time with the Lord. Sometimes, I get breakfast late for the kids because the Bible is important to me. I once heard a preacher (maybe it was my brother! I can't remember.) say that we won't do that which we do not plan to do. I change the sheets every Friday. I buy groceries on Mondays usually, I make lesson plans for school...why wouldn't I plan on meeting with the Lord? I plan everything else. Oh, sure, there are lots of days when I am reading my Bible at 11:59pm because the day has been so terribly hectic -illness, accidents, and the like can interfere with our best made plans. But still, I do the best I can.
When I get up and head to "my spot", I always find Him waiting there for me, like a good friend does when you plan to meet somewhere. He listens to me thank Him, and then gripe, and then thank Him, then gripe, well you get the picture. Then, He speaks back to me from His Word.
I was struggling with a problem recently and I would like to put the blame on someone else. But, through my Proverbs reading for the day, He showed me that, yep, it's my fault. He had to scold me. Boy I felt bad about it. I said "Yes, Lord, I see what You mean. I'm sorry." Then, I went over and read a little from the NT - and He encouraged me. My reading for that day was Phil. 3:13-14 ..."but this one thing I do. forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Coincidence? No. I know He was telling me "You messed up, again, Valerie. But I forgive you, now get up and go forward." Isn't He good to us? He saves us and keeps us saved forever! That's eternity!! Then, He gives us His word, His Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us, He gives us friends, and He promises that He will always be there for us. When we are grieving, He's there. He has a great shoulder to cry on, by the way. I've used it often. My family and friends cannot possibly fathom some of the sorrow that I have faced, but He can. My Mom cannot fix all my problems, but He can! My husband could not fully understand my grief when I lost my Dad, but He did! He has stood right beside me through everything, and His word has guided me.
The Bible tells me:
How to be a good wife, daughter, sister, mother, friend
How to pray
How to think
How to talk
How to love others
What to do when people revile me, persecute me and speak all manner of evil against me.
How to share the gospel
How to be a good guest
How handle my money
How to do things in my daily life (decently and in order)
What to do when I'm afraid, and just Whom I should fear.
What to do when I'm heartbroken
How to raise my children
How to love my husband
How to deal with angry people, foolish people, wise people, scornful people, critical people
What to do when I've been betrayed
How to dress
How to serve
How to eat
How to be a good employee....
AND THE LIST COULD GO ON FOREVER!
The Bible has the answer for all of life's situations. Thank you, Lord, for giving me the Bible! Thank you for being faithful to me even when I'm so unfaithful to You!
When I get up and head to "my spot", I always find Him waiting there for me, like a good friend does when you plan to meet somewhere. He listens to me thank Him, and then gripe, and then thank Him, then gripe, well you get the picture. Then, He speaks back to me from His Word.
I was struggling with a problem recently and I would like to put the blame on someone else. But, through my Proverbs reading for the day, He showed me that, yep, it's my fault. He had to scold me. Boy I felt bad about it. I said "Yes, Lord, I see what You mean. I'm sorry." Then, I went over and read a little from the NT - and He encouraged me. My reading for that day was Phil. 3:13-14 ..."but this one thing I do. forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Coincidence? No. I know He was telling me "You messed up, again, Valerie. But I forgive you, now get up and go forward." Isn't He good to us? He saves us and keeps us saved forever! That's eternity!! Then, He gives us His word, His Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us, He gives us friends, and He promises that He will always be there for us. When we are grieving, He's there. He has a great shoulder to cry on, by the way. I've used it often. My family and friends cannot possibly fathom some of the sorrow that I have faced, but He can. My Mom cannot fix all my problems, but He can! My husband could not fully understand my grief when I lost my Dad, but He did! He has stood right beside me through everything, and His word has guided me.
The Bible tells me:
How to be a good wife, daughter, sister, mother, friend
How to pray
How to think
How to talk
How to love others
What to do when people revile me, persecute me and speak all manner of evil against me.
How to share the gospel
How to be a good guest
How handle my money
How to do things in my daily life (decently and in order)
What to do when I'm afraid, and just Whom I should fear.
What to do when I'm heartbroken
How to raise my children
How to love my husband
How to deal with angry people, foolish people, wise people, scornful people, critical people
What to do when I've been betrayed
How to dress
How to serve
How to eat
How to be a good employee....
AND THE LIST COULD GO ON FOREVER!
The Bible has the answer for all of life's situations. Thank you, Lord, for giving me the Bible! Thank you for being faithful to me even when I'm so unfaithful to You!