Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8 (KJV)
This instruction from Paul to the church of Philippi is in perfect contrast to what Satan would have us do. So many times temptations come before us and we spend unnecessary time and energy "avoiding" that temptation. If we simply follow Pauls advice in Philipians 4:8 we would naturally think on things that are uplifitng.Look at the following question, Is it better to focus your energy on "not doing wrong" or "doing what is right"? One of the biggest examples we can be to those around us is through how we deal with temptations. If we've made the instructions Paul gives above part of who we are and incorprated into our personalities then the temptations that come our way can be nothing more that a "fleeting thought." At that moment, we're not tempted....just distracted. Don't let a distraction become an attraction!
For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. Hebrews 2:18 (NKJV)
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
God's whisper...
1 Kings 19:11-13 (American Standard Version)
11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before Jehovah. And, behold, Jehovah passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before Jehovah; but Jehovah was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but Jehovah was not in the earthquake: 12 and after the earthquake a fire; but Jehovah was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. 13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entrance of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?
In the above scripture we find a situation where Elijah desired to hear from God and the account of God responding to Elijah's request. God instructs Elijah to leave the cave he had been hiding in and stand out on the mountain as He passes by. Notice, the natural Earth itself could not stand still before the presence of God; strong winds, an earthquake and fire all are created when God passed by.....but....afterwards a calm comes upon the mountain where Elijah stood and at that time Elijah was able to hear the "still small voice" of God.
How often are we like Elijah? We ask God to come into our lives and he responds, things begin to happen that are out of "our ordinary" ! We can begin to focus so strongly on the actions of God that we forget to listen to Him. To seek His direction and guidance. We need to always remember to not only look at the things God is doing in our lives but to also take time to be still and silent.....so when God speaks in His "still small voice" we are ready to listen, hear and respond.
11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before Jehovah. And, behold, Jehovah passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before Jehovah; but Jehovah was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but Jehovah was not in the earthquake: 12 and after the earthquake a fire; but Jehovah was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. 13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entrance of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?
In the above scripture we find a situation where Elijah desired to hear from God and the account of God responding to Elijah's request. God instructs Elijah to leave the cave he had been hiding in and stand out on the mountain as He passes by. Notice, the natural Earth itself could not stand still before the presence of God; strong winds, an earthquake and fire all are created when God passed by.....but....afterwards a calm comes upon the mountain where Elijah stood and at that time Elijah was able to hear the "still small voice" of God.
How often are we like Elijah? We ask God to come into our lives and he responds, things begin to happen that are out of "our ordinary" ! We can begin to focus so strongly on the actions of God that we forget to listen to Him. To seek His direction and guidance. We need to always remember to not only look at the things God is doing in our lives but to also take time to be still and silent.....so when God speaks in His "still small voice" we are ready to listen, hear and respond.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
A Leap or a Step?
The Bible instructs us to walk in faith in all our endeavors, great or small as well as in the normal daily routines of our lives. Most christians I'm acquainted with will readily profess their faith in God. They say they trust and have faith in God but.....when they become completely honest they will admit that at times, they have had hesitation in acting on what they believe to be the will of God for their lives or in accepting what God wants to do with their life.
It must be that internal human instinct to remain in control that causes us to be hesitant. When we "leap", we are not necessicarily in total control of our action, but when we step, the control of placement is ours. Think about it....when we take a step, one step after another we are in control. But, when we leap, that can be an entirely different situation!
When acting in faith we may be asking ourselves questions. "What do I need to do?" "How far do I need to go?" "How long will it take to get there?" "Is it possible for me to get hurt?" On and on the questions and uncertainty may go.
The book of Hebrews in chapter eleven gives us many examples of faith but, when it's time for you or I to take that step or leap of faith we need to follow Paul's instructions in Hebrews chapter twelve verses twelve and thirteen.
"So don't sit around on your hands! No more dragging your feet! Clear the path for long-distance runners so no one will trip and fall, so no one will step in a hole and sprain an ankle. Help each other out. And run for it!" Hebrews 12:12-13 (The Message)
It must be that internal human instinct to remain in control that causes us to be hesitant. When we "leap", we are not necessicarily in total control of our action, but when we step, the control of placement is ours. Think about it....when we take a step, one step after another we are in control. But, when we leap, that can be an entirely different situation!
When acting in faith we may be asking ourselves questions. "What do I need to do?" "How far do I need to go?" "How long will it take to get there?" "Is it possible for me to get hurt?" On and on the questions and uncertainty may go.
The book of Hebrews in chapter eleven gives us many examples of faith but, when it's time for you or I to take that step or leap of faith we need to follow Paul's instructions in Hebrews chapter twelve verses twelve and thirteen.
"So don't sit around on your hands! No more dragging your feet! Clear the path for long-distance runners so no one will trip and fall, so no one will step in a hole and sprain an ankle. Help each other out. And run for it!" Hebrews 12:12-13 (The Message)
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