"Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge over pure gold. For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can be compared with it."
-Proverbs 8:10
"Happy are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home! For whoever finds me finds life and wins approval from the LORD. But those who miss me have injured themselves. All who hate me love death."
-Proverbs 8:34-36
"You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments"
-Matthew 22:37-40
"The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
-Matthew 23:11,12
"Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left. So be prepared, because you don't know what day your Lord is coming."
-Matthew 24:40-42
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Proverbs 7, Matthew 19,20,21 (May 7)
"Listen to me, my sons, and pay attention to my words. Don't let your hearts tray away toward her. Don't wander down her wayward path. For she has been the ruin of many; numerous men have been her victims. Her house is the road tot he grave. Her bedroom is the den of death."
-Proverbs 7:24-27
"Jesus' disciples then said to him, 'Then it is better not to marry!'. 'Not everyone can accept this statement,' Jesus said. 'Only those whom God helps. Some are born as eunuchs, some have been made that way by others, and some choose not to marry for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. Let anyone who can, accept this statement."
-Matthew 19:10-12
"Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these."
-Matthew 19:15
"I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to get into the Kingdom of Heaven. I say it again - it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God."
-Matthew 19:23,24
"The disciples were astounded. 'Then who in the world can be saved?' they asked. Jesus looked at them intently and said, 'Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.'"
-Matthew 19:25,26
"But many who seem to be important now will be the least important then, and those who are considered least here will be the greatest then."
-Matthew 19:30
"But among u it should be quite different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must become your slave. For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many."
-Matthew 20:26-28
Matthew 21:18-22?
-Proverbs 7:24-27
"Jesus' disciples then said to him, 'Then it is better not to marry!'. 'Not everyone can accept this statement,' Jesus said. 'Only those whom God helps. Some are born as eunuchs, some have been made that way by others, and some choose not to marry for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. Let anyone who can, accept this statement."
-Matthew 19:10-12
"Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these."
-Matthew 19:15
"I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to get into the Kingdom of Heaven. I say it again - it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God."
-Matthew 19:23,24
"The disciples were astounded. 'Then who in the world can be saved?' they asked. Jesus looked at them intently and said, 'Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.'"
-Matthew 19:25,26
"But many who seem to be important now will be the least important then, and those who are considered least here will be the greatest then."
-Matthew 19:30
"But among u it should be quite different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must become your slave. For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many."
-Matthew 20:26-28
Matthew 21:18-22?
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Proverbs 6, Matthew 16,17,18
"A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest - and poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber."
-Proverbs 6:10,11
"There are six things the Lord hates - no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord among brothers."
-Proverbs 6:16-19
"You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you lock on earth will be locked in heaven, and whatever you open on earth will be opened in heaven."
-Matthew 16:17-19
"Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, and not from God's"
-Matthew 17:23
"If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life. And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process? Is anything worth more than your soul? For I, the Son of Man, will come in the glory of my Father with his angels and will judge all people according to their deeds. And I assure you that some of you standing here right now will not die before you see me, the Son of Man, coming in my Kingdom."
-Matthew 16:24-28
"Beware that you don't despise a single on of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father."
-Matthew 18:10,11
"That's what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters in your heart."
-Matthew 18:35
-Proverbs 6:10,11
"There are six things the Lord hates - no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord among brothers."
-Proverbs 6:16-19
"You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you lock on earth will be locked in heaven, and whatever you open on earth will be opened in heaven."
-Matthew 16:17-19
"Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, and not from God's"
-Matthew 17:23
"If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life. And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process? Is anything worth more than your soul? For I, the Son of Man, will come in the glory of my Father with his angels and will judge all people according to their deeds. And I assure you that some of you standing here right now will not die before you see me, the Son of Man, coming in my Kingdom."
-Matthew 16:24-28
"Beware that you don't despise a single on of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father."
-Matthew 18:10,11
"That's what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters in your heart."
-Matthew 18:35
Friday, May 4, 2007
Proverbs 5, Matthew 13,14,15
"The lips of an immoral woman are as sweet as honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil But the result is as bitter as poison, sharp as a double-edged sword."
-Proverbs 5:3-4
"Drink water from your own well - share your love only with your wife. Why spill the water of your springs in public, having sex with just anyone? You should reserve it for yourselves. Don't share it with strangers.
Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. She is a loving doe, a graceful dear. Let her breasts satisfy you always. May you always be captivated by her love. Why be captivated, my son, with an immoral woman, or embrace the breasts of an adulterous woman?"
-Proverbs 5:15-20
"'Don't you understand?' Jesus asked him. 'Anything you eat passes through the stomach and then goes out of the body. But evil words come from an evil heart and defile the person who says them. For from the heart comes evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all other sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. These are what defile you. Eating with unwashed hands could never defile you and make you unacceptable to God!'"
-Matthew 15:16-20
"So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he looked around at the high waves, he was terrified and began to sink. 'Save me, Lord!' he shouted.
Instantly, Jesus reached out his hand and grabbed him. 'You don't have much faith,' Jesus said. 'Why did you doubt me'?
-Matthew 13:29-31*
*I think it is really interesting in the NOOMA videos, Rob Bell explains this passage that Peter was not doubting the Lord, Peter was doubting himself. And because he doubted himself, he lost faith in what the Lord could do.
**While I was reading through these passages, I was confused at Matthew 15:21-28. If Jesus loves everyone the same, why did he call the Gentiles 'dogs', and refer to the Jews as 'children'. Why did he come to only save the Jews, and not the Gentiles?
-Proverbs 5:3-4
"Drink water from your own well - share your love only with your wife. Why spill the water of your springs in public, having sex with just anyone? You should reserve it for yourselves. Don't share it with strangers.
Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. She is a loving doe, a graceful dear. Let her breasts satisfy you always. May you always be captivated by her love. Why be captivated, my son, with an immoral woman, or embrace the breasts of an adulterous woman?"
-Proverbs 5:15-20
"'Don't you understand?' Jesus asked him. 'Anything you eat passes through the stomach and then goes out of the body. But evil words come from an evil heart and defile the person who says them. For from the heart comes evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all other sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. These are what defile you. Eating with unwashed hands could never defile you and make you unacceptable to God!'"
-Matthew 15:16-20
"So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he looked around at the high waves, he was terrified and began to sink. 'Save me, Lord!' he shouted.
Instantly, Jesus reached out his hand and grabbed him. 'You don't have much faith,' Jesus said. 'Why did you doubt me'?
-Matthew 13:29-31*
*I think it is really interesting in the NOOMA videos, Rob Bell explains this passage that Peter was not doubting the Lord, Peter was doubting himself. And because he doubted himself, he lost faith in what the Lord could do.
**While I was reading through these passages, I was confused at Matthew 15:21-28. If Jesus loves everyone the same, why did he call the Gentiles 'dogs', and refer to the Jews as 'children'. Why did he come to only save the Jews, and not the Gentiles?
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Proverbs 4, Matthew 10,11,12
"Do not do as the wicked do or follow the path of evildoers."
-Proverbs 4:14
"The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines even brighter until the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like complete darkness. Those who follow it have no idea what they are stumbling over."
-Proverbs 4:18,19
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do. Avoid all perverse talk stay far from corrupt speech. Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you."
-Proverbs 4:23-25
"Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. Be as wary as snakes and harmless as doves. But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and beaten in the synagogues. And you must stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. This will be your opportunity to tell them about me - yes, to witness to the world. When you are arrested, don't worry about what to say in your defense, because you will be given the right words at the right time. For it won't be you doing the talking - it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."
-Matthew 10:16-20
"If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for me, you will find it."
-Matthew 10:39
"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light."
-Matthew 11:28-30
"Every sin or blasphemy can be forgiven - except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which can never be forgiven. Anyone who blasphemes against me, the Son of Man, can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, either in this world or in the world to come."
-Matthew 12:31,32
*The Pharisees had blasphemed against the Spirit by attributing the power by which Christ did miracles to Satan instead of the Holy Spirit. The unpardonable sin is the deliberate refusal to acknowledge God's power in Christ. It indicates a deliberate and irreversible hardness of heart. Sometimes believers worry that they have accidentally committed this unforgivable sin. But only those who have turned their backs on God and rejected all faith have any need to worry. Jesus said they can't be forgiven - not because their sin is worse than any other but because they will never ask for forgiveness. Whoever rejects the prompting of the Holy Spirit removes himself or herself from the only force that can lead him or her to repentance and restoration to God.
-Proverbs 4:14
"The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines even brighter until the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like complete darkness. Those who follow it have no idea what they are stumbling over."
-Proverbs 4:18,19
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do. Avoid all perverse talk stay far from corrupt speech. Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you."
-Proverbs 4:23-25
"Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. Be as wary as snakes and harmless as doves. But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and beaten in the synagogues. And you must stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. This will be your opportunity to tell them about me - yes, to witness to the world. When you are arrested, don't worry about what to say in your defense, because you will be given the right words at the right time. For it won't be you doing the talking - it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."
-Matthew 10:16-20
"If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for me, you will find it."
-Matthew 10:39
"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light."
-Matthew 11:28-30
"Every sin or blasphemy can be forgiven - except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which can never be forgiven. Anyone who blasphemes against me, the Son of Man, can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, either in this world or in the world to come."
-Matthew 12:31,32
*The Pharisees had blasphemed against the Spirit by attributing the power by which Christ did miracles to Satan instead of the Holy Spirit. The unpardonable sin is the deliberate refusal to acknowledge God's power in Christ. It indicates a deliberate and irreversible hardness of heart. Sometimes believers worry that they have accidentally committed this unforgivable sin. But only those who have turned their backs on God and rejected all faith have any need to worry. Jesus said they can't be forgiven - not because their sin is worse than any other but because they will never ask for forgiveness. Whoever rejects the prompting of the Holy Spirit removes himself or herself from the only force that can lead him or her to repentance and restoration to God.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Proverbs 3, Matthew 7,8,9
"My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart, for they will give you a long and satisfying life. Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths."
-Proverbs 3:1-7
"Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it's in your power to help them."
-Proverbs 3:27
"Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. For others will treat you as you treat them. Whatever measure you use in judging others, it will be used to measure how you are judged. And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying, 'Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye', when you can't see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log from your own eye, then perhaps you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye.
-Matthew 7:1-5
"Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep onlooking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks."
-Matthew 7:7-8
"Do for others what you would like them to do for you. This is a summary of all that is taught in that law and the prophets."
-Matthew 7:12
"Anyone who listens to my teaching and obeys me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse, because it is built on rock. but anyone who hears my teaching and ignores it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will fall with a mighty crash."
-Matthew 7:24-27
"Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!"
-Matthew 8:26
"For I have come to call sinners, not those who think they are already good enough."
-Matthew 9:13
"The harvest is so great, but the workers are so few. So pray t the lord who is in charge of the harvest: ask him to send out more workers for his fields."
-Matthew 9:37,38
-Proverbs 3:1-7
"Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it's in your power to help them."
-Proverbs 3:27
"Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. For others will treat you as you treat them. Whatever measure you use in judging others, it will be used to measure how you are judged. And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying, 'Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye', when you can't see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log from your own eye, then perhaps you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye.
-Matthew 7:1-5
"Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep onlooking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks."
-Matthew 7:7-8
"Do for others what you would like them to do for you. This is a summary of all that is taught in that law and the prophets."
-Matthew 7:12
"Anyone who listens to my teaching and obeys me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse, because it is built on rock. but anyone who hears my teaching and ignores it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will fall with a mighty crash."
-Matthew 7:24-27
"Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!"
-Matthew 8:26
"For I have come to call sinners, not those who think they are already good enough."
-Matthew 9:13
"The harvest is so great, but the workers are so few. So pray t the lord who is in charge of the harvest: ask him to send out more workers for his fields."
-Matthew 9:37,38
Monday, April 30, 2007
Proverbs 2, Matthew 4,5,6
"Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your hearts, and knowledge will fill you with joy."
-Proverbs 2:9,10
"God blesses those who realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.
God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are gentle and lowly,
for the whole earth will belong to them.
God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty for justice,
for they will receive it in full.
God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted, too."
-Matthew 5:3-12
"You have heard that the law of Moses saysm 'Do not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.' But I say, if you are angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the high council And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell."
-Matthew 5:21,22
"You have heard that the law of moses says, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eye has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
-Matthew 5:27,28
"But I say don't resist an evil person! If you are slapped on the right cheek, turn the other, too. If you are ordered to court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow."
-Matthew 5:39-42
"You have heard that the law of Moses says, 'Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!"
-Matthew 4:43,44
"When you give to someone, don't tell your left hand what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in secret, and your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you."
-Matthew 6:3,4
"Don't store up treasures here on earth, where they can be eaten by moths and get rusty, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where they will never become moth-eaten or rusty and where they will be safe from thieves. Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be."
-Matthew 6:19-21
"So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life - whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing? Look at the birds. They don't need to plant and harvest of put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not.
And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully sa they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith!
So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerened about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today."
-Matthew 6:25-34
-Proverbs 2:9,10
"God blesses those who realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.
God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are gentle and lowly,
for the whole earth will belong to them.
God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty for justice,
for they will receive it in full.
God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted, too."
-Matthew 5:3-12
"You have heard that the law of Moses saysm 'Do not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.' But I say, if you are angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the high council And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell."
-Matthew 5:21,22
"You have heard that the law of moses says, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eye has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
-Matthew 5:27,28
"But I say don't resist an evil person! If you are slapped on the right cheek, turn the other, too. If you are ordered to court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow."
-Matthew 5:39-42
"You have heard that the law of Moses says, 'Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!"
-Matthew 4:43,44
"When you give to someone, don't tell your left hand what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in secret, and your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you."
-Matthew 6:3,4
"Don't store up treasures here on earth, where they can be eaten by moths and get rusty, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where they will never become moth-eaten or rusty and where they will be safe from thieves. Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be."
-Matthew 6:19-21
"So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life - whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing? Look at the birds. They don't need to plant and harvest of put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not.
And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully sa they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith!
So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerened about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today."
-Matthew 6:25-34
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Matthew 1-3, Proverbs 1
"For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the Lord. They rejected my advice and paid no attention when I corrected them. That is why they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way They must experience the full terror of the path they have chosen. For they are simpletons who turn away from me - to death. They are fools, and their own complacency will destroy them. But all who listen to me will live in peace and safety, unafraid of harm."
-Proverbs 1:29-33
"Prove by the way you live that you have really turned from your sins and turned to God. Don't just say, 'We're safe - we're the descendants of Abraham.' That proves nothing. God can change these stones here into children of Abraham."
-Matthew 3:8,9
-Proverbs 1:29-33
"Prove by the way you live that you have really turned from your sins and turned to God. Don't just say, 'We're safe - we're the descendants of Abraham.' That proves nothing. God can change these stones here into children of Abraham."
-Matthew 3:8,9
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
throwing out the world
I have been thinkinga lot lately about what I am living for, who I am trying to please.
For those of you who know me, I generally try to be a people pleaser. I get my foot in everything, and have real trouble saying no, or approaching people when I have issues. All I have ever wanted is to live in the world, but not be of the world. The problem is though, I figured to live in the world I had to be liked by the world. Lately though, I have been realizing that my views on it have been all wrong.
1 John 2:15 (NLT) says, "Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you."
This verse convicted me like you wouldn't imagine. There is so much in this world that I love. I love fame, power, money, popularity, I love this societal view of love. I am not talking about sexual love, but rather this love of needing someone. Sadly, no human will make me complete. The only love that can do that is this perfect, agape love that comes from God.
Ephesians 2:1-6 (MSG) talks of this life I have been living: "It wasn't so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin. You let the world, which doesn't know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief, and then exhaled disobedience. We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat. It's a wonder God didn't lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on his own, with no help from us! Then he picked us up and set us down in highest heaven in company with Jesus, our Messiah."
It's a wonder God didn't lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. How true that is. The world knows nothing of living. Allt hese things we "live" for only leave us more empty than we started. We get plastic surgery, but something else is wrong, we lose weight, but we will never be as skinny as the models, we are rich, but still can't afford that $73 million house. There is never a feeling complete joy. This can only happen with Jesus, and I don't understand why this takes so long to set into my brain.
1 John also talks about how it is imperitave that we don't just stop at believing. we are called to live. "Loving God means keeping his commandments, and really, that isn't difficult"(ch5, vs.3). Jesus says "if you love me you will follow my commands." I love Jesus, I have never stopped loving Him. Following his commands, on the other hand has been a much larger challenge for me. I have always been able to slide by the skin of my teeth. I can put on a good mask and pretend that I have always been a great Christian, but to actually live like one is a different story.
So, what now?
1 John 3:13 says, "Don't be surprised, dear brothers and sisters, if the world hates you". Jesus was not liked by the people he was around. He didn't please them. The world is not going to love us, but we are still called to love the world.
Proverbs 3:3,4 says
"Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
Then you will find favor with both God and people,
and you will earn a good reputation."
It is not that we cannot gain good favor with those around us, it is just that people are scared of what they don't understand. And they cannot understand what we have, until we show them, and until they receive it.
For those of you who know me, I generally try to be a people pleaser. I get my foot in everything, and have real trouble saying no, or approaching people when I have issues. All I have ever wanted is to live in the world, but not be of the world. The problem is though, I figured to live in the world I had to be liked by the world. Lately though, I have been realizing that my views on it have been all wrong.
1 John 2:15 (NLT) says, "Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you."
This verse convicted me like you wouldn't imagine. There is so much in this world that I love. I love fame, power, money, popularity, I love this societal view of love. I am not talking about sexual love, but rather this love of needing someone. Sadly, no human will make me complete. The only love that can do that is this perfect, agape love that comes from God.
Ephesians 2:1-6 (MSG) talks of this life I have been living: "It wasn't so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin. You let the world, which doesn't know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief, and then exhaled disobedience. We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat. It's a wonder God didn't lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on his own, with no help from us! Then he picked us up and set us down in highest heaven in company with Jesus, our Messiah."
It's a wonder God didn't lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. How true that is. The world knows nothing of living. Allt hese things we "live" for only leave us more empty than we started. We get plastic surgery, but something else is wrong, we lose weight, but we will never be as skinny as the models, we are rich, but still can't afford that $73 million house. There is never a feeling complete joy. This can only happen with Jesus, and I don't understand why this takes so long to set into my brain.
1 John also talks about how it is imperitave that we don't just stop at believing. we are called to live. "Loving God means keeping his commandments, and really, that isn't difficult"(ch5, vs.3). Jesus says "if you love me you will follow my commands." I love Jesus, I have never stopped loving Him. Following his commands, on the other hand has been a much larger challenge for me. I have always been able to slide by the skin of my teeth. I can put on a good mask and pretend that I have always been a great Christian, but to actually live like one is a different story.
So, what now?
1 John 3:13 says, "Don't be surprised, dear brothers and sisters, if the world hates you". Jesus was not liked by the people he was around. He didn't please them. The world is not going to love us, but we are still called to love the world.
Proverbs 3:3,4 says
"Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
Then you will find favor with both God and people,
and you will earn a good reputation."
It is not that we cannot gain good favor with those around us, it is just that people are scared of what they don't understand. And they cannot understand what we have, until we show them, and until they receive it.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)