His Perspective

For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope. Romans 15:4

We study the Bible because within it are the very words of God. God “breathed out” the Scriptures and inspired men to write His truth. It is an expansion of Himself to all mankind. As Christians, we rely on these words to complete us and equip us for every good work to bring the Father honor and glory. Can you imagine life without them?

The Father employs scripture and prayer to communicate. God is known as an intimate and relational spirit. When we speak with Him and ask for clarification of truth, God reveals wisdom and understanding. Remember, Holy Scriptures are fashioned to feed our souls with everlasting nourishment and refresh our mind. In Matthew 4:4 Christ reminds us, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

Not only do we have God’s Holy Word and a direct line to the Father through prayer, but we possess the Holy Spirit. He lives within us as a helpmate. As we read in 2 Peter chapter 1, verse 21 discloses the fact that interpretation of scripture is never attained through human means but from part of the divine Trinity’s promptings. (aka Holy Spirit) Just like Jesus informed the disciples in John 14:26, the Holy Spirit is a gift to us to guide and instruct. We cannot uncover truth in scripture through the use of our human flesh and thinking. Why? God’s ways far outweigh our own and we would be fooling ourselves to believe otherwise. “For is anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” Galatians 6:3.

God’s word makes known His directives and assurances. They are a road map for righteous living. His perspective and outlook, along with faith-filled reliance on the Holy Spirit, empowers us to grasp His truth and live out God’s will. The bible is our source of truth, yet spiritual development and perception requires trust and dependence on the Holy Spirit AND continual interaction with the Father through prayer. Our reliance on these mutually supporting actions generates clarity and precise scripture meaning. Once clearness is obtained, we can commence to launch God’s truth into our present-day circumstances and daily living. Without God’s viewpoint and the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we are left on our own accord to determine meaning based on our evaluation. How clear of a picture do we get using this method?

Given our current crisis, I would extend the message from Sunday’s service by encouraging you to draw out God’s perspective for Psalm 91. Read it. Meditate upon it. Through prayer and the Holy Spirit’s promptings, allow God to reveal His words for you as a means to cope during a time such as this.

LOVE AND PRAYERS for our world!

March 24, 2020 0

Heavenly Astuteness

Happy sunny January afternoon. I don’t know about some of you but I could really use a snowy scene for a couple of days. Winter should be cold and filled with glorious snowflakes. (Okay, please do not stop reading because you love summer!) There really isn’t a season I prefer. They each come with uniqueness and purpose. My body just doesn’t know what to do when fall/spring days come right in the middle of winter. Even the daffodils are puzzled. I guess we could say, “Only the Good Lord knows the reason.”

The Almighty Father has the insight and perception which far exceeds our personal understanding. His wisdom outweighs any authority or power as we read in Ephesians 1:21. Our faith and focus are to be on God and exalt Him above all else because of the great gift of eternal life He has extended to each of us and rescued us from hell. (Psalm 30:1) It is through discipline and spiritual growth in Him that we discover how to maintain our ever-wavering attention on the Lord. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 states, “The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” God is worthy to be praised 24/7 because of His great love.

I read an article today written by Bobby Conner from Bullard, TX entitled How to Activate Divine Wisdom. He made several remarkable points. In the article, Conner declared “The gateway leading to the pathway of divine wisdom is humility and reverence. There are absolutely no shortcuts to acquiring this godly wisdom. The fountainhead is true, holy, reverential fear of God.” Conner continues the writing by describing an authentic humble and pure heart. I enjoyed reading his insight of all the benefits which come from having God’s wisdom. The author really caught my attention when he wrote, “We are instructed to obtain godly wisdom at all costs. Whatever action we must take to acquire this offered wisdom is a must.”

As I walk through these first couple of weeks of January, I am evaluating my reverence to the Father. Am I willing to do “whatever action” necessary to deepen my walk? Do I fear the Lord enough to display worship, respect, admiration, and awe of Him over my fleshy desires every moment of every day? What steps am I taking to seek after His wisdom? Do I exhibit full discipline for God?

My desire is for God to take control of my life and increase His presence. I want His wisdom. Trust me, I have relied on my own expertise and we all know the rest of that story!

What about you?

Link to the full article written by Bobby Conner: https://elijahlist.com/words/display_word.html?ID=23077

January 9, 2020 0

BOOK REVIEW: gods at War

Idleman, K. (2013). gods at War. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

SUMMARY: gods at War is a book about idolatry applicable to all readers. Idleman plainly addresses several false gods which separate us from fully worshipping God. The writer furnishes relevant testimonies to illustrate how honor is given to things like success, food, personal pleasure, and money. The writing is crafted to engage the reader through insightful questions in order to personally identify the “little gods” within the heart and mind. The author distinctly concentrates on the inner war and focuses on its effect-prohibiting a close, pure relationship with the Lord.

My $.02: Before reading this book, I would have probably said I did not have a concern with false gods in my life. Idleman’s writing was a pleasant wake-up call. The situations shared were touching. Idleman was gentle in his method of revealing items we idolize and how they prevent us from experiencing an intimate relationship with our Savior. I found myself evaluating my own actions and thoughts to discerning the false gods I had approved to takeover. I utilized this book with an adult small group for thirteen weeks and paired it with the 13 chapters of Hebrews. The book is an eye-opening read geared for adults. My copy is out on loan currently because I feel it is a good recommended read for those wanting to enhance their relationship with the Lord.

Don’t just take my word for it:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16182595-gods-at-war

September 24, 2019 0

BOOK REVIEW: It’s Not About Me

Lucado, M. (2004). It’s Not about Me. Nashville, TN: Integrity Publishers.

SUMMARY:

The book was released over a decade ago yet the message is applicable to past, present, and future—we exist to glorify God. Lucado fills the book with analogies and life experiences to support his stance. The author delivers the biblical based posture in two parts: God-Pondering and God-Promoting. Readers are given many examples of historical and modern-day life that contradict the real reason for our existence. In the second half of the writing, the author crafts his approach by covering all aspects of a person’s life as a reflection opportunity to reveal God’s glory. Lucado exposes the selfish human nature in order to shed light on the need to exchange egotistical reasoning for upward thinking. Each chapter is backed by scripture and reflection through the study guide found in the back section of the book. The conclusion of the book leaves the reader with a daily choice based on a story shared containing a moral.

My $.02:

I have read this previously when it was first published. It is part of my husband’s reference library. As I have fallen deeper in love with the Lord, I am aware that my approach to reading has been transformed. Each book is now read with an intense purpose—to refine my self-centered human way of thinking so I read it through a different set of lenses this go around.

The book is written in such a way that it feels as though Lucado is in the room speaking to me. There are numerous sections that were eye-opening and convicting. Although my honest intent was to gather supporting information for a Refining lesson, the book captured my attention and spoke to me on many levels. This timeless book is relevant to everyone who reads it. Lucado has an enticing delivery technique and packs a powerful punch at our sinful nature. He shares some of his own family experiences and lessons. I pray with God’s refining I can live out a life all about God and leave this world as a nobody. If you are curious about life and want to know what God has to say about it, read this!

For a formal book review: https://tinyurl.com/y35rh9w8

September 15, 2019 0