Week 27 - Matthew 5:48

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Wow!  What a command!  Be sure to read the scriptures preceding this one so you can read in context.

Life Application Study Bible, NIV, footnotes:

How can we be perfect?  

1.  In character.   In this life we cannot be flawless, but we can aspire to be as much like Christ as possible.  

2.  In holiness,.  Like the Pharisees, we are to separate ourselves from the world's sinful values.  But unlike the Pharisees, we are to be devoted to God's desires rather than our own, and carry his love and mercy into the world.  

3.  In maturity.  We can't achieve Christlike character and holy living all at once but we must grow toward maturity and wholeness.  Just as we expect different behavior from a baby, a child, a teenager, and an adult, so God expects different behavior form us, depending on our stage of spiritual development.  

4.  In love.  We can seek to love others as completely as God loves us. 

We can be perfect if our behavior is appropriate for our maturity level -- perfect, yet with much room to grow.  Our tendency to sin must never deter us from striving to be more like Christ.  Christ calls all of his disciples to excel, to rise above mediocrity, and to mature in every area, becoming like him.  Those who strive to become perfect will one day be perfect, even as Christ is perfect (1 John 3:2,3).

Week 26 - Matthew 5:44

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you....  Matthew 5:44

Life Application Study Bible, NIV:

Jesus says we are to love our enemies.  If you love your enemies and treat them well, you will truly show that Jesus is Lord of your life.  This is possible only for those who give themselves fully to God, because only he can deliver people from natural selfishness.  We must trust the Holy Spirit to help us show love to those for whom we may not feel love.

What a perfect time to demonstrate the Lord's love to people around you....friends and enemies alike!  Have you noticed how busy the stores are?  How busy the people are?  It's amazing what a smile and kind words can do.  I've noticed that it seems to soften most people you come in contact with.  Give it a try!

Mary has been on my mind this season.  These are some of my very unorganized thoughts.........

-    Mary was definitely "in God's will."  Don't we all long to be in that place?  Yet she was not without pain, heartache, suffering, trials, etc.

-    Mary was pretty "ordinary" but she opened herself up to the "extraordinary" when she made herself available to God and His plans.

-    Mary must have had to deal with quite a bit of fear from the very beginning.  What would Joseph think?  Her parents?  Her people?

-    Mary had to trust God for everything!  I just can't imagine getting on a donkey and riding 100 (or whatever it was) miles to Bethlehem while expecting.  Was she tired?  Hungry?  Cold?  Scared?  Did she wonder if she would make it before Jesus was born?  Again, she had to trust God for perfect timing.

-    Mary might have felt forgotten?  No room in the inn?!  Not even a place to give birth other than a stable?

-    My thoughts bring me back to God's will.  Every difficulty, every tear, every struggle had a purpose.

I find myself wishing I knew more about Mary but God has given us all we need to know in scripture.  Mary was a willing vessel, an obedient servant for the glory of God!  I pray that I might be the same.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Week 25 - Matthew 5:38-42

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.  And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.  If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Another good verse for meditation this week!  If you want to memorize, you might try verse 41, "If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles."

NIV, Life Application Study Bible footnotes:

God's purpose behind this law was an expression of mercy.  The law was given to judges and said, in effect, "Make the punishment fit the crime."  It was not a guide for personal revenge (Exodus 21:23-25; Leviticus 24:19,20; Deuteronomy 19:21).  These laws were given to limit vengeance and help the court administer punishment that was neither too strict nor too lenient.  Some people, however, were using this phrase to justify their vendettas against others.  People still try to excuse their acts of revenge by saying, "I was just doing to him what he did to me."

When we are wronged, often our first reaction is to get even.  Instead Jesus said we should do good to those who wrong us!  Our desire should not be to keep score, but to love and forgive.  

This is not natural -- it is supernatural!  

Only God can give us the strength to love as he does.  Instead of planning vengeance, pray for those who hurt you.

Week 24 - Matthew 5:37

Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

Jesus commands us to be TRUTHFUL.  

Truthfulness v. Deception

Truthfulness -- Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts.  

Ephesians 4:25 says, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body."

NIV Life Application Study Bible Footnotes:

Oaths, or vows, were common, but Jesus told his followers not to use them -- their word alone should be enough (see James 5:12).  Are you known as a person of your word?  Truthfulness seems so rare that we feel we must end our statements with "I promise."  If we tell the truth all the time, we will have less pressure to back up our words with an oath or promise.

James 5:12:  Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, or you will be condemned.

Truthfulness can seem like a rarity in our society these days.  Remember our verse from Matthew 5:16, "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven"?  One of the ways we can let our lights shine is by not going along with the crowd....by being different than the world.  

We shine our lights when we are characterized by truthfulness!

Week 23 - Matthew 5:23-25

Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.

This command would be a little difficult to memorize but you could easily memorize its meaning.  Spend some time this week considering this principle and meditating on the Word.   

NIV, Life Application Study Bible Footnotes:

Broken relationships can hinder our relationship with God.  If we have a problem or grievance with a firiend, we should resolve the problem as soon as possible. We are hypocrites if we claim to love God while we hate others.  Our attitudes toward others reflect our relationship with God (1 John 4:20).

In Jesus' day, someone who couldn't pay a debt was thrown into prison until the debt was paid.  Unless someone came to pay the debt for the prisoner, he or she would probably die there.  It is practical advice to resolve our differences with our enemies before their anger causes more trouble (Proverbs 25:8-10).  You may not get into a disagreement that takes you to court, but even small conflicts mend more easily if you try to  make peace right away.  In a broader sense, these verses advise us to get things right with our brothers and sisters before we have to stand before God.

1 John 4:20

Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.

Not Guilty

My cousin shared this video with me today and I just had to re-post it here for all y'all to see. It was the first time I have heard this song, but I will definitely be putting it on my iPod soon. I hope you enjoy it!

Not Guilty by Mandisa

Week 22 - Matthew 5:16

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

To get a better understanding of this verse, I want to back up a little bit to the preceding verses, starting with Matthew 5:14.

"You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

NIV Life Application Study Bible footnotes:

Can you hide a city that is sitting on top of a hill?  Its light at night can be seen for miles.  If we live for Christ, we will glow like lights, showing others what Christ is like.  We hide our light by 

1. being quiet when we should speak, 

2. going along with the crowd, 

3. denying the light, 

4. letting sin dim our light, 

5. not explaining our light to others, or 

6. ignoring the needs of others.  

Be a beacon of truth -- don't shut your light off from the rest of the world.

What a timely verse!  As you enter into the Christmas season, purpose to shine your light so that God may be glorified!

Now that Thanksgiving is over, I can post a Christmas song :)  This is ONE of my many favorites but I thought it was a great one to start out with -- A BABY CHANGES EVERYTHING!

Repentance & Humility

From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."  Matthew 4:17

NIV Life Application Study Bible Footnotes:  

The "kingdom of heaven" has the same meaning as the "kingdom of God" in Mark and Luke.  Matthew uses this phrase because the Jews, out of their intense reverence and respect, did not pronounce God's name.  The Kingdom of heaven is still near because it has arrived in our hearts.  

Jesus started his ministry with the very word people had heard John the Baptist say:  "Repent."  The message is the same today as when Jesus and John gave it.  Becoming a follower of Christ means turning away from our self-centeredness and "self" control and turning our lives over to Christ's direction and control.

Don't you think that's interesting?  Jesus began his ministry with this message.  People needed to hear it 2000 years ago and we need to hear it today!

Do you think that we truly repent?  Oftentimes, I think I want forgiveness but to repent means to turn away. I may even think I'm sorry or feel guilty for some sin in my life but do I mourn over my sin?

Sin is anything that breaks God's law or makes God sad.  Shouldn't I grieve if I've made God sad? 

Many times our sin not only affects us but it affects someone else and many times it's someone we love.  Shouldn't we grieve if we are sinning and it's hurting people we love?

Repentance has got to be a part of our sanctification process.  We must continually ask God to show us areas where we need to repent -- we need to turn away.  A constant pruning away of the dead areas in our life is vital so that we can produce healthy fruit.

And as always, in order for us to produce good fruit, we must stay connect to the Vine!
"I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit.  Apart from me you can do nothing"  John 15:5

To have a repentant heart is also to be characterized by humility.  Humility is recognizing that it is actually God and others who are responsible for the achievement in my life.

HUMILITY VS. PRIDE

James 4:6  ....."God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

NIV Life Application Study Bible Footnote:

The cure for evil desires is humility.  Pride makes us self-centered and leads us to conclude that we deserve all we can see, touch, or imagine.  It creates greedy appetites for far more than we need.  We can be released from our self-centered desires by humbling ourselves before God, realizing that all we really need is his approval.  When the Holy Spirit fills us, we see that this world's seductive attractions are only cheap substitutes for what God has to offer.  

From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."  

Week 21 - Matthew 4:17

We've spent the last 20 weeks talking about the wheel illustration and memorizing and meditating on scripture that corresponds with each part of the wheel.

Hopefully we have a better understanding of each part of the illustration that represents an important component of a vital Christian life.

We know that we need Christ as the center of everything we do.

We know that God's Word and prayer represent our vertical relationship with the Father.  The Word is our spiritual food and prayer is our direct communication with God.

We know that fellowship with other believers offers the encouragement, admonition and stimulation we all need to stay on the right path.  And witnessing gives us the opportunity to pass on to others all that we have received from the Lord.

Finally, we know that obedience to Christ, where the rubber meets the road, is our response to Jesus by wholeheartedly walking with Him each day.

So, what's next?

The rest of this challenge will be spent memorizing and meditating on general commands of Christ.  There have been books, articles and studies written about the commands of Christ.  We will explore at least 32 of them in the last part of the challenge.  Having a knowledge of what Christ has actually commanded of us, will give us an even deeper understanding of what "the obedient Christian in action" looks like.  As always, we must not only be hearers of the Word but doers!

Soooooo...........here it is!  Week 21 - Matthew 4:17

From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."

Any thoughts?  I'd love to hear what's going on in your life, what insights you've gained so far from studying the scriptures, etc.  Leave a comment!

Romans 12:1 Footnote

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God -- this is your spiritual act of worship.  Romans 12:1


NIV, Life Application Study Bible footnote:

When sacrificing an animal according to God's law, a priest would kill the animal, cut it in pieces, and place it on the altar.  Sacrifice was important, but even in the Old Testament God made it clear that obedience from the heart was much more important (see 1 Samuel 15:22; Psalm 40:6; Amos 5:21-24).  God wants us to offer ourselves, not animals, as living sacrifices -- daily laying aside our own desires to follow him, putting all our energy and resources at his disposal and trusting him to guide us.  We do this out of gratitude that our sins have been forgiven.

God has good, pleasing, and perfect plans for his children.  He wants us to be transformed people with renewed minds, living to honor and obey him.  Because he wants only what is best for us, and because he gave his Son to make our new lives possible, we should joyfully give ourselves as living sacrifices for his service.

I challenge you to really think about what this verse means for YOUR life.  How might you lay aside your own desires in order to follow Jesus?  In what area of life is God calling you to trust him more, giving him all of your energy and resources?

One Thing

This song is my all-time favorite worship song. I first heard it at Frontier Camp, an awesome Christian summer camp. Then I later heard it at Breakaway, a college campus ministry at Texas A&M. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Sorry the video isn't very good...I didn't have a whole lot of options.

Week 20 - Romans 12:1

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.

This is our last verse focusing on obedience to Christ and then we'll be moving on to something new!  I hope that you have been challenged so far -- challenged in your disciplines and in your walk with the Lord.

Everyone is using this challenge differently.  Some have memorized every verse; some have just read the verse; some have taken the time to meditate and study the verse.  Whatever the circumstance, I know that God's Word never returns void.  Any amount of time we spend in God's Word is a worthwhile investment that will yield fruit in our lives in God's timing.

So, I hope you all will stick with us....hang in there....let's continue to learn together what it means to live a Christ-centered life!

Week 19 - John 14:15

If you love me, you will obey what I command.


OBEDIENCE TO CHRIST

The rim (where the rubber meets the road) represents the believer responding to Jesus through wholehearted, day-by-day obedience to Him.

Did you know that God desires for us to care for the widows and orphans?

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27

Today is Orphan Sunday!  Just a day to raise awareness for all the orphans of the world.

"Learn to do right; seek justice.

Defend the oppressed.

Take up the cause of the fatherless;

plead the case of the widow."

Isaiah 1:17

I heard a statistic recently that if every Christian family took in ONE orphan, there wouldn't be any orphans in the world!  I haven't tried to research whether or not that's accurate but it's worth thinking about..............

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Week 18 -- Mark 16:15

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.


This is what we call the Great Commission.  Be sure to read the surrounding verses and look up some cross-references, footnotes, commentaries, etc. for further study.

Please encourage the group by sharing some of the things the Lord is showing you.

Have a great week!

Matthew 4:19 Footnote

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”

NIV, Life Application Study Bible Footnote:

Jesus told Peter and Andrew to leave their fishing business and become "fishers of men," to help others find God.  Jesus was calling them away from their productive trades to be productive spiritually.  We all need to fish for souls.  If we practice Christ's teachings and share the gospel with others, we will be able to draw those around us to Christ like a fisherman who pulls fish into his boat with nets.

This was an appropriate verse for us as we were at the lake all week!  My little guy got to try out his new fishing pole for the first time.

Week 17 - Matthew 4:19

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”

The first three spokes (The Word, Prayer & Fellowship) prepare us for passing on to others all that we have received from the Lord.  This is accomplished through sharing our own experience of Christ and declaring and explaining the Gospel, God's power to save.  The next spoke and focus for our memory verses is Witnessing.

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Hebrews 3:13 Footnote

Our scripture verse this week is really part of the verse before it, verse 12.  Together they read this way:

See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.  Hebrews 3:12-13

NIV, Life Appication Bible footnotes:

Our hearts turn away from the living God when we stubbornly refuse to believe him.  If we persist in our unbelief, God will eventually leave us alone in our sin.  But God can give us new hearts, new desires, and new spirits (Ezekiel 36:22-27).  To prevent having an unbelieving heart, stay in fellowship with other believers, talk daily about your mutual faith, be aware of the deceitfulness of sin (it attracts but also destroys), and encourage each other with love and concern.

Pass the Verse, Please!

Along with "Pass the potatoes, please," we are passing our verses around the table.  

Make cards or papers with the verse written on the inside and the scripture reference on the outside.  Take turns drawing a paper and saying the verse before you open it.  

The children are a lot better at this than I am.  I'm having trouble remembering all the scripture references.  Anyone else?

Have a blessed day!

Week 16 - Hebrews 3:13

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

Our focus continues on "fellowship".  Any thoughts?  Why do we need fellowship?

On a different note, we are in the Christmas spirit today!  We're having an Operation Christmas Child shoe box packing party for Samaritan's Purse.  

Consider packing a box and give Christmas away!

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Hebrews 10:24-25 Footnotes & Commentary

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Life Application Study Bible, NIV footnotes:

We have significant privileges associated with our new life in Christ: 1. we have personal access to God through Christ and can draw near to him without an elaborate system (10:22); 2. we may grow in faith, overcome doubts and questions, and deepen our relationship with God (10:23); 3. we may enjoy encouragement from one another (10:24); 4. we may worship together (10:25).

To neglect Christian meetings is to give up the encouragement and help of other Christians.  We gather together to share our faith and to strengthen one another in the Lord.  As we get closer to the "Day" when Christ will return, we will face many spiritual struggles, and even times of persectuion.  Anti-Christian forces will grow in strength.  Difficulties should never be excuses for missing church services.  Rather, as difficulties arise, we should make an even greater effort to be faithful in attendance.

Matthew Henry's Commentary:

IV. We have the means prescribed for preventing our apostasy, and promoting our fidelity and perseverance, Heb. 10:24, 25 He mentions several; as, 1. That we should consider one another, to provoke to love and to good works. Christians ought to have a tender consideration and concern for one another; they should affectionately consider what their several wants, weaknesses, and temptations are; and they should do this, not to reproach one another, to provoke one another not to anger, but to love and good works, calling upon themselves and one another to love God and Christ more, to love duty and holiness more, to love their brethren in Christ more, and to do all the good offices of Christian affection both to the bodies and the souls of each other. A good example given to others is the best and most effectual provocation to love and good works. 2. Not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, Heb. 10:25. It is the will of Christ that his disciples should assemble together, sometimes more privately for conference and prayer, and in public for hearing and joining in all the ordinances of gospel worship. There were in the apostles’ times, and should be in every age, Christian assemblies for the worship of God, and for mutual edification. And it seems even in those times there were some who forsook these assemblies, and so began to apostatize from religion itself. The communion of saints is a great help and privilege, and a good means of steadiness and perseverance; hereby their hearts and hands are mutually strengthened. 3. To exhort one another, to exhort ourselves and each other, to warn ourselves and one another of the sin and danger of backsliding, to put ourselves and our fellow-christians in mind of our duty, of our failures and corruptions, to watch over one another, and be jealous of ourselves and one another with a godly jealousy. This, managed with a true gospel spirit, would be the best and most cordial friendship. 4. That we should observe the approaching of times of trial, and be thereby quickened to greater diligence:So much the more, as you see the day approaching. Christians ought to observe the signs of the times, such as God has foretold. There was a day approaching, a terrible day to the Jewish nation, when their city should be destroyed, and the body of the people rejected of God for rejecting Christ. This would be a day of dispersion and temptation to the chosen remnant. Now the apostle puts them upon observing what signs there were of the approach of such a terrible day, and upon being the more constant in meeting together and exhorting one another, that they might be the better prepared for such a day. There is a trying day coming on us all, the day of our death, and we should observe all the signs of its approaching, and improve them to greater watchfulness and diligence in duty.

I wanted to share this hymn with all of you.  It's been on my heart for the last week.  As Christians we have to put our trust in Jesus....trusting Him for your salvation, your very life, your health, your family, your finances, your relationships, your future....the list goes on.  Whatever circumstances you're facing in your life, may the Lord give you the grace to trust Him more!

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Week 15 - Hebrews 10:24-25

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

We have been memorizing and meditating on scripture about Christ, the Word and prayer.  Now, we are moving to fellowship.  Fellowship centered around the Lord Jesus provides the mutual encouragement, admonition, and stimulation we all need.

This definition of fellowship comes from the Dictionary of Bible Themes, an online study tool at Biblegateway.com:

The fellowship that believers share as a result of their common union with God through Jesus Christ is expressed in life together. It is evident in worship together, in a love for one another which reflects God’s own love and in a practical commitment to one another which is demonstrated in concern for the weak and readiness to share with the poor and needy.

Week 14 - Matthew 6:9-13

After this manner therefore pray ye: 

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.   (KJV)

Life Application Study Bible, NIV Footnotes:  

This is often called the Lord's Prayer because Jesus gave it to the disciples.  It can be a pattern for our prayers.  We should praise God, pray for his work in the world, pray for our daily needs, and pray for help in our daily struggles.

I'm sure this is familiar to many of you but have you ever studied what we refer to as the Lord's Prayer?   Please share your findings and insights as you memorize, pray, study and meditate on the scripture this week.

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Matthew 7:7-8 Footnotes

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.  Matthew 7:7-8


Life Application Study Bible, NIV Footnotes:

Jesus tells us to persist in pursuing God.  People often give up after a few halfhearted efforts and conclude that God cannot be found.  But knowing God takes faith, focus, and follow-through, and Jesus assures us that we will be rewarded.  Don't give up in your efforts to seek God.  Continue to ask him for more knowledge, patience, wisdom, love, and understanding.  He will give them to you.

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ASK

Ask and it will be given to you; 

Seek and you will find; 

Knock and the door will be opened to you. 

For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.  Matthew 7:7-8


This picture was sent in by Kelly.....a very pretty and creative way to display index cards!

Also, Kathryn writes this about her index card book:

"I decorated mine too and I keep it on my desk by my computer.  And when I sit down at the desk, I look at it and read it and hopefully by the end of the week I have it just about memorized."

Thanks for sharing, ladies!

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BC Index Card Books

Some of the children in our church that are participating in the Bible Challenge made books to hold their scripture memory index cards.

Some were very crafty.........

Some LOVED the stickers.........

All are proud of their books!

Are you making index cards for your verses?  How are you using the cards?  What other ways are you keeping God's Word before you?

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Week 13 - Matthew 7:7-8

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.  

Anyone who was with the Bible Challenge last year knows that this is ONE of my favorite scenes from the fantastic movie Facing the Giants.

So because it's football season...

And because we are now 1/4 of the way through this Bible Challenge...

Don't quit!  Keep going!  Give God your best this week!

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Philippians 4:6-7 Notes

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  
                                                                           Philippians 4:6-7

Are you enjoying Philippians this week?  

One of our BC families has been inspired to memorize Philippians 4:4-9.  

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God,which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

What a great passage!  That would be a great section of scripture to start your day.

The following are some footnotes regarding this section from Life Application Study Bible, NIV:

Verse 4:  It seems strange that a man in prison would be telling a church to rejoice.  But Paul's attitude teaches us an important lesson:  our inner attitudes do not have to reflect our outward circumstances.  Paul was full of joy because he knew that no matter what happened to him, Jesus Christ was with him.  Several times in this letter, Paul urged the Philippians to be joyful, probably because they needed to hear this.  It's easy to get discouraged about unpleasant circumstances or to take unimportant events too seriously.  If you haven't been joyful lately, you may not be looking at life from the right perspective.

Verse 4 & 5:  Ultimate joy comes from Christ dwelling within us.  Christ is near, and at his second coming we will fully realize this ultimate joy.  He who lives within us will fulfill his final purposes for us.

Verse 6 & 7:  Imagine never being "anxious about anything"!  It seems like an impossibility -- we all have worries on the job, in our homes, at school.  But Paul's advice is to turn our worries into prayers.  Do you want to worry less?  Then pray more!  Whenever you start to worry, stop and pray.

Verse 8:  What we put into our minds determines what comes out in our words and actions.  Paul tells us to program our minds with thoughts that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.  Do you have problems with impure thoughts and daydreams?  Examine what you are putting into your mind through television, books, conversations, movies, and magazines.  Replace harmful input with wholesome material.  Above all, read God's Word and pray.  Ask God to help you focus your mind on what is good and pure.  It takes practice, but it can be done.

Verse 9:  It's not enough to hear or read the Word of God, or even to know it well.  We must also put it into practice.  How easy it is to listen to a sermon and forget what the preacher said.  How easy it is to read the Bible and not think about how to live differently.  How easy it is to debate what a passage means and not live out that meaning.  Exposure to God's Word is not enough.  It must lead to obedience.

Have a joyful week!

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Week 12 - Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

We continue our focus on prayer this week, which is our direct communication with our heavenly Father.

Postures for Prayer:

Standing - Abraham (Genesis 18:22,23); Hannah (1 Samuel 1:26); "When you stand..." (Mark 11:25)

Bowing - Moses (Exodus 34:8)

Kneeling - Solomon (1 Kings 8:54,55); Daniel (Daniel 6:10); Jesus (Luke 22:41)

Prostrate - Joshua (Joshua 7:6); Jesus (Matthew 26:39)

Lying down - Hezekiah on his bed (2 Kings 20:1,2)

So whether you're standing, bowing, kneeling, prostrate or lying down this week........do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And may the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Amen!

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John 15:7 Commentary

From Matthew Henry:

"The blessed privilege which those have that abide in Christ (v. 7):If my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will of my Father in my name, and it shall be done. See here, [1.] How our union with Christ is maintained—by the word: If you abide in me; he had said before, and I in you; here he explains himself, and my words abide in you; for it is in the word that Christ is set before us, and offered to us,Rom. 10:6-8. It is in the word that we receive and embrace him; and so where the word of Christ dwells richly there Christ dwells. If the word be our constant guide and monitor, if it be in us as at home, then we abide in Christ, and he in us. [2.] How our communion with Christ is maintained—by prayer: You shall ask what you will, and it shall be done to you. And what can we desire more than to have what we will for the asking? Note, Those that abide in Christ as their heart’s delight shall have, through Christ, their heart’s desire. If we have Christ, we shall want nothing that is not good for us. Two things are implied in this promise:—First, That if we abide in Christ, and his word in us, we shall not ask any thing but what is proper to be done for us. The promises abiding in us lie ready to be turned into prayers; and the prayers so regulated cannot but speed. Secondly, That if we abide in Christ and his word we shall have such an interest in God’s favour and Christ’s mediation that we shall have an answer of peace to all our prayers."


The portion that I've highlighted really helps me understand the promise in this verse. If I'm abiding in Christ, my heart and desires are going to more naturally line up with God's will. And even when God answers my prayers differently than I expected, I will still have peace because of my relationship with Him and my desire for His will to be done in my life.


Any thoughts?


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Forever Reign

My heart will sing no other name...

JESUS

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Prayer

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  John 15:7


The following information was compiled by J. Darren Ely for a study called, "How to Deepen Your Prayer Life".

God can and will use us in direct proportion to our humility and obedience to Him.  One great expression of humility and obedience is a life of prayer.  Prayer is the means whereby we commune with our Lord.  It is the means by which we are empowered with the life of God.

Prayer to the living God is the greatest unused resource in the world.  It is the world's great, untapped Niagara!  "If we have any regrets at all when we get to Heaven, one feels sure that the main burden of those regrets will be the fact that we did not do more earnest praying while on the earth." (Billy Graham)  That we asked for crumbs when we could have had a banquet.  But prayer must be more than an obligation -- it must become a passion for us.

As we begin to focus on prayer, you might want to read these types of prayers.

Adoration:  Exodus 15:1-21, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Peter 1:3-5

Confession:  Proverbs 28:13, Psalm 51, 1 John 1:8-10

Thanksgiving:  Daniel 6:10, Psalm 105:1, Philippians 4:6

Supplication:  Genesis 18:23-32, Psalm 143:8-10, James 4:2,3

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Week 11 - John 15:7

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  John 15:7

We are shifting our focus now to the PRAYER spoke on the wheel.  Through prayer we have direct communication with our heavenly Father, about anything and everything.  When we pray we acknowledge our trust in and dependence upon Him.

This verse should sound a little familiar.  It's in the same context as our previous verse, John 15:5.

The study of this verse should be interesting.  Please share your findings with the group!

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Week 10 - Ephesians 6:17

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  Ephesians 6:17

This is the only verse we are memorizing out of this scripture section since it deals with the Word and that's the spoke on the wheel that we're still focusing on.  Remember the wheel?

But be sure to read the entire section about the armor of God, starting with verse 10.

Life Application Study Bible, NIV:

We are engaged in a spiritual battle -- all believers find themselves subject to Satan's attacks because they are no longer on Satan's side.  Thus, Paul tells us to use every piece of God's armor to resist Satan's attacks and to stand true to God in the midst of those attacks.  

Put on the full armor of God this week!

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Psalm 119:105 Commentary

From Matthew Henry's Commentary:

Observe here, 1. The nature of the word of God, and the great intention of giving it to the world; it is a lamp and a light. It discovers to us, concerning God and ourselves, that which otherwise we could not have known; it shows us what is amiss, and will be dangerous; it directs us in our work and way, and a dark place indeed the world would be without it. It is a lamp which we may set up by us, and take into our hands for our own particular use, Proverbs 6:23.  The commandment is a lamp kept burning with the oil of the Spirit; it is like the lamps in the sanctuary, and the pillar of fire to Israel.  (Note:  Proverbs 6:23 says " For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life.)

2. The use we should make of it. It must be not only a light to our eyes, to gratify them, and fill our heads with speculations, but a light to our feet and to our path, to direct us in the right ordering of our conversation, both in the choice of our way in general and in the particular steps we take in that way, that we may not take a false way nor a false step in the right way. We are then truly sensible of God’s goodness to us in giving us such a lamp and light when we make it a guide to our feet, our path.

We have been singing this song in church lately.  It's a prayerful song to sing to the Lord.

The story behind the song........

"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."  Psalm 16:11

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Week 9 - Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

This week's verse is short but powerful!

1 Peter 2:2-3 Footnotes

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.                                 1 Peter 2:2-3
Life Application Study Bible, NIV Footnotes:

One characteristic all children share is that they want to grow up -- to be like big brother or sister or like their parents.  When we are born again, we become spiritual newborn babies.  If we are healthy, we will yearn to grow.  How sad it is that some people never grow up. The need for milk is a natural instinct for a baby, and it signals the desire for nourishment that will lead to growth.  Once we see our need for God's Word and begin to find nourishment in Christ, our spiritual appetite will increase, and we will start to mature.  How strong is your desire for God's Word?

This is an excerpt from Matthew Henry's commentary.  He's speaking about verse 3.

The graciousness of our Redeemer is best discovered by an experimental taste of it. There must be an immediate application of the object to the organ of taste; we cannot taste at a distance, as we may see, and hear, and smell. To taste the graciousness of Christ experimentally supposes our being united to him by faith, and then we may taste his goodness in all his providences, in all our spiritual concerns, in all our fears and temptations, in his word and worship every day. 

There it is again!  We must be united, connected to Christ, as the branch to the vine, to taste his goodness.  We must remain in Him!

If you've been with the BC for very long, you've heard this song before -- ONE of my favorites from Selah.  Their songs just minister to my heart.  I'm having a Selah fest this week so bear with me!  

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Taste & See

Week 8 - 1 Peter 2:2-3

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Did you see Bobbye's comment on the last post?

"I didn't realize until re-reading this morning that this is the 2nd half of an instruction. Not sure I'm crazy about the first half! Lol!"

The first verse says, "Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind."  1 Peter 2:1

That's definitely a challenging verse!  Did you notice the therefore?  What's that THERE FOR?  1 Peter 1 is a great chapter too!

This is a good reminder to read in context.  If you just read the verse, you miss out on lots of important things the Lord has for you.

I've kind of been stuck on verse 3, "now that you have tasted that the Lord is good."  If we've tasted that the Lord is good, shouldn't we crave pure spiritual milk?  Why do so many Christians settle for less than the feast the Lord has for them?  I fear I am often guilty of this very thing.

May you taste and see that the Lord is good today!

Psalm 34:8, "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him."

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Week 8 - 1 Peter 2:2 & 3

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

I can't believe we're on Week 8 already!  How are you doing with the challenge?  Are you having trouble memorizing the verses or is it easier than you imagined?

Remember to continue reciting the past verses to keep them fresh.

Are you spending time with the Lord each day, meditating on God's Word?  Although it may not be as measurable as memorizing a verse, it's still a very important part of this challenge.

You don't need to strive towards some kind of "perfection," just strive to grow in the wisdom and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and in your relationship with Him!

Have a blessed week!

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Matthew 4:4

Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' "  Matthew 4:4

The first time we read our memory verse this week, we asked:

1.  Who is Jesus answering?

2.  Where is it written?

In order to read in context we have to answer these questions.  We discover that this is the story of Satan tempting Jesus in the desert and that Jesus is quoting Moses from Deuteronomy 8:3 when he is speaking to the Israelites.

A couple of worthy things to note from footnotes I read:

1.  You can't show true obedience without the opportunity to disobey.  Testing will come so be alert and ready for it.

2.  Jesus wasn't tempted in the temple or at his baptism but in the desert where he was alone, tired and hungry.  Satan often tempts us when we are vulnerable.

I'd like to quote the footnote for Matthew 4:3,4 from the NIV, Life Application Study Bible.

Jesus was able to resist all of the devil's temptations because he not only knew Scripture, but he also obeyed it.  Ephesians 6:17 says that God's Word is a sword to use in spiritual combat.  Knowing Bible verses is an important step in helping us resist the devil's attacks, but we must also obey the Bible.  Note that Satan had memorized Scripture, but he failed to obey it.  Knowing and obeying the Bible helps us follow God's desires rather than the devil's.

Deuteronomy 8:3
He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

Footnote:
Many people think that life is based on satisfying their appetites.  If they can earn enough money to dress, eat, and play in high style, they think they are living "the good life."  But such things do not satisfy our deepest longings.  In the end they leave us empty and dissatisfied.  Real life, according to Moses, comes from total commitment to God, the one who created life itself.  It requires discipline, sacrifice, and hard work, and that's why most people never find it.

Lord, help us in memorizing our verses not to leave obedience out of the equation.  Let us not merely be hearers but doers of Your Word.  May we hunger and thirst for You and realize that we do not live on bread alone or any other thing this world has to offer but that our true satisfaction and life is found in You alone!  Amen!

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Week 7 - Matthew 4:4

Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Matthew 4:4

God's word to us is our spiritual food.  Don't be satisfied with a snack this week -- feast on Him!

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Mealtime Scripture

We're familiar with the mealtime prayer.  How about the mealtime scripture?

One way our family is working on our scripture memory is when we sit down to our meals.  We say our prayer AND we say our scripture verse.

During our recent travels we haven't always been good about saying our verses at meals but we've had plenty of time in the car to practice reciting them.

Please share ways that you are striving to "not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth"?

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Keyword Searches

As we were working on our verse today, the children recognized the familiar phrase about meditating day and night.

Week 1:  Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.  Then you will be prosperous and successful.  Joshua 1:8

Week 6:  Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.  But his delight is in the law of the Lord and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:1&2

One of the children said, "I wonder how many times meditate is in the Bible?"  So we talked about ways to find out that information.  You can search keywords on Bible Gateway at biblegateway.com .  A search of the word meditate brought up these results:

1. Genesis 24:63
   He went out to the field one evening to meditate, and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching.
   Genesis 24:62-64 (in Context) Genesis 24 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
2. Joshua 1:8
   Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
   Joshua 1:7-9 (in Context) Joshua 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
3. Psalm 1:2
   But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
   Psalm 1:1-3 (in Context) Psalm 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
4. Psalm 39:3
   My heart grew hot within me, and as I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:
   Psalm 39:2-4 (in Context) Psalm 39 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
5. Psalm 48:9
   Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love.
   Psalm 48:8-10 (in Context) Psalm 48 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
6. Psalm 77:12
   I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.
   Psalm 77:11-13 (in Context) Psalm 77 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
7. Psalm 119:15
   I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
   Psalm 119:14-16 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
8. Psalm 119:23
   Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees.
   Psalm 119:22-24 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
9. Psalm 119:27
   Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders.
   Psalm 119:26-28 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
10. Psalm 119:48
    I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.
    Psalm 119:47-49 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
11. Psalm 119:78
    May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will meditateon your precepts.
    Psalm 119:77-79 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
12. Psalm 119:97
    מ Mem Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.
    Psalm 119:96-98 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
13. Psalm 119:99
    I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes.
    Psalm 119:98-100 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
14. Psalm 119:148
    My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.
    Psalm 119:147-149 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
15. Psalm 143:5
    I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.
    Psalm 143:4-6 (in Context) Psalm 143 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
16. Psalm 145:5
    They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
    Psalm 145:4-6 (in Context) Psalm 145 (Whole Chapter)

Week 6 - Psalm 1:1 & 2

Psalm 1

1 Blessed is the man 

who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked 

or stand in the way of sinners 

or sit in the seat of mockers. 

 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, 

and on his law he meditates day and night.

We are continuing to meditate on and memorize scripture focusing on the Word of God, which is one of the vital ways that we maintain our personal relationship with God.

The verse to memorize this week is Psalm 1:1&2 BUT if you're up to it and want to take an extra challenge, try memorizing all of Psalm 1.  The rest of the chapter looks like this:

3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, 

which yields its fruit in season

and whose leaf does not wither.

Whatever he does prospers.

4 Not so the wicked!

They are like chaff 

that the wind blows away.

5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, 

nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,

but the way of the wicked will perish.

I'm sending out this info a little early because I will be away from my computer for a few days.  Week 6 starts this Sunday, August 5, 2012.

Delight in the law of the Lord this week!