Kathy Howard's Blog: Unshakeable Faith for Life, page 21
October 26, 2020
4 Ways Foul Language is More than 4-Letter Words
Do you use foul language? You might and not even realize it. Foul language is far more than 4-letter words and other types of speech our society considers offensive. God’s Word calls any speech that doesn’t “build up” the hearer to be “unwholesome” or “corrupt.”
I’ve certainly been guilty of foul language. Sadly, more times than I can count. My thoughtless words have wounded others. My selfish words have hurt those closest to me.
What is “foul language?”
The apostle Paul knew our words have incredible power. What comes out of our mouths can either build up the hearer or tear her down. In his letter to the Christians in Ephesus, he tells them – and us – exactly what effect our speech should and should not have on others.
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Ephesians 4:29, KJV
Paul says our speech should not be “corrupt” or “unwholesome.” The Greek adjective translated as “corrupt” literally means “rotten or putrefied; unfit for use; worthless.” Physically, the word was used to refer to things like rotting fruit. Figuratively, “corrupt” describes language that is rotten or that spreads rottenness. Corrupt speech is far more than curse words. Corrupt speech is graceless speech. Foul language tears down, deflates.
What does “Gracious” Speech Sound Like?
To better understand foul language – the kind Paul commands us to silence – it’s helpful to know what our speech should sound like. Paul says our speech should “benefit” or “minister grace” to others. “Gracious” speech is morally sound and helpful to the hearer. It will encourage, strengthen, and promote their spiritual well-being.
Gracious words are not always “easy” or “nice.” Sometimes it’s hard to say the gracious thing, the thing they most need to hear. Too often we avoid saying hard things in an effort to be nice. We don’t want to hurt their feelings or strain our relationship with them. But unfortunately, the “nice” words are not always the kindest thing to say. “Nice” won’t encourage them to move forward in their relationship with Jesus. The overall goal of gracious speech is that it helps the hearer to be all Christ wants them to be. (For more on being a person of grace see “15 Characteristics of Grace.”)
A Word Picture
Picture your spouse, your child, a coworker, or friend as a fully inflated beach ball. Every corrupt word you shoot their way leaves a hole. Air begins to escape. Can you see them deflate? Any words not wholesome or beneficial tear others down emotionally and spiritually. Little by little the air goes out. Sadly, I’ve seen my own words have that effect on other people.
Now picture that limp, floppy beach ball. What happens when you blow air into it? It fills and lifts until it’s fully the object it was intended to be. That’s exactly how gracious words affect another person. Like air blown into a deflated beach ball, good, gracious, and edifying words will encourage and build up an individual, helping them to reach their full potential in Christ.
4 Ways Foul Language is More than 4-Letter Words
Pursuing gracious speech is far more comprehensive that eliminating all the four-letter words from our vocabulary. Since grace should characterize all our communication, let’s take a closer look at four ways that foul language – or corrupt speech – finds its way into our daily lives and relationships.
Corrupt Speech is worthless speech – Have you ever paid for and gone through an online course that didn’t help you at all? Or maybe you’ve been stuck listening to a long, boring lecture on a topic in which you had absolutely no interest? You probably felt like you wasted a big chunk of your time on something completely worthless. At its best, corrupt speech is worthless speech that provides no value to the hearer. It’s unimportant fluff and unproductive filler. So, before we regale our neighbor with the long version of our family story or tell our newly diagnosed friend about our cousin’s nephew’s cancer battle, let’s ask ourselves if it will benefit the hearer in any way.
Corrupt Speech is selfish speech – Too often we put ourselves first, even with our words. We speak to meet our own needs rather than seeking to meet the need of the hearer. Things we say reactively or out of intense emotion can often be corrupted. Speaking without first taking the time to think is selfish. This impulsive speech, often characterized by qualities like anger or sarcasm, is driven by what we think will make us feel better in that moment. Sadly, this selfish speech only soothes us temporarily and it often inflicts lasting harm on the hearer.
Corrupt Speech is cancerous speech – Corrupt speech is not only rotten, it also spreads rottenness. Like a fast-spreading malignancy, wholesome speech moves through families, churches, and communities wreaking havoc along the way. Gossip is one example. If we share a juicy “prayer request” with a friend, she will tell two friends, and then they tell more. The object of the gossip is torn apart and broken down in the minds of the hearers. Each one is not only tempted to gossip themselves, but their thoughts are taken captive and turned away from what is good and honorable.
Corrupt Speech is destructive speech – Like a tornado tearing through the heart of a city, corrupt speech tears down and destroys. It has the power to uproot another’s faith. To chip away at their trust and dependence on God. To make them question God’s love. Any words that point the hearer away from Christ or hinders their spiritual growth are destructive. In contrast, gracious speech will always point the hearer to God, always urge them to trust God, always encourage them to follow Jesus.
Foul Language Starts in the Heart
Even when we long for our words to give grace to others, sometimes things break down between our desire and the words that flow out of our mouths. Sadly, our words will betray us, revealing the junk we have hidden in our hearts. Things like insecurity, hurt, unresolved anger, selfishness, and pride produce words that wound, tear down, and corrupt. God will hold us accountable for every word we speak (Matthew 12:36), so let’s constantly check our hearts for sinful attitudes and motivations (Matthew 12:34-36). Let’s ask God to heal old hurts, soothe anger, and humble pride. Then let’s refuse to use foul language and commit to using gracious words that build up and encourage.
4 Ways Foul Language is More than 4-Letter Words by Kathy Howard.
October 19, 2020
7 Characteristics of a Mature Christian
Would you describe yourself as a mature Christian? Honestly, that term feels sort of subjective. What one person considers mature, another might not.
However, the Bible does give us some guidelines for spiritual maturity. First, God calls us to spiritual maturity:
“…until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Eph 4:13, NIV
The Greek word translated as “mature” in Ephesians 4:13 is teleios. It means to be “complete, perfect, brought to end, of full age.” Spiritual maturity is God’s goal for us.
Would you describe yourself as a #MatureChristian? 7 characteristics
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Next, our maturity is so important to God, He allows trials into our lives to grow our faith:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:3-4
If our maturity is this important to God, perhaps we should take it more seriously. But how can we know if we’re growing spiritually? What does a mature Christian look like?
What does a #MatureChristian look like? 7 characteristics from #Scripture
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7 Characteristics of a Mature Christian
The Bible gives us many marks of a growing believer, like perseverance and spiritual fruit, but the Bible specifically mentions the following 7 characteristics in conjunction with the Greek word teleios:
Recognizes the difference between right and wrong then does what is right (Hebrews 5:14)
Not easily swayed by false teaching (Ephesians 4:13-16) – So grounded in the truth of God’s Word, she quickly recognizes falsehood.
Rooted in love (Ephesians 4:13-16) – Our words and actions flow from love for our fellow believers.
Serves the church (Ephesians 4:13-16) – A Christian cannot grow to her full potential apart from a vital connection to a local church. She must find her place of mutual service and encouragement.
Lives with an eternal perspective (Philippians 3:13-15) – The reality of the spiritual and eternal drives her life. She purposefully strives to continual spiritual growth because she knows this life is temporary.
Controls her tongue (James 3:2) – If a Christian has good control of her speech, you know she is on a path to maturity!
Reflects God’s character to the world (Matthew 5:48) – God wants us to grow in spiritual maturity in order to reflect the character of Jesus to a watching world.
So how are you doing? What area do you struggle in the most? Why?
On another note… I need your help!
Friends, I have a new devotional book coming out in late November and I need help launching it out into the world! We are looking for women who would be willing to take an active part in the launch team!
“Deep-Rooted: Growing through the Gospel of Mark” is not just another fluffy, feel-good devotional. This 40-day journey with Jesus serves up solid, spiritual meat, helping readers get in, delight in, and apply God’s Word. Readers will learn how to interact with and respond to Scripture, not simply read it.
Would you consider being a part of the LAUNCH TEAM? Through a Facebook group, the launch team leader will walk you through all the ways to help – sharing on social media, reviewing the book on Amazon, etc. YOU will get a PDF of the book, some fun swag, and the opportunity to win some even cooler swag! WILL YOU HELP?
APPLY NOW TO BE PART OF THE LAUNCH TEAM
October 12, 2020
Tips to Help You Understand the Prophets
I don’t know about you, but I tend to hesitate before jumping into reading or studying one of the prophets. In the past, I didn’t know how to correctly understand the prophets so I avoided them altogether. Now, I feel better equipped, but I also know I just can’t open up my Bible, read a short passage from one of the prophets and get an easy take-away. (Of course, it’s not that easy with any Bible passage, but the nature of prophecy makes it a touch trickier.
For many of us, prophecy can be the most confusing type of literary genre. But the prophets are also filled with incredible spiritual truths we don’t want to miss. So, instead of shying away, let’s learn how to approach the prophets. (The Bible contains different forms of literary genre. For more on this see “How Biblical Genre Impacts Our Understanding.”)
What is “prophecy?”
“Prophecy” is God’s word given through His messenger to people – usually His own people, but sometimes others. The important thing to remember is that prophecy is a specific message from God through a human messenger to a specific people at a specific time. The Old Testament includes 4 major and 12 minor prophets. The “major” and “minor” designations are strictly based on the length of the book, not the value of the prophecy. Basically, there are two kinds of prophecy:
“Foretelling” – Refers to a prophet’s predictions about the future. According to the book Introduction to Biblical Interpretation, only 5% of biblical prophecy refers to events in the New Covenant age. And less than 1% refers to events still to come. In other words, 99% of all prophecy in the Bible has already been fulfilled.
“Forthtelling” – Indicates messages for the prophet’s own audience about their time or the near future. The prophets were God’s covenant enforcers. Most often, the prophets boldly revealed the ungodliness and idolatry around them. They warned of God’s pending judgment and urged the people to repent before it was too late.
A Few Tips to Help You Understand the Prophets
The following tips are just the tip of the iceberg. We could talk about each tip in great length. But, these tips will give you a good head start as you read the prophets.
Keep the context in mind – As we saw above, prophecy was given by God to a specific people at a specific point in history. If we pull the prophecy out of this context there is a good chance we will misunderstand it. Not all prophecy in the Bible has direct application to us today. However, we can apply the underlying spiritual truths of prophecy to our own lives. For more on context see “4 Things to Consider for Biblical Context.”
Don’t get bogged down in symbolism – Symbolic language, word pictures, and poetry fill prophecy. Focusing on the symbolism can cause us to miss the big picture. Look for the major points and overall spiritual truths instead.
Be aware of multiple levels of fulfillment – Prophecy often – if not usually – will be “fulfilled” more than once. First, near the prophet’s lifetime and again long after his life. Many of these “2nd fulfillments” are Messianic in nature. The first fulfillment in near history and the second finding its greater fulfillment in Jesus.
Look for the “conditions” – Many prophecies are “if/then.” For instance, many of the prophets warned of God’s judgment and called people to repentance. If the people didn’t repent, God would bring His judgment. If they did repent, God would be merciful. The book of Jonah is a good example of this.
Note: Apocalyptic prophecy – primarily Daniel and Revelation – presents even more challenges and is beyond the scope of this post.
Don’t be afraid to read and study the prophets! They have value for our lives today. I just recently finished Joel and started Hosea today. In fact, the Facebook group I lead – Reading the Bible Together – is reading and discussing Hosea together. It’s not too late join in!
Who’s your favorite Old Testament prophet? Why?
BEFORE YOU GO! Will you help launch my new book?
I have a new devotional book coming out in late November and I need help launching it out into the world
October 5, 2020
3 Benefits of Spiritual Markers
Family “treasures” fill my grandmother’s cedar chest. Every so often, I sit on the floor of my bedroom and shift through all the things buried inside. While I hunch over the open lid, my mind travels to days past.
Have you ever looked through a trunk or box full of old keepsakes and been flooded with sweet memories long forgotten? It’s funny how our minds work. Significant events and dearly loved people get pushed to the dark recesses. Then when a physical item connected to that memory shines a light in that dusty place we remember.
I’ve had many encounters with God and witnessed His activity around me over and over again. But sadly my memory is short. I tend to forget what He’s done for me. Over time the awe and wonder of seeing Him work around me dims. I allow dust and cobwebs to settle on the memory of God’s miracles.
God’s Memory Tool
God knows us so well. He knew our memories would be short. So He gave us spiritual markers. My favorite example of a spiritual marker is found in the book of Joshua. God led His people across the Jordan into the Promised Land (Joshua 3:14:17, 4:1-24). When the priests stepped into the water carrying the Ark of the Covenant, God stopped the water upstream from flowing. All the people crossed over on dry land!
After they crossed, God told Joshua to have one man from each tribe pick up a stone from the riverbed and use them to build a memorial. Joshua told the Israelites, “In the future when your descendants ask their fathers, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ For the Lord your God dried up the Jordan before you until you crossed over.” (See Joshua 4:21-23.)
God wanted His people to mark and remember this event. He wanted their children and grandchildren after them to know and remember it too. So He gave them a visual reminder, a physical memory prompter. The memorial was to be a permanent reminder to God’s people and the nations of God’s power – a spiritual marker.
Jesus did the same when He established the Lord’s Supper on the night He was betrayed. He gave us a visual reminder of His sacrifice for us. Some things are just too important to forget.
What are “spiritual markers”?
A “spiritual marker” is a tangible, physical object we deliberately choose to represent God’s significant presence and activity in our life. This “God event” could be a spiritual encounter, a clear call to service, a specific time of divine direction or intervention, a miraculous act, or more. This object will serve as a permanent reminder of what God has done in our lives or a time that He taught us something new about who He is or how He works.
I have a print that portrays Jesus with the one lamb that wandered away from the 99 others (Luke 15:4-10). My husband bought it for me to mark a glorious season we spent on the front row of God’s activity. We were blessed to witness and participate in God drawing dozens of lost people to Himself through an adult Bible study we led when we lived in Alberta. This print hangs in a prominent place in our home. (It was during this time I wrote the study “God’s Truth Revealed.”)
The Value of Spiritual Markers for You and Your Family
Do you have any spiritual markers? Should you have a few? There is great value in working to purposefully remember what God’s done in our lives. Here are three specific benefits:
They provide opportunities for you to tell others of God’s mighty acts – The presence of these objects in your home provide the opportunity for you to tell their story. Answer the questions people ask and purposefully use them to start conversations.
They help pass your family’s spiritual stories to the next generation – The stories connected to them provide a way for your children and grandchildren to be “involved” in God’s past activity. Your story becomes their story.
They show the context of God’s ongoing activity in your life – Past spiritual markers can help you discern God’s future direction for you, like signposts on your path. Reflecting on God’s past work in your life can help illuminate His current or future direction for you.
What Should Be “Marked”?
I will remember the deeds of the LORD; I will remember your miracles of long ago. (Psalm 17:11)
How do we know what activity or event to memorialize? Anything that God does in or around your life that impacts you in a significant way is “marker worthy”! But if you need a few guidelines…
Mark things that only God can do like the lost coming to faith in Christ, a heart changed, or a miraculous event.
A time when you learned something new and significant about God.
A period when God worked through your life to accomplish His purposes.
Anything that is simply too important to forget.
Remembering what God has done also helps us to give Him all the glory He is due! What do you need to remember with a few well-placed markers?
By the way, if you’d like some encouragement to help you get in and stay in the Bible check out the closed Facebook group “Reading the Bible Together.” We start a week in Joel today and then we move into Hosea. I would love for you to join us!
September 28, 2020
3 Steps to Help You Choose a New Bible
Time to choose a new Bible, but overwhelmed with the sheer volume of the choices available? Dozens of translations combined with a myriad of features yields hundreds – if not thousands – of specific Bibles to choose from. Selecting a new Bible can be a daunting task!
Before you throw your hands up in surrender, keep reading. This post will walk you through a simple 3-step process to help you choose the Bible that will best meet your needs.
Since many of you probably already have one or more Bibles, the first step is to determine why you need another Bible and which Bible that should be. For study, I use this single-column, ESV journaling Bible. And yes, I need the large print!
Need a #NewBible but overwhelmed with the #choices? 3 steps to help you choose
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3 Steps to a New Bible!
Determine Your Primary Purpose – How do you intend to use this new Bible? Your purpose will guide the next two steps. Maybe one of the following describes your intended purpose:
In-depth study
Devotional reading
Casual reading/simple enjoyment!
Time for new #Bible? Determine your purpose to help you choose
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2. Choose the Translation – Unless you read Hebrew and Greek – the original language of the Bible – you must choose from one of the many English translations of the Bible. There are three basic levels or groups of translations. One of these groups will better align with your purpose than the others. Also, it’s always helpful to have more than one translation. You can compare the same passage in different translations for a greater understanding. (Also see “Why are there so Many Bible Translations?” and this helpful translation chart.)
Word-for-Word (also known as Formal Equivalent) – These translations are the closest to the grammar and syntax of the original language as possible, but they can often sound wooden. Also this kind of translation makes no consideration for cultural changes. This kind of translation is a great choice for in-depth Bible study. (Ex: Amplified, NKJV, NAB, ESV, NASB. Note: NIV falls somewhere between the Formal and Dynamic Equivalent)
Thought-for-thought (also known as Dynamic Equivalent) – These translations work to keep the overall original thought rather than attempt a literal word for word translation. Although not as literally as accurate as the Formal Equivalent, they are much easier for 21st century westerners to understand. For instance, Dynamic Equivalent translations change idioms, figures of speech, and measurements into “equivalent” terms that we will understand. This kind of translation is still close enough to the original to be good for Bible study, but it can also be used for devotional reading. (Ex: NLT, CEV)
Paraphrase – This translation group departs the furthest from the original language but it provides a fresh reading experience. A paraphrase is more of a big idea-for-big idea translation. This translation group is fine for devotional reading but not a good idea for study. With the paraphrase’s “storytelling” format, it would be great for family devotions with young children. (Ex: The Message)
Which #BibleTranslation is best for you?
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Select the Features You Want – Ah, there is no end to the possible tools, special editions, and unique features you can get in the different Bible translations. Select the ones that best meet your needs and circumstances. By the way, at ChristianBook.com you can refine your Bible search by translation and features! Here is a sampling:
Study Bible – includes book introductions, character studies, notes, etc.
Tabs – helps you quickly find individual books
Cross-references – read related passages
Concordance – alphabetical index of words and where they are found in the Bible
Dictionary – definitions of Bible words and terms
Journaling space – empty wide margins on every page gives room to journal or draw
Large print – hard time reading tiny print? This may be for you!
Maps, charts, timelines – helps you step into Bible times
Devotional – will help you meditate on and apply the passages
Focus on a select audience like women, students, men, children
Parallel translations – shows more than one translation side-by-side
What features do you need in your #NewBible?
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You’re almost there! Choose the translation based on your purpose. Then add in the features you’re most interested in. Congratulations on your new Bible!
What was the last Bible you purchased? Why did you choose that particular one?
Helpful articles and posts:
Choosing a Bible Translation
Why are there so Many Bible Translations?
Bible Verse Comparison
Bible search at ChristianBook.com
September 21, 2020
6 Reasons to Read and Study the Old Testament
How often do you read or study the Old Testament? I’ve heard Christians give lots of reasons for avoiding the first 39 books of the Bible. We are under the new covenant. It’s too hard to understand. The Old Testament isn’t relevant. I’ve even heard, I don’t like the God of the Old Testament.
Personally, I love the Old Testament. Yes, there are some parts that are more difficult to understand. I get bogged down in Leviticus. And there are parts of the prophets that at first read I go “huh?”
But, I know that every word is inspired. That God intentionally included every book, chapter, and verse in His Word for a purpose and for our benefit. The Old Testament is in fact glorious and beautiful and needed for our lives today.
I can tell you aren’t yet convinced. You aren’t quite ready to pull out your Bible to study the Old Testament. So, I’m going to give you some reasons. (See also “10 Reasons the Old Testament is Important for Christians.”)
6 Reasons to Study the Old Testament
The following list is not exhaustive, but I hope these reasons will foster your interest in the Scriptures Jesus Himself studied.
To expand our knowledge of God – The God of the Old Testament is the same God of the New Testament. The same God you love and follow. In the laws, history, and prophecy of the Old Testament we learn about our God’s power, holy nature, and eternal purposes. The New Testament gives us a great – but limited – understanding.
To get the full story of redemption – Our story of redemption begins in a garden. In the book of Genesis. Yes, Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s redemptive purposes. But God formed His plan before the creation of the world. He began to unfold His plan when Adam and Eve chose disobedience. The thread of redemption runs through the entire Old Testament.
To understand our need for a Savior – God’s dealings with His people in the Old Testament show the seriousness of sin. The Law and the sacrificial system reveal the depraved nature of mankind and the great cost of forgiveness (Romans 7:7).
To gain a deeper understanding of Jesus and His work – Everything in the Old Testament points to Jesus (John 5:39). Everything in the old covenant is a shadow of the great truths of Christ (Hebrews 10:1). When we study the Old Testament, we study the person and work of Jesus.
To foster a sense of awe and worship for our holy God – When we neglect the Old Testament, we often end up taking God too lightly. We fail to give Him the fearful respect He deserves. When we study the Old Testament, we see the exalted glory of our great God. For instance, when God descended on Mt Sinai (Exodus 19:16-20) and when Isaiah sees God seated on His throne, high and exalted (Isaiah 6:1-6).
To see great examples of faith in action – Incredible stories of faith pack the pages of the Old Testament. People of faith like Noah, Joshua, Deborah, David, Ezra, and so many more live their faith before us. We miss so much when we don’t know their stories.
How will you dive in?
What about you? Have you been avoiding the Old Testament? Maybe you have but you’re ready to dig in now. Where do you start? It can be as simple as starting to read in Genesis. If you’d like some encouragement and support, check out the Facebook group I lead “Reading the Bible Together.” We alternate between Old and New Testament books. Right now we are in Hebrews, but we will start Joel and Hosea on October 5th. Go ahead and join now! Or, find a Bible study to guide you through a study of an Old Testament book. My study “Before His Throne” is a 9-week study of Malachi.
Don’t avoid the Old Testament. You will miss so much about our great, big God!
Do you read and study the Old Testament? If not, why not? If you do, what’s your favorite Old Testament book?
6 Reasons to Read and Study the Old Testament by Kathy Howard.
September 14, 2020
3 Attitudes We Need When We Read the Bible
I do a lot of reading. In addition to God’s Word, I read novels, cookbooks, blogs, articles, non-fiction books and more. Some of this reading is for fun. Other reading is for instruction or information. Some I approach casually. Other with skepticism. Some things I read might instruct my behavior. Other things I dismiss as irrelevant or even wrong. But it’s different when I read the Bible.
The Bible is uniquely different from everything else ever written. Which means we must read the Bible differently from the way we read anything else. The Bible was not written by man, but directly inspired by God Himself. God’s words, God’s heart, given to us. How should we approach the Bible? What attitudes are vital to not only read God’s Word, but to really hear it, to be shaped by it? (See also “4 Truths the Bible Teaches about Itself.” and “What Does it Mean that the Bible was Inspired?”)
How should we approach the #Bible. What’s your attitude?
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I need an attitude adjustment
The mere fact that we own a copy of the Bible is miraculous. Think about it. The Creator of the universe has revealed Himself to lowly mankind. He gave His words to us and used human authors to record them. Then, God miraculously preserved His words for centuries. And it is as relevant today as it was two millennium ago. Yet, we so often approach the Bible so casually and haphazardly. (See also “Do You Read the Bible all Wrong?”) Instead, we should approach God’s Word with not only a sense of awe and wonder, but with extreme reverence. God’s words are an extension of God Himself. God’s Word carries the same authority for us as God Himself.
3 Attitudes We Need to Read the Bible
So, how should we approach God’s Word? Here are 3 attitudes that will put us in the right mindset, reading to hear and respond to what God has for us.
Humility – Far too often I approach God’s Word with some level pride. Pride in thinking I already know this passage. Pride that I don’t need what He has to say. Oh, but pride is a great deceiver, keeping me from everything God has for me in His Word. Do I really want God to teach me? To use me for His purposes? Then I must humbly allow Him to correct, rebuke, and train me through His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way” (Psalm 25:9).
Submission – Some days I take God’s Word far too casually. I read it and hear His gentle whisper to “tell” or “do” or “go” or “stop.” And I consider obedience. The Bible is God’s authority for my life. It is living, actively penetrating the deepest parts of my heart, mind, and soul to judge my attitudes, thoughts, behaviors, and intentions. To make me more like Jesus. How dare I ever tell Him “no.”
Anticipation – God’s Word is light and life and hope. It guides, delivers, and comforts. God’s laws are right and true and trustworthy. The Word of God gives wisdom and joy. I should run to read His Word each day, greatly anticipating the treasure I will find there. Sometimes I do, but not always. (See also “4 Spiritual Benefits from God’s Word.”)
Need an #attitude adjustment? What attitude to we need to approach #GodsWord?
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God has reminded me today I need a little attitude adjustment. What about you? Do you approach God’s Word with humility, submission, and anticipation?
Lord God, adjust my attitude today. Forgive me of pride and foster a humble spirit within me. Help me submit to the authority of Your Word, so that I will live a life a full obedience to You. And grant me the joy of anticipation, always delighting in the discovery of Your Word. Amen.
September 7, 2020
Work is a Gift from God
Work looks a little different this Labor Day. Since the COVID-19 quarantine, many have been working from home. Kitchen tables have become desks and meetings have become virtual. And sadly, many have lost their jobs. Even in the midst of staying at home, many are busier than ever trying to juggle work, family, homeschool, and more, all within the same four walls.
Work – or lack of work – may be more frustrating than ever right now. So, in honor of Labor Day, I thought it’d be a good opportunity to point us back to God’s original design for work, so we can view it biblically.
My father had a biblical perspective on work and purposefully sought to instill the same in me and my brother when we were growing up. First, he led by example and second, he made sure we got plenty of practice by giving us chores around the house.
My Father’s Purposeful Training
Of all my family responsibilities, the task I disliked the most was sweeping the pine straw off the patio and driveway. The dozens of pine trees in our front and back yards dropped lots and lots of needles. Plus, the concrete of the patio and driveway wasn’t smooth. It had lots of little pebbles in it that caught the needles. It seemed I would never finish.
Although I hated that particular task back then, now I appreciate Dad’s purposeful training. He cultivated the patience required to stick with a tedious task and helped us experience the joy of a job well done. He not only equipped us to work, but he also prepared us to benefit from the God-given sense of fulfillment that comes from work.
Sadly, work is way under-rated today. It seems many in our culture view work as bad. Some try to avoid it as much as possible. Others merely endure it as a “necessary evil.”
#Work is not a 4-letter word.
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Work is a Gift from God
But “work” is not a 4-letter word. Work is a gift. Although sin has made work more difficult (Genesis 3:17-19), God created work as good. Before the Fall, He gave work to mankind as a gift (Genesis 2:15). In its right form, work brings fulfillment, a sense of purpose, and joy. (See also “Created for Work.”)
Even this side of the Fall God declares hard work to be wise and laziness to be foolish (Proverbs 6:6-11). Those who work will have abundant food and those who “chase fantasies” will lack (Proverbs 28:19).
I know current circumstances prevent some from working who want to. Who long to. In normal times, unemployment is the exception. And my prayer is that when COVID is no longer a threat, it will be the exception again. Even now, those without employment who are able to work, can focus their energy on other things. Even if it’s cleaning out a closet! That would bring me a real sense of accomplishment!
God wired us to work. He created us with a need to invest ourselves in something. To create. To form. To produce. And the benefits are boundless. Not only do we reap the fruit of our labor and earn our keep, we also experience a sense of fulfillment, purpose, and joy. Yep. God really knew what He was doing. Work. It’s a good, God thing.
God wired us to #work. To produce, create, and form.
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What is your work status right now? Are you working from home? Out of work?
Before you go… It’s not too late to join in the Hebrews study. It starts today on Facebook.
ONLINE BIBLE STUDY OPPORTUNITY: Two Ways to Study Hebrews Online
August 30, 2020
Two Ways to Study Hebrews Online
Jesus isn’t merely one way to God; He is the only way to God.
Do you agree or disagree with the statement above? It isn’t very politically correct. In fact, it sounds very rigid doesn’t it? Some would even call it “intolerant.” Yet, according to God’s Word, it is truth.
Those of us who embrace this truth are in danger of being labeled “intolerant” and “narrow-minded.” The world loudly proclaims that Jesus might be right for us, but not necessarily right for everyone. They “logically” argue that there are many ways to reach God. How should we respond to this as followers of Christ?
Today’s culture pressures Christians to conform to its way of thinking. We can have our beliefs as long as we keep them to ourselves and don’t try to push them on anyone else. If our faith influences the way we think or behave then the culture calls us “radical.”
As our culture increasingly becomes more intolerant of Christianity, it is vital that God’s people commit to “non-conformity” with the world and its ways. The book of Hebrews offers timely wisdom and practical advice for those of us who long to glorify our Savior in a misguided world.
There are a lot of paths that feel right, but in the end they only lead to destruction. There is only one way to God. One way of salvation. And our Savior is superior to anything and everything else that world embraces.
Why Study Hebrews?
I love the book of Hebrews. It clearly shows us why only Jesus can provide eternal salvation. And this beautiful book reveals the glorious exalted nature of our Lord. Another thing I love about Hebrews is it shows us the great relevance and meaning of the Old Covenant. Everything in the Old Covenant – the sacrificial system, the tabernacle, the levitical priesthood – it all points to Jesus.
So, you want to dig into this book with me? I’m offering two study options for a 4-week of Hebrews. Both studies begin with an introduction on Saturday, September 5th. Then we dig into the book beginning Monday, September 7th.
“Reading the Bible Together” – This option includes Monday-Friday Bible reading and daily discussion questions in a closed Facebook group. No extra material needed. Just follow this link a nd request to join.
“A Superior Savior” – This in-depth, 20-day study will operate on the same timeline as “Reading the Bible Together,” but this private FB group will go much deeper into the text. It requires additional study material, which was written by Kathy. This downloadable PDF, access to the private group, and additional weekly video teaching by Kathy is just $5 plus tax.
After you make the purchase through the PayPal link, Kathy will email you the PDF study and a link to the Facebook group.
No matter what part of the Bible you’re studying right now, check out the 4 R Method of Inductive Bible study. You can use it to effectively study any part of the Bible!
What’s your favorite book of the Bible?
August 24, 2020
Truth or Lie? How can You Tell?
Messages constantly bombard us. Some reflect truth. Some don’t. Some start with a lie, but twist it enough so it sounds good. It resembles truth just enough to entice us to believe. To deceive us.
I subscribe to an online workout program. The other day, during the cool down of a workout, the leader said this:
“You are worthy of self-love, of radical self-acceptance: if you radically accept yourself as you are right now – because you are worthy – then you will enjoy life so much more and will naturally gravitate towards your highest self and find your deepest purpose.”
What do you think? Truth or lie? Fact or fiction?
Sounds good. Everyone wants to be loved and accepted. Everyone wants to enjoy life and feel they are fulfilling their purpose.
Standard for Truth
But “sounding good” doesn’t necessarily make it true. So, of everything we hear in the world, of all the belief systems out there, how do we know what’s true and what isn’t?
Here’s the good news: We actually have a straight, true plumb line against which we can measure everything. It shows us what is straight and what is crooked. What is truth and what is fiction.
God’s Word – the Bible – is our standard for truth because it is truth (John 17:17). God Himself is truth (John 1:14, John 14:6) and everything He says is true. It is God’s truth that establishes what is true and what is false. Lies come from our adversary the devil. Jesus said that the devil is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). So, if we want to know whether anything is true or false we much compare it to the standard of truth.
There’s an example of this in Acts. The apostle Paul took the Gospel to the Jews in Berea. When these Jews heard Paul’s message, it sounded like Good News to them. But, before they embraced it, they compared it to the Old Testament Scriptures (what they had at the time.) To whether or not what Paul said was true, they compared it to truth. When they did this, they discovered his message to be true. Many believed and were saved (Acts 17:10-12). (Want to be like a Berea? See “4 R Bible Study Method” and “4 Guidelines to Help You Understand the Bible” for Bible study help.)
Truth or Lie? Let’s See.
So, let’s go back to the feel-good message of the workout leader. Is it truth or fiction? What does the Bible say?
Are we worthy? Yes and no. First, because all people are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), we have value and worth. And God loves us (John 3:16). He died for us. But… apart from Christ, no one is righteous (Romans 3:10). No one deserves salvation because we’ve all fallen short of God’s ideal (Romans 3:23). But praise God, because of Christ’s sacrifice, we can be made right with God (Romans 6:23). (To find out more about a saving relationship with Jesus see “How To Know Jesus.”)
Can we find our highest self and deepest purpose through radical self-acceptance? No. God does have a “highest self” for us, but is has nothing to do with us. God’s primary desire for us is that we look more and more like Jesus through spiritual transformation (Romans 8:29). God does have a purpose for us, but it’s His purpose, not ours. He decided how He wanted to use our lives before we were even born (Ephesians 2:10).
Yes, we have worth. Yes, we have a “better self.” Yes, we have a high purpose. But it’s not through ourselves. That’s just a lie dressed up to look good. It’s all in and through and about Jesus.
Let’s follow the Bereans’ example – take every message we hear and lay it beside God’s Word. Truth or lie. Fact or fiction. God’s truth or Satan’s lies.
What message have you heard recently that sounded good until you compared it with God’s truth?
