A few weeks ago in our Bible study group we had a brief discussion that there would be different levels of rewards in heaven, but I didn't know where to prove it in the Bible. I came across this link today (btw, completely unrelated to what I was actually looking for...hmmm talk about being led by the Holy Spirit) and thought I would share it. Obviously I still need to do more in depth study on this topic to satisfy my curiosity on it, maybe someday in my spare time I will get to do that :D
For now, I have often listened to John MacArthur so I have pretty high confidence in what he is saying here and it sort of answers the question...
http://www.biblebb.com/files/macqa/70-13-5.htm
Here are some of the verses that support this idea as well. I have not spent the time to see if these are in the correct context, but they do seem to support that there will be rewards in heaven based on what we do now as Christians.
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what He has done, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10)
"… and each one will receive His own reward according to his own labor.” (1 Corinthians 3:8)
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work.” (Revelation 22:12)
“… I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.” (Revelation 2:23)
Regardless, of any of this though, I believe that even if we are not a very good Christian, we will still be rewarded beyond our wildest imaginations. I don't think we can even begin to imagine what it will be like to just be in His presence. Just like the song I Can Only Imagine !
I also believe that if we are truly seeking to be closer to Him then the good deeds/works and faithfulness come naturally and for that we will be rewarded. If we are seeking to do good things just because we want bigger rewards in heaven then we are actually sinning because of selfishness and greed.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Plain Wisdom
After briefly living near some Amish families and hearing a bit about how they live their lives I have often thought that we could learn alot from the Amish. When I saw this book I thought it would be a fascinating read. And it was, different than I excepted, but in the end probably better than if it had been what I was expecting. I thought it would be a nonfiction story of how a friendship developed and has grown between an Amish women and an Englischer - which is what the Amish call us. I got the book thinking that at some point I could use it in our Women's Bible Study group for a lesson on godly friendship.
Instead, I found a devotional with beautiful life lessons. The book is divided into about 50 short devotionals that are written by both women from their own perspectives and their own life experiences. I could instantly see that this book would be a great group Bible study resource. It would be a fantastic way to open the paths of communication in a weekly women's study. Every woman can relate to most of these topics and can come together to share their own experiences based on that particular topic. Even if their experiences are vastly different it is fascinating to see how the same lesson is learned and how we are all guided by a loving and gracious God!
Oh, and I cannot forget to mention the incredible recipes that are included throughout the book. I can hardly wait to make an authentic Shoofly Pie or try the Overnight Blueberry French Toast. YUM!!!
Here is the link to a sneak peek to the book.
Disclosure: WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group provided me with a complimentary copy of this book as part of their BloggingForBooks.org book review program.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Stepping Up: Week 5 - Day 4
Day 4 - Like a Weaned Child
Psalm 131
1 LORD, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don't concern myself with matters too great or awesome for me.
2 But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child is quiet with its mother. Yes, like a small child is my soul within me.
3 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD— now and always.
When I first read verse 2 I had to re-read it because the noise level in here was so high I couldn't think straight. Then when I did grasp what it was saying I laughed at what was certainly not true at that moment. My small children are definitely not still or quiet! But soon enough someone came running, crying with some major disaster - perhaps it was a boo-boo, or a stolen lollipop, or a needed turn on the swing. I played the role of problem solver and comforter and the crying child was soon still and quiet, comforted in an embrace and ready to move on to the next battle.
A quote from the lesson "Tomorrow there will be more battles to fight, but for now the child lets down his guard, lets his parents be in charge, and surrenders every care in the world." You are a child of God, seek His comforting embrace, let Him be in charge and surrender to Him.
Psalm 131
1 LORD, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don't concern myself with matters too great or awesome for me.
2 But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child is quiet with its mother. Yes, like a small child is my soul within me.
3 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD— now and always.
When I first read verse 2 I had to re-read it because the noise level in here was so high I couldn't think straight. Then when I did grasp what it was saying I laughed at what was certainly not true at that moment. My small children are definitely not still or quiet! But soon enough someone came running, crying with some major disaster - perhaps it was a boo-boo, or a stolen lollipop, or a needed turn on the swing. I played the role of problem solver and comforter and the crying child was soon still and quiet, comforted in an embrace and ready to move on to the next battle.
A quote from the lesson "Tomorrow there will be more battles to fight, but for now the child lets down his guard, lets his parents be in charge, and surrenders every care in the world." You are a child of God, seek His comforting embrace, let Him be in charge and surrender to Him.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Stepping Up: Week 5 - Day 3
Day 3 - Things Too Great
Psalm 131
1 LORD, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don't concern myself with matters too great or awesome for me.
2 But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child is quiet with its mother. Yes, like a small child is my soul within me.
3 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD— now and always.
Do we really understand what the word proud means? I looked up 'proud' i the dictionary and found that it has two meanings. First, we can be proud of our children or the accomplishments of someone else and in this way 'proud' is an affectionate and justifiable pride concerning someone else. I don't believe this is the context of the word 'proud' in this psalm.
The second meaning is what the Bible refers to when it speaks of being proud or prideful. Here are some meanings and synonyms:
- contended or self-satisfied
- overbearing, self-important, presumptuous
- implies sensitiveness, lofty self-respect, of jealous preservation of one's dignity
- a belief in one's superiority
- arrogant: insolent or overbearing behavior from an exaggerated belief in one's importance
- haughty: implies lofty reserve and confident, often disdainful assumption of superiority over others
YUCK! No wonder God hates pridefulness!
- you are focused on yourself and others rather than on Him
- you place a higher importance of your superiority over others rather than on His superiority
- you are serving yourself and your own self-esteem rather than serving others
Psalm 131
1 LORD, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don't concern myself with matters too great or awesome for me.
2 But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child is quiet with its mother. Yes, like a small child is my soul within me.
3 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD— now and always.
Do we really understand what the word proud means? I looked up 'proud' i the dictionary and found that it has two meanings. First, we can be proud of our children or the accomplishments of someone else and in this way 'proud' is an affectionate and justifiable pride concerning someone else. I don't believe this is the context of the word 'proud' in this psalm.
The second meaning is what the Bible refers to when it speaks of being proud or prideful. Here are some meanings and synonyms:
- contended or self-satisfied
- overbearing, self-important, presumptuous
- implies sensitiveness, lofty self-respect, of jealous preservation of one's dignity
- a belief in one's superiority
- arrogant: insolent or overbearing behavior from an exaggerated belief in one's importance
- haughty: implies lofty reserve and confident, often disdainful assumption of superiority over others
YUCK! No wonder God hates pridefulness!
- you are focused on yourself and others rather than on Him
- you place a higher importance of your superiority over others rather than on His superiority
- you are serving yourself and your own self-esteem rather than serving others
Friday, March 18, 2011
Stepping Up: Week 5 - Day 2
Day 2 - Full Redemption
Psalm 130
1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD;
2 O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.
3 If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.
5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.
6 My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.
7 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.
8 He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.
When you are overcome by sin in your life, it is powerful. But more powerful is the full redemption you receive when your sins are forgiven. This is shown in the power of restoration. "God can restore our identity, our purity, our ability, and our sanity."
As you begin to realize you are forgiven and your see restoration in your life you begin to see how abundantly blessed you are. Things that you did not consider are suddenly huge blessings and the blessings are continually increasing.
It is possible for "God to heal the worst of hurts". As you wait for healing put your hope in His Word. Cling to the Word and its promises.
Psalm 130
1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD;
2 O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.
3 If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.
5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.
6 My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.
7 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.
8 He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.
When you are overcome by sin in your life, it is powerful. But more powerful is the full redemption you receive when your sins are forgiven. This is shown in the power of restoration. "God can restore our identity, our purity, our ability, and our sanity."
As you begin to realize you are forgiven and your see restoration in your life you begin to see how abundantly blessed you are. Things that you did not consider are suddenly huge blessings and the blessings are continually increasing.
It is possible for "God to heal the worst of hurts". As you wait for healing put your hope in His Word. Cling to the Word and its promises.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Stepping Up: Week 5 - Day 1
Day 1 - If You Kept a Record
Psalm 130
1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD;
2 O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.
3 If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.
5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.
6 My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.
7 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.
8 He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.
Verse 3 tells us that if God kept a record of our sins we would not stand a chance! Instead, Christ paid the debt for all our sins. When we recognize we have sinned, we should ask forgiveness (which we will receive) and repent (which means to change our ways).
Once we have moved past the sin we need not and should not keep going back to it. In God's eyes it is over, done, finished. The study said it wonderfully "You may think you're honoring God with misery over your past mistakes, but you're no. ...you're walking in unbelief - not trusting what He promised to do if you'd repent. ...self-condemnation. It does not honor God."
Satan is using that self-condemnation to keep you in bondage, to keep you down, and to allow your enemy to continue to walk all over you (even your own thoughts can be your enemy).
Psalm 32:3 When I refused to confess my sin, I was weak and miserable, and I groaned all day long.
Stop being miserable! Honor God by being grateful for His forgiveness. Repent then respond to the forgiveness you have received with joy.
Psalm 32:1-2 Oh, what joy for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of sin, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!
Psalm 130
1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD;
2 O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.
3 If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.
5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.
6 My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.
7 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.
8 He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.
Verse 3 tells us that if God kept a record of our sins we would not stand a chance! Instead, Christ paid the debt for all our sins. When we recognize we have sinned, we should ask forgiveness (which we will receive) and repent (which means to change our ways).
Once we have moved past the sin we need not and should not keep going back to it. In God's eyes it is over, done, finished. The study said it wonderfully "You may think you're honoring God with misery over your past mistakes, but you're no. ...you're walking in unbelief - not trusting what He promised to do if you'd repent. ...self-condemnation. It does not honor God."
Satan is using that self-condemnation to keep you in bondage, to keep you down, and to allow your enemy to continue to walk all over you (even your own thoughts can be your enemy).
Psalm 32:3 When I refused to confess my sin, I was weak and miserable, and I groaned all day long.
Stop being miserable! Honor God by being grateful for His forgiveness. Repent then respond to the forgiveness you have received with joy.
Psalm 32:1-2 Oh, what joy for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of sin, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Stepping Up - Session 4
Session 4 - A Fruitful Vine
This session focused on The Feast of Tabernacles. It is another session that I highly recommend that you watch or listen to. Truly fascinating! I can't begin to restate everything that fascinated me about this session, so you should see it for yourself. However, here a couple points that stood out to me the most.
This feast was one of three times the Jews came together.
Deuteronomy 16:16 Three times a year all your men must appear before the LORD your God at the place he will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles.
This would have included Jesus and is the Feast he is attending in John chapters 7 and 8. During the festival there would have been thousands of lights in all the huts or shelters they were staying in. But at end of the Festival all these lights would be gone, but the wonderful sight of it would be fresh in their minds. The morning after the festival ended was when Jesus said this...
John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
In the session Beth Moore spent a considerable amount of time describing the celebration of water pouring and how it would have been the climax of the festival. The rejoicing was at its peak and even the priests were dancing without restraint. It was a time that they would have been praying for the Messiah to be sent and also for God to send them rain in the coming year so their crops would grow. Again, you really should see the session because she does an amazing job at setting the stage of what the level of festivity and rejoicing would have been at this celebration of water pouring.
It was at this very time of the festival that Jesus said this...
John 7:37-38 On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."
And yet, they still did not recognize him as the Messiah!
This session focused on The Feast of Tabernacles. It is another session that I highly recommend that you watch or listen to. Truly fascinating! I can't begin to restate everything that fascinated me about this session, so you should see it for yourself. However, here a couple points that stood out to me the most.
This feast was one of three times the Jews came together.
Deuteronomy 16:16 Three times a year all your men must appear before the LORD your God at the place he will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles.
This would have included Jesus and is the Feast he is attending in John chapters 7 and 8. During the festival there would have been thousands of lights in all the huts or shelters they were staying in. But at end of the Festival all these lights would be gone, but the wonderful sight of it would be fresh in their minds. The morning after the festival ended was when Jesus said this...
John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
In the session Beth Moore spent a considerable amount of time describing the celebration of water pouring and how it would have been the climax of the festival. The rejoicing was at its peak and even the priests were dancing without restraint. It was a time that they would have been praying for the Messiah to be sent and also for God to send them rain in the coming year so their crops would grow. Again, you really should see the session because she does an amazing job at setting the stage of what the level of festivity and rejoicing would have been at this celebration of water pouring.
It was at this very time of the festival that Jesus said this...
John 7:37-38 On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."
And yet, they still did not recognize him as the Messiah!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
behind again
Yikes, am I ever behind in posting again!!! Seems that marking papers for another 2 weeks and having hubby away for one of those weeks was a bit much and the routines fell apart. I didn't work on my Bible study, memory verses, or blogging. ugggg hopefully I can get caught up and work harder to stay there. At least I won't have any more crazy marking weeks anytime soon! Thank God for that! so here we go, I will backdate the posts so that they stay in order...
Monday, March 14, 2011
Stepping Up: Week 4 - Day 5
Day 5 - To Be Heard
Psalm 129
1 From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me—let Israel now say—
2 from my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me, but they have never been able to finish me off.
3 My back is covered with cuts, as if a farmer had plowed long furrows.
4 But the LORD is good; he has cut the cords used by the ungodly to bind me.
5 May all who hate Jerusalem be turned back in shameful defeat.
6 May they be as useless as grass on a rooftop, turning yellow when only half grown,
7 ignored by the harvester, despised by the binder.
8 And may those who pass by refuse to give them this blessing: "The LORD's blessings be upon you; we bless you in the LORD's name."
This lesson focuses on verses 5-8. Have you ever noticed that some of the Psalms are asking God to bring harm or even to curse the Psalmist enemies? We see this in these verses that David is asking God to not only defeat his enemies but to shamefully defeat them, to make them useless and despised, and to even refuse them any blessing. Another example of this type of harsh 'request' against enemies is in:
Psalm 5:10 Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.
Well, did you know that this actually has a name! This portion is called an "imprecatory psalm, or one that invites or invokes judgement, evil or even some kind of curse on someone or something." This has confused me because I knew that all scripture is inspired by God. So why would He allow these negative thoughts to be part of Psalms?
2Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.
The answer is in right there - 'to make us realize what is wrong'. When we pray to God we should bring everything to Him - even all our negative thoughts and even those curses we would like to see brought down on those who oppress us. The key is in the last sentence of 2Tim 3:16 "It straightens us out". The lesson from an "imprecatory psalm" (yeah I can't say it either) is that we bring all negative thoughts to God and leave them with Him so that we can move on from the negativity and not turn bitter and resentful.
Psalm 129
1 From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me—let Israel now say—
2 from my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me, but they have never been able to finish me off.
3 My back is covered with cuts, as if a farmer had plowed long furrows.
4 But the LORD is good; he has cut the cords used by the ungodly to bind me.
5 May all who hate Jerusalem be turned back in shameful defeat.
6 May they be as useless as grass on a rooftop, turning yellow when only half grown,
7 ignored by the harvester, despised by the binder.
8 And may those who pass by refuse to give them this blessing: "The LORD's blessings be upon you; we bless you in the LORD's name."
This lesson focuses on verses 5-8. Have you ever noticed that some of the Psalms are asking God to bring harm or even to curse the Psalmist enemies? We see this in these verses that David is asking God to not only defeat his enemies but to shamefully defeat them, to make them useless and despised, and to even refuse them any blessing. Another example of this type of harsh 'request' against enemies is in:
Psalm 5:10 Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.
Well, did you know that this actually has a name! This portion is called an "imprecatory psalm, or one that invites or invokes judgement, evil or even some kind of curse on someone or something." This has confused me because I knew that all scripture is inspired by God. So why would He allow these negative thoughts to be part of Psalms?
2Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.
The answer is in right there - 'to make us realize what is wrong'. When we pray to God we should bring everything to Him - even all our negative thoughts and even those curses we would like to see brought down on those who oppress us. The key is in the last sentence of 2Tim 3:16 "It straightens us out". The lesson from an "imprecatory psalm" (yeah I can't say it either) is that we bring all negative thoughts to God and leave them with Him so that we can move on from the negativity and not turn bitter and resentful.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Stepping Up: Week 4 - Day 4
Day 4 - They Have Not Prevailed
Psalm 129
1 From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me—let Israel now say—
2 from my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me, but they have never been able to finish me off.
3 My back is covered with cuts, as if a farmer had plowed long furrows.
4 But the LORD is good; he has cut the cords used by the ungodly to bind me.
5 May all who hate Jerusalem be turned back in shameful defeat.
6 May they be as useless as grass on a rooftop, turning yellow when only half grown,
7 ignored by the harvester, despised by the binder.
8 And may those who pass by refuse to give them this blessing: "The LORD's blessings be upon you; we bless you in the LORD's name."
This lesson focuses on verse 4 and the idea that maybe your 'enemies' are walking all over you. Here is a quote from lesson. "If we don't allow God to heal our hearts, minds, and habits, we will either continue to allow people to walk all over us or we'll become people who walk all over them."
You can get up and stop getting walked on!
Isaiah 49:25b For I will fight those who fight you, and I will save your children.
The enemy - whoever or whatever it is, won't win anyways, so gain your strength from verse 2 they have never been able to finish me off. Your victory is right in front of you - it is in your Bible!
I love the end of this lesson, it is so powerful and pulls in what we learned about sowing the seed - that if we continue to sow in the Word of God we will reap a harvest. The quote from today's lesson..."When oppressors have walked all over us, the plowed up ground left by their feet can become a fertile place for God to cultivate some seed."
If you are in the Word, you can escape whatever has been holding you down, and in the process of getting up you will grow closer to God and He will abundantly bless you!
Psalm 129
1 From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me—let Israel now say—
2 from my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me, but they have never been able to finish me off.
3 My back is covered with cuts, as if a farmer had plowed long furrows.
4 But the LORD is good; he has cut the cords used by the ungodly to bind me.
5 May all who hate Jerusalem be turned back in shameful defeat.
6 May they be as useless as grass on a rooftop, turning yellow when only half grown,
7 ignored by the harvester, despised by the binder.
8 And may those who pass by refuse to give them this blessing: "The LORD's blessings be upon you; we bless you in the LORD's name."
This lesson focuses on verse 4 and the idea that maybe your 'enemies' are walking all over you. Here is a quote from lesson. "If we don't allow God to heal our hearts, minds, and habits, we will either continue to allow people to walk all over us or we'll become people who walk all over them."
You can get up and stop getting walked on!
Isaiah 49:25b For I will fight those who fight you, and I will save your children.
The enemy - whoever or whatever it is, won't win anyways, so gain your strength from verse 2 they have never been able to finish me off. Your victory is right in front of you - it is in your Bible!
I love the end of this lesson, it is so powerful and pulls in what we learned about sowing the seed - that if we continue to sow in the Word of God we will reap a harvest. The quote from today's lesson..."When oppressors have walked all over us, the plowed up ground left by their feet can become a fertile place for God to cultivate some seed."
If you are in the Word, you can escape whatever has been holding you down, and in the process of getting up you will grow closer to God and He will abundantly bless you!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Stepping Up: Week 4 - Day 3
Day 3 - Olive Shoots Around Your Table
Psalm 128
1 How happy are those who fear the LORD—all who follow his ways!
2 You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How happy you will be! How rich your life!
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine, flourishing within your home. And look at all those children! There they sit around your table as vigorous and healthy as young olive trees.
4 That is the LORD's reward for those who fear him.
5 May the LORD continually bless you from Zion. May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.
6 May you live to enjoy your grandchildren. And may Israel have quietness and peace.
In verse 3 the blessing is the wife who is like a fruitful vine and children who are like healthy, young trees. In verse 6 the blessing is being able to enjoy your grandchildren. This lesson built on this concept and we can see the idea of this increase of blessing throughout the Bible.
In the Old Testament, God's command was to increase in number.
Genesis 1:28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."
In the New Testament, Jesus commands an increase as well.
Mathew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
In order to fulfill this command we need to use the gifts that we are given (see the parable in Luke 19:21-27). Another way to think of it is to be fruitful. Being fruitful is another command to increase.
John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.
Psalm 128
1 How happy are those who fear the LORD—all who follow his ways!
2 You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How happy you will be! How rich your life!
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine, flourishing within your home. And look at all those children! There they sit around your table as vigorous and healthy as young olive trees.
4 That is the LORD's reward for those who fear him.
5 May the LORD continually bless you from Zion. May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.
6 May you live to enjoy your grandchildren. And may Israel have quietness and peace.
In verse 3 the blessing is the wife who is like a fruitful vine and children who are like healthy, young trees. In verse 6 the blessing is being able to enjoy your grandchildren. This lesson built on this concept and we can see the idea of this increase of blessing throughout the Bible.
In the Old Testament, God's command was to increase in number.
Genesis 1:28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."
In the New Testament, Jesus commands an increase as well.
Mathew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
In order to fulfill this command we need to use the gifts that we are given (see the parable in Luke 19:21-27). Another way to think of it is to be fruitful. Being fruitful is another command to increase.
John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Stepping Up: Week 4 - Day 2
Day 2 - Enjoy the Blessing
Psalm 128
1 How happy are those who fear the LORD—all who follow his ways!
2 You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How happy you will be! How rich your life!
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine, flourishing within your home. And look at all those children! There they sit around your table as vigorous and healthy as young olive trees.
4 That is the LORD's reward for those who fear him.
5 May the LORD continually bless you from Zion. May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.
6 May you live to enjoy your grandchildren. And may Israel have quietness and peace.
What words jump out at you when you read this Psalm? Maybe you see happy, enjoy, rich, fruitful, flourishing, vigorous and healthy, reward, prosper, quietness and peace.
Doesn't that all sound delightful and how amazing that all of that is available to each of us! We can be continually blessed and we are told how in verses 1 and 4, simply by fearing the Lord.
This is actually an unfortunate translation into our English language. When we think of fear we generally think of being afraid or scared. But the original word in the Hebrew language also means:
- to stand in awe of, be awed,
- to reverence, honour, respect
Changes the feel of the idea to fear the Lord doesn't it. Rather than be scared of God I am instead in total awe of Him and because of that I honor and respect Him.
Luke 11:28 He replied, "But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice."
Isaiah 33:6 In that day he will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.
The blessings come when you 'fear' the Lord and walk in obedience. Submitting to God and immersing yourself in His Word is your treasure...you are rewarded with salvation, wisdom and knowledge.
Psalm 128
1 How happy are those who fear the LORD—all who follow his ways!
2 You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How happy you will be! How rich your life!
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine, flourishing within your home. And look at all those children! There they sit around your table as vigorous and healthy as young olive trees.
4 That is the LORD's reward for those who fear him.
5 May the LORD continually bless you from Zion. May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.
6 May you live to enjoy your grandchildren. And may Israel have quietness and peace.
What words jump out at you when you read this Psalm? Maybe you see happy, enjoy, rich, fruitful, flourishing, vigorous and healthy, reward, prosper, quietness and peace.
Doesn't that all sound delightful and how amazing that all of that is available to each of us! We can be continually blessed and we are told how in verses 1 and 4, simply by fearing the Lord.
This is actually an unfortunate translation into our English language. When we think of fear we generally think of being afraid or scared. But the original word in the Hebrew language also means:
- to stand in awe of, be awed,
- to reverence, honour, respect
Changes the feel of the idea to fear the Lord doesn't it. Rather than be scared of God I am instead in total awe of Him and because of that I honor and respect Him.
Luke 11:28 He replied, "But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice."
Isaiah 33:6 In that day he will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.
The blessings come when you 'fear' the Lord and walk in obedience. Submitting to God and immersing yourself in His Word is your treasure...you are rewarded with salvation, wisdom and knowledge.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Stepping Up: Week 4 - Day 1
Day 1 - A Heritage from the Lord
Psalm 127
1 A psalm of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is useless. Unless the LORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.
2 It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.
3 Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.
4 Children born to a young man are like sharp arrows in a warrior's hands.
5 How happy is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.
It is easy to see from these verses that children are a gift from God. It says it right there in verse 3! That is a whole lesson in itself! However, not for today... In verse 4 the image of the arrow in a warriors hands can be thought of as the strength, protection and provision that your grown children will provide for you. And in verse 5 we see the ultimate image of a family, a family that works together as a unit, as a team.
Okay, so what about those that do not have children? There are so many who do not have children, so how does this apply? Matthew 12:46-50 brings a much bigger picture to this image of family...
Matthew 12:46-50 As Jesus was speaking to the crowd, his mother and brothers were outside, wanting to talk with him. Someone told Jesus, "Your mother and your brothers are outside, and they want to speak to you." Jesus asked, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" Then he pointed to his disciples and said, "These are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!"
Our famly then is not only those we are related to, but every Christian is a member of our family. How are you treating your family? What can you do to be a better family member? Can you provide the strength, protection, or provision that someone needs who may not have children, or whose children are not near enough to be there? Just a thought...
Psalm 127
1 A psalm of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is useless. Unless the LORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.
2 It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.
3 Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.
4 Children born to a young man are like sharp arrows in a warrior's hands.
5 How happy is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.
It is easy to see from these verses that children are a gift from God. It says it right there in verse 3! That is a whole lesson in itself! However, not for today... In verse 4 the image of the arrow in a warriors hands can be thought of as the strength, protection and provision that your grown children will provide for you. And in verse 5 we see the ultimate image of a family, a family that works together as a unit, as a team.
Okay, so what about those that do not have children? There are so many who do not have children, so how does this apply? Matthew 12:46-50 brings a much bigger picture to this image of family...
Matthew 12:46-50 As Jesus was speaking to the crowd, his mother and brothers were outside, wanting to talk with him. Someone told Jesus, "Your mother and your brothers are outside, and they want to speak to you." Jesus asked, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" Then he pointed to his disciples and said, "These are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!"
Our famly then is not only those we are related to, but every Christian is a member of our family. How are you treating your family? What can you do to be a better family member? Can you provide the strength, protection, or provision that someone needs who may not have children, or whose children are not near enough to be there? Just a thought...
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Stepping Up - Session 3
Session 3 - He Surrounds His People
This session further focused on the symbolism of the Old Testament feasts and how they are important to New Testament Christians.
The Feast of Weeks occurs seven weeks after the Feast of First Fruits. Christians may know this as Pentecost. The Feast of Weeks was a time to remember their former bondage, a time to reflect back and realize how far God has brought them. It was also a time of great generosity and freewill offerings.
In Exodus 23:16 it is also called the Feast of Harvest and is the timing of Acts 2:41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church—about three thousand in all. Christ is the First Fruit offering and the Church is the harvest!
This session further focused on the symbolism of the Old Testament feasts and how they are important to New Testament Christians.
The Feast of Weeks occurs seven weeks after the Feast of First Fruits. Christians may know this as Pentecost. The Feast of Weeks was a time to remember their former bondage, a time to reflect back and realize how far God has brought them. It was also a time of great generosity and freewill offerings.
In Exodus 23:16 it is also called the Feast of Harvest and is the timing of Acts 2:41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church—about three thousand in all. Christ is the First Fruit offering and the Church is the harvest!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Stepping Up: Week 3 - Day 5
Day 5 - Vain Labor
Psalm 127
1 A psalm of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is useless. Unless the LORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.
2 It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.
3 Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.
4 Children born to a young man are like sharp arrows in a warrior's hands.
5 How happy is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.
This lesson is two very simple messages.
1) "all labor spent on anything God Himself has not built is in vain." We know that prayers are answered and that God is control so our focus on anything other than what He is building is a waste of our energy.
2) I kind of like verse 2 don't you! It seems as if it is an invitation to take a nap! We need time for adequate rest and time for spiritual refreshment.
Psalm 127
1 A psalm of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is useless. Unless the LORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.
2 It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.
3 Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.
4 Children born to a young man are like sharp arrows in a warrior's hands.
5 How happy is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.
This lesson is two very simple messages.
1) "all labor spent on anything God Himself has not built is in vain." We know that prayers are answered and that God is control so our focus on anything other than what He is building is a waste of our energy.
2) I kind of like verse 2 don't you! It seems as if it is an invitation to take a nap! We need time for adequate rest and time for spiritual refreshment.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Stepping Up: Week 3 - Day 4
Day 4 - Sowing the Seed
Psalm 126
1 When the LORD restored his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream!
2 We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, "What amazing things the LORD has done for them."
3 Yes, the LORD has done amazing things for us! What joy!
4 Restore our fortunes, LORD, as streams renew the desert.
5 Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.
6 They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.
This lesson is one of at least 4 times I have been taken to the parable of the sower. The meaning of the story is found in Luke 8:11-15.
It has been pounding home part of the message in today's lesson where Beth Moore had a profound realization after visiting Africa and hearing this comment: "One of the most frustrating things is that in villages where they receive seed, they often eat the seed rather than planting it and bringing forth the harvest."
She went on to say "the seed of God's Word can fill our stomachs and give us immediate satisfaction but still not produce a harvest - that's when we eat it but don't sow it."
So how do we get to the harvest? First with obedience to God.
Galatians 6:9 So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.
And also with faith and patience. Faith is knowing that the harvest will come. But what about patience? How do we apply patience? I looked up the definition and had my answer...
Patience
- the bearing of provocation (being provoked), annoyance, misfortune or pain and doing it without complaint, loss of temper, or irritation.
- an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay
- quiet, steady perseverance, even tempered care, diligence
Yeah, I think I need to memorize this definition right along with my memory verses!
Psalm 126
1 When the LORD restored his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream!
2 We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, "What amazing things the LORD has done for them."
3 Yes, the LORD has done amazing things for us! What joy!
4 Restore our fortunes, LORD, as streams renew the desert.
5 Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.
6 They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.
This lesson is one of at least 4 times I have been taken to the parable of the sower. The meaning of the story is found in Luke 8:11-15.
It has been pounding home part of the message in today's lesson where Beth Moore had a profound realization after visiting Africa and hearing this comment: "One of the most frustrating things is that in villages where they receive seed, they often eat the seed rather than planting it and bringing forth the harvest."
She went on to say "the seed of God's Word can fill our stomachs and give us immediate satisfaction but still not produce a harvest - that's when we eat it but don't sow it."
So how do we get to the harvest? First with obedience to God.
Galatians 6:9 So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.
And also with faith and patience. Faith is knowing that the harvest will come. But what about patience? How do we apply patience? I looked up the definition and had my answer...
Patience
- the bearing of provocation (being provoked), annoyance, misfortune or pain and doing it without complaint, loss of temper, or irritation.
- an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay
- quiet, steady perseverance, even tempered care, diligence
Yeah, I think I need to memorize this definition right along with my memory verses!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Stepping Up: Week 3 - Day 3
Day 3 - To Laugh Again
Psalm 126
1 When the LORD restored his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream!
2 We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, "What amazing things the LORD has done for them."
3 Yes, the LORD has done amazing things for us! What joy!
4 Restore our fortunes, LORD, as streams renew the desert.
5 Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.
6 They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.
This Psalm has pivot point in verse 4. The first part of the Psalm is a remembrance of the amazing things the Lord had done.
The first part of Verse 4 in the Message translation says "And now God, do it again"
The final verses show that whatever place we are in right now, no matter how bad we are hurting and how many tears we are shedding that if we are in the Word, God will restore us and fill us with joy. We will again be amazed at the wonderful and amazing things he has done.
Psalm 126
1 When the LORD restored his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream!
2 We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, "What amazing things the LORD has done for them."
3 Yes, the LORD has done amazing things for us! What joy!
4 Restore our fortunes, LORD, as streams renew the desert.
5 Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.
6 They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.
This Psalm has pivot point in verse 4. The first part of the Psalm is a remembrance of the amazing things the Lord had done.
The first part of Verse 4 in the Message translation says "And now God, do it again"
The final verses show that whatever place we are in right now, no matter how bad we are hurting and how many tears we are shedding that if we are in the Word, God will restore us and fill us with joy. We will again be amazed at the wonderful and amazing things he has done.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Stepping Up: Week 3 - Day 2
Day 2 - A Love that Surrounds
Psalm 125
1 Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.
2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore.
3 The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, for then the righteous might use their hands to do evil.
4 Do good, O LORD, to those who are good, to those who are upright in heart.
5 But those who turn to crooked ways the LORD will banish with the evildoers.
Peace be upon Israel.
Today's lesson continues with Psalm 125 and focuses on how the Lord surrounds His people.
In the lesson she used an imagery that really struck me. She discussed visiting remote areas of Africa where they "were welcomed into several villages surrounded by hedges of thorn bushes erected to deter predators...God keeps His people safe fro the prowling lion by encircling us with a crown of thorns."
If you are visual like me then seeing this will make this imagery more real to you.
As a Christian you are placed in the middle of this circle of protection. Nothing can get at you to harm you except for those few thorns that God has strategically placed on the inside of the circle. These are the trials we endure, the mistakes we make, and the lessons that we need to learn - all resulting in bringing us closer to the center, closer to God!
Psalm 125
1 Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.
2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore.
3 The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, for then the righteous might use their hands to do evil.
4 Do good, O LORD, to those who are good, to those who are upright in heart.
5 But those who turn to crooked ways the LORD will banish with the evildoers.
Peace be upon Israel.
Today's lesson continues with Psalm 125 and focuses on how the Lord surrounds His people.
In the lesson she used an imagery that really struck me. She discussed visiting remote areas of Africa where they "were welcomed into several villages surrounded by hedges of thorn bushes erected to deter predators...God keeps His people safe fro the prowling lion by encircling us with a crown of thorns."
If you are visual like me then seeing this will make this imagery more real to you.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Stepping Up: Week 3 - Day 1
Day 1 - He Surrounds His People
Psalm 125
1 Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.
2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore.
3 The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, for then the righteous might use their hands to do evil.
4 Do good, O LORD, to those who are good, to those who are upright in heart.
5 But those who turn to crooked ways the LORD will banish with the evildoers.
Peace be upon Israel.
This day focused entirely on verse 1. The word "trust" means confident, secure, sure. When we trust in the Lord we find confidence and security. Every step we take, we can move forward and be sure in His presense.
If we depend on God rather than worldly possessions such as jobs, wealth, and even relationships - then we will not be shaken when these possessions are gone. We are solid as a mountain because our trust is in the Lord.
Psalm 125
1 Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.
2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore.
3 The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, for then the righteous might use their hands to do evil.
4 Do good, O LORD, to those who are good, to those who are upright in heart.
5 But those who turn to crooked ways the LORD will banish with the evildoers.
Peace be upon Israel.
This day focused entirely on verse 1. The word "trust" means confident, secure, sure. When we trust in the Lord we find confidence and security. Every step we take, we can move forward and be sure in His presense.
If we depend on God rather than worldly possessions such as jobs, wealth, and even relationships - then we will not be shaken when these possessions are gone. We are solid as a mountain because our trust is in the Lord.
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