Study to Show

I am studying and leading a study on the book of James by Beth Moore. I’ve been surprised. I’ve been taught. I’ve been open to learning new ideas from this small book of the Bible. And I will say, it has been a great study.

Until now. This week we have studied chapter 3. And chapter 3 verse 1 of James is one that most teachers of Scripture know. “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” (James 3:1 – NIV)

I have read and heard this verse for many years. I’ve been a teacher since I was 16 years old. I began teaching Sunday School with 4^th and 5^th graders. Then just out of Bible College I began teaching women, along with children and adolescents.

I understand that teaching is not something to take lightly. Not only as I lead women in studying God’s Word, but even as I write this blog, I am teaching.

So this passage is always in the back of my mind.

But in this study, I’ve learned more about this verse and I’d like to share some of what Beth Moore has to say about it.[i]

She reminds the teachers who are studying this book that there are “a handful of land mines that go with the territory.” Here are the things she shared:

The temptation to teach more than we know.

The capacity to mislead.

The capacity to be misled.

The temptation to use the platform for personal agendas or opinions.

The demand for self-discipline.

The pride and humiliation.

Oh my. Yes there are some “land mines” that go along with teaching. These will lead to disaster.

But Beth Moore doesn’t stop here. She encourages those who feel led to teach to teach. To be honest, there is nothing else a teacher can do except teach.

She makes another statement that I am living proof of. “God often likes to teach the bigger lesson to the teacher.”[ii]

As I prepare to teach or lead or write, I know the extra weight I take upon myself. I know that each sentence I speak or write will be critiqued. I know that what I say must be truth.

That is why I dig into God’s Word more and more to find those truths. If it isn’t in God’s Word, I will not put it to pen or into words. I’ve had to rethink some of my own beliefs because of this very task.

I’ve found that some things that I’ve been taught in the past don’t line up with God’s way of thinking. If it doesn’t line up, it cannot be true.

I am also a firm believer that you, as a student or reading, should not take everything I say or write for complete truth. I am human. I make mistakes. I would urge you to evaluate all that is read in my blog. Study it to make certain that my words line up with God’s Word. In doing so, you’ll be growing yourself and gaining new wisdom and insight into Scripture.

Are you a teacher? I pray that you have a greater understanding of your role in light of God’s Word.

Do you sit under a teacher? I pray that you are not presuming that teacher knows all. Take the time to understand God’s Word for yourself.

Regardless of which role you are playing, know that it is God’s desire for you to hold His Scripture close to your heart, to understand what He has to say, and to obey all that God has placed within Scripture.

Psalm 119 is filled with verses to give us examples of this truth. Psalm 119:11; Psalm 119: 16; Psalm 119:28; Psalm 119:43; Psalm 119:74; Psalm 119:103; Psalm 119:105; Psalm 119:114; Psalm 119:130; and Psalm 119:161.

And although my words may not be perfect, God’s Word is flawless. “The words of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times.” (Psalm 12:6 - NIV) See Psalm 18:30 for further confirmation.

Psalm 33:4 (NIV) tells us “For the Word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.” God’s Word will not fail us. He is always right. He is always true. He is always faithful.

Today as we study, teach or listen to God’s Words being presented, keep in mind that we each have a responsibility. To know the Bible. I pray that you’ll find great joy, many blessings, and deeper devotion because you are reading and studying God’s Word.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

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[i] James: Mercy Triumphs, Beth Moore, Lifeway Press, 2011, pages 110-111.

[ii] James: Mercy Triumphs, Beth Moore, Lifeway Press, 2011, page 112.

One Another

I feel as if I’m in a “list” kind of mood. In the past week, I’ve already given two this week and I’m about to do so again. So please humor me and let’s see yet another list of things that we are to do.

I was doing some research about the “one another’s” in Scripture and found far more than I imagined there would be. These are the things we are to do to one another. So I’m listing them here for you to check out as you have the time. I’m sure you will be as amazed as I was.

You’ll first see a word or a phrase and you’ll want to add “one another” to the end. Then the passages listed show where the “one another” is found in Scripture. There may be more, but these are the ones I found. If you know of any that I’ve missed, please let me know. I’d love to hear from you.

Love – John 13:34; Hebrews 13:1; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 Peter 3:8; 1 John 3:11; 1 John 3:23; 1 John 4:7; 1 John 4:11-12; 2 John 1:5

Be devoted to – Romans 12:1

Honor – Romans 12:1

Live in harmony with – Romans 12:16

Accept – Romans 15:7

Be competent to instruct – Romans 15:14

Greet – Romans 16:16

Agree with – 1 Corinthians 1:10

Encourage – 2 Corinthians 13:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 3:13; Hebrews 10:25

Serve – Galatians 5:13

Bear with – Ephesians 4:2

Be kind and compassionate to – Ephesians 4:32

Speaking with – Ephesians 5:19

Submit to – Ephesians 5:21

Bear with and forgive – Colossians 3:13

Teach and admonish – Colossians 3:16

Spur – Hebrews 10:24

Offer hospitality to – 1 Peter 4:9

Fellowship with – 1 John 1:7

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

National Gumdrop Day

I bet you didn’t know that there was such a thing! Well guess what? There is! It is always on February 15 and can you imagine the flavors and the colors that go along with that day? Personally, I don’t like gumdrops. I don’t care for the flavors. Which is a story in itself.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gumdrop

Over the past year, I’ve tried to lose weight…so I’ve changed how I comment on certain foods. In the past I’ve said, “I don’t like fruits and vegetables.” Now I say, “Fruits and vegetables are good.” I’m learning. But gumdrops are fake fruit. I still don’t like fake fruit, like Kool Aid, popsicles, etc. Now I can get back to gumdrops.

So on February 15, the colorful little drops of sugar should be prevalent wherever you are. I do love the colors of these confections. Bright and cheery. Bold and screaming, “Hey! Look at me! I’m a gumdrop!”

The flavors are vibrant as well. When you bite into one, that fake fruit flavor is there. I know most people love that flavor.

And of course, the texture is probably the most memorable thing. It is crunchy on the outside because of the sugar and the inside is firm jell. You know you are eating a gumdrop when you eat a gumdrop.

There’s even a song about gumdrops. “Goody, goody gumdrops. My heart is doing flip flops. See what love can do. I’m gonna shout it from the roof tops. Goody, goody gumdrops. With a girl like you.”[i] I’ll be singing that song for a while!

Regardless of whether you like gumdrops or not, they are fun. They can be used in crafts, cooking, and for snacking. They can be spiced or non-spiced. For some, they may get stuck in your teeth, for others, you might lose a tooth by eating a gumdrop.

I suspect you’re wondering what God has to teach us about gumdrops. Well here it is.

As a Christian, we may be bright and cheery and seek attention. We may be tough on the outside, but gooey on the inside. We may be spicy or plain. But regardless of what we are, we cannot be fake. We must be genuine.

So let’s look at Romans 12 to see how we are to live a genuine, Christ-like life.

Live sacrificially – Romans 12:1

Live humbly – Romans 12:3, 16

Live in unity – Romans 12:4-5

Live as gifted - Romans 12:6-8

Live lovingly – Romans 12:9-10

Live zealously – Romans 12:11

Live joyfully in hope – Romans 12:12

Live patiently in affliction – Romans 12:12

Live faithfully in prayer – Romans 12:12

Live generously – Romans 12:13

Live hospitably – Romans 12:13

Live harmoniously – Romans 12:16

Live fairly – Romans 12:17

Live peaceably – Romans 12:18

Live well – Romans 12:23

Now that is quite a list! As we fill our hearts with these words, we’re able to see how to live lives that are not fake. But we also know that without the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit, living this way would be improbable. No, impossible.

As we allow God’s Spirit to produce good fruit in our lives, the guidelines in Romans 12 become doable. Our desire to live in such a way grows within us. It becomes imperative that our lives are no longer considered fake, but genuine.

There is another verse in this chapter that will help us as well. Romans 12:2 (NIV) says, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what god’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

You see, if we live as the world lives and think as the world thinks, we will be fake. Satan, the great deceiver, is the ruler of this world. There can be nothing genuine where he reigns.

But when we are transformed into what God wants us to be, we are able to be genuine. We are genuine because our God is genuine. Then when we are transformed, our minds will be renewed. Renewed for genuineness.

The next time you pick up a gumdrop, think of how God wants you to live. Not as a fake, or phony “Christian,” but as a genuine, living-life-to-the-full, Christ follower.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

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[i] Goody, Goody Gumdrops, 1910 Fruitgum Company, 1968

Building a Doll House: Expect Mistakes – Chapter 9

NOTE: If you missed Chapters 1-8 of Building a Doll House, you can find it in the column under "blog archive" to the right. 

I’ll admit it. There are mistakes in the doll house we built for our granddaughter Joy. As much as we wanted perfection, it was impossible to achieve. In fact, there are more mistakes than we’d like to admit.

But when our first mistake occurred, we didn’t give up. If we had, the doll house would have sat unfinished very early on…I really think we encountered the first issue with the foundation.

We encounter similar issues in our day-to-day lives. We slip up. We create messes. Our lives are full of bloopers, goof ups, and blunders. I don’t think I can say it any other way. We make mistakes.

In our spiritual lives, those mistakes are called sin. According to the online Merriman-Webster dictionary, “sin is an offense against religious or moral law. It is transgression of the law of God.”[i]

The very basic definition of sin is when we miss the mark. As an archer might miss the bulls eye of a target or perhaps miss the target altogether. God has provided commands, laws, or precepts for us to follow. When we disobey, neglect, or omit any one of these commands from our lives, we commit sin.

Sin then, is anything that separates us from God.

Thankfully for us, God has made arrangements for us when we are outside of His will. When we miss the mark. And although God cannot tolerate sin in our lives (Habakkuk 1:13a), God has provided grace.

You see, just as we did not give up when we realized we made our first mistake (or 10^th mistake) on the doll house, we cannot give up when we make mistakes in our spiritual lives.

We must admit that we’ve sinned. David understood this and what leads up to confessing sin. He had this to say about it.

“When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord’—and you forgave the guilt of my sin.” (Psalm 32:3-5 – NIV)

I’ve been there. Haven’t you? When the heaviness in my heart was so great because of sin. David knew he had to acknowledge his sin. Confess his sin to God. Then, accept God’s forgiveness. And please notice, God also forgives the guilt. Now there’s a gift to accept with open, appreciative hands.

In 1 John 1:9 (NIV), the apostle John makes note of this concept as well. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Another gracious gift from our heavenly Father. Purification. He will purify us when we confess our sin to Him. Because He is faithful and just.

We must also repent of our sin. The foundational meaning of this word is to do an about face. To turn in the opposite direction. Yes, we must confess the sin, but if we do not repent of it, we will be in bondage to that same sin again and again. There must be change. In attitude and action.

Paul shares this message with the Corinth church in 2 Corinthians 7. Paul’s first letter was difficult for them (2 Corinthians 7:8), but he called them to something. Repentance. “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10 – NIV)

We are called to this same action. Repent of sin that keeps us stumbling over and over.

And just a few more things to keep in mind. The writer of Hebrews shows us that once sin is forgiven by God, He will remember it no more. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (Hebrews 8:12 – NIV) “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” (Hebrews 10:17 – NIV)

After forgiveness, I must forget my sin. But we all know that guilt gets in the way of forgetting. Remember David’s words above? God forgives the guilt of the sin. We see this idea in Romans 8:1 (NIV) as well.

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” We can rid our lives of guilt when we confess and repent of sin in our lives. Jesus has taken it away.

And here’s another idea from John the Baptizer. In speaking to some of the Pharisees and Sadducess, John makes this statement. “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” (Matthew 3:9 – NIV)

I can’t help but think that is a statement is one for me to remember. After confession and repentance of sin, if I do not produce spiritual fruit in my life I will once again have missed the mark.

As we built this doll house, we didn’t give up or quit when mistakes were made. It’s the same with our spiritual lives. When we sin, it’s not a time to throw it all away. God will be there waiting to hear from us.

Do you need to speak to God today? Is there sin in your life that is preventing you from being near your heavenly Father? Is sin keeping you from producing fruit? Are you burdened by the weight of guilt?

If so, please run to God’s loving arms and seek His forgiveness. Follow David’s example. Lay it all out before God. Then relish in the weightlessness of forgiveness.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

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[i] http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sin

Sidetracked...Again

Have I mentioned lately that I have a lot going on this month? I certainly do and keep adding tasks and projects to that list of on-going objectives. I woke yesterday morning quite overwhelmed and really not certain that I could possibly get it all done in time.

But I received a good bit of encouragement from some great friends yesterday. It gave me an added boost of energy to get on the projects that need to be done today and tomorrow. Once these are off my plate, then I can get back to working on my original goals. And let’s face it, it’s only November 5^th!

Sometimes we do get sidetracked by unforeseen things in our life. Whether it is good or bad, “life” has a way of getting in the way at times.

There was a couple in the New Testament who knew what being sidetracked was like. How an unforeseen incident changed their lives.

Zechariah and Elizabeth were along in years. Scripture says, “well along in years.” (Luke 1:7 – NIV) Each were descendants of Aaron and Zechariah was a priest.

I love the section of Scripture right before this statement. “Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly.” (Luke 1:6 – NIV)

I don’t know about you, but I would love to hear God say that about me. To take notice that my obedience to Him is out of my devotion and love for what He’s done in my life (yes that was a sidetrack).

So when it was Zechariah’s turn to go into the temple and burn incense, an angel appeared to him and told him of the upcoming birth of his son. Details were given on how he was to be raised, what his purpose in life would be, and then the name was given. John.

Zechariah didn’t believe it could be so, because they were “well along in years.” Now here’s my question. How could you not believe if an angel appeared to you? How could anyone possibly believe that it wasn’t going to happen? Well Zechariah didn’t believe and because of his unbelief, he was unable to speak until the baby was eight days old. That is a long time to keep silent. That, I would say, was an unforeseen incident that kept Zechariah side-tracked.

But it doesn’t stop there. Elizabeth becomes pregnant. But Elizabeth’s response to this unforeseen event was completely different than Zechariah’s. She spoke these words. “The Lord has done this for me. In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.” (Luke 1:25 – NIV) Elizabeth was thrilled. Her seclusion was a treasured sidetrack.

When John was born, we are told that Elizabeth’s neighbors and relatives “heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.” (Luke 1:57 – NIV) I find it interesting that Zechariah wasn’t mentioned at this point. The priest who was unable to speak due to his unbelief perhaps was still sidetracked. But it didn’t take long for his belief to be revealed to his community.

When asked what they were going to name the child, Zechariah asked for a writing tablet. On this tablet he wrote, “His name is John.” (Luke 1:63 – NIV) Immediately, Zechariah was able to speak and he praised God.

Through this miracle, their neighbors and friends were filled with awe. It was all they could talk about. They knew that God had been in the middle of this event.

Elizabeth’s pregnancy was certainly an unforeseen event. I believe we can look at both Elizabeth’s and Zechariah’s reactions to find the best way for us to deal with something that can sidetrack us in our lives.

Zechariah was unbelieving. Elizabeth believed.

Zechariah questioned. Elizabeth accepted.

Zechariah lacked faith. Elizabeth proved to be faithful.

Zechariah asked for evidence. Elizabeth acknowledged her gift.

Do you see a pattern? Each loved God and were obedient to His ways, there’s no doubt about that. But they reacted to this announcement differently.

So I must ask the question, “How do you respond to unforeseen occurrences?” Do you lean more toward Zechariah’s reaction or Elizabeth’s? I think we need to be prepared for the inevitable. Life will throw us a curve ball. There’s no question about that. How we react is really what counts.

I will get through this week. I will get through this month. I can even say I will get through the unforeseen incidents that jump onto the path ahead of me. But after reading of Elizabeth’s determination to be faithful to God, I know it’s possible to go through it all in obedience, with grace, and by God’s strength.

Now I must get to work!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

Keep on Casting...

My husband and I took his little car out for a spin yesterday. He drives it more than I ride in it (I do have my reasons). But he had been out on several errands earlier in the day, so his stereo was cranking out some tunes when he started the car. He was listening to the Imperials.

It warmed my heart.

As we continued listening to the album I realized that they were all songs that I really liked and I wondered why it was in his collection of music and not mine?

A particular song came on and it took me to my freshman year at Cincinnati Bible College (they’ve changed the name of this school, but I have such difficultly calling it that…sorry Cincinnati Christian University). I joined a group of people who performed with puppets and muppets. We traveled around the area, set up our big stage and equipment, and then proceeded to share God’s message through these inanimate objects.

The music we used was always fun and lively, had a great message to tell, but it also needed to have some different parts going on so that each muppet could do something different. You know, like backup singers.

The song that brought back these memories is “Bread Upon the Water.”[i] The lyrics are taken from Ecclesiastes 11:1 and Luke 6:38 and if you haven’t heard it in a while, just Google it and find yourself singing along to this tune.

Ecclesiastes 11:1 (NIV) says, “Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.”

But another section of the song quotes Jesus from Luke 6:38 (NIV). Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Oh how I wish I had been sitting at Jesus’ feet to hear these words. He wanted this crowd to get the message…give! We know Jesus shared this message on multiple occasions, but not like this. The results of our giving are immeasurable. The blessings we receive when we give go beyond anything we could ever imagine. So much so that we are unable to keep them confined. And then we need to give yet again.

There are many ways to give. We can give of our time, our talents, our money, ourselves. Maybe you can only give in one of these areas. Maybe you’re able to give in all of these areas. Whatever the case, Jesus tells us to give.

So how are you giving? Do you volunteer in your local church? If not, you need to. Your church needs you. And regardless of your talents, if your heart is in it, God will bless it. If you don’t know where to start, start by asking around and see where there is a need. I’m certain you’ll receive plenty of ideas and invitations.

I work with a team of ladies to plan women’s events for our church and the minister’s wife heads up this team. She closes each email to us with these words. “It’s a pleasure serving Jesus with you.” Yes, it is a pleasure to serve Jesus. It is my pleasure.

God wants us, urges us to give. As Christ-followers, giving is part of our spiritual DNA. We cannot deny it. We must embrace and develop this area of our lives. And then, we simply need to wait.

Keep on casting…

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

Bread Upon the Water

Well there are people who think they're not receiving

Anything from God at all

Oh they are shaken from their believin'

When they don't see results they quickly fall

But don't you waiver keep on living

In the way God wants you to

Don't get discouraged keep on giving

Soon it will come back to you

Oh keep on working seeking the kingdom

Instead of working for your needs

Just keep on sharing the love of Jesus

You know growing comes from planting seeds

Keep on casting your bread upon the water

Soon it's going to come back home on every wave

Keep on casting your bread upon the water

Soon it's going to come back home on every wave

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[i] © Universal Music Publishing Group, Bread Upon The Water Lyrics by Gaither Vocal Band, music composed by Grein