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.

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

The Road I Travelled

As young children, our family lived in the small community of Jeffersonville, Ohio. I have such fond memories of living there, both as a child and an adult.

My father was the minister of the Church of Christ and with growth, a church building was built and the old church building was transformed into a parsonage where our family was to live. All of this was happening about a mile outside of town.

Until it was time to move into the new house, we lived in a beautiful house in town. Again, more fond memories of this grand, spacious place.

On one occasion, my younger brother and I were thoroughly bored at the parsonage while my parents worked diligently to get everything done. So we asked Mom if we could walk home. She said “No.”

We begged her to let us walk home. Then she said, “Don’t you dare get on that road!”

To a 5 and 6 year old, that was permission. We’d just stay off the road. Walk in the ditch along the road. We could do this.

And our journey began.

A kind woman we knew stopped to see if we needed a ride and to make sure we were okay. But honestly, we were having too much fun. We were on an adventure. We were on our own. We continued our walking journey.

As we finally made it into the downtown area of town, walking on the sidewalk I might add, Mom drove up beside us. We knew she was mad.

“Get in this car. Your Dad is bringing a big stick home with him.”

Sometimes we do this same thing with God’s Word. We distort it to be exactly what we want it to say or mean to us. Instead of simply accepting it for what it is, we figure out how to work our way around the commands He has given us through Scripture.

God loves us. He wants what is best for us. So the commands He gives for us to obey have real benefits in our lives. God speaking through the prophet Isaiah said this. “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea.” (Isaiah 48:17b-18 – NIV)

Did you notice the benefits of obeying God in this passage? Peace and righteousness.

We also see from Scripture that if we love God and want to please Him, we will obey.

“If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15 – NIV)

“This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” (1 John 5:3-4 – NIV)

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6 – NIV)

And what are the benefits we see in these passages of obedience? Freedom, conquering of the world, victory, rewards and it pleases God. Benefits I believe are worthwhile.

I love how the writer of Hebrews tells us that God’s commands are not burdensome. Remember Jesus’ words in Matthew? “Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 – NIV)

Suddenly, obedience doesn’t seem so difficult. And again, do you see benefits to obedience? Rest. When we are weary and when we are restless within our souls, Jesus provides the perfect rest.

On that day so long ago, my brother and I were very nervous waiting for Dad to show up “with a big stick.” When he arrived however, he didn’t have a stick.

Oh, I’m sure we were punished, but I certainly don’t remember it. I was just thankful that all was well once again in the Howard household.

I learned a valuable lesson that day about obedience. I’ve learned valuable lessons through the years about obeying God. I’m thankful that in His great love for me, that I am able to do my small part. Are you?

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

It's a Schedule

My husband is a systems dispatch operator for a local electric company. His job is to keep the power on for all the customers his company services. His work schedule is on a 5-week rotation where he works 12-hour shifts, both days and nights, including holidays and weekends.

Sometimes his work schedule is inconvenient. Sometimes it works against all things sacred (family and church). Sometimes I don’t like it.

What I do like is that they give him his yearly schedule in advance. As a matter of fact, I have his 2013 schedule in hand right now. So I know exactly what our year will look like in relation to his work schedule.

Schedules are part of life. Whether they are related to work, school, or even an infant, there are schedules to keep and follow. It’s how we cope with them and work through them that matters. But more importantly, it’s what God has to say about keeping schedules that makes the difference.

The writer of Ecclesiastes tells us that “there is a time for everything. A season for everything activity under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 – NIV) He then proceeds to give examples of his understanding of a schedule in verses 2-8. But we also see from this writer that without God, it’s all meaningless (Ecclesiastes 12:8).

Paul encouraged the Ephesian Christians with these words. “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Paul shared that in day-to-day living (schedules) how important it is to make every moment count. Again, count for God.

I believe from these two passages we can see that schedules are part of life. But if we leave God out of our daily schedules, we are whipping up a recipe for disaster.

As we rely on God, we are able to utilize His power, His strength, His wisdom, and His protection (just to name a few). Why wouldn’t we desire His assistance with our schedules?

I have Mason’s 2013 work schedule. However, it could change. If someone should happen to quit, this schedule is thrown out because another shift must be covered. Sometimes that can get a little aggravating.

[I must add this to all of my complaining. My husband has a job. My husband has employment that is not threatened. I am able to do what I do because of the career my husband has chosen. That is something that I don’t take lightly. I appreciate and love all the work he does for me and our family.]

I pray your schedule today allows for some valuable family time or perhaps some personal time, but most important for an incredible connection with God. Time spent with God is time well spent. Don’t overlook Him with your busy schedule. The time you spend with God will be the best part of your day!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

Building a Doll House: It’s All About the Details – Chapter 8

NOTE: If you missed Chapters 1-7 of Building a Doll House, you can find it in the column under "blog archive" to the right. 

From the beginning of this dollhouse project, my husband said we needed to be very careful with each piece. During the painting process, it was important that the paint didn’t drip, because that would cause it to be out of line with the rest of the pieces. During the sanding process, we had to be sure that just the right amount was sanded or it would fit.

Then of course, the details of the entire project was overwhelming. The directions. The number of pieces. The step-by-step process to take all of these pieces and create one doll house from them all. It was pretty amazing.

Here’s the thing. If we hadn’t paid attention to the details, it would not have turned out the way it was supposed to. It would not have looked like a house. Or at least not a pleasant-looking house.

It’s the same with our spiritual lives. If we haven’t taken care of the details of our faith, it’s hard to say what the outcome might be. But if we follow God’s plan and pay attention to the details, the results will be exactly what God intended us to be.

God planned that we would be “His chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.” (1 Peter 2:9 – NIV)

So how do we get to this point? What steps (details) do we need to take to become exactly what God intended us to be?

We must believe

There is a lot that we simply must have faith in. We must believe that God’s Word is living and active and that God breathed life into each verse. (Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16)

We must believe that Jesus is God’s Son, sent to be the Messiah, the Savior of mankind. (John 3:15-16; 1 John 5:1; 5:5; Romans 3:22)

We must believe that Jesus was crucified for the forgiveness of our sins and rose to life to prove victory over death. (Luke 24:46-7; 1 Thessalonians 4:14)

We must repent

Repentance means to turn completely around. To go the opposite direction of our original path. So for a believer, we must put to death the sinful nature in order for the spiritual nature to be visible. (Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15; Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19)

We must confess

You’ve heard it before, Peter’s great confession of our Lord. “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16 – NIV) Yes, we must proclaim it as well. (Matthew 16:16; 2 Timothy 2:19)

We must be baptized

Jesus teaches that baptism is part of the salvation plan and was himself baptized. Peter preached it on the day of Pentecost. Paul also was baptized and preached baptism. (Matthew 3:13; 28:19-20; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 9:18; Galatians 3:27)

We must live

Live lives that bring honor, glory and praise to God who has freely lavished grace upon us. There are plenty of passages that lead us in this direction, but I’m just listing two here. (Galatians 5:16-26; Ephesians 2:10)

We must tell

If in fact we have the greatest news mankind has ever heard, why do we keep silent? Why isn’t His message on the tip of our tongues constantly? I don’t know the answer to that question, but I know that Scriptures tell me to share the Gospel. (Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 24:47)

These are the “details” of our spiritual lives. They each fit perfectly with the next, like a plan, and exactly as God intended. By paying attention to each of these details, we ensure that our salvation will be complete.

Oh, I know that we’ll mess up along the way. I know that a detail will be missed or we’ll botch it up. But please know that God can take all those mishaps, those imperfections, and turn them into a thing of beauty. That’s an added bonus of loving God. Grace.

If you have a question about these “details,” I’d be happy to chat with you. I do know that there is nothing like being in God’s grace.

I’d also love to hear your story of grace. How your faith has been built through the years. What God’s grace means to you. Would you be willing to share?

In the end, the pieces of the dollhouse went together pretty well. There were a few pieces that didn’t quite fit, but a little sand paper and caulk covered a lot of mistakes. Please don’t look too closely at the dollhouse. You just might find those mistakes.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna