Where I Want to Be

Have you ever found yourself, while visiting in the home of a friend, wishing to trade houses?  Their home may be newer, nicer, more modern, and while your home is adequate and just the way you like it, you cannot help the desire to live in a house like theirs.

David, in Psalm  84, was feeling the same thing.  He was so excited about where he was because he says, "I'd rather be right here for one day, than anywhere else for a thousand days."

David had started in the early verses of Psalm 84 with a phrase which used some terminology we may not have heard from other biblical writers.  Look at verses 1 and 2:

"How lovely is your dwelling place,  Lord Almighty!   My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. "

David was so pleased to be in the dwelling place of God that he says that is the source of blessing for his life.  He even attributes his strength as a blessing because he knows it is from God.  This, then, is the reason David makes his proclamation:

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere;  I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God  than dwell in the tents of the wicked.  For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.   (verses 10-12)

For David, and for us, we should see the desire of God to have us in his presence.  David recognized that and the importance of confidently trusting God.  He is the example for those who become so wrapped up in this world, they have no time for God.  He is also the example for those who are not totally and completely devoted to living for God.

David knew one day dwelling with God was better than a thousand days elsewhere.  The real message for us is how much God is longing to dwell inside us, living in the hearts of those who trust in Him. 

<ronbwriting@gmail.com>

In a nutshell.......

Close to the front cover of your Bible you are introduced to God.  This is God of whom the Genesis writer said, "created the heavens and the earth."   Our knowledge of creation is and must remain tied to the opening chapters of Genesis, for therein lies our basis of truth for the beginning of all things.

Near the back cover of your Bible, there is a little book called 1st John, and a lot of what John has to say is supportive information that reaches all the way back to creation.  1 John 1:1, "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life."

For those of us who were raised in Christian homes and have been "church folks" for most of our lives, there is a tendency for us to claim our heritage as the basis for our Christianity.  We have no other lifestyle on which to build or expand.  That being said, we still are people who wrestle with sin, we need a relationship with God, and above all, like every person that lives or has ever lived, we need to be delivered from the penalty of sin. 

When John wrote these letters, he included something in his introduction that not only referenced the beginning of time, but also declared some interesting information about us.  Concerning those things from the beginning he says, those are the things we have heard, they are things we have seen with our eyes, and those are the things we have looked at and our hands have touched.   All these things are the things we are to proclaim about the Word of life.  Now watch in the verses that follow, as he expands on this theme:

"The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. ³ We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. ⁴ We write this to make our joy complete."   1 John 1:2-4

John, because of hearing, seeing, and touching, comes to proclaim Jesus, the Word of life.  Now the verses in the above paragraph not only describes the appearance of that life, but also our opportunity to share in the fellowship which this Word of life has with God, the Father.  After learning that profound truth, it causes us examine ourselves to see where stand with God.  John says we are proclaiming the message of eternal life to you, based on our testimony of the fellowship, and you can be included in the fellowship with us.  It's the fellowship Jesus shares with God.  

I like John's final sentence in verse 4. "We write this to make our joy complete."   Not to compete with John here, but there is a real sense of joy in the life of the preacher, teacher, writer, or even in the life of every Christian as we demonstrate a lifestyle which obviously is in fellowship with God.  John brings home the truth of this fellowship a few verses later in verse 7:

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin."

<ronbwriting@gmail.com>

Find a Quote That Fits

A few years ago I had the chance to attend the Global Leadership Summit.  I still think of and cherish highly the things we discussed and the extensive amount of learning to be experienced.  This year's summit ended recently but I have kept an eye on their online reports and articles.  One that I want to share with you is a page where they listed "The 20 Best Quotes" from the Leadership Summit.  I know all of these may or may not be something you want or need to hear, but in reading them all, I'm thinking you will find one or more that speaks to you. 

1. “Grit grows every time you prove to yourself that you can overcome an obstacle with perseverance and tenacity.” – Bill Hybels
2. “We succeed at our very best only when we help others succeed.” – Jim Collins
3. “Don’t hire people to fill a position, select people to fulfill a dream and to serve a purpose.” – Horst Schulze
4. “If you want your team to stay relevant, lead your team into the unknown.” – Liz Wiseman
5. “If there’s laughter in the room, people will solve whatever problem is there, no matter how hard it is.” – Ed Catmull
6. “Do 5 minute favors… find small ways to add great value to others.” – Adam Grant
7. “Who you are in the space where you can’t see in front of you is where courage is born.” – Brené Brown
8. “If you have a spreadsheet but haven’t spread yourself on the ground to pray, you’ve missed the point.” – Albert Tate
9. “Don’t go to work to work, go to work to be excellent in your career and to care about the people around you.” – Horst Schulze
10. “If you’ve become accustomed to being a leader, take a break and let someone else take the lead.” – Liz Wiseman
11. “The fastest way to change the feedback culture in an organization is for the leaders to become better receivers.” – Sheila Heen
12. “So much of leadership is like walking on water, only God can keep you from sinking.” – Brian Houston
13. “Live for what’s worth dying for.” – Common
14. “Everyone really does win when a leader gets better.” – Bill Hybels
15. “Step into that commitment. How bad you want something determines what you will do to get it.” – Craig Groeschel
16. “If your character is not strengthening, your future potential is weakening.” – Craig Groeschel
17. “A secure leader know how to laugh at themselves.” – Michael Jr.
18. “Is it possible we are at our best when we know our very least – when we are rookies.” – Liz Wiseman
19. “I think organizations don’t grow because leaders believe “our people can’t do what we do.” – Sam Adeyemi
20. “The bravest among us will always be the most broken-hearted because we had the courage to love.” – Brené Brown

(ronbwriting@gmail.com)

God is Calling

Through the years of trade shows while buying and selling used merchandise, I have met lots of people.  One couple that really stands out as good quality people that I like to be around, are Wes and Brenda Wessels.  I keep up with them online and a few days ago, read a post written by Brenda.  After reading her article, I immediately messaged her, asking permission to share it on the blog.  It follows, along with my thanks to Brenda.

How do you know what God’s calling you to do? (Notice I didn’t say IF He’s calling.)

Here are 7 ways:

1.There’s a burden on your heart you can’t shake....
2.There is a specific person you know of who needs your help.
3.The Scripture passage that you read encourages you to have faith and step out.
4.When you pray you have a sense that God is asking you to act.
5.You don’t have time, but you have a seed of faith.
7.God brings someone into your life to encourage your calling (your spouse, your pastor, a godly friend.)
7.You feel as if you can’t do it alone.

God's word says "Be silent and listen."  How can you hear if your mind is too busy thinking? Clear your mind. Think of something that calms you, like the mountains. For me, it is ocean waves. Calm your spirit and then listen for what God has for you through the Holy Spirit.

If you are calling; Jesus is listening and will give you an answer. How do you know that it is him answering? Is it a good thing or a bad thing? God will only give you good things. Be blessed today and in return bless others!

ronbwriting@gmail.com

Teaching what is appropriate to sound doctrine.....

The inspired writer Paul addressed his comrade in the faith, Titus, with specific instructions to Christians of various ages, and living in various situations.  Let's look at Titus 2 and see how the instructions work.

  

 You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine.  Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.  The first standard in the teachings for Titus is directed to the olden men. The things Paul mentions are all attributes which are priority to the older men. 

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.  Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children,  to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.  These pertain to the older women, but even expand in areas where the older women can share and teach the younger women. It is no mistake the attribute of love is mentioned to both men and women.

Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.  In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.  Now the young men receive their encouragement. Titus is to lead the way,  to be a good example for the younger men, and to lead with integrity. 

Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them,  and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive. Yes, even slaves had standards by which they were to conduct themselves. It is especially noted that slaves were to please their masters and be subject to them.

 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.  It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,  while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,  who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.  This is the meat of Paul's message to Titus. After covering the various age groups, both men and women, and even slaves, Paul introduces us to the very strong truth, "God's grace which offers salvation has appeared to all people."  Regardless of who we are or how much we know, we should recognize the priority standards which are given to us.  The blessings from God are graciously given to us for our good.  All people should learn to say "no" to ungodliness and worldly passions.  We all need self-control. Everyone should try to be upright and godly in their living.  Like Paul says, we are eagerly waiting for the blessed hope, the return of Jesus.

When you read all the bold type in today's article, you will have read the entire chapter of Titus 2.  It was important that Paul write these things to Titus, and to us, to make everyone aware of their conduct, their goals of righteous living, and their readiness for the return of Jesus. The chapter ends with Paul saying, "These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you."  We should teach these things and live by them, too.

<ronbwriting@gmail.com>

Blessed are the chosen

Psalm 65:1-4

¹ Praise awaits you, O God, in Zion;  to you our vows will be fulfilled.
² O you who hear prayer, to you all men will come.
³ When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions.
⁴ Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts!
 We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple.

 

Are you happy as a Christian?  Do the joys and the happiness of day to day living show that you are a happy person that belongs to God?  Obviously David was a happy man when he wrote the beginning of the psalm at the top of the page. 

There is a story I tell often, of a time when my in-laws were coming to see us, just after we moved to a new town.  They were arriving on Sunday morning so we decided we would all meet at church. My directions were apparently not easy to follow and they were lost in a strange town, not being able to find the church building.  While stopped at a traffic light, my mother-in-law jokingly commented that the man in the car next to them had a huge frown on his face so maybe they should follow him. Sure enough, a couple of blocks down the street, he turned into the church parking lot.

I have often thought that all of us should reflect a more joyous appearance when we enter the meeting place of God's people. However, I believe all of us have sent a message to others that we are somewhat burdened with the worship experience. And to that I will add, our very lives become an example and testimony to those who see or meet us, that we are not joyous to assemble in the presence of God. 

The part of the psalm above is just the beginning of more positive things David has to say about God's followers and their lives of happiness. Read the entire psalm and see the things David has to be happy about.

How could he express such happiness?  After all, David had committed adultery and murder. Grievous sins were in his life.  But God is merciful and forgiving, and David sought the restoration of his relationship with the Father.  The same can happen for you and me. When we seek God we find a loving father who cares and desires the things that are best for us. In spite of our sinful ways, God still loves us and wants us to love him, and learn of his forgiveness.

David's life was a demonstration of the goodness and faithfulness of God. David didn't have to live behind a frown anymore. Neither do we. Yes, difficulties and disappointments come our way, but we learn to leave our burdens at the foot of the cross, where we find the restoration which brings true joy. 

<ronbwriting@gmail.com>

My Heart is Set

Psalm 119:105-112

¹⁰⁵ Your word is a lamp to my feet
    and a light for my path.
¹⁰⁶ I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
    that I will follow your righteous laws.
¹⁰⁷ I have suffered much;
    preserve my life, O Lord, according to your word.
¹⁰⁸ Accept, O Lord, the willing praise of my mouth,
    and teach me your laws.
¹⁰⁹ Though I constantly take my life in my hands,
    I will not forget your law.
¹¹⁰ The wicked have set a snare for me,
    but I have not strayed from your precepts.
¹¹¹ Your statutes are my heritage forever;
    they are the joy of my heart.
¹¹² My heart is set on keeping your decrees
    to the very end.

Reading the entire Psalm 119 is a lengthy read, but filled with word pictures of the psalmist's relationship to God. I've selected this section in order for us to see how close we should be to God and his ways.  As you read and meditate on the above verses, see if these are declarations you have made in your walk with God. Some are easy for us to say and believe, others may be more difficult.

Can we all say to God, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path?"  Of course we can. That one is easy to say and it sounds so biblical for us to have such a respect for the word of the Lord. 

The next verse considers the taking of an oath and confirming it. It is actually a promise to God of the determination and pledge that we are going to make God's way our way.  That one is easy to say, but sometimes a difficult promise to keep. 

I like verse 108, "Accept, O Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws."  We all want God to accept our praise and our worship, but sometimes we are more concerned about how well it pleases us. 

Check over all these statements of declaration as we examine ourselves to see how closely we are believing and declaring them as truth for us.  Look again at the words of the psalmist, "My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end."

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