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In Truth and Love {2 John}

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Second John gets right to it, right away in verse 1.

“…whom I love in the truth…”

Love and Truth go together from the start.

2 John was written to encourage those in the faith to continue seeking and sharing truth (and to be weary of those sharing falsities). What strikes me every time I read it is how much truth and love are both found and needed when walking with God.

God’s Love is Truth

The apostle John used the word “truth” at least thirty-seven times in his letters (source). In 2 John alone, we see the word “truth” five times (in just thirteen verses).

Guess what else? In 2 John alone, we see the word “love” five times.

Love and Truth. Truth and Love.

Another interesting aspect is that love is always accompanied by obedience.

When we love, we follow God’s commands.

When we love, we obey His laws (and see and give joy; Psalm 1:2, 2 John 1:4).

When we love, we see and follow and walk in truth.

"As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love." - 2 John 1:6
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God’s Truth is Love

2 John 1:6 says:

“And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands.”

We already know that God’s commands are truth (Psalm 119:151). So if we walk in those commands? We walk in truth. 

But then 2 John 1:6 goes on to say more about that walking in truth:

“As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.”

What is His command? To walk in love.

Then John even tells us why he writes this: there are false teachers out there. There are people who are not seeking truth and love, yet try to sway others to their views anyway.

So we have to be cautious. We have to have wisdom. We have to seek truth and love.

Thankfully, we have help in our fellow believers, our fellow truth-seekers, our fellow love-walkers, and in God’s Word and love.

Extra Bible Study This Week

  1. Read through 1 John 4, and then read 2 John again. What strikes you most about truth and love?
  2. Read through a commentary on 2 John. (There are many great physical book commentaries out there, and here’s an online version.) What historical cultural information helps you understand John’s writing?
  3. Pray for truth and love in abundance. How can you spread joy through truth and love this week?
What do love and truth have to do with obedience? #TruthAndLove

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See part of what 2 John has to say about #TruthAndLove:

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Why We Continue to Work to Shine {Philippians 2:12-13}

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Why We Continue to Work to Shine {a #ShineLikeStars post on Philippians 2:12-13 at DoNotDepart.com}
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I’m a to-do list person by nature. It’s sometimes hard for me to incorporate downtime because I feel like to be effective, productive, and helpful, I should always be doing something. (I have to remind myself of verses where Jesus rests, too!)

And then there’s the issue of self-sufficiency. As a girl who never wanted to be seen as weak or incapable, I’ve always felt if something needs to be done, then I’ll have to be the one to do it.

While this is true in some circumstances and absolutely helpful to do things for my family, neighbors, and more, if I’m not careful I lean too much on myself.

You know what happens when I lean too much on myself?

I’m plain tired.

Working in Obedience

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling…” – Philippians 2:12

Obedience takes work. Obeying does not come easily to our self-centered world, but it’s essential. More importantly, obedience is a reaction to His love and efforts for us.

It’s also a constant journey. The [amazon_link id=”0310939615″ target=”_blank” ]TNIV Study Bible[/amazon_link] says working out our salvation is “not a reference to the attempt to earn one’s salvation by works, but to the expression of one’s salvation in spiritual growth and development. Salvation is not merely a gift received once for all; it expresses itself in an ongoing process in which the believer is strenuously involved…” (p. 2000).

When we look to Him in every situation, we remember that He works through us. He gives us the choice to follow Him or to close ourselves off.

He works through us to show others His good purposes and remind us that He is present and has righteous reasons.

“…for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” – Philippians 2:13

Working Together

So, yes, we have to work. We have to do our part in serving, loving, forgiving, growing.

We work by listening to His Word, His love, seeking His guidance, and following Christ’s example.

Because of community, we can work together. And because of God, we work with Him – our loving, present Father – and with His love shining through us (Philippians 2:15).

 How do you see God working through you today?

Want deeper study on this topic?

  1. Look at 2 Peter 1:5-8. Acquiring goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance takes effort. These characteristics also build on each other. Where/How can you obtain these characteristics? Is it a “once and done” event or a journey of continuous growth?
  2. Read Colossians 1:28-29. To share about Christ, we have to use Christ’s energy. How can you do that today?
  3. The TNIV Study Bible says of Philippians 2:13: “Intention, or faith, and our obedience cannot be separated.” Read Galatians 5:6. What does “faith expressing itself through love” look like for you or from you to someone you might encounter today?
Why We Continue to Work to Shine {a #ShineLikeStars post on Philippians 2:12-13}:

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Obedience takes work, but it’s not work we do alone. It’s a journey we accomplish together with God:

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The Uncommon Gift of Obedience: Joseph

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The Uncommon Gift of Obedience- Do Not Depart
photo courtesy:freedigitalphotos.net/tigger11th

All this month at Do Not Depart, we’re talking about uncommon gifts that were given that first Christmas: the wise men who gave their worship, Elizabeth who gave hospitality, Mary who gave up her identity (and then received a new one), and others.

Each of these people played an integral part of bringing the Savior into the world.

There’s one person I want to focus on today who gave an uncommon gift and was then blessed in return. This man was Jesus’ earthly father, Joseph.

In Matthew 1, we get a glimpse into the battle that waged in Joseph’s mind when he discovered his fiancé was pregnant.

Matthew 1:18-24:

“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit….

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.”

Put yourself in Joseph’s shoes for a moment. What would you think if your fiancé told you she was pregnant? Would you believe she was a virgin? You’d probably feel betrayed, maybe foolish, and certainly broken-hearted.

This person Joseph loved cheated on him and gave herself to another. Nonetheless, Joseph still loved Mary and didn’t want her to face the wrath and judgment of those around her when they learned she was pregnant out of wedlock. That’s the dilemma Joseph faced when the angel visited him in his sleep and told him to move forward with the marriage.

What’s amazing to me is that Joseph immediately obeyed. As far as we know, he didn’t ask any more questions. He didn’t investigate further. He obeyed, even when it was hard and even when his obedience drastically changed the direction of his life.

There are a few lessons you and I can learn from this…

Life Lessons from Joseph:

Joseph obeyed immediately. 

He didn’t ask a lot of questions. He didn’t put it off until a better time. He didn’t seek the advice of his friends. When he knew God wanted him to do something, he did it. Period.

Joseph didn’t have to understand everything to obey.

As far as we know, the angel didn’t give him a lot of information about this very odd event that took place in the womb of his fiancé. I’m sure Joseph had a lot of questions. Nonetheless, he obeyed without having to understand the specifics.

Joseph was blessed because of his obedience.  

Because Joseph chose to obey God, God gave Joseph the privilege of raising Immanuel, God with Us! That’s an amazing privilege, isn’t it? And it’s all because Joseph gave the gift of obedience.

The other day at the Y, as I dropped my three-year-old son off at the nursery, I reminded him, “There are blessings when we obey. Don’t forget, Son.”

You see, at the front desk of the Y sits a candy bowl, and my son knows he only gets a piece of candy if he behaves while I exercise.

On this particular day, when I picked him up from class, his teachers were thrilled with his behavior, so he got two pieces of candy as we left.

There are blessings when we obey.

It’s true, isn’t it? It was true for Joseph, but it’s also true for us.

When Joseph gave the gift of obedience to God, God gave something even more wonderful back to Joseph. He gave Joseph the privilege of being the earthly father of the Savior of the world.

I can’t help but wonder what might happen if we choose to obey…

To help you think more about why obedience matters so much to God, you can download this free printable list of Bible Verses on Obedience

Free Printable-Bible Verses on Obedience

There are blessings with obedience. Read more from @DoNotDepart and @LindseyMBell #UncommonGifts

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Printable List of Bible Verses about Obedience from @DoNotDepart and @LindseyMBell #UncommonGifts

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The #UncommonGift of Obedience via @DoNotDepart and @LindseyMBell

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Uncommon Gifts Christmas

*photo courtesy:freedigitalphotos.net/tigger11th

WRAP UP of Purity for Today’s Christian Woman

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Does purity really matter? That’s the question we considered this month. As we said when August was just getting started, “If we’re going to talk about God’s truth, we have to talk about Purity for Today’s Christian Woman.”Wrap Up Purity for Today's Christian Woman

We hope the Bible study tools this month have challenged and helped you as they have us. Before the month slips away and we turn the page on the calendar, let’s wrap up with a look back at resources to help us apply truth to our need for living pure, holy lives.

Purity for Today’s Christian Woman WRAP UP

We hope this month helped you know what God has to say about our purity. Our team loves to share tools and resources for personal growth and for use with others in your circle of influence.

May God be glorified as we live more holy lives to reflect Him to the watching world in our homes, places of work, neighborhoods, and communities!

Check out this WRAP UP of tools & resources for Purity for Today’s Christian Woman

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The Faith of Noah

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Noah’s faith always amazes me. I’m in awe of the man who remained righteous amid a corrupt world and maintained trust and obedience to God even when his task was enormous. He’s mentioned in Hebrews 11 as an example of faith.

“By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.” ~ Heb 11:7

The Story

Noah’s story is found in Genesis 6:5 through 9:29. Here we learn that everyone on earth had only wicked thoughts all the time (Gen 6:5) — except Noah. Noah was righteous and walked with God. (Gen 6:9) And because of his righteousness, God chose Noah (and his family) to be saved by means of an ark while the entire world was awash in cleansing water.

According to experts, this ark was the largest water vessel built until about the 1800’s. For those of you who love facts and figures, this boat probably displaced about 22,000 tons of water and its carrying capacity was equal to about 522 railroad cars (that’s about 4 or 5 trains).  I can only imagine Noah looking at the ark as he was building it and wondering how on earth something so large and heavy would ever even float. And rain? Most scholars agree that it hadn’t rained before Noah’s time, and he lived far away from any source of water that could lift a boat so large.

The Faith   www.donotdepart.com

And that’s how faith is sometimes with us. We may never be called to build a gigantic structure by hand or preserve mankind, but we are sometimes asked by God to do things we can’t understand and that seem much too large for us. Whatever God has asked us to do, like Noah we can walk by faith and fully trust our loving Father.

Here are some lessons about faith that we can learn from Noah:

  • Noah was the only righteous person of faith in a corrupt world. Faith can be maintained despite the beliefs of others around you.
  • Noah was obedient. Faith is not only felt, it’s lived out through obedience.
  • Noah was committed to obedience despite his circumstances. Faith in the unseen affects one’s perception of the seen. (It didn’t matter to Noah that there was no rain yet or that his peers might ridicule him. He saw things through the lens of faith.) Obedience to God doesn’t depend on circumstances.
  • Noah trusted God to do His part, while Noah did his. (God brought animals, sealed the door, brought rain, and saw to Noah’s safety.) Trust in God is inseparable from faith.
  • Noah was blessed by living out his faith. As we live out our faith, we are blessed, too.

Noah’s job wasn’t easy or quick and didn’t appear necessary to those with no faith. Yet, Noah’s great faith drove him. “Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him.” (Gen 6:22) He didn’t just feel faith, or hold a belief, but he lived it.

I can imagine that as the rains pounded down and the floods rose up, and the waters surrounded the ark, Noah’s faith was purified even more. He must have felt his smallness. And I’m certain that as the waters receded and the puddles dried up, Noah’s faith was blessed immensely as he saw God’s power and character magnified. Why would one not trust in our All-Powerful God?

The Call to Action

Similarly to Noah, we are also called to demonstrate our faith by action. Jesus told us, in John 14:15, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” {Of course, we aren’t saved by works, but works, or actions, are a natural byproduct of living a life of faith. (See James 2:17)}  “Now the just shall live by faith.” (Heb 10:38 and Hab 2:4) As Believers, we not only live eternally because of our faith, but we also should live with the daily exercising of our faith.  Thankfully, God gives us the Holy Spirit to help us!

So, how does Noah’s story encourage you? How can you live by faith where God has planted you?

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Similarly to Noah, we are also called to demonstrate our faith by action. #ByFaith @DoNotDepart

Lessons from Noah’s story: learning to walk by faith and trust in God. #ByFaith @DoNotDepart

Holy habits for everyday life

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We’re already practicing holiness, to one degree or another. People might say you’re “all in” when it comes to letting God’s holiness drive your habits.  Others might say you’re one of those who keeps God’s holiness and your habits in separate categories.

But what does God say? Does He leave it up to us to decide how holy we want to be, practically speaking? Or does He gives us any kind of a picture to show us how holiness looks in the everyday life of His followers?

The first part of Ephesians spells out our identity in Christ; the second illustrates how that identity matters. As we change who we were, contrast who we are, and imitate who the Father will always be, our new holiness in Jesus changes everything.

Holy habits everyday life

Holy habits due to change

Do you describe your dietary choices with words like “vegan, gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, or sugar free?” A lifestyle change impacts how we spend, what we talk about, what decisions we make, and how we think. A lifestyle change is no small choice … if it’s authentic.

True followers seek “to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24)

No one follows Christ without making a genuine change. Ephesians 4:22-32 shows us how a life of loving the Holy One requires putting off our old self and putting on the new. Old habits like lying, sinful anger, stealing, corrupt talk, and unforgiveness have to be put away. Like cleaning out Twinkies when we choose to go sugar free, past routines fall away as we take on holy habits in their place. True followers of Christ Jesus change.

Holy habits due to contrast

Sports seasons inspire fans to bring out team flags, wear jerseys, do cheers, and follow players. Devotees don’t follow every team; just their own. They may be aware of others, but they don’t buy into others. Real followers want their loyalty to be known. It’s the same for real Christ followers, “for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:8)

Instead of continuing to let darkness reign in our practical life, new life in Christ means the light of the Lord shines into every area of our personal everyday. The fruit of the Spirit within us comes out in how we talk to customers, discipline of our children, respond to hardships, solve financial problems, react to our mate, view our computer screen, deal with family relationships, see our culture, choose reading material, conduct our sexual life, participate in our local church, and get dressed daily. God’s light where darkness once reigned shines into every crack of our lifestyles.

The contrast brought by Christ can’t help but create holy habits where darkness once reigned.

Holy habits due to imitation

Reflection reveals the authenticity of our admiration. After all, isn’t imitation the highest form of flattery? A child’s mimicry on Fathers Day shows how much they watch, idolize, and strive to follow dad … or not. God’s unchanging holiness only requires a change in those who call Him “Abba,” Father. Our imitation brings Him praise.

For the children of God, holiness in practical living is the only believable response to the Father. “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God,” (Ephesians 5:1-2).  Our growth in practicing holy living reveals the genuine nature of our adoption as sons of God.

Before we joined God’s family through Christ’s holy sacrifice, we were “sons of disobedience.“  When our father was the Devil, we imitated him. Once we’re adopted into God’s holy family, covered in a righteousness not our own, our Father is God, and we imitate Him through obedience. Like a child who grows older, revealing more and more of their father’s nature in the way they look, talk, walk, smile, laugh, and do life, so a child of God imitates the heavenly Father in holiness more and more.

A child of God has changed, lives in contrast to the world, and imitates the Father through holy habits in practical ways in everyday life.

Would you be willing to pray this prayer?

Father, You are my Father. I want to imitate You, like a genuine child who reflects Your nature. Would you make me alert to practical areas of my life where I need to mimic You more? Help me see where I’m acting more like the old me than the new me. Show me how to apply holiness in all of my life habits.

Raising Kingdom Builders {with Scripture memory}

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We won’t always be within whispering distance of our children.

Does this shock any of you as it does me…?

I mean, I know my kids will grow up and leave the nest. And even though this truth is bittersweet, I really do want it to happen. My strongest desire as a mom is for them to go out into the world and become leaders, game-changers…kingdom builders.

However, with an 8 year old and an almost 10 year old–growing more independent daily, but still sweetly needing me for so much–it’s hard to imagine a day when they won’t be at my side. Right now, I’m there when they need help. I’m there when they need comfort. And I’m there to set boundaries and teach them everything I think they need to know. But that won’t always be.

Raising Kingdom Builders {with Scripture Memory} via Do Not Depart  

Leaving the Nest

So, what is a mama to do? As they grow up, they’ll be out on their own more and more. They’ll need to practice independence long before they start their adult lives. As they head out into this world, who will be there when they’re faced with difficult decisions; when they have in-the-moment needs for wisdom, discernment, or comforting?

I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; (John 14:16 NASB)

If our children are in Christ, He promises that they have a Helper in the Holy Spirit, and that He will be with them forever. It brings me great comfort to know that my children will always have the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit, wherever their lives take them. Jesus goes further to say that the Helper, the Holy Spirit, will teach us all things, and bring God’s word to our remembrance (John 14:26). How cool is that? However, as moms, we do have a part to play in this. In order for the Spirit to bring God’s word to our children’s remembrance, we need to help them hide His word to begin with. Then He will have something to reveal to them when they need His guidance.

Memorizing Scripture to Prepare for Independence

I attended a wonderful convention recently. One of the speakers encouraged parents to help their children memorize scripture. She shared several examples of how her adult children were equipped to make important decisions because of scripture they had memorized as small children. She told of her daughter meeting a boy that she was interested in. He had an angry meltdown in front of her, and all she could think was “You shall not go with a hot-tempered man” (Proverbs 22:24). Because the Spirit brought this verse to her remembrance, the speaker’s daughter was able to make a wise choice in her personal life.

This, friends, is what I desire for my kids as they grow and become more independent. I want to present them with a gift that no one can take away. I want to give them a heart library of scripture, engraved on their very souls. Scripture so deeply treasured that they can’t help but hear the voice of the Spirit when He brings it to mind. Words from their Lord, guiding them with the wisdom and discernment that can only come from Him.

Have you seen the Holy Spirit bear fruit in your children as a result of hiding His word? Please share your story in the comments! 

A guest post by Katie Johnson

This guest post is written by Katie Johnson (@KJ_Clem on Twitter). Katie is a wife, homeschooling mom of two, and wannabe farm girl who lives in the South Carolina foothills. She’s learning what it looks like to love God, learn His ways, and lead others to do the same. She takes photos of sunsets, lives in flip flops, and gives too many treats to her backyard chickens. Connect with her on Twitter.

It’s our pleasure to serve & follow Jesus

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SurrenderWhere I live, the temperature crept up into the flip flop zone today, and the sky was the color blue that makes you want to stand on top of a hill and spin around. You know what I mean, don’t you? Apparently, this clear, sunny, warm day also made everyone crave Chick-fil-a. Our double drive-thru lines stretched out to the street as cars full of people dangled their hands out of their windows. The employees were not rattled by the masses or the lunchtime challenge. No, if you’re going to work at Chick-fil-a, you have to be ready to answer every customer with a genuine “My pleasure.”  Becoming an employee comes with certain expectations.

If anyone serves Jesus, you have to follow him. Becoming a disciple comes with certain expectations.

The Ultimate Servant

Just after announcing that the time had finally come for the Son of Man to be glorified, Jesus explained that when “a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies,” it is able to bear a harvest. Knowing that he was about to sacrifice his life on the cross in order to offer the gift of eternal life, Jesus directed his words to those who would serve him and follow him. Instead of recruiting disciples with promises of an easy journey with guaranteed low pain and high prosperity, Jesus told the truth. He was going to be the ultimate servant by surrendering his life for others, and those who want to serve him will be called to do the same.

The Following Servant

To serve Christ the Lord is to be ready to answer every lost person with a genuine desire to sacrifice self as a follower of Christ. It may mean you forego a pleasure in order to make room for someone else. It may mean you give up your own recognition to defer to another person. It may mean you risk your reputation by claiming to know Christ Jesus. It may mean you surrender your life to a government that demands you renounce your faith. It may mean you run into a smoke filled Boston sidewalk just moments after a bombing to carry a victim to safety, because that’s what Jesus did for us in the conflict of eternity.

The Servant’s Truth

It’s unthinkable that we would serve Jesus and not follow him in a daily life of surrender. To be his servant is to be his follower. Modern church culture often sells a watered down version to entice would-be recruits to an easy grace, but Jesus tells it like it really is.  Grace came with a high price, and to follow in the steps of the One who paid it, we must also live a life of surrender. For the genuine servant of Christ, it is possible to do the hard work, even the sacrificial work, of following because, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

The Servant’s Promise

The Chick-fil-a job application promises a positive work environment, competitive pay, training, flexible hours, and even fun employee outings. They’re looking for “friendly, enthusiastic people who enjoy serving customers.”  That’s awesome if you’re Chick-fil-a, but Jesus asks for more and promises more.

  • If you serve him, you have to follow him daily, everywhere, even to the hard places.
  • You have to surrender everything, but you gain everything.
  • He promised, “If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him,” (John 12:26b).

Jesus glorified his Father by surrendering his life, and he invites us to do the same. “Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life” (John 12:25).

To serve Jesus is to surrender your own agenda and follow him, and as you do, it will be his divine pleasure to welcome you to a present peace with him now and a perfect future with him for eternity.

  •  Has God ever asked you to make a sacrifice as His servant/follower?
  • What scripture gives you confidence that God will enable you to do the hard things?

Make a difference—it’s your ministry

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Hurt happens

If you haven’t already experienced this today, it’s coming soon…

Somebody says something that grieves somebody else. Maybe intentionally, maybe not. Maybe it was by you, maybe it was to you. Either way, feelings are hurt or anger is stirred or withdrawal has happened.

What now? God wants you to make the first move toward healing, regardless of who made the first cut. As you tell your kids, “Kiss and make up.” Or in grown-up lingo, be a “minister of reconciliation.”

Whatever you call it, it’s your calling.

God went first

God actually started it. He made the first move first.

Before we ever dreamed of being at peace with Him, He paved the path for it (Romans 5:10; Ephesians 2:12-13). Through Christ’s death and resurrection, He reconciled us to himself (2 Corinthians 5:19).

What does “reconciled” actually mean? It’s derived from the Greek word katallasso, which comes from allasso, meaning to make different; to change; to exchange one thing for another. So when God reconciled with you, He made your relationship with Him different; it was changed. Enmity was exchanged for friendship. Death for life (Romans 11:15).

Your turn

But don’t stop between God and you. Once you’re reconciled to Him, He wants you to keep it going. Your ministry of reconciliation means you help others connect to God, and help others connect to each other (2 Corinthians 5:18).

Don’t take this ministry lightly. Even if you don’t want to do it. Even if you’re the innocent one. Even if the one who hurt you doesn’t even care. Follow God’s example to step in first. Give grace as you’ve been given.

As far as it depends on you, seek to make peace with others (Romans 12:18), in situations when you’re the perpetrator and also when you’re the victim. Settle matters quickly with the one who hurt you (Matthew 5:23-24).

But not just so you will feel better (although you usually will). There’s an even larger reason: so the other person can be reconciled to God. Is there any greater act of love than connecting someone back to God (Galatians 6:1)?

Minister today

So about that disagreement you’ve been in or seen today—will you be the first to intercede for restoration? Through you, God is calling others. Make his appeal for peace. You are an ambassador, you know. A minister of reconciliation. Glorify the Father by making a difference!

We’re talking about theology terms this month. What does “reconciliation” mean to you? Need to reconcile with anyone? Practiced the ministry of reconciliation already this week? How do you know when to give up?

I Obey Because He Instructs Righteousness (Run to Him – Psalm 119)

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Picky

Obedience.

It’s hard for my four year old. (It’s also hard for that four-year-old’s momma.)

Though I long to live a life of obedience to His commands, I struggle daily to keep my feet on the narrow path.

Obedience is not simply a choice of the will, as our efforts will only bring us so far. Our beliefs come in to play as well.

When I disobey I am ultimately saying that I know better—just like my four year old. Now, I might never say so with my mouth—that I know better than God—but I say it daily when I choose my own way.

You do too.

Disobedience, even in the smallest of choices, is at its core rebellion against the God of those commands.

When I choose selfishness instead of sacrifice, I sin. When I “vent” my frustrations about a difficult person instead of holding my tongue, I disobey. When my thoughts drift to discontentment and dwell in an attitude of ungratefulness, I rebel.

In each of these situations, I say “Katie knows best.”

Obedience is saying “God knows best.”

Holiness is not a series of do’s and don’ts, but conformity to the character of God and obedience to the will of God. – Jerry Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness

The Beliefs of the Psalmist

Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. (Psalm 119:129)

The psalmist was not some super-Christian, who had more ability to obey than you or me. We have all been given everything we need for godliness (2 Peter 1). We just need to figure out what hinders us. Oftentimes it is because we don’t believe that God and His commands are good. The psalmist saw God’s commands as wonderful, and I fully believe that had all to do with his commitment to obedience.

Here is more of what the psalmist believed:

  • God’s words gives light and understanding. (Psalm 119:130)
  • His rules are forever right and faithful. (Psalm 119:138, 144)
  • God righteousness is everlasting. (Psalm 119:137,142)
  • His Word is very pure.  (Psalm 119:140)
  • His law is truth and well tried. (Psalm 119:142)

Because of these beliefs, the writer of this Psalm had a resolved commitment to the Word of God, and the God of those words. This commitment flows naturally into obedience.

The Actions of the Psalmist

Here are just a few actions I saw of the psalmist:

  • He longed for God’s commandments. (Psalm 119:131)
  • He prayed for God to teach him His statues, and direct his steps by the Word (Psalm 119:133, 135)
  • He loved the Word. (Psalm 119:140)
  • He delighted in God’s commands. DELIGHTED. (Psalm 119:35, 143)
  • He was determined to walk in obedience to God’s Word. (Psalm 119:33,34,57)

The psalmist understood the relationship between God and His commandments. They could not be separated. If He wanted to be near to God, He must walk in His commands. He saw God and His commandments as good, right, and trustworthy. That made all the difference in his obedience.

When we walk with the Lord

in the light of his word,

what a glory he sheds on our way!

While we do his good will,

he abides with us still,

and with all who will trust and obey.

Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at his feet,

or we’ll walk by his side in the way;

what he says we will do,

where he sends we will go;

never fear, only trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

–John H. Sammis

What did you see in the verses you studied this week? Come and share with us what you learned!

 

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God Willing

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Katie here. I’ve hacked into Caroline’s post to make a special announcement and request! Caroline just had her second child—a sweet baby girl! 

Sweet big brother, holding sissy's hand.

Will you join with me, and pray for their family today? Just leave a comment below, of blessing over these early, wonderful, sleep-deprived months! 

And now, Caroline’s post…

There’s nothing like having a son in the hospital to see how little is in my control… and to see the powerful truth and amazing nature of the words “God willing.”

The words “God willing” hold outstanding power and meaning, but sometimes fit with many Christian phrases (“Christian-ese,” if you will) that tend to be overused and misunderstood:

  • “Bless her heart” becomes a phrase of pity rather than a true request for God’s blessing.
  • “Amen to that” shares simple agreement (I do this, too!) rather than “verily” or “so be it” – an acceptance of what is given regardless of consequence (*see source below).

And then there’s “God willing.”

These phrases, when used well and correctly, share His love and grace powerfully.

God Willing, God Permitting

God has been teaching me the true meaning of these two strong words, “God willing,” lately.

Not meaning “to get what I want.”

Not meaning “perhaps if I plead with these words, what I desire will come true.”

Instead, meaning God permitting. God allowing what He knows best, not what we see as right or needed.

Hebrews 6:1-12 discusses God permitting further knowledge in this faith. (See a parallel reference of the NLT and ESV here.) The use of “God willing” here shows dependence on God for growth.

Acts 18:20-22 shows Paul relying on God to will His journey as God sees fit (Parallel source). Paul certainly possesses his own desires to see certain people at certain times (Romans 1:8-17) – and for good reasons in the ministry – but still knows even his path of spreading the gospel is directed by God’s purposes, not his own. (Paul exemplifies how God uses our desires and passions for His will and purposes in Romans 15:17-22.)

Decretive and Perceptive Will

A distinction exists between what God wills for Himself to accomplish and what He wills—in orders and commands—for us to accomplish. What He wills He will do. His “decretive will” (as the New Bible Commentary labels it) actually happens, no doubt. What He wills us to do (love others, follows His ways – “perceptive will”), He graciously allows us the choice of obedience, which I so often fail to complete. (**See source below.)

The New Bible Dictionary says, “God’s will is not arbitrary, but acts in complete harmony with his character.” What God wills is not determined on a whim, but instead on His supreme intelligence (Isaiah 55:8-9), which comes from a heart of love (1 John 4:7-12).

We know because of His Word and His heart that God wills good things to those who seek to serve Him (Psalm 34:10). Copyright Under God's Mighty Hand

As my husband and I continue to discover more about our son’s medical needs, we wish, we pray, and we ache for whole healing and deliverance from these troubles. But, I tend to want to over-control. And God is showing me: it’s His will, not mine. There were times in the hospital that I had no control over what happened to my son. So, what were my choices? I can worry incessantly or I can trust the God I know to be loving, even if events we endured as a family were not what we would want.

What God Wills

Perhaps I’ll know sometime in this life why He chooses certain things for our family. Perhaps I won’t. But, I do know that God wills what is ultimately good.

Though we may not always understand why certain events occur in our lives, we can trust God loves and provides what we need to live our lives spreading His love.

 

How do you understand and accept God’s will? How have you seen in your life that God’s will is ultimate and ultimately good?

 

Sources:

– *New Bible Dictionary, p. 29 – “Amen” is also described as the “promises of God, uniquely fulfilled in [Christ].”

– **New Bible Dictionary – pg. 419

Serve, Give, Tell … This Is Why He Came

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But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”   Matthew 20:25-28, emphasis added

Serving, Service, Giving, Generosity, Sacrifice

Jesus came for specific reasons and in this passage, we find two of the most significant.

To Serve and To Give His Life as a Ransom

Jesus came to show us how to live and to give us the opportunity for eternal life.

When we serve, we look like Him.   When we give generously and sacrificially, we look like Him.

And, best of all, when we acknowledge Him as Savior and Lord, we become co-heirs with Him for eternity {Romans 8:17}.

How does this look in daily life?  How do we live out the example He has given us? 

We serve.  In our homes, in our churches, in our workplaces, in our communities, around the world.   Sometimes our service seems small – wiping babies’ faces or picking up toys for the hundredth time today.  But when we serve with a pure heart, no service is small.

We give.   In a world where top television shows celebrate hoarding and getting more and bigger, the life of one who gives stands out.    There are countless ways to give from providing a goat to family across the world to taking cookies to thank a police officer across the street … opportunities to give are limitless.   We are called, commanded, to be a people who give generously, sacrificially, willingly.

We tell.   Too many believers are afraid to share their faith.  But we have been given a spirit of power {2 Timothy 1:7} and we are called to share the gospel as we go {Matthew 28:19-20}.  Telling others about the ransom Christ paid for our sin should be a part of our daily conversation.   We must be unafraid to share the truth … we must tell.

Today, every day, will you live in the example of Christ and serve and give and tell?

Jesus Came to Obey the Father

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There is a lot about God we just don’t understand. Like how He has always existed. No beginning. No end. Just always. Or like how He knows every thought of our hearts and the number of hairs on our heads. Nothing hid. He knows it all. Or like how He is Creator and Sustainer of all that is or ever will be. No one can trump Him. Nothing can stump Him and nothing can undo what He has done. He is all powerful.

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Yet, in Philippians 2:5-8 we are told – “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Emphasis mine)

Can you fathom that?! The God of all creation demonstrated what obedience looks like when He placed Himself in a cradle to begin His journey to the cross.

As Kathy mentioned Monday, we know Jesus came to die. But He left footprints of obedience every step of the way – footprints of obedience left by a heart of humility.

In John 6:38, Jesus declared, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.” (Emphasis mine)
And as the cross loomed largely over His earthly future, He said,“Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.” John 12:27 (Emphasis mine)
We all have to die. It’s just part of life. But Jesus didn’t have to. He didn’t have to come to a cradle. He didn’t have to clothe Himself with flesh. He didn’t have to tolerate those who persecuted Him. He didn’t have to endure the pain of the crown of thorns, the whips or the nails. He didn’t have to hang naked from a cross in agony as the soldiers mocked Him and those He was dying for gazed on Him with disgust.
But Jesus came to obey the Father’s will. John 4:34 says, “Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.'”
Jesus left a wonderful example of what obedience looks like when He went to the cross. It means we humble ourselves and die to what we want to do – even when it’s hard.
Jesus came to obey the Father – and that obedience took Him all the way to the cross. His obedience offers us hope, peace, joy and everlasting life and if He had not humbled Himself and became obedient unto the death of the cross, we would remain in our sins and we would remain without hope.
Aren’t you thankful Jesus came to obey the Father! As we approach this Christmas season let us not forget to importance of Jesus’ obedience.
Have you ever thought about the fact that Jesus came to be obedient? How should that affect our own obedience? 

No use hiding ~ A weekend riddle

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Do you remember the first time you hid your sin? Adam and Eve first tried in the garden, and we’ve been grasping for fig leaves ever since. Knowing I was born with instincts to hide, my mother chose Numbers 32:23b as the first verse I memorized, “… be sure your sin will find you out.” That truth prevented me from grabbing fig leaves out of my closet more often than I did.

Agur knew what my mom knew:   we all have a sin nature and the instinct to hide it.

In Proverbs 30:18-20 Agur presents truth for everyday life that makes sense to young and old. This man mines truth out of daily things like churning butter (v.33) and nose bleeds (v.33). A closer look out of our fig leaf coverings reveals a truth in his riddle not to be ignored.  He begins by admitting three things that are too wonderful, even “four I do not understand” (v.18).

“…the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a virgin” (v.19).

 

Like analogies on the SAT test, these four natural things share something in common. An eagle’s flight in the sky leaves no trace. A snake moving across a rock leaves no trace. A ship sailing on the sea leaves no trace. A man’s relationship with a woman leaves no visible trace. All four conceal evidence that they ever happened.

 

Like most riddles, a clue is found (verse 20): “This is the way of an adulteress: she eats and wipes her mouth and say, ‘I have done no wrong.’” We all have a sin nature and the instinct to hide it.

 

Sin may be easy to conceal when an adulteress cleans up, conceals evidence, and nonchalantly claims innocence, but it doesn’t change the truth. The eagle has flown. The snake has slithered. The ship has sailed. The man has loved. The adulterers have offended.  We may try to hide the evidence; we may try to hide our shame, but we can be sure our sin will find us out.

Adultery has many appearances. Perhaps Agur used the eagle, snake, ship, and man, so we wouldn’t fall into the trap of seeing only a beautiful seductress dressed in veils, inviting men to her lair. His riddle leaves me asking:

  • “How do I commit adultery against God by loving other things and keeping passions ‘secret’ while claiming to be a lover of God?
  • Does my public image reflect my private heart?
  • Am I committing spiritual adultery against my Love, then wiping my hands, covering my heart, and presenting false innocence to those around me?”

Lord,

Expose any wicked ways in me. Leave a trail behind me that leads me to confession and real cleansing. Thwart attempts I make at concealing my sin, and help me to be wholly Yours.

Keeping It Simple

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Sometimes simple is just better. As much as I love a yummy chocolate cheesecake, there is just no beating a warm brownie straight from the oven. (Please tell me someone else out there also has chocolate for their love language.)

Proverbs is like a good brownie … Simple and straight to the point. While other books of the Bible often require explanation to grasp the full application to life or revelation of God’s aPerson, Proverbs is basically cut and dry.

Take for example the “thirty sayings of counsel and knowledge” found in Proverbs 22:20-24:22. These instructions and directives are clear and direct.

As I looked over this passage, I realized this is a simple set of “do’s” and “don’ts.”

First, the Don’ts:

  • Don’t spend what you don’t have. Proverbs 22:26-27
  • Don’t cheat. Proverbs 22:28, 23:10-11
  • Don’t envy. Proverbs 23:1-9, 17-18
  • Don’t scheme. Proverbs 24:8-9

Now, the Do’s:

  • Do have compassion for the poor. Proverbs 22:22-23
  • Do choose friends carefully. Proverbs 22:24-25, 23:20-21, 24:1-2, 21-22
  • Do seek wisdom. Proverbs 23:12, 15-16, 19, 2-25, 24:3-7, 13-14
  • Do parent well. Proverbs 23:13-14
  • Do avoid trouble. Proverbs 23:27-35, 24:15-18
  • Do stand strong. Proverbs 24:10-12

Today, I urge you to spend some time in these Scriptures.   Perhaps as you read over the lists you realized an area in which you struggle … take it to the Lord and ask Him for strength to be obedient to His Word.   Maybe as you read, you felt the Holy Spirit guiding you to a specific action … do it.

These are simple truths, simple directives, for us as believers.  But simple doesn’t always mean easy … and as we are faithful to pattern our lives after the example of Christ and according to the Word of God, there will be challenges.   But I encourage you … don’t give up!  Stay focused on Him and His Word and give the Holy Spirit freedom to work in your life.

Which of these do’s and don’ts presents the greatest challenge to you?  

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Blessings for Fear

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Many Christians today are far too casual with God. We often treat Him like a celestial vending machine, popping in prayers when we need something and expecting Him to respond with just what we ordered. We must consider His holiness! He is the Almighty God, Creator of the universe who deserves our reverent fear.

But the proper fear of God is not an attitude that keeps us shaking in a corner or running away from Him as fast as our weak little legs can carry us. No, if we have trusted in Jesus as our Savior, then His blood has granted us access to the very throne room of God. We can draw near to our holy God “with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:19-23).

Yes, we have access, but God is still holy. Malachi 1:6 reminds us that God is both our Father and Master, which makes us both child and slave. This dual role creates a tension that helps us better understand what it means to fear God A proper balance will keep us from either treating God too casually or remaining too distant.

We will obey God out of fear. In his book, Holiness, Henry Blackaby says, “Where there is no fear of God, there is no fear of sin.” When we do fear God as we should, then we will begin to obey Him. Our obedience will then foster a deeper intimacy and closeness with God than we have ever experienced. Jesus understood this connection:

If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed the Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.  John 15:10-11, NIV.

The Bible is full of passages showing the blessings associated with fearing God. Below are just a few from the Psalms. For space sake I will list the reference and the blessing. I encourage you to look them up and read them for yourself when you have time!

  • Psalm 25:14 – God confides in those who fear and makes His covenant known to them.
  • Psalm 31:19 – God bestows His goodness on them.
  • Psalm 33:18-19 – God’s eyes are on those who fear Him to deliver them from death.
  • Psalm 103:13 – God has compassion on those who fear Him.
  • Psalm 115:11 – God is their help and shield.
  • Psalm 145:19 – God fulfills their desires; He hears their cries and saves them.

These are just the beginning and they are all glorious! But my favorite passage about the blessings of fearing God is Malachi 3:16-17a:

Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name. “They will be mine,” says the LORD Almighty, “in the day when I make up my treasured possession.

We have only touched the surface of what it means to fear God. Here are a few resources that will help you better understand God’s holy nature and what it means to fear Him.

How has your understanding or view of fearing God changed this week?

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