Tag: faith

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Set Apart - Living a Life for God's Glor

Set Apart in Word and Deed

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based on the LGG Study, Set Apart, / w4d2

Scripture: Ephesians 4:14-16 / SOAP verse 15

 Instead, we will speak/practice1 the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 

Ephesians 4:15 NLT

Oh how I hope you will go back and read from verse one through verse sixteen. This larger passage will help you to understand that the focus and point of Paul’s message is on maturing or growing up, in Christ – and what that means and looks like. He is teaching the church at Ephesus – and by extension – all disciples – that the role of the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers – is to “to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.” He goes on to say that, “This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.”

Paul indicates that when this happens believers will no longer be like children who are immature and easily swayed by every wind of new teaching. They will not be quickly influenced by those who try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak, or practice, the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

While most translations use the word “speak”, and rightfully so, I particularly love the NLT translation – which uses the word “practice”, giving the fuller meaning of Paul’s intent that we are to be growing in maturity, As Bibleref.com points out, this “maturity is a progression which includes both action and information.” In other words, it isn’t just our speech that should convey truth but our behavior should speak volumes as well. When the two are in sync the more we will reflect the truth of Christ in love – and it is then, as Paul concluded, that “Christ makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”

Wisdom from the Journey

Disciples of Christ are to be different in word and conduct-
no longer swayed by this world
but living out the Jesus-Way of life

MefromtheNsideout 🦋

We cannot and will not “grow up into Christ” – if we do not know Christ and His ways, or if we continue to “copy the behavior and customs of this world.” 🦋

Christ is TRUTH, and LIFE, and the very epitome of LOVE 🦋

The stronger we are in Christ and in our Christian walk – the stronger the body will be built up in love – 🦋

Reflection on the Journey

In what situation can you practice speaking the truth in love?

The More We Know

1God’s command is to grow in maturity, a progression which includes both action and information (Ephesians 4:11–12). see https://www.bibleref.com/Ephesians/4/Ephesians-4-15.html

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Set Apart - Living a Life for God's Glor

Serve Others

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based on the LGG Study, “Set Apart” / w4d1

Scripture: Mark 10:42-45 / SOAP Mark 10:45

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:45
Know the Story

It isn’t a physical position or the material possessions that we hold in this life that matters. What really matters is our heart’s position toward serving others.

James and John had asked Jesus for a favor – which was that He allow them to be the ones who would sit on His right and left when He was seated on His throne (35-37). When the others heard about the request, they were naturally angry – and Jesus responded to them – with an example. Actually, He gives them two examples. The first illustration was of the behavior and customs of the rulers of “this world.” The second was of His own servant’s heart. Sandwiched in between the two examples were the instructions, choices, and consequences of how they, as His disciples, were to live. He told them very clearly that they were not to live like the rulers of the Gentiles or those in high positions who used their authority over them. Instead, like Him, they were to operate from the position of a servant’s heart. Plainly put, they were to serve others.

The Love God Greatly journal entry today included this quote that is filled with wisdom and inspiration for living set apart through a “servant’s heart”.

“According to the world, what’s most important in life is your happiness, not your holiness. – Yet, Jesus calls us to a different way of life. He calls us to serve and love others, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. Why? Because when we follow Christ’s example of serving others and putting their needs above our own, we display His love and grace to the world. When we choose to live like Jesus, we bear witness to the transformative power of the gospel. We become a light in the darkness, reflecting the heart of Jesus to those around us. – The truth is, serving others can look different for each person. The key to serving others is asking God for guidance and being willing to step out in faith when He shows us opportunities to serve and live set apart.”

Wisdom From the Journey

The time we live in may be different from the first disciples of Jesus, but the teachings we live by are the same. We are called to serve others. It will not always be easy or desirable but it will never be as difficult or undesirable as the way of the cross Christ took for us. 🦋

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God,
    he did not think of equality with God
    as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
    he took the humble position of a slave
    and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
8     he humbled himself in obedience to God
    and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Philippians 2:6-8
The More We Know

Bibleref.com points out that “It’s easy to mock James and John for their request, especially as it comes on the heels of Jesus’ third prophecy of His death. It’s important to remember three things, however. First, we don’t know how long after Jesus’ prophecy James and John make their request. Second, other Scripture makes it clear that these men don’t fully understand Jesus will die (Luke 18:34). Third, their mother apparently either pushes them to ask or makes the request on their behalf.”

More on 10:45

For more insight read today’s LGG Blog

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Set Apart - Living a Life for God's Glor

Landmines

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based on the LGG Study, Set Apart, living a life for God’s glory / w3d5

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 41:10

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
    Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
    I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 NLT

If you’ve ever dealt with fear or anxiety then you will understand when I say these are like – or can be like – landmines on a battlefield. You’re walking along just fine having a great day when someone says something or you see something or someone that triggers fear which sends you into a tailspin of anxiety or prompts an anxious thought that induces fear. Actually, the mind, left unguarded is a battlefield of landmines that can take us down or shake our faith and the peace Christ came to give. There are temptations of every genre and proportion, and more pointed explosives like shame, guilt, jealousy, anger, selfishness, covetousness, gluttony and so many more just waiting to be set off.

A land mine is an explosive weapon concealed under or camouflaged on the ground, and designed to destroy or disable enemy targets, – Such a device is typically detonated automatically by way of pressure when a target steps on it or drives over it, although other detonation mechanisms are also sometimes used. A land mine may cause damage by direct blast effect, by fragments that are thrown by the blast, or by both. Land mines are typically laid throughout an area, creating a minefield which is dangerous to cross.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_mine

Jesus warns us that our enemy is extremely dangerous, he is devious, sneaking around like a lion on the prowl who seeks to take down and destroy his prey. The enemy’s purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy any and all followers of Christ – and we must always be both mentally and spiritually alert and ready to stand firm against his attacks. He is devious and uses tactics similar to the explosive weapon of a landmine which is hidden and undetectable until you are right on top of it. Thoughts and desires left unguarded will make us easy prey to his tactics, but God is on our side and He will hold us up and stand with us in the battle.

So how do we guard ourselves and/or train ourselves to know potential landmines and avoid them? To borrow words from Paul, “since we live in the Spirit let us keep in step with the Spirit.” In other words don’t forget whose you are! You belong to the One who said He is with us – He will strengthen us and hold us up with His victorious right hand. I we must also remember that the power of His Spirit is in us – to protect us and watch over us. He was sent to teach us and to remind us of everything Jesus said. When our weapon of warfare is the living and active Word of God we are well protected against the schemes of our enemy, the devil – but we cannot and must not let down our guard or forget any of the protective armor we have been given to use. Shoes, shield, belt of Truth, helmet, sword and breastplate are all meant to survive the landmines the enemy has laid for our destruction – and when our eyes are fixed on Jesus – we will know and see that the life and peace He came to give are more powerful than any explosive the enemy has set for us.

WISDOM FROM THE JOURNEY

We must keep Isaiah 41:10 on the ready – as a weapon for the battle that undoubtedly will ensue… We must be so familiar with it that it comes to mind quickly and we use it well –

MefromtheNsideout 🦋
REFLECTION ON THE JOURNEY

How would your life be different if you chose not to live in fear?

THE MORE WE KNOW

The battles belong to the Lord

Spiritual battles require spiritual weapons

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Set Apart - Living a Life for God's Glor

Landmines

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based on the LGG Study, Set Apart, living a life for God’s glory / w3d5

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 41:10

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
    Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
    I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 NLT

If you’ve ever dealt with fear or anxiety then you will understand when I say these are like – or can be like – landmines on a battlefield. You’re walking along just fine having a great day when someone says something or you see something or someone that triggers fear which sends you into a tailspin of anxiety or prompts an anxious thought that induces fear. Actually, the mind, left unguarded is a battlefield of landmines that can take us down or shake our faith and the peace Christ came to give. There are temptations of every genre and proportion, and more pointed explosives like shame, guilt, jealousy, anger, selfishness, covetousness, gluttony and so many more just waiting to be set off.

A land mine is an explosive weapon concealed under or camouflaged on the ground, and designed to destroy or disable enemy targets, – Such a device is typically detonated automatically by way of pressure when a target steps on it or drives over it, although other detonation mechanisms are also sometimes used. A land mine may cause damage by direct blast effect, by fragments that are thrown by the blast, or by both. Land mines are typically laid throughout an area, creating a minefield which is dangerous to cross.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_mine

Jesus warns us that our enemy is extremely dangerous, he is devious, sneaking around like a lion on the prowl who seeks to take down and destroy his prey. The enemy’s purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy any and all followers of Christ – and we must always be both mentally and spiritually alert and ready to stand firm against his attacks. He is devious and uses tactics similar to the explosive weapon of a landmine which is hidden and undetectable until you are right on top of it. Thoughts and desires left unguarded will make us easy prey to his tactics, but God is on our side and He will hold us up and stand with us in the battle.

So how do we guard ourselves and/or train ourselves to know potential landmines and avoid them? To borrow words from Paul, “since we live in the Spirit let us keep in step with the Spirit.” In other words don’t forget whose you are! You belong to the One who said He is with us – He will strengthen us and hold us up with His victorious right hand. I we must also remember that the power of His Spirit is in us – to protect us and watch over us. He was sent to teach us and to remind us of everything Jesus said. When our weapon of warfare is the living and active Word of God we are well protected against the schemes of our enemy, the devil – but we cannot and must not let down our guard or forget any of the protective armor we have been given to use. Shoes, shield, belt of Truth, helmet, sword and breastplate are all meant to survive the landmines the enemy has laid for our destruction – and when our eyes are fixed on Jesus – we will know and see that the life and peace He came to give are more powerful than any explosive the enemy has set for us.

WISDOM FROM THE JOURNEY

We must keep Isaiah 41:10 on the ready – as a weapon for the battle that undoubtedly will ensue… We must be so familiar with it that it comes to mind quickly and we use it well –

MefromtheNsideout 🦋
REFLECTION ON THE JOURNEY

How would your life be different if you chose not to live in fear?

THE MORE WE KNOW

The battles belong to the Lord

Spiritual battles require spiritual weapons

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Set Apart - Living a Life for God's Glor

A New Mindset

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based on the LGG Study, Set Apart, living a life for God’s glory / w3d4

SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 4:17-24 / SOAP verses 22-24

You were taught with reference to your former way of life to lay aside the old man who is being corrupted in accordance with deceitful desires, 23 to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and to put on the new man who has been created in God’s image—in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth

Ephesians 4:22-24 NET

Check out the first words of Paul in this passage, “So, I say this, and insist in the Lord, that you no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.” Paul, who by the Grace of God has been sent to evangelize, is calling the believing Gentiles of Ephesus to “live set apart.”He wants them to understand that they have been made new in Christ, the old is gone. They are no longer to live as unbelievers and He makes the distinction that the Gentile’s way of thinking was pointless and empty, which had led to ignorance and hardened hearts and being alienated from God. As believing Gentiles they are no longer to be callous, or given to indecency and greed. Instead, being made new in Jesus, they are to put off the old way of life and put on the “new man”, who has been created in God’s image – an image of righteousness and holiness.

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT

An essential component of this putting off and putting on is a renewed mindset – one that is not futile but filled with the truths of the Gospel and our faith. A mind that understands that out of love God gave His only Son to die for the sins of the world – so that the world might be saved through Him. Our renewed mind is bent toward loving others and having a servant’s heart like Christ. It is a mind that understands that we have been called to be salt and light to those in the dark and to share the Gospel message with the world. This mindset is not futile or without hope it is not darkened by ignorance or alienated from God but it is filled with His life giving Spirit who empowers us to not only understand God’s Word but to live it out – set apart from the world .

So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.[b] 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.

Colossians 3:5-9 NLT
WISDOM FROM THE JOURNEY

Put off the old self and put on the new. Walk in newness of life – 🦋

REFLECTION ON THE JOURNEY

How can you embrace your new identity in Christ, letting go of the old self and walking in the freedom He provides?

THE MORE WE KNOW

How can I have the mind of Christ?

Christ wants His followers to be set apart from the world, making godly choices and living godly lives

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Set Apart - Living a Life for God's Glor

A New Mindset

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based on the LGG Study, Set Apart, living a life for God’s glory / w3d4

SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 4:17-24 / SOAP verses 22-24

You were taught with reference to your former way of life to lay aside the old man who is being corrupted in accordance with deceitful desires, 23 to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and to put on the new man who has been created in God’s image—in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth

Ephesians 4:22-24 NET

Check out the first words of Paul in this passage, “So, I say this, and insist in the Lord, that you no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.” Paul, who by the Grace of God has been sent to evangelize, is calling the believing Gentiles of Ephesus to “live set apart.”He wants them to understand that they have been made new in Christ, the old is gone. They are no longer to live as unbelievers and He makes the distinction that the Gentile’s way of thinking was pointless and empty, which had led to ignorance and hardened hearts and being alienated from God. As believing Gentiles they are no longer to be callous, or given to indecency and greed. Instead, being new made new in Jesus, they are to put off the old way of life and put on the “new man”, who has been created in God’s image – an image of righteousness and holiness.

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT

An essential component of this putting off and putting on is a renewed mindset – one that is not futile but filled with the truths of the Gospel and our faith. A mind that understands that out of love God gave His only Son to die for the sins of the world – so that the world might be saved through Him. Our renewed mind is bent toward loving others and having a servant’s heart like Christ. It is a mind that understands that we have been called to be salt and light to those in the dark and to share the Gospel message with the world. This mindset is not futile or without hope it is not darkened by ignorance or alienated from God but is filled with His life giving Spirit who empowers us to not only understand God’s Word but to live it out – set apart from the world .

So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.[b] 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.

Colossians 3:5-9 NLT
WISDOM FROM THE JOURNEY

Put off the old self and put on the new. Walk in newness of life – 🦋

REFLECTION ON THE JOURNEY

How can you embrace your new identity in Christ, letting go of the old self and walking in the freedom He provides?

THE MORE WE KNOW

How can I have the mind of Christ?

Christ wants His followers to be set apart from the world, making godly choices and living godly lives

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Set Apart - Living a Life for God's Glor

Transforming the Mind

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based on the LGG Study, Set Apart, living a life for God’s glory / w3d1

SCRIPTURE: Romans 12:1-2 / SOAP verses 6-7

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Romans 12:1-2 NLT

Paul urges the believers in Rome to give themselves to God as a sacrifice. Paul wasn’t talking about literally throwing ourselves in the fire to be burnt up as the priest would do with the people’s sacrifices in the days of Aaron. However, what he was telling them was extremely radical, as it required them to sacrifice their earthly lifestyles – the normal behavior and customs of the world – for one that was holy and pleasing to God. Paul emphasizes that this is truly the way to worship God. Because we are born with a sinful nature that leads to death, the sacrifice requires a complete transformation of our minds and hearts that only God can perform. His transforming power will change how we think and give us a growing understanding of living a life set apart for God. When I read these words of Paul, I can’t help but think of James telling his readers that they needed to draw close to God, wash their hands, and purify their hearts because their loyalty (their mind) was divided between God and the world.

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

James 4:7-8 NLT

Without the transformation of our minds, we will easily and forever be more swayed by the world than by God. Consider what Jesus told Peter, who had his mind on the things of man rather than God, in Matthew 16:23 – “…you are being a hindrance to me.” It is vital to keep our minds on the things of God not only for our own spiritual walk but so that we do not become a hindrance to those around us; again, this is only possible through the transformation and continual renewal of our mind that enables us to “test and approve what is the will of God -“

WISDOM FROM THE JOURNEY

God’s will is good, pleasing, and perfect – but we will not begin to understand it until we stop thinking and living like the world.

Me-fromtheInsideout 🦋
REFLECTION ON THE JOURNEY

What is one practical step you can take today to renew your mind with God’s Word?

THE MORE WE KNOW

The danger of thinking about the things of man rather than the things of God –

Be sure and check out today’s LGG Blog Post for more insight –

Don’t forget this Truth

https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/03/14/know-these-truths/
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Set Apart - Living a Life for God's Glor

Love and Forgiveness

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based on the LGG Study, Set Apart, Living a life for God’s Glory / w2d5

Scripture: Colossians 3:12-17 / SOAP verse 12-13

 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others.

Colossians 3:12-13

As followers of Christ we need to know who we are in God and how we are to live in and for Him. I love the way Paul address both of these issues in Colossians chapter three. For the purpose of our SOAP verses we are focusing on “forgiving others;” but if we want to truly understand not only how to forgive but the reason we must forgive others then we need to consider the whole passage and what came before it. For the in-depth answer and better understanding we should begin reading in verse one. Actually, here’s a challenge: Commit to read the passage, (Col 3:1-17), daily during the month of January and then once a week every month following. – Let it sink in and watch how God changes you and your relationships, both with Him and with others.

When God saved us He set us apart. This is made clear in Paul’s words from 2 Corinthians 5:17, where he declares that anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. He says the old is gone and the new is here. This transformation hasn’t only changed us on the inside – but from the inside out – so that we are now, according to 1 Peter 2:11, considered “strangers and aliens in the world”, or as other translations render it – “temporary residents and foreigners … exiles.” The question that quickly comes to mind is, “does anyone see me as different” or am I still disguised ‘as the world’?

This passage from Colossians is another from my collection of memory verses so I am very familiar with it, however – reading it fresh this morning and looking to make some observations, Holy Spirit prompted two questions:

  • Who are we?
  • How are we to live?

The answers to the first question are found in verse twelve: We are Holy and dearly loved chosen children of God. Paul teaches in the preceding and remaining verses, as well as many other passages, that knowing this makes us responsible to live set apart from the world. In other words, we are to live as though we know who we are and who we belong to. We are to look like, sound like, think like, love like, forgive like, and yes “feel” like we belong to God – chosen, loved, and covered with the righteousness of Christ, filled with the Spirit, and set apart from the world. We are to put off the old sinful nature with it passions and desires and instead we are to be clothed with mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. We are to make allowances for each others faults and we are to forgive those who offend us. Paul makes it clear that this forgiveness isn’t simply a statement of forgiveness but a clear and forever sacrificial act of forgiveness – just like the forgiveness of Christ toward us. For, as Paul writes, “Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others.” From life altering offenses to the ‘you stepped on my toe” offenses – Jesus made provision for them all and this is what is required of us as well. It may not be easy but neither was the way of the cross that Christ took for us. Forgiving others simply isn’t optional it is a mandatory1 part of Jesus’ command to: “Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.”

Different than the World

In large part we live in an unforgiving society. We write people off for the littlest offenses or we seek to hurt them back or refuse to talk to them. We demand they atone for what they’ve done to offend us. We hold it against them for years to come, judging every other act and word on that one offense. To live set apart from the world requires that we live differently than this. For us to be forgiven Christ sacrificed His life. In order for us to forgive others we will need to sacrifice our grudge, or anger, our bitterness, or retribution or remembrance of the offense on the altar of Christ’s sacrifice for us.

Paul’s secret

Remember. FIrst of all remember that whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it for him it is sin (James 4:17). The second thing we are to remember is what Paul said in Colossians 3:16, The Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” When we understand the cost of our sins. When we know the atrocities we’ve committed, or the wrong thoughts we’ve had, the acts of unkindness, the ugly words, the lies, the hidden secrets or depravity of heart and mind ….- and when we see them as being responsible for Christ’s death on the cross – only then will we begin to understand how to to “forgive just like Christ.”

Application

Is there someone you need to forgive? Let the love of Christ guide you as you take that step toward healing and freedom.

The More We Know

The Extreme Importance of Forgiving Others

Imitating Christ

Forgive others, just as Christ forgave you.

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Set Apart - Living a Life for God's Glor

Guard Your Heart

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based on the LGG Study, Set Apart – Living A Life For God’s Glory / w2d4

Scripture: Proverbs 4:20-27 / SOAP verse 27

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

Proverbs 4:23 NLT

This verse is in the treasure trove of verses I have long stored away in my heart, and when I read it this morning, it reminded me of a song I used to listen to by Steve Green. The song starts with words I sang as a child; maybe you remember them too – “Oh be careful little eyes what you see, oh be careful little eyes what you see. There’s a father up above, and he’s looking down in love, oh be careful little eyes what you see.” The words are a reminder to be careful with what we let our eyes see and to remember that our heavenly father looks not on the outward appearance of a man but on his heart. It is a reminder that will hopefully inspire us to maintain a pure heart before God. The chorus of the updated version of the song borrows the words Solomon spoke to his ‘son,’ “Guard your heart.” The singer warns the listener not to trade the heart for treasure or give it away, with the reminder that the payment for the ‘pleasure’ of the heart is a high price to pay. Friends, if we desire to remain pure before God, if we want to be light and salt for Him in this dark world, if we want to truly live “set apart”, please Him, and bring Him glory, as we were made to do – then we must, at all costs, guard our hearts.

Guard your Heart * Guard your Heart * Don’t trade it for treasure * Don’t give it away
Guard your Heart * Guard your Heart * As a payment for pleasure * It’s high price to pay
For a soul that remains sincere with conscience clear * Guard your Heart

Guard Your Heart / Steve Green
Applicable to us

While Solomon wrote the Words to his “son”, we know that all Scripture is given by God and useful for training, rebuking, and correcting us in how we live. We also know that the New Testament is filled with passages that stress the importance of God’s Word in the lives of His children – and in the salvation of those who have not yet believed! So, without question, Solomon’s instructions are meant to be heard and followed by us as well. – (see “The More We Know” section)

So, What steps can we take to guard our hearts more intentionally? Our larger passage, Proverbs 4:20-27, provides excellent insight and words of wisdom to answer this question. I’ve included it here with the passage from my journal. The journal page is marked up and highlighted with the many ways and reasons Solomon suggested his “child” should and could maintain a guarded heart that is pure and turned away from evil, set apart for God. Pay close attention to the fact that having a guarded heart requires that God’s Word be an active and integral part of our lives. We must pay attention to His Word, listen to the things He has made known to us, and remember them. He warns of the need to keep the heart guarded and stresses that it is the source of life. It is the key to our words and thoughts, our desires, and our activities being acceptable to God. His Word is our source of help and strength in fixing our eyes on Him and turning away from the evil in this world. It is a necessary component of being set apart, and living a life that glorifies God.

~May we not just hear His Word but follow it faithfully.

Today’s Reflection

What is one step you can take to guard your heart more intentionally? Pray about it and ask God for His help – I promise He will hear and answer your prayer, 1 Jn 15:14-15; and your heart will not only be guarded but it will be more and more drawn to and set apart for Him.

The More We Know

The importance of God’s Word made known in the Scriptures:

  • Matt. 4:4
  • Luke 24:45
  • Jn 5:39
  • Jn 8:32
  • Jn 17:17
  • Acts 17:11
  • Rom 1:16

  • Romans 10:17
  • Ephesians 6:17
  • Colossians 3:16
  • 1 Thes. 2:13
  • Hebrews 4:12
  • James1:21-23
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Set Apart - Living a Life for God's Glor

Guard Your Heart

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based on the LGG Study, Set Apart – Living A Life For God’s Glory / w2d4

Scripture: Proverbs 4:20-27 / SOAP verse 27

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

Proverbs 4:23 NLT

This verse is in the treasure trove of verses I have long stored away in my heart, and when I read it this morning, it reminded me of a song I used to listen to by Steve Green. The song starts with words I sang as a child; maybe you remember them too – “Oh be careful little eyes what you see, oh be careful little eyes what you see. There’s a father up above, and he’s looking down in love, oh be careful little eyes what you see.” The words are a reminder to be careful what we let our eyes see and to remember that our heavenly father looks not on the outward appearance of a man but on his heart. It is a reminder that will hopefully inspire us to maintain a pure heart before God. The chorus of the updated version of the song borrows the words Solomon spoke to his ‘son,’ “Guard your heart.” The singer warns the listener not to trade the heart for treasure or give it away, with the reminder that the payment for the ‘pleasure’ of the heart is a high price to pay. Friends, if we desire to remain pure before God, if we want to be light and salt for Him in this dark world, if we want to truly live “set apart”, please Him, and bring Him glory, as we were made to do – then we must, at all costs, guard our hearts.

Guard your Heart * Guard your Heart * Don’t trade it for treasure * Don’t give it away
Guard your Heart * Guard your Heart * As a payment for pleasure * It’s high price to pay
For a soul that remains sincere with conscience clear * Guard your Heart

Guard Your Heart / Steve Green
Applicable to us

While Solomon wrote the Words, we know all Scripture is given by God and useful for training, rebuking, and correcting us in how we live. We also know that the New Testament is filled with passages that stress the importance of God’s Word in the lives of His children – and in the salvation of those who have not yet believed! So, without question, Solomon’s instructions are meant to be heard and followed by us as well. – (see “The More We Know” section)

So, What steps can we take to guard our hearts more intentionally? Our larger passage, Proverbs 4:20-27, provides excellent insight and words of wisdom to answer this question. I’ve included it here with the passage from my journal. The journal page is marked up and highlighted with the many ways and reasons Solomon suggested his “child” should and could maintain a guarded heart that is pure and turned away from evil, set apart for God. Pay close attention to the fact that having a guarded heart requires that God’s Word be an active and integral part of our lives. We must pay attention to His Word, listen to the things He has made known to us, and remember them. He warns of the need to keep the heart guarded and stresses that it is the source of life. It is the key to our words and thoughts, our desires, and our activities being acceptable to God. His Word is our source of help and strength in fixing our eyes on Him and turning away from the evil in this world. It is a necessary component of being set apart, and living a life that glorifies God.

~May we not just hear His Word but follow it faithfully.

Today’s Reflection

What is one step you can take to guard your heart more intentionally? Pray about it and ask God for His help – I promise He will hear and answer your prayer, 1 Jn 15:14-15; and your heart will not only be guarded but it will be more and more set apart for Him.

The More We Know

The importance of God’s Word made known in the Scriptures:

  • Matt. 4:4
  • Luke 24:45
  • Jn 5:39
  • Jn 8:32
  • Jn 17:17
  • Acts 17:11
  • Rom 1:16

  • Romans 10:17
  • Ephesians 6:17
  • Colossians 3:16
  • 1 Thes. 2:13
  • Hebrews 4:12
  • James1:21-23