Tag: God

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

Beyond What We See

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based on the LGG Study, Set Apart, living a life for God’s glory / w3d3

SCRIPTURE: PROVERBS 3:5-6 / SOAP VERSES 5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
    do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do,
    and he will show you which path to take.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT

This passage is what I like to call an ‘if this – then that’ passage. In other words, Solomon lays out instructions that when followed lead to a particular outcome. In this case trusting in the Lord with our whole heart, no reservations … depending on God rather than the way things look to be … and seeking God in the big things of life as well as the minute details will lead to a clear and godly path even when the way seems filled with mountains, valleys, catastrophes, and detours along the way.

The point here is not to be mindless or naïve. Rather, we need to recognize our own limitations. Just because we’re in over our heads does not mean God is no longer in control.

Bibleref.com/Proverbs 3:5

With such a favorable outcome this should be an easy set of instructions but I would venture to say we all know it isn’t. Like you, I’m sure, I can think of untold examples throughout my lifetime but the one that came to mind first was the birth of my second daughter. Despite a few hitches and ultimate c-section the delivery went well and baby girl was declared to be healthy. However, later that morning when I had been returned to my room from the surgical-delivery room and they laid her in my lap and i peeled back the blanket to count fingers and toes my heart dropped. I had not been told that her feet were crippled so I wasn’t prepared for what I saw. My heart dropped, the tears pooled in my eyes, the fear and sorrow invaded my mind and planted quick seeds of doubt that my little girl would never be able to walk or run and play. I judged with my eyes, I definitely leaned on my own understanding and the conclusions were not good.

However, in the ensuing minutes, hours, and days to come God surrounded me with people who pointed my mind back to Him and with those who could answer questions and a specialist who in less than 24 hours had molded one foot that seemed to have no heal, straighten the other that seemed beyond hope or repair, and put them both in cast. This was a process that happened over and over for the days – then weeks – then months to come. Each time the cast would come off I would see glimpses and eventually miraculous revelations of what God was doing. What I had seen when I unwrapped her that first day gave no hope of what I saw on day ninety when we moved from cast to brace on one foot and from possible surgeries to no surgeries on either foot.

What I had seen that first day was devastating and offered no hope or reason to trust God but He saw the bigger picture and He fixed my eyes on Him and kept me from leaning on my own understandings. He made straight the path that seemed to only have a troubling end. God has used this story in my life and in my daughter’s as a point of reference and reminder that He is in perfect control and works all things together for the good of those who trust Him and have fixed their thoughts on Him. – This example is not to say that just because we trust God every scary or undesirable situation works out to a wonderful and beautiful outcome that we imagine to be better, but – it is without question evidence that trusting God with and in all situations leads to a path that He has faithfully directed – and i better than anything we can ask or even imagine.

WISDOM FROM THE JOURNEY

Because our emotions cannot be trusted, our circumstances must not dictate who we trust in or how we choose the way we will go. However, we can always trust God and His direction despite the worst of circumstances.

REFLECTION ON THE JOURNEY

In what areas of your life can you release fear or control and, instead, trust in the Lord?

THE MORE WE KNOW

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

Be sure and read today’s Love God Greatly blog for more insight on today’s passage

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

Seek Wisdom

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based on the LGG Study, Set Apart, living a life for God’s glory / w3d2

Scripture: Proverbs 4:1-19 / SOAP verses 6-7

Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will guard you. 7 Wisdom is supreme— so acquire wisdom, and whatever you acquire acquire understanding!

Proverbs 4:6-7

When Solomon speaks of wisdom, he is referring to the precepts, or general rules, of God’s Word. It is seen throughout Scripture that the person who chooses to live according to the Word of God is spared from the destruction that comes to those who forsake or refuse His Word. Or, as BIbleref.com explains it, “Those who live by godly principles are far less likely to suffer the consequences faced by those who participate in sin and depravity.” Solomon was trained by his father to follow God’s word, and now he was teaching his son the same lesson. He wanted him to know that there is nothing more valuable than gaining the wisdom of God. Possessing godly wisdom is better than any amount of material possessions, wealth, or fame. However, we must not simply acquire wisdom but also seek to understand it, for without understanding, we will easily fall prey to the hindrances of this life that can quickly deter us from faithfully following God’s will.

Godly wisdom may look very different from worldly wisdom. Jesus highlighted these differences in His Sermon On the Mount For example, He said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” Godly wisdom often requires us to do that which is opposite our natural inclinations. Godly wisdom goes against the “conventional wisdom” of the day; it is not focused on self-preservation but on furthering the kingdom of God. We can only live in godly wisdom when we are committed to crucifying our flesh and living in the Spirit (see Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 5:16, 25).

gotquestions.org (read it all in today’s “The More We Know”)
Wisdom from the Journey

Seek to fill your mind with wisdom from God. For when we stay true to God’s wisdom our hearts will be guarded and we will be protected.

Reflection On the Journey

What practical steps can you take to seek God’s wisdom through His Word?

The More We Know

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

Love One Another

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based on the LGG Study, Set Apart, Living a Life for God’s Glory / w2d3

Scripture/SOAP: John 13:34-35

“I give you a new commandment—to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 Everyone will know by this that you are my disciples—if you have love for one another.”

John 13:34-35

According to BibleRef.com, ” – the gold standard for living out Christian belief, and the means by which believers are to distinguish themselves from non-believers, is expressed in their love for one another.”(emphasis added) This is important to understand as we read and commit to follow the command of Christ to love other believers as He has loved us. It is helpful to know that this wasn’t literally a new command but was, as best defined by the Greek word that He used for “new”, a command that He was renewing in their minds for the purpose of importance and a means to understand His hands-on illustration of washing their feet (John 13:2–5), which was the act of a lowly-servant not of a teacher or master. This act of kindness was a visible representation of His love for them through a servant’s heart, it was also meant to show them that their attitudes (they had been arguing and contending with one another) need adjusting and that as His disciples it was an example of what their role was to be.

For Jesus, it was the display of His humility and servanthood in forgiving sinners. For the disciples, the washing of their feet displayed a mindset in direct contrast to their heart attitude at that time. For us, washing feet is symbolic of our role in the body of Christ.

gotquestions.org

Jesus wanted His disciples1 to know that others were watching them and they would be known by their actions. As followers of Christ, they were to imitate Him – which meant living and loving like Him so that others would know the Father – just as He had lived with and loved them to show them the Father. He had come to make the way, the truth, and life known to men and that was what His disciples were/are to do in His stead.

The Greek term for “disciple” in the New Testament is mathetes, which basically means “student” or “learner.” But a disciple is also a “follower,” someone who adheres completely to the teachings of another, making them his rule of life and conduct. Jesus’ followers were called “disciples” long before they were ever called “Christians.” Their discipleship began with Jesus’ call and required them to exercise their will to follow Him (Matthew 9:9).1

The More We Know

Why did He wash their feet? – it’s important!

Be sure and visit the LGG Blog Page for more insight

1 What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ?