ThinkOnIt Daily Devotions

[ThinkOnIt]

Read Genesis 12

God came to Abram and told him to leave the land of his father. God said He would bless Abram and make him a great nation, giving him a great name and make him a great blessing. Wow!

Three greats for one person! Great nation – he would surely have lots of children if he were to be a great nation! That’s fabulous considering he and his wife hadn’t been able to have kids up until this point. Great name – God was going to give Abram a great place in history and give him a legacy. Great blessing – God was going to use Abram to bless others. How exciting this must have been to wonder how God was going to do these things in his life!

The Bible doesn’t tell us whether or not Abram had a relationship with God prior to this encounter. If he didn’t, wouldn’t this be all the more fantastic? Here Abram is going about his own business when the Lord of the universe appears to him and proclaims these wonderful promises to him! Awesome!

Okay, now you have some background. God spoke to Abram. Abram followed the directions to leave his country. As they got close to Egypt, Abram began thinking of his own wellbeing. He knew his wife was drop-dead gorgeous. Of course, the Egyptians would kill him to take his beautiful wife, he thought. To save his own hide, he convinces his wife to lie, saying she’s his sister.

Can you imagine? Sarai goes along with it. Okay, Abram I’ll lie for you, even though I might have to sleep with the Pharoh. Yikes!! I don’t know if I could do that. So they entered Egypt and as Abram feared, the Pharoh saw Sarai and took her into his harem because she said she was Abram’s sister. I personally would feel like I was just sold into slavery! How could Sarai agree to be given to another man? How could she submit to Abram, when it was lying?

The Bible again doesn’t tell us for sure whether Sarai heard God’s promises to Abram to first hand or whether Abram told her everything God told him. Perhaps she was present when God spoke to Abram. If she knew God was going to make Abram a great name, then maybe she thought she should go along with whatever Abram told her to do because God would some how cover or remove the lies. After all, how can you have a great name if you’re a liar?

Perhaps Sarai trusted Abram with her life. If she did trust him, maybe she thought Abram would get her out before she was violated by the Pharoh. Then again maybe it was God she trusted. I’d like to believer she trusted God, but later we find she laughed at God’s promise to give her a son, so there’s probably more evidence that she didn’t believe or trust God’s promises.

In any case, even though I just don’t understand how she submitted to Abram’s decision to call her his sister, God was able to bring good out of Abram’s bad decision. Isn’t just like our God? He makes us for our lack of faith. He comes through every time. He does exactly what He says He’s going to do. What an awesome God we have!!

 

[ThinkOnIt]

Read Genesis 15 NKJV

Have you ever noticed how hope appears only after there’s been a period of doubt, trials, despair and self-pity? I know for me, I had to get to the very end of my self-sufficiency in much misery and pain before hope shined his light on me.

In reading Genesis 15, I noticed the same pattern: doubt, worry, despair all came before hope. As I’ve come to learn of God’s generosity, He doesn’t just provide hope. He also follows up the hope with a personal promise, something that speaks to the person specifically and intimately.

Let’s take a look at two examples from Genesis 15 in the NKJV translation. The first example lies within verses 3 through 6:
3 Then Abram said, “Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!”
4 And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir.”
5 Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.”
6 And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.

Notice in verse 3 Abram is whining about having no children to be his heir. He’s actually blaming God for not giving him children. That to me speaks of self-pity, doubt and despair. At this point Abram was unable to see what God was capable of doing.

Look at verse 4 and 5. God spoke to Abram saying “Don’t worry. You will have an heir from your own body. In fact, you will have so many descendants you won’t be able to call them, just as you can’t count the stars.” If that is not a picture of hope, I don’t know what is.

Finally, we see the personal and intimate promise in verse 6. Abram believed God and God accounted it to him for righteousness. Abram was considered righteous in God’s eyes because he finally believed God.

The second example of this repeating pattern is found in Genesis 15 verses 13 through 15 in the NKJV translation:
13Then He said to Abram: “Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years.
14 And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions.
15 Now as for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a good old age.

In verse 13 we see God telling Abram what will become of his descendants and the picture isn’t so bright. God says they will be strangers in a land that’s not theirs, they will serve those who own the land and they will be afflicted four hundreds years. That sounds a lot like despair to me.

Moving on to verse 14 we find the hope. God says “Don’t worry, I will judge the nation whom they serve and afterwards they will leave with great substance.” This is a reminder that when things don’t look like their going well, God is still in control and He will take vengeance on those who persecute His people.

Again we see the personal promise towards Abram in verse 15. God tells him, he will live a long life and die peacefully. Isn’t that nice of God to tell Abram how long he’ll live? I would think that would provide such a boost in productivity and remove a lot of fear. Just think about it. Abram could do anything God wanted him to without worrying about dying in the process, for God gave His word he would live a long life.

What about in your life, do you see the same pattern? I know I did when my marriage was in crisis mode and I thought it would never be good again (despair). God sent an angel to direct me to (hope). Through the pain I found Jesus Christ and believed on Him as my Lord and Savior, who forgave me (personal promise). If you haven’t noticed this pattern yet, keep your eyes open. It’s just a matter of time before you do. When you do recognize the pattern, know that God is teaching you something new either about yourself or about His character or both.

 

[ThinkOnIt]

Read Genesis 16

In Genesis 15 God told Abram his seed would be as innumerous as the stars. The Bible doesn’t say whether Abram shared this with his wife, Sarai or not. However, as Genesis 16 begins we see Sarai is tired of being without child. Sarai, being desperate, thinks up a way to get what she wants.

Isn’t that what most of us do? When we want something we think of how to get it. This isn’t usually a bad thing. After all it takes planning and saving to purchase a house for example. But it can be a very bad thing if you’re scheming and using people with no regard to their feelings, just to get what you want.

Sarai had a maid servant named Hagar. Sarai decided to give Hagar to her husband, Abram, to be his second wife. She mistakenly thought that she could have children through her maid. Sarai’s thoughts were so focused on what she wanted, she didn’t even consider Hagar’s desires. Do you think Hagar really wanted to sleep with Abram? I doubt it. Can you imagine, you work for someone as a maid and out of the blue they decide part of your job description is to sleep with your boss’s husband? I’m glad we don’t live in those times anymore!

All we know from Genesis 16:4 is Abram slept with Hagar and she conceived. When Hagar found out she was pregnant, she started hating Sarai, her master. I’m sure there was so much tension and strife in that house you probably could have cut it with a knife!

God created us to be monogamous – one man, one woman joined together as one flesh. When we choose to do what is outside of God’s plans for us, chaos reigns. Sarai blinded by her desires for children, introduces another woman into her sacred marriage. Consequences are sure to follow, but she risks it anyway. Perhaps she wasn’t thinking about the consequences at all.

Genesis 16:5-6 tell us Sarai was jealous, Abram tells Sarai to deal with it and Sarai begins treating Hagar harshly. Here they are Sarai is now filled with jealousy, (I’m sure she didn’t see that coming), Hagar is pregnant and despising Sarai and then Abram won’t do anything to help straighten out this mess. The situation is way too much for Hagar to handle and she runs away into the wilderness.

Hagar is distraught, probably having a pity party because her life is not turning out the way she planned. She’s sitting somewhere in the wilderness and an angel of the Lord visits her. He addressed her by name to show He knows her and by position to remind her of her responsibilities. The angel says “Hagar, Sarai’s maid where did you come from? Where will you go?” Notice how the angel of the Lord is reminding Hagar who she is and all she has, trying to get her to realize what she has to be thankful for. Hagar doesn’t even answer His questions but instead says “I’m fleeing from my master”.

Do you ever find yourself in this position? Things weren’t going according to your plans and you decided to run away? Somehow we decide that disobedience will help us. Hagar doesn’t get off that easy though. The angel of the Lord says “Return and submit to your master”.

God always expects us to carry out our responsibilities. Remember, Hagar was Sarai’s maid. God wanted her to complete her duty, regardless of how Sarai treated her. Everything we do should be done as though we were working for the Lord and not just mere man.

To give Hagar some hope the angel of the Lord tells her that He will multiply her children exceedingly so much that she wouldn’t be able to number them. In an age where having a houseful of children was considered great riches this message must have given her much to be encouraged about.

The angel then gives Hagar instructions to name the child Ishmael because it means “the Lord heard your afflictions”. I just love how names had meaning. Look how the Lord wanted Hagar to remember He hears her prayers by telling her to name her child Ishmael. Every time Hagar thought of her son or called out his name, it would be a reminder “the Lord heard my affliction”. How beautiful.

Let’s review what we’ve learned from Genesis 16.

• Using people to get what you want is always a bad idea.
• When our focus is not on God, we always make bad decisions.
• We are meant to have only one spouse for life. More than one will cause much pain.
• It’s a good idea to think though the consequences of an action before you take that action.
• We are expected to be responsible where ever God places us. Running away is not the solution. Instead, everything we do should be done as though we’re working for the Lord Himself, rather than just a man or woman.
• Even when we find ourselves in a bad situation, the Lord hears our prayers. Turn to God and He’ll show you what’s in store for you and care for your needs.

 

[ThinkOnIt]

Genesis 17:1 NKJV When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless.”

Did you notice how old Abram was when the Lord appeared to him? Abram was 99 years old! It’s never too late for God to appear in your life and it’s never too late to turn to God either. As I read this verse it was as if God was speaking this to me and a pattern appeared that seemed very familiar to me - the pattern of salvation. Allow me to explain.

God first says “I am Almighty God”. This is the first step in being saved. I must recognize I’m not God – only HE is. He is Almighty, the source of all power. He is more powerful than I can even imagine. Recognizing God is Almighty puts everything in the proper perspective. Realizing He’s God and I’m not, helps me recognize my own sinfulness. When you compare yourself to God, it becomes quite clear how much we miss the mark. Romans 3:23 NKJV “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. Romans 6:23 NKJV “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The second step is “walk before Me”. I must submit myself to the authority of the Lord God Almighty. Ever notice how a very young child will behave nicely or do really cute things before their parents or other adults? It’s because they know someone is watching. God is saying “I’m always watching, therefore, walk before me as though you know I’m watching”. If I know God Almighty is watching, I’m more likely to choose things that glorify Him rather than satisfy my selfish desires. Galatians 5:16 NKJV “…Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Before we can walk by the Spirit, we must be born again in Christ Jesus. Once we are born again, we become new creatures in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

The last step is “be blameless”. This is the final step in God’s process and not one you can achieve on your own without completing the first two steps. After you’ve accepted God is Almighty, your perspective is changed, and you accept what Jesus Christ did for you, the result is you are blameless before God. When you give your life to Christ, His righteousness is laid upon you, so you are washed clean and purified from all unrighteousness. 1 Corinthians 6:11 NKJV “But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.”

To recap what we’ve learned from today’s verse. Here’s a quick summary:
1) Recognize God is Almighty and I am sinful.
2) Walk before Him, ask for forgiveness from Christ.
3) Become a new creation in Christ and be blameless.

Are you ready to give your life to Christ? Pray a simple prayer like:
“Jesus forgive me for living my life without you. I know I am a sinner but you are Almighty God. As much as I know how I give myself to you. Please come into my life and make me new. In Jesus’ name Amen.”

 

[JPPT1974]

Keep up the good work my friend
God bless you!

 

[ThinkOnIt]

For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, 7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 1 Timothy 2:5-7 NKJV

I didn’t grow up with a religious background. We had a crucifix hanging in the house and a few bibles, but no one ever read them. So when I gave my life to Christ, it was fairly easy for me to make Him central in my life. The only thing competing for that spot was myself. I did not worship any other person or thing.

As I began to meet a few Catholics, I found it strange to hear of their traditions, particularly their worship and prayer to Mary, the mother of Jesus. It seemed to me they were pleading their cause to Mary, hoping she’d put in a good word for them.

Today’s verse makes it abundantly clear, there is only one Mediator between God and men and that’s Jesus Christ. Only Jesus gave His life that we might live. Mary may have been the Lord’s chosen mother for Jesus, but she didn’t die for us. Jesus did. He is the ONE to worship. Him and Him alone do we worship. Exodus 20:3 NKJV “You shall have no other gods before Me.”

How about you? Who do you worship?

Lord, thank you for sending Jesus Christ to die for our sins. Help us keep our focus on You, Lord Jesus. If anything is creeping into the place reserved for You, forgive us and lead us in Your way. In Your precious name, Jesus Amen.

 

[JPPT1974]

God is the one and only mediator
That knows our path and shows us
Our plans that we need to take.

 

[ThinkOnIt]

Genesis 18:1 KJV
And the Lord appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre; and he sat in the tent door in the heat of day;

Abraham was sitting quietly in his tent door. Perhaps he was meditating or praying. We don’t know for sure. However, we do know to sit means to be fairly still and not moving around.

Notice how the Lord appeared to Abraham when he was still? How often are we still? Do you allow stillness into your daily routine? It is within this stillness you can hear the Lord speaking to you.

You may find it hard to quiet yourself at first, especially when you’re not used to it. You might find your mind racing through a mental TO DO List of all the things you need to get done. If those thoughts plaque you when you try to have a quiet time, here’s a helpful hint: Keep a notepad and pen close by. Write down every distracting thought so you can deal with it later.

So with the distracting thoughts written down for later, what exactly do you do in a quiet time? No two quiet times are the same. Each one is different based on how God shaped the person. By sharing what I do in my quiet time, perhaps it will give you some ideas for yours. Please kind in mind this is not a formula to follow, it’s just an idea of what you can do in your own quiet time.

1) I like to journal my prayers. As I pour out my prayers with thanksgiving, praise and worship of God Almighty, I feel my heart opening and turning towards God. After some time of praise to God, my prayers switch to praying for others (those close to me, those who point me to Christ, those in authority, those who are in need etc) and finally I pray for the concerns on my heart at the time. What I like most about journaling my prayers is how God sometimes answers those prayers as I write them. It’s also neat to have a record of what I prayed for and how God answered it. It can be very encouraging to read when you find yourself spiritually low.
2) After journaling, I like to sit quietly and focus my thoughts on God. Thinking of what He has done for me already and remembering His promises straight from God’s Word, the Holy Bible. Here’s a few I like to meditate on:
a. John 3:16 NKJV 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
b. Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
c. Ezekiel 36:26 NKJV I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
d. 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
3) I read God’s Word. It doesn’t matter really where you read. I’ve read through the Bible from beginning to end. I’ve also read a New Testament book and then read an Old Testament book, alternating back and forth. Sometimes a few Psalms. Other times I read Proverbs. I’m currently reading through the whole Bible again in KJV, hence the reason for today’s verse. The point is READ GOD’S WORD. Read it regularly. It’s God Word to you.
4) I write down everything I feel the Spirit has prompted me to write. Sometimes this is a way to handle a certain situation I was facing. Other times it’s an idea for a devotion or article to share with others. Then again, it can be a deeper understanding of God’s character. It also can be an awareness of some sin in my life. When this occurs, I repent and ask for God’s forgiveness.

The result of having a quiet time is a deeper, richer, more fulfilling relationship with God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Spending this time is like developing assurance and confidence in God. The more time you spend with Him, the more you know with certainty He is who He says He is and He does what He says He will do. God used my quiet time to strengthen my faith and reassure me of His love for me.

Whether your prefer quiet time outside walking in nature or studying God’s Word in your den, spending time with God is how you draw closer to Him. So when you quiet yourself and think on God, you will find Him closer than you think. As Psalm 46:10 NKJV says “10 Be still, and know that I am God;” being still and reading His Word are ways to know more of God.

Lord, I thank You for being all You say You are and for doing everything You say You will. I thank You that You want a relationship with me and desire me to draw closer through quiet times. Help me to prioritize my schedule to include those special moments with You. In Jesus’ name Amen

 

[ThinkOnIt]

Have you ever watched the movie called “A Walk To Remember”? I recently saw it on cable. There’s a line in the movie I just love. The young man was talking to his mother about a girl he has become attached to. He said “She makes me want to be a better man.”

Wow! What a statement. The way the young girl lived her life before the young man caused him to want to be a better person. Isn’t that what God wants from everyone of His children? By our lives lived on purpose with intention we can cause those around us to want to be better persons too!

Let’s look at some things the young girl did in the movie to see if we can draw any conclusions as to how we should live.

She was kind, always calm and pure. She didn’t let the trials of life affect or bother her. She always saw good in other people. She had faith in the young man and believed he would go great things. She was humble. She considered the young man to be her angel sent by God to help her. She was also dying from cancer, but was not bitter towards God because of it.

Now let’s look at what 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NKJV says about love:
4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Do you see the similarities between scripture and the young woman’s life?

When we face adversities in life, such as cancer, others are watching how you handle it. In the movie, the young woman was a noble role model who didn’t blame or curse God because of the disease. Instead she lived out her life to please to God, she lived a life of love. But I challenge you, it is not just during adversity when others are watching. It’s also during the mundane every day tasks of life and how you respond to them that others are watching.

Take for example the scene where the family pet has just made a mess on the carpet and hubby, walking barefooted, has just stepped in it. If you were “hubby” how would you respond? Before you answer remember, hubby is the head of the household according to God’s design. He sets the example for the rest of the family. (No pressure!)

Choice #1: Get angry. Raise your voice to yell at your spouse, who bought the pooch you didn’t want in the first place. Angrily blame your spouse and child for not cleaning up the mess and with loads of bitterness clean up the stinky mess yourself.

Side Effects: A chain reactions is started by your snapping at your spouse. You spouse snaps back. She’s now hurt because of your tone of voice and giving you the silent treatment as she stews on her own pot of bitterness. Your child is mad because when he attempts to clean up the mess, you scold him for not doing it right. Accusation, blame, bitterness are flying around and now distance between all parties is going.

Choice #2: Calmly get something to wash your foot off. Then clean the mess on the floor or ask for help.

Side Effects: Your spouse comes over to assist with the mess. You child takes the pooch out for a walk.

Which of these choices promotes peace, conveys love and sets a positive example for the rest of the family? Which choice leaves lasting bitterness, remorse and wounds the very people you love? How would you want your children to react in a similar situation? How would you respond?

Even in the ordinary things people are watching how we respond. Are we going to respond from our old “wounded” sinful flesh? Or are we going to choose the “high way” and walk by the Spirit? What do you suppose Jesus would have done?

Next time you’re faced with a “stinky” situation think about the choices in your response. What kind of memory do you want to pass along?

 

[ThinkOnIt]

I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 1 Timothy 2:8 NKJV

Do you want to bless God and make Him smile? Take the advice of this verse.

Pray everywhere – Does that mean just on Sunday when I go to church? It includes Sunday, but it’s all in compassing. Everywhere we go, we are to pray. We pray when we get up in the morning, while we eat breakfast, drive to work, while at work or school, when we need to make a decision, when we experience trials, when we are happy, when we are sad, when we come home, when we sit around, and while we lie down. What ever condition we find ourselves in and where ever we may be at the time, we pray. Prayer is communication with God. It’s a constant turning our thoughts to God, where ever we are, in that moment. Don’t forget it’s two-way communication. We talk, yes, but we also pause to allow us to listen when God speaks to us.

Lifting up holy hands – Have you ever seen a person during a worship service raising their hands over their head? Those folks are reaching up to God during worship. They’re setting aside what others may think about them and focusing soling on God, giving Him their all. The lifting up of hands is a physical expression of thankfulness, worship to and gratitude towards God for who He is. We know that by our own efforts we can not make our hands holy. We have been cleansed by Christ’s death and resurrection. Because of that we have holy hands, stretching out to touch God in all His goodness and glory.

Without wrath and doubting – Have you ever prayed with anger or hatred or bitterness towards another living being? Do you remember what some of Jesus’ disciples did when a Samaritan wouldn’t receive Jesus into his house in Luke 9:51-55 NKJV: “And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?”” Jesus’ response was “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. 56 For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” Based on this, we are not to pray destruction upon anyone.

We are also not to doubt when we pray. James 1:6-7 NKJV “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;” Instead of doubting, we are to pray as though we already have whatever it is we’re asking for. Look at Mark 11:24 NKJV “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”

Let’s review what we’ve learned from today’s verse:
1) We are to pray everywhere. Prayer is two-way communication with God. Talking to God is important, but equally important is listening to what God says to you through prayer.
2) Recognize our hands are holy because of Jesus. We praise and worship our Lord and Savior by raising our hands. It’s not the only way, just one of the ways we express worship.
3) Prayer should not be with wrath or doubting. Instead pray as though we have whatever it is we’re asking for, and then it will be ours.

Lord, we thank you for your great sacrifice to make us holy in your eyes. Thank you for saving us. Thank you for hearing our prayers and accepting our worship of you. We ask that all may come to know you as Lord and Savior. We ask this without wrath and doubting. In Jesus’ name Amen.

So how’s your prayer life? Are you in constant contact with God Almighty through prayer? He’s just a thought away. Are you listening when you pray? Are you believing you have already received whatever it is you’re praying for? Start today. He’s waiting to hear from you.

 

[JPPT1974]

When we pray to Jesus, we not are only happy
But make Jesus happy as well!

 

[ThinkOnIt]

Gratitude is formed once you realize what you have been given, who you are and from who all blessings flow.

Realizing the extent of what you’ve been given may take some time. It did for me. I was 32 years old before I realizing I had been given a second chance at life. Here’s a quick list of some things we’ve been given: Life, relationships, health, gifts, talents and abilities, God’s Word, clothing, shelter, transportation, and work.

Recognizing who you are may take even longer, as in my case. Even after I found Christ and committed my life to His Lordship, it still took me time to understand exactly who I was in Christ. To be truthful, I haven’t fully comprehended it all yet. God keeps drawing me deeper still into His magnificent love that transforms me further. The reason we have trouble finding who we are is do to our sin nature. We all fall short of God’s glory ( Romans 3:23 NKJV ). No, not one is good ( Psalm 14:3 NKJV ). We all have gone astray ( Isaiah 53:6 NKJV ). We all are sinners and separated from God.

Learning God is the source of everything might take some getting used to; especially when you’re used to running your own life by your own sufficiency. I used to think if I got a raise at work it was of my own hard work and therefore, it was my “just” reward. However, now I realize God gave me the talent and ability to certain things well and He also gave me the ability to create wealth ( Deuteronomy 8:18 NKJV ) .

Gratitude is “grown” by exercising our mind’s recollection of every good, pure, true, noble, just, praiseworthy, and honorable thing ( Philippians 4:7-9 NKJV ). When we keep our thoughts on these things we will surely never cease to praise God Almighty.

If you have a hard time being grateful, perhaps you’ve stewed in your own pot of “unmet expectations” for too long. When you compare your life to your expectations of life and come of short, guess what? You’ll always feel disappointed, let down and discouraged. I know from my own experience. Take my advice, loose the expectations they’re nothing but heartache! Believe me Jesus Christ’s power is the only thing which can end the cycle of an unhealthy thought life.

How do we cultivate gratitude?
Step 1: If you haven’t already done so, give your life to Christ. Say a simple prayer like: Jesus I know I’m a sinner and you died for me. Come into my life and make me whole again. Amen. Making Jesus the CEO and Boss of your life is the first step to success.

Step 2: Make a list of things to be thankful for. Start with the basics. Thank God for your life, your senses (sight, sound, feel, taste, smell), your health, your family, your house, your clothes, your food, your work, your car, etc. I like to thank God for His Word and the ability to read it! You get the idea.

Step 3: Keep a journal of answered prayers. Whenever you need a dose of gratefulness consult your journal to remember times when God answered your prayer and rejoice.

Step 4: Look around you. There are less fortunate people all around. Jesus said we would always have the poor among us ( John 12:8 NKJV ). There are starving people in this world, so be thankful at your next meal, even if it’s leftovers you had last night. Did you know that if you own a car you are among the world’s top 8% of the population? Be thankful. Think about this: we are not threatened or tortured or killed when we share our faith, as some people are in this world. Be incredibly grateful.

Gratitude is important to keep us grounded with a correct estimation of ourselves and an accurate assumption of the source of all blessings. How’s your gratitude level today? Need a boost in gratefulness? Follow the suggestions in this article and pray God helps you be grateful. Believe God has already answered your prayer and gratitude will flow freely.

Lord, thank you for all that you have done for us. Thank you for all we have this day. Help us to be grateful for everything. May we be mindful of others less fortunate than us and where we have the ability to do something about it, may we reach forth our hands to help. In Jesus’ name Amen.

 

[ThinkOnIt]

Genesis 21:1 KJV “And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken.”

When God speaks, we can trust He will carry out whatever it was He said He would do. What did the Lord say He would do to Sarah?

Genesis 17:19 KJV “And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.” Did you notice the word “indeed”? It seems like it was added for extra emphasis. It’s like God is saying this is for sure, have no doubt, this thing is really going to happen.

Genesis 18:14 KJV “Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” No, NOTHING is too hard for God. Not even causing a barren woman to give birth at an age over 90 years old! This verse also tells us God’s timing is important factor to remember: “at the appointed time”.

Consider this: Our life (past, present and future) are all mapped out in God’s blueprint, according to God’s design. As He designed the plan He knows where everything goes. The events of our lives are like intricate wooden puzzle pieces that only fit together when all the pieces are inserted in the proper sequence. And only God knows the appropriate sequence to complete the puzzle.

At the appointed time…Genesis 21:2 KJV “For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.” We see from scripture, God always does what He says He will do. It’s just from our limited view it can feel like His plan is never going to happen.

Next time you find yourself in a waiting period, continue to believe God will fulfill the vision. The following verse I memorized during one of my waiting periods was a wonderful reminder to me and can be encouraging to you too. Habakkuk 2:3 KJV “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” To tarry means to delay. The vision won’t be delayed. It will happen right on schedule. When God speaks, He follows through. You can count on it.

Lord, thank you for being a God of Your word. When you speak you also do. Thank you for your reliability and faithfulness to do what you say you will do. Help us to believe you. Increase our faith. In Jesus’ name Amen.

 

[ThinkOnIt]

Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 1 Timothy 2:11-14 NKJV

Oh how this section of scripture cause may people to cringe. It’s not as bad as you might think. At least the way I view it anyway. Let’s take a look together.

When teacher is teaching multiple students, it’s always helpful for the students to remain silent until the teacher has finished explaining the concept completely. To remain silent during this time is productive. It allows the teacher to get the main points across and the other students to grasp the concept without being derailed by a question. In this context, I believe it is total appropriate for a woman, who naturally is more inquisitive, to remain silent and submissive to the teacher. So when you’re being taught, be silent and listen, try not to interrupt with questions until the right time.

Granted I have a little trouble with this verse 12. But here’s my explanation. God’s design was the man would be the head of the household and the woman would be submissive to her husband. The man is like Christ, meaning the head, while the woman is the body, meaning the church. We are to follow Christ, not follow somebody from the church. Therefore, as the woman was not designed to be the head over the man, she shouldn’t be in authority over him. Does this make sense? The difficulty I have is not the “authority” part, but the teaching part, for says Galatians 3:28 NKJV “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” If we’re all one and we are moved by the Holy Spirit to teach, I’m not sure why Paul would say a woman can’t teach a man. You can decide for yourself.

As Paul doesn’t stop with verse 12, he continues with verse 13 and 14, which provide his reasoning. Adam wasn’t deceived in the garden. It was Eve who was deceived. As a result, woman have a higher chance at being deceived, this is why Paul suggests woman shouldn’t teach men. I don’t know about you, but being a woman who teaches, I am keenly aware of my capability of being deceived. The last thing I want to do is deceive anyone. So all the more reason, I spend as much time in God’s Word as possible. I figure prayer, God’s Word, and His Spirit in me are the only three things that can keep me aligned with God and not drawn away by some deception.

That’s my take on this section of scripture. Hope you found it enlightening.

 

[JPPT1974]

Silence is golden you know!
Especially with God talking to us!

 

[ThinkOnIt]

This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); 6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 NKJV

Wow, what a list of qualifications. Even if you don’t desire to be a bishop, this is a good reminder for the children of God. All of these things should be present in God’s people, not just a bishop.

We all need reminders of the good path to follow. Today’s verse is a good check list. Review it for yourself. How well does it apply to you? If you find you’re not doing so well, thank God for revealing areas you and He can work on together.

I love verses like this one and 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NKJV because they provide a test I can use to determine how well I’m allowing the Spirit in me to conform me to God’s character. Try it for yourself. Simply read the verse above as though someone was describing you. How well does that fit? Are there areas you’re struggling with?

Lord, thank You for Your Word that so clearly describes godly behavior. Thank You for Your Spirit to lead us in Your ways. Forgive us when we fall short and help us to allow You to work in us. Develop Your character in us, so more of You is evident and less of us is displayed to the world around us. May we be diligent in our studies of Your Word and in the application of it in our lives. In Jesus’ name Amen.

 

[JPPT1974]

Jesus took twelve men and made
Them from seemingly normal people
With nothing to prove into twelve of
His Disciples!

 

[ThinkOnIt]

This is a question for all the readers out there. I'm currently doing a bible study called Sacred Marriage. Lesson 1 focus is on the purpose of marriage. It doesn't matter if you're married or single. I'd like you to consider the question above.

If God designed marriage with the purpose of developing His character in you, rather than for your happiness, how would that change your perspective on marriage?

What is holy anyway? Study God's Word to find out. God said "Be holy, for I am holy." When I look for the word "holy" throughout the Bible, I find locations can be holy, days can be holy, clothes could be holy, nations could be holy, people could be holy and of course God is holy. Holiness is like purity, having motives like God, for the good of others. Holiness is like love, thinking of others above yourself.

What if we started being holy in our marriages? What would that look like? How would our responses change?

Did you know happiness will find you, if you willingly follow God's ways. If God wants us to be holy, we should be holy and the result is a lasting joy appears in our life.

Any comments or thoughts you'd like to share?

 

[Simon Peter]

Thank you for this.

My understanding is that something is 'Holy' if it has been 'dedicated to God'.

So items, food, days, people and marriages can be holy.

With that perspective, you are so right...marriage is not about what we want, it belongs to God, it's about what He wants.

Simon

 

[ThinkOnIt]

Continuing with yesterday’s theme of holiness, I wanted to research more about the word. Using BibleGateway.com Easton’s 1897 Bible Dictionary resource, here’s what it said about Holiness and Sanctification.

Holiness in the highest sense belongs to God (Isa. 6:3; Rev. 15:4), and to Christians as consecrated to God's service, and in so far as they are conformed in all things to the will of God (Rom. 6:19, 22; Eph. 1:4; Titus 1:8; 1 Pet. 1:15). Personal holiness is a work of gradual development. It is carried on under many hindrances, hence the frequent admonitions to watchfulness, prayer, and perseverance (1 Cor. 1:30; 2 Cor. 7:1; Eph. 4:23, 24). See Sanctification.

So we see from above that holiness is a gradual process. Once we become Christ’s we are ever changing, morphing into His image. Everything in life (marriage, singleness, parenting, work, school, health, etc) is used as an instrument of conforming us to our heavenly Father’s character.

Sanctification involves more than a mere moral reformation of character, brought about by the power of the truth: it is the work of the Holy Spirit bringing the whole nature more and more under the influences of the new gracious principles implanted in the soul in regeneration. In other words, sanctification is the carrying on to perfection the work begun in regeneration, and it extends to the whole man (Rom. 6:13; 2 Cor. 4:6; Col. 3:10; 1 John 4:7; 1 Cor. 6:19). It is the special office of the Holy Spirit in the plan of redemption to carry on this work (1 Cor. 6:11; 2 Thess. 2:13). Faith is instrumental in securing sanctification, inasmuch as it (1) secures union to Christ (Gal. 2:20), and (2) brings the believer into living contact with the truth, whereby he is led to yield obedience "to the commands, trembling at the threatenings, and embracing the promises of God for this life and that which is to come."
Perfect sanctification is not attainable in this life (1 Kings 8:46; Prov. 20:9; Eccl. 7:20; James 3:2; 1 John 1:8). See Paul's account of himself in Rom. 7:14-25; Phil. 3:12-14; and 1 Tim. 1:15; also the confessions of David (Ps. 19:12, 13; 51), of Moses (90:8), of Job (42:5, 6), and of Daniel (9:3-20). "The more holy a man is, the more humble, self-renouncing, self-abhorring, and the more sensitive to every sin he becomes, and the more closely he clings to Christ. The moral imperfections which cling to him he feels to be sins, which he laments and strives to overcome. Believers find that their life is a constant warfare, and they need to take the kingdom of heaven by storm, and watch while they pray. They are always subject to the constant chastisement of their Father's loving hand, which can only be designed to correct their imperfections and to confirm their graces. And it has been notoriously the fact that the best Christians have been those who have been the least prone to claim the attainment of perfection for themselves." Hodge's Outlines.
Remember, God’s not done with us yet. We are in the process of becoming more like Him. He is faithful to carry out that process until Christ returns. Every day reveals more improvements, slight changes in mindset and/or behavior. Each new struggle is an opportunity for us to exercise the will of God and respond out of love rather than self-centeredness. Therefore, we continue to focus on the eternal things for only the eternal things will last. We know what we see is temporary and is passing away.

How are you doing on your holiness and sanctification? Any progress towards God is great. Don't get discouraged. Persevere for even in the persevering God is using it to develop His character in you.
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