What a wonderful scripture I found during my time with God today. I am in the book of 2 Chronicles and enjoying reading the Bible chronologically. During one of the battles when the Eastern Enemies came against God’s people, Jehoshaphat was king of Judah. He was a king who did good.
The enemies’ army was a “vast multitude” and scripture says that Jehoshaphat was afraid. I would say that is a normal emotion at a time like that. What do you think he did in his fear? This is what 2 Chronicles 20:3 says that he did. “Jehoshaphat was afraid, so he resolved to seek the Lord. What a novel idea!
I thought about his response and then began to look at situations in my life that make me fearful at times. I questioned my responses to many of them and I’m sad to say that there were times that seeking the Lord was not my first choice. Some of my choices were to panic, fix it, stick my head in the sand, etc. I will say that those choices did work in some situations but I never had peace in them. Why do we struggle so with allowing God to be our Guide, Counselor, Protector and Victor? Is it a trust issue? Do we believe God can, but maybe He’s too slow or needs help from us to tell Him how to do it? Or, could it be that we don’t like how He has goes about His work? I’m sure all of those have probably come into your mind at times too.
I was encouraged with Jehoshaphat’s prayer and I hope you will be too. He says, “We are powerless before this vast multitude that comes to fight against us. We do not know what to do, but we look to You.” 2 Chronicles 20:12. The last phrase is vital. We must admit that we don’t know, but we know Who does and we're seeking God. What army is pressing in on you? Wherever and whatever battle you find yourself in, look to the Lord.
Becky
Who Stands By You?
As I enjoyed my Quiet Time this week, one of my readings was Acts 27:23. “For this night an angel of the God I belong to and serve stood by me.” This is from the account of the severe storm at sea that jeopardized the ship, Paul, and all the passengers on their way to Rome.
The message from that angel was “Don’t be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar. And, look! God has graciously given you all those who are sailing with you.” Then Paul said, take courage, men, because I believe God that it will be just the way it was told to me” (Acts 23:24, 25).
How could Paul be so confident and bold? I think verse 23 speaks first to that. A few versions use the words “whose I am and who I serve.” You see, Paul knew who he was. He had a personal relationship with Christ. He was redeemed (bought) by His blood and he lived for Him (Christ) who died for him (2 Cor. 5:15). Paul lived with a God-ward focus. He became a living sacrifice (Rom. 12:1, 2).
And, secondly, he knows from past experience that God stood by him. He stood by him when he was in Corinth (Acts 18:9, 10), and when he was in custody in Jerusalem (Acts 23:11). And, he told Timothy that when all others deserted him that “the Lord stood with me and strengthened me” (2 Tim. 4:16, 17). These all took place at a crisis in Paul’s life.
Thirdly, he believed God. It’s not just believing in God, but believing God that gives us comfort, courage and peace. Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.” In a study by Beth Moore entitled “Believing God”, we learned that:
1. God is who He says he is
2. God can do what He says He can do
3. I am who God says I am
4. I can do all things through Christ
5. God’s word is alive and active
“I’m believin’ God”
When we Belong to Him, Serve Him and Believe Him, we need not fear. He will Stand by me. The promise is that He will not forsake me but instead be with me and strengthen me. I’d like to close with a quote from John Bunyan from his cell in Bedford Jail where he was imprisoned for preaching the Gospel. “The prison very sweet to me hath been since I came here; and so would also hanging be, if Thou didst then appear.” It was said of that quote that Bunyan was saying that if his trial revealed more of Christ to him, it was worth all the pain. If God used this storm to reveal more of Christ to Paul or to bring any of the men on board to Jesus Christ, the life-threatening ordeal would have been well worth it.
How about you? Do you know whose you are and who you serve? Do you have confidence to share with others what God is revealing to you? By the way, what is He revealing to you about Himself and your relationship to Him? How’s your Quiet Time?
I’m reminded of an older song .
“Once I stood in the night with my head bowed low,
In the darkness as black as could be;
And my heart felt alone and I cried, O Lord,
Don’t hide Your face from me.
Like a king I may live in a palace so tall,
With great riches to call my own;
But I don’t know a thing in this whole wide world
That’s worse than being alone.
Hold my hand all the way,
Every hour, every day
From here to the great unknown
Take my hand; Let me stand
Where no one stands alone”
Who Stands By You?
Becky
In Tozer’s book “The Pursuit of God”, he makes a statement that I believe is worth each of us considering. “To most people God is an inference, not a reality. He is a deduction from evidence which they consider adequate, but He remains personally unknown to the individual.” Oh, to be sure, most Christians would say that they believe in God but when push comes to shove, can and will they say that they have experienced God personally? If that is not the case, God is no more real to them than He is to the non-Christian. In other words, this person believes in God in theory only.
I know that it is hard for the Christian living in this present world of sin to experience, by faith, the presence of God. Nevertheless, He is present. “And I will ask the Father and He will give you another Helper that He may be with you forever, that is the Spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you.” (John 14:16, 17).
Our dilemma is that the visible becomes the enemy of the invisible; the temporal, of the eternal. We forget that the invisible Reality is God. We get so indebted to this world’s value system that we forget to bank eternal values. These are not just deposits for heaven, but values from a loving God to insure that we can live “other-worldly” now. This means living to please God. What this physical world cannot see should be visible reality to you and me. Of which does your life testify; worldly or “other worldly?” Are you happy with your answer? It takes a great deal of faith to walk in “other-worldliness.” Scripture addresses this in Hebrews 11:6. “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”
I have no 3-point thoughts or (as many of us desire) short-cuts, to magically make God, Author of the “Other-world”, a Visible Reality in your life, but I do have a word from God. “O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” (Psalm 34:8) “As you begin to see His goodness and focus on Him, the things of the spirit will take shape before your inner eyes.” (Tozer). Result? Living “Other-worldly.”
Enjoy!
Becky
Achieving the Bottom Line
I wonder if you are like me at times, finding it difficult to know where to go for your Quiet Time? That is the place I was in for about 10 days. Nothing satisfied. I kept feeling the need for more than just cliches and clever sounding phrases. Of course, I knew the Bible was where I needed to be but just not knowing the exact process to take. Do I take a book and begin verse by verse, do I work on a topic, etc. Looking at all the books on my shelf, my eyes went to this little book by Oswald Chambers entitled, “Shade of His Hand.” It is a book consisting of messages he gave to the British troops in October 1917. These were to be his last lectures because he died on November 15, 1917. He took them from the book of Ecclesiastes.
I thought “oh no, this is that book that is so depressing about how to find meaning to life. After all, I’ve already found it.” But God kept pressing me toward that book. As a result of God’s persistence and my obedience, that’s where I am these mornings.
This morning my reading was Ecclesiastes 1:16-18. It is as follows.
“I said to myself, Look, I have amassed wisdom far beyond all those who were over Jerusalem before me, and my mind has thoroughly grasped wisdom and knowledge. I applied my mind to know wisdom and knowledge, madness and folly; I learned that this too is a pursuit of the wind. For with much wisdom is much sorrow; as knowledge increases, grief increases.”
In today’s words I think Solomon is saying, “I’m great and I’m smart but so what?” You see, he was to discover that glorifying God was man’s/woman’s chief end to life.
That’s all well and good but how does a woman in my situation “flesh that out?” What does that look like practically in real life? The exact picture in each particular circumstance will look differently. But the means is the same. OC said, “Jesus Christ is the One who can transmute everything we come across.” That means everything. Why bother? Because unless we do, we will not glorify God.
That does not necessarily mean it is going to be exactly the way we would have it be but remember, we desire to glorify God and it must be His way. Sometimes the way is rugged, sometimes the way is smooth, but one thing we know for sure is that what He has called us to, He will take us through.
How is that possible? You don’t understand what I am going through may be your reply to me. Well, I don’t but as a fellow Christ-follower, we have the Possible living inside to do the impossible. One of my favorite verses of scripture is found in 2 Peter 1:3.
“For His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.”
God’s word says everything for life and godliness. We have no excuses. Oh yes, we, like Solomon, may have questions and discouragement from time to time but it’s up to each of us as to whether or not we want to glorify God and accept the way He sees or whether we want to “do it my way.” Do you know the ironic thing about that is that at the end of “your way”, like Solomon, you still will be searching for meaning.
Just for a glimpse into God’s care over all His works, sit down and read Psalm 104. Then I dare you to think that God hasn’t given to “the apple of His eye” the perfect way to true joy and happiness. How much more will He provide if you let Him!!!
Do you need some extra encouragement? I definitely do at times. If you need the help of a Women’s Bible Study or would like to explore further our One With One Discipleship, please give me a call at 998-2989 or email me at bdnbkyoder@aol.com.
Grace and Peace
Becky
DEPOSIT, DIVISION, DETACHMENT
I have just finished two months in a little book by Oswald Chambers entitled “Studies in the Sermon on the Mount.” Verse by verse from Matthew 5-7, I focused on a small segment and used it as a starter to my Quiet Time each day. It was a great time each morning. I am convinced that God’s Word needs to be meditated upon to have a meaningful time of meeting with Him each day. Along with His Word, Oswald Chambers just gave so much to consider. I think one lesson that impressed and stuck with me the most was concerning the scripture in Matthew 6:19-24.
19 "Don't collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don't break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
22 "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. So if the light within you is darkness—how deep is that darkness!
24 "No one can be a slave of two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot be slaves of God and of money.
(Holman Christian Standard Bible)
First, from verse 19 through 21, Chambers speaks of this as the “Doctrine of Deposit.” You see, if we are to become Worthy Women of God, we need to concentrate on the information that we deposit into our banking account. And, my banking account is in heaven. God’s Word definitely tells us what is acceptable to deposit into that account. Chambers says that whenever I am in doubt about a thing, push it to its logical conclusion – “Is this the kind of thing that Jesus Christ is after or the kind of thing satan is after?” What are you depositing in your account?
Secondly, from verses 22 and 23, he calls this the “Doctrine of Division.” I call it “Da Vision.” Worthy Women must also be careful to walk in the light of God. Many times we shade the light because of our own preferences, but that will not work. Chambers says “Darkness is my point of view, my right to myself; light is God’s point of view.” So, take your sunglasses off. Let’s not be counted with those who loved darkness rather than light. (Jn. 3:19). Where are your sights set?
Lastly, from verse 24, the plight of Worthy Women gets harder. The reason is because this is called the “Doctrine of Detachment.” James 4:4 says “whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” We can’t have it both ways. The enemy is very good at helping us to compromise, but it cannot be. Chambers says, “We have to realize that there is a division as high as heaven and as deep as hell between the Christian and the world.” We may already find ourselves in some compromising situations. What is a person to do? Well, how about confession and repentance? Maybe some of you are in the clear. My advice to you is to be on guard. And, it is possible to have victory in both situations, whether you are caught in compromise or fighting the enemy off each day. Guess what? “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1Jn. 4:4)
Grace and Peace
Becky
In my recent reading of a book entitled “Pillars of Christian Character” by John MacArthur, he devotes a chapter on growth. He states: “GROWTH: NO REAL LIFE WITHOUT IT.” Life by definition is a growth process. That which is alive is growing. We see it all around us. Thus, the same is true of our spiritual life. We are alive spiritually, hence we are meant to grow. MacArthur further quotes Pastor John R. W. Stott :
“The great privilege of the child of God is relationship; his great responsibility is growth. Everybody loves children, but nobody in his right mind wants them to stay in the nursery. The tragedy, however, is that many Christians, born again in Christ, never grow up. Others even suffer from spiritual infantile regression. Our heavenly Father’s purpose, on the other hand, is that “babes in Christ” should become “mature in Christ.” Our birth must be followed by growth.” (See: 2 Timothy 3:16, 17)
Are you a brand spanking new baby in Christ? Or, are you possibly, for whatever reason, one who accepted Jesus Christ at one point in your life and just didn’t grow? The story is told of a little boy who fell out of bed and when asked what happened, he said, “I guess I stayed too close to where I got in.” Could that be you? One more thought. Growing means seeking God which results in knowledge and wisdom. Then we discover that God expects us to obey. I wonder if we might think it better to be like the ostrich and
bury our heads in the sand and claim spiritual ignorance. I don’t for one minute think that applies to any of you reading this article. But, if you know someone who may be helped by the reminder that by being ignorant, we also miss so much of what God has for us, please feel free to pass this on.
I would like to quote from the Book of books. “May grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. For His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” (The Bible: 2 Peter 1:2, 3) Yes, God uses godly friends and preachers, etc. but the only peace that stands is when you know that you know that you know you have received God’s Word and not woman’s opinion.
I’ve mentioned this before and probably will many times again, but I myself take seriously 2 Timothy 2:7 as an admonition and reminder of who I am and Who God is.. “Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.” Be encouraged by your friends, be encouragers to your friends, but always be listening to God’s instruction. How will you know what He’s saying if you don’t know His Word? Jesus said, “……I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance” (John 10:10b). That is the goal in Women’s Ministry; to help you attain that abundant life.
Do I, do any of us have all the answers? Not in this life! But together we can seek God and He’ll reveal step by step as He sees a heart who truly desires to follow His Son.
Please, anytime I can answer a question or be of any help in pointing you to the one who can, do not hesitate to call me. If I am not at church, the secretaries will give you a number where I can be reached.
Grace and Peace Becky
I have been reading in Hosea these last two weeks, and two particular verses just jumped out and compelled me to memorize them. “Ephraim had allowed himself to get mixed up with the nations. Ephraim is unturned bread baked on a griddle. Foreigners consume his strength and he does not notice. Even his hair is streaked with gray and he does not notice.” (Hosea 7:8,9 -Christian Standard Bible)
I meditated on this for quite a while. I asked God to examine my own heart in this matter, and then I looked around at our town, our county, our church, and our homes and just knew that God’s spokesman had a message as much for today as he did in his own time.
Look around. Are we guilty of being “half-baked” Christians? It has the same idea as walking the middle of the road. I will serve God a little, but I also will get on the other side when my desires and self want to. I think that borders on idolatry. Oh, those idols may not be able to be seen by others, but in our hearts they are no less idols. How sad that the scripture says “…..he did not notice….” Before he knew it, he was old. Why do we wait so long to walk the walk? Is it God’s fault? Is the world too hard to live in? As we’ve been hearing during the last couple of weeks in our own church, the answer is NO! Why? It’s because we have the Holy Spirit. What I must go through here on earth, God has equipped me so that I can have victory. I can be sold out for Christ. I don’t have to compromise. However, I have to intentionally have my mind set on Him.
Ephraim came to a sad end. “When Ephraim spoke, men trembled; he was exalted in Israel. But he became guilty of Baal worship and died.” Ephraim had been a great tribe in Israel (Gen. 48:10–20) now it would become like the clouds, the dew, the chaff, and the smoke—nothing. (See: Hosea 13:1-3)
Have you ever found yourself in a compromising situation and the world consumed your strength. That’s what begins to happen inch by inch until we’re beat. God’s fault? I hardly think so. Look how our Hosea scripture starts out. “Ephraim has allowed………………” I think I grabbed hold of the rendering of this particular version mostly because of the word “allowed.” It is always my choice.
I am reading a new book that was sent to me, and there was a thought in there about choice. The word choice means the ability to choose for ourselves, and it also means “the best”. God is the “choice” choice! What will your choice be?
Grace and Peace
Becky
For quite awhile now, the Christian Church at Cogan Station has been “seeking God for revival.” I came across a very wonderful guide to enhance my prayers by means of praying scripture. I continue to come back to these petitions. Just the other day the emphasis guided me to Psalm 139:23, 24. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.” The suggested prayer was that God reveal any obstacles that would hinder revival and, in obedience, remove them. I certainly looked into my own heart first and then followed by that prayer for our church. I realized that God has no problem revealing those hindrances, but it very often is in me on the receiving end. Am I truly desiring revival and am I willing to receive God’s findings in my heart to the extent of removing them?
I believe the last part of that scripture “And lead me in the everlasting way” is the most vital. I have such good intentions, but then without that 90 degree turn to His leading, I get right back on the wrong path. A scripture that has come to mean so much to me is found in Jeremiah 6:16. “Thus says the LORD, "Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it.’” How sad!
Again, I ask myself the question and I encourage you to examine your own heart. Am I truly desiring revival to the extent that I, like David, am willing to let God lead me and proceed with heart surgery that I may find rest for my soul and be a vessel for use in God’s kingdom? Or, will I, like the folks in Jeremiah’s day, declare, “I will not walk in it?”
If this thought has been helpful, may I suggest committing to memory these four words to help you remember and act on God's Way when the enemy is pulling you in the other direction. They are:
REVEAL RECEIVE REMOVE REST
It seems like the beginning of each year, the Lord gives me a few words that become my theme. Everything, all I say and do, ends with that theme. Sometimes I know God is very pleased with me and yet other times, I fail. My words this year are “Lord, be honored.”
It all began with a verse from Exodus 12:42. “Because the Lord kept vigil that night to bring them out of Egypt, on this night all the Israelites are to keep vigil to honor the Lord for the generations to come.” (NIV). Now I must admit that I am a strong proponent of the New American Standard Bible, however, the wording just didn’t have a great impact on me until I saw it in the NIV. I’ve learned from Bible students and teachers that it is very good to check out different versions of scripture when you are pondering a passage and I’m so glad I did.
Of course, you know that for the Christian, this is a picture of what Christ did on our behalf and what we in turn must do. Because of the mercy of God, we received grace and we now owe Him. I have learned that “grace” is not only what God gave me as a one-time act of love in connection with salvation but the effect of that “grace” must continue in my life. One definition of grace is as follows - “the God-given power and desire to accomplish His will.” We must move on from where we began our walk with the Lord. He states in Titus 2:11, 12 “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled , upright and godly lives in this present age.”
I have learned to pray for that kind of grace. I have the Power, the Holy Spirit, but I must have the desire. “Lord, give me the ‘want-to’ of what You want to do through me.” I must stop trying and get to doing the thing. I, and probably some of you, get pretty helpless and pathetic when we go to God many times. One wise person told me that constant struggle is many time simply delayed obedience. I think she is right. I am not minimizing the need to struggle, but let’s allow God to have that victory as we obey.
Now, back to what I owe Him. I owe Him a life “holy and pleasing to God.” (Rom. 12:1) Not only that, but I owe Him another soul. The Psalmist in 71:17, 18 says, “Since my youth, O God, You have taught me and to this day I declare Your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declareYour power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come.” This Psalmist is desiring to flesh out the Exodus 12 command.
Yes, God kept vigil in Egypt and He is still keeping vigil today. Look at 2 Chronicles 26:9a. “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.” In 1 Peter 3:12, Peter reminds the churches of this. Will I, will you, keep vigil to honor the Lord?
I pray it is your desire to honor God. Women’s Ministry is excited and willing to help equip and assist you. If you have a need to further your relationship to God, we have Bible Studies and Discipleship available. If you want to pass on blessing to others, we are in need of workers in the Encouragement Ministry. If you desire to get together with other sisters to pray, join us Wednesday nights at 6:30.
Email or call me at the church office.
Grace and Peace
Becky Yoder