Steps to Holy Living

10 commandments
Golden Rule
Judge not, lest you be judged
Faith can move mountains
Pray always
Give thanks in everything
Not my will, but Yours
Love your neighbor as yourself
Union with God
A relationship with Christ


When you are in a bad situation make it count for Christ because the world is watching you. Show the world that you trust God by not complaining or becoming bitter.

Live like it matters for eternity, because it does!

She did what the Lord commanded

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8)

If on my tombstone were written the words, “She did what the Lord commanded” and it was true, I would have died at peace.

God doesn’t ask us to do the impossible. He just wants us to believe in Him and then act on that belief!

He created us to have fellowship with Him. He had it with Adam and Eve in the garden and He has been reaching out to us ever since. He led the Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land, as a pillar of fire at night and a cloud by day. When they built the temple His presence was in the Holy of Holies. He spoke through the prophets. He came in the form of Jesus Christ to walk among us. He came as the Holy Spirit to live inside of us. And He gave us His word, the Bible to know Him better.

He is constantly reaching out to us. He wants our obedience to come from love for Him. The covenant with the Israelites was based on their keeping the law. The commandments were written in stone. The new covenant is based on forgiveness, mercy and grace. And the Bible tells us it is written on our very hearts.

Deuteronomy 10:12-13 says, “what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to Love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I command you this day for your good?”

God will bless obedience. The blessings of obedience are; knowing you are loved by God, having peace and being used by Him.

Here I am Lord. Send me!

One never does wrong by doing right. Put the matter in God's hands and simply do the right thing, leaving the outcome to God.

Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you. Joshua 3:5

The wonders God wants to do in all our tomorrows are prepared for in our todays! I pray this waiting is preparation!

Joy

From the book ‘A Call to Joy’

"We only ever have one moment of happiness and that is the present moment, yet we are constantly surrendering it for some greater happiness that is always just out of our reach and is eventually stolen from us by death. Recognize that you are happiness. Then begin to share it with your spouse, your children and everyone you meet. The more you bring happiness to others, the more you will recognize the infinite treasure of happiness within you.”

See givitup’s entire Joy line of apparel and gifts in their Fruits of the Spirit section here

Printed in our church bulletin once:

“I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have…Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast…The decision has been made – I’m a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure.

I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees,…tamed visions,…cheap giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity.

I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded.

I live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, am uplifted by prayer, and labor with power. My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear.

I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed.

I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the enemy, pander at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won’t give up, shut up, or let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And, when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me…my banner will be clear!

You will have no peace until you can say to God, “Thy will be done” and mean it!

Remember

The book of Deuteronomy uses the word remember sixteen times. It is the reason for preaching, teaching and Bible study. It is the inspiration for song, peace and prayer. We are to remember how faithful God has been in the past.

This doesn’t mean we should only remember the pleasant memories. Often it is the most bitter and difficult experiences, which profit us the most. They help us avoid making the same mistakes and to learn to serve God better.

The Israelites spent 40 years in the desert learning unity; that they were one people, with one God, going into one land.

In Deuteronomy chapter 7 God told the Israelites to wipe out all the people in the land they were moving into. This was a holy war and the Israelites were to be united both physically and religiously. They were not to be distracted by their apparently successful, but godless neighbors. They were to practice pure and single-minded worship. America began as “one Nation under God”, but we’ve become fragmented, distracted, caught up in unholy things. Part of me understands that the Muslims look on us as the rich, successful, but godless neighbors.

Everything is a gift from God. When you are prosperous you need to be especially careful so that you don’t forget God. Bible history shows us over and over again that an attitude of self-sufficiency eventually leads to a fall. The humility forced on the people in the desert should characterize the people in the prosperity in the Promised Land when they remember God and all that He has done for them.

God humored Israel for a purpose. His purpose was knowledge. He was primarily interested in knowledge in the area of faith. To test the Israelites and show them what they were made of. When September 11th happened, we were tested. And for a little while we came through. The Israelites had everything taken from them and depended on daily manna from God to get by. Manna also refers to the Word of God. We are to depend on His Word and that is most clearly seen in His law.

God disciplines us. He has a goal in mind for our good. He does it out of love and concern. To keep us from evil and lead us to good. Peace and happiness depends on a willingness to fit into God’s ways and live by His directions. He provides the means, but we must provide the willingness. We are called to make a decision and then show consistent conduct on that decision. When we do this, Deuteronomy 24:13 tells us it will be to our credit before the Lord.

God is never the author of evil. God created a good world and it fell because of man’s sin. He allows evil and so He has control over it, but He didn’t create evil and He always offers help to anyone who wants to overcome it. In Revelation 20:10-15 we see that one day God will completely do away with evil. But, for now, God uses everything – both good and evil – for His own good purposes. Our world is very similar to the Old Testament one. National and local governments do not seek God. Countries are tormented by war. Many people follow the false gods of technology and materialism. True worship of God is rare. For NATIONS to do God’s will we need INDIVIDUALS who will do God’s will.

Studying scripture changes lives

From Skip Heitzig’s book, “How to Study the Bible and Enjoy It”
It is the application of Scripture that makes the difference in our lives. The meat of the Word is doing what God wants. We must allow our knowledge about God to be transformed into a knowledge of God.

J.I.Packer wrote, “If we pursue the logical knowledge for its own sake, it is bound to go bad on us. It will make us proud and conceited.” It can puff us up, leading us to try to impress others with our mastery of Scripture. But, unless we love other people and live according to what the Lord has taught us – the Bible says we are nothing.

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Pride goes before the fall

Lucifer’s fall was more than physically being moved from Heaven to earth. It was a fall in position. At one time he was one of the 3 archangels, right up there with Michael and Gabriel! You couldn’t get any higher than that. Unless you were God. And that’s what Lucifer wanted. He wanted to be worshiped as God was. He was beautiful and smart and powerful, and his pride told him he deserved it.

God told him he didn’t. And He kicked him out of heaven.

When Satan fell he took a third of the angels in heaven with him.

Now, God had created a lot of angels. The Bible says multitudes. We are talking thousands and thousands. Angels are thought to have been formed after God make the heavens in Genesis 1:1, but before He created the earth. This theory is supported by Nehemiah 9:6, “And Ezra said, “Thou art the Lord, thou alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and thou preservest all of them; and the host of heaven worships thee.”

The theory is also supported by Job 38:4-7 “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements – surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?”

God then created man to populate and enjoy His creation. Satan was jealous and his pride told him he was better and therefore more deserving then they also. He set out to prove them unworthy and he succeeded in that much anyway. After THEIR fall Satan was given temporary rule of the earth. In 1 John 5:19 he is called the Prince of the world and it says the whole world is under the control of the evil one. When Jesus was in the wilderness being tempted by the devil, the devil says (in Luke 4:6) “I will give you all the kingdoms of the world’s authority and splendor, for it has been given to me and I can give it to anyone I want.” And the Lord Jesus left the statement unchallenged. Satan is not omnipresent like God, but because of his many followers, or demons, his influence spreads worldwide.

Christians need to be aware of him, but we have nothing to fear. In proportion to our trust in Christ we are delivered from the power of Satan’s temptation to sin. God has promised that when by faith we resist the devil, he will flee from us. (James 4:7) God will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear. Satan is on a short leash.

More thoughts on prayer

Daily prayers will diminish your cares. “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my voice.” Ps.55:17

A day hemmed in prayer is less likely to unravel.

“Pray about everything: tell God your needs and don’t forget to thank Him for His answers. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest.” Philippians 4:5,6

The power of prayer is in the one who hears it.

Pray more than once

In Paul’s New Testament letters he often asked people to pray for him. If Paul, as great as he was, felt the need to ask others to pray for him, we can certainly do the same. Sometimes prayer is all we can do. And we need to be doing it; for ourselves, for each other, for our church, for the nation, for the world.

Jesus said we are to love other people. Praying for them is a great way to demonstrate that love!

When we pray for the people on our Sunday School class’s or worship service’s prayer list, let’s not make it a one time prayer, said in a group on a Sunday morning. Write them down and pray daily for each one until you see an answer. I think that’s where the power lies and what God is trying to get us to do. And I think the discipline and the focus on God is a great thing for us too.

I read a commentary, written in the 1950’s, which said, “We live in a world where there are more nervous breakdowns than any time in history.” That was over 50 years ago and life hasn’t slowed down or become easier! I think that since than more and more people have the feeling that they cannot cope with life. While we may think we can’t possibly take on someone else’s burdens on top of our own; praying for them gives us strength to face our lives at the same time! There is power in prayer.

So, let’s end with one.

Heavenly Father, help us turn to You first in everything. Not only for ourselves, but also for our family, our friends, other believers and non-believers. There are so many situations that make us just want to throw up our hands. We need Your strength and to feel Your love. Continue to speak to us and guide us. In Christ’s name. Amen.

You are never so high as when you are on your knees.

Peace Clothing and Gift Line

Peace. We want it for ourselves, our country and our world. It’s one of the fruits of the spirit and just saying the word relaxes you. Spread this thought, wish and certain hope that God promises us with an item from givitup’s Peace clothing and gift line.

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How to Find Peace

As a Christian sometimes I struggle with Peace. Paul promises us a “peace that passes all understanding” and I have often asked my husband when I would get that peace. Where was the joy? Why did I still get hung up on daily annoyances?

Finally, as I hung in there with daily Bible study, something became clearer.

God spent a lot of time in the Old Testament giving His people direction and rules. The 10 commandments; what to eat, what not to eat, how to treat others, how a community should get along. I realized if we just obey the Bible, all the rules are for our own good. They would not only make us better people, but happier, more content people. To put God first gets our focus off of things and off of competing with other people. Like the old hymn, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” “and the things of the world will go strangely dim.” That’s peace! To know what really matters.

To love your neighbor as yourself – if we really care about others and put their needs before ours, we won’t worry about what we get back or feel slighted by others. We will act in a way that is pleasing to God and feel a contentment knowing we are acting right.

Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. God designed our bodies for work and for rest. He tells us to take a day off to regenerate. That’s a gift that we would guard and enjoy if we really did it.

Honor your father and mother. Television and movies are full of smart mouthed kids who seem to rule the home. God didn’t intend for families to be that way. Our society also discards old people. Years ago the older generation lived with their families until they died. Their wisdom was appreciated. Now the world is very youth oriented and very me oriented. We don’t want to be reminded we will be old someday. And we don’t want to take the time to care for the elderly. Deep down we realize we will be treated the same when we are old, but we push it out of our minds as long as we can. If we honored our parents and our children honored us, how much more peaceful we would be!

Thou shall not kill, steal or commit adultery – seems like a no brainer – but, what about abortion? Taking office supplies? Pornography? Aids? What a mess we have gotten into by not following God’s rules!

Jesus tells us not to be anxious and that He has come to give us life and life abundant. But, we have to do it His way. Only then will we get “the peace that passes all understanding.”

Something to remember

Something to remember from the book Steps To Christ by Ellen G. White

It is not wise to gather all the unpleasant recollections of a past life, - its iniquities and disappointments, - to talk over them and mourn over them until we are overwhelmed with discouragement. A discouraged soul is filled with darkness, shutting out the light of God from his own soul and casting a shadow upon the pathway of others.

Make it a rule never to utter one word of doubt or discouragement. You can do much to brighten the life of others and strengthen their efforts, by words of hope and holy cheer.

Parable of the Talents

Jesus tells a parable in Matthew 25:14-30 about a man who is going on a journey. Before he leaves he calls his servants and he gives different amounts of money to each “according to his ability.” While he was gone the man given 5 talents made 5 talents more. The man given 2 talents made 2 more, but the man who received one, buried it in the ground because he was afraid he would lose it and be punished when his master returned.

The first two men were both rewarded when their master returned, and the master said exactly the same thing to both, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.”

This shows we are to work with what we have. God knows how much he has given us and He expects us to use our abilities for His purposes and be ready to one-day give an account. Our knowledge comes with responsibilities. God’s rewards will be based on our faithfulness and stewardship of the goods and talents He has given us. There is no such thing as a gift less Christian! Works are an outcome of our faith.

The man who buried his talent was punished. He was not doing his master’s will. If we do nothing to further God’s kingdom, we are like this man and will be treated the same. God is the source of the good life and of blessing. He has the resources to give them because He is the creator. But, God expects His people to think of material possessions as first belonging to Him. He lends His choice things to people because He loves and cares for us. We are to administer them for God so that both His people and His wealth serve a purpose.

Both as sovereign and creator, God has a clear goal for history and creation. He requires his people to use His things for His purpose and according to His instruction. In order to accomplish these purposes He uses both people and things. He judges and disciplines people in their use of things and He adds to or takes away from the things He has lent.

From Max Lucado’s “It’s Not About Me.”

When our deepest desire is not the things of God, or a favor from God, but God Himself, we cross a threshold.

Out of the Generic Aisle

I saw a drama once called, “Christmas in a Grocery Sack” about two ladies: one in a business suit in a grocery store and one in blue jeans. The lady in jeans was saying that she was on her way to the Cooperative Christian Ministry for the third time that month and she was embarrassed, but what could she do? Her children needed diapers and they needed to eat.

The woman wearing the suit in the grocery store was in a hurry, but had stopped with a list of things CCM needed to hand out for the holidays: rice, beans, canned goods… she said she was in the generic aisle because she could get more for her money there.

The spotlight goes back to the lady in jeans who is saying, “I know they’ll give me diapers and rice at least, and probably creamed spinach – whose kids eat creamed spinach?”

The light returns to the lady in the generic aisle who is saying, “My kids wouldn’t touch this stuff.” Suddenly she stops, leaves the generic aisle and buys a turkey, cakes, snack food, mittens and toys.

Back to the lady in jeans who is pulling these items out of a grocery sack – her eyes wide with wonder and excitement and she is saying, “A turkey? Cakes? Toys? Why it’s Christmas in a sack!”

So many times we’re like the lady in the generic aisle. We think we’re being generous and doing what God expects us to do. Like the Pharisees we check off our lists. 1. Gave money to the poor. 2. Gave food to the needy. But, Jesus changed the woman’s heart and got her out of the generic aisle and on His path.

Walk the Talk

We accomplish little good when we tell of the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, but live lives inconsistent with His truth.

In what ways do people see authenticity in me? In what ways don’t they? Walk the talk!

Nicodemus: Out of the Dark, Into the Light

The Gospel of John tells the story of Nicodemus, a Pharisee, who comes to Jesus by night seeking answers to his questions. When Nicodemus says to Jesus, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher from God; for no one can do these signs that you do, unless God is with him.” Jesus doesn’t answer this statement, but immediately tells Nicodemus how to find salvation. Jesus looks beyond our words straight into our hearts.

When He told Nicodemus that he must be born again, He of course didn’t mean a physical birth. He meant a God given fresh start. By water (a cleansing and forgiveness) and the Spirit (the power to live a Christ filled life.)

Nicodemus was an older man and like us probably had many regrets. How many times have we tried to “start fresh?” At least every New Year’s Eve when we write up our lists of resolutions. Some of us daily as we try again and again, but the Bible tells us that the meaning of our life and the power of our life is Christ. Only He can bring us into a relation with God that makes us whole.

Nicodemus may have come in darkness, but he came to the light. Jesus is the answer to all our questions. He is the one who gives us new life.

If Only

I wish Oprah would do for the Kingdom what she does for other “causes”. Just think what a woman with all that power and all those resources could do!

Life's little choices

Joshua 24:14 says, “but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

This is a daily decision and everything we do all day should reflect on this promise. Obeying God is the first step. We need to check our thoughts and actions to see if there is an area where we lack total commitment to God. Often our motives, not our actions, contain the sin. If we fill our life with God, worship and service we will have no room for sin. But, it’s a daily and sometimes hourly decision to put God first. To put His will before ours, to choose the higher ground.

Luke 9:23 says, “Let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” We are called to ignore our selfish desires and follow Christ’s way. To strive to become more and more like Him.

John the Baptist told the Pharisees and Sadducees in Matthew 3:8 to “bear fruit that befits repentance.” Our words are judged by the actions that accompany them.

To help out at church, call the sick or lonely, give our time, talent and money always. Not just now or then in big things, but in constant daily things. God wants us to love others, help them and witness to them. That’s what Christians do. Love is the very foundation of Christianity. In every event of our day we can make a choice to put God’s will before our own. Should I pray first or get my chores done? Should I volunteer to teach a Sunday school class or just attend the class? Should I cook a meal for a sick neighbor or go out to dinner with my family. Should I read a Bible story to my child or send him off to bed with his own book. Should I lie to make things easier, or tell the truth and take the consequences? Should I put on an uncomplaining smile or grumble about my problems. Should I choose to accept my problems as a part of life and an opportunity to grow? Should I confess a sin and repent, or try to ignore it and live with the guilt.

The key ingredients to obedience can be found in Exodus 15:26. “If you will diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord your God and do that which is right in His eyes and give heed to His commandments and keep His statutes.” Then we are obedient to God. We are in His will. And our daily choices will reflect this

Lord, fill me with the Holy Spirit. Let me enter into the full inheritance of Christ. Show me what’s holding me back and help me repent of it.

Intolerance?

In my Sunday School class this week we started talking about being politically correct and how people accuse Christians of Intolerance. They tell us how “un-loving” that is and as Christians we are supposed to demonstrate love.

I think what non-believers call intolerance is a great demonstration of love. We are telling people how to get to heaven! I wouldn’t want my worst enemy to go to hell. So I tell them the way and the only way to heaven.

How is that not love?

From Beth Moore’s book “Breaking Free”

“For just a moment, I don’t want you to think about how far you have to go. Just rest a few moments. No telling on yourself. No looking in. Just look up. Think about how far you’ve come.”

“Sometimes we get tired of fighting the good fight. The thought of fighting our way through life is exhausting. Isaiah 40:31 tells us to wrap ourselves so tightly around God that we automatically go where He’s going. Like a child wrapped around the parent’s leg – the parent does the work! When we’re exhausted we’re expending more energy fighting the enemy than we are seeking God’s presence. More than you seek to win – seek Christ! Seek the kingdom first. Hang on to God for dear life!”

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Why Is Justice So Important?

In order to understand the end times we need to understand justice. Isaiah 2:12 says, “For the Lord of hosts has a day against all that is proud and lofty, against all that is lifted up and high.”

The day of the Lord Almighty is the Day of Judgment when God will judge good and evil. When we study God’s word we see that God will lift up the humble, judge all people, destroy the wicked and bring all believers together to establish the new heaven and the new earth.

Why is justice so important in the Bible? First, justice is a part of God’s nature. It is the way He runs the universe. Second, it is the natural desire of every person. Even as sinners, we all want justice for ourselves. And third, when government and church leaders are unjust, the poor and powerless suffer. Then they are hindered from worshipping God. So, injustice attacks God’s children.

When we do nothing to help the oppressed we are in fact helping the oppressor. We shouldn’t just leave it to our country or church to carry out justice. Each individual must deal justly with people and situations. We are accountable to God. We need to be more concerned with the poor and powerless. Less self-serving and self-centered. Christ is described in Isaiah 11:2-5 as the perfectly fair judge. We are called to live by His example. God’s complete moral perfection is revealed by His hatred of all sin and this will lead to judgment. This same moral perfection is revealed in His love for all He has created and this leads to mercy. Mercy for sinners who put their trust in Jesus. We don’t have a chance with justice! We NEED mercy! And lucky for us God is also a God of mercy.

Although sin must and will be punished, for believers it already has been. Christ took on all sin and died for it. Because of this, we who believe are granted God’s mercy for Salvation. We don’t deserve it, but God loves us enough to give it to us. Our first step is realizing we need it. Our second is to ask for it!

The Alpha and the Omega

John and I went to another church today to hear Dr. Ron McManus speak. He is a worldwide church consultant for the General Council Assembly of God.

His message was on chapter one of the book of Revelation and he talked about how Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega. Not only the beginning, but also the end. He has seen our tomorrows. Dr. McManus said something I thought was really good.

“Jesus tells us if we will let Him, He will walk us through all of our tomorrows.”

The second thing I took away that I want to think about every day is; whatever we are going through right now we need to stand and praise Jesus in the midst of it.

Pleasing God

R.C. Sproul wrote in his book Running the Race: A Graduate's Guide to Life;
"What is pleasing to God is not that much of a mystery: He has given us page after page of instructions as to what pleases him. And so the ultimate goal of our lives is to be faithful in serving him. There is much latitude in the many specific goals we can attain—in career, in family, in hobbies—while following the goals for a godly life as set forth in Scripture."

Honor God with our choices.

It's not about me!

Is that what God keeps trying to tell me? Have I gotten that far on the road? The path of my Christian journey?

When I struggle with why things happen and why they aren’t the way I wish or dream they would be…maybe the only answer, what I’m suppose to be learning, is; it’s not about me!

Marital problems. Why can’t we solve them? We know God wants people to stay married, to have good and loving relationships – and still it isn’t perfect and easy. We come up against the same old things. Is God trying to remind us that He is bigger than our relationship? That we need to lose ourselves in His will? Put HIM first? THEN our spouse, and THEN ourselves? To be giving, loyal, generous, loving and not worry about getting?

In the world today it is so hard to be that way. Every book has a hero, every magazine an article about taking care of ourselves, every trophy or metal something to go after, every commercial tells us “we deserve it”!

But, God showed us in Christ that we are to be servants. What a relief it would be if we could get that right! No more competition with others. No more feeling like we’ve been let down or didn’t get what we deserved. No more anxiety about how, or whether, things will work out in our favor. Just a quiet sense of living life the way God intended. Looking out for others and loving Him more than we love ourselves.

One of the most important choices you make in life is your attitude!