What God Has Been Teaching Me Lately LXV (65)…

Greetings My Friends~

As a simple pilgrim
following the Lord Jesus
through the rainforests and deserts of this earthly life,

I would like to humbly share
some of what God has been bubbling up in my mind/heart lately
through the Bible.

I pray that these thoughts are

cushions in your shoes,
balm to your burns,
umbrellas for the rain,
and shade to the scorching heat

as you too follow the Lord Jesus each day.

(please click on the Bible books/chapters/verses below
to read the actual Scripture passages)

(March, 2017)

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The One Way We’re Encouraged To Boast!

A. Bragging about the LORD’s power & faithfulness to other Christians leads to

our delight,
knowing God better,
sacrifice for God &
praise to Him!

Exodus 18:7-12

B. Oh that Christians would have less small talk together &
more big talk about the LORD’s character & faithfulness
in their daily life!

Exodus 18:7-12

.
Sin Enslaves, Not Enriches;
Sin Is A Trap Not A Treasure

For the world, freedom is pleasure thru sin (getting cheese).

But the cheese isnt treasure–it’s bait.

Sin doesnt set you free it keeps you trapped in the maze.

John 8:34; Romans 6:15-22; Genesis 4:7

.
Do You Read The Bible So The Bible Reads You?

A. Taking snippets here & there from God’s Word is us reading the Bible;
Going thru God’s Word verse by verse is the Bible reading us…

Hebrews 4:12-13; Acts 20:20-21, 27; 2 Timothy 3:16-17

B. LORD, help us treat the Bible’s hard passages
not as golfers treat sandtraps–avoiding them–
but as weary travelers treat the beach–resting & playing in & digging deep.

.
Mundane Is Not In The LORD’s Dictionary

Listening to epic soundtracks during “mundane” chores
reminds me that nothing is mundane
if done as worship for Christ Jesus–

Colossians 3:23-24

.
Why Should We Be Devoted To Christ Jesus?

Exodus 13:8: The real reason that Christians
should do anything for the Lord Jesus,
why we should follow Him sacrificially & obey to show our love for Him!

.
Witness Protection Program

Our US government’s witness protection program
keeps us hidden & away from danger;

Our Governor Jesus’ witness protection program
keeps us out in the open & exposed to danger!

Matthew 10:16; John 16:33; Acts 1:8
For more on this, please click HERE and HERE.

.
Be Sober About Signs & Wonders

Christians, be careful following/learning from/looking up to someone
because they can perform miracles/signs.

Pharaoh’s magicians did some through “secret arts”--Exodus 7:22,
False prophets can do them as well–Matthew 24:23-25

.
The Problem Of Pragmatism

Instead of humbling themselves before the LORD & repenting
as the Nile turned to blood,
the Egyptians tried to solve their problem on their own–Exodus 7:20-24, esp. 24

.
Seek The Giver Not The Gifts

No matter what we face today, seek His face no matter what!

“May all who seek You
rejoice and be glad in You…
The LORD is great!” Psalm 40:16

.
Who God Is Directs What God Does

In Exodus 6:6-8, the seven “I will” promises of God
are bookended by the two “I am the LORD” declarations.

God’s identity guarantees His activity.

.
Grace Is An Undeserved Grant, Not An Earned Scholarship

Thankful that the U.S. Marines say–“Always earned, never given.”

More thankful that the Lord Jesus says regarding His salvation–

“Always given, never earned.”

Ephesians 2:1-10 

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Self Confidence Is A Bucket Full Of Holes

Boldly proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ
requires God-confidence,
not self-confidence…
and suffering can increase our God-confidence (Philippians 1:14).

.
Worship The LORD For Who He Is, Not For How You Feel

After much suffering & at his earthly life’s end,
Jacob was still worshiping the LORD,
clinging to & counting on His promises–

Genesis 47:31 & 48:3-4; Hebrews 11:21

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Being Before Doing

So important to notice in Mark 3:14-15
that the Lord Jesus chose His disciples
to first be with Him
and then second to do for Him.
Know Him!

.
Earth Sells Saltwater, Heaven Gives Living Water

Earth offers a temporary happy meal (you pay the price!);

heaven offers an eternal joyful meal for free (Jesus paid the price!).

Revelation 19:6-9; John 4:10-14