Psalm 119:25-32 Third Read...

There is something very important here that we can't miss. Especially with our blogging and making comments on scripture... we have to prevent our meditating from wondering off into fantasy and become fruitless daydreaming.

119:26a - I have told of my ways... 119:29 - Remove the false way from me...

> Man's ways must be made clear and separated from God's ways. "We have to stay God-Centered and Gospel focused in our thinking."

119:26b - Teach me Thy statues...

> We must learn, read, take notes, listen, ask questions, memorize... absorb!   - then...

 

119:27a - Make me understand the way of Thy precepts...

> Pray for understanding.  You have to "download" the information correctly before you can work with it... Once you have it ask the question's that help you understand it. In all you do gain understanding... This is the largest problem in the world today - The wrong 'understanding' of the gospel and the word 'believe'.  They have wrongly interpreted (understood) the scriptures. This is a subtle way that Satan will lead you astray. 

119:27b - So I will meditate on Thy wonders

> 1.) Learn it.   2.) Seek to understand correctly what you have learned.   3.) Then meditate on it... You can't get out of this order; if you do you will be walking in dangerous territory.  Make sure your meditating is based on a proper understanding of what you have learned from scripture. 

-scott

What does the lost man's life look like?

Psalm 119:25-32 Second Read...

Meditating on these verses and being in Las Vegas is ironic.

119:26 "I have told of my ways"...
> We need to get honest with ourselves and place all our desires, thoughts, intentions, goals, etc. before God. For the sole purpose that He reveal who we actually are to us.
> At the same time we must ask Him to "Teach us His ways"(119:26b) with the desire to respond to what we He teaches us...(119:27)

119:28 "My soul weeps because of grief".
>This is what is supposed to happen when our ways are placed before our eyes. This is the proper response! Ironically I'm in a place (Las Vegas) that if these people had there hearts placed before there eyes it should scare them to death... what's truly frightening is they aren't even looking and they'll fight you if you try to tell them; look at you like you're stupid make fun of you and walk away getting set deeper in there sin.

119:29 "Remove the false way from me"
> This should be our desire each morning as we start our day. Psalm 19:12-14 really develops this..."acquit me of hidden faults, keep me from presumptuous (deliberate) sin, let sin not rule over me... my desire is to be blameless before You, let my words and my meditations be acceptable in Thy sight...O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

119:29b "Graciously grant me Thy law"
> This is a request for a standard. A "Plum Line"; accountability from God. "You lay down your ways, and God lays down His ways. Clear black and white...no gray's... nothing but absolute truth!

119:30 "I have chosen the faithful way, I have placed Thine ordinances before me"
> This is nothing but an act of Grace on a man's heart. We wouldn't even be looking had He not first drawn us. Praise Him!

119:31 "I cleave to Thy testimonies"... do not put me to shame, O Lord"
> When you see your ways in sin... it should scare you to death. This is a white knuckle grip on Him, desperate for Him because He is truly your only hope.

119:32 " I shall run the way of Thy commandments"
> This isn't something to just make a part time hobby out of. Run with all your might... for He will enlarge your heart = The more you chase after Him and run from self the more He fills you.

What a God we serve...
-scott

Psalm 119:25-32 First Read...

What a week to begin Psalm 119:25-32! I'm traveling this week to Las Vegas for a business convention. God is so good to me, so gracious... I've been able to spend 4 hours straight in the word! I'm sitting on the plane right now writing this "offline" to later place the text into the blog and my heart is just aching for Him. I long to see Him more today than I ever have. I have a renewed desire to protect my eyes, my mind, my thoughts, my desires for Him. To love my wife more than I ever have and to stand in awe of what he is doing in the lives of my kids. I can't help but wonder if this renewed strength is just to get me through the trip safely and without the stain of sin. I sense this often when I travel... more aware of Him... more fear of hurting Him and losing the fellowship of His presence. I really desire to see sin the way He does... to hate it more and to know how to expose it and minister to those trapped in it. Sin is in the hearts of the people sitting on this plane... not in the location that they "indulge their desires in". They only call Vegas "Sin City" because what is in a wicked heart is truly brought out in the open, but truthfully that can be said about any town in America today.

On to Psalm 119:25-32... After reading it several times I can tell there is a lot here!! I'll start at the end and work backwards:

- That God will enlarge my heart (vs 32)
- That He will Remove the false way from me (vs. 29)

These verses jumped out the most to me in my first read. In 2 Corinthians 6:11-13 the main thing that hinders someone from truly hearing and learning and growing are there "affection's". The "False Way's" within them. (119:29) The appetites and desires for anything other than God... simply "idols" (2 Timothy 3:2-5). We have so much sin in our nature and so many idols before our eyes that we blindly chase after the wrong things and think we are OK. What we need is a huge appetite for God and a heart that has the capacity to hear and see Him.

To obtain this we need to be brought to dust (spiritually - 119:25,28) and revived according to His word - spending the rest of our life removing the "False way's from us" and choosing His way's over our own (119:30-31); Holding on to His testimonies and truth...meditating on Him and allowing Him to enlarge our heart for more of Him. (119:27,31-32) Does this sound like a road you are on?

119:5 Oh that my ways may be established to keep Thy statutes!

Remember... it's all about the heart and the direction it casts its desires.
-scott

My Concern for Youth...

Two types of people may be reading this blog. One is the 9th grade Sunday School class I've designed it for.  The other is parents, adults, & just general christians that are into the blog world.

These posts may sound pretty heavy for 9th graders.  Some youth may be thinking it's 'a little much'. Others may be thinking 'I'll never have the time to actually do this stuff'... and to some it sounds out and out boring.  Wherever your opinion may fall - here's my concern which comes from being a "Youth group kid" myself a 'few' years ago.

The only expectation on kids today is "Let them be kids".  They focus on grades, homework, football practice, and dating.  The main concern seems to be fitting in, blending in, and getting on to the freedoms and experiences of College. Most parents today are caught up in work, busy schedules with "football practices", and simply keeping things going. Usually God falls between the cracks... "Where are the parents!!!"

The teen throws God in on Sunday and maybe Wednesday, but often forgets He even exists during the week. The teen mind is quite full Monday through Saturday. School has become a breeding ground for what is said in 2 Timothy 3 - "Lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power.." Sadly this is a description of most American youth. And the main question is 'where are the parents'? Go to the local mall on a Friday/Saturday night and you'll ask what ever happened to dad? How could these girls be allowed out of a house dressed the way they are?  How could these boys be allowed to act the way they do? The most important things in a teens life are style, the latest technology, and relationships. The teens life could be summed up like this: School, practice, homework, dinner, Cell phone, bed. In between these things are added T.V. , Internet, texting, more cell phone, and ipod.  Life is centered around self and then comes college which is exciting because it's more of the same with no parental control at all. A time when you can just indulge the flesh and somewhat get away with it.  Of course there are a few teens that break the mold, but sadly it's only a few.  Often this verse can be applied to the "Youth group teen": Titus 1:16 - They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient, and worthless for any good deed." 

My desire is to first seek the Lord diligently myself.  How can I open my mouth if I'm not first doing it myself?  We don't need to try to convince these kids to believe what we believe; we need to take them by the hand and introduce them to the God we know!  They need to see Christ in us first before they hear us talk about Him.  They need to see us organize our day around His word and set our priorities around His will.  They need to see us choose Him above anything else.  They need to see us loving our wives the way Christ loved the church.  They need to be challenged to make the right decisions and not fall into the worlds mold. They need to present there bodies to Christ, a living and holy sacrifice... they don't need to be conformed to the world, but they need to be transformed by renewing there minds.  

Psalm 119 is all about this!  Both for dad and the local Teen. We need to really look at what is considered difficult here... 

Oh that my son would "keep his way pure" and "treasure God with all his heart"... that "God would open his eyes that he may see wonderful things from God's word". " May his soul be crushed with longing after God"... and may I lead the way.  Doesn't this make dad the ultimate youth pastor?

-scott

Psalm 119:17-24 Fourth Read...

In the New American Standard version of the Bible (my favorite) verse 119:17 says: "Deal bountifully with Thy servant, That I may live and keep Thy word".

The main words to focus on are:  Deal bountifully, servant, live, keep, and lets not forget "Thy".

Many sermons could be preached from these words or any one of them actually, but look at 'deal bountifully'.  It means (greek lexicon) to become ripe, to make ripe, to accomplish. "Bring fruit to be fully ripe and ready.  

Davids cry was for God to mature him; to fully develop him... Why?

So that he would be a completed servant... Why?

So that he may live... What is considered mature living?

Living to keep God's word... This is real life... This is why He created us; 'to keep His words'. 

Ask yourself these questions: "Am I truly seeking Him?"  -  "Do I really care what He has to say?"  -  "Is the goal of my life to keep His word each day?"  -  "Do I want Him to mature me to be a better servant of His?"  - Search your heart and seek Him!

-scott

 

Psalm 119:17-24 Second & Third Read...

Our Sunday School lesson is in John 1:19-51 and the main question placed before us is "What do you seek"?  Crowds ran out to John the Baptist to here him preach. Crowds followed Jesus as well.  At the very beginning He turns and asks "What do you seek"? The disciples reply was basically "We want to go where you go", "Where are you staying", and they followed after His invitation to "Come and see"...

So what does this have to do with Psalm 119? Listen to his heart:

That I may live and keep Thy word...

Open my eyes that I may see...

Do not hide Thy commandments from me...

My soul is crushed with longing after Thine ordinances...

Thy servant meditates on Thy statues...

Thy testimonies also are my delight; They are my counselors.

In the midst of trial and affliction the only thing he cares about is his relationship with his God. He doesn't make any comment about the exact circumstance; only his yearning for spiritual maturity (119:17-18) and restoration (119:19-22).

So "What do you seek"? Read J.C. Ryle's tough words to youth.  Ryle wanted kids to know that they were accountable for their actions... in other words - "What you seek each day is important no matter how old you are"

5 Dangers from Thoughts for Young Men by J.C. Ryle

1. Pride
 "Young men, take to heart the Scriptures just quoted. Do not be too confident in your own judgment. Stop being so sure that you are always right, and others wrong. Don't trust your own opinion, when you find it contrary to that of older men, and especially to that of your own parents. Age gives experience, and therefore deserves respect. "

2. Love of Pleasure 
"Youth is the time when our passions are strongest—and like unruly children, cry most loudly for indulgence. Youth is the time when we have generally our most health and strength: death seems far away, and to enjoy ourselves in this life seems to be everything... "I serve lusts and pleasures:" that is the true answer many a young man should give, if asked, "Whose Servant are you?" 

3. Thoughtlessness
 "Not thinking is one simple reason why thousands of souls are thrown away forever into the Lake of Fire. Men will not consider, will not look ahead, will not look around them, will not reflect on the end of their present course, and the sure consequences of their present days, and wake up to find they are damned for a lack of thinking.
Young men, none are in more danger of this than yourselves. You know little of the perils around you, and so you are careless how you walk. You hate the trouble of serious, quiet thinking, and so you make wrong decisions and bring upon yourselves much sorrow.""

4. Contempt of Religion 
"This also is one of your special dangers. I always observe that none pay so little outward respect to Christianity as young men. None take so little part in our services, when they are present at them—use Bibles so little—sing so little—listen to preaching so little. None are so generally absent at prayer meetings, Bible Studies, and all other weekday helps to the soul. Young men seem to think they do not need these things—they may be good for women and old men, but not for them. They appear ashamed of seeming to care about their souls: one would almost fancy they considered it a disgrace to go to heaven at all. "

5. Fear of Man's opinion
 "The fear of man" will indeed "prove to be a snare" (Proverbs 29:25). It is terrible to observe the power which it has over most minds, and especially over the minds of the young. Few seem to have any opinions of their own, or to think for themselves. Like dead fish, they go with the stream and tide: what others think is right, they think is right; and what others call wrong, they call wrong too. There are not many original thinkers in the world. Most men are like sheep, they follow a leader. If it was the fashion of the day to be Roman Catholics, they would be Roman Catholics, if it was to be Islamic, they would be Islamic. They dread the idea of going against the current of the times. In a word, the opinion of the day becomes their religion, their creed, their Bible, and their God."

Deuteronomy 4:9 - "Give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently..."

-scott

Psalm 119:17-24 First Read...

I must admit I fell into the habit of "zooming in" on each verse looking for a "nugget" and almost missed the context of it all... I haven't been able to focus on anything until I read through it so many times all the dots began to connect:

...that I may live

Open my eyes...

I am a stranger...

...do not hide

My soul is crushed...

Take away reproach and contempt from me...

Thy testimonies are my counselors.

This is the heart in the midst of affliction crying out.  Looking for understanding, looking for help and comfort.  A real man going through real trouble looking and longing for his God. Oh that I would sound like this in the midst of a storm... He only seems to be affected by the absence of God.  God has seemed to pull away from him and he is desperate to get Him back... Searching hard after God no matter the circumstances... this is a man truly blessed (119:2,10)

-scott

Psalm 119:9-16 Thoughts after Pastors sermon

Our pastor spoke from Hebrews 12:11 on affliction in the life of a believer.  How we view it and the dangers of falling into sin, unbelief, and possible apostasy with our reaction to the trial that God allows to come our way. Being in the valley is tough, but necessary. Several things came to mind in relation to Psalm 119:

The first question presented in verse 119:9 - "How can a young man keep his way pure".  I made the comment in a previous post that the word pure doesn't always mean only sexual purity. Of course it does contain that, but it's not restricted to only that.  How can our walk each day be pure unto the Lord? How can we keep our walk unmixed with the world's way of thinking?  By "keeping it according to God's word". (see also Romans 12:1-2)

Notice that in these verses ( 9-16 ) that the term "I have" is used:

I have sought... 

I have treasured...

I have told...

I have rejoiced...

This is something that He 'has been' (past tense) doing... Not something he runs to when difficulty comes, but something that seems to be a daily habit. So he is now ready when affliction / trials come his way.  He already knows Who is behind the trial. He knows that the outcome will be for his good and God's glory.  He doesn't get shaken off the path very far, and if he does he doesn't lose sight of it.  The trial drives him closer to his Lord and deeper into the word. This is how you keep your way pure; keeping each day by God's word.  Looking through the light of scripture at everything; asking God questions as you go and waiting quietly for His answer.  This is truly seeking Him... Does your heart ache for this type of relationship with God? (Psalm 119:2, 5, 8, 10) What is getting in the way if it doesn't.

Now look at the present tense and future tense of 119:15-16:

I will meditate on Thy precepts and regard Thy ways

I shall delight in Thy statutes

I shall not forget Thy word

He's been in the word...He sees the value of it...He is determined to stay the course.

What if we had the same determination in scripture that Michael Phelps has in swimming?

One more thing...I'm not trying to be a "Great Bible Teacher" with all kinds of insight...

I "have been" reading this and meditating on it.  God drew a parallel from our Pastors sermon to what I had been meditating on... and it really excited me!  "With my lips I am telling of the ordinances of His mouth"(119:13) "I am rejoicing in His testimonies" (119:14) "I see the supreme value in His word" (119:14) "I am even more determined to keep going" (119:15-16)

I pray you will do the same...   -scott

Psalm 119:9-16 Fourth Read...

This is the end of 9-16... beginning Monday morning I'll start 17-24.

119:10 - "Do not let me wonder" = Do not let me sin through ignorance, unintentionally breaking God's law.

Sin is sin...even though we may not mean to do something, or don't realize what we have done... if it's sin not knowing it doesn't change anything; you're still guilty. Psalm 19:12 confirms..."Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults."... Sin weaves it's way through the fabric of our life. It hides itself in our motives, attitudes, behavior, and will. It's so much a part of us that we don't even see it when it's right before our eyes. We know how to spot the obvious...but we don't even look for what is hidden. This is what brings a man to tears and puts him on his knees begging Christ for help and forgiveness. It's truly frightening when the Holy Spirit shows you just how deep your sin goes... Only He can help you... Only He can get into your heart and the source.

Spending time in the word will up-root many hidden sins. Submitting yourself daily to God's word and meditating on it will expose the dark areas that you never new were there. If you long to rid your self of sin and desire to be pure... you will learn that the word of God is a real treasure... a close friend that will keep you from wandering. And when you do wander; it comes after you to bring you back.

It will be your delight... it will become something that you won't forget: Wisdom

-scott

Serving

We have this "Serving God" idea all wrong.  We think serving God is teaching a Sunday School class or singing a solo in church.  Things like feeding the homeless in food lines, and buying a gift for a needy child at Christmas often enter the picture as well.  While these are all fine and good the list could go on of Christian 'actions' to be involved in, but this is not what Christ had in mind when he said I'm sending you out as sheep among wolves.  He didn't send us out to picket abortion clinics or argue with a homosexual. He didn't send us out to get in political debates or boycott those we don't agree with. He sent us out 'to be like Him' in front of those who never met Him.  Those who are broken and hurting.  Those who are living life like a sheep without a shepherd... sheep are often messy. He sent us out to be kind, gentle, patient, full of self-control and love. He sent us into the schools, workplaces, and broken homes to love them the way He would... they need to be introduced to Him. They need to meet the One who heals, mends the broken heart, and saves.  They need to see what is most treasured and valuable... Him.

The best way we can serve others is to spend as much time with Him as we possibly can. To know Him... to be like Him. To treasure Him ourself.  To let others see us going through difficult circumstances in a way like they have never seen before.  They need to see us honoring our parents, teachers, employers, and pastors not running them down.  They need to see Christ in us...  "Be ready in season and out of season"  "Always be ready to give an account of the hope that is in you" ( if it is in you )  

Remember where the term "Christian" came from?  It was a 'put-down'... it was an insult thrown upon those who 'looked like that man Christ'.  It actually wasn't an insult at all... it was a great honor.  Would this 'insult' stick if it was thrown at you?

-scott

Time Management 101

As a husband and father budgeting money is very important.  If you plan to have a roof over your head and food in your stomach you need to learn how to budget your cash.  Now take on the responsibility of housing and feeding a wife and kids and the responsibility starts feeling quite heavy.  Most today seem to just fall into a mold and work within it; no thought required. You go to school because you have to. You find a major in college because you have to.  You answer the question "What do I want to be when I grow up"... well, because you have to.  You go to work and collect a pay check because it's just what you're supposed to do. Then everyone looks for an escape because there life seems empty and without purpose. The escape often being sports, entertainment, alcohol, sex, travel, etc.  Empty and purposeless... 

We need to wake up!  Get up and budget your time. Make a chart of your week; like a budget. Where are you spending your time and energy?  Is it important... if not get rid of it and use the time more wisely. Does what you spend your time on have eternal value?  Isn't this what the purpose of the Sabbath was all about.  "Pre-determine to set the first day of the week with the Lord". But we always fill the days with self and forget all about Him... What has more value; our will or God's? 

Listen to the determination in Psalm 119:15-16

119:15  "I will meditate on Thy precepts... I will (implied) regard Thy ways"

119:16 "I shall delight in Thy statutes; I shall not forget Thy word"

Are you this determined to spend time with God?  Is He important enough that you make room for Him in your daily schedule?  What would happen if God did an audit of how you used your time rather than your money?  One day He will...

-scott

Psalm 119:9-16 Third Read...

Take a look at verses 119: 9-16.  Find where it applies to these daily character traits:

1. Daily Routine / Walk / Everyday life

2. Heart / motives / desires

3. Mind / thoughts

4. Speech / Conversations

5. Attitude

6. Intentions / Goals

7. Will / priorities 

Question: (I want some comments / answers) How does studying about Jesus and reading the gospel of John apply to the areas listed above? How does reading about the women at the well in John 4 apply to my attitude, my thought life, my daily routine?  How does the conversation Jesus has with the pharisees throughout chapter 5 apply to my daily goals and priorities? Or any part of John... How does it apply to me today in the areas highlighted in Psalm 119?

Read...Think... and lets talk about this.

-scott

Psalm 119:9-16 Second Read...

Anything we do usually has a reason.  Why do it if you have no purpose? Why do we study, learn, practice, work... everything seems to have an end goal.  (This is why I'm not a big fan of video games; 'what's the purpose'? What am I going to get out of spending hours on this thing other than making it to the next level?) Read every other line in 119:9-16 and you'll see the 'purpose' for it all...

119:9 = To keep your way pure...

119:10 = To not wander from God's commandments...

119:11 = That I may not sin...

119:12 = To learn more about Him...

119:13 = To be able to speak more about Him...

119:14 = To be able to treasure Him more...

119:15-16 = To not forget Him...

And don't miss this - 119:10,11 = The work is done in the heart that shapes the outer actions and thought life.

Don't just focus on 'doing Christian things as the goal' -  focus on developing a heart that treasures Christ more than anything this world has to offer. 

-scott

Psalm 119:9-16 First Full Read...

Full read means I was stuck on Psalm 119:9 for a few days and this is the first time I've read the 'entire'  next section 119: 9-16...

I've had to travel the past several days. Meetings in Atlanta, Miami, and Orlando not leaving much time for 'alone time' with the Lord. But a blessed time none the less...

I've been reading through the Gospel of John preparing to teach it in Sunday school... those reading times gave me a lot to think about while driving to Atlanta, and from Miami to Orlando. I meditated on Chapters 4 and 5 and was almost brought to tears going down the highway. My heart was so overwhelmed with the idea that Jesus sought out the most desperate and was waiting for them. That Jesus is all about revealing Himself to those who seek Him...and the more I have sought; the more He has revealed.  I can't explain in a few paragraphs the joy I have had meditating on these passages.  I actually couldn't wait to get on the airplane so I could have a few hours to read again... I was hungry for more! 

This morning I read Psalm 119:9-16... check this out!

119:10 "With all my heart I have sought Thee"

119:11 "Thy Word I have treasured in my heart"

119:12 "Blessed art Thou, O Lord; Teach me..."

119:15  "I will meditate on Thy precepts..."

119:16 "I shall delight in Thy statutes; I shall not forget Thy word"

In an airport there are all kinds of snacks, magazines, books, ipods, etc... things to help pass the time on a plane. The same is true about life.  Things to listen to while driving, things to read on the couch, things to watch at night on TV, the internet, cell phones, etc... Stuff to cloud your mind with other meaningless stuff.  Why not fill your mind with the Word of God... trust me, you will have a lot to think about.  It's like a well within you that springs up and out and never stops... and it's never meaningless!

You know, come to think of it... I have had more alone time with Him than I had ever thought possible this weekend.

119:14  "I have rejoiced in the way of Thy testimonies, as much as in all riches"

One more thing... I never noticed the first temptation either. My mind was too busy to notice.

Funny how that works.

119:11 "Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee."

-scott

John 4

I'm not really "studying" this yet... but as I'm reading through John here are a few observations:

(1:17) Grace and Truth were realized through Jesus.

>What should be the testimony of the lives of those who proclaim to be His? Do others see Grace and Truth manifested in and through you?

(1:38) "What do you seek"

>Do we even seek?  What are you looking for in Jesus; what do you want from Him?

(2:16) "Stop making My Father's house a house of merchandise"

>Today His house is inside us. (" Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit") -Is it all about stuff and "Christian merchandise"

>He is consumed with zeal for His house... think about that!!  To the point that He'll turn everything over in your life to purify it.

(2:23-25) Jesus doesn't need a fan club!

(4:6) He was sitting by the well...

> Do you put yourself in odd circumstances for the sake of the gospel... Do you put yourself in a position to share with others? Do you make yourself available to be used by God... or are you to busy looking for food and clothing?

(4:14) Do you have a well springing up & out of you full of life (His life). 

>You would know it if you did... this would be quite obvious to you and those around you getting wet by your life ( His life in you) splashing out on them...

(4:22) Do you truly know Whom you worship?

>If you knew Him...you would worship Him. It would be a natural reaction...

 

(4:34) Is your food to do His will and accomplish His work?  

>Or are you to busy with your own... 

(4:35) Lift up your eyes and look on the fields.

>Look around you!! He has placed you where He wants you.  Look for all the opportunity He has given you; it may be right in front of you. 

(4:38) ...always be aware that you may have entered an area that someone else has labored in.

(4:41) ...many more believed because of His word.

>Read the Bible... don't just look at circumstances and experiences.  Jesus has much to say if we would just take the time to open the scriptures and listen to Him!

(4:46-54)  This Jesus is more than just a man!  

>He's God in the flesh... John's conclusion in the first chapter of John...

This is good stuff....and we have 17 more chapters to go!  

Trust me...it's better than your favorite TV show.  What would happen if we went after Christ with the same intensity that an athlete goes through trying to make the Olympics.  Isn't it all they think about day and night from about the age of 6.  They shape their entire existence and effort around one goal... a shiny thing hanging around the neck. Applause and fame... endorsements and celebrity. What would happen if you shaped your entire life around one goal... knowing Him?  (Read Philippians 2:1-16)

I'm not trying to see how many people I can convict with this... This is God's finger in my own nose. This is Him "making my way pure" (Psalm 119:9) ... I just thought I would share the love.

-scott

 

The Gospel of John

We are beginning a study in Small Groups on the Gospel of John. So along with the posts on Psalms you will be seeing some form John as well...

I have slowed down on Psalms to give the class some time to catch up. Beginning next week I'll be back daily with Psalm 119:9-16. Until then let's look at some things from John:

I've told a few in our class that before we start teaching through the book (John) you need to read it all. Get familiar with it; just read it like a long letter. It will take about 2 hours... so turn of the TV and read. Start a notebook and write the verse references down that jump out at you...don't study them, just note them. If you have a question about something you don't understand; right it down. Don't go looking for the answer yet, just right the questions down. Let God answer them as you read, or if He doesn't seem to and you don't understand ask them in class or in this blog so we can discuss them. Make a practice of this as you read the Bible. Often the more you read the more questions you right down will get answered.

One thing that has stood out to me is the beginning verses in John ( 1- 18 ) are actually John's conclusion. He concluded after all the time and years he spent with Jesus that Jesus was God. After everything he heard and witnessed he had one thing to say. "God became a man and dwelt among us...we beheld His glory" ( vs. 14)

Question: If you claim Christ is in your life; that you are one of His children... what do people conclude that are around you? Do they hear your words and believe they are from God? Do they see your actions and determine that you are not of this world? Do they see you going through difficult circumstances with grace, mercy, kindness, patience? Do they hear you say "Forgive them, they know not what they do". Can someone else say that by being around you they have 'beheld God's glory' that 'God was dwelling in you'? ( Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 and 1 Timothy 1:16-17 )

Military! You guys serving us in the Middle East...

I've noticed on my site meter that some of the guys in the military are getting on this site... First of all I just want to say thank you. Thank you for what you are giving up each day for us. I don't want to cheapen in any way what you are doing or sound cliche... but just Thank You!

Second...How can we pray for you. Please leave comments! I'd love to help you stay connected, include you in a Bible study, pray for specific things. Whatever we can do to get you biblical resources... A friend of mine says there are those that "go down in the well" and then there are those "who hold the rope for those going in"... How can we help hold the rope for you...

Anyway...You guys keep seeking the Lord; He's with you no matter where you are...and He'll take care of your family as well.
Your life and your family's lives couldn't be in better hands than His... no matter how bad the circumstance may seem - He's always in control... Remember Job...Remember Joseph, David, Gideon, and remember what he did through a Carpenter from Nazareth.

Thank You again.... keep in Touch
Scott

What do you seek? Psalm 119 Summary

Young men...Why do you read the Bible? When you come to scripture what is your motive for coming? What are you looking for, and why are you looking? Is it because Jesus is found within the pages? Are you looking for Him; not for what you can get from Him but for the simple joy of finding out more about Him?

Are you in church because it's the place to be on Sunday? Are you there only because your parents brought you? Would you even be at church if it were not for your parents? Do you prefer your friends at school or the people at church... are the people at church any different than the ones outside the church...are you any different?

John 3:19-20 says: " ...men loved darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed" ...where do you stand?

"How blessed are those ...who seek Him with all their heart." -Psalm 119:2
"With all my heart I have sought Thee..." -Psalm 119:10
"Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Thy law." -Psalm 119:18
"My soul is crushed with longing after Thine ordinances at all times" -Psalm 119:20 (I could keep going)

The main point:
What do you seek with all your heart? ...and why do you seek?
Think! Don't just read stuff and go on to the next video game or TV show! Slow down, turn off the ipod and think about what is being said in God's Word... "Treasure it in your heart" -Psalm 119:11

-Scott

Something to think about...