Thursday, December 31, 2009
572
John Piper: "To be loved in a sacrificial, patient, humble way [as Jesus loves me] is a very powerful incentive to become lovable."
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
571
Cloud and Townsend, Boundaries in Marriage
"The fruit of the Spirit is self-control, not other control" (43)
"Nothing is more conducive to a spouse's growth than a mate who sincerely wants to change" (44).
"The fruit of the Spirit is self-control, not other control" (43)
"Nothing is more conducive to a spouse's growth than a mate who sincerely wants to change" (44).
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
570
Chip Ingram, Overcoming Emotions That Destroy
"The person who can own up to mistakes is greater than the one who knows how to avoid making the" (197).
"We're more apt to use anger as a weapon when we're defending ourselves and our actions" (198).
Anger Prevention, Part I: Minimize Stress
1. Eliminate hurry.
2. Downsize expectations.
3. Learn to say no.
4. Admit mistakes and imperfections.
5. Laugh more--don't take life too seriously.
6. Take care of yourself.
7. Know what triggers your anger (202).
"What responsibilities do you have right now that you wish you had said no to? What guidelines and criteria can you develop that will help you know when to say no to those kinds of things?" (203)
Mother Teresa as quoted in Ingram: "'Why should I expend energy in anger that could be spent in love?"
"Have you ever stopped to think that maybe the source of some of your deepest problems is your own anger at yourself? In fact, people who are angry with themselves, often unknowingly, develop behaviors to punish themselves....(Weisinger as quoted) effects of self-anger....make yourself look bad (obese) and feel bad (depressed)..." (207).
"The more we dwell on anger, the more it's likely to become our dwelling place" (210).
"Prayer lifts us into God's presence where we begin to see things from His perspective" (212).
1. Get right with God.
2. Experience His lavish love.
3. Accept who He made you to be.
4. Trust Him and His sovereignty.
5. Be a gracious person ("grace-giver") who prays (213-214).
"What things do you wish were different in your life?" (214)
"God-maximizing prayer: 'Lord You've suffered more offenses than anyone in the history of the world, and some of those offenses have come from me. You have more right than anyone to be angry and to withhold grace, yet You lavish Your love on [me]. Thank You. I declare my complete trust in Your promise to work all things together for good and to execute justice in the right way at the right time. Help me to continually cast that responsibility off on You and, in the place of my anger, to be an extravagant grace giver. Let me see the power of grace to change my life and the lives of others" (215).
"We experience healthy, constructive anger when we 1) are quick to hear (others, our primary feelings, and God), 2) slow to speak, 3) slow to anger, 4) express it, 5) express it appropriately, 6) resolve it" (234).
"To disagree is one thing; to be disagreeable is another" (241).
areas of unresolved anger (247)
Ask God practical steps I should take toward resolving anger wounds.
"'God, I admit that my response has been sinful. I repent of it. I want to lay it aside. I want my life to honor You'" (251).
Am I able to give to, help, and serve those who have hurt me? (264)
Who has hurt me? when? how?
Whom have I hurt? when? how?
Confess, repent, forgive, love (265).
Does the anger I feel toward others anger God? I'm to be angry about only what angers Him (268).
Harriet Lerner: The Dance of Anger: A Woman's Guide to Changing the Patterns of Intimate Relationships
"The person who can own up to mistakes is greater than the one who knows how to avoid making the" (197).
"We're more apt to use anger as a weapon when we're defending ourselves and our actions" (198).
Anger Prevention, Part I: Minimize Stress
1. Eliminate hurry.
2. Downsize expectations.
3. Learn to say no.
4. Admit mistakes and imperfections.
5. Laugh more--don't take life too seriously.
6. Take care of yourself.
7. Know what triggers your anger (202).
"What responsibilities do you have right now that you wish you had said no to? What guidelines and criteria can you develop that will help you know when to say no to those kinds of things?" (203)
Mother Teresa as quoted in Ingram: "'Why should I expend energy in anger that could be spent in love?"
"Have you ever stopped to think that maybe the source of some of your deepest problems is your own anger at yourself? In fact, people who are angry with themselves, often unknowingly, develop behaviors to punish themselves....(Weisinger as quoted) effects of self-anger....make yourself look bad (obese) and feel bad (depressed)..." (207).
"The more we dwell on anger, the more it's likely to become our dwelling place" (210).
"Prayer lifts us into God's presence where we begin to see things from His perspective" (212).
1. Get right with God.
2. Experience His lavish love.
3. Accept who He made you to be.
4. Trust Him and His sovereignty.
5. Be a gracious person ("grace-giver") who prays (213-214).
"What things do you wish were different in your life?" (214)
"God-maximizing prayer: 'Lord You've suffered more offenses than anyone in the history of the world, and some of those offenses have come from me. You have more right than anyone to be angry and to withhold grace, yet You lavish Your love on [me]. Thank You. I declare my complete trust in Your promise to work all things together for good and to execute justice in the right way at the right time. Help me to continually cast that responsibility off on You and, in the place of my anger, to be an extravagant grace giver. Let me see the power of grace to change my life and the lives of others" (215).
"We experience healthy, constructive anger when we 1) are quick to hear (others, our primary feelings, and God), 2) slow to speak, 3) slow to anger, 4) express it, 5) express it appropriately, 6) resolve it" (234).
"To disagree is one thing; to be disagreeable is another" (241).
areas of unresolved anger (247)
Ask God practical steps I should take toward resolving anger wounds.
"'God, I admit that my response has been sinful. I repent of it. I want to lay it aside. I want my life to honor You'" (251).
Am I able to give to, help, and serve those who have hurt me? (264)
Who has hurt me? when? how?
Whom have I hurt? when? how?
Confess, repent, forgive, love (265).
Does the anger I feel toward others anger God? I'm to be angry about only what angers Him (268).
Harriet Lerner: The Dance of Anger: A Woman's Guide to Changing the Patterns of Intimate Relationships
Monday, December 28, 2009
569
Habakkuk 3:19
"The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills."
Amp.: "The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds' feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]!
Psalm 146:5, 8
"Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God.... The LORD raises those who are bowed down;"
Psalm 147:3, 11
The LORD "heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.... The LORD takes pleasure in those who hope in His mercy."
Chip Ingram, Overcoming Emotions That Destroy
"It's never easy to prevent an explosion" (178).
German proverb as quoted in Ingram: "'What is the use of running when we are not on the right road?'" (192)
Orin Crain as quoted in Ingram:
Slow me down, Lord.
Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind.
Steady my hurried pace with a vision of the eternal reach of time.
Give me, amid the confusion of the day, the calmness of the everlasting hills.
Break the tension of my nerves and muscles with the soothing music of the singing streams that
live in my memory.
Teach me the art of taking minute vacations--of slowing down to look at a flower, to chat with a
friend, to pat a dog, to smile at a child, to read a few lines of a good book.
Slow me down, Lord, and inspire me to send my roots deep into the soil of life's enduring values,
that I may grow toward my greater destiny.
Remind me each day that the race is not always to the swift; that there is more to life than
increasing its speed.
Let me look upward to the towering oak and know that it grew great and strong because it grew slowly and well. (194)
"God has given [me] the responsibility of being the steward of [my] gifts, skills, and schedule. [I] don't dishonor other people by saying no at appropriate times; ]I\ honor God by managing [my] resources well" (196).
"The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills."
Amp.: "The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds' feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]!
Psalm 146:5, 8
"Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God.... The LORD raises those who are bowed down;"
Psalm 147:3, 11
The LORD "heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.... The LORD takes pleasure in those who hope in His mercy."
Chip Ingram, Overcoming Emotions That Destroy
"It's never easy to prevent an explosion" (178).
German proverb as quoted in Ingram: "'What is the use of running when we are not on the right road?'" (192)
Orin Crain as quoted in Ingram:
Slow me down, Lord.
Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind.
Steady my hurried pace with a vision of the eternal reach of time.
Give me, amid the confusion of the day, the calmness of the everlasting hills.
Break the tension of my nerves and muscles with the soothing music of the singing streams that
live in my memory.
Teach me the art of taking minute vacations--of slowing down to look at a flower, to chat with a
friend, to pat a dog, to smile at a child, to read a few lines of a good book.
Slow me down, Lord, and inspire me to send my roots deep into the soil of life's enduring values,
that I may grow toward my greater destiny.
Remind me each day that the race is not always to the swift; that there is more to life than
increasing its speed.
Let me look upward to the towering oak and know that it grew great and strong because it grew slowly and well. (194)
"God has given [me] the responsibility of being the steward of [my] gifts, skills, and schedule. [I] don't dishonor other people by saying no at appropriate times; ]I\ honor God by managing [my] resources well" (196).
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
568
Psalm 145:14, 17-20
"The LORD upholds all who fall, And raises up all who are bowed down....The LORD is righteous in all His ways, Gracious in all His works. The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.... He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them. The LORD preserves all who love Him."
Chip Ingram, Overcoming Emotions That Destroy
To say nothing often shows a fine command of language (168).
"We regret our words far more than we regret our silences: (169).
"Sharp words usually end up cutting our own throat" (171).
Proverbs 13:3
"He who holds his tongue is wise. He who guards his lips guards his life...."
Proverbs 18:21
"The tongue has the power of life and death."
"The LORD upholds all who fall, And raises up all who are bowed down....The LORD is righteous in all His ways, Gracious in all His works. The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.... He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them. The LORD preserves all who love Him."
Chip Ingram, Overcoming Emotions That Destroy
To say nothing often shows a fine command of language (168).
"We regret our words far more than we regret our silences: (169).
"Sharp words usually end up cutting our own throat" (171).
Proverbs 13:3
"He who holds his tongue is wise. He who guards his lips guards his life...."
Proverbs 18:21
"The tongue has the power of life and death."
Monday, December 21, 2009
567
Psalm 145:8-9
"The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy. The LORD is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works."
Chip Ingram, Overcoming Emotions That Destroy
"... as feelings of anger increase, listening skills decrease."
"The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy. The LORD is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works."
Chip Ingram, Overcoming Emotions That Destroy
"... as feelings of anger increase, listening skills decrease."
Friday, December 18, 2009
566
Psalm 144:1-2
"Blessed be the LORD my Rock...
My lovingkindness and my fortress,
My high tower and my deliverer,
My shield and the One in Whom I take refuge...."
"Blessed be the LORD my Rock...
My lovingkindness and my fortress,
My high tower and my deliverer,
My shield and the One in Whom I take refuge...."
Thursday, December 17, 2009
565
Psalm 143:9-11
"Do not hide Your face from me....Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning...Cause me to know the way in which I should walk.... In You I take shelter. Teach me to do Your will.... Lead me in the land of uprightness...(v. 10, Amp.: "let Your good Spirit lead me into a level country and into the land of uprightness.") For Your righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble."
Proverbs 30:5
You are a shield to those who put their trust in You.
Chip Ingram, Overcoming Emotions That Destroy
"Your temper is one of your most valuable possessions. Don't lose it" (125).
"Do not hide Your face from me....Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning...Cause me to know the way in which I should walk.... In You I take shelter. Teach me to do Your will.... Lead me in the land of uprightness...(v. 10, Amp.: "let Your good Spirit lead me into a level country and into the land of uprightness.") For Your righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble."
Proverbs 30:5
You are a shield to those who put their trust in You.
Chip Ingram, Overcoming Emotions That Destroy
"Your temper is one of your most valuable possessions. Don't lose it" (125).
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
564
Chip Ingram, Overcoming Emotions That Destroy
"Security is not the absence of danger, but the presence of God no matter the danger" (114).
"Security is not the absence of danger, but the presence of God no matter the danger" (114).
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
563
Psalm 141:3-4, 8
"Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not incline my heart to any evil thing.... In You I take refuge; Do not leave my soul destitute...."
Psalm 142:3
"When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, Then You knew my path."
Ingram, Overcoming Emotions That Destroy
"'Who or what really frustrates me and why?'" (113)
"Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not incline my heart to any evil thing.... In You I take refuge; Do not leave my soul destitute...."
Psalm 142:3
"When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, Then You knew my path."
Ingram, Overcoming Emotions That Destroy
"'Who or what really frustrates me and why?'" (113)
Friday, December 11, 2009
562
Proverbs 29:23
My pride brought me to dishonor, "But the humble in spirit will retain honor."
7-fold ministry of the Holy Spirit, Isaiah 11:2
1. wisdom
2. understanding
3. counsel
4. might
5. knowledge
6. reverential fear of the LORD
7. obedient fear of the LORD
Chip Ingram, Overcoming Emotions That Destroy
below the surface of anger are unmet needs (hurt), unmet expectations (frustration), and threatened self (insecurities).
1. Is there an unmet need?
2. Is there loneliness or sadness?
3. Is there a blocked goal?
4. Are you feeling insecure? or threatened?
5. Are there unresolved issues that are hard to face? (88)
My pride brought me to dishonor, "But the humble in spirit will retain honor."
7-fold ministry of the Holy Spirit, Isaiah 11:2
1. wisdom
2. understanding
3. counsel
4. might
5. knowledge
6. reverential fear of the LORD
7. obedient fear of the LORD
Chip Ingram, Overcoming Emotions That Destroy
below the surface of anger are unmet needs (hurt), unmet expectations (frustration), and threatened self (insecurities).
1. Is there an unmet need?
2. Is there loneliness or sadness?
3. Is there a blocked goal?
4. Are you feeling insecure? or threatened?
5. Are there unresolved issues that are hard to face? (88)
Thursday, December 10, 2009
561
Psalm 139:23-24
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting."
Jude 24-25
You are able to keep me from stumbling, And to present me faultless before the presence of Your glory with exceeding joy, To God my Savior, who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and Forever, Amen.
Father I pray for true insight into my condition.
Chip Ingram, Overcoming Emotions That Destroy
"... anger is the outside emotion sent to protect the inner, more sensitive aspects of our hearts. It's a secondary response that hides a deeper or more sensitive issue" (79).
"Anger artificially helps us feel in control when we're feeling out of control and falsely helps us feel powerful when we feel powerless" (80).
Three main anger zones:
-hurt from unmet needs
-frustrations from unmet expectations
-insecurity from threatened self-or self-esteem (85)
Beth Moore, Session 9, Living Beyond Yourself (198)
The way up in God's economy is always down (on your knees).
Gentleness = humble submission to God's will; and in-wrought grace of the soul directed toward God
1. Love never fails.
2. Joy cometh.
3. Peace rules.
4. Patience waits.
5. Kindness tenders.
6. Goodness does.
7. Faith fights.
8. Gentleness bows (and heals).
Hebrews 10:7--"Behold, here I am, coming to do Your will, O God."
The gentleness of God goes to all the hidden, bruised, hurt places that hinder us.
Gentleness bows, but sometimes with the rawest of emotion. (Be honest.)
Wounds need binding, and binding takes time. Don't behave as if a wound ISN'T a wound.
Much of our anger can be traced back to old wounds we have not allowed God to bind up.
The resultant scars from wounds God has healed become the marks of grace and trust.
Invade me with the power of Your Spirit to BOW DOWN.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting."
Jude 24-25
You are able to keep me from stumbling, And to present me faultless before the presence of Your glory with exceeding joy, To God my Savior, who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and Forever, Amen.
Father I pray for true insight into my condition.
Chip Ingram, Overcoming Emotions That Destroy
"... anger is the outside emotion sent to protect the inner, more sensitive aspects of our hearts. It's a secondary response that hides a deeper or more sensitive issue" (79).
"Anger artificially helps us feel in control when we're feeling out of control and falsely helps us feel powerful when we feel powerless" (80).
Three main anger zones:
-hurt from unmet needs
-frustrations from unmet expectations
-insecurity from threatened self-or self-esteem (85)
Beth Moore, Session 9, Living Beyond Yourself (198)
The way up in God's economy is always down (on your knees).
Gentleness = humble submission to God's will; and in-wrought grace of the soul directed toward God
1. Love never fails.
2. Joy cometh.
3. Peace rules.
4. Patience waits.
5. Kindness tenders.
6. Goodness does.
7. Faith fights.
8. Gentleness bows (and heals).
Hebrews 10:7--"Behold, here I am, coming to do Your will, O God."
The gentleness of God goes to all the hidden, bruised, hurt places that hinder us.
Gentleness bows, but sometimes with the rawest of emotion. (Be honest.)
Wounds need binding, and binding takes time. Don't behave as if a wound ISN'T a wound.
Much of our anger can be traced back to old wounds we have not allowed God to bind up.
The resultant scars from wounds God has healed become the marks of grace and trust.
Invade me with the power of Your Spirit to BOW DOWN.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
559
Teach me to praise You with my whole heart.
Psalm 138:2
"You have magnified Your word above all Your name."
Psalm 138:3
"In the day when I cried out, You answered me."
John MacArthur, Daily Study Bible
4 effective reasons true Christians cannot habitually practice sin:
1. "...because sin is incompatible with the law of God, which they love.... habitual sin [portrays] the ultimate sense of rebellion....
2. "...because sin is incompatible with the work of Christ....Habitual sin contradicts Christ's work of breaking the dominion of sin in the believer's life.
3. "...because Christ came to destroy the words of ... Satan."
4. "... because sin is incompatible with the ministry of the Holy Spirit, who has imparted a new nature to the believer" (1233)
"The only demonstration of God's love in this age is the church" (1235).
Ingram on "spewers": "their explosions are actually used as a means of control..." (51). They become void of intimate relationships because they have alienated those around them" (53).
Psalm 138:2
"You have magnified Your word above all Your name."
Psalm 138:3
"In the day when I cried out, You answered me."
John MacArthur, Daily Study Bible
4 effective reasons true Christians cannot habitually practice sin:
1. "...because sin is incompatible with the law of God, which they love.... habitual sin [portrays] the ultimate sense of rebellion....
2. "...because sin is incompatible with the work of Christ....Habitual sin contradicts Christ's work of breaking the dominion of sin in the believer's life.
3. "...because Christ came to destroy the words of ... Satan."
4. "... because sin is incompatible with the ministry of the Holy Spirit, who has imparted a new nature to the believer" (1233)
"The only demonstration of God's love in this age is the church" (1235).
Ingram on "spewers": "their explosions are actually used as a means of control..." (51). They become void of intimate relationships because they have alienated those around them" (53).
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Chip Ingram, Overcoming Emotions That Destroy
Anger is okay. It's what we do with it that counts" (42-44).
Micah 7:19
"He will again have compassion on [me]; He will vanquish [my] iniquities. [He] will cast all my sins into the depths of the sea."
Beth Moore, Living Beyond Yourself, Session 8 notes
Why through? God desires to turn weakness into strengths.
"Beyond every conquest is a promise fulfilled.
Faith fights (Press through)
Learn to shut the mouths of the lions. The enemy is mostly mouth--a mouth full of lies.
Prayer creates a window into a wall.
"When we get down [on our knees], God gets up."
"The more we applaud God, the more likely He is to come back for an encore."
With whom am I agreeing [in my thought life]?
The enemy tries to set a trap that cannot be altered; but GOD....
Why does God want thanksgiving when I pray? To demonstrate God is Who He says He is and does what He says He will do.
Anger is okay. It's what we do with it that counts" (42-44).
Micah 7:19
"He will again have compassion on [me]; He will vanquish [my] iniquities. [He] will cast all my sins into the depths of the sea."
Beth Moore, Living Beyond Yourself, Session 8 notes
Why through? God desires to turn weakness into strengths.
"Beyond every conquest is a promise fulfilled.
Faith fights (Press through)
Learn to shut the mouths of the lions. The enemy is mostly mouth--a mouth full of lies.
Prayer creates a window into a wall.
"When we get down [on our knees], God gets up."
"The more we applaud God, the more likely He is to come back for an encore."
With whom am I agreeing [in my thought life]?
The enemy tries to set a trap that cannot be altered; but GOD....
Why does God want thanksgiving when I pray? To demonstrate God is Who He says He is and does what He says He will do.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
557
John MacArthur, Daily Study Bible
"... people are not argued into the Kingdom of God" (1222)
Chip Ingram, Overcoming Emotions That Destroy
"'God, make me angry about things that make You angry" (32).
"... people are not argued into the Kingdom of God" (1222)
Chip Ingram, Overcoming Emotions That Destroy
"'God, make me angry about things that make You angry" (32).
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
556
Psalm 136:23
[You] remembered [me] in [my] lowly state."
II Peter 2:9
"... the LORD knows how to deliver [me] out of temptations."
II Peter 2:11
Angels are "greater in power and might" than humankind.
John MacArthur, Daily Study Bible
"'Heresies' means self-designed religious lies which lead to division and faction.
"....it is so tragic when a church makes a virtue out of the [tolerance] of unscriptural teachings and ideas in the name of love and unity."
"All false religions have an erroneous Christology" (1218).
Chip Ingram, Overcoming Emotions That Destroy
"If you let anger get the best of you, it will reveal the worst of you" (13).
[You] remembered [me] in [my] lowly state."
II Peter 2:9
"... the LORD knows how to deliver [me] out of temptations."
II Peter 2:11
Angels are "greater in power and might" than humankind.
John MacArthur, Daily Study Bible
"'Heresies' means self-designed religious lies which lead to division and faction.
"....it is so tragic when a church makes a virtue out of the [tolerance] of unscriptural teachings and ideas in the name of love and unity."
"All false religions have an erroneous Christology" (1218).
Chip Ingram, Overcoming Emotions That Destroy
"If you let anger get the best of you, it will reveal the worst of you" (13).
Monday, November 30, 2009
555
Psalm 135:13-14
"Your name, O LORD, endures forever, Your fame, O LORD, throughout all generations... [You] will have compassion on [Your] servants."
Proverbs 29:9
"If a wise man contends with a foolish man, Whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace."
I Peter 4:2
"... that [I] no longer should live the rest of [my] time in the flesh for the lusts of men [Amplified: human appetites and desires], but for the will of God."
I Peter 4:8
"... above all things have fervent love for one another, for 'love will cover a multitude of sins.'"
Amplified: "intense and unfailing love... forgives and disregards the offenses...."
John MacArthur, Daily Study Bible on I Peter 4:7
"watchful pursuit of holiness": "A mind fixed on His return is purified and enjoys the fullness of fellowship with the LORD" (1205).
Teach me to humble (Amplified: "demote, lower [myself] in [my] own estimation") myself under Your mighty hand and to cast all my care upon You. (Amplified, v. 7: "Casting the whole of [my] care [all my anxieties, worries, concerns, once and for all" .... You care for me affectionately and watchfully.
I Peter 5:10
Perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle me, O LORD.
MacArthur on I Peter 5:6
"One of the evidences of lack of submission and humility is impatience with God in His work of humbling believers" (1208).
II Peter 1:5-8
Virtue (Amplified: excellence, resolution, energy), knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love--if these things are mine in abundance, I "will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the [Amplified: personal] knowledge of [the] LORD Jesus Christ."
MacArthur on Daniel 3:19-25
"The truth usually includes unexpected complications."
Nebuchadnezzar did not extend to the "fourth man" the invitation to exit the furnace" (1213).
Psalm 18:32
"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect."
Jeremiah 33:3
"'Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.'"
"Your name, O LORD, endures forever, Your fame, O LORD, throughout all generations... [You] will have compassion on [Your] servants."
Proverbs 29:9
"If a wise man contends with a foolish man, Whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace."
I Peter 4:2
"... that [I] no longer should live the rest of [my] time in the flesh for the lusts of men [Amplified: human appetites and desires], but for the will of God."
I Peter 4:8
"... above all things have fervent love for one another, for 'love will cover a multitude of sins.'"
Amplified: "intense and unfailing love... forgives and disregards the offenses...."
John MacArthur, Daily Study Bible on I Peter 4:7
"watchful pursuit of holiness": "A mind fixed on His return is purified and enjoys the fullness of fellowship with the LORD" (1205).
Teach me to humble (Amplified: "demote, lower [myself] in [my] own estimation") myself under Your mighty hand and to cast all my care upon You. (Amplified, v. 7: "Casting the whole of [my] care [all my anxieties, worries, concerns, once and for all" .... You care for me affectionately and watchfully.
I Peter 5:10
Perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle me, O LORD.
MacArthur on I Peter 5:6
"One of the evidences of lack of submission and humility is impatience with God in His work of humbling believers" (1208).
II Peter 1:5-8
Virtue (Amplified: excellence, resolution, energy), knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love--if these things are mine in abundance, I "will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the [Amplified: personal] knowledge of [the] LORD Jesus Christ."
MacArthur on Daniel 3:19-25
"The truth usually includes unexpected complications."
Nebuchadnezzar did not extend to the "fourth man" the invitation to exit the furnace" (1213).
Psalm 18:32
"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect."
Jeremiah 33:3
"'Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.'"
554
Psalm 135:5-6
"For I know that the LORD is great, And our LORD is above all gods. Whatever the LORD pleases He does...."
I Peter 3:11
"... seek peace and pursue it."
"For I know that the LORD is great, And our LORD is above all gods. Whatever the LORD pleases He does...."
I Peter 3:11
"... seek peace and pursue it."
553
John MacArthur, Daily Study Bible
"Fleshly lusts... incessantly search out and try to destroy the Christian's joy, peace, and usefulness" (1197).
Dallas Willard as quoted in Ortberg, God Is Closer Than You Think: "...it is extremely difficult to be right and not to hurt anybody with it" (123).
"Not everybody dances [in worship]. Some of us are Scandinavian" (127).
"There is no greater expression of love than a freely submitted will" (138).
Anne Lamott as quoted in Ortberg: "The Gulf Stream can pass through a straw if the straw aligns itself with the Gulfstream" (139).
"The resister's prayer is, 'Leave me alone.' The conductor's prayer is, "As you wish.' Each prayer gets answered" (140).
"Fleshly lusts... incessantly search out and try to destroy the Christian's joy, peace, and usefulness" (1197).
Dallas Willard as quoted in Ortberg, God Is Closer Than You Think: "...it is extremely difficult to be right and not to hurt anybody with it" (123).
"Not everybody dances [in worship]. Some of us are Scandinavian" (127).
"There is no greater expression of love than a freely submitted will" (138).
Anne Lamott as quoted in Ortberg: "The Gulf Stream can pass through a straw if the straw aligns itself with the Gulfstream" (139).
"The resister's prayer is, 'Leave me alone.' The conductor's prayer is, "As you wish.' Each prayer gets answered" (140).
Monday, November 23, 2009
552
My desire:
Psalm 130:5-6
"I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope. My soul waits for the LORD More than those who watch for the morning.... For with the LORD there is mercy, And with Him is abundant redemption."
John MacArthur, Daily Study Bible, on James 2:8
"...love your neighbor as yourself. This sovereign law...when combined with the command to love God, summarizes all the Law and the Prophets. James is not advocating [narcissism].... Rather, the command is to pursue meeting the physical health and spiritual well-being of... all within the sphere of our influence...."
on James 2:20
"... faith without works is dead...." James is not contrasting faith vs. works as methods of salvation. "Instead, he contrasts two kinds of faith: living faith that saves and dead faith that does not" (1179).
John Ortberg, God Is Closer Than You Think
Brother Lawrence, as quoted in Ortberg: "Loving God and loving one's neighbor are really the same thing."
Esther de Waal, as quoted in Ortberg: "Christ addresses me in the voice of each person I meet" (103).
"Let [Namaan's] 'washing in the Jordan' stand for all our mundane, nonglamorous interactions with people in our lives..." (111).
Mother Teresa, as related in Ortberg: "we should not ask to do great things for God, but to do small things with great love" (113).
Frank Laubach as described in Ortberg: the CIHU prayer: "'Can I help you' and 'Can I help you find God'" (114).
Ortberg calls the church Waldo, Jr.
Psalm 130:5-6
"I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope. My soul waits for the LORD More than those who watch for the morning.... For with the LORD there is mercy, And with Him is abundant redemption."
John MacArthur, Daily Study Bible, on James 2:8
"...love your neighbor as yourself. This sovereign law...when combined with the command to love God, summarizes all the Law and the Prophets. James is not advocating [narcissism].... Rather, the command is to pursue meeting the physical health and spiritual well-being of... all within the sphere of our influence...."
on James 2:20
"... faith without works is dead...." James is not contrasting faith vs. works as methods of salvation. "Instead, he contrasts two kinds of faith: living faith that saves and dead faith that does not" (1179).
John Ortberg, God Is Closer Than You Think
Brother Lawrence, as quoted in Ortberg: "Loving God and loving one's neighbor are really the same thing."
Esther de Waal, as quoted in Ortberg: "Christ addresses me in the voice of each person I meet" (103).
"Let [Namaan's] 'washing in the Jordan' stand for all our mundane, nonglamorous interactions with people in our lives..." (111).
Mother Teresa, as related in Ortberg: "we should not ask to do great things for God, but to do small things with great love" (113).
Frank Laubach as described in Ortberg: the CIHU prayer: "'Can I help you' and 'Can I help you find God'" (114).
Ortberg calls the church Waldo, Jr.
Friday, November 20, 2009
551
Hebrews 13:20-21
"...God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead...great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make [me] complete in every good work to do [Your] will, working in [me] what is well pleasing in [Your] sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."
John MacArthur, Daily Study Bible, on Hebrews 13:21
The word complete "is a word which is translated 'prepared' in Hebrews 10:5 and 'framed' in 11:3. It refers to believers being edified. The verb has the idea of equipping by means of adjusting, shaping, mending, restoring, or preparing" (1171).
Psalm 130: 3-4
"If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O LORD, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You...."
John Ortberg, God Is Closer Than You Think
"How do I make my mind the kind of place where God dwells?
I must believe that God really will speak to me. (86).
I recognize that I cannot control His speaking (87).
Every thought is either enabling and strengthening [me] to be able to cope with reality to live a kingdom kind of life, or robbing [me] of that life.
"...nowhere in the Bible does it say, 'And then God worried'" (90).
Making my mind "the dwelling place of God"
I can know my mind is "'set on God' when the moods that dominate [my] inner life are love, joy, and peace--the three primary components of the fruit of the Spirit" (95).
"Samuel's prayer to God was, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.' All too often my prayer is, 'Listen, God, your servant is speaking'" (98).
"...God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead...great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make [me] complete in every good work to do [Your] will, working in [me] what is well pleasing in [Your] sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."
John MacArthur, Daily Study Bible, on Hebrews 13:21
The word complete "is a word which is translated 'prepared' in Hebrews 10:5 and 'framed' in 11:3. It refers to believers being edified. The verb has the idea of equipping by means of adjusting, shaping, mending, restoring, or preparing" (1171).
Psalm 130: 3-4
"If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O LORD, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You...."
John Ortberg, God Is Closer Than You Think
"How do I make my mind the kind of place where God dwells?
I must believe that God really will speak to me. (86).
I recognize that I cannot control His speaking (87).
Every thought is either enabling and strengthening [me] to be able to cope with reality to live a kingdom kind of life, or robbing [me] of that life.
"...nowhere in the Bible does it say, 'And then God worried'" (90).
Making my mind "the dwelling place of God"
I can know my mind is "'set on God' when the moods that dominate [my] inner life are love, joy, and peace--the three primary components of the fruit of the Spirit" (95).
"Samuel's prayer to God was, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.' All too often my prayer is, 'Listen, God, your servant is speaking'" (98).
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
550
Psalm 128:5-6
"... may [I] see the good of Jerusalem All the days of [my] life.... Peace be upon Israel!"
John MacArthur, Daily Study Bible, based upon Psalm 128:1, to "fear the Lord" = to walk in His ways (1163)
Proverbs 28:26, "He who trusts in his own heart is a fool...."
Hebrews 12:14, "Pursue peace... and holiness."
Father, that I may serve You "acceptably with reverence and godly fear" (Hebrews 12:29) Consume me.
John MacArthur, Daily Study Bible
"Pursue holiness as explained in Hebrews =
1) a drawing near to God with full faith and a cleansed conscience
2) a genuine acceptance of Christ as... Savior and sacrifice for sin, bringing the sinner into fellowship with God....demonstrate the qualities God desires, including peace and holiness" (1167)
Ortberg, God Is Closer Than You Think: "... this moment is where God is" (67).
Eugene Peterson as quoted in Ortberg: "Everything doesn't depend on me. I go to sleep, God goes to work" (73)
"Arranging to get enough sleep is actually an act of discipleship" (74).
"...minutes alone with God"
1. Acknowledge dependence upon Him. "I won't live through this day banking on my own strength and power.
2. Tell God about... concerns for the day and ask Him to identify and remove... fear....I often do this with my calendar for the day open before me. Renew 9an0 invitation for God to spend the day with [me] (75).
"... work... is perhaps the single most important activity to learn to do together with Jesus" (77).
"... look at what has been accomplished that day and celebrate what is good" (78).
"... may [I] see the good of Jerusalem All the days of [my] life.... Peace be upon Israel!"
John MacArthur, Daily Study Bible, based upon Psalm 128:1, to "fear the Lord" = to walk in His ways (1163)
Proverbs 28:26, "He who trusts in his own heart is a fool...."
Hebrews 12:14, "Pursue peace... and holiness."
Father, that I may serve You "acceptably with reverence and godly fear" (Hebrews 12:29) Consume me.
John MacArthur, Daily Study Bible
"Pursue holiness as explained in Hebrews =
1) a drawing near to God with full faith and a cleansed conscience
2) a genuine acceptance of Christ as... Savior and sacrifice for sin, bringing the sinner into fellowship with God....demonstrate the qualities God desires, including peace and holiness" (1167)
Ortberg, God Is Closer Than You Think: "... this moment is where God is" (67).
Eugene Peterson as quoted in Ortberg: "Everything doesn't depend on me. I go to sleep, God goes to work" (73)
"Arranging to get enough sleep is actually an act of discipleship" (74).
"...minutes alone with God"
1. Acknowledge dependence upon Him. "I won't live through this day banking on my own strength and power.
2. Tell God about... concerns for the day and ask Him to identify and remove... fear....I often do this with my calendar for the day open before me. Renew 9an0 invitation for God to spend the day with [me] (75).
"... work... is perhaps the single most important activity to learn to do together with Jesus" (77).
"... look at what has been accomplished that day and celebrate what is good" (78).
Monday, November 16, 2009
549
Ray van der Laan, as quoted in Ortberg, God Is Closer Than You Think:
"'May you always be covered by the dust of your rabbi.' That represents how Jesus invites us to define the relationship: to intend to live so much in His presence that we are dusty disciples....'Today I would like to be covered in the dust of my rabbi.'... Martha is trying to get rid of the dust, and Mary is wallowing in it" (54-56).
"'May you always be covered by the dust of your rabbi.' That represents how Jesus invites us to define the relationship: to intend to live so much in His presence that we are dusty disciples....'Today I would like to be covered in the dust of my rabbi.'... Martha is trying to get rid of the dust, and Mary is wallowing in it" (54-56).
Sunday, November 15, 2009
548
Hebrews 10:22-24
"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil (guilty, Amp.) conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He Who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works (helpful deeds and noble activities, Amp.).
James was the first New Testament book to be written.
John MacArthur, Daily Study Bible:
"... prerequisites for entering the presence of God: sincerity, security, salvation, and sanctification.... 'Washing with pure water' does not refer to Christian baptism, but to eh Holy Spirit's purifying one's life by means of the Word of God" (1156-1157).
John Ortberg, God Is Closer Than You Think:
"The difficulty of the task is what increases the power of discernment" (31).
God said to Abraham, "'I will give you a sign of my covenant: circumcision'.... [Perhaps Abraham said, ]'Noah got the rainbow. Couldn't we use a decoder ring or a secret handshake or something?"
"One of the greatest challenges in life is fighting... spiritual habituation....we forget that Jesus never said, 'I have come that you might do okay....We have a kind of spiritual [ADD] that God will have to break through" (37).
"life on spiritual auto-pilot" (37)
"Maybe the reason God lowers His voice is so [that] we will learn to pay attention" (38).
"Perhaps our capacity to pay attention to God... only gets stronger when it gets exercised (39).
"It may be that out of all the prayers that are ever spoken, the most common one--the one that we least acknowledge making--is simply this: 'Don't look at me, God'" (40).
Perhaps God "... put on {Here's] Waldo's goofy-looking glasses and a striped shirt... everyone was expecting somebody who looked like the guy... on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel" 47).
"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil (guilty, Amp.) conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He Who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works (helpful deeds and noble activities, Amp.).
James was the first New Testament book to be written.
John MacArthur, Daily Study Bible:
"... prerequisites for entering the presence of God: sincerity, security, salvation, and sanctification.... 'Washing with pure water' does not refer to Christian baptism, but to eh Holy Spirit's purifying one's life by means of the Word of God" (1156-1157).
John Ortberg, God Is Closer Than You Think:
"The difficulty of the task is what increases the power of discernment" (31).
God said to Abraham, "'I will give you a sign of my covenant: circumcision'.... [Perhaps Abraham said, ]'Noah got the rainbow. Couldn't we use a decoder ring or a secret handshake or something?"
"One of the greatest challenges in life is fighting... spiritual habituation....we forget that Jesus never said, 'I have come that you might do okay....We have a kind of spiritual [ADD] that God will have to break through" (37).
"life on spiritual auto-pilot" (37)
"Maybe the reason God lowers His voice is so [that] we will learn to pay attention" (38).
"Perhaps our capacity to pay attention to God... only gets stronger when it gets exercised (39).
"It may be that out of all the prayers that are ever spoken, the most common one--the one that we least acknowledge making--is simply this: 'Don't look at me, God'" (40).
Perhaps God "... put on {Here's] Waldo's goofy-looking glasses and a striped shirt... everyone was expecting somebody who looked like the guy... on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel" 47).
Saturday, November 14, 2009
547
Psalm 125:5
"Peace be upon Israel."
Hebrews 10:17
"Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."
John MacArthur, Too Busy Not To Pray: "To sacrifice without obedience [is] a mockery and worse than no sacrifice at all" (1152).
John Ortberg, God Is Closer Than You Think
--mentions the words of Dallas Willard
"In Jesus, God touched Adam" (26).
"Foundational Truths of My Life With God
> God is always present and active in my life, whether or not I see Him.
> Coming to recognize and experience God's presence is learned behavior; I can cultivate it.
> My task is to meet God in this moment.
> I am always tempted to live 'outside' this moment. When I do that, I lose my sense of God's presence.
> My desire for God ebbs and flows, but His desire for me is constant.
> Every thought carries a 'spiritual charge' that moves me a little closer to or a little farther from God.
> Every aspect of my life--work, relationships, hobbies, errands--is of immense and genuine interest to God.
> My pather to experiencing God's presence will not look quite like anyone else's.
> Straining and trying too hard do not help" (27).
"Peace be upon Israel."
Hebrews 10:17
"Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."
John MacArthur, Too Busy Not To Pray: "To sacrifice without obedience [is] a mockery and worse than no sacrifice at all" (1152).
John Ortberg, God Is Closer Than You Think
--mentions the words of Dallas Willard
"In Jesus, God touched Adam" (26).
"Foundational Truths of My Life With God
> God is always present and active in my life, whether or not I see Him.
> Coming to recognize and experience God's presence is learned behavior; I can cultivate it.
> My task is to meet God in this moment.
> I am always tempted to live 'outside' this moment. When I do that, I lose my sense of God's presence.
> My desire for God ebbs and flows, but His desire for me is constant.
> Every thought carries a 'spiritual charge' that moves me a little closer to or a little farther from God.
> Every aspect of my life--work, relationships, hobbies, errands--is of immense and genuine interest to God.
> My pather to experiencing God's presence will not look quite like anyone else's.
> Straining and trying too hard do not help" (27).
Friday, November 13, 2009
546
Bill Hybels, Too Busy Not to Pray
"What Is God's Will?
- that we believe in His love and power
- that we come to Him in sincerity and trust
- that we clear away barriers between us, including preoccupation and excessive busyness
- that we listen for His still, small voice and obey it when we hear it
- that we live in His presence and enjoy Him forever" (179).
"What Is God's Will?
- that we believe in His love and power
- that we come to Him in sincerity and trust
- that we clear away barriers between us, including preoccupation and excessive busyness
- that we listen for His still, small voice and obey it when we hear it
- that we live in His presence and enjoy Him forever" (179).
Thursday, November 12, 2009
545
Bill Hybels, Too Busy Not To Pray, on the leading of the Holy Spirit:
1) consistent with Scripture
2) consistent with God's gifts--the person He made me to be
"If you sense a leading that seems completely contrary to who God made you to be,...test it
carefully. Is God asking [me] to do this difficult thing because... no one else will do it? Is He
asking you to stretch into new areas so that your unique gifts will grow?...Or is this...a
distraction from the task God has given you to do?" (163)
3) usually involves servanthood: "I can usually sense...a leading is from the Holy Spirit when it calls me to humble myself, serve somebody, encourage somebody, or give something away (163-164).... Many of God's leadings will require you to choose between being comfortable and building a godly character" (164).
"If a leading requires you to
-make a major, life-changing decision in a very short period of time, [What about, 'Follow me'?]
-place someone else in a position of awkwardness, compromise or danger,
-shatter family relationships or important friendships,
-creates unrest in the spirit of mature Christian friends/counselors,
question it" (165).
1) consistent with Scripture
2) consistent with God's gifts--the person He made me to be
"If you sense a leading that seems completely contrary to who God made you to be,...test it
carefully. Is God asking [me] to do this difficult thing because... no one else will do it? Is He
asking you to stretch into new areas so that your unique gifts will grow?...Or is this...a
distraction from the task God has given you to do?" (163)
3) usually involves servanthood: "I can usually sense...a leading is from the Holy Spirit when it calls me to humble myself, serve somebody, encourage somebody, or give something away (163-164).... Many of God's leadings will require you to choose between being comfortable and building a godly character" (164).
"If a leading requires you to
-make a major, life-changing decision in a very short period of time, [What about, 'Follow me'?]
-place someone else in a position of awkwardness, compromise or danger,
-shatter family relationships or important friendships,
-creates unrest in the spirit of mature Christian friends/counselors,
question it" (165).
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
544
John MacArthur, Daily Study Bible
Hebrews 7:19
"Drawing near to God is the essence of Christianity as compared with the Levitical system, which kept people outside His presence."
Bill Hybels, Too Busy Not To Pray
"Questions for God"
-What's the next step in developing my character?
-What's the next step in my role in the family?
-What's the next step in my ministry?
-What should I do for our children? grandchildren?
-How can I give?
Hebrews 7:19
"Drawing near to God is the essence of Christianity as compared with the Levitical system, which kept people outside His presence."
Bill Hybels, Too Busy Not To Pray
"Questions for God"
-What's the next step in developing my character?
-What's the next step in my role in the family?
-What's the next step in my ministry?
-What should I do for our children? grandchildren?
-How can I give?
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
543
John MacArthur, Daily Study Bible
on Hebrews 6:4
"Understanding the gospel is not the equivalent of salvation (1137).
Hebrews 6:4-6
This "immediate context has no mention of [the listeners'] being saved....they were unbelievers who had been exposed to God's redemptive truth and, perhaps, had made a profession of faith but had not exercised genuine saving faith..., people who come in contact with the gospel but are spiritually unchanged by it. Apostate[s] are Christians in name only, not genuine believers who are often incorrectly thought to lose their salvation because of their sins. There is no possibility of these verses['] referring to [loss of] salvation. Many Scripture passages make unmistakenly clear that salvation is eternal (...John 10:27-29; Rom. 8:35, 38-39; Phil. 1:6; I Pet. 1:4-4). Those who want to make this passage mean that believers can lose salvation will have to admit that it would then also make the point that one could never get it back again" (1138).
on Hebrews 6:4
"Understanding the gospel is not the equivalent of salvation (1137).
Hebrews 6:4-6
This "immediate context has no mention of [the listeners'] being saved....they were unbelievers who had been exposed to God's redemptive truth and, perhaps, had made a profession of faith but had not exercised genuine saving faith..., people who come in contact with the gospel but are spiritually unchanged by it. Apostate[s] are Christians in name only, not genuine believers who are often incorrectly thought to lose their salvation because of their sins. There is no possibility of these verses['] referring to [loss of] salvation. Many Scripture passages make unmistakenly clear that salvation is eternal (...John 10:27-29; Rom. 8:35, 38-39; Phil. 1:6; I Pet. 1:4-4). Those who want to make this passage mean that believers can lose salvation will have to admit that it would then also make the point that one could never get it back again" (1138).
Monday, November 9, 2009
542
John MacArthur Daily Study Bible: Ezekiel 6:7
"... the essential reason for judgment is the violation of the character of God.... the motive for all obedience to God's law is the fact that He is the Lord God."
Ps. 119:169-176
"Let my cry come before You, O LORD; Give me understanding according to Your word. Let my supplication come before You; Deliver me according to You word.... teach me Your statutes.... I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Seek Your servant...."
Psalm 102: 1-7
"my soul, O LORD, from lying lips and from a deceitful tongue."
"... the essential reason for judgment is the violation of the character of God.... the motive for all obedience to God's law is the fact that He is the Lord God."
Ps. 119:169-176
"Let my cry come before You, O LORD; Give me understanding according to Your word. Let my supplication come before You; Deliver me according to You word.... teach me Your statutes.... I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Seek Your servant...."
Psalm 102: 1-7
"my soul, O LORD, from lying lips and from a deceitful tongue."
Friday, November 6, 2009
541
Psalm 119:165, 168
"Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble....all my ways are before You."
John MacArthur, Daily Study Bible: satan has the power of death; his use of that power is subject to God's will (1124).
"Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble....all my ways are before You."
John MacArthur, Daily Study Bible: satan has the power of death; his use of that power is subject to God's will (1124).
Thursday, November 5, 2009
540
as quoted in Bill Hybels, Too Busy Not to Pray:
- If the request is wrong, God says, 'No.'
- If the timing is wrong, God says, 'Slow.'
- If I am wrong, God says, 'Grow.'
- If the request is right, the timing is right, and I am right, God says, 'Go!'" (88)
If God granted this request,
- would it bring glory to Him?
- would it advance His Kingdom?
- would it help people?
- would it help me grow spiritually? (92)
"The most common cause of unanswered prayer is prayerlessness" (101.
"When we work, we work; when we pray, God works!" (102)
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
539
--in Lamentations, no less!
Lamentations 3:22-23
"Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:22-23
"Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness."
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
538
Psalm 119:137-144
"Righteous are You, O LORD, and upright are Your judgments. Your testimonies...Are righteous and very faithful.... Your work is very pure.... I am small and despised.... Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And Your law is truth. Trouble & anguish [over my sin] have overtaken me.... The righteousness of Your testimonies is everlasting; Give me understanding, and I shall live." [give me discernment and comprehension, Amp.]
Titus 3:1-15
"... be subject to... authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all.... He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.... be careful to maintain good works.... to meet urgent needs...."
v. 7, Amp.: "...conformed to the divine will in purpose, thought, and action"
"Righteous are You, O LORD, and upright are Your judgments. Your testimonies...Are righteous and very faithful.... Your work is very pure.... I am small and despised.... Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And Your law is truth. Trouble & anguish [over my sin] have overtaken me.... The righteousness of Your testimonies is everlasting; Give me understanding, and I shall live." [give me discernment and comprehension, Amp.]
Titus 3:1-15
"... be subject to... authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all.... He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.... be careful to maintain good works.... to meet urgent needs...."
v. 7, Amp.: "...conformed to the divine will in purpose, thought, and action"
Monday, November 2, 2009
537
Psalm 119:124-125
"Deal with [me] according to Your mercy, And teach me Your statutes.... Give me understanding, that I may know Your testimonies."
John MacArthur: Daily Study Bible "If the mind is defiled, it cannot accurately inform the conscience, so conscience cannot warn the person. When conscience cannot warn the person. When conscience is accurately and fully infused with God's truth, it functions as the warning system God designed" (1104).
Psalm 119:130-135
"The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple....Look upon me and be merciful to me.... Direct my steps by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me. Redeem me from the oppression of man, That I may keep Your precepts. Make Your face shine upon [me]."
Titus 2:2-5, 14
Older women are to be "sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things--that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands.... [Christ] gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works."
John MacArthur, Daily Study Bible: The admonishment to love [phileo--affection] one's husband is "unconditional.... based on God's will, not on a husband's worthiness."
Titus 2:3-5, Amp.
"Bid the older women... to... give good counsel and be teachers of what is right and noble, So that they will wisely train the young women to be... (temperate, disciplined).... self-controlled,... good-natured (kind-hearted), adapting and subordinating themselves to their husbands...."
v. 14: Christ gave Himself"....to purify for Himself a people [...peculiarly His own, people who are eager and enthusiastic about [living a life that is good and filled with] beneficial deeds."
"Deal with [me] according to Your mercy, And teach me Your statutes.... Give me understanding, that I may know Your testimonies."
John MacArthur: Daily Study Bible "If the mind is defiled, it cannot accurately inform the conscience, so conscience cannot warn the person. When conscience cannot warn the person. When conscience is accurately and fully infused with God's truth, it functions as the warning system God designed" (1104).
Psalm 119:130-135
"The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple....Look upon me and be merciful to me.... Direct my steps by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me. Redeem me from the oppression of man, That I may keep Your precepts. Make Your face shine upon [me]."
Titus 2:2-5, 14
Older women are to be "sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things--that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands.... [Christ] gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works."
John MacArthur, Daily Study Bible: The admonishment to love [phileo--affection] one's husband is "unconditional.... based on God's will, not on a husband's worthiness."
Titus 2:3-5, Amp.
"Bid the older women... to... give good counsel and be teachers of what is right and noble, So that they will wisely train the young women to be... (temperate, disciplined).... self-controlled,... good-natured (kind-hearted), adapting and subordinating themselves to their husbands...."
v. 14: Christ gave Himself"....to purify for Himself a people [...peculiarly His own, people who are eager and enthusiastic about [living a life that is good and filled with] beneficial deeds."
Saturday, October 31, 2009
536
Psalm 119: 114, 116-117
"You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.... Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live.... Hold me up, and I shall be safe...."
Beth Moore, Living Beyond Yourself, Week 8 "Faith is not an action; it is a response" (156).
Faithfulness "carries the idea of giving someone credit. An English synonym... is reality."
"...beyond believing in [Christ] and on Him, do we simply believe Him?... Do we believe Who He is and what He says?" (157)
"Enoch so enraptured God that God raptured him!"
"... wake up every morning saying, 'Yes, Lord,' then live through the day to discover His questions" (162).
"Genuine faith walks steadfastly with God for the pleasure of His company, not for His results" (164).
based upon Acts 27:1-28:10
1. Feelings or perceptions cannot be the basis of faith even in the most Spirit-filled life.
2. Faith comes from listening! The most certain way to know God is to know His word!
3. God's deliverance came through the ship['s] running aground!
4. God always has a destination in mind when He delivers.... If only we would release God from our preconceived notions of what a miracle should be! (166-167)
"Fear cripples faith,... but faith cripples fear" (170).
God "always can...! If He chooses not to, He has greater glory in mind" (171).
Through the indwelling of the Holy Ghost, I have "the faith of the very Son of God [to be] released in [me] through the fruit of the Spirit! (172)
"The closest length of time between the major prophecies and their fulfillment was 200 years" (173).
Week 9
gentleness= submission, humility, and teachability; meekness, mildness, forbearance.... grace of the soul, calmness toward God.... stands between uncontrollable, unjustified anger and passivity (178); describes the complete surrender to God's will and way in your life.... means to "stop fighting God"... power and strength created from submitting to God's will...."allow Him to comb out the tangles until you're free" (181).
humility = "the correct estimation of ourselves which results from a correct estimation of our God" (182).
When I am "proud, rebellious, and insist on [my] own way, the chances are good [God] will use a donkey" to instruct me.
gentleness = "'Strength of character revealed in meekness of manner"
"The Sword of the Spirit is to injure Satan, not the body of Christ" (194).
exhort does not equal injure.
"God's Word is best served with a pitcher and a towel" (197).
"You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.... Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live.... Hold me up, and I shall be safe...."
Beth Moore, Living Beyond Yourself, Week 8 "Faith is not an action; it is a response" (156).
Faithfulness "carries the idea of giving someone credit. An English synonym... is reality."
"...beyond believing in [Christ] and on Him, do we simply believe Him?... Do we believe Who He is and what He says?" (157)
"Enoch so enraptured God that God raptured him!"
"... wake up every morning saying, 'Yes, Lord,' then live through the day to discover His questions" (162).
"Genuine faith walks steadfastly with God for the pleasure of His company, not for His results" (164).
based upon Acts 27:1-28:10
1. Feelings or perceptions cannot be the basis of faith even in the most Spirit-filled life.
2. Faith comes from listening! The most certain way to know God is to know His word!
3. God's deliverance came through the ship['s] running aground!
4. God always has a destination in mind when He delivers.... If only we would release God from our preconceived notions of what a miracle should be! (166-167)
"Fear cripples faith,... but faith cripples fear" (170).
God "always can...! If He chooses not to, He has greater glory in mind" (171).
Through the indwelling of the Holy Ghost, I have "the faith of the very Son of God [to be] released in [me] through the fruit of the Spirit! (172)
"The closest length of time between the major prophecies and their fulfillment was 200 years" (173).
Week 9
gentleness= submission, humility, and teachability; meekness, mildness, forbearance.... grace of the soul, calmness toward God.... stands between uncontrollable, unjustified anger and passivity (178); describes the complete surrender to God's will and way in your life.... means to "stop fighting God"... power and strength created from submitting to God's will...."allow Him to comb out the tangles until you're free" (181).
humility = "the correct estimation of ourselves which results from a correct estimation of our God" (182).
When I am "proud, rebellious, and insist on [my] own way, the chances are good [God] will use a donkey" to instruct me.
gentleness = "'Strength of character revealed in meekness of manner"
"The Sword of the Spirit is to injure Satan, not the body of Christ" (194).
exhort does not equal injure.
"God's Word is best served with a pitcher and a towel" (197).
Friday, October 30, 2009
535
Psalms 119: 107-108, 112
"Revive me [Amp: renew and quicken me (give me life)], O LORD, according to Your word...And teach me Your judgments....I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes...."
Beth Moore, Living Beyond Yourself: "...we will never be successful as parents to our children until we are successful at being children to our Heavenly Father" (142-143).
Goodness as a quality of the fruit of the Spirit "means 'benevolent' and 'active goodness.'" It "does not spare sharpness and rebuke to cause good in others" (148).
"...we have not been saved by our works--we have been saved for His works!" (149)
"...our works were assigned in advance...we are not extra baggage. God did not save us so that we could look attractive on Sundays.... If we miss our ministry, we will miss our entire purpose in remaining here" (150).
"... that which is good, profitable, or beneficial is not always fun, easy, or pleasant. The purpose of [goodness] is to do or bring that which is most beneficial, whether or not it is that which is most popular" (152).
Our objective is "the good of the kingdom,... 'kingdom profit" (153).
"We cannot excuse sharp tongues and self-righteous attitudes in the name of good works.... [God] wants us to have a disposition of 'tenderheartedness' and a Spirit eager to nurture" (153-154).
"Revive me [Amp: renew and quicken me (give me life)], O LORD, according to Your word...And teach me Your judgments....I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes...."
Beth Moore, Living Beyond Yourself: "...we will never be successful as parents to our children until we are successful at being children to our Heavenly Father" (142-143).
Goodness as a quality of the fruit of the Spirit "means 'benevolent' and 'active goodness.'" It "does not spare sharpness and rebuke to cause good in others" (148).
"...we have not been saved by our works--we have been saved for His works!" (149)
"...our works were assigned in advance...we are not extra baggage. God did not save us so that we could look attractive on Sundays.... If we miss our ministry, we will miss our entire purpose in remaining here" (150).
"... that which is good, profitable, or beneficial is not always fun, easy, or pleasant. The purpose of [goodness] is to do or bring that which is most beneficial, whether or not it is that which is most popular" (152).
Our objective is "the good of the kingdom,... 'kingdom profit" (153).
"We cannot excuse sharp tongues and self-righteous attitudes in the name of good works.... [God] wants us to have a disposition of 'tenderheartedness' and a Spirit eager to nurture" (153-154).
Thursday, October 29, 2009
533
2 Timothy 2:21
"... If [I cleanse myself in Christ's blood, I] will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work."
John MacArthur, Daily Study Bible: "...went out of God's protection into His judgment, as all who are disobedient to His word do" (1088).
Beth Moore, Living Beyond Yourself: "Without kindness, goodness becomes harsh and self-righteous" (134).
kindness = "a tender heart and a nurturing spirit."
The qualities of the fruit of the Spirit are "manifestations of the Father Himself through the yielded or Spirit-filled child of God..."
"El Shaddai, the Father of sufficiency, our God, the nurturing Parent" (136)
"God-sized problems don't fit women-sized hands" (137).
Isaiah 12:6: "...great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel."
Beth Moore, viewing guide for Chapter 6, "A Composite of Peculiar Patience, " Living Beyond Yourself: deals with hope, patience in circumstances, the judgmental/critical spirit, mercy, and Biblical forgiveness.
Patience in circumstances is inspired by hope.
Patience with people is inspired by mercy (Amp.: even-tempered, forbearing). God's priority is always going to be people.
PART 1: THE COMPLICATION OF PATIENCE
James 5:7-9, 22, 2 Peter 3:9, 15: We are called to wait patiently for the LORD as He waits patiently for the lost. He will keep me in a situation until I learn to react differently--His way.
Patience waits; waiting does NOT = idleness; waiting = WORK.
PART 2: THE CALL TO PATIENCE
A. Colossians 3:12-13: patience which is TIRELESS (Amp.)
Ephesians 4:1-2: making allowances
Both verses couple our word patience with "bearing one another" (to put up with, or forbear).
B. Restraint is part of forbearance: "holding up" others to God and "holding back" all that my flesh wants to do or say.
"Patience waits when it wants to WHACK!
PART 3: THE COMPLETION OF PATIENCE
The practice of patience helps complete something lacking IN ME (sandpaper).
This truth is proven in forbearance with people in that
"... If [I cleanse myself in Christ's blood, I] will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work."
John MacArthur, Daily Study Bible: "...went out of God's protection into His judgment, as all who are disobedient to His word do" (1088).
Beth Moore, Living Beyond Yourself: "Without kindness, goodness becomes harsh and self-righteous" (134).
kindness = "a tender heart and a nurturing spirit."
The qualities of the fruit of the Spirit are "manifestations of the Father Himself through the yielded or Spirit-filled child of God..."
"El Shaddai, the Father of sufficiency, our God, the nurturing Parent" (136)
"God-sized problems don't fit women-sized hands" (137).
Isaiah 12:6: "...great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel."
Beth Moore, viewing guide for Chapter 6, "A Composite of Peculiar Patience, " Living Beyond Yourself: deals with hope, patience in circumstances, the judgmental/critical spirit, mercy, and Biblical forgiveness.
Patience in circumstances is inspired by hope.
Patience with people is inspired by mercy (Amp.: even-tempered, forbearing). God's priority is always going to be people.
PART 1: THE COMPLICATION OF PATIENCE
James 5:7-9, 22, 2 Peter 3:9, 15: We are called to wait patiently for the LORD as He waits patiently for the lost. He will keep me in a situation until I learn to react differently--His way.
Patience waits; waiting does NOT = idleness; waiting = WORK.
PART 2: THE CALL TO PATIENCE
A. Colossians 3:12-13: patience which is TIRELESS (Amp.)
Ephesians 4:1-2: making allowances
Both verses couple our word patience with "bearing one another" (to put up with, or forbear).
B. Restraint is part of forbearance: "holding up" others to God and "holding back" all that my flesh wants to do or say.
"Patience waits when it wants to WHACK!
PART 3: THE COMPLETION OF PATIENCE
The practice of patience helps complete something lacking IN ME (sandpaper).
This truth is proven in forbearance with people in that
- They bring out the worst in me
- They keep me from thinking too highly of myself.
- They keep my pretenses from working. (They're supposed to do so!)
2 Corinthians 4:10-12 (bringing everything to death that is not of Him) God could be working death in one person and life in the other. Trust Him.
God is committed to bringing OUT the worst in me. (He brings it up so that He can bring it out.) I must pray that God bring out the worst in me--then rid me of it!
A great harvest requires "a good killing."
CONFLICT = COMMITMENT PROMPTS CHANGE. (I have not understood this concept. In it lies much of the reason I have not "grown up": I have believed that conflict is an indication of being out of God's will, have removed myself from the conflict because "God hates strife.")
SIDENOTES
If God called us by our Starbucks orders, what would we be called?
My difficulties= all that it takes for God to kill self-righteousness in me.
God cannot use my arrogance.
Peace comes with a sword in relationships that are not Godly for us: Is God present in the relationship? Is the enemy present? (oppression)
God's will cannot be measured by ease versus difficulty. Hard does not always = bad.
Convenience never produces character.
Let patience have its perfect work.
Don't minimize God's finishing work.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
533
2 Timothy 1:7
God has given me a Spirit "of power and of love and of a sound mind." Amplified: "calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control"
God has given me a Spirit "of power and of love and of a sound mind." Amplified: "calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control"
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
532
Ps. 119:73-80
"Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments. Those who fear You will be glad when they see me, Because I have hoped in Your word. I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me [allowing me to suffer the consequences of my poor choices]. Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort, According to Your word....Let Your tender mercies come to me, that I may live.... I will meditate on Your precepts.... Let my heart be blameless regarding Your statutes, That I may not be ashamed."
vv. 81-88
"... I hope in Your word.... All Your commandments are faithful....Help me!... Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth."
I Timothy 6:6
"...godliness with contentment is great gain."
v. 11: "... pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness."
"Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments. Those who fear You will be glad when they see me, Because I have hoped in Your word. I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me [allowing me to suffer the consequences of my poor choices]. Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort, According to Your word....Let Your tender mercies come to me, that I may live.... I will meditate on Your precepts.... Let my heart be blameless regarding Your statutes, That I may not be ashamed."
vv. 81-88
"... I hope in Your word.... All Your commandments are faithful....Help me!... Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth."
I Timothy 6:6
"...godliness with contentment is great gain."
v. 11: "... pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness."
531
Ps. 119:66-71
"Teach me good judgment and knowledge, For I believe Your commandments. Before I was afflicted, I went astray, But now I [long to] keep Your word. You are good, and do good; Teach me Your statutes. It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes."
I Timothy 4:8
"...godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.
"Teach me good judgment and knowledge, For I believe Your commandments. Before I was afflicted, I went astray, But now I [long to] keep Your word. You are good, and do good; Teach me Your statutes. It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes."
I Timothy 4:8
"...godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.
530
Ps. 119:41-56
"Let Your mercies come also to me, O LORD--Your salvation according to Your word.... I trust in Your word. And take not the truth utterly out of my mouth, For I have hoped in Your ordinances....I will walk at liberty, For I seek Your precepts.... I will delight myself in Your commandments, which I love..., and I will meditate on Your statutes."
vv. 57-64
"You are my portion, O LORD; I have said that I would keep Your words. I entreated Your favor with my whole heart; Be merciful to me according to Your word. I thought about my ways and turned my feet to Your testimonies, [though I did not make haste to do so; I delayed to keep Your commandments. I allowed cords of wickedness to bind me.] But I have not forgotten Your law....Teach me Your statutes."
"Let Your mercies come also to me, O LORD--Your salvation according to Your word.... I trust in Your word. And take not the truth utterly out of my mouth, For I have hoped in Your ordinances....I will walk at liberty, For I seek Your precepts.... I will delight myself in Your commandments, which I love..., and I will meditate on Your statutes."
vv. 57-64
"You are my portion, O LORD; I have said that I would keep Your words. I entreated Your favor with my whole heart; Be merciful to me according to Your word. I thought about my ways and turned my feet to Your testimonies, [though I did not make haste to do so; I delayed to keep Your commandments. I allowed cords of wickedness to bind me.] But I have not forgotten Your law....Teach me Your statutes."
529
Ps. 119:34
"Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law....Make me walk in the path of Your commandments.... Incline my heart to Your testimonies,...Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way. Establish Your word to Your servant....Turn away my reproach which I dread, For Your judgments are good. Behold, I long for Your precepts; Revive me in Your righteousness."
"Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law....Make me walk in the path of Your commandments.... Incline my heart to Your testimonies,...Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way. Establish Your word to Your servant....Turn away my reproach which I dread, For Your judgments are good. Behold, I long for Your precepts; Revive me in Your righteousness."
528
Ps. 119: 25-32: "...Revive me according to Your word.... Teach me Your statutes. Make me understand the way of Your precepts; So shall I meditate on Your wonderful works. My soul melts from heaviness; Strengthen me according to Your word. Remove from me the way of lying, And grant me Your law graciously. I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me. I cling to Your testimonies; O LORD, do not put me to shame. I will run the course of Your commandments, For You shall enlarge my heart."
527
Ps. 119:17-22
"...That I may live and keep Your word Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law....Do not hide Your commandments from me....Remove from me reproach and contempt."
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12: "...we... pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of [His] calling and ffulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name of our LORD Jesus Christ may be glorified...."
Ps. 27:4: "One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple."
St. Augustine as quoted in Piper, Desiring God: "Thou madest us for Thyself,/ and our heart is restless,/ Until it rest in Thee" (291).
George Herbert, "The Pulley," as quoted in Piper, Desiring God:
When God at first made man,
Having a glass of blessings standing by,
Let us (said he) pour on him all we can:
Let the world's riches, which dispersed lie,
Contract into a span.
So strength first made a way;
Then beauty flowed, then wisdom, honour, pleasure:
When almost all was out, God made a stay,
Perceiving that alone of all his treasure,
Rest in the bottom lay.
For if I should (said he)
Bestow this jewel also on my creature,
He would adore my gifts instead of me,
And rest in Nature, not the God of Nature:
So both should losers be.
Yet let him keep the rest,
But keep them with repining restlessness;
Let him be rich and weary, that at least
If goodness lead him not, yet weariness
May toss him to my breast.
Piper, Desiring God: Compare "...boasting with self-pity. Both are manifestations of pride. Boasting is the response of pride to success. Self-pity is the response of pride to suffering. Boasting says, 'I deserve admiration because I have achieved so much.' Self-pity says, 'I deserve admiration because I have sacrificed so much.' Boasting is the voice of pride in the heart of the strong. Self-pity is the voice of pride in the heart of the weak. Boasting sounds self-sufficient. Self-pity sounds self-sacrificing. The reason self-pity does not look like pride is that it appears to be needy. But the need arises from a wounded ego, and the desire of the self-pitying is not really for others to see them as helpless, but as heroes. The need self-pity feels does not come from a sense of unworthiness, but from a sense of unrecognized owrthiness. It is the response of unapplauded pride" (302).
"...That I may live and keep Your word Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law....Do not hide Your commandments from me....Remove from me reproach and contempt."
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12: "...we... pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of [His] calling and ffulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name of our LORD Jesus Christ may be glorified...."
Ps. 27:4: "One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple."
St. Augustine as quoted in Piper, Desiring God: "Thou madest us for Thyself,/ and our heart is restless,/ Until it rest in Thee" (291).
George Herbert, "The Pulley," as quoted in Piper, Desiring God:
When God at first made man,
Having a glass of blessings standing by,
Let us (said he) pour on him all we can:
Let the world's riches, which dispersed lie,
Contract into a span.
So strength first made a way;
Then beauty flowed, then wisdom, honour, pleasure:
When almost all was out, God made a stay,
Perceiving that alone of all his treasure,
Rest in the bottom lay.
For if I should (said he)
Bestow this jewel also on my creature,
He would adore my gifts instead of me,
And rest in Nature, not the God of Nature:
So both should losers be.
Yet let him keep the rest,
But keep them with repining restlessness;
Let him be rich and weary, that at least
If goodness lead him not, yet weariness
May toss him to my breast.
Piper, Desiring God: Compare "...boasting with self-pity. Both are manifestations of pride. Boasting is the response of pride to success. Self-pity is the response of pride to suffering. Boasting says, 'I deserve admiration because I have achieved so much.' Self-pity says, 'I deserve admiration because I have sacrificed so much.' Boasting is the voice of pride in the heart of the strong. Self-pity is the voice of pride in the heart of the weak. Boasting sounds self-sufficient. Self-pity sounds self-sacrificing. The reason self-pity does not look like pride is that it appears to be needy. But the need arises from a wounded ego, and the desire of the self-pitying is not really for others to see them as helpless, but as heroes. The need self-pity feels does not come from a sense of unworthiness, but from a sense of unrecognized owrthiness. It is the response of unapplauded pride" (302).
Friday, October 16, 2009
526
I Thessalonians 3:13: "...that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before...God...."
John Piper, Desiring God: Bless those who do not have the means to repay (194).
"God is not glorified when we keep for ourselves...what we ought to be using to alleviate the misery of unevangelized, uneducated, unmedicated, and unfed millions.... God increases our yield so that by giving we can prove that our yield is not our God..." (198).
"wartime lifestyle....a life unencumbered with nonessentials--... not primitive 'simplicity,' but wartime effectiveness....A wartime lifestyle implies that there is a great and worthy cause for which to spend and be spent....work to get in order to give" (199-202).
John Piper, Desiring God: Bless those who do not have the means to repay (194).
"God is not glorified when we keep for ourselves...what we ought to be using to alleviate the misery of unevangelized, uneducated, unmedicated, and unfed millions.... God increases our yield so that by giving we can prove that our yield is not our God..." (198).
"wartime lifestyle....a life unencumbered with nonessentials--... not primitive 'simplicity,' but wartime effectiveness....A wartime lifestyle implies that there is a great and worthy cause for which to spend and be spent....work to get in order to give" (199-202).
Thursday, October 15, 2009
525
I Thess. 2:13"...the word of God... effectively works ["...exercising its super-human power," Amp.]
John MacArthur, Daily Study Bible:The work of God's Word includes
1. saving
2. teaching/training
3. guiding
4. counseling
5. reviving
6. restoring
7. warning and rewarding
8. nourishing
9. judging
10. sanctifying
11. freeing
12. enriching
13. protecting/strengthening
14. making wise
15. rejoicing the heart
16. prospering
Beth Moore, Living Beyond Yourself:
John MacArthur, Daily Study Bible:The work of God's Word includes
1. saving
2. teaching/training
3. guiding
4. counseling
5. reviving
6. restoring
7. warning and rewarding
8. nourishing
9. judging
10. sanctifying
11. freeing
12. enriching
13. protecting/strengthening
14. making wise
15. rejoicing the heart
16. prospering
Beth Moore, Living Beyond Yourself:
- "Biblical forgiveness means to cut someone loose, to set someone free.
- We must forgive everyone and everything.
- We must forgive because
- The burden of unforgiveness is too heavy to carry.
- God wants to continue to forgive us.
- God does not want us to be tortured by unforgiveness.
- Satan takes tremendous advantage of unforgiveness.
- God can be released to work the situation to our good" (130).
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
524
Beth Moore, Living Beyond Yourself: "Patience is the vessel through which God pours His mercy Mercy is fueled by forgiveness.... Unforgiveness is the means by which we securely bind ourselves to that which we hate most....The Greek meaning of forgiveness is 'cutting loose the person roped to your back'.... It's difficult to live an effective Christian life with a body roped to your back" (127-128).
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
523
Prayer from Colossians 4:12: "...that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God" ("...stand firm and mature [in spiritual growth], convinced and fully assured in everything willed by God, Amp).
Beth Moore, Living Beyond Yourself: "...the essence of the Biblical word for 'patience' is the delaying of judgment." I cannot both judge others and be patient toward them (122-123.
Six Reasons We Must Not Judge Others
(Romans 2:1-5)
1. When I judge others, I invite the discipline of my Heavenly Father.
2. Judgment bears [births] hypocrisy; much of what I condemn in others, I myself have done.
3. I do not know the whole truth.
4. I am a mere human. I cannot assume God's job.
5. When I judge others, I am judging God. "'Time is not nearly as important to God as timing.'" Dr. Adrian Rogers as quoted in Beth Moore.
6. God's judgment is always righteous. Mine is always tainted by the flesh.
Matt. 7:1-5
7. I risk application of the same type of judgment to me.
8. I have a plank (telephone pole) in my eye. My sight is hindered by my own sin.
James 4:11-12
9. God alone is lawgiver and judge.
10. Only God has noble purpose in His judgment. I judge to make myself feel righteous in comparison.
John 8:14-18
11. My judgment would have to be completely consistent with God's. I possess little heavenly perspective (123-125).
I pass judgment more frequently than I restore.
Father, grant me an extremem awareness of judgment--an immediate sense of conviction over the sin of judgment and my tendency to condemn.
Beth Moore, Living Beyond Yourself: "...the essence of the Biblical word for 'patience' is the delaying of judgment." I cannot both judge others and be patient toward them (122-123.
Six Reasons We Must Not Judge Others
(Romans 2:1-5)
1. When I judge others, I invite the discipline of my Heavenly Father.
2. Judgment bears [births] hypocrisy; much of what I condemn in others, I myself have done.
3. I do not know the whole truth.
4. I am a mere human. I cannot assume God's job.
5. When I judge others, I am judging God. "'Time is not nearly as important to God as timing.'" Dr. Adrian Rogers as quoted in Beth Moore.
6. God's judgment is always righteous. Mine is always tainted by the flesh.
Matt. 7:1-5
7. I risk application of the same type of judgment to me.
8. I have a plank (telephone pole) in my eye. My sight is hindered by my own sin.
James 4:11-12
9. God alone is lawgiver and judge.
10. Only God has noble purpose in His judgment. I judge to make myself feel righteous in comparison.
John 8:14-18
11. My judgment would have to be completely consistent with God's. I possess little heavenly perspective (123-125).
I pass judgment more frequently than I restore.
Father, grant me an extremem awareness of judgment--an immediate sense of conviction over the sin of judgment and my tendency to condemn.
Monday, October 12, 2009
522
John MacArthur Daily Study Bible: circumcision of the heart = "taking away fleshly things that keep the heart from being spiritually devoted to Him and from true faith in Him and His will" (1015).
The "mystery" = the indwelling of Christ in each believer (1022).
Beth Moor, Living Beyond Yourself: Patience as a quality of the fruit of the Spirit is inspried by mercy (119).
The "mystery" = the indwelling of Christ in each believer (1022).
Beth Moor, Living Beyond Yourself: Patience as a quality of the fruit of the Spirit is inspried by mercy (119).
Thursday, October 8, 2009
521
Ps. 116:7: "Return to your rest, O my soul, For the LORD has dealt bountifully with you."
Philippians 3:12: "...I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me....forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal...."
Beth Moore, Living Beyond Yourself: Trials result in my refinement in God and God's reflection in me (116).
"...being made conformable is rarely comfortable" (117).
"Without hope, no patience; without patience, no maturity; without maturity, no reflection; and without reflection, no glory" (118).
Philippians 3:12: "...I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me....forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal...."
Beth Moore, Living Beyond Yourself: Trials result in my refinement in God and God's reflection in me (116).
"...being made conformable is rarely comfortable" (117).
"Without hope, no patience; without patience, no maturity; without maturity, no reflection; and without reflection, no glory" (118).
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
520
Is. 64:4-5 (Amp.): "...no one has heard... nor has the eye seen a God besides You, Who works and shows Himself active on behalf of him who [earnestly] waits for Him. You meet and spare him who joyfully works righteousness (uprightness and justice0, [earnestly] remembering You in Your ways."
Is. 64:8: "But now, O LORD, You are [my] Father; [I] am the clay, and You [my] potter;...{I am] the work of Your hand."
A prayer to pray: Ps. 115:14-15: "May the LORD give you increase more and more, you and your children. May you be blessed by the LORD...."
Prayer from Philippians 1:6, 9-11: "...that He who has begun a good work in you [Amp.: "...developing (that good work) and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you."] will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.... that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment [Amp.: "...that your love may... extend to its fullest development in knowledge and all keen insight (that your love may display itself in greater depth of acquaintance and more comprehensive discernment)], that you may approve the things that are excellent [Amp.: "So that you may surely learn to sense what is vital, and approve and prize what is excellent and of real value (recognizing the highest and the best, and distinguishing the moral differences")], that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ [Amp.: "and that you may be untainted and pure and unerring and blameless (so that with hearts sincere [genuine] and certain and unsullied, you may approach) the day of Christ (not stumbling nor causing other to stumble], being filled with the fruits of righteousness [Amp.: of right standing with God and right doing] which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." [Amp.: that His glory may be both manifested and recognized].
Prayer from Philippians 1:27: "that you are standing firm in united spirit and purpose, striving side by side and contending with a single mind for rthe faith of the glad tidings (the Gospel)."
John MacArthur Daily Study Bible: Discernment = moral perception, insight, and the practical application of knowledge. Love is not blind, but perceptive..." (1004).
on Philippians 1:10: "Believers need the ability to distinguish those things that are truly important so they can establish the right priorities" (1004).
Beth Moore, speaking of Jesus' walking on the water: "Christ didn't change His circumstances to make them bearable. He mastered them at the peak of their impossibility" (105).
"[P]eace means the absence of fear and turmoil, not the absence of pain and grief" (107).
Is. 64:8: "But now, O LORD, You are [my] Father; [I] am the clay, and You [my] potter;...{I am] the work of Your hand."
A prayer to pray: Ps. 115:14-15: "May the LORD give you increase more and more, you and your children. May you be blessed by the LORD...."
Prayer from Philippians 1:6, 9-11: "...that He who has begun a good work in you [Amp.: "...developing (that good work) and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you."] will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.... that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment [Amp.: "...that your love may... extend to its fullest development in knowledge and all keen insight (that your love may display itself in greater depth of acquaintance and more comprehensive discernment)], that you may approve the things that are excellent [Amp.: "So that you may surely learn to sense what is vital, and approve and prize what is excellent and of real value (recognizing the highest and the best, and distinguishing the moral differences")], that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ [Amp.: "and that you may be untainted and pure and unerring and blameless (so that with hearts sincere [genuine] and certain and unsullied, you may approach) the day of Christ (not stumbling nor causing other to stumble], being filled with the fruits of righteousness [Amp.: of right standing with God and right doing] which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." [Amp.: that His glory may be both manifested and recognized].
Prayer from Philippians 1:27: "that you are standing firm in united spirit and purpose, striving side by side and contending with a single mind for rthe faith of the glad tidings (the Gospel)."
John MacArthur Daily Study Bible: Discernment = moral perception, insight, and the practical application of knowledge. Love is not blind, but perceptive..." (1004).
on Philippians 1:10: "Believers need the ability to distinguish those things that are truly important so they can establish the right priorities" (1004).
Beth Moore, speaking of Jesus' walking on the water: "Christ didn't change His circumstances to make them bearable. He mastered them at the peak of their impossibility" (105).
"[P]eace means the absence of fear and turmoil, not the absence of pain and grief" (107).
Monday, October 5, 2009
519
Ephesians 4:12-16: "equipping...the saints for work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, til we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God,... to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; speaking the truth in love[see v. 15 in Amp.], [we will] grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ--from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love."
John MacArthur Daily Study Bible: "Scripture is the key to this process (2 Tim. 3:16-17, John 15:3)" (990).
"the work of ministry": "The spiritual service required of every Christian, not just of church leaders (I Cor. 15:58)" (990).
"the edifying of the body of Christ": "The spiritual edification, nurturing, and development of the church (Acts 20:32)" (990).
"...Satan seeks to drive God's children as far away as possible from His image and will..." (994).
"...live continuallyh under the influence of the Spirit by letting the Word control [us], pursuing pure lives, confessing all known sin, dying to self, surrendering to God's will, and depending on His power in all things" (997).
"Being filled with the Spirit is living in the conscious presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, letting His mind, through the Word, dominate everything that is thought and done. Being filled with the Spirit is the same as walking in the Spirit" (997).
"Failure to love is just as often the source of marital trouble as failure to submit" (998).
Is. 61:3: "...beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness"
Is. 63:10: "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me witht he robe of righteousness...."
Beth Moore, Living Beyond Yourself: Peace with God = Peace of God (100).
In Christ's feeding of the 5,000, "He placed them in a posture to rest in His provision. He commanded them to 'sit down' and fed only those who were 'seated' (John 6:10-11)" (103).
John MacArthur Daily Study Bible: "Scripture is the key to this process (2 Tim. 3:16-17, John 15:3)" (990).
"the work of ministry": "The spiritual service required of every Christian, not just of church leaders (I Cor. 15:58)" (990).
"the edifying of the body of Christ": "The spiritual edification, nurturing, and development of the church (Acts 20:32)" (990).
"...Satan seeks to drive God's children as far away as possible from His image and will..." (994).
"...live continuallyh under the influence of the Spirit by letting the Word control [us], pursuing pure lives, confessing all known sin, dying to self, surrendering to God's will, and depending on His power in all things" (997).
"Being filled with the Spirit is living in the conscious presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, letting His mind, through the Word, dominate everything that is thought and done. Being filled with the Spirit is the same as walking in the Spirit" (997).
"Failure to love is just as often the source of marital trouble as failure to submit" (998).
Is. 61:3: "...beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness"
Is. 63:10: "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me witht he robe of righteousness...."
Beth Moore, Living Beyond Yourself: Peace with God = Peace of God (100).
In Christ's feeding of the 5,000, "He placed them in a posture to rest in His provision. He commanded them to 'sit down' and fed only those who were 'seated' (John 6:10-11)" (103).
518
Is. 53:4-5: "Surely He has born [my] griefs And carried [my] sorrows;...He was wounded for [my] transgressions, He was bruised for [my] iniquities; The chastisement for [my] peace was upon Him, And by His stripes [I] am healed."
Ephesians 3:14-21 [prayer]
Ephesians 3:19, John MacArthur Daily Study Bible: "filled with all the fullness of God": To be so strong spiritually, so compelled by divine love, that one is totally dominated by the Lord with nothing left of self....total devotion to Him."
Ephesians 3:14-21 [prayer]
Ephesians 3:19, John MacArthur Daily Study Bible: "filled with all the fullness of God": To be so strong spiritually, so compelled by divine love, that one is totally dominated by the Lord with nothing left of self....total devotion to Him."
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
516
Isaiah 49:16: You have inscribed me on the palms of Your hands.
John Piper, Desiring God: "In prayer we admit our poverty and God's prosperity, our bankruptcy and His bounty, our misery and His mercy" (182).
John Piper, Desiring God: "In prayer we admit our poverty and God's prosperity, our bankruptcy and His bounty, our misery and His mercy" (182).
Monday, September 28, 2009
515
9.28.09
Is. 43:25: "'I, even I, am He Who blots out (Amp: 'blots out and cancels') your transgressions for my own sake; And I will not remember your sins.'"
John MacArthur, The MacArthur Daily Bible: "Our love for fellow Christians is the primary test of our love for God" (976).
John Piper, Desiring God: "...prayer is the nerve center of our fellowship with Jesus....We have taken a wartime walkie-talkie [prayer] and tried to turn it into a civilian intercom to call the servants for another cushion in the den....The point of prayer is empowering for mission" (177-178).
Is. 43:25: "'I, even I, am He Who blots out (Amp: 'blots out and cancels') your transgressions for my own sake; And I will not remember your sins.'"
John MacArthur, The MacArthur Daily Bible: "Our love for fellow Christians is the primary test of our love for God" (976).
John Piper, Desiring God: "...prayer is the nerve center of our fellowship with Jesus....We have taken a wartime walkie-talkie [prayer] and tried to turn it into a civilian intercom to call the servants for another cushion in the den....The point of prayer is empowering for mission" (177-178).
Friday, September 25, 2009
514
9.25.09
Proverbs 26:4: "Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him."
John Piper, Desiring God: "The difference between Uncle Sam and Jesus Christ is that Uncle Sam won't enlist you in his service unless you are healthy and Jesus won't enlist you unless you are sick....Christianity is fundamentally convalescence. ('Pray without ceasing' = Keep buzzing the nurse.)....Patients do not serve their physicians. They trust them for good prescriptions. The Sermon on the Mount and the Ten Commandments are the Doctor's prescribed health regimen, not the employee's job description....beware of serving in a way that implies a deficiency on His part or exalts our indispensability" (171-172).
Proverbs 26:4: "Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him."
John Piper, Desiring God: "The difference between Uncle Sam and Jesus Christ is that Uncle Sam won't enlist you in his service unless you are healthy and Jesus won't enlist you unless you are sick....Christianity is fundamentally convalescence. ('Pray without ceasing' = Keep buzzing the nurse.)....Patients do not serve their physicians. They trust them for good prescriptions. The Sermon on the Mount and the Ten Commandments are the Doctor's prescribed health regimen, not the employee's job description....beware of serving in a way that implies a deficiency on His part or exalts our indispensability" (171-172).
Thursday, September 24, 2009
513
9.24.09
Is. 40:28-29: "[Your] understanding is unsearchable. [You] give power to the weak."
Ps. 109: 21-22: "But You, O God the LORD, Deal with me for Your name's sake; Because Your mercy is good, deliver me. For I am [physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually] poor and needy, And my heart is wounded within me."
John Piper, Desiring God: "Prayer is the essential activity of waiting for God--acknowledging our helplessness and His power, calling upon Him for help, seeking His counsel....Prayer is the antidote for the disease of self-confidence..." (170).
"God is not looking for people to work for Him, so much as He is looking for people who will let Him work for them. The gospel is not a help-wanted ad....On the contrary, the gospel commands us to give up and hang out a help-wanted sign (this is the basic meaning of prayer): (171).
"...we can give Him....our anxieties....God will gladly receive anything from us that shows our dependence and His all-sufficiency" (171).
Beth Moore, Living Beyond Yourself video series, session 3: Love risks rejection. Love is exposed.
The only prerequisite for rejection is relationship.
Rejection = not received.
What if God allows rejection because that rejection will lead to a reconciliation?
Would I know the value of being chosen if I had never experienced rejection?
If love has never failed me, how do I know the value of unfailing love?
Beth Moore, Living Beyond Yourself workbook, Week 4: "We may lose our joy...
1. When our outpour exceeds our intake....Are you serving more than you're seeking?
2. When our talk exceeds our walk.
3. When we become 'wonders junkies.'
4. When we are exhausted.
5. When we feel all alone....When we view ourselves as the only spiritual person s we know, we're setting ourselves up for a fall" (87-88).
Is. 40:28-29: "[Your] understanding is unsearchable. [You] give power to the weak."
Ps. 109: 21-22: "But You, O God the LORD, Deal with me for Your name's sake; Because Your mercy is good, deliver me. For I am [physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually] poor and needy, And my heart is wounded within me."
John Piper, Desiring God: "Prayer is the essential activity of waiting for God--acknowledging our helplessness and His power, calling upon Him for help, seeking His counsel....Prayer is the antidote for the disease of self-confidence..." (170).
"God is not looking for people to work for Him, so much as He is looking for people who will let Him work for them. The gospel is not a help-wanted ad....On the contrary, the gospel commands us to give up and hang out a help-wanted sign (this is the basic meaning of prayer): (171).
"...we can give Him....our anxieties....God will gladly receive anything from us that shows our dependence and His all-sufficiency" (171).
Beth Moore, Living Beyond Yourself video series, session 3: Love risks rejection. Love is exposed.
The only prerequisite for rejection is relationship.
Rejection = not received.
What if God allows rejection because that rejection will lead to a reconciliation?
Would I know the value of being chosen if I had never experienced rejection?
If love has never failed me, how do I know the value of unfailing love?
Beth Moore, Living Beyond Yourself workbook, Week 4: "We may lose our joy...
1. When our outpour exceeds our intake....Are you serving more than you're seeking?
2. When our talk exceeds our walk.
3. When we become 'wonders junkies.'
4. When we are exhausted.
5. When we feel all alone....When we view ourselves as the only spiritual person s we know, we're setting ourselves up for a fall" (87-88).
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
512
9.23.09
The [John] MacArthur Daily Bible: "'The gospel of Christ'[:] The good news of salvation by grace alone through fiath alone in Christ alone" (956)
Beth Moore, Living Beyond Yourself: "Joy is the result of
-realizing that our names are written in Heaven.
-discovering the person, power, and plan of God in our multitude of circumstances.
-restoration
-'remaining' in Christ
-relating God's way to God's people" (92).
The [John] MacArthur Daily Bible: "'The gospel of Christ'[:] The good news of salvation by grace alone through fiath alone in Christ alone" (956)
Beth Moore, Living Beyond Yourself: "Joy is the result of
-realizing that our names are written in Heaven.
-discovering the person, power, and plan of God in our multitude of circumstances.
-restoration
-'remaining' in Christ
-relating God's way to God's people" (92).
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
511
9.22.09
"...to seek one's own glory is not glory" (Proverbs 25:27).
"...you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand (Ps. 16:11).
Beth Moore: "Are you serving more than you're seeking?" (87)
"When we view ourselves as the only spiritual persons we know, we're setting ourselves up for a fall" (88).
"...to seek one's own glory is not glory" (Proverbs 25:27).
"...you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand (Ps. 16:11).
Beth Moore: "Are you serving more than you're seeking?" (87)
"When we view ourselves as the only spiritual persons we know, we're setting ourselves up for a fall" (88).
Monday, September 21, 2009
510
9.21.09
The hot coals on the enemy's head are not meant in the sense of pain or punishment, according to John MacArthur: "As metals are melted...so is the heart of an enemy softened by... kindness" (939).
Beth Moore: "...the presence, purpose, and power of God is best discovered through difficulty. How encouraging to recognize that Paul did not discover the strength to leave his circumstances; he discovered the strength to stay! (80)
"The fruit of the Spirit is the supernatural outcome of being filled with the Spirit" (80).
"Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again..." (Ps. 71:20, 23).
"...[G]ood does not equal easy" (82).
Allow God to turn your miseries into ministries (82).
The hot coals on the enemy's head are not meant in the sense of pain or punishment, according to John MacArthur: "As metals are melted...so is the heart of an enemy softened by... kindness" (939).
Beth Moore: "...the presence, purpose, and power of God is best discovered through difficulty. How encouraging to recognize that Paul did not discover the strength to leave his circumstances; he discovered the strength to stay! (80)
"The fruit of the Spirit is the supernatural outcome of being filled with the Spirit" (80).
"Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again..." (Ps. 71:20, 23).
"...[G]ood does not equal easy" (82).
Allow God to turn your miseries into ministries (82).
Friday, September 18, 2009
509
9.18.09
John Piper, Desiring God: "...prayer is the pursuit of God's glory...[and] of our joy" (160).
In prayer "We ask God to do for us through Christ what we can't do for ourselves--bear fruit....Prayer is the open admission that without Christ we can do nothing. And prayer is the turning away from ourselves to God in the confidence that He will provide the help we need. Prayer humbles us as needy and exalts God as wealthy" (161).
John Piper, Desiring God: "...prayer is the pursuit of God's glory...[and] of our joy" (160).
In prayer "We ask God to do for us through Christ what we can't do for ourselves--bear fruit....Prayer is the open admission that without Christ we can do nothing. And prayer is the turning away from ourselves to God in the confidence that He will provide the help we need. Prayer humbles us as needy and exalts God as wealthy" (161).
Thursday, September 17, 2009
508
9.17.09
Is. 26:3: "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, Because he trusts in You" (NKJV).
"You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You [trusts] (Amp).
"head and not the tail...above [and not] beneath..." (Deut. 28:13, Amp).
"blessings shall... overtake you..." (Deut. 28:2, Amp).
Is. 26:3: "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, Because he trusts in You" (NKJV).
"You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You [trusts] (Amp).
"head and not the tail...above [and not] beneath..." (Deut. 28:13, Amp).
"blessings shall... overtake you..." (Deut. 28:2, Amp).
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
507
9.16.09
John Piper, Desiring God: "...we can't draw the sword [of the Spirit, the Word of God] from someone else's scabbard. If we don't wear it, we can't wield it" (151).
John Piper, Desiring God: "...we can't draw the sword [of the Spirit, the Word of God] from someone else's scabbard. If we don't wear it, we can't wield it" (151).
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
506
9.15.09
John MacArthur Study Bible: "The essence of repentance is an aggressive pursuit of holiness...."
"'I saw that the most important thing I had to do was to give myself to the reading of the Word of God and to meditation on it" (George Muller as quoted in Piper, Desiring God, 142).
"...the devil... has an insatiable appetite to destroy one thing: the joy of faith. But the Holy Spirit has given us a sword called the Word of God....for the defense of our joy" (144).
"...when Satan huggs and puffs and tries to blow out the flame of [my] joy, [I] have an endless supply of kindling in the Word of God" (144).
Why do I accept the Bible as the reliable Word of God? (144)
"...freedom from the slavery of sin.... is freedom for holiness" (149).
John MacArthur Study Bible: "The essence of repentance is an aggressive pursuit of holiness...."
"'I saw that the most important thing I had to do was to give myself to the reading of the Word of God and to meditation on it" (George Muller as quoted in Piper, Desiring God, 142).
"...the devil... has an insatiable appetite to destroy one thing: the joy of faith. But the Holy Spirit has given us a sword called the Word of God....for the defense of our joy" (144).
"...when Satan huggs and puffs and tries to blow out the flame of [my] joy, [I] have an endless supply of kindling in the Word of God" (144).
Why do I accept the Bible as the reliable Word of God? (144)
"...freedom from the slavery of sin.... is freedom for holiness" (149).
Monday, September 14, 2009
505
9.14.09
MacArthur Study Bible: "...Christ was not a sinner but was treated as if he were...believers...have not yet been made righteous (until glorification) [but] are treated as if they were righteous" (919).
"The terms [a new creation] describe something created at a qualitatively new level of excellence" (919).
Piper, Desiring God: "what we are really made for is not the thrill of feeling our own power increase, but the thrill of feeling God's power increase, conquering the precipices of un-love in our sinful hearts" (140).
MacArthur Study Bible: "...Christ was not a sinner but was treated as if he were...believers...have not yet been made righteous (until glorification) [but] are treated as if they were righteous" (919).
"The terms [a new creation] describe something created at a qualitatively new level of excellence" (919).
Piper, Desiring God: "what we are really made for is not the thrill of feeling our own power increase, but the thrill of feeling God's power increase, conquering the precipices of un-love in our sinful hearts" (140).
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
504
0.09.09
Isaiah 9:13, 21; 10:4
"For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is stretched out still."
Piper, Desiring God: "The nature of genuine love can be seen in four things.
1. It is a work of Divine grace.
2. The experience of God's grace fills with joy.
3. Joy in God's grace overflows in generosity to meet the needs of others.
4. The joy in God overflows in giving.
"Love is the overflow of joy in God that gladly meets the needs of others" (119).
Beth Moore, Living Beyond Yourself:
"Because Christ loves [me],
1. He reveals to [me] the Father.
2. He gives [me] the Father's Word.
3. He prays for [me].
4. He protects [me].
5. He sanctifies Himself.
6. He gives [me] His glory.
7. He places [me] in Him.
8. He makes the Father known to [me].
9. He desires [me] to be with Him and to see His glory.
Isaiah 9:13, 21; 10:4
"For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is stretched out still."
Piper, Desiring God: "The nature of genuine love can be seen in four things.
1. It is a work of Divine grace.
2. The experience of God's grace fills with joy.
3. Joy in God's grace overflows in generosity to meet the needs of others.
4. The joy in God overflows in giving.
"Love is the overflow of joy in God that gladly meets the needs of others" (119).
Beth Moore, Living Beyond Yourself:
"Because Christ loves [me],
1. He reveals to [me] the Father.
2. He gives [me] the Father's Word.
3. He prays for [me].
4. He protects [me].
5. He sanctifies Himself.
6. He gives [me] His glory.
7. He places [me] in Him.
8. He makes the Father known to [me].
9. He desires [me] to be with Him and to see His glory.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
503
9.08.09
John MacArthur Study Bible, note on I Cor. 14:33
"The church at worship before God should reflect His character and nature because He is a God of peace and harmony, order and clarity...."
BROKENNESS...
Psalm 119:29-32, Amp.: "Remove from me the way of falsehood and unfaithfulness [to You], and graciously impart Your law to me. I have chosen the way of truth and faithfulness; Your ordinances have I set before me. I cleave to Your testimonies; O Lord, put me not to shame! I will [not merely walk, but] run the way of Your commandments, when You give me a heart that is willing."
Beth Moore, Living Beyond Yourself, 60: "macrothunia....'a person who is able to avenge himself yet refrains from doing so.'" (definition of patient, I Cor. 13)
(61): agape is KIND: "to show oneself 'useful'"
(63): "Much of what angers us is a result of how we perceive we are personally affected by a situation."
(65): "Love does not expose the faults of others....It is a word picture of covering an individual with such a cloak of love that the fault cannot be seen."
(66): "Agape is the love of God expressed through [me] to others."
John MacArthur Study Bible, note on I Cor. 14:33
"The church at worship before God should reflect His character and nature because He is a God of peace and harmony, order and clarity...."
BROKENNESS...
Psalm 119:29-32, Amp.: "Remove from me the way of falsehood and unfaithfulness [to You], and graciously impart Your law to me. I have chosen the way of truth and faithfulness; Your ordinances have I set before me. I cleave to Your testimonies; O Lord, put me not to shame! I will [not merely walk, but] run the way of Your commandments, when You give me a heart that is willing."
Beth Moore, Living Beyond Yourself, 60: "macrothunia....'a person who is able to avenge himself yet refrains from doing so.'" (definition of patient, I Cor. 13)
(61): agape is KIND: "to show oneself 'useful'"
(63): "Much of what angers us is a result of how we perceive we are personally affected by a situation."
(65): "Love does not expose the faults of others....It is a word picture of covering an individual with such a cloak of love that the fault cannot be seen."
(66): "Agape is the love of God expressed through [me] to others."
- [I] confront a situation in which God requires me to agape another.
- [I] admit to Him that I lack agape for this person.
- [I] consider how God would personally respond to the person.
- [I] act in obedience and respond as He would.
Friday, September 4, 2009
502
9.04.09 from Beth Moore's Living Beyond Yourself:
Spiritual maturity= Ceasing to equate hard with bad.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, I can do things I couldn't; feel things I didn't; and know things I wouldn't.
The power of the Holy Spirit can develop within me heightened perception, heightened discernment, and heightened insight.
Discernment in Scripture is overwhelmingly positive rather than negative.
The fruit of the Spirit= one kind of fruit wiht nine different qualities.
A friend of God = adopting God's interests as my own, as Abraham was a friend of God by adopted God's interests as his own.
Agape is not as much a feeling as it is a response.
Spiritual maturity= Ceasing to equate hard with bad.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, I can do things I couldn't; feel things I didn't; and know things I wouldn't.
The power of the Holy Spirit can develop within me heightened perception, heightened discernment, and heightened insight.
Discernment in Scripture is overwhelmingly positive rather than negative.
The fruit of the Spirit= one kind of fruit wiht nine different qualities.
A friend of God = adopting God's interests as my own, as Abraham was a friend of God by adopted God's interests as his own.
Agape is not as much a feeling as it is a response.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
501
9.01.09
John MacArthur: notes on I Cor. 10:23-30
Four Principles for Christian Liberty
1. Edification over gratification (v. 23)
2. Others over self (v. 24)
3. Liberty over legalism (vv. 25-27)
4. Condescension over condemnation (vv. 28-30)
Five Different Kinds of Psalms
1. Wisdom (1; 37; 119)
2. Lamentation (3; 17; 120)
3. Penitential (51)
4. Kingship (2, 21, 144)
5. Thanksgiving (19; 32; 111)
John MacArthur: notes on I Cor. 10:23-30
Four Principles for Christian Liberty
1. Edification over gratification (v. 23)
2. Others over self (v. 24)
3. Liberty over legalism (vv. 25-27)
4. Condescension over condemnation (vv. 28-30)
Five Different Kinds of Psalms
1. Wisdom (1; 37; 119)
2. Lamentation (3; 17; 120)
3. Penitential (51)
4. Kingship (2, 21, 144)
5. Thanksgiving (19; 32; 111)
Friday, August 28, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
499
8.27.09
Notes from Beth Moore Study video, Living Beyond Yourself
1. Pouring Out: Gal. 5:16-26
A. Confessions
B. Concerns (Ps. 62)
Follow earnest confession with active forgiveness.
2. Pouring in
Side with Jesus against my own self-evaluation.
Identify the feeling that precedes sinful behavior
Nothing sin can give me is worth what it takes from me. (Nothing food can give me is worth what it takes from me.)
I Cor. 8:2: "...if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know."
John Piper, Desiring God 82: "The fuel of worship is the truth of God; the furnace of worship is the spirit of man; and the heat of worship is the vital affections of reverence, contrition, trust, gratitude and joy....There must be ignition and fire. This is the Holy Spirit."
82: worship= "confessions, longings, acclamations, tears, songs, shouts, bowed heads, lifted hands, and obedient lives."
Notes from Beth Moore Study video, Living Beyond Yourself
1. Pouring Out: Gal. 5:16-26
A. Confessions
B. Concerns (Ps. 62)
Follow earnest confession with active forgiveness.
2. Pouring in
Side with Jesus against my own self-evaluation.
Identify the feeling that precedes sinful behavior
Nothing sin can give me is worth what it takes from me. (Nothing food can give me is worth what it takes from me.)
I Cor. 8:2: "...if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know."
John Piper, Desiring God 82: "The fuel of worship is the truth of God; the furnace of worship is the spirit of man; and the heat of worship is the vital affections of reverence, contrition, trust, gratitude and joy....There must be ignition and fire. This is the Holy Spirit."
82: worship= "confessions, longings, acclamations, tears, songs, shouts, bowed heads, lifted hands, and obedient lives."
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
498
8.26.09
Piper, Desiring God (80): "The quickest way to the heart is through a wound."
(81): "Truth without emotion produces dead orthodoxy and a church full (or half-full) of artificial admirers (like people who write generic anniversary cards for a living.)"
Piper, Desiring God (80): "The quickest way to the heart is through a wound."
(81): "Truth without emotion produces dead orthodoxy and a church full (or half-full) of artificial admirers (like people who write generic anniversary cards for a living.)"
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
496
8.24.09
Out-of-the-Whirlwind-God--how apropos! Yes, again, Job's whirlwind was due to his righteousness, not his disobedience. John MacArthur, note, Job 38:1
Am I as eternal, great, powerful, wise, and perfect as God? If not, I am better off being quiet and trusting him (affirmation for my sensing to "Be still and know....") John MacArthur, note, Job 38:3
Ps. 101:2-3: "...I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set nothing wicked before my eyes...."
1 Cor. 6:12: "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful...I will not be brought under the power of any."
Out-of-the-Whirlwind-God--how apropos! Yes, again, Job's whirlwind was due to his righteousness, not his disobedience. John MacArthur, note, Job 38:1
Am I as eternal, great, powerful, wise, and perfect as God? If not, I am better off being quiet and trusting him (affirmation for my sensing to "Be still and know....") John MacArthur, note, Job 38:3
Ps. 101:2-3: "...I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set nothing wicked before my eyes...."
1 Cor. 6:12: "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful...I will not be brought under the power of any."
Saturday, August 22, 2009
495
8.22.09
Psalm 99:8: "You were to them God-Who-Forgives, Though You took vengeance on their deeds."
I Cor. 4:1 - once again--"stewards of the mysteries...."
John MacArthur explains, "'Mystery' is used in the New Testament to refer to divine revelation previously hidden....God's fully revealed truth in the New Testament." i.e., the Gospel.
Paul calls himself and the other apostles "servant," which, translated literally, means "under rowers"--galley slaves.
MacArthur uses the phrase "spiritual heart transplant" to help provide understanding of the term regeneration.
Psalm 99:8: "You were to them God-Who-Forgives, Though You took vengeance on their deeds."
I Cor. 4:1 - once again--"stewards of the mysteries...."
John MacArthur explains, "'Mystery' is used in the New Testament to refer to divine revelation previously hidden....God's fully revealed truth in the New Testament." i.e., the Gospel.
Paul calls himself and the other apostles "servant," which, translated literally, means "under rowers"--galley slaves.
MacArthur uses the phrase "spiritual heart transplant" to help provide understanding of the term regeneration.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Chance 494
8.21.09
Father, Holy Spirit--Get Your Word into me.
"If [I seemed before] to be wise in this age, [I have] become a fool that [I] may become wise." I Cor. 3:18
John Piper, Desiring God 57: The way I "'fall short' of the glory of God [is that I] exchange it for something of lesser value. All sin comes from not putting supreme value on the glory of God...."
61: Has my life "been filled with gratitude and trust toward [God] in proportion to [His] generosity and authority?"
Father, Holy Spirit--Get Your Word into me.
"If [I seemed before] to be wise in this age, [I have] become a fool that [I] may become wise." I Cor. 3:18
John Piper, Desiring God 57: The way I "'fall short' of the glory of God [is that I] exchange it for something of lesser value. All sin comes from not putting supreme value on the glory of God...."
61: Has my life "been filled with gratitude and trust toward [God] in proportion to [His] generosity and authority?"
Chance 493
8.19.09
"Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding." Job 28:28
John Piper explains that, ultimately, both good and bad come from God because He allows evil for His purposes.
There is either forgiveness or unforgiveness--nothing between.
1 Cor. 2:6-7: Why is the wisdom of God a mystery? Why is it hidden? Why has God kept truth secret?
I HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST. I Cor. 2:16
C. S. Lewis in Piper, Desiring God: "'Delight is incomplete until it is expressed.'"
"Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding." Job 28:28
John Piper explains that, ultimately, both good and bad come from God because He allows evil for His purposes.
There is either forgiveness or unforgiveness--nothing between.
1 Cor. 2:6-7: Why is the wisdom of God a mystery? Why is it hidden? Why has God kept truth secret?
I HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST. I Cor. 2:16
C. S. Lewis in Piper, Desiring God: "'Delight is incomplete until it is expressed.'"
Chance 492
8.17.09
Job 26:14: "...how small a whisper we hear of Him! But the thunder of His power who can understand?"
I did not know that the Apostle Paul was about the same age as the earthly Jesus.
Forgiving and walking in forgiveness...Hmmm...
resisting spiritual authority...
Job 26:14: "...how small a whisper we hear of Him! But the thunder of His power who can understand?"
I did not know that the Apostle Paul was about the same age as the earthly Jesus.
Forgiving and walking in forgiveness...Hmmm...
resisting spiritual authority...
Chance 491
8.14.09
How dare I compare my circumstances with those of Job, who was stricken by God because of his righteousness. How prideful am I? Yet even though my suffering is deserved--the natural consequences of wrong choices, how I marvel at Job's declaration in 19:25: "...I know that my Redeemer lives, And he shall stand at last on the earth;...this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God, Whom I shall see for myself, And my eyes shall behold, and not another."
How dare I compare my circumstances with those of Job, who was stricken by God because of his righteousness. How prideful am I? Yet even though my suffering is deserved--the natural consequences of wrong choices, how I marvel at Job's declaration in 19:25: "...I know that my Redeemer lives, And he shall stand at last on the earth;...this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God, Whom I shall see for myself, And my eyes shall behold, and not another."
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