Tag: Revive

Revive Me, Week 12– Count Your BLESSONS

Revive Me, Week 12–A Year of Growing Stronger in the Lord

Count Your BLESSONS

Karen Salmansohn came up with the word “blesson.”  She said it means “when you’re able to see the blessing in the lesson that your trial taught you.”  I love this reminder of a very biblical concept!

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

(James 1:2-4)

We serve such an amazing God!  It’s all too easy to count our problems, to wring our hands over trials and disappointments.  First of all, they do exist.  Christians aren’t exempt from experiencing hardships (John 16:33; Psa. 34:17,18).  As long as we’re in this world, we may barely get through one difficulty only to encounter another.  Second, it’s also all too easy to count our burdens because nearly everyone does it.  What’s covered in the nightly news?  What’s trending on social media?  Typically it includes what’s wrong with the world.  And yet, again I say, we serve an amazing God!  While we are surrounded by “trials dark on every hand,” God wants us to KNOW that they are temporary (2 Cor. 4:18), that He will not forsake us (Heb. 13:5), and that good can come from suffering (see several passages listed below).

Jesus lived a perfect life and was the Son of God yet “He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation” (Heb. 5:8,9).

The world points to suffering as proof of an indifferent God or a nonexistent one but Christians know better.  We trust God because we know He loves us, refines us, and works for our ultimate good (Rom. 8:28).  Please remember that, dear reader.  No matter what life throws at you, you can smile anyway because your Creator holds you in His care.

Suggestions for the Week:

  1.  Go ahead and list your problems but then list how you can grow from them.  Do you need refining in attitude or character?  Do you need to increase your faith or trust?  Have you been relying more on yourself instead of God?
  2. Read through 1 Peter, paying close attention to what you can learn about suffering as a Christian.
  3. For personal Bible study or family devotional time, list the spiritual good that can come from suffering or the hope God offers:
    1. 1 Pet. 5:10
    2. James 1:2-8, 12
    3. Rom. 5:2-5
    4. Rom. 8:18
    5. 1 Pet. 1:7
    6. 2 Cor. 5:1
    7. Heb. 12:7-11
    8. 2 Tim. 2:12
    9. Psa. 119:67
    10. 2 Cor. 1:3-5
  4. Bible-mark “Why Good People Suffer”

 

 

Revive Me, Week 11– Read the Bible Through

Revive Me, Week 11– A Year of Growing Stronger in the Lord

Read the Bible Through

It doesn’t get any more basic than that.  Perhaps it’s been a while since you’ve read the Bible from cover to cover.  Or maybe you’ve never actually made it all the way through.  How many times have you started reading Genesis one on January first but ended up getting bogged down somewhere in Leviticus?

When my middle son, Dale, told me he was going to read two chapters in the Old Testament and two chapters in the New Testament every day, I decided to join him.  It has been so great!  We keep saying things like, “Did you notice verse four?  I don’t remember ever seeing that before.”  For instance, if someone had asked me where we read about the land where the good gold is, I would’ve been surprised to learn that it’s in Genesis two, a chapter I thought I was pretty familiar with.  These little nuggets (ha!) keep popping up as I enjoy reading through the chapters each day.

It seems like reading the Bible through has gotten a bad rap.  While we do need to include digging deep in our personal Bible study, what could be more reviving than making sure our eyes see every word in the Word?

“…Your word has revived me” (Psa. 119:50).

“Revive me, O Lord, according to Your word” (Psa. 119:107)

There are 1,189 chapters in the Bible.  If you read four chapters a day, it will take you 297 days to read the whole inspired Word.  There just happen to be 292 days left in this year!  You could easily double up on the reading for a couple of days (especially with those shorter psalms).  On December 31st, you’ll be able to look back over this past year with satisfaction, knowing that you read the whole Bible from cover to cover!

WHEN I READ THE BIBLE THROUGH

(Amos Wells)

I supposed I knew my Bible
Reading piecemeal, hit and miss,
Now a bit of John or Matthew,
Now a snatch of Genesis,
Certain chapters of Isaiah
Certain Psalms (the twenty-third!);
Twelfth of Romans, First of Proverbs—
Yes, I thought I knew the Word!
But I found that thorough reading
Was a different thing to do,
And the way was unfamiliar
When I read the Bible through.

You who like to play at Bible,
Dip and dabble, here and there,
Just before you kneel, aweary,
And yawn thro’ a hurried prayer;
You who treat the Crown of Writings
As you treat no other book—
Just a paragraph disjointed,
Just a crude, impatient look—
Try a worthier procedure,
Try a broad and steady view;
You will kneel in very rapture
When you read the Bible through!

Suggestions for the Week:

  1.  If you’re not already on a Bible reading plan, get started today.
  2.  Ask someone to join you.  Not only will this add an accountability factor, it’ll make it even more enjoyable as you share your thoughts with each other.
  3. Pray before and after your reading.  Ask God to open your eyes to His truths and to soften your heart to His will.
  4. Look for opportunities to share what you’re learning!

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Image credit:  pinterest

 

 

 

Revive Me, Week 10– “Long for Heaven”

Revive Me, Week 10– A Year of Growing Stronger in the Lord

Long for Heaven

“Are we all just going to stand around in white robes and sing every day forever and ever?”  This young person’s view of Heaven didn’t appeal to him very much.  It certainly didn’t seem like enough of a reward to make him anticipate it.

My reasons for appreciating the hope of Heaven have changed through the years.  As a child, I was scared of going to Hell so Heaven was the safer option.  As I enjoyed the bliss of marriage and motherhood, the idea that Heaven would be even better made me wonder how that could be true.  It must be really grand indeed!  Then as I began to lose grandparents and other loved ones, Heaven became the location of a precious reunion.  And now, now that I’ve lived long enough experience some things, I am strongly drawn to the promise of no fear or suffering.  I’m intrigued by the idea of going without…without darkness, discomfort, disappointment, or death (Rev. 7:15-17; 21:4).

God wants us to long for Heaven.  Our reasons may change through the years, but God in His goodness has given us something to anticipate.  This gift should motivate us.  Consider what awaits the faithful:

  • A home being prepared by the One who loved us enough to die for us (John 14:2-4)
  • New everything (Rev. 21:1)
  • God’s presence and His tender care (Rev. 21:3-5)
  • Nothing evil or false (Rev. 21:27)
  • Eternal life (Matt. 25:46)
  • A city designed and built by God (Heb. 11:10)
  • A changed body (1 Cor. 15:51,52)
  • An unending and perfect inheritance (1 Pet. 1:4)
  • Paradise (Rev. 2:7)

Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.

Heb. 10:35,36

Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven…

Matt. 5:12

Suggestions for the week:

  1.  Start each day singing about Heaven:  “Paradise Valley,” “How Beautiful Heaven Must Be,” “Heaven Will Surely Be Worth It All,” “Just Over in the Glory Land,” “I’ll Fly Away,” “Sweet By & By,” “Beulah Land,” “When We All Get to Heaven,” and plenty more.
  2.  End each day with a devotional about Heaven.  Read Scriptures about it, highlight them in yellow, pray about it, and get your children excited about it.  Your week will certainly be great when you begin and end each day with Heavenly thoughts!
  3.  Be intentionally Heaven-minded in your speech, your attitude, and your actions (Col. 3:1,2).
  4. Learn to make Heaven a natural part of your conversation with others.  When you see something lovely in nature–“As beautiful as that is, just imagine how grand Heaven must be!”  When something sad, unfair, or difficult happens–“That’s why we long for Heaven.”  To your wayward loved ones–“I want you to be in Heaven with me.”  And to your husband, your children, your church family– “I can’t wait to spend eternity with you in Heaven!”

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Revive Me, Week Nine–Be A Do-Gooder

Revive Me, Week Nine– A Year of Growing Stronger in the Lord

Be A Do-Gooder

Did you know that the chances of having a Leap Day birthday are one in 1,461?  I also learned that people who are born on February 29th are called “leaplings” or “leapers.”  I’ve always felt sorry for them since they only get to celebrate their true birthday once every four years.  I never give any thought to Leap Day until it happens, and then I think, “This is kind of a cool day.”

What is your average day like?  What do you spend your time doing?  What is your goal or focus for each and every day?  Paul wrote that we should make the most of every opportunity by doing good.

So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people,

and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Gal. 6:10

Let’s not be leapers in the Lord’s work, doing good occasionally but on most days not giving much thought to it.  Our challenge for this week is to make Galatians 6:10 our focus each morning.  How can we do good to all people today?  Doing good “while we have opportunity” means making the most of each new day, consistently looking for ways to make a difference in the kingdom.  “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not give up” (Gal. 6:9).

Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.

(John Wesley)

Suggestions for the Week:

  1.  Post this quote in a visible place:“Now that it’s all over, what did you really do yesterday that’s worth mentioning?”
  2.  Make a list of the “all” in your life and come up with specific ways you can “do good” to them.  Your list might include your husband, children, parents, siblings, next door neighbors, elders, church family, etc.
  3. Counteract the negative connotations surrounding the idea of going about doing good (“do-gooders,” “goodie two shoes”) by studying up on how God feels about it:  Titus 2:7; 3:14,  2 Tim. 3:17, James 1:27, 3 John 1:11, 1 Tim. 6:18, Eph. 2:10, James 2:14-17, 1 Pet. 2:12, 2 Thess. 3:13
  4.  As you go about doing good to others, especially those in your church family and community, invite others to join you (Heb. 10:24).  Your children can help you make something for your neighbors.  Ask a Christian sister or teen girl to join you when you visit a shut-in.  Invite a few ladies over for coffee and spend time in prayer for the wayward.
  5.  Pray for open eyes to see opportunities to do good and an open heart to desire to do them.
  6.  Enjoy the genuine satisfaction that comes from serving others and living a life of meaning (Eph. 2:10).
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Revive Me, Week 8- Love Your Enemies

Revive Me, Week 8– A Year of Growing Stronger in the Lord

Love Your Enemies

Our nation has enemies, “Christendom” has enemies, and the Lord’s church has enemies.   Jesus said, “Love your enemies,” and that sounds so very personal.  It’s easier to claim to love my enemies if I can’t really put a face to them.  But what about the folks who seem to go out of their way to be rude to me?  What about the ones who just don’t like me?  What about the ones I would rather avoid?  And what about the ones who have been vicious to someone I love?

One of my sons deals with an “enemy” on an almost daily basis.  Every time he goes to work, there’s a man who antagonizes him for his faith.  He insulting, sarcastic, and gets in my son’s face.  I’ve imagined various scenarios where I get to give that bully a piece of my mind.  Oh yes, it’s harder to love someone with a face, someone who is going after one of my own.

You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

(Matt. 5:43-48)

But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either.  Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is thatto you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

(Luke 6:27-36)

I think I’m doing well enough when I just don’t retaliate, and I’m real proud of myself when I muster up a sincere smile for an enemy.  But “even sinners do the same.”  Jesus calls for more than cool kindness.  Starting with my heart, I must practice genuine love.  Jesus not only commands it, He demonstrated it.  He loved me when I was unlovable (Eph. 2:4,5).  Do my enemies know I love them?

Suggestions for the week:

  1.  If you like to mark in your Bible, turn to Matt. 5:43ff and underline “love your enemies” and “pray for those who persecute you.”  In Luke 6:27ff, circle “love your enemies” and then underline all the ways to fulfill that command (“do good,” “bless,” “pray,” etc.).
  2. Focus on one specific “love your enemy” command each day this week:
    1. Monday- Do good to those who hate you
    2. Tuesday- Bless those who curse you
    3. Wednesday- Pray for those who mistreat you
    4. Thursday- Give to everyone who asks of you
    5. Friday- Treat others the same way you want them to treat you
  3. In your personal Bible study, pay attention to how Jesus interacted with His enemies.
  4. Take a few minutes to listen to this excellent message about True Love.

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Revive Me, Week 6– Forgive Finally

Revive Me, Week 6—A Year of Growing Stronger in the Lord

Forgive Finally

“Let all bitterness….be put away from you” (Eph. 4:31).

“For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive others, your heavenly Father will not forgive your transgressions” (Matt. 6:14,15).

Is there someone you need to forgive?  Has someone hurt you so badly that you are having a hard time getting past it?  This week’s “Revive Me” challenge is not an easy one but it is a necessary one.  If we want to be closer than ever to our Savior, we must be willing to forgive those who have sinned against us, neglected us, disappointed us, or betrayed us.  If it was a one time grievance, we must forgive them.  If it was something that happened during our entire growing up period, we must still forgive them.

And here’s the hard part…it must be from the heart .

Read Matt. 18:21-35.

We must offer nothing less than sincere forgiveness from the heart.  How was the master able to forgive the slave who couldn’t repay him?  He had compassion and mercy (Matt. 18:27).  What kept that same slave from forgiving someone who owed him?  He lacked compassion and mercy (Matt. 18:33).  If we’re struggling with bitterness toward someone, we can pray for a compassionate and merciful heart.

When someone sins against us, they are guilty.  If we refuse to forgive them, we also become guilty.  Surely a close relationship with God is worth any difficult effort to forgive.

Suggestions for the Week:

1. Pray about any hangups you might have in forgiving someone.  Ask God to help you offer the same compassion and mercy to others that He has shown you.

2. Think of examples of forgiveness you’ve personally received from others.

3.  There are many passages that deal with the topic of forgiveness.  Study them this week and write down as much as you can learn about it.  If you’d like to do a Bible-marking on forgiveness, you can find one here.

4. Remember that God knows what’s best for us.  Write down some benefits of forgiving others.

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Revive Me #5, Sing On!

Revive Me, Week 5–a Year of Growing Stronger in the Lord

Sing On!

“It thrills my soul to hear the songs of praise…”  The blessings of singing in worship are many.  The words lift our hearts above the troubles of this world.  The songs themselves often recall precious memories of people or events.  Singing with the saints draws us closer together.  And did you know that the very act of singing is a natural mood lifter?

Singing was a special part of my upbringing.  I recall singing with my family in the car and  singing with my sister while washing dishes.  Certain songs remind me of my dad’s tenor or my grandma’s alto.  As Neal and I brought up our three sons, singing was always a part of our evening devotionals.  Now that most of our days and evenings are spent without our sons, I find myself singing less.

Today we had a “5th Sunday Singing.”  Members from surrounding congregations came together this afternoon for the sheer pleasure of praising God in song.  I was struck by the words to one of the songs:

“The greatest joy that I have ever known, is praising Him in song,

I know some day, when I have older grown, my voice will not be strong.”

(“The New Song” by J. R. Baxter, Jr.)

Right then I started listening to Neal’s strong tenor and wondered what it will be like to hear him in another twenty years.  I imagine his shaky voice will still carry conviction and will still move me.  And so, here is this week’s “Revive Me” challenge:  sing on.  Sing more.  Yes, sing out in worship and in your family devotionals, but also in the car, in your kitchen, and while you’re doing laundry.  Sing with your children and with your husband.  Sing by yourself.  Let those around you see (hear) your joy.  Express the song in your heart.  There is gloom in the world but there’s a call for rejoicing for every child of God.  I don’t know how I’ve gotten away from it but I’m determined to sing more for as long as I can, before “my voice will not be strong.”

“Sing for joy in the Lord, O you righteous ones;

praise is becoming to the upright” (Psa. 33:1).

Suggestions for the Week:

  1.  Go through the songbook and sing songs you haven’t sung in a while.
  2.  Enjoy songs that convict or touch your personal spiritual need.
  3.  Choose a psalm or psalms and create your own tune to the words.  This would be fun to do as a family.
  4.  Remember why singing is a good idea:  Psa. 9:11; 96:1,2; 104:33; 147:1; Eph. 5:19,20; Col. 3:16; James 5:13; Acts 16:25.
  5.  Go through the Psalms and highlight the ones that have to do with singing.
  6.  Do the Bible-marking on “Songs from Scripture.”

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Revive Me #4, Know Your Father Better

Revive Me, Week Four–A Year of Drawing Closer to Our Lord

Know Your Father Better

I own a book called “Staying Close–Stopping the Natural Drift Toward Isolation.”  It’s about the fact that couples can drift apart without realizing it.  Because of busy schedules, new interests, etc., couples need to put effort into staying close, or they may wake up one day wondering how they turned into strangers.

When it comes to your relationship with God, there may be times when it feels like He is a stranger.  Perhaps He feels far away or removed from your life.  It may seem hard to feel close to a God you can’t “see.”  Or perhaps your communication with Him has been stagnant.  Your prayers have become a matter of routine.  You no longer crave His Word.

“Staying Close” encourages couples to intentionally renew their acquaintance with each other on a regular basis.  Surely it’s a good idea for Christians to intentionally renew their acquaintance with the Father.  God never changes (Mal. 3:6), but we do.  God never moves away from us, but we can drift away from Him (Psa. 145:18,19; Heb. 2:1).

Spend some time this week getting to know your Father better.  You may have known Him for most of your life, but focusing on Who He is will remind you why you love Him.

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you”  (James 4:8).

Suggestions for the week:

  • Read the following passages and write down what you learn about your Father (from a-z!):

a.  Exodus 34:5,6-

b.  Numbers 23:19-

c.  Deut. 3:24-

d.  Deut. 4:24-

e.  Deut. 4:31-

f.  Deut. 10:17-

g.  Deut. 33:27-

h.  Josh. 1:9-

i.  2 Sam. 22:32,33-

j.  2 Chron. 30:9-

k.  Psa. 62:7,8-

l.  Psa. 68:19,20-

m.  Psa. 84:11,12-

n.  Psa. 103-

o.  Psa. 116:5-

p.  Isa. 40:28-

q. Micah 7:18,19-

r.  Matt. 19:26-

s.  Acts 10:34-

t.  1 Cor. 1:9-

u.  1 Cor. 10:13-

v.  1 Cor. 14:33-

w. 1 Pet. 1:15

x.  2 Pet. 3:9-

y.  1 John 1:5-

z.  1 John 4:7-9-

  • Pray to your Father about knowing Him better and allowing that knowledge to shape your relationship with Him.

Pray it.  Memorize it.  Live it.

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Revive Me, Week Two

Revive Me–A Year of Growing Stronger in the Lord, Week Two

Open Your Heart Again

It may be that your heart is already wide open.  You express your love for others daily and look for ways to prove that love with action.  You keep your eyes open for those who are needy or who slip through the cracks.  You are quick to reach out to those who are hurting.

Or maybe you’ve been so overwhelmed with everything going on in your life that the idea of caring for one more person exhausts you.  You’ve been stressed and worried for so long that you find yourself unable to feel.  You’re starting to resent being asked to help someone else.

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Phil. 2:4).  Loving God involves investing in His people.  And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also (1 John 4:21).

It is all too easy to get caught up in our own interests.  When that happens, a heart check is in order.  Some questions to consider:

  • Has your heart become numb?
  • In an effort of self-preservation, have you withdrawn from others or limited your love to mainly those who are in your family?   
  • Have you become indifferent to the prayer requests in the announcements?
  • Does it feel like it takes too much effort to look others in the eye and engage in meaningful conversations?
  • Do you find yourself coming up with more and more reasons to leave right after worship?     

Surely Satan is thrilled when we resist going to effort of loving others.  We serve a God of love (1 John 4:8).  The church is supposed to be made up of loving people (Rom. 12:10-13).  And the world is to recognize us by our love for one another (John 13:35).   Someone said, “Interaction is really where true love is truly expressed.”  Let’s go far in reaching others with God’s love this year.

Suggestions for this week:

  1.  Have a heart study.  Focus on verses that have to do with the heart and what God wants from it.
  2. Jot down names of those who are struggling or hurting.  In addition to praying for them, reach out to them in some tangible way (hug, conversation, card).
  3. Encourage every member of your family (young and old) to make an effort to build up others each time you meet (Heb. 10:25).
  4. When you run errands, be intentional about really “seeing” the people around you.  How can you open your heart to them?
  5. Consider memorizing 1 John 3:18      

Pray it.  Memorize it.  Live it.

Revive Me, Week One

Revive Me–A Year of Growing Stronger in the Lord, Week One

Rest Your Faith on the Power of God

What is the foundation of your faith?  As you begin a brand new year of living for Christ, this basic question is crucial.  Listen to Paul’s message to Christians:

And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with the superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.  For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.  I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God (1 Cor. 2:1-5).

The word “rest” here means “exist; be located in.”  Paul warns Christians not to build their faith on the wisdom of men (including himself), but on the message of Christ.  The wisdom of men may be persuasive, but it is powerless.  If your faith feels a little weak or uncertain, perhaps you’ve neglected to spend enough time tapping into the right Source.  Here are some questions to consider:

  • Do you spend more time reading the good writings of men/ women than you do the Bible?
  • Are your convictions based on what you’ve always been taught or from your own diligent study of the Word?
  • When you listen to or read the messages of preachers, do you “search the Scriptures daily to see whether those things are so” (Acts 17:11)?

This may be the year your faith is tested like never before.  Make sure you are building YOUR faith on the power of God.

Some suggestions for this week:

  1.  Read 1 Cor. 1-3.
  2.  In that text, note the contrast between the wisdom of men and the word of God.  If you like to mark in your Bible, underline the words that describe the wisdom of men and circle the words that describe the word of God.
  3. Listen to sermons and read articles with discernment.  Follow up by looking up the Scripture references that are used to make sure they aren’t taken out of context.
  4. Pray each day for desire to grow your faith in the Word.
  5. Consider memorizing Heb. 4:12.

Pray it.  Memorize it.  Live it.

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