Read & Study God's Word

I was reading the intro to a book I recently bought. I found these provoking and stirring words: "Much of what we learned has come from studying the Bible - the Answer Book". What a wonderful, humble and transparent confession.

It got me thinking about how I am reading the Bible. Do I view it as a chore, or as a delight? Do I read because I have committed to it or am I studying it because it has Answers. Good questions to consider.

How about you? How are you going with reading your Bible?

If your not doing so well - today is a new day. Pick it up and be encouraged and refreshed. It is the Answer Book!

If you are new to Bible reading you may wonder, how much should I be reading? Well it doesn't really matter how long - just read... Though, I recently was challenged by a colleague at work. He was sharing that some of the leaders at his church challenged them to remember, when they wrote the date 2010 - to let that be a reminder to spend 20 minutes reading God's Word and 10 minutes praying. That's a helpful idea. But if you don't do 20 minutes that doesn't mean you are not acceptable. It's just a suggestion. So - pick up the Bible and learn about the greatest Answer to Life: J-E-S-U-S!

You know, its one of the disciplines I want my children to see my wife and I doing. Why? Because God's Word is full of wisdom. Mostly importantly, it tells us the Gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I challenge you - to read & study the Bible... You will learn so much about our wonderful Lord, as well as be guided as you seek to parent with an eternal perspective.

What's your perpective in times of trials?

What kind of perspective do you keep when you are going through a trial? Ashamedly, my perspective can sometimes depend on how I am feeling. Am I tired, irritated, frustrated or lethargic.

So what is a trial? When I speak of a trial I am meaning: the act of trying, testing or putting to the proof. (a trial of one's faith). an attempt of effort to do something. a trying, distressing or annoying thing or person.

Trials are very testing, are they not? They can discourage us, frustrate us, tempt us to sin and for some become to much and we give up hope. If you are facing trials of many kinds can I remind you of what James 1:2-4 says? "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Listen to this insightful reflections from Milton Vincent on Perspective in Trials:

"More than anything else could ever do, the gospel

enables me to embrace my tribulations and thereby

position myself to gain full benefit from them. For the

gospel is the one great permanent circumstance in

which I live and move; and every hardship in my life

is allowed by God only because it serves His gospel

purposes in me.When I view my circumstances in this

light, I realize that the gospel is not just in piece of

good news that fits into my life somewhere among all

the bad . I realize that the gospel makes

genuinely good news out of every other aspect of my

life, including my severest trials. The good news

about my trials is that God is forcing them to bow to

His gospel purposes and do good unto me by

improving my character and making me more

conformed to the image of Christ.

Preaching the gospel to myself each day provides a

lens through which I can view my trials in this way and

see the true cause for intelligent rejoicing that exists in

them. I can then embrace them as friends and allow

them to do God's good work in me."

This is of great encouragement to me & helps me remember that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purposes. I trust it will serve and encourage you in your current trial or future trial...

A CD You Gotta Buy!

Hey, if you are looking for a present to buy someone that will encourage them in their everyday walk with the Lord, could I recommend this:
If you click here: Sons & Daughters - you will be able to purchase this albulm for $12.00 US + a bit of postage. The Aus dollar is very good against the 'Green Back'! Good time to shop like this...

There is a song on this albulm called: God Delights in You! WOW - written by Eric Grover and composed by George Romanacce. It is a wonderful song with a great melody but what's great are the lyrics. I have been hitting repeat, repeat, repeat!


Let me share the words with you:


Calling every daughter
Calling every son
All who've been adopted
Through a sacrafice of love
There's no need for you to fear
Your debts have been cleared


Calling all the downcast
Who feel like they're alone
Anyone who's longing
For a family of their own
God's prepared a place for you
He's calling you to


CHORUS:
Come and sing, come and dance
The Father's singing over you
Come rejoice and be glad
For God delights in you, in you
Calling all who've wandered
Gone off on their own
Anyone who wonders
If they're welcome back at home
The God of grace makes all things new
He's calling you to


BRIDGE
You choose us to be the objects of your love
In spite of what we have done
You gave your beloved Son to die for us
To make us daugters and sons

c. 2009 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP)




Boy these words humble me! I am grateful for some blokes who worked to serve their brothers and sisters in Christ, all over the world, to reflect on the God of Grace who makes all things new & calls us to come and sing and come and dance...