Month: May 2022

Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.

Matthew 7:24-25

The first thing that came to mind as I woke up this morning is the chorus of an old hymn, “The Solid Rock. “

“On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand –  

All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand.”

Here are the words to the first two verses:

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus, name.

When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace.

In every high and stormy gale my anchor holds within the veil.

Nothing else in the world offers this rock-solid hope in troubled times.  We could be crushed if our focus is on the wars, the life-changing effects of the pandemic and loss of so many lives, the financial crisis, worldwide changes in climate, fires, floods, tornadoes, daily reports of shootings of innocent people…  The list could go on and on.

I’m reminded today to be thankful for the hope that we have if we belong to God through faith in Jesus.  I’m also reminded to continue praying for those who do not yet belong to Him.  In these days of such troubled times around the world, this is what I want to remember.  Maybe you needed a reminder today too!

Here are a few of my favorite Scriptures that help me keep focused on God and the truth of His Word:

Isaiah 41:10

Fear not, for I am with you.  Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you.  He will not fail you or forsake you.  

Psalm 46:1-2

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea.

Psalm 103:19

The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.

Psalm 62:1-2

My soul waits in silence for God only; from Him is my salvation.  He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Is your life built on the Rock or on sinking sand?  What is the evidence?

It is not too late to build on the firm foundation of faith in the Lord Jesus.

Write a prayer expressing your response to God. 

I am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his trickery, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:3

When I read this verse for the first time years ago, I remember being captivated by the words “simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.”  Having attended church most of my life, and participated in weekly women’s Bible studies for many years, I knew the Bible pretty well and could answer most questions in the fill-in-the-blank studies without even opening the Bible if I wanted to.  At that time, I was attempting to learn another method of study that would enable me to study any part of Scripture on my own.  But I discovered that I was getting too caught up in the technique and lost sight of the purpose of studying the Word.

              Satan can use even something as necessary and valuable as Bible study to lead us astray from simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.  Bible study methods are helpful tools to understand the Word of God, but I am reminded that the focus needs to be on getting to know God, what He has done for us, the promises He has made for those who belong to Him, and how He wants us to live.  God uses His Word to transform our lives to make us more like Jesus.

            I need to do an attitude check often.  Is devotion to Jesus my highest goal? Am I spending time in the Word to get to know God better?  Do I desire to know His will for each day?  Am I willing to obey when He shows me something specific I need to act on?  Am I depending on the Holy Spirit to accomplish what God is calling me to do? Do I love God more than everything and everyone else?”

            As believers, we can easily commit to many good things, both at church and in the community. I remember when my life consisted of Bible Study leaders’ meetings, group meetings, Steering Committee meetings, monthly gatherings for a special speaker at the church, and lots of time spent with friends who were hurting and needing someone to listen. Again, all these are good things, but I’ve learned the importance of asking God what He is calling me to do and then trusting the Holy Spirit to enable me to accomplish it.

            I encourage you to take time with the Lord and ask Him to show you what His plan is for you.  If we are too busy to spend quality time with Him, we are too busy.  Ask God for a heart that is focused on “simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.”   

PERSONAL REFLECTION

What evidence do you see in your life that devotion to Christ is your highest goal?

Is there evidence that would indicate you have been led astray from that goal?

Ask God to help you recognize areas of your life that Satan can use to lead you away from simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. 

Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

Ephesians 6:10

Jesus had firsthand experience with the schemes of the devil.  In Matthew 4:1-11 we read about three specific times he tried to get Jesus to focus on His own needs and the means to fulfill those needs in ways that were against God’s Word.  Each time, Jesus said to the devil, “It is written…”  and He quoted Old Testament Scripture with truth from God to refuse the temptations. 

It is so important to remember that we have an enemy who wants to destroy us.  1 Peter 5:7-9 tells us that the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour… But resist him, firm in your faith…  The Lord has given us the way to face those temptations.  James 4:7 tells us to “Resist the devil and He will flee from you.”  How do we resist the devil?  By following Jesus’ example – We say to the devil, “It is written…” and then we speak the truth from Scripture and trust the Lord for the strength from His Word.

Here are just a few Scriptures that we can turn to when the devil is trying to get us to focus on ourselves and our own circumstances instead of trusting God and His truth.

When I am afraid

Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, surely I will help you.  Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.    

Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous!  Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

When I am in trouble

Psalm 46:1-2 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore, we will not fear though the earth should change, and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea.

When I have sinned

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

When I feel guilty for past sins

Psalm 103:12 As far as east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

When I need wisdom and direction

James 1:5-6 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.  But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.

Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.  I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

When I need protection

Psalm 3:3 You, O Lord, are a shield about me…

Psalm 46:1-2 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble

When I am lonely or feel unloved

Deuteronomy 31:6-8 and Hebrews 13:5 I will never leave you nor forsake you.

Psalm 145:18 The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.

When my feet have slipped

Psalm 40:2 He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, and He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.

            God’s Word is filled with truth and promises from God.  And when the devil tries to tempt me to focus on feelings instead of on the truth of God’s Word, I will say as Jesus said, “It is written…   Get away from me, Satan!”  And I will trust God’s presence, His protection, and His provision.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

How has the devil been tempting you?  What lies has he used to turn your focus away from God’s truth?

Which of these verses can you claim right now to refuse his attacks on your mind, your will, or your emotions?   Ask God to show you specific Scriptures that you need stay focused on.

You may want to write the Scriptures and post them somewhere you see them often to be reminded of the truth of God’s Word.

Psalm 1 and Jeremiah 17:5-8

As I studied Psalm 1 for my women’s Bible study this week, I discovered that Jeremiah 17:5-8 contains much of the same message.  Both Scriptures talk about the blessings for those who belong to God and the curse for those who do not acknowledge Him as Lord.

            You may be familiar with the description of the blessings in Psalm 1:  He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water which yields fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.  This blessing is for those who “delight in the law of the Lord, and in His law, he meditates day and night.”  Psalm 1 compares those who do not belong to the Lord as chaff which the wind drives away.

            Jeremiah 17:5-8 describes the blessings in the same way as Psalm 1, but he adds: “and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit.” 

Jeremiah says about the curse: Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength, and whose heart turns away from the Lord.  For he will be like a bush in the desert and will not see when prosperity comes, but will live in stony wastes in the wilderness, a land of salt without inhabitant.

            What a remarkable contrast between the blessings and the curse! How do we stay “firmly planted by streams of water?” John 15:4-5 tells us to “abide in Him” just as a branch must stay connected to the vine in order to bear fruit. Here are several ways we can “abide in Him”:

We need to be reading God’s Word regularly to get to know Him and how He wants us to live.

Trust the Lord in all things and live according to His will.

We follow His will by “planting our roots” in the living water (the Holy Spirit living in us) and depending on Him for the wisdom and ability to do what He calls us to do.

What is the “fruit” that will be evident in our lives if we are walking with the Lord?  Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.

Psalm 1 tells us that the leaves of those who follow the Lord will not wither.  What would cause our leaves to wither?  Here are a few ideas:

Straying from the Lord through unbelief or disobedience.

Not making time with Him a priority.  Being too busy with other activities.

Not seeking His will above all else.

Not depending on the Holy Spirit for guidance and direction.

Trusting in ourselves or anything else instead of trusting God for everything in our lives.

The Lord gives us a clear choice in the way we live.  We can enjoy the blessings of living for Him, trusting Him to provide all we need to do His will and bear spiritual fruit that will last forever, or we can reject Him and live for ourselves.  The blessings and the consequences are eternal.  My desire is to live for Him.  I pray that for you too.  I want to say with the Psalmist, “I delight to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.”

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Would you describe your life at this time as a tree planted by streams of water that bears fruit, or like a bush in the desert living in a stony wasteland?

Are there choices that you are willing to make after reading this message?

If we have strayed from God’s will for our lives, He is always ready to forgive and draw us back to Himself.  We only need to confess, ask His forgiveness, and trust Him to guide us in His plan for our life. His grace is sufficient, and His mercies are new every morning.