God's Wisdom In A Nutshell

My apologies for missing a post last week. I have been working with my editor on my next project and have been busy.  The book  should be out in early summer.

Okay, in the last post, I had mentioned that I would give scriptural examples of how the Lord guides us.  I am going to start with an excerpt out the the Dr. Charles Stanley Life Principles Bible…

“Many Christians today seem content to live what they think is an adequate Christian life. They believe that if they go to church, read their Bible occasionally, and say their prayers once in a while, they will be all right with God. Occasionally, they may be inspired to go above and beyond their normal routine and volunteer to serve others as an usher, a member of a church committee or even go on a short term mission trip. Though they go through the motions of being a “good Christian” they do not enjoy the power, peace and joy that should come with the abundant life Jesus promised (John 10:10). Eventually the counterfeit Christian life they are living becomes a burden and does not comfort them when the storms of adversity assail.” (pg 1372)

Excellent words by an amazing pastor.  Someone once said “Christianity without the supernatural is just a religion.”  The Lord is powerful and when we choose to follow Him by praying the prayer of salvation and honor Him in our words and actions, His power is made available to us.  (see posts 13, 20,21,22, and 28). The Bible is our road map to receiving God’s power, peace and joy.

Below are thought provoking Bible verses that are useful to lead us toward a blessed life.

Proverbs 12:2  “A good man will obtain favor from the LORD, But He will condemn a man who devises evil.”

John 14:15  “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”

James 3:16  “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.”

1 John 3:17  “Suppose someone has enough to live and sees a brother or sister in need, but does not help. Then God’s love is not living in that person.”

James 2:14  “What good is it dear brothers and sisters if you say you have faith but it doesn’t show in your actions.  Can that kind of faith save anyone?”

Psalm 1:1  “Oh the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners or join in with mockers.”

1 Timothy 4:8  “Training your body helps you in some ways, but serving God helps you in every way by bringing you blessings in this life and the future life too.”

2 Corinthians 5:15  “…and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.”

Exodus 23:22  “But if you truly obey his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries.”

Titus 2:3-4 “Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands and love their children.”

Matthew 6:33  “Do not worry then saying, What will we eat? or What will we drink?  Or what will we wear for clothing? For the Gentiles* eagerly seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness** and all these things will be added unto you.”

I will stop there.  As you can see, the Bible is still very relevant in order to lead us toward behaviors pleasing to God.  Then as we pursue a relationship with the Lord through Bible study, our emptiness and lack of joy are removed and replaced with joy, peace and an abundance of everything we need. “I came so that they may have life and have it in abundance.”(John 10:10)

And don’t worry… you don’t have to be perfect!  God sees your heart and knows the effort you are putting forth to bring your actions in line with His teachings.  If your heart is right with Him-blessings follow.

I hope you start a relationship with the most loving Father in the world through Bible study.

Have a great week!

Lisa

*people who practice idolatry or idolize things over God

**being in right standing with God