How Do You Relate?

Do you find that you sometimes have a hard time relating scripture to your own life? After all, it was written many years ago when the culture was different, the laws were different and the lifestyles were different from those of today. When there is no direct correlation or common ground, it does sometimes present a challenge, doesn't it?

For example, in the book of Colossians you will find the following passage of scripture --


Slaves, obey your earthly masters in every respect, not only when they are watching -- like those who are strictly people-pleasers -- but with a sincere heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people, because you know that you will receive your inheritance from the Lord as the reward. Serve the Lord Christ. For the one who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there are no exceptions. Masters, treat your slaves with justice and fairness, because you know that you also have a master in heaven. Colossians 3:22 - 4:1


We find in these verses a different culture altogether than the one we live in today -- that of slavery. The laws of our land today do not allow for slavery. None of us are slaves, so we can't relate to the lifestyle. It is altogether different than anything we know. So, how do we read this and apply to our lives today?

As I was recently studying in the book of Colossians (and this passage in particular), I found the below 3 steps presented in my study guide ("Cappuccino with Colossians", by Sandra Glahn).


#1 - seek to explain what the author meant when writing

#2 - determine what part of God's character is behind practices that apply to all believers for ALL TIME (i.e., "timeless truths").

#3 - apply the timeless truth to your own situation once you know what's transferable.


Now, taking these three steps, here's an abbreviated version of how Ms. Glahn broke apart this passage of scripture to find how it relates to us today.

It's safe to say that when writing these words, Paul's meaning was to tell slaves to obey. In any culture where Christians are owned, they should certainly obey rather than to murder or steal. However, just because slaves should obey, this doesn't necessarily lead to us applying this today to our lives as "Employees, obey your employers." The situation is still different. Employees do not live with their employers as slaves did. Also, slaves where usually not allowed to leave their jobs with their masters. Today, we are legally able to leave our place of employment. While we can draw some conclusions about how to act in a position of lesser social power, we must be sure we understand where the differences are.

We can't take a straight interpretation and just say, "Paul told slaves to obey their masters, so we need to obey our employers". We are able to draw a few conclusions, though. When in positions of greater societal power, we should exhibit humility, gentleness, and even self-sacrifice because God is humble, gentle and self-sacrificing. When in a position of lesser social power, we are expected to exhibit attitudes of cooperation and confidence that demonstrates God is just.


How do you study God's word? Do you have any specific ways in which you apply God's word to your daily life? I'd love to hear from you!

Ruth - Writing the Scriptures

Today brings about the beginning of the end to my study of the book of Ruth. I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed the time I have spent looking more closely at this story. So much more has come alive to me and I have gathered many truths upon which I'm sure I will hold closely for quite some time.

I am going to end my study time by trying a suggestion that was made in the book I followed throughout my study. I followed the study book for Ruth in the "Coffee Cup Bible Studies". These are written by Sandra Glahn. She suggests at the end of the study that we try something that was part of her classwork while in college. That was to write out the book of Ruth in longhand. I think that I should be able to write out eighty-five verses (she also did this with the full thirty-nine chapters in the book of Deuteronomy... so surely I can handle eighty-five verses!). As I write, I'm going to follow her suggestion as I go:

"As you write, chew on the storyteller's words. Notice the sovereign hand of God at work. Think about what a high premium the Lord places on caring for the needy. Marvel, as you write out the genealogy, how God weaves a story through human lives. Don't rush to complete the assignment. Take your time and notice details. Ask questions."

I'll let you know how it goes. I'm really interested in seeing what the Lord shows me as I take the time to write and meditate on the words of the book of Ruth.

In the meantime, I'm also beginning to look at the next book I'll be studying... the book of Colossians. I'm going to use the study guide from the "Coffee Cup Bible Study" series for this one, too. These books are easy to read and follow, provide some great background information as well as, practical examples to bring home the message.

This study will be a big change of pace from the book of Ruth, but I know will be just as rewarding as I learn and grow thru the time spent in study. I'm anxious to start... I've always loved Paul's letters. I hope you'll join me as I begin posting on Colossians in the next week or two!

The Fourth of the Four Habits of a Disciple

Habit Four: Fellowship

"Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage each other." Hebrews 10:25

Reasons for Fellowship

Reason 1: I belong in God's family with other believers.
"So in Christ, we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others!"

Reason 2: I need encouragement to grow spiritually.
"Let us think of one another and how we can encourage each other to love and do good deeds." Hebrews 10:24

Reason 3: I need accountability to grow spiritually.
"Every day... keep encouraging one another so that none of you is hardened by the glamour of sin." Hebrews 3:13

Reason 4: Jesus is present when we fellowship together.
"For wherever two or three have come together in my name, I am there, right among them!" Matthew 18:20

Reason 5: There is great power when people pray together.
"Whenever two of you on earth agree about anything you pray for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven." Matthew 18:19

Reason 6: Fellowship is a witness to the world.
"My prayer for all of them is that they will be of one heart and mind...so the world will believe you sent me." John 17:21

Reason 7: I am obligated to every other Christian.
"God has given you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other." 1 Peter 4:10

This was taken from a Discipleship Study my husband and I recently participated in at our church. I thought it was such great stuff that I just had to share!

The Third of the Four Habits of a Disciple

Habit Three: Honor God With Your Giving

"Just as you excel in everything else... in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness... see that you also excel in the grace of giving." 2 Corinthians 8:7

7 Benefits of Giving

1 Giving makes me more like God.
"God so loved the world that He gave his only Son..." John 3:16
You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.

2 Giving draws me nearer to God.
"Where your treasure is, there your heart is also." Matthew 6:21

3 Giving is the antidote to materialism or greed.
"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to be generous and willing to share. In this way they may take hold of the life that is truly life." 1 Timothy 6:17-19

4 Giving strengthens faith.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Honor the Lord by giving him the first part of your income, and he will fill your barns to overflowing." Proverbs 3:5,9

5 Giving is an investment in eternity.
"Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." 1 Timothy 6:18-19

6 Giving blesses me in return.
"A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25

7 Giving makes me happy.
"There is more happiness in giving than in receiving." Acts 20:35

How do I give with the right attitude?

~ Giving willingly ~
"Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under pressure." 2 Corinthians 9:7a

~ Give cheerfully ~
"For God loves a cheerful give." 2 Corinthians 9:7b

~ Give generously ~
"They gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service..." 2 Corinthians 8:3-4

~ Give expectantly ~
"... whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly; and whoever sows generously will reap generously." 2 Corinthians 9:6





This was taken from a Discipleship Study my husband and I recently participated in at our church. I thought it was such great stuff that I just had to share!

The Second of the Four Habits of a Disciple

Habit Two: Prayer

Approach prayer with the right attitude

Be Real
"When you pray, do not be like these hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men." Matthew 6:5

Be Relaxed
"But when you pray go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:6

Be Revealing
"Don't recite the same prayer over and over as the heathen do, who think prayers are answered only by repeating them again and again. Remember, your Father knows exactly what you need before you ask Him!" Matthew 6:7-8


Use the Model Jesus Gave Us
Jesus gave us the Lord's Prayer as a model of how to pray. The below looks at the "parts" of the Lord's Prayer and how we can use it as a model when we pray.

Praise
"Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed by Thy name..."
We begin by expressing our love for God. Two types of praise that we could consider here are adoration (praising God for who He is) and thanksgiving (praising God for what he has done).

Purpose
"Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven..."
Pray for God's will to be done... in my family... my church... my ministry... my job... my future... my city... my nation... the world. Then let go of the outcome.

Provision
"Give us this day, our daily bread..."
We ask God to provide for our daily needs. There is nothing too great for God's power to take care of and there's nothing too insignificant for His concern. God knows what we need. He knows everything about us -- but prayer is our personal declaration of dependence on God.

Pardon
"Forgive us our trespasses..."
We ask God to forgive our sins. Consider the following steps in the process of seeking forgiveness:
~ Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal every sin.
~ Confess each sin specifically.
~ Make restitution to others when necessary.
~ By faith, accept God's forgiveness.

People
"...as we forgive those who trespass against us."
It is important to remember that God is working in the lives of the people we pray for even when we can't see it. If there's someone you've been praying for, even for a long time, and you don't see any evidence of change, you don't want to give up... God certainly hasn't.

It is also important to understand the critical importance of forgiving others. Consider these steps below in the process of forgiving others:
~ Experience forgiveness from God for yourself.
~ Accept that you will always need the forgiveness of God and others.
~ Accept you will always forgive others.
~ Understand that forgiving others is a process of daily choices to forgive, the difficulty of which depends on the offense.
~ Forgive because you need forgiveness.
~ Forgive because you want to be like Jesus
~ Forgive because you want to be emotionally and psychologically healthy.
~ If you do not forgive, the resentment and bitterness will destroy you, not the other person.
~ If you are unable or unwilling to forgive, surrender that powerlessness to God, asking Him to do for you what you cannot do for yourself.
~ Communicate openly with a safe person, and seek help when needed.

Protection
"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."
Believers face spiritual battles every day. Satan wants to defeat us through temptation and fear. We need protection as we face daily temptations from the world, the flesh, and the devil. By praying for protection, we can have the confidence to face every situation during the day.

Poverty/Brokenness
"For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
We accept our weakness and powerlessness as we acknowledge and surrender to our genuine source of strength and power.

This was taken from a Discipleship Study my husband and I recently participated in at our church. I thought it was such great stuff that I just had to share!

The First of the Four Habits of a Disciple

Habit One: Daily Time With God

Why is it important to have a daily time with God?

We were created to have a fellowship with God.
"So God created man in his own image..." Genesis 1:27, 2:7, 3:8

Jesus died to make a relationship with God possible.
"God has invited you into this wonderful friendship with his Son, Christ our Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:9

Personal time alone with God was Jesus' source of strength.
"Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." Mark 1:3

Every effective disciple developed this habit.

Healthy, maturing Christians spend time with God.
"...I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food." Job 23:12


What is the purpose of a daily time with God?

We are to give glory to God. (being grateful)
Give to the Lord the glory due to his name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness." Psalms 29:2

We receive direction from God.
"Show me the path where I should go, O Lord; point out the right road for me to walk. Lead me." Psalms 25:4

We learn to delight in God.
Delight yourself in the Lord; and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalms 37:4

This was taken from a Discipleship Study my husband and I recently participated in at our church. I thought it was such great stuff that I just had to share!

What are the Four Habits of a Disciple?

As I have the last few weeks, I'm going to share some more that we learned in a study we participated in with our church. Below are the four habits of a disciple. Next week I'll begin going into more detail on each of the below 4 Habits.

Habit One: Daily Time with God
"If you continue in my Word then you are my disciples indeed. And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32

Habit Two: Prayer
"If you remain in Me, and My words remain in you, then you will ask for anything you wish, and you shall have it. In this way, you become My disciples." John 15:7-8

Habit Three: Honoring God thru Giving Money
"None of you can be my disciple unless he gives up all of his possessions." Luke 14:33

Habit Four: Fellowship
"Love each other just as much as I love you. Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13:34-35

How Do You Develop Good Spiritual Growth Habits?

7 steps for developing good spiritual growth habits --

Step 1: Must have a DESIRE

Step 2: Must make a DESCISION
"If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done." Ecclesiastes 4:11

Step 3: Must make a DECLARATION
"Make vows to the Lord your God and fulfill them." Psalms 76:11

Step 4: Must have DETERMINATION
It take 7 to 21 repetitions to learn something new.
It take 3 weeks to become comfortable with a new habit.
It take 3 to 4 more weeks (doing it daily) for it to become part of your life.

Step 5: Just DO IT!

Step 6: DOUBLE UP with others
"Two are better off than one, because together they can work more effectively. If one of them falls down, the other can help him up." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Step 7: You must DEPEND ON GOD
"For the Spirit of God has given us... fills us with power, love, and self-control." 2 Timothy 1:7

A simple prayer that might help? First, pray "God I can't do this by myself." Second, acknowledge that God can do it. Third, pray "God, I'm going to let you."

The Habit of Studying God's Word

Webster's New World Dictionary defines a habit as "a thing done often and, hence, easily; a usual way of doing".

The American Heritage Dictionary defines a habit as "a constant, often unconscious inclination to perform an act, acquired through its frequent repetition".

Merriam Webster's online dictionary offers this definition for habit: "an acquired mode of behavior that has become nearly or completely involuntary".

Do any of these definitions describe the way in which you approach studying God's Word? Do they describe the way in which you approach prayer time?


As I mentioned last week, my husband and I recently attended a study at our church that addressed spiritual growth habits. As we began the study the above definitions and questions were posed to us. I must admit... I don't always approach my study time or my prayer time in the way I would if it was a habit. This study gave me so much to think about and re-evaluate in my own life.

As I review this study and apply it to my own life, I'll continue to share more of what we discussed. I pray they will have application in your life, as well.

Five Ways to Improve Your Hearing of God's Word

Are you trying to improve your time alone with God? Trying more than ever to hear the words that God is saying to you?

Here are 5 tips that I received in a recent study I was doing with my church. I hope you find them as helpful as I did. I'll be working on improving in each of these areas in the months to come.

1. Be ready and eager to hear God.

"He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" Luke 8:8

"How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" Psalm 119:103


2. Address attitudes that prevent you from hearing God.

"Consider carefully how you listen..." Luke 8:18

* A closed mind lets fear, pride, or bitterness prevent one from really hearing God
* A superficial mind is not really serious about wanting to hear God
* A preoccupied mind is too busy and concerned with other things to concentrate on what God has to say.


3. Confess the sin in your life.

"Get rid of all moral filth and humbly accept the Word." James 1:21


4. Take notes on what you hear.

"We must pay more careful attention to what we've heard, so that we do not drift away!" Hebrews 2:1

Studies show that writing down what you hear greatly improves knowledge retention.


5. Act on what you hear.

"Do not merely listen to the Word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." James 1:22

"Whoever does not simply listen and then forgets it, but puts it into practice that person will be blessed in what he does." James 1:25