The weekly alphabet bible study moves on. This week's letter is S. I would like to encourage everyone to Study this week. Even God asks you to study.
II Timothy 2:15 reads: Study to show yourself approved unto God; a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of God.
Now that seems pretty straight-forward. Study to show yourself approved. I know many people go to church every week to listen to someone else tell them what God says. Yet, they never know the word for themselves. I believe God wants a personal relationship with each one of us and that does not involve your pastor. Three really can be a crowd.
You must give God's Word a place of priority in your everyday life. Practically speaking, this could mean that you confess the Word while getting ready in the mornings. Maybe you could listen to teaching or worship music on the way to work. You may want to use your lunch hour to read the Word or walk outside and pray. Just make sure you pursue His truth on a regular, ongoing basis. Giving His Word a place of top priority will change your life.
I am not trying to discourage anyone from attending church. What I am encouraging is for you to study His Word for yourself. How will you know if your preacher is getting it right if you don't know what is right in the first place? Besides, it says to study to show yourself approved. Not your pastor or minister or preacher or teacher. But YOU and you alone. When the time comes, it will be you standing in judgement. Will you have studied? Will you be approved?
Soli Deo Gloria,
SA Brown
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Ride of a Lifetime
The Weekly Alphabet Bible Study rolls on with the letter, J. So this week, I'd like to discuss the Journey.
Scriptures: Matthew 21: 1-5; Mark 11: 1-3; Luke 19: 29-31; John 12: 14-15
Luke 19: 29-31 reads: 'As He came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, He sent two disciplines ahead. "Go into that village over there," He told them. "As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone should ask you, 'Why are you untying that colt?', just say, The Lord needs it." '
You hear sermons on the triumphant entry many times. Different points of view reveal how every character in that story must have felt. From the disciplines to the worshippers to Jesus Himself, this story of fulfilling prophecy has so many messages. Yet, there is one point-of-view few people consider. What about that little donkey that carries Jesus on his back?
God is methodical. There is no happenstance. Everything is planned out. So it is no accident that Jesus would pick a lowly and insignificant creature to use. A little donkey--a dumb ass if you will--brings the King to His Kingdom. An animal that God knows would just simply obey and do what he was told. That's who gets the privilege of having Jesus on his back.
In addition to that, Jesus tells them 'I need that little donkey so go get him.' That little donkey was minding his own business, not knowing the Lord would ever need him for something. Plus, little donkey was all tied up but Jesus already knew He would have to free the little guy to use him. Jesus also knew little donkey's condition. Because, see, no one had ever ridden him before. So Jesus knew He would have to get little donkey ready for the ride. Jesus knows...
For me, little donkey's story resembles that of a Christian's journey. You see, the Lord knows where you are, your condition, and all the things you have been through. Yet, when He needs you, He will send for you. So maybe being a dumb ass (blind obedience) will make the journey that much easier. You can't go wrong with Jesus on your back. Sure, it may get a little hectic but that is when you think of the One who knows where you are, sends for you, knows exactly what you've been through, unties you from your previous condition and tells the world, 'I have need of him/her.' When you choose to allow Jesus on your back and let Him ride uninhibited, get ready for the ride of a lifetime.
When the journey gets bumpy, just think of the Guy who's got your back.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Step Brown
Scriptures: Matthew 21: 1-5; Mark 11: 1-3; Luke 19: 29-31; John 12: 14-15
Luke 19: 29-31 reads: 'As He came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, He sent two disciplines ahead. "Go into that village over there," He told them. "As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone should ask you, 'Why are you untying that colt?', just say, The Lord needs it." '
You hear sermons on the triumphant entry many times. Different points of view reveal how every character in that story must have felt. From the disciplines to the worshippers to Jesus Himself, this story of fulfilling prophecy has so many messages. Yet, there is one point-of-view few people consider. What about that little donkey that carries Jesus on his back?
God is methodical. There is no happenstance. Everything is planned out. So it is no accident that Jesus would pick a lowly and insignificant creature to use. A little donkey--a dumb ass if you will--brings the King to His Kingdom. An animal that God knows would just simply obey and do what he was told. That's who gets the privilege of having Jesus on his back.
In addition to that, Jesus tells them 'I need that little donkey so go get him.' That little donkey was minding his own business, not knowing the Lord would ever need him for something. Plus, little donkey was all tied up but Jesus already knew He would have to free the little guy to use him. Jesus also knew little donkey's condition. Because, see, no one had ever ridden him before. So Jesus knew He would have to get little donkey ready for the ride. Jesus knows...
For me, little donkey's story resembles that of a Christian's journey. You see, the Lord knows where you are, your condition, and all the things you have been through. Yet, when He needs you, He will send for you. So maybe being a dumb ass (blind obedience) will make the journey that much easier. You can't go wrong with Jesus on your back. Sure, it may get a little hectic but that is when you think of the One who knows where you are, sends for you, knows exactly what you've been through, unties you from your previous condition and tells the world, 'I have need of him/her.' When you choose to allow Jesus on your back and let Him ride uninhibited, get ready for the ride of a lifetime.
When the journey gets bumpy, just think of the Guy who's got your back.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Step Brown
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