Did I tell you that over 3000 ladies are participating in Beth Moore's Scripture Memory Blog? I believe that is amazing!!! If you have even a slight inkling, visit the blog at:
http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/
It is such a blessing to be a part of this challenge - more than I can describe in mere words. Even better, I did not expect this experience to be so dynamic.
For February 15, 2009, my fourth verse of the year is Acts 5:38-39 (NLT):
"So my advice is, leave these men alone. If they are teaching and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it is of God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God."
On one hand, I am skeptical of people, and on the other hand, I am quite trusting of people. In my nearly 39 years of life (as of March 22), I have learned a few lessons about how to discern Truth in the lives of others. When Christians face hardship, Truth is often more detectable in their lives. I have known a few people who claimed to be in relationship with Christ, and who accepted positions of leadership in the church, and who betrayed the the privilege given them. I have also known a few people to claimed a relationship with Christ, accepted positions of leadership in the church, and were betrayed. When this happens, I watch closely to see how the leader responds because one's response often reveals one's heart, one's motives, and God's Truth.
The Book of Acts describes a similar scenario. The apostles, who had been in the presence of Jesus while He walked on earth, began preaching and teaching. Religious and government leaders questioned their motives and their knowledge. The apostles were persecuted for their beliefs and actions, yet they continued to do that which Jesus Christ had taught them to do. There was a man named Gamaliel, a respected teacher of the law, who addressed the leaders with the advice written above in Acts 5:38-39. As a result, the religious leaders decided not to kill the apostles at that time, but they did flog them and ordered them to stop speaking in Jesus' name.
I am thinking.... What would I have done? I am a respecter of authority, I avoid controversy, I fly under the radar.... The apostles considered their flogging an affirmation of their ministry. Hmmm. I probably would have taken "no" for an answer, gone home, and kept to myself for awhile. In the U.S. of A., Christians have not experienced serious, open persecution, yet. I believe the day is coming, or may already be upon us, when Christian persecution is more commonplace. As Christians in the U.S. of A., we still believe we have "rights." Actually, everyone in the USA believes they have rights - which is part of of the problem, but that is another story.... I do not recall Jesus Christ speaking of the rights of Christians while He walked on earth. Could it be that we have been lulled into this idea because we believe we live in Christian nation? I don't recall Jesus Christ speaking of the need to build a Christian nation apart from His coming again. I have said before that I am not a theologian, and I am also not a historian, but I wonder if I am following Christ when I am focusing on my rights ahead of focusing on His Truth. This is a bit of the draw I have to the Book of Acts at this point in my life and at this point in world history.
It appears that the apostles were teaching and preaching in Christ's name just as He had taught them to do. The reaction of the religious leaders and the political leaders of the day included jealousy, imprisonment, trials, flogging, and death. The reaction of the people included support of the religious and political leaders, as well as support of the apostles, transformed lives, and a dynamic, growing, difference-making church. The apostles did not preach and teach according to the politically correct directives of the day. They did not seek the pleasure of the religious and political leaders of the day. They obeyed God as they had been taught through Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Their behavior went against authority, was controversial, and definitely flew way above the radar - there is no doubt they would have been voted out on the first week of Survivor!
Several Truths are coming soon in Acts. Read them with me, if you would like to - I am beginning the 6th chapter. For me, this pursuit began in me as our nation prepared for the presidential elections. I want to be a Christ-centered, open-minded person who has ears to hear and eyes to see the Lord working in our midst. Then, I want to have the courage and strength to begin living the eternal promise of life in Christ today. Life on earth is confusing. Life in the USA is distracting. Life in the Tracht home is busy! In the midst of all this, Christ is meeting me in Bible reading, in journalling, in prayer, and in Scripture memory. Join me - if you will. Let's share and learn from one another about how God is working in our midst.
Until next time, find that quiet place to meet the Lord and seek His Truth.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
I Corinthians 16:13-14
"Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. And everything you do must be done in love."
For the last 6 to 12 months (at least), I have been pondering Truth. How does one know Truth? How can one be courageous and strong in Truth? The world around us accepts and demands such a variety of truths. I have always believed in One Truth; clear; definitive; right and wrong - not that I always know and understand all Truth. As humans, I don't think we need to know and understand all Truth. I don't think our minds could handle such knowledge; however, I do believe God reveals His Truth to believers as it needs to be revealed - in His time and in His way. I am okay with this phenomenon.
I am learning and accepting the parts of God's Truth that He is expecting me to uphold. This knowledge is actually frightening at times because I am a "fly under the radar" kind of girl. I don't want to stand out in a crowd - especially related to controversy. Some people who claim Truth do so in self-righteous, even hateful, ways. That is not God's revealed Truth.
As I hear and accept God's call to pursue Truth, another message is resounding loud and clear: "everything you do must be done in love." Wow - that is significant! God's Truth isn't always politically correct and it never has been. Even when Peter and John were recognized as men who had been with Jesus in Acts 4:13, and even as they were accomplishing many things by the power of the Holy Spirit, they were still misunderstood and threatened by the authority figures of the day. Reactions to the Apostles preaching included jealousy, trials, imprisonment, and death, as well as support, acceptance, obedience, and transformation. Truth does not equal fair treatment, it is not easy, and it is often rejected by those without a personal relationship with Jesus. Even worse, it is often misunderstood among those who have a personal relationship with Jesus. And yet, "everything you do must be done in love." Only the Holy Spirit can provide that kind of love!
My thoughts about Truth center on how would Jesus live in 2009 on this earth? I am convinced that He would personally care for people more than he would focus on their sin because that is how his lived on earth previously. Any person with an ounce of desire to know Him would feel comfortable in His presence because of His personal love for that person. He did not ask people to clean up before coming to see Him when He walked the earth before, so why would He now? At the same time, and with immeasurable love, Jesus spoke clearly about sin and about how to turn from it. As a consider Truth in 2009, and how Jesus is guiding me to pursue it, my first thought, my first word, and my first action must be steeped in love - a fruit of the Holy Spirit given only to those who love God and are surrendered to Him.
I want me some love - Happy Valentine's Day!
For the last 6 to 12 months (at least), I have been pondering Truth. How does one know Truth? How can one be courageous and strong in Truth? The world around us accepts and demands such a variety of truths. I have always believed in One Truth; clear; definitive; right and wrong - not that I always know and understand all Truth. As humans, I don't think we need to know and understand all Truth. I don't think our minds could handle such knowledge; however, I do believe God reveals His Truth to believers as it needs to be revealed - in His time and in His way. I am okay with this phenomenon.
I am learning and accepting the parts of God's Truth that He is expecting me to uphold. This knowledge is actually frightening at times because I am a "fly under the radar" kind of girl. I don't want to stand out in a crowd - especially related to controversy. Some people who claim Truth do so in self-righteous, even hateful, ways. That is not God's revealed Truth.
As I hear and accept God's call to pursue Truth, another message is resounding loud and clear: "everything you do must be done in love." Wow - that is significant! God's Truth isn't always politically correct and it never has been. Even when Peter and John were recognized as men who had been with Jesus in Acts 4:13, and even as they were accomplishing many things by the power of the Holy Spirit, they were still misunderstood and threatened by the authority figures of the day. Reactions to the Apostles preaching included jealousy, trials, imprisonment, and death, as well as support, acceptance, obedience, and transformation. Truth does not equal fair treatment, it is not easy, and it is often rejected by those without a personal relationship with Jesus. Even worse, it is often misunderstood among those who have a personal relationship with Jesus. And yet, "everything you do must be done in love." Only the Holy Spirit can provide that kind of love!
My thoughts about Truth center on how would Jesus live in 2009 on this earth? I am convinced that He would personally care for people more than he would focus on their sin because that is how his lived on earth previously. Any person with an ounce of desire to know Him would feel comfortable in His presence because of His personal love for that person. He did not ask people to clean up before coming to see Him when He walked the earth before, so why would He now? At the same time, and with immeasurable love, Jesus spoke clearly about sin and about how to turn from it. As a consider Truth in 2009, and how Jesus is guiding me to pursue it, my first thought, my first word, and my first action must be steeped in love - a fruit of the Holy Spirit given only to those who love God and are surrendered to Him.
I want me some love - Happy Valentine's Day!
A Goal for 2009 - February 1 to 15
I am convinced more believers than not have problems prioritizing daily quiet time for building a personal relationship with Christ. I am one of those people. There is always a good reason to put off this human need: sleep, food, work, school, family, friends, lack of direction, discouragement, avoidance.... During every season of life I have found really good reasons to justify my behavior. In more recent years, I have experienced a deeper craving to build this important relationship, though there are still ups and downs in keeping it a priority. For the last five months, I have found a great routine....
On Mondays through Fridays, I drop my kids off at school, drive to work, and have my quiet time in the parking lot. Sometimes I have to keep my gloves and scarf on, but I have learned to deal with this minor inconvenience. There are a couple of things I do during this time: I journal, read my Bible, ponder Sunday's sermon, memorize Scripture, and/or pray. It is quiet in the car, there are no dirty dishes screaming to be rinsed, no wet clothes longing for the dryer, no kids needing help, no dog to play with, no technical distractions, no messes, no coffee - just me, my Bible and journal, and God. It's a cool thing!
Lately, I have been asking for wisdom - wisdom in knowing how Jesus would live in 2009. We are warped by our culture, really. I have a feeling when we see Jesus face-to-face and are given an eternal, perfect perspective, we will be shocked by Truth. So, in the meantime, how are we to be Christ-like? How are we to think and act like Jesus? I believe my prayers for wisdom led me to the Book of Acts. I have been reading the Book of Acts while sitting in my car located in a parking lot each morning. I am not a theologian, I don't think I am an intellectual person - I am fairly ordinary.... This should explain my attraction to Act 4:13 - the first verse of 2009 that I memorized:
"When they saw the courage of Peter and John, and realized that these were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and realized that these men had been with Jesus."
While I have some schooling, I am far from an intellectual. While some people think I am special (i.e., my husband, my kids, my parents and grandparents :).....), I am ordinary. I can relate to Peter and John. Even though Peter and John were courageous Christians, and even though they were recognized for their time spent with Jesus, they were still questioned, disrespected, and misunderstood. They truly suffered for Jesus - I have not suffered for Jesus - I don't relate to this part of their lives.
I am learning some things about being Christ-like in 2009 from reading the Book of Acts. As I share my 2009 Scriptures from memory, I will share my thoughts about Acts - there is a clear relationship between these two areas of devotion during my morning quiet times. My motive for sharing is to be accountable and to inspire devotion towards Christ.
My 3rd memory verse for 2009 (February 1-15) is I Corinthians 16:13-14 (NLT):
"Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. And everything you do must be done in love."
I'll share more about the personal meaning of this verse in the next note. And, I think the Lord has led me to my next verse... it is in Acts.
On Mondays through Fridays, I drop my kids off at school, drive to work, and have my quiet time in the parking lot. Sometimes I have to keep my gloves and scarf on, but I have learned to deal with this minor inconvenience. There are a couple of things I do during this time: I journal, read my Bible, ponder Sunday's sermon, memorize Scripture, and/or pray. It is quiet in the car, there are no dirty dishes screaming to be rinsed, no wet clothes longing for the dryer, no kids needing help, no dog to play with, no technical distractions, no messes, no coffee - just me, my Bible and journal, and God. It's a cool thing!
Lately, I have been asking for wisdom - wisdom in knowing how Jesus would live in 2009. We are warped by our culture, really. I have a feeling when we see Jesus face-to-face and are given an eternal, perfect perspective, we will be shocked by Truth. So, in the meantime, how are we to be Christ-like? How are we to think and act like Jesus? I believe my prayers for wisdom led me to the Book of Acts. I have been reading the Book of Acts while sitting in my car located in a parking lot each morning. I am not a theologian, I don't think I am an intellectual person - I am fairly ordinary.... This should explain my attraction to Act 4:13 - the first verse of 2009 that I memorized:
"When they saw the courage of Peter and John, and realized that these were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and realized that these men had been with Jesus."
While I have some schooling, I am far from an intellectual. While some people think I am special (i.e., my husband, my kids, my parents and grandparents :).....), I am ordinary. I can relate to Peter and John. Even though Peter and John were courageous Christians, and even though they were recognized for their time spent with Jesus, they were still questioned, disrespected, and misunderstood. They truly suffered for Jesus - I have not suffered for Jesus - I don't relate to this part of their lives.
I am learning some things about being Christ-like in 2009 from reading the Book of Acts. As I share my 2009 Scriptures from memory, I will share my thoughts about Acts - there is a clear relationship between these two areas of devotion during my morning quiet times. My motive for sharing is to be accountable and to inspire devotion towards Christ.
My 3rd memory verse for 2009 (February 1-15) is I Corinthians 16:13-14 (NLT):
"Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. And everything you do must be done in love."
I'll share more about the personal meaning of this verse in the next note. And, I think the Lord has led me to my next verse... it is in Acts.
A Goal for 2009 - January 15 to 31
For the second half of January, I memorized Psalm 37:3-7
"Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to Him; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your causes like the noon day sun. Be still before the Lord; wait patiently for Him. Do not fret when men succeed in their ways; when they carry out their wicked schemes." (I did not memorize the punctuation, so it may be off a bit).
The first exposure to this verse that I recall was as an early adolescent. I embraced the Delight phrase in committing to a purity choices.
As a whole, this passage is packed with Truths that I hang my life on daily - Trust, Delight, Commit, & Wait. I recall Earl & Hazel Lee's book and sermon series.... Now, the parts that stand out include "Dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture." For some period of time, I thought if I was too content, then I must not be doing the will of God b/c God's will = stepping out of one's comfort zone. While this is true when God calls us out of comfort zones, He is not always asking us to be uncomfortable in daily life and ministry - especially when He is asking us to serve in the midst of our Spiritual giftedness. I am obeying when I am enjoying the safe pasture He is providing (and, it is often during these times that He is preparing me for a rough passage ahead).
Commit, righteousness and causes shining.... I have so often felt misunderstood by both the secular world and my Christian counterparts. According to these verses, I need to leave that in God's hands. When I feel misunderstood, I need to let God answer the knock on that door. Pure understanding will be made known in heaven. Until then, well, that is just the way it is, so I will commit my way to Him.
Be still, wait, do not worry.... There is peace in stillness. Waiting is not so fun, but rushing into something on my own power is worse (been there; done that... too many times to count). Leave the sinfulness of this world to God. Truth is not supposed to be confusing, but there is so much deception that Truth is hard to find sometimes. God is not asking me to uncover Truth; He wants me to diligently seek and wait for His revelation. You know what? He has revealed Truth to me in some amazing ways, but that is another story.
Memorizing these Scriptures has been incredibly freeing! I can truly say my heart and soul is drowning in joy.
"Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to Him; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your causes like the noon day sun. Be still before the Lord; wait patiently for Him. Do not fret when men succeed in their ways; when they carry out their wicked schemes." (I did not memorize the punctuation, so it may be off a bit).
The first exposure to this verse that I recall was as an early adolescent. I embraced the Delight phrase in committing to a purity choices.
As a whole, this passage is packed with Truths that I hang my life on daily - Trust, Delight, Commit, & Wait. I recall Earl & Hazel Lee's book and sermon series.... Now, the parts that stand out include "Dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture." For some period of time, I thought if I was too content, then I must not be doing the will of God b/c God's will = stepping out of one's comfort zone. While this is true when God calls us out of comfort zones, He is not always asking us to be uncomfortable in daily life and ministry - especially when He is asking us to serve in the midst of our Spiritual giftedness. I am obeying when I am enjoying the safe pasture He is providing (and, it is often during these times that He is preparing me for a rough passage ahead).
Commit, righteousness and causes shining.... I have so often felt misunderstood by both the secular world and my Christian counterparts. According to these verses, I need to leave that in God's hands. When I feel misunderstood, I need to let God answer the knock on that door. Pure understanding will be made known in heaven. Until then, well, that is just the way it is, so I will commit my way to Him.
Be still, wait, do not worry.... There is peace in stillness. Waiting is not so fun, but rushing into something on my own power is worse (been there; done that... too many times to count). Leave the sinfulness of this world to God. Truth is not supposed to be confusing, but there is so much deception that Truth is hard to find sometimes. God is not asking me to uncover Truth; He wants me to diligently seek and wait for His revelation. You know what? He has revealed Truth to me in some amazing ways, but that is another story.
Memorizing these Scriptures has been incredibly freeing! I can truly say my heart and soul is drowning in joy.
A Goal for 2009 - January 1 to 15
As I was considering something new to challenge myself with in 2009, I read this note by Beth Moore on her blog: http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/2008/12/anybody-game.html
Interesting idea, right? So, I agreed to join the challenge with very few expectations. We are currently 3 verses into the year and the biggest surprise has been the absolute joy I have experienced in seeking verses that I believe God is wanting me to memorize.
On January 1, 2009, I chose Acts 4:13:
"When they saw the courage of Peter and John, and realized that these were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and took note that these men had been with Jesus."
Why this verse, you ask? I want to be a courageous Christian, yet I feel very ordinary and have little formal schooling in theological matters. According to this verse, both of these things matter little when it comes to making a difference.... A relationship with Jesus is more valuable than any other gain I may attempt to earn! I want a reputation that reflects Jesus. This verse inspires me to know Him more than any other person or thing.
I seek to share these notes on Facebook in an effort to be accountable in seeking Christ and memorizing Scripture. I will catch up to my current verse a note at a time and share with you why I felt led to memorize each piece.
Interesting idea, right? So, I agreed to join the challenge with very few expectations. We are currently 3 verses into the year and the biggest surprise has been the absolute joy I have experienced in seeking verses that I believe God is wanting me to memorize.
On January 1, 2009, I chose Acts 4:13:
"When they saw the courage of Peter and John, and realized that these were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and took note that these men had been with Jesus."
Why this verse, you ask? I want to be a courageous Christian, yet I feel very ordinary and have little formal schooling in theological matters. According to this verse, both of these things matter little when it comes to making a difference.... A relationship with Jesus is more valuable than any other gain I may attempt to earn! I want a reputation that reflects Jesus. This verse inspires me to know Him more than any other person or thing.
I seek to share these notes on Facebook in an effort to be accountable in seeking Christ and memorizing Scripture. I will catch up to my current verse a note at a time and share with you why I felt led to memorize each piece.
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