How God Judges A Person's Contribution

Sometimes we think valuable Christian work belongs to the talented people in life, those with the greatest skills.

But God cares about motive and character more than talent. 

He gives us a Biblical motive for everything we do, and the focus is not our gifts:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23

He tells us that our character is important no matter the task: 

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” Luke 16:10

He assures us that He has specific purposes for each of us:

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”  Ephesians 2:10

Whenever we judge a man's skill above his character and motives, we make a serious mistake. God is looking for men and women who love Him, obey Him, and seek to do everything for His glory and purposes.  

Let's be those kind of people!

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 For a devotion about my least favorite task see Cleaning Bathrooms. And I think you'll also enjoy How God Views Careers.

 

Free Subscription to 1-Minute Bible Love Notes. Have a one-minute devotion like this one delivered to your email each weekday.

10 Reasons You'll Love the book Wisdom for Life. A collection of 100 one-minute devotions from Psalms and Proverbs and a great gift for people who love God's Word.

Full description of the book Lies in Disguise. A much needed book to uncover half-truths that misuse Scripture and weaken Christian faith.

 

 

What Lost Keys Tell Us About Seeking God

                                                         by Marika Marton

Jeremiah 29:13 says: “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.”

Recently, this verse has become my favorite. I am amazed that the almighty and most holy God makes Himself available to mortal people—that He allows Himself to be found. Yet we cannot find Him if we seek Him casually. We must seek Him with “all our heart.”

 

But what does that really look like?

I was discussing it with a friend, and he shared a simple, powerful illustration. He compared seeking God to searching for something extremely valuable that was lost.

He said: “Imagine you are looking for your lost keys. You desperately need them—you truly want to find them. You would not walk into the room, glance left and right, and then give up. You would search every corner, every hidden place, every drawer and closet, under and behind every object until you found them, because they are so important to you.”

Jesus told two parables about how we should pursue and cherish the Kingdom of Heaven. One was about a hidden treasure, the other was about a precious pearl. In both cases, it was so important and valuable to the men who found them that they sold everything they had to obtain them.

God is not far from any of us (Acts 17:25-27). He wants us to seek Him wholeheartedly: passionately, earnestly, and persistently. If you have never sought Him the way described in this illustration, begin today—and you will find Him.

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For more insights, see Do You Treat the Word of God as a Treasure? and God-Fearers Are Always Seeking to Know God Better.

 

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5 Ways to Stand Firm Against "Christian" Weeds

Did you know there are “weeds” in our churches?

Jesus explains in Matthew 13:24-30 that there are people in our fellowships who are “weeds” planted by Satan. They look similar to the wheat (true believers) planted by God. But like weeds in a field, they try to choke out the healthy plants.

So what can we do, especially when these weeds are often hard to recognize?

We must: 

 
1. Judge all things biblically like the noble Bereans (Acts 17:11). 

 
2. Graciously warn fellow believers of sin (Galatians 6:1).

 
3. Support the church in judging members living ungodly lifestyles (Matthew 18:15-17).

 
4. Pray for wisdom (James 1:5).

 
5. Avoid temptation (1 Corinthians 10:12-13).

This last point is especially important because the weeds want us to compromise God's values, and it's easy to accept sinful behavior if others have accepted it. 

But God judges us by His standard, not the standards of others (2 Corinthians 10:18), and He gives us the strength to stand firm.

One day, at the harvest, God will “collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned,” and He will gather the wheat and take us to His heavenly home in paradise.

So let's not let these worldly Christians damage or compromise our faith! Let's grow closer to our Lord every day!

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For more insights, see Wanderers, Weeds, Sleepers, or Children of Light? and Outward Godliness Isn't Godliness.

Free Subscription to 1-Minute Bible Love Notes. Have a one-minute devotion like this one delivered to your email each weekday.

10 Reasons You'll Love the Book, Wisdom for Life. A collection of 100 one-minute devotions from Psalms and Proverbs, and a great gift for people who love God's Word.

Full Description of the Book, Lies in Disguise. A much-needed book to uncover half-truths that misuse Scripture and weaken Christian faith. 

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Looking for Delight in God's Word

In my book Wisdom for Life, I offer a “For Further Thought” section after each devotion. After the one-minute devotion for Day 28, I encourage readers to go through Psalm 119, and each time they see the word delight, to take note of what delights the psalmist.

Doing a word search is one of many ways to see things in a passage we may have missed before. It helps us gain a deeper understanding of certain aspects of our salvation in Christ. 

It's best if you keep a journal, writing out the verse where the word is found.* But even if you simply underline it in your Bible, it helps.

Sometimes we think Bible study must involve complicated, detailed methods. But God's Word is a treasure chest of clear, simple, and life-changing truths that everyone can understand, no matter their education or method (2 Peter 1:3).

I have a master's degree from a seminary, but I've learned far more by studying God's Word during my personal quiet times.

Why not choose one new way from the list below to grow in your understanding of God's Word (2 Timothy 2:15).

A Fun Word Study

Dwelling on Scripture (3x3 method)

5 Ideas for Studying the Bible

Creative Bible Study 

💙 Please check out the Bible Love Notes devotional, Wisdom for Life. It features one-minute devotions from Psalms and Proverbs and offers a "For Further Thought" idea with each devotion so you can easily dig a bit deeper into God's Word. It's a great way to take more delight in God's Word and is on sale at reduced prices on Lifeway, Amazon, and CBD.  

* According to studies, “Writing by hand instead of typing deepens content processing and supports emotional health. Regularly practicing handwriting may improve brain structure and function. While slower than digital, writing by hand daily may help fight cognitive decline.” (source)

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Free Study Guide For Bible Love Notes Subscribers

It’s Here!

The Lies in Disguise PDF study guide is ready, and it's free for all Bible Love Notes subscribers.

If you haven't already purchased your Lies in Disguise book, it's available at reduced prices from CLC Publishers, Amazon, and CBD. And in the UK, it's available at CLC-UK and Eden UK.

To get the study guide, simply reply to the next Bible Love Notes devotion you get in your email, and tell us you'd like the study guide. 

What's in the Study Guide?

It's more than 50 pages of insights and resources, addressing each chapter and each section in the book. You'll find multiple links to Bible Love Notes devotions that reinforce the subjects covered. You'll also find additional articles from other sources. Our goal is to help you better understand the concepts taught in Lies in Disguise so you can explain them to others.  

I think you'll find this helpful for individual use, but doubly helpful if you lead a group study. 

Digging Deeper Pages 

The Digging Deeper questions are on separate pages if you'd like to run them off, but if you use them on your computer, tablet, or phone, you'll be able to click the links for each Scripture reference.

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Why Ignoring God's Commands Is Destroying Families

An increasing number of adult children are marginalizing or cutting off their aging parents. 

Both secular and compromised “Christian” psychology often promote this trend by calling estrangement “boundaries” and selfishness “self-care.” 

However, even secular sources recognize that “Grandparent alienation is a type of elder abuse … when grandparents are unreasonably denied meaningful opportunities to have a relationship and spend time with their grandchildren.” (source)

God couldn’t be clearer about honoring parents:

Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:1-3 command it with a promise attached to stress its importance. 

During Old Testament times, Exodus 21:15,17, Leviticus 20:9, and Deuteronomy 21:18-21 called for the death of children who attacked or “cursed”* their parents.(1)

Deuteronomy 5:16, 27:16, and Leviticus 19:3 further stress honoring parents, and Proverbs 19:26, 20:20, 28:24, and 30:17 strongly rebuke those who curse, scorn, or rob their parents.

Romans 1:28-32 and 2 Timothy 3:1-3 list evil practices of depraved people, and disrespect for parents is on both lists.

First Timothy 5:3-4,8 explains the duty of children to care for the needs of their parents.

And in Matthew 15:1-9, Christ rebukes the Pharisees for encouraging people to prioritize the church above their parents. He refers to this as cursing* their parents, letting us know that cursing parents is not simply about words. And He ends with this strong statement:

“These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.” 

 

If we dishonor our parents, we also dishonor God, bringing damage to our souls.

 

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For more on honoring parents, see:

Speck-Finders - Adult Children Who Judge Parents Hypocritically

and the most popular post on our Bite Size Bible Study blog:

Grow Up! Honoring Parents Biblically. 

 

For more on the ungodly Boundaries teachings, see:

Blame Your Mom 

Boundaries vs. Guidelines

Avoiding Difficult People Makes Us a Difficult Person

 

Other resources: 

Estrangement Is Rising 

Your Parents Don't Deserve This

 

(1) These were Old Testament civil laws given to the nation of Israel during a specific time in their history, a time when they were learning to follow God and separate themselves from the pagan nations around them. The death sentence is not part of the New Covenant in Christ, but this shows how God views disrespect for parents. 

 

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When "Love" = Hate

Many people of influence in the Christian community are questioning God's wisdom. (See Did Jesus Draw Lines or Circles? and Why Christian Leaders Are Judged More Strictly.)

They do this when they redefine moral behavior apart from clear scriptural guidelines and according to popular culture. They miss one of the most important points about God's commands: they are given because He loves us and knows what is best for us.

God's commands are perfect, refreshing, trustworthy, radiant, and precious (Psalm 19:7-11)! 

Questioning, downplaying, ignoring, or contradicting God's commands is the same as doubting His love and wisdom.

Pastors, speakers, authors, and musicians who redefine sin are badly deceived. They think they're being loving to those involved in behavior forbidden by Scripture. But no one can be more loving than God (1 John 3:1).

We might not understand every aspect of God's commands, but we can trust Him as our creator. He is perfect. He always leads us out of darkness into the light.

Approving what God disapproves is a hate crime against God and against those enslaved to sin. Let's pray that Christians in positions of influence will clearly understand this. And let's pray that Christians will reject the teachings of those who compromise and redefine God's truth.

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If you're a subscriber to Bible Love Notes and you appreciate our devotions, please forward one of your favorite devotions to your friends and encourage them to sign up for a FREE SUBSCRIPTION. Let them know that we never ask for money, that we only use their email for necessary purposes, and that the only ads they'll see are for Gail's books below the devotion. No pop-ups. 

  

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Memorizing Scriptures To Improve Your Walk with the Lord

I highly recommend that husbands and wives memorize Scripture together and singles memorize with a friend. It can help with our daily joys and challenges. Let me give you an example.

 

My husband and I are going through a difficult time with loved ones walking away from God, personal health problems, and a number of other challenges. So we've started memorizing passages such as these:

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18

 

“In me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 

 

We want to remind ourselves that our present sufferings are insignificant compared to our eternity with Christ and to remember that we can have peace in the midst of them. 

 

Years ago, I memorized Philippians 4:6-7, and it's a great passage no matter what you're facing:

 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

 

God's Word is alive (Hebrews 4:12). It affects our hearts and minds like nothing else (Isaiah 55:11). 

 

What Scriptures do you need to memorize this week? See some ideas below.

 

Do you want to better understand God's grace?

See the Scriptures in We Need It: Grace

 

Do you want to start your day with encouraging Bible verses about your relationship with the Lord?

See 8 Statements Christians Should Make Each Day 

 

Are you having trouble handling correction? See Accepting Correction – 10 Scriptures

 

Are you wanting to be more thankful?

See 10 Scriptures About Thankfulness

 

Would you like to pray Scripture? 

See 10 Good Prayers from Psalms 

 

Do you need to improve the way you communicate?

Our Words Matter – 26 Scriptures 

 

Do you need encouragement to live your faith more fully?

See the Scriptures in Works Is Not a Dirty Word

 

Do you want to develop more self-control?

 See Scriptures for Developing Self-Control 

 

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4 Aspects of Christian Growth

When we're saved, we're forgiven and redeemed, but we're still sinners, and we need to be drawing closer to the Lord each day.

1. Christian growth is a PROCESS: It's called sanctification, and it's the "working out of our salvation" (Philippians 2:12-13).

It doesn't happen overnight, and it doesn't happen unless we're committed to the process. 

2. It's PRODUCTIVE: There should be outward signs of inward changes (Galatians 5:24).

It changes our hearts, minds, and behavior in noticeable ways.

3. It's PURPOSEFUL: It improves our witness, making us salt and light in our world (Matthew 5:13-16).

God has wonderful purposes for us (Ephesians 2:10)! 

4. It's PERSONAL: It involves dealing with personal sins and being humbled personally (1 John 1:8-10; James 4:8-10).

One obvious sign that we're seeking to draw closer to God is conviction of sin. God's conviction is constructive, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have an "ouch factor." 

If you haven't felt God's conviction about sins in your life for a while, I encourage you to take time this week to evaluate your Christian growth and seek the Lord in prayer and Bible study. 

For more insights, see 3 Important Aspects of Growing in Our Faith in Christ and 3 Steps to Greater Maturity in Christ. 

Free Subscription to 1-Minute Bible Love Notes. Have a one-minute devotion like this one delivered to your email each weekday.

10 Reasons You'll Love the Book, Wisdom for Life. A collection of 100 one-minute devotions from Psalms and Proverbs and a great gift for people who love God's Word.

Full description of the Book, Lies in Disguise. A much-needed book to uncover half-truths that misuse Scripture and weaken Christian faith.

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How A Centimeter Can Affect Our Walk with the Lord

A centimeter is less than ½ inch. Seems insignificant, doesn’t it?

But sometimes, something very little can cause a big problem. I’ll explain why this is significant to me, but first let me apply it to something more important: God’s Word.

When it comes to the teaching/presentation of God’s Word, if we overlook small errors, we'll end up overlooking large errors (Luke 16:10). In fact, most false teachings are based on small errors mixed with truth.

Millions are excited by popular books, movies, and teachings that make the gospel look attractive. And they are ready to defend small errors as being unimportant, as long as some of the Word is getting out to a wide audience in an attractive way. 

But why would we want to change God's perfect, pure, firm, and righteous gospel even a tiny bit (Psalm 19:7-11)? 

I had a hip replacement last year, and one of my legs is now 1 centimeter longer than the other. No big deal, right? Wrong. Every step I take is slightly crooked, and I need shoe inserts to adjust that slight difference, or every muscle and joint in my body feels miserable.

My problems are insignificant compared to the way our walk with the Lord is damaged by accepting small errors in presentations of God's Word. We may not feel the pain, but it affects our entire relationship with the Lord.

I will deal with my crooked leg length the rest of my life, but all we need to do regarding our walk with the Lord is respect His Word enough to defend it against "small" all errors. 

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 For more insights on this subject, see Attention to Details and For the Want of a Nail.

Lies in Disguise is designed to help Christians recognize and address tiny and large half-truth errors that many Christians believe. Why? To help us avoid false teachings and keep our walk with the Lord straight and steady. Click the image to find out more: chapter titles, reviews, and where to purchase it.

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