Ponder This

Several years ago I wrote about starting a “happiness diary”—not because I was feeling happy, but because I wasn’t. It’s something I need to do from time to time to keep my mind focused on my blessings.  

We can find the bad in good things or the good in bad things. One will draw us away from the peace God offers, and the other will draw us into God’s comforting arms (Philippians 4:8-9).  

This doesn't mean we pretend we don't face challenges. It means we remember God's love in the midst of those challenges. When our struggles overwhelm us, we can remember 1 John 3:1:

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 

Each morning we can remind ourselves of Lamentations 3:22-23: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” 

When we face health problems or aging problems, we can remember 2 Corinthians 4:16-18:

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 

Amen!

 

You might also want to ponder these other passages:

8 Statements Christians Should Make Each Day

10 Good Prayers from Psalms

6 Reasons to Pray Colossians 1:9

Benefits of Praying Philippians 1:9-11

 

 BLN

The Freedom of Loving Your Enemies

When the U.S. was fighting in Iraq, 90% of wounded American soldiers survived because of advances in medicine and protective gear (source). 

New technologies were created specifically for war injuries, but those technologies have benefited everyone, not just wounded soldiers, a Romans 8:28 result of war.

During the war, I visited a military hospital, and an Army nurse who was stationed in Iraq told me he frequently saw American medical teams treating injured Iraqi soldiers. 

I thought that was incredible—healing enemies who minutes earlier had tried to kill them. What an amazing example of Luke 6:27-36: 

“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.… Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”  

This puts our own mistreatment in perspective and gives us the courage to do the same with our personal enemies.

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.… Do not repay anyone evil for evil.… Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath.… On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:14-21

I think you'll enjoy the true story in Deadly Revenge and the wisdom from Psalm 143 in 6 Ways to Fight Our Enemies.

BLN

For Example...

When we're struggling, it's good to remember that we're surrounded by a "great cloud of witnesses" who've gone before us in our race of faith. Their lives are examples, helping us stay focused on Christ (Hebrews 12:1-3). 

We have scriptural examples, like Joseph, Paul, and Tabitha,* but we also have examples here and now.

My friend Ginny is a full-time caregiver to her elderly mom and disabled husband. She doesn't deny her challenges. But you can’t talk to her for long before she tells you how blessed she is. (See When Hardship Is a Privilege.)

I have a friend whose childhood was marred by sexual abuse, but she’s a positive, prayer-focused woman who loves talking about things of God.

In the early 2000s, I met Father Placid who had been imprisoned in a Russian gulag for his faith. His joyful smile and kindness lit up every room he entered. (See He Developed a Curriculum of Survival.)

My friend Linda is widowed and she deals with persistent health problems, but she joyfully shares Christ with telemarketers, waitresses, friends, and neighbors…everyone she meets! 

My friend Cathy and her husband Glen have been missionaries in Suriname for over forty years, living without luxuries like air conditioning in the jungle heat. But they are grateful for their opportunities to share Christ.

Please consider the godly examples in your life, and if you don't have any, I encourage you to read some good Christian biographies.

💙💙💙

* Here are some one-minute glimpses that will encourage your faith:

Joseph: Keep on Keeping On

Paul: Paul's Boast

Tabitha: Don't Be Jealous of Other People's Gifts

And these are illustrations of the kinds of examples we can have in our lives:

What Could He Have Done That He Didn't Do?

Secret Joy

Going Forth: Jonathan Goforth

 

 

BLN

"Bitter" Is a Bad Name

In hardship, we can change our name ... or we can change our perspective.

Let me explain:

In the book of Ruth, Naomi's family moved to Moab, a pagan land, because of famine in Israel. Afterward her husband and two married sons died.

Because God was blessing Israel with good crops, the widow Naomi returned to her homeland where friends and relatives welcomed her.

Her daughter-in-law Ruth vowed to never leave Naomi and to worship the True and Living God instead of the pagan gods of Moab.

Naomi's loss was great, but she was back among God's people where food was plentiful, she had a devoted, God-fearing daughter-in-law, and she had God's comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).

However, Naomi told everyone to call her "Mara" (bitter) because "the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty." (Ruth 1:20-21)

... empty ...

In the midst of trials, we often ignore God's loving hand of help and provision. But when this happens, we need to change our perspective, not our name. 

✜✜✜

I encourage you to do the Bite Size Bible Study on this devotion. It asks 3 questions we all should answer when we are going through hardship. If you're married, I also encourage you to read this devotion about Naomi and Ruth: Was Naomi a Good Mom-in-Law?

I also encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE. You can read the first 4 devotions in the book by clicking "look inside" on Lifeway or Amazon. In addition, you can buy the book in Kindle format on Amazon and as an ebook on other sites.

 

I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet. Find out more HERE.

Don't Overlook Philippians 4:9

When I face difficulties I can end up feeling anxious and negative. I need to regain my focus.  

Philippians 4:8-9 is a great passage, but we typically focus on verse 8:

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” 

But verse 9 is also important:

“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” 

Paul (and other godly Bible characters) are meant to be examples for us. They had feelings, emotions, and fears like the rest of us. But they persevered and served God faithfully. They remind us, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).  

When we're facing difficulties, let's learn from the examples of godly biblical men and women. They did it and we can do it too!

✜✜✜

See Even Paul Despaired and Paul's Boast. And did you know that we can even learn from bad examples? See Cain Provides a Good Bad Example.

 

 BLN

Scriptures and Resources for Conquering Anger

The devotion "A Practical Way to Deal with Specific Sins" encouraged reading, memorizing, and meditating on Scripture verses to help overcome sin problems. 

These are a few good Scriptures if you have a problem with ANGER: 

Psalm 37:8: "Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil."

Proverbs 14:29: "People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness."

Proverbs 16:32: "Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city." 

Proverbs 19:11: "Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs." 

Proverbs 29:11: "Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back."

Ephesians 4:26-27: "'In your anger do not sin': Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." 

James 1:19-20: "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires." 

You might also benefit from these 1-minute devotions about anger:

5 Tips for Anger Management

These 5 Tips - straight from Scripture - can help you overcome your anger Biblically.

2 Steps for Overcoming Anger

This 1-minute devotion offers 2 steps to overcoming anger.

Satan's Pop-up Temptations

Do you know how Satan uses "pop-up Temptations" to gain a foothold in our lives? This 1-minute devotion explains.

Fools, Anger, Repentance

Do you ever lose your temper? This devotion offer some helpful Bible verses we all should know.

A Practical Way of Dealing with Sins

Years ago I discovered a way that helps me deal with specific sins in my life. I think it will work for most people if they do it sincerely, from the heart.

Godly Disagreement versus Personal Attack

These 3 Scriptural principles will keep us from turning disagreements into personal attacks.

Pouting is Childish

Admit it....most of us do it from time to time, but pouting is childish and this short devotion gives us ways to quit doing it.

6 Aspects of Biblical Reconciliation

Ephesians offers 6 important aspects of biblical reconciliation. These help us mature in our faith and improve our relationships.

We Need it: Patience

This devotion shares 7 Biblical truths about Patience. It also contains a collection of Bible passages about Patience.

Romans 12:14-21 - A Crazy Idea!

Romans 12 explains an idea that sounds "crazy" to the world and it involves heaping burning coals on our enemy's head.

Bible Love Notes

Sloppy Theology Is a Blueprint for Trouble

I'm learning that it's not the obvious false teachings that lead Christians astray. It's the teachings that mix error with truth. And the more interesting, entertaining, or attractive they are, the more people will fall for them.

Perhaps the most popular justification for accepting false teaching is the claim that it does more good than bad—as if a little lie never hurt anyone!

But when it comes to Scripture, excusing errors is dangerous and disrespectful.

The longer we know Jesus, the more discerning and careful He expects us to be. And He holds us accountable for the errors we accept or pass along to others (Matthew 12:36). If we don't carefully judge all things by God's Word, we'll compromise our faith and help others to compromise theirs (1 John 4:1; 2 Timothy 2:15).

 

We live in a time when people are refusing to accept sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3). We can defend sloppy theology and become part of the problem. Or we can defend God's Word and become part of the solution (Psalm 119:127-128). 

Let's become part of the solution!

I encourage you to read Don't Be Deceived and Why Location Matters.

 

I want to let you know that my hardcover devotional Wisdom for Life (regular price $15.99) is on sale for $4.78 plus S&H at Lifeway, $8.63 plus S&H at CBD, and $8.63  at Amazon. Great for Christmas gift-giving! Order eleven from Lifeway and get free S&H, meaning you can get eleven for less than the regular price of four!  A great gift for your Bible study group.

BLN

A Story of a Pagan Culture and "Impossible" Odds

Ruth, the Moabite widow, turned from pagan worship to follow the true and living God (Ruth 1).

Think about that.

Moab was known for their vile pagan gods.

How could someone raised in such a culture find truth? 

Answer: God isn't limited by cultures, languages, or false religions. His voice can be heard by all true seekers.

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13

From the beginning, God has been speaking to genuine seekers wherever they are found. (Remember Rahab?)

But we must understand this distinction: God isn't a universalist. God saves people out of false religions, not through them.

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

God is able to save anyone who seeks Him!

Do you believe this?

💙💙💙

For more on this subject read "Are There Many Paths to Heaven?"

BLN

Captive or Approved and Noble?

What causes some Christians to grow deeper with the Lord and some to remain shallow?

What causes some newer Christians to know more about Scripture than those who've been Christians for many years?

What causes some Christians to get caught up in errors and some to recognize and avoid them?

Scripture offers these warnings, answers, and examples:

🩵 Christians who grow deeper with the Lord are those who trust Scripture and carefully avoid human philosophies.

“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception [pseudo-intellectual babble], according to the tradition [and musings] of mere men, following the elementary principles of this world, rather than following [the truth—the teachings of] Christ.” Colossians 2:8 Amplified Bible

🩵 Christians who grow quickly prioritize their study of Scripture.

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

🩵 Christians who understand God care deeply about the accuracy of things they hear taught. No matter how popular, they carefully check their validity in God's Word.

“Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men.” Acts 17:11-12

So let's do our best to be “approved” and “noble,” refusing to be taken “captive.” 

See these devotions for more insights:

When It's Not a Foundation

3 Ways to Focus on Jesus When You're Busy

Never Lay Down Your Sword

BLN

How Scripture Defines True Worship

When we see someone with eyes closed and hands upraised in a church service we say they are worshiping.

They are, but worship is so much more than that.

When the Samaritan woman at the well asked Christ about worship, He told her it didn't matter where she worshiped. He said genuine worship has two characteristics—it must be done in spirit and in truth (John 4:1-42).

• In spirit: Giving ourselves fully to the Lord, renewing our minds in His Word, and refusing to conform to the world's values is a "spiritual act of worship" (Romans 12:1-2).

• In truth: Being honest about our sins and repenting (Psalm 51:16-17), holding fast to the truth of God's Word (Psalms 119:30-31), deliberately learning what pleases God and exposing things which are evil  (Ephesians 5:8-12). 

Worship is a way of life, not an event. We worship the Lord throughout our day, whether we are singing songs of praise, forgiving an offense, sharing an important biblical truth, helping a friend in need, or setting aside time to pray and read our Bibles.

💙💙💙

For more insights, see The Truest Form of Worship.

Have you checked out the Wisdom for Life Devotional? It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. Find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE. You can read the first four devotions in the book by clicking "look inside" on Lifeway or Amazon. In addition, you can buy the book in Kindle format on Amazon and as an ebook on other sites.

 

Please encourage your friends to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes HERE.

 

BLN