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2019 Lent Day 20 – the Way, the Truth, THE LIFE

Lent Devotions
Lent Week Three – for Catch up.
Lent Week Four started March 5, 2018 and March 23, 2019

Lent Day Twenty
The Way, the Truth & The Life John 14:5-14

Music
You are Life by Hillsong

Devotion
The WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE.
Tuesday, we looked at THE WAY.
Wednesday, we looked at the TRUTH.
Today, we will look at THE LIFE.

Pastor John Piper has a great sermon about the Life God gives us.

Here is his Easter sermon from 1984, talking about God giving you life in your mortal bodies.

EKG Cross heart beat heartI want to look at Jesus IS THE LIFE.

From BlueLetter Bible, the Outline of the Biblical Usage of this word is this:

  • life
  • the state of one who is possessed of vitality or is animate
  • every living soul
  • life
  • of the absolute fulness of life, both essential and ethical, which belongs to God, and through him both to the hypostatic “logos” and to Christ in whom the “logos” put on human nature
  • life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed, in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ, but after the resurrection to be consummated by new accessions (among them a more perfect body), and to last for ever.

Websters has these choices:
1a : the quality that distinguishes a vital and functional being from a dead body
c : an organismic state characterized by capacity for metabolism (see METABOLISM sense 1), growth, reaction to stimuli, and reproduction
4 : spiritual existence transcending (see TRANSCEND sense 1c) physical death
5a : the period from birth to death

There are 20 entries!
My summary:
Life is being able for growth, reaction to stimuli and reproduction in a human.
Life is a spiritual transcendance of a human and the very nature of God
This is my favorite definition:

life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed, in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ, but after the resurrection to be consummated by new accessions (among them a more perfect body), and to last for ever.

To discuss how Jesus is LIFE, we need to find out where death came from!
Genesis 1

Genesis 1 King James Version (KJV)
1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

Before God created man, He created, period!

  1. Light
  2. Firmament of Heaven divided from Earth
  3. Dry land separated from water, plants – first evidence of life
  4. Sun, Moon, Stars – Day and Night
  5. Water Creatures
  6. Land creatures and Man

There are various creation theologies.
Back to John Pipers ministry, they provide Creation Theology in 12 points.
Here is a very deep explanation of Genesis 1:1 and 1:2 from Answers in Genesis.
The theological term is creatio ex nihilo, the Latin for “from nothing”.

This is the theological position I believe.
and here’s a few verses to back my belief up, though others will have verses that back up their theology.

Hebrews 11:3 King James Version (KJV)
3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

John 1:3 King James Version (KJV)
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Why do I believe this?
1. In the Beginning – God.
Out of His creative character, and because only HE can create matter(First Law of Thermodynamics and the Law of Conservation of Mass Energy) God Created.
Nothing was made without him is the rephrasing of without him was not anything made that was made.
2. God is eternal, therefore, within Him resides ETERNAL life. Ps 90 All About God – Eternal God.
3.All beings with a spirit are Eternal or Immortal, but only God is without beginning or end. Daniel 12:2-3, All About God’s writing about is the Human soul mortal or immortal?
4. The order of Creation sets up the stage for LIFE on earth!
5. Man was not alive until God breathed life into him. Genesis 2:7
6. In the midst of the Garden there was a tree of life.
7. In the midst of the Garden there was the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Genesis 2:9

What happened? SIN
I’ve written about Adam and Eve on many instances, but my favorite is An Inconvenient Truth.

Short story:
Eve listened to the Serpent
Adam listened to Eve
God found out.
animal had to be killed to pay the price so they would not have to die.
At that point, death entered the world.
Cain killing Abel was the first murder.
and it goes down hill from there…
UNTIL

Jesus is born.
Eve had been given a promise.

Genesis 2:15
15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

They did not have to suffer physical death instantly as the judgement of their disobedience demanded, but something had to. A sacrificial animal. The precursor to Jesus Christ, the sacrificial Lamb.
Here’s where you can learn more:

I am that I am – a statement of Life, complete existence in Himself – THIS IS THE FIRST NAME GOD GAVE HIMSELF.

Only HE who HAS can give to he who has not.

John 10:10 King James Version (KJV)
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Back to Genesis –

Genesis 3
22 And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:

23 Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.

24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

Because of the disobedience, they were driven out of Paradise.
They were forbidden to eat of the Tree of Life!
We are in the midst of a study called Freedom created by The Church of the Highlands. I highly recommend it, to get a new and fresh look at the Trees from the Garden.

To eat of the Tree of Life would have meant that they would forever live in their sin. God prevented that.

green tree with live brancesJesus is the Rod of Jesse – like a tree. Is 11:1-2
Jesus is the Branch – like a tree. Zech 6:12
Jesus is the Vine – a plant. John 15
Hebrews 11:17-24 talks about being grafted into the tree of the family of God.
Romans 6 talks about being dead to sin and alive to Christ.

When we are saved, the old man dies – the death payment for our sins, and the new man comes alive – the Life bestowed upon us for being IN CHRIST!

Acts 17:28 New International Version (NIV)
28 ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’[a] As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’[b]

The interesting thing here is that Paul is talking to the people of Athens – and is quoting their own poet, who was speaking of THE UNKNOWN GOD. They knew there was some power that was in everything – and Paul declares Him as the God of Creation, who sent His son so that we could KNOW HIM!Jesus is my life with tree

Jesus broke down the walls that separated us from the Tree of Life!
In Jesus, WE HAVE LIFE!

That is worth celebrating!

Worship
I am the Vine by John Michael Talbot
Now my Lifesong Sings by Casting Crowns
LifeSong by Casting Crowns
In Him We Live and Move and Have our Being

~~~~~~~

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Older woman with shades of coral in jewelry and sweater, glasses, silver and brown hair.

M. Christine Wildman

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2019 Lent Day 19 – The Way, THE TRUTH, The Life

Lent Devotions
Lent Week Three – for Catch up.
Lent Week Four started March 5, 2018

Lent Day Nineteen
The Way, the Truth & The Life John 14:5-14

Music
Song of Truth by Mark Shelton & Jonathan Malone

Scripture
John 14:6 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Devotion
The WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE.
Yesterday, we looked at THE WAY.
Today, we’re going to look at the TRUTH.

Jesus says he is the TRUTH, but what is truth?

From Websters Dictionary
Definition of truth (Entry 1 of 2)
1a(1) : the body of real things, events, and facts : ACTUALITY
(2) : the state of being the case : FACT
(3) often capitalized : a transcendent fundamental or spiritual reality
b : a judgment, proposition, or idea that is true or accepted as true
truths of thermodynamics
c : the body of true statements and propositions
2a: the property (as of a statement) of being in accord with fact or reality
b chiefly British : TRUE sense 2
c : fidelity to an original or to a standard
3a : sincerity in action, character, and utterance
b archaic : FIDELITY, CONSTANCY

Blueletter Bible explains the Biblical usage in this outline
objectively

  • what is true in any matter under consideration
  • truly, in truth, according to truth
  • of a truth, in reality, in fact, certainly
  • what is true in things appertaining to God and the duties of man, moral and religious truth
  • in the greatest latitude
  • the true notions of God which are open to human reason without his supernatural intervention
  • the truth as taught in the Christian religion, respecting God and the execution of his purposes through Christ, and respecting the duties of man, opposing alike to the superstitions of the Gentiles and the inventions of the Jews, and the corrupt opinions and precepts of false teachers even among Christians

Strongs G225 simplified says this:
I. objectively;
1. universally, what is true in any matter under consideration (opposed to what is feigned, fictitious, false):

John 1:14 & 17 says

John 1:14-17 King James Version (KJV)
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

      • Jesus says He is the Truth.
      • John describes Him as bringing Truth.
      • The Religious leaders told him that he taught the truth in Mt 22:16, Mk 12:14, and Luke 20:21.
      • Jesus tells us that

        John 8:32 King James Version (KJV)
        32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

      • Jesus says we should do truth in John 3:21
      • Jesus says we need to worship God in Spirit and in Truth in John 4:24
      • Jesus prays about us being sanctified by the truth in John 17:17

        John 17:17 King James Version (KJV)
        17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

      • Jesus says to the Father – THY word is TRUTH!

Is Truth a Who? What? How?

Thing or Action – Our Salvation

Ephesians 1:13 King James Version (KJV)
13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Action – Our responsibility to obey  – Galatians 3:1 and 5:7

Thing – Part of our Armor! Loins girt about with Truth!  Eph 6:14

Person or Character – God is not a liar – therefore God is true:  – Titus 1:2, Heb 6:18 and

Numbers 23:19 King James Version (KJV)
19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

In fact, Hebrews 6:18 says that it is an immutable thing…God cannot lie! Part of His Character!

Person –  Jesus promises a comforter…the Spirit of Truth!  John 15:26,

John 14:17 King James Version (KJV)
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

Person – The Spirit of Truth is our Teacher.

John 16:13 King James Version (KJV)
13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Who is this comforter? The Holy Spirit, the third person in the God head! For more info on the Tri-unity of God, Lent Day 7

  • Jesus is the Truth
  • God’s Word is True.
  • Jesus is the Word.
  • We are sanctified by the Word.
  • Jesus is God
  • God cannot lie.
  • The Holy Spirit is God.
  • The Holy Spirit is Truth
  • The Holy Spirit is the comforter that Jesus sends back to teach us all things of TRUTH!

What are the “doing” parts?
Part One – teachings – The Holy Spirit is guiding us into all truth…because Jesus promised that

John 8:32 King James Version (KJV)
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Part Two – actions

So that we can gird our loins with TRUTH.
So that we will not be deceived by the enemy.
So that we will be set free from the lies that surround us.

How can this be a concept, a person, thing and an action at the same time?

  • By Faith, we Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ – TRUTH as a person.
  • God’s heart is that all will come to the knowledge of truth – 1 Tim 2:4 – TRUTH as a concept to be taught.
  • We are told to obey the truth in Galatians – TRUTH as a concept and action.
  • We are told to gird our loins with TRUTH – TRUTH as a noun

God is only known in spirit and in truth. He is OTHER. This is a whole study unto itself. The thing is, that we believe it because God said it, and we trust His Words. It is because HE is. It is by faith, through grace.

Ephesians 2:8 King James Version (KJV)
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Romans 10:9 King James Version (KJV)
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

The opposite of truth is deceit.
I don’t want to list these verses, and fill up this blog, but, for further study, here is a list of scriptures about deceit from Bible Study Tools.

Colossians 3:9-10 King James Version (KJV)
9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Deceit is part of the old man – the man without the resurrection power of Jesus Christ in their lives.
Remember, we are known by our fruit!

Jesus is the TRUTH – and by allowing him to enter into our lives, and make us new, set free from the old man, we are back in relationship with the God who Is TRUE, and we can be filled with the Holy Spirit of Truth, who will guide us into all truth!

In that light, we can
Psalm 37:3-6 King James Version (KJV)
3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

Truth is God, Godly and Godliness.
For more – Itty Bitty Bible Study Titus Ambassadors

Worship
Voice of Truth
Stronger by Hillsong

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links.

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2018 Lent Day 18 – 3/6 – THE WAY, The Truth & The Life

Lent Devotions
Lent Week Three – for Catch up.
Lent Week Four started March 5, 2018

Lent Day Eighteen
The Way, the Truth & The Life John 14:5-14

Music
Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life

Scripture
John 14:6 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Devotion
The WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE.

THE WAY
It really starts with verse 1:

John 14:1-14 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
The Way to the Father
14 “Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me.
2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you.
3 If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also.
4 You know the way to where I am going.”
5 “Lord,” Thomas said, “we don’t know where You’re going. How can we know the way?”
6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Jesus was trying to comfort them….”let not your heart be troubled”.

HOW?
“Believe in God, believe also in me.”
In Lent Day Eight, we discussed how he placed the choice before them…that HE cried out, and almost begs them to choose Him!
It is the basis of our salvation – Acts 16:31 – to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved!

He tells them that he is going to prepare a place for them…as I wrote about in Day Seventeen, Many Mansions.

Dear Thomas, so honest and transparent…”we don’t know where you’re going…how can we know the way!”

In lent Day Seven, we discussed the Tri-unity of God – His unity in plurality. Here, Jesus reminds them that He and the Father are one, as he stated in John 10:30.

This is NEW to the Jewish religion – that God is One in Three.
Here is a quote from Day Seven:

  • In the beginning God spoke let there be light.(Genesis 1) God’s voice is the source of creation – The Father
  • In the Beginning – the spirit hovered over the face of the waters – The Holy Spirit.
  • In the Beginning was the word and the Word was God and the Word was with God – Jesus (John 1) All things were created through Him,
    and apart from Him not one thing was created
    that has been created.

We know that God’s voice spoke words. We know that the word of God is Jesus Christ. We know that Jesus Christ was part of the creative power in the beginning. We know that God moves upon water as The Holy Spirit, in the beginning. We have a Triune God to manifest himself in Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Three distinct personalities in one complete person. Several times, when God speaks, the fullness of the Godhead is displayed.

~~~~Theology of the Trinity on Wikipedia, Answers in Genesis, Desiring God, and possibly my favorite – The Gospel Coalition~~~~

The WAY is to believe in the fullness of the Godhead! And, Jesus prepared the way for us, through His death, burial and resurrection! If you have questions on that concept, there are links in my signature!

Worship & Praise
What a Savior – Laura Story
One Way – Hillsong

The next few days will be about the Truth and the Life!

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links.

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Itty Bitty Bible Study – Titus 1:3-5 Who, What, Why, Where and Peace

My thoughts for the Itty Bitty Bible Study group on Facebook. (join if you’d like to get these in fb!)

Titus 1 verses 3 through 5
I utilize various resources to research and study these Itty Bitty Bible Studies.
This time, for Titus, I hooked up with Keith Loy’s Celebrate Titus on RightNow Media.  RightNow Media is a subscription for everyone in a church. 
If you don’t have RightNow Media on your computer or TV streaming channels, the  Celebrate Titus dvd is available. I don’t know if it’s more or less information.

I am not an Amazon associate, so I don’t get anything out of sharing this! I will let you know that I will be quoting him!

 

Titus 1:3-5 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
3 In His own time He has revealed His message in the proclamation that I was entrusted with by the command of God our Savior:

4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith.

Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

Titus’s Ministry in Crete
5 The reason I left you in Crete was to set right what was left undone and, as I directed you, to appoint elders in every town:

Let’s break these down quickly.

Who was Paul?

Titus 1: 3 In His own time He has revealed His message in the proclamation that I was entrusted with by the command of God our Savior:

Paul didn’t walk with Jesus.
He seems to feel like he is an apostle out of his time.
Jesus revealed his message to him, specifically, and called Him personally.

Acts 9:1-9
2 Corinthians 12
In IBBS Galatians 1:1-10, I talked about Paul defending his apostleship.
He begins many of his letters with just such defense. It’s as if he’s listing his qualifications as an apostle.

Titus 1:4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith.

Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

Who was Titus?
Wikipedia has a great summary about Titus, Saint Titus, verses Titus the Roman Emperor.
The international Bible Society gives some information on Titus in it’s intro to Titus.
Christianity Today gives a bit of the Bible Timeline history of Titus.

Apparently, he was someone Paul led to Christ.
Apparently, he was called into the ministry, and served with Paul.
Apparently, he was sent out to minister to Crete, and this is where this letter comes in.

When was this?
From the International Bible Society:

Paul possibly wrote from Macedonia, for he had not yet reached Nicopolis (see 3:12). The letter was written after he was released from his first Roman imprisonment (Acts 28), probably between a.d. 63 and 65 (see chart, p. 2261)—or possibly at a later date if he wrote after his assumed trip to Spain.

Why?

Titus 1:5 The reason I left you in Crete was to set right what was left undone and, as I directed you, to appoint elders in every town:

To complete a work.
To appoint elders.
Next time, I’ll talk about the importance of elders, and watchmen and overseers for the body of Christ, or God’s people, since it starts back with Moses, but for right now, this is the purpose.

Did you notice I skipped something?

Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

Romans 1:7 KJV
To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Galatians 1:3 KJV
Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,

For more: IBBS Galatians 1:1-10

Ephesians 1:2 KJV
Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

For More: IBBS Ephesians Intro, 1:1-2

Philippians 1:2 KJV
Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

For more: IBBS Phillipians 1:1-2

Colosians 1:2 KJV
To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The BibleHub has quite a collection of cross references for Grace and Peace based on the verse Romans 1:7

It’s as if this is a theme to Paul! A constant Prayer.
Grace…
Peace…

Numbers 6:24-26 King James Version (KJV)
24 The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:
25 The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
26 The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Ephesians 2:8-9 King James Version (KJV)
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Philippians 4:7 King James Version (KJV)
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

And then, Faith….

Hebrews 11:1 King James Version (KJV)
11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:6 King James Version (KJV)
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Is he praying for our salvation? I don’t know…but I’ll take all the grace, mercy, peace, faith and love that I can get. What about you?

Ah, there’s the Where!
Crete…Greece. Preaching to the gentiles!

Next – the requirements for being an elder…you might be surprised at my take on this!

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links.

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Itty Bitty Bible Study – Titus 1:1-2

My thoughts for the Itty Bitty Bible Study group on Facebook. (join if you’d like to get these in fb!)

Itty Bitty Bible Study Titus one

I utilize various resources to research and study these Itty Bitty Bible Studies.
This time, for Titus, I hooked up with Keith Loy’s Celebrate Titus on RightNow Media.  RightNow Media is a subscription for everyone in a church.  If you don’t have RightNow Media on your computer or TV streaming channels, the  Celebrate Titus dvd is available. I don’t know if it’s more or less information.

I am not an Amazon associate, so I don’t get anything out of sharing this! I will let you know that I will be quoting him!

 

Titus 1 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

Greeting
1 Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to build up the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness,
2 in the hope of eternal life that God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.
3 In His own time He has revealed His message in the proclamation that I was entrusted with by the command of God our Savior:

In IBBS Titus Introduction, we discussed Paul’s definition of himself as a servant or slave, and apostle.
We discussed the why – to build up the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness.

Here’s a few quick comments.
Who are God’s elect?
Got Questions has a great article on the theologies of Predestination and Election.

In Itty Bitty Bible Study Ephesians 1:3-6, I discuss what I feel is the most important focus in this debate. I hope you go look at that…It points to the need for faith.

In Luke 18:7, elect is also translated as chosen.

Luke 18:7 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
7 Will not God grant justice to His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay to help them?[a]

Acts 13:48 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
48 When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the message of the Lord, and all who had been appointed to eternal life believed.

Ephesians 2:8-10 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
8 For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— 9 not from works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.

In IBBS Ephesians 2:1-10, I talked about this very concept. We are saved by Grace, through faith BY GOD!

We know that we are a chosen generation, correct? 1 Peter 2:9
What about Godly?

Psalm 4:3 King James Version (KJV)
3 But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him.

What does that mean about who can be saved?

1 Timothy 2:3-4 King James Version (KJV)
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

and this puts both together:

2 Timothy 2:10 King James Version (KJV)
10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

Or complicates it…but, no matter what, Jesus said:

John 3:16-18 King James Version (KJV)
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

I believe in the Whosoever doctrine!

You see, God desires that all men come to him.

1 Timothy 2:4 King James Version (KJV)
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Our time is short:

2 Peter 3:8-10 King James Version (KJV)
8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

The fields are indeed white for harvest. Matthew 9:37-38 – but we must be ready to be the workers!

Matthew 9:35-38 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
The Lord of the Harvest
35 Then Jesus went to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every[a] disease and every sickness.[b] 36 When He saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were weary and worn out, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. 38 Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”

Let your light shine before all menI believe that Paul is speaking to those that confess to be believers, and discussing how the body needs to be helped.

Therefore, yes, we are to share, preach, and minister to those outside the church, but especially the household of Faith:

Galatians 6:10 KJV
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

So often, we are told to build up one another in our most holy faith. Jude 1:20, 1 Thes 5:11, Eph 4:29 for a few.
This is the purpose of the Church body!
1 Corinthians 12 talks about the needs of the Body of Christ.

We are the Body of Christ. We should be encouraging one another

Ephesians 5:19-21 King James Version (KJV)
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Outside of the church, we are to go, preaching the gospel and making disciples.

Mark 16:15-16 King James Version (KJV)
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Inside the church, we are to encourage one another, lift one another up, sometimes, exhort one another, but mostly..LOVE ONE ANOTHER!

Why is Paul doing this?
He wanted to lift up those believers….
…securing their knowledge of the TRUTH…
To what end?
…leading to godliness.

So, outside, we have the unbelievers that need to know the truth of salvation, and at the end of this blog, I have several links that will share the truth of salvation.
Inside, teaching the truth that leads to godliness(vs 1)…what is that about? If they are believers, they(we) don’t need to be preached salvation to, right? What do we need to learn about?

1 Peter 2:1-3 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
The Living Stone and a Holy People
2 So rid yourselves of all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, desire the pure spiritual milk, so that you may grow by it for your salvation,[a] 3 since you have tasted that the Lord is good.[b]

1 Corinthians 3 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
The Problem of Immaturity
3 Brothers, I was not able to speak to you as spiritual people but as people of the flesh, as babies in Christ. 2 I gave you milk to drink, not solid food, because you were not yet ready for it. In fact, you are still not ready, 3 because you are still fleshly. For since there is envy and strife[a] among you, are you not fleshly and living like unbelievers?[b]

Hebrews 5:11-14 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
The Problem of Immaturity
11 We have a great deal to say about this, and it’s difficult to explain, since you have become too lazy to understand. 12 Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the basic principles of God’s revelation again. You need milk, not solid food. 13 Now everyone who lives on milk is inexperienced with the message about righteousness, because he is an infant. 14 But solid food is for the mature—for those whose senses have been trained to distinguish between good and evil.

What is the indication of immaturity? Ungodliness. Therefore, Paul is writing to draw believers to the truth of faith that leads to godliness.

Does that mean perfection?
Well, there is a verse with which I used to beat myself over the head.

Matthew 5:48 King James Version (KJV)
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Thank you Blue Letter Bible!~ I’ve included the search link so that you can look even deeper.

Outline of Biblical usage
brought to its end, finished
wanting nothing necessary to completeness
perfect
that which is perfect
consummate human integrity and virtue of men
full grown, adult, of full age, mature

Can we choose to walk in integrity? Yes!
Do we have all we need to move into completeness in Christ? Yes, His word and the Holy Spirit!
Can we choose to walk in virtue? Yes!
Can we grow into the fullness of Christ, maturing day by day? Yes!

It’s not that we are perfect NOW, but that we are choosing day by day the things of God, rather than the things of this world!

How do we do that?
THE WORD OF GOD! Get in the Bible! God’s TRUTH leads to godliness.

Psalm 119:11 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
11 I have treasured Your word in my heart
so that I may not sin against You.

Proverbs 4:18 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
18 The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
shining brighter and brighter until midday.

It’s a choice, a growth, moving towards something.

Even so, just like the truth about being saved by God, by a gift of faith, we grow in God by His working in us!

Philippians 2:13-15 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
13 For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose. 14 Do everything without grumbling and arguing, 15 so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world.

Godliness…defined:

Dictionary.com
conforming to the laws and wishes of God; devout; pious.
coming from God; divine.

The Meaning of Godliness by Classroom:

Godliness is a significant term in the Christian faith. According to Strong’s Concordance, the word is translated from the Greek word for “piety”, and is used in the New Testament fourteen times in the letters of Peter and Paul. While the expression also refers to the divinity of God, godliness in the Bible is mainly used to describe a positive way of life influenced by God, and inspired reflection in the tenets of the Christian faith.

We have all felt the condemnation of needing to be perfect.
It’s just that…condemnation.
Condemnation brings death.
Conviction brings life.
If it brings fear, worry, and doubt – it’s not from God.
If it brings challenge, love, and courage – it’s probably from God, even if it hurts.
Giving up our pet sins hurts.
Losing out on God’s best will hurt eternally!

Here’s some verses about truth leading to godliness:

Proverbs 1:1-7

Proverbs 1:7 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
7 The fear of the Lord
is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Colossians 2:2-3 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
2 I want their hearts to be encouraged and joined together in love, so that they may have all the riches of assured understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery—Christ.[a] 3 All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Him.

Colossians 1:25-27 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
25 I have become its servant, according to God’s administration that was given to me for you, to make God’s message fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to His saints. 27 God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

The promise is that it’s GOD that began the work, and God will complete it!

Phil 1:6 HCSB
I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Oops, here is another clue that there are differences…in this case, the apostles vs the other people following along. What’s up with that?

Matthew 13:11 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
11 He answered them, “Because the secrets of the kingdom of heaven have been given for you to know, but it has not been given to them.

There are multiple types that are in the church.

  • Mature Believers – called, elect, chosen…however you want to depict them. See verses above.
  • Young, Immature Believers – can’t handle the meat of the word yet…but need nurtured. see the verses above.
  • Tares among the wheat…Matthew 13
  • Wolves…Matthew 7:15 King James Version (KJV)
    15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Remember, we were like them at one time.

Romans 2:4 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
4 Or do you despise the riches of His kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing[a] that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

Galatians 6:1-2 King James Version (KJV)
6 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

This gives some insight into expectations of those that are more mature in the Lord, and how they are to minister! We are all in a different place in our walk with Jesus – we can learn from all – beware that we not be tempted – but lovingly come alongside each other to grow together in Him!

Is godliness required?
We are to offer the sacrifices of righteousness…

Romans 12:1-2 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
A Living Sacrifice
12 Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship.[a] 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Psalm 4:5 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
5 Offer sacrifices in righteousness[a]
and trust in the Lord.

With His Help:

Psalm 5:7-8 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
7 But I enter Your house
by the abundance of Your faithful love;
I bow down toward Your holy temple
in reverential awe of You.
8 Lord, lead me in Your righteousness
because of my adversaries;[a]
make Your way straight before me.

Did Jesus say this?Matthew except your righteousness

Matthew 5:20 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus gave us some pretty clear instructions for behavior in the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 5, Mt 6, and Mt 7
We have a promise:

Isaiah 32:17 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
17 The result of righteousness will be peace;
the effect of righteousness
will be quiet confidence forever.

Romans 14:16-18 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
16 Therefore, do not let your good be slandered, 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever serves Christ in this way is acceptable to God and approved by men.

For more about these promises, and more of an explanation of what righteousness is, Please go to
IBBS Ephesians 1:7-14
IBBS Ephesians 1:15-23

Remember, if we have received Christ as our Lord and Savior…and we have chosen to look forward, to become more like Christ…and we work out our own salvation day by day, we are right with God.

Righteousness with God…is being right with God.
Do we sin?
Yes
Does that separate us from the Father?
Only in the same way that disappointing a parent would briefly cause separation from our parent, until we repent, ask forgiveness, and turn from that behavior that causes separation.
It’s not a  lose or keep salvation situation, it’s a fellowship situation.

Getting to know Jesus is key to being in fellowship with him.
Spending time in His word is key to getting to know Him.
Spending time with the Holy Spirit in prayer is key to connecting with the Godhead.

This is what Paul wants to prepare Titus for,  to help with in the church at Crete.
This is what God wants us to be prepared for, in the church we attend.
He wants mature believers to minister to the other believers, so that they will have knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness…
and to share with those outside the church, the hope of eternal life, that God promised before time began.

And seriously, can’t we all be ministered to by remembering the hope of eternal life? …remembering that God keeps his promises?

Romans 15:13 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links.

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

My One Word 2019 – Guard your heart – Prov 4:23

Proverbs 4:23 English Standard Version (ESV)
23 Keep your heart with all vigilance,
for from it flow the springs of life.

From January 2015 –

I was given a suggestion – one little word. Based upon Ali Edwards’ One Little Word. (scrapbooking focused)
…
Another friend recommended the site My One Word for those that don’t scrapbook.

The word was prepare – as in faithfully prepare. I wrote a lot.

In 2017 the word was teach me to number my days – Psalm 90:12
Again, I wrote a lot.

In 2018, I gave up on getting a word! Be Like Jesus was the focus. I didn’t write as much specifically on my one word, but I wrote in Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians and led a Roman’s Bible Study – so, I think that those things added up to getting into that focus!

This year, as usual, I didn’t get a word…I got a verse, or a phrase (Be Like Jesus is very much the whole Bible!)

Proverbs 4:23 English Standard Version (ESV)
23 Keep your heart with all vigilance,
for from it flow the springs of life.

This is one time that I did play around with different versions.
The Bible Hub makes it so easy! Proverbs 4:23

Young’s Literal translation says it this way:

Above every charge keep thy heart, For out of it are the outgoings of life.

Break it down.
KEEP YOUR HEART
Keep your heart is translated as guard mostly.
Watch is also used.
One version specifically says with all watchfulness.

Thanks to Blue Letter Bible,
The KJV translates Strong’s H5341 in the following manner: keep (38x), preserve (13x), watchmen (3x), besieged (2x), keeper (1x), monuments (1x), observe (with H7521) (1x), preserver (1x), subtil (1x), hidden things (1x), watchers (1x).

Outline of Bible usage:
to guard, watch, watch over, keep
(Qal)
to watch, guard, keep
to preserve, guard from dangers
to keep, observe, guard with fidelity
to guard, keep secret
to be kept close, be blockaded
watchman (participle)

You see, I’m no Hebrew, Aramaic or Greek scholar – I’m dependent upon Strong’s Concordance.
My point of view is that God will let me see what I need to know about the verses I’m studying.
In my language.
Isn’t that what Wycliff, Guttenburg, Tyndale and Luther wanted? It was their passion, and in many cases, the death of them.
For your enjoyment, here’s a great summary of how we got the Bible in English! English Bible History by Greatsite.

Men were hunted and killed for wanting to give us the Bible in common language. That’s pretty serious! We need to respect the seriousness of their work, their passion, and their gift to us who follow!

Even in the midst of the enemy’s desire to destroy God’s word, God insisted that the Bible live on, and protected the work of the men that gave their lives to translate for the common/indigenous peoples…the first being the very ones attending the churches! The first indigenous bibles were in German, English, and other such languages that were common, not limited to those scholars and priests, in the ivory towers and cathedrals.

It’s possible that the first protest…as in protestant…was to read the Bible for themselves!

Guard my heart – I want to dig into the words, because I want to know a bit more about the words!
Why?
Well, I believe everything started with a word (phrase, actually)

Genesis 1:3 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
3 Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

Jesus is the Word…and was there in the beginning!

John 1:1-3 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Prologue
1 In the beginning was the Word,[a]
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
2 He was with God in the beginning.
3 All things were created through Him,
and apart from Him not one thing was created
that has been created.

To be like Jesus, I need to know Jesus more.
Jesus is the incarnation of God the Father, and the way that God made for me to KNOW Him better.
The Holy Spirit is the indwelling person of the Godhead. To know Him, I need to spend time with Him.

And the way to do that is through the WORD of God!

Psalm 119:11 King James Version (KJV)
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Yes, Be like Jesus was “so last year!”
Seriously, which phrase/word actually has only a year’s worth of application?

Teach me to number my days…why?

Psalm 90:12 King James Version (KJV)
12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Be Like Jesus – is there a verse for that?

John 13:15 King James Version (KJV)
15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

Prepare? I found plenty of content for preparing the way for the Lord!

Mark 1:3 King James Version (KJV)
3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

The first part was to mind the foundations.

I will confess, looking over the previous years One Word posts is very convicting.
But I have to guard my heart.
I tend to fall into condemnation.

Romans 8:1 King James Version (KJV)
8 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

The truth is, though I sometimes have trouble seeing it in myself, I desire to walk after the Spirit!
I desire to grow fruit!

Galatians 5:22-25 King James Version (KJV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

My heart’s desire is that I would live in the Spirit and walk in the Spirit! God gives me a promise in Psalm 37!
Specifically:

Psalm 37:3-7 King James Version (KJV)
3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
4 Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

Isn’t that beautiful? The whole Psalm is so comforting.

Guarding my heart is a verb, an action.
So are these:

  • trust in the Lord
  • do good
  • delight in the Lord
  • commit thy way to the Lord
  • trust, again…
  • rest in the Lord
  • wait patiently

These are key activities to guarding my heart and being watchful!

Walking and living in the Spirit will keep my heart! Guard my heart.

Some companion verses to drill this home for me:

Proverbs 22:5 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
5 There are thorns and snares on the path of the crooked;
the one who guards himself stays far from them.

And to be sure that I don’t trust in my own heart:

Jeremiah 17:9 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
The Deceitful Heart
9 The heart is more deceitful than anything else,
and incurable—who can understand it?

Proverbs 28:26 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
26 The one who trusts in himself[a] is a fool,
but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.

Bible Gateway has a collection of references to loving the Lord with all my heart.
Deuteronomy 6:4-7; Matthew 22:37-40; Mark 12:30-31; Luke 10:27

The ten commandments, rolled up into two – and the first is so foundational to the second:

Luke 10:27 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
27 He answered:
Love the Lord your God
with all your heart,
with all your soul,
with all your strength,
and with all your mind;
and your neighbor
as yourself.

Praise Break!

Today, I was listening to my youtube channel on Grounding Worship, and I heard “Come thou fount”. This is Jim’s favorite hymn.

Prone to wander, Lord I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love
Here’s my heart Lord, take and seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above
Here’s my heart Lord, take and seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above

Chris Tomlin has such a great way of honoring the great hymns with something new!

I wanted to find the history of this hymn, and through much searching, found a blog by Stephanie that talked about her desire to know more about this hymn as well…and she led me to a new resource, Wordwise Hymns, and the information on Robert Robinson, the author of Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.

Guard my heart….

Proverbs 4:20-22 King James Version (KJV)
20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

Psalm 40:8 KJV
I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

and again:

Psalm 119:11 King James Version (KJV)
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

This year, I plan to surround myself with His word…to drive it deeper and deeper still into my heart, and renew my mind!

Romans 12:2 KJV
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Colossians 3:10KJV
And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

The next part of the verse is with all diligence/ vigilence, utmost care and above all else.
It is serious.
It is to be done intentionally.
I’m going to study that the next time!

https://youtu.be/wCYOpAfo61E

One last thing to share…I created a bracelet to remind me of this year’s focus.
The heart has “life” inscribed on it.
The round charm says Pr 4:23.

 

I think I have my work cut out for me! I’m so grateful that God has my back, and as long as this is the desire of my heart, He will give this to me! I’m committing my way to His grace, mercy, and guidance!

My prayer:

Psalm 51:10 KJV
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Do you have a word for this year? Share it with me!

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links.

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Advent 2015 – Day 8, Second Sunday of Advent

Advent Day 8, or the Second Sunday in Advent

Advent Day 8 – light the eighth candle on the log

Advent Log, 8 candles

Advent Log, 8 candles

Advent Log, 8 candles

Advent Log, 8 candles

New this year is a Facebook group Advent at the WildBerry Patch, where we can discuss ideas, recipes and photos of our advent preparations!

Second Sunday of Advent – light the second candle on the wreath

What is the purpose of the Advent Wreath?
What is the purpose of any of this?
Symbols! Symbolism!

111132-r1-14a

The prophecies talked about signs.
But we were also given symbols to explain more completely the aspects of God.
The wreath – well, that is a relatively recent symbology.
But people have been using candles as a symbol of incense, our prayers rising to God.

I grew up Episcopalian. This church broke off from the Roman Catholic Church.
Methodists grew out of the Episcopal/Anglican brothers, John and Charles Wesley.
Of course, there are many permutations of these specific denominations, but these three, and the Lutherans, are what I call Liturgical.
Yes, the liturgy is the worship program.
What I am talking about is the Church Calendar.
Everything has a time and season.
Everything has symbols(I should have listened more closely in catechism!).
Speaking of symbols, there are whole courses that can be taken for the symbolism in art – much because art has always been a form of worship of one’s God.

There are so many variations on symbolism that I searched for something to give me a little bit of focus this year.
Circle of Light provides multiple Advent Themes for using on the Four Sundays of Advent.

Advent 1 – Hope, Expectations, Prophecies
Advent 2 – Love, Hope, Angels
Advent 3 – Joy, Joy, Shepherds – this candle is often pink
Advent 4 – Peace, Purity, Magi
Christmas Day – the Christ Candle(sitting in the middle)

There are books galore by almost every Christian author for celebrating Advent.
I even have one that goes through Handel’s Messiah, and it includes great works of art depicting that story.

My point is, this is a good time to look at some more symbolism.

Today, I am meditating on Christ as King, and the symbolism is a crown.

19:16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords. Rev 19:16

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. Zechariah 9:9-16

A king.
At that time, and even in some monarchies today, the King’s word was IT. Obey it, or be killed.

Zechariah 9:9-16 gives a beautiful description of what kind of King Jesus is, and what he will do for his people. Jesus is no ordinary King.

What is the purpose of a King? To guide, protect and care for those under his rule.

Jesus will do that, if I let him.
Do I let him?
If I say that Jesus is my King, do I act like it?

The Bible gives me so much to guide my life, like a constitution, or rule book, or guidebook for my life as the servant of the Most High King.

I know many things that I should do – like embrace the fruit of the Spirit,

  • Love,
  • Joy,
  • Peace,
  • Patience,
  • Goodness,
  • Kindness,
  • Faithfulness,
  • Gentleness and
  • Self Control.

I know some things that I should not do –

  • Idology,
  • Graven Images,
  • Defame the Lord’s Name,
  • Ignore the Sabbath,
  • Dishonor my parents,
  • Murder,
  • Adultery,
  • Steal,
  • Lie,
  • Envy.

I am neither consistent in doing what I ought, nor not doing what I ought not.

In the Anglican Prayer book, in the confession, it says:

Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from Your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against Your holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and there is nothing good in us. O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare those, O God, who confess their faults. Restore those who are penitent; according to Your promises declared unto men in Christ Jesus our Lord. Grant that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life; to the glory of His name. Amen

No, I do not honor the Lord as King in my Life.
So often, I end up on the throne of my own heart, after saying that I want HIM to sit on the throne of my heart. The beauty in Christ is that He is a loving, forgiving KING – and I cry out for His mercies often.

The Symbol? A Crown.

Simple Crown Ornament

Simple Crown Ornament

Crown Him

Crown Him

This particular photo, of a very nice ornament, will not rotate into the media part of WordPress. This is another situation where I have to allow Christ to be King in my life. I do not know how to do many things, and sometimes, it becomes very evident in a very public way. This whole photo has been a study in practicing patience, because things just didn’t want to work right.
I THINK that God should have everything perfect.
I KNOW that I am not perfect.
Because of these to points of view, I tend to quit.
I give up.
I cannot be perfect, therefore, I do not serve my King in the ways in which He asks of me.
Lord, again, I come to you and crown you as Lord and King of my life.

More Advent Devotions

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

M. Christine Wildman“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

RESURRECTION SUNDAY! HE IS RISEN! 4/1

He is risen INDEED!

I cannot do more than share scripture and to Sing Praise! Hallelujah! I do have a video message to share He Is Risen

THE LIGHT HAS COME BACK INTO THE WORLD! DEATH COULD NOT HOLD HIM!

My traditional Resurrection Sunday:

My Now Resurrection Celebration!

In Christ Alone – Worship Video
Up From the Grave He Arose

For Your Pleasure and Worship:
A collection of Resurrection Scriptures from Bible Study Tools!
My Easter YouTube Channel

Jesus Rainbow – a gift to you!

Jesus Rainbow Poem

Let’s worship!

Luke 24:1-12 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)Resurrection Morning
24 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they[a] came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. 5 So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.[b]

“Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. 6 “He is not here, but He has been resurrected! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, 7 saying, ‘The Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?” 8 And they remembered His words.

9 Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. 10 Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them were telling the apostles these things. 11 But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. When he stooped to look in, he saw only the linen cloths.[c] So he went home, amazed at what had happened.

Let’s Sing Praise!

John 20:11-18 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Mary Magdalene Sees the Risen Lord
11 But Mary stood outside facing the tomb, crying. As she was crying, she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 She saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet, where Jesus’ body had been lying. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“Because they’ve taken away my Lord,” she told them, “and I don’t know where they’ve put Him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, though she did not know it was Jesus.

15 “Woman,” Jesus said to her, “why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Supposing He was the gardener, she replied, “Sir, if you’ve removed Him, tell me where you’ve put Him, and I will take Him away.”

16 Jesus said, “Mary.”

Turning around, she said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!”[a]—which means “Teacher.”

17 “Don’t cling to Me,” Jesus told her, “for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to My brothers and tell them that I am ascending to My Father and your Father—to My God and your God.”

18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them what[b] He had said to her.

I’ve just seen Jesus – Sandi Patty and Larnelle Harris

Devotion
Phyllis Sather shares a John Piper Sermon on The Most Spectacular Sin Ever Committed. WOW! You can read more from Phyllis at Write the Vision.

My Friend Patty Hessler Scott shares some very inspiring thoughts about Good Friday – Please take a listen. You can see more of Patty at Hearts Homeward.

Early Sunday morning, God spoke to me as I prepared for my own sunrise service at home. He Is Risen!

This year, the Resurrection Sunday occurs very close to the Jewish Celebration of Passover…similar to the year Christ was crucified. I explained the Sabbaths surrounding Christ’s death on Maundy Thursday. In honor of the Jewish roots of our Resurrection Sunday – here’s a bit of Jewish flavor!

Yeshua – Messianic Passover Song!
Yeshua HaMashia

You can Print this off to color!

Let’s Rejoice!

God was not surprised…He had a plan!
He was born to Die – Shane and Shane

There is purpose for all ofus!
If that isn’t Love – the Nelsons

If you have never had the Risen Christ come into your life and make you new….PLEASE check out these links!
Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Billy Graham’s version of the Plan of salvation

And then, you can join in with this song, and KNOW that it is REAL for YOUR!
It is Well With My soul – Worship Video

THIS IS CHRISTIANITY! THIS IS SALVATION! THIS IS JOY UNSPEAKABLE!
That My God would die for me, while I was yet a sinner.
And He did the same for you, and you, and YOU, and YOU!

May You be filled with Jesus Christ today!
Because He Lives – Matt Maher
He Lives – Chris Tomlin

He Is Risen!
He is Risen, Indeed!

I Serve a Risen Savior – Adam Jackson

In Christ I Rise!
Resurrection Power – Chris Tomlin

 

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2018 Lent – Good Friday – 3/30

Lent Day 39 Good Friday

My Lenten Candles for Good Friday –

Lent Devotions
Lent Week Six started March 19
Lent Week Seven started with Palm Sunday, March 25.
These will be updated as the blogs are posted.

I’m so sorry for the delay – thank you for your patience with me as we prepare to move!

I’ve included two cards that I’ve created over the years for celebrating resurrection – you may print them and share them.
Music is listed later.

Scripture

Devotion

Ever since I was little and heard the story every year about Good Friday and that this was the day that we celebrated or remembered that Christ died on a cross, I often wondered why is it called Good Friday? I mean, seriously, Jesus had a very bad day!
Peter, James and John had a very bad day!
I think there were three Mary’s at the cross, and they were having a very bad day!
The only one that was having a good day could possibly be the thief on the cross that confessed his sins and asked Jesus to remember him and was promised while on the cross as he’s about to die that he would be with him in Paradise that day! That would be a good day!

I have nothing to say that has not already been said about Good Friday. Therefore, I’m just going to share my ways of celebrating! Of remembering.  So here are some of my favorite things to do remember the sacrifice that my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ gave me 2018 years ago.

I often like to watch one of the movies that have been created about Christ’s life. I have favorites for Christmas and I have some favorites for the Good Friday and Easter

You can search for all sorts of these….just beware, you need to keep your bible handy!

I also like to take some time in the morning, since that’s traditionally when we remember the cross, and based on the timeline we’re given in Scripture, and spend quiet time focusing on the fullness of the sacrifice he’s given.

Sometimes, I choose to fast.

This year, I will be traveling with my husband, and I am sure that we will take time to remember and to give God thanks and Glory wherever we are.

Some blogs for meditation

What do all of these women and blog posts have in common? They Love the Lord Jesus, and are focusing on sharing that love through scripture, their giftings, and the word!

On top of these, I’m going to list my favorite music for contemplation and worship for Good Friday.
these first ones really get me….
Didn’t he – Randy Matthews
Watch the Lamb – Ray Botz
The Hammer – Ray Botz
Broken and Spilled Out – Steve Green
The Old Rugged Cross – Jim Nabors

Via dolorosa has a special place in my heart as my daughter Anna and I sang it together one year with the second verse her singing in English and me singing in Spanish.

and to the promise….
I’ll Rise Again – Dallas Holm
Behold the Lamb – Keith and Kristyn Getty
Jesus paid it all – Newsboys
we shall always be with the Lord – Ellie Holcomb

Prayer
Man of Sorrows – Ellie Holcomb

Some other music resources:
Salt of the sound has a listing of 28 songs,
They also have a lent set and an Easter set at their website.
Jesus walk has a great list that includes hymns
This worship together link includes Crowder’s forgiven, Chris tomlin’s God of Calvary and Hillsong’s Grace to Grace

My HEart
Jesus Rainbow –

Jesus Rainbow Poem

Jelly Beans –

Jelly Bean Poem

For years, as an Episcopalian, it was my obligation to attend Good Friday Mass.
Some Churches have Good Friday vigils.
Our church here in Orlando Florida have a mission work they are doing on Good Friday.
Whatever you can find to do to honor the Lord by your own sacrifice as a thank you, do it as unto the Lord!

If you do not understand the meaning behind this ghastly remembrance, I’d recommend that you go back up to Angel’s blog post about why, or check out one of these two links:
Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Billy Graham’s version of the Plan of salvation

 

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2018 Lent Day 36 – the Sign King of the Jews

Lent day 36 – The sign
Lent Devotions
Lent Week Six started March 19
Lent Week Seven started with Palm Sunday, March 25.
These will be updated as the blogs are posted.

I’m so sorry for the delay – thank you for your patience with me as we prepare to move!

Music
King of Glory – Third Day

Scripture

John 19:19-22 King James Version (KJV)
19 And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was Jesus Of Nazareth The King Of The Jews.

20 This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.

21 Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.

22 Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.

Luke 23:38

Devotion
King of the Jews….and on Palm Sunday – it seemed as though he was! Riding into town on a donkey, as a victorious King.

Just a few days later, and the crowd has turned against him.

Sounds like a news story from our time!

  • One day, thrilled the police are protecting us, then turn on them as the media spreads stories of varying degrees of truth.
  • One Day, believing that we should live by Martin Luther King, Jr.’s comment that we do not want to be judged by the color of our skin, and then, the violent aspects of Black Lives matter occur, because they want to be treated differently because of the color of their skin.
  • One Day, we are screaming about wanting police to do their jobs to protect our children from people/children with guns, and then next minute screaming that we want everyone to have no guns.

This isn’t a political post.
Yet, if you see anything on the news, or on facebook, or any other sort of newsy sort of media, one day everyone is saying YAY to something, and it can change in 24 hours…because the media tells us what to think. I don’t want to be told what to think!

This is what happened the last week of Jesus’ life.
Why did they turn on him?
It was politically incorrect to believe in him…to point out the illegality of his trial and judgement…to call into question the choices of the political and religious elite.

Peter denied him, to save his own skin!
Other’s ran away.
Even Pontius Pilate knew it was wrong, though he bent to the political correctness of the day! a Quote from the wikipedia page says:

“In all four gospel accounts, Pilate lobbies for Jesus to be spared his eventual fate of execution, and acquiesces only when the crowd refuses to relent. He thus seeks to avoid personal responsibility for the death of Jesus.”

Because of the throngs of people…and the inevitable cry of the Jews:”we have no king but Ceasar…” John 19:15…Pilate had to keep the peace.

I think his writing on the sign over Jesus’ head was his own attempt to state that he was guiltless in this.

Jesus Of Nazareth The King Of The Jews.

Another great thing was that it was written in Latin, Hebrew and Greek – all of the major languages of the day.
On THAT day – there were Jews from all over – Passover in Jerusalem…and sellers that wanted to make money on the Jews that were attending Passover. PILATE DECLARED JESUS’ TITLE TO ALL OF THE WORLD!

Did he believe? No, I don’t think so. Yet, he was an instrument in God’s hand!

In researching this sign in order to paint it for this cross, I sought out several resources.
Wikipedea has a great basic explanation of the Sign over Jesus on the Cross.

I also found this image:

Which comes from a blog by Mark Lambert, De Omnibus Dibutandum Est.

I cannot say anymore than this man has said – and the break out of the sign, and the implications and the meanings are nothing more than intensely amazing and worshipful.

I humbly suggest that you read this blog as well!
Another image from Mr Lambert’s blog, just to whet your appetite:

Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Jesus is the King of the Jews, and the gentiles!
Jesus is worthy of being Lord of All!
God used Pontius Pilate to declare that, as dear sweet Jesus gave His life for the sins of all mankind!

Jesus asks : Whom do you say that I am?
I want to say with Peter – You are the Christ – the Son of the Living God!
Matthew 16:15-16, Mark 8:28-29, Luke 19:20-21, John 6:68-69

I ask you, Whom do YOU say that HE is?
If you don’t know the King of Kings – please take time to check out the following links.

Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Billy Graham’s version of the Plan of salvation

Music – worship and Prayer
King of My Heart – Sarah McMillan
He’s a Wonder – CeCe Winans

 

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.