Monthly Archives: April 2011

Lost but Found

Posted on by
Reply

So lost in an untamed sea of misery and despair
With foaming waves of despondency and anguish
Searching for answers to questions never shared
Nor spoken aloud for fear of utter rejection

Until a glimmer of light pierced the darkest clouds
Breaking through the wretchedness of my wicked heart
Revealing the need to be freed from this sinful shroud
Which covered me completely and blinded my soul

This glorious light penetrated through my blindness
And revealed the beauty and wonder of the Master
Jesus who created me, fashioned into His likeness
To be a reflection of Him when His task is completed

I am astounded that Christ would spare even but a minute
To teach and guide a spiritually lacking one such as I
But as the Potter guides and shapes the clay to mold it
He will adorn this child with His beauty and His Spirit.

How glorious it is to dwell on the thought of His appearing
To visualize in my mind’s eye how we will see His face
I shudder to think of those left behind and what they’ll be missing
As we celebrate a reunion that has truly been long in coming.

Kate Plourde
June 2004

Thought for the Day – Day 41 – Old Paths

Posted on by
Reply

~Jeremiah 6:15-17 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the Lord. 16 Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. 17 Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.

How many times have we heard that someone is “old fashioned” and their way of doing things is out of date? That may be a proper statement for clothing but what about the things of God? What about God’s word? Can we say that God is old fashioned and out of date?

When I was a teenager, I blushed at the slightest thing. The older I got and the harder I became toward sin, the less I blushed. :-( I was born again in my mid twenties and as I grew in God’s word, the blushing returned. Sadly, this is not the case with the world today. Sin runs rampant in our country and people do not even bat an eye at it any longer. Women use to be modest in dress, word and action. When a woman exposed her body, she was known as a harlot. Today, Christian women dress immodestly and don’t even blush at exposing themselves. Sodomy was not spoken of freely because it was a horrid sin. Today, the label has been softened and television programming is strewn with this disgusting sin. No one blushes anymore.

God asks the question, “Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination?” He answers with No! Their fate is to be cast down in the Lake of Fire. What is considered to be an abomination in God’s word? Sodomy is on this list (Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13). God’s old paths are no different today than they were in Jeremiah’s time. God lists seven more things that He considers to be an abomination in Proverbs 6:16-19. These are serious matters. People today speak lies without a second thought, let alone blush over them. You could tell when a child lied because it was written all over his face. However, today’s child has learned through his parents and has become an expert liar. :-(

God has not changed – He will never change. Malachi 3:6a “For I am the Lord, I change not;” If God considered these things an abomination back then, He still considers them an abomination and always will. Hebrews 13:8

The Lord, our God, has set watchmen who still boldly proclaim His words but today’s people refuse to listen. Is it any wonder that Jesus said He would find little faith when he returns? (Luke 18:8) Oh that our country would wake up and walk the old paths once again. Oh that Christians would blush at sin once again and be ashamed at the abominations that exist. :-( The Lord’s wrath is upon us and mankind will wish for those old paths but it will be too late.

Thought for the Day – Day 40 – Ulterior Motives?

Posted on by
1

Luke 10:38-42 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

I’ve read so many messages and devotionals about Mary and Martha, many of which were excellent! :-) Here we have two sisters who must have been very close to one another because they were living together, along with their brother, Lazarus. They were dear friends of Jesus.

But in my readings today, I noticed something different about Mary and Martha. Notice in verse 39 – “Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.” Mary ALSO sat at Jesus’ feet tells me that Martha sat at Christ’s feet as well. What made that day any different?

Luke 10:40 answers my question. Martha was “cumbered about much serving.” Martha allowed those everyday things to interfere with her time at Jesus’ feet. She chose to let these earthly cares take precedence over her spiritual life. Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines cumber as:

To perplex or embarrass; to distract or trouble.

Martha was distracted and troubled about the work she was doing. She probably allowed her labor of love to turn into a burden.When I’m baking something special for my husband, I do it with much love. I’m so anxious for him to come home from work to taste what I’ve worked hard to do just for him. Martha’s thoughts were consumed by the work itself and she forgot for whom she was doing the work. (I Corinthians 10:31)

I also found something else interesting about Luke 10:40. I don’t know about you, but I am more comfortable saying what is on my mind to my brother or sister than with anyone else I know. I am more apt to speak freely with them. Then why in the world would Martha not go to her sister to complain about being alone in the kitchen? If it were me, I would have gone to my sister and said, “Hey, come one now, I’m doing all the work! Come in the kitchen and help me so I can sit down as well!” Wouldn’t you?

So why would Martha chose to go to the Lord and ask Him to tell Mary to help her? Don’t you find that strange, as well? Could it be that Martha wanted Jesus to see all that she was doing so she could get the credit for all her work? Do you think she wanted Jesus to notice all that she had done? Jesus saw right through that, I believe. His response was that of great love for a friend, yet He cut to the heart of Martha’s problem. He said, “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:” Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines “careful” in this manner:

Full of care; anxious; solicitous.

He also defines “solicitous” as:

Careful; anxious; very desirous, as to obtain something. Men are often more solicitous to obtain the favor of their king or of the people, than of their Maker.

Wow, that opens up the picture I was trying to paint here, in my opinion. Martha wanted recognition for her work – not unlike the Pharisees when they stood in the market place praying for all to see. But the Lord was kind. He knew her heart and He did not treat her as He did the Pharisees. Notice He did not call her a viper as He did them? He loved her and He wanted to help her and teach her.

What did Christ teach Martha? He pointed out her sin and then showed her what to do by explaining to her that the needful thing for her was to choose the better thing, which was to sit and learn at His feet. Yes, you and I have a lot of work to do in our homes. In fact, it’s never ending :-) But am I like Martha? Do I do the work with ulterior motives in mind? Do I want recognition for all that I do? I should do all things for His glory, including my housework!

Another lesson learned for me is that I start my day at the feet of the Lord Jesus. I need my daily spiritual bread to strengthen my arms to make me ready for my day! I must chose what is needful and that good part which will never be taken away from me.

 

Thought for the Day – Day 39 – Do You Care?

Posted on by
3


How great Thou art!

Do you care about God? Do you care what happens after death? Maybe you don’t care at all. I pray you would take a moment to read this anyway. I am not here to pass judgment as it is not mine to pass. I merely want to share God’s word with you so that you can know for yourself instead of leaving it in the hands of someone else.

But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth? (Psalm 50:16)

God asks what it’s going to take for you to proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord of all? Jesus is God’s covenant to us – His promise, if you will. Without believing in Jesus Christ, you have no covenant with God – you cannot claim His promise to you. You have no chance of heaven! (John 14:6)

Seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee. (Psalm 50:17)

God knows that you hate going to church – He knows you hate hearing anything about Him. He knows that if you do go to church, it is only because it is your religious obligation. Your heart is really not into it. If you attend a church that doesn’t use bibles in its services, then you are left to listen to what the priest/pastor/minister says … and just maybe you don’t listen to that as well. You cast God’s words behind you. Remember, you cannot fool God.

When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers. (Psalm 50:18)

Does it bother you if someone steals in your presence? Do you find it amusing that the thief “got away with it”? This is never more true than watching the news after a natural disaster hits a community. Thieves have a field day looting stores – the cameras catch them laughing as they steal things – we saw this during the Hurricane Katrina news footage. How appropriate is the above verse to these looters. God goes on to say that the sinner is likened to have partaken with adulterers. Are you an adulterer? Have you looked at another woman and lusted after her? If so, you have cheated on your spouse. Jesus said that even if you lusted after another in your mind, you are guilty of adultery! (Matthew 5:28)

Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit. (Psalm 50:19)

Cursing is all around us today. It is nothing to hear God’s name in vain in public places. Lest you think it doesn’t matter, it is still one of the Ten Commandments. Don’t think God will overlook cursing. The bible says that everything we say is being “recorded” in Heaven and will be held accountable to each of us. (Matthew 12:36) What about lying? Does your tongue frame deceit? This does not only refer to lying but also cheating. There are many who deceive and cheat people out there today. Have you sold a car to someone and not divulged everything that was wrong with it?  You are in essence lying. You are also breaking one of the Ten Commandments.

Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother’s son. (Psalm 50:20)

You may have thought that slandering your family wasn’t a big deal. God thinks differently. Just read on.

These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes. (Psalm 50:21)

What things is God speaking of here? (1) Not listening or heeding to God’s instructions in the bible (2) Stealing (3) Adultery (4) Blaspheming God (5) Lying and cheating, and (6) blaspheming and slandering your own brother. Have you done any of these things? I know that I had committed several of these things! We’re not alone – most people have!

Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver. (Psalm 50:22)

Unless you listen to God’s word, God will tear you in pieces. You won’t be able to hide anything from God when you stand before Him after you die. None of your friends will be there to protect you or save you from this event. I remember saying that I would meet my friends in Hell and we’d have a good time there together. Not according to God’s word I won’t! That was just foolish talking on my part because I had no idea where I was going so I hid behind my ignorance.

Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God. (Psalm 50:23)

Anyone who desires to know about God will not go unrewarded. God will reward that person by showing him/her the truth and how to be saved from the wrath to come. The bible says: Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6) The bible does not say that you can go to the Father in Heaven by Allah. The Bible does not say that you can go to the Father in Heaven by Buddah. The Bible does not say that you can go to the Father in Heaven by Joseph Smith. The Bible does not say that you can go to the Father in Heaven by any church for that matter. It is through Jesus Christ alone. Please take a moment and read the following verses with an open heart and mind:

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

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. (John 3:16)

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: (John 11:25)

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (John 3:3)

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. (Luke 13:3)

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

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. (Romans 10:9)

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:10)

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13)

Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. (Ephesians 4:28)

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (II Corinthians 5:17)

There is nothing you can do to get to Heaven. It is impossible for us to stop sinning! IMPOSSIBLE!  If it were so, Christ would not have had to die a bloody and horrible death on the cross!

After Adam and Eve sinned, that sin nature was passed on to everyone born after that. God did not make Adam and Eve that way. They were made perfect and without sin. But God did not create robots who could make no choices in life and nor did He create someone without a will of their own. He created man to think for himself. Unfortunately for us, Adam and Eve’s sin has left all of mankind with a choice. Do we admit that we cannot stop sinning and, therefore, are doomed to eternity in Hell? Eternity is too long and Hell is too hot for you to shrug this away, my friend.

It broke God’s heart so much when His creation could not stop sinning! Even His chosen people, the Jews, could not stop, despite the Ten Commandments, their sacrifices of spotless lambs, and the laws that had been created to rule them. It was this compassion and broken heart that led God to send Jesus Christ, His Son, to die for us.  The Scriptures say that without the shedding of blood, there is not remission of sin. (Matthew 26:28, Romans 3:25, Hebrews 9:22) Therefore, a perfect Lamb, Jesus Christ the Son of God, left His throne in Heaven to take on human form. Why this method? Jesus did this so that He could feel what we feel as human beings. He could experience the temptations but never sin. This made Him the perfect, sinless Lamb who would be sacrificed for all mankind. Those other lambs were but mere symbols of what was to come when Christ came. He finished that requirement by being the final sacrifice, one sacrifice for all! (Hebrews 10:10)

Jesus Christ’s work did not stop there. Not only did He die, but He arose from the dead three days later! A few weeks later, He ascended into Heaven and is waiting to come back in the air to take born-again Christians to Heaven!  If you read the verses and you have allowed the Holy Spirit of God to prick your heart, won’t you please pray and ask God to forgive you? Accept His Son’s perfect sacrifice for your sins. Repent of your life style and change directions. If you are a thief, steal no more – if you are an adulterer, do it no more, etc. If you pray these things with a sincere heart, God will hear you and save you.  He knows whether or not you are sincere. As a result, you will be born again – a brand new beginning – a brand new nature! Your sins will be forgiven and the weight of your sin’s debt will be lifted from you! You will now be a child of God! A child of God begins to change immediately. The desires to curse, lie, cheat, steal, commit adultery, etc. will either be completely taken away or will diminish drastically.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (II Corinthians 5:17)

A Christian is not sinless but a Christian should sin less with each passing day as he yields himself to the convicting work of the Holy Spirit in his life. Read your bible faithfully every day – not just a verse or two – but really read and you will be fed God’s holy word! Look at the tab at the top of this blog for new believers and start there. Find a good Bible believing church that preaches God’s word without compromise.

I pray that this post has been a blessing to someone today! If so, please share your blessing by posting a comment!

Father in Heaven, I lift up this blog to You today and pray that Your Spirit would direct someone here who would read it and his/her heart would be convicted. Father, I beg You for a soul to be won as a result of this labor to bring honor and glory to You. I ask these things in Jesus’ precious Name. Amen.

Thought for the Day – Day 38 – Rod and Staff

Posted on by
Reply

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

Can we truly say that God’s rod and staff comfort us? The rod was used by the shepherd on his sheep for discipline at times. I began to meditate on why God’s rod would be a comfort to me. As God’s child, there are many times that I must be corrected. Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. (Proverbs 22:15)

David was quick to add “and thy staff” immediately afterwards. The staff was used as a walking stick – this is a wonderful picture of God’s direction and guidance! David did not insert this in the next sentence but placed it right along with “Thy rod”! I wondered why? God’s correction and chastisement is always followed with direction and love. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. (Psalm 30:5) Can you just picture the Lord as our Shepherd using the rod to discipline us and then using His staff to guide us and direct us back on the right path?

A shepherd uses his rod to chastise his sheep into staying with the herd. His staff then guides and directs the sheep in the direction the shepherd wants them to go for their own protection. What a beautiful picture of Jesus, our Shepherd!

Our Father in Heaven is the ultimate Father! In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer. (Isaiah 54:8 )

Father, I welcome thy rod and thy staff in my life. Without Your correction and guidance, I would wander aimlessly. Thank You for Your everlasting kindness and mercy, my Redeemer and King!

Thought for the Day – Day 37 – Proverbs 31 Checklist

Posted on by
Reply


Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. (Proverbs 31:10)

Is my personal “virtue” worth more than rubies? Or is my personal “virtue” a fake like cubic zirconia? Only I can answer that question honestly.

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. (Proverbs 31:11)

Does my husband know that I will be frugal with the money he works hard to bring home? Or do I spend it without prayer or forethought and end up with too much week at the end of his paycheck?

She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. (Proverbs 31:12)

Do I do my husband good ALL the time? Or only when I feel like it or if he’s nice to me?

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. (Pro 31:13)

Do I willingly work with my hands for the benefit of my family? Or do I complain of the mending that is sitting in the basket waiting to be mended?

She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. (Proverbs 31:14)

Do I try to help out when finances are tight? Or do I complain to my husband that there’s not enough money (all hubby hears in my complaint is that he is an awful provider!)?

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. (Proverbs 31:15)

Am I in control of my schedule to the point that I can get up early to take care of my time with the Lord and the needs of my family before they rise and the hussle bussle of the day takes over? Or do I hit the snooze button a couple of times only to have my entire household in a rush. I am in charge of setting the “tone” in my home.

She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. (Proverbs 31:16)

Do I consider what I buy and spend the money I make from my “craft” (whether that be from my garden or sewing, etc.) wisely? Or do I buy on impulse and hide it away in a drawer or closet and never use?

She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. (Proverbsv31:17)

Do I exercise to keep myself physically fit for my family’s sake? Or do I indulge and overeat only to put on more weight? Too much weight reduces my stamina, adds stress to my heart and my legs, and plays havoc with blood pressure. My family needs me strong and healthy to be able to meet their needs.

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. (Proverbs 31:18)

Do I make sure that the products I sell are done to the best of my ability? Or do I try to get away with providing lesser quality for the same amount of money? Do I do just enough to “get buy”? Am I so well organized so that I do not run out of oil for my candle during the night? In the days of the Proverbs 31 wife, no light in the window usually meant something was wrong, like a death in the family.

She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. (Proverbs 31:19)

Do I learn to use the talents that God has blessed me with faithfully? Or do I make excuses that I simply just can’t learn?

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. (Proverbs 31:20)

Do I care for the needs in my own church as I should? Or do I turn my head and hope that someone else will take care of those needs?

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. (Proverbs 31:21)

Do I plan ahead and buy winter clothes on sale in the Spring to prepare for the needs of my family? Or do I end up buying winter clothes at top dollar value in the Fall? Are buttons missing from last year’s clothing? Are holes in need of mending?

She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. (Proverbs 31:22)

Am I watchful as to how I dress so I can represent my husband properly? Or do I leave the house to go shopping wearing my grungiest jean skirt and no make-up? Do I look nice when he comes home from work or am I less than desirable to look at?

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. (Proverbs 31:23)

Are my deeds such that someone who knows my husband would say “He sure does have a good wife!” Or do his friends see a man whose shirt has not been ironed and his pants look like they sat in the dryer for a few days? Are the children so well behaved that people know he is a good leader?

She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. (Proverbs 31:24)

Are my creations done to the best of my ability where they are a wonderful example of Christ through my work? Do I search out new ideas on how to sell my goods?

Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. (Proverbs 31:25)

Am I clothed inwardly (spiritually) as well as I am clothed outwardly? Or am I guilty of hypocrisy?

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. (Proverbs 31:26)

Do I think before I speak making sure I have a kind response? Or do I blurt out the first thing that comes to mind and have to clean up my mess later? Do I try to disguise my unwise speech with “Oh well, I guess am just too honest at times.”?

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. (Proverbs 31:27)

Do I make sure that my list of chores for the day are accomplished? Or do I procrastinate on a few of those chores so I can watch something on TV?

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. (Proverbs 31:28)

Do my words and actions warrant receiving praise from my family? Or do I become bitter because they don’t praise me, not once thinking that it is I who needs to repent?

Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. (Proverbs 31:29)

Do I strive to excel in my spiritual walk? Or do I do just enough to get by? Do I give my husband and family my all? Can my husband brag on me and say that I’m the best wife he could have?

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. (Proverbs 31:30)

Do I fear (and honour) the Lord enough for it to guard all my words and actions? Or do I leave those things undone and concentrate on appearing spiritual?

Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. (Proverbs 31:31)

Do I let my spiritual walk and work speak for itself? Or do I look for praise from others?

Confusion

Posted on by
Reply

A state of confusion is what I was in
I walked in the darkness along with my sin
I knew something was wrong in this life of mine
But just what was missing I could not define

I went a long way, I was rambling along
Not putting my finger on just what was wrong
Until that day came when my rambling was done
I found my confusion was finally gone

Confusion was replaced with beautiful peace
A promise given that my dark days would cease
New life has been given to me by His Hand
My sin debt’s been paid by the blood of the Lamb

Wonders and promises are given to me
By my side He’s promised He always would be
He will be right there whenever I call
And pick me right up if I ever should fall

He’s blessed me endlessly I have to admit
And taught me to look up and never to quit
So much I have learned that my mind’s in a whirl
But all this He’s promised to His precious world

Make Jesus our Lord that’s all we need do
All of His promises will truly come true
It’s not all that hard as we think it will be
And joy we will have for an eternity!

Kate Plourde, 1981

That Great Reunion Day!

Posted on by
Reply

Just thinking about that day to come
When we all will be set free
Makes me simply want to burst with joy
And get on bended knee

How thankful we should be for this
That Jesus had to die
So we could sing and praise His Name
On that blessed day in the sky

Yes, that day is foremost in our minds
We Christians, one and all
It’s our payment for our work for Him
No more will we ever fall

Thank you dear Father for this great gift
The price Christ had to pay
We all look forward to our meeting
On that Great Reunion Day!

Kate Plourde, February 1981

Thought for the Day – Day 36 – Spiritual House Cleaning

Posted on by
1


Luke 10:38-42, Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

I love how God puts examples in the Bible that help us to learn His lessons for us. Here are two women, both raised in the same family but yet very different. There are a few spiritual applications we could glean here, that’s for sure. Martha could be an example of a person who is not saved and does not desire the things of God. It could be that Martha represents the saved woman who has not studied to show herself approved unto God. As well, she could represent the woman who has been saved a long time and has become comfortable in her Christian walk and feels she doesn’t need to grow spiritually anymore so she “works” a lot. Which Martha are you today, ladies?

Luke points out that Martha was “cumbered, careful and troubled about many things.” She was expecting Jesus and many others in her home. She was busy in her thoughts, laying out plans, what dishes to use, what meal to make, housework needed to be done, and everything in its place. In fact, these thoughts obsessed her so much so that she went to Jesus saying, “There’s so much to do, tell Mary to come help me!” Think about this for a minute. If you were receiving guests in your home and your sister wasn’t helping you with preparing, would you go to your guest and ask them to tell your sister to get to work? Is it me or was this a strange request to make? I think this goes deeper than meets the eye, don’t you? I think Martha wanted to draw attention to herself and all the work she had done by herself. SHE wanted the credit, in my opinion.

Jesus saw through this and told her that she was caught up in what needed to be done but was leaving the more important matters aside – her spiritual life. He came right out and told her that Mary had chosen the good part and that this spiritual nourishment would not be taken away from her.

Is your spiritual housework all done, ladies? Is your house nice and spotless but your Bible study life is not? Do you put emphasis on cleaning your house but you leave your spiritual housework undone? What can we do to have a spiritually house clean?

1. Ask God to show you those secret sins in your heart and confess them.
Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. (Psalm 19:12)

2. Ask God to show you all your sins and to wash you thoroughly from them so you don’t repeat them. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. (Psalm 51:2)

3. How can we continually cleanse our hearts? By taking HEED to the word. Not just reading it but taking HEED to it. BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. (Psalm 119:9)

4. Again, the word of God washes. It helps us to stay clean. What happens to water as it goes into a colander? It goes through the colander, right? But the colander is cleaned by that water, even though the water does not stay contained in it. That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, (Ephesians 5:26) The same with our spiritual lives. We may not remember everything we read in the scriptures or study, but continual reading and studying helps us to stay clean.

5. Getting closer to God will clean our hearts. It will bring conviction, repentance and a need to ask forgiveness from the Father. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (James 4:8)

6. Abstain from worldly lusts. The things of this world have a lot to offer the flesh. Think in your hearts today what worldly things God is revealing to your heart right now. Is it TV? Is it music? Is it a book? Is it a distraction that keeps you from His word? Any of these things distract. (II Corinthians 6:18) Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (II Corinthians 7:1)

Are you having difficulties saying no to the things this world offers? Are you having difficulties in your spiritual walk in general? Do a spiritual house cleaning today. Ask God to show you what He wants cleaned out. You probably already know what needs cleaning. Then ask the Lord to help you keep your spiritual house clean. He can, He will and He promises to help you. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (I John 4:4)

Thought for the Day – Day 35 – Hearers or Doers

Posted on by
Reply

For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. (Romans 2:13)

Oh how these two verses pricked my heart this morning. Often I say “amen” to the preaching of the scriptures, or blogs I’ve read, and posts on my favorite boards. But can I truly say that I “practice” the content of the messages? Self examination must be done daily and we must ask, “Am I a doer or am I deceiving myelf”?

According to Romans 2:13, if we are hearers we are not justified! Praise God for Romans 5:9 otherwise we would be in BIG trouble. Praise God that because we are born again, Jesus’ righteousness is all the Father sees and we are justified because of His shed blood! We are not condemned! And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. (Romans 5:16)

Are we doers of the word of God? We can try to fool those who “watch” us but can we fool our own selves? More importantly, do we honestly believe we can fool God? But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (James 1:22) James says that we deceive our OWN selves! Noah Webster’s 1828 dictionary has an excellent definition for the word deceive: “To mislead the mind; to cause to err; to cause to believe what is false, or disbelieve what is true; to impose on; to delude” We’ve all heard the old saying that we see life “through rose-colored glasses.” This expression goes back to at least 1861. It means that one has the attitude of cheerful optimism, of seeing everything in an attractive, pleasant light. Good night! What an eye opener that was! Do we see our own selves through these same rose-colored glasses? Do we see our sin for what it really is?

The bottom line is this … if we hear a message that points out sin in our lives and we do not heed that message, we are guilty of being a hearer of the word only. We are misleading ourselves – we actually convince our minds to believe that which is false or disbelieve that which is true! What is scarey here is that if we become hearers only, what false doctrine will we fall for? If we are hearers only, what effectiveness does our testimony have on the unsaved? Does our testimony give them vinegar rather than the water of life? When I think of what vinegar is, I shudder to think that my testimony would have this affect on others. Again, Noah Webster’s definition of vinegar is: “Vegetable acid; an acid liquor obtained from wine, cider, beer or other liquors, by the second or acetous fermentation. Vinegar may differ indefinitely in the degree of its acidity. When highly concentrated, it is called radical vinegar.” The soldiers tried to give Jesus vinegar as He hung on the cross and was thirsty. Matthew 27:34 says that once Jesus tasted it, he would not drink it!

Jesus provided “living water” to the thirsty soul. He did not give them vinegar. What are we producing? If we are hearers of the word only, we will be giving the world vinegar – why would they want that? If we are doers of the word, however, we are giving the world what their soul is thirsting for – living water!

Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. (John 4:10)

The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? (John 4:11)

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (John 7:38 )