Love Lord or Love Death

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Now therefore, listen to me, my children, for blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the LORD; But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; All those who hate me love death.” Proverbs 8:32-36 NKJV

Those who listen, keep and hear God’s instructions will find the Lord, find life, obtain favor and will be blessed. Sounds like a great deal to me. While the opposite is to sin against the Lord, which wrongs our own soul, causes us to hate the Lord and love death instead!

Now, why would we purposely choose to wrong our own soul or cause us to hate the Lord and love death? Perhaps this devotion may help us identify areas we do exactly this without realizing it.

Let’s begin.

Who do I listen to? Many of us may say we listen to God, but do we really? Maybe you’re like me in that sometimes I find myself listening to my emotions, my unmet needs, my desires, or my wants. Others may listen to the old negative thoughts or lies that hold us back from all God wants to give us. Still others may be stuck listening to people’s advice rather than the Lords. Perhaps you listen to people’s complaints. But God says listen to Me.

Who’s ways do I keep? Who’s boundaries do we really follow? Maybe we don’t have boundaries at all. Perhaps we keep the ways to please those around us. Doing or not doing things to avoid “rocking the boat” is the way people pleasing. Maybe we keep whatever ways that met our expectations. But God says keep My ways.

Do I hear instruction? Is my heart and mind open to His instruction? If not, why? Have I departed from His word? Do we really follow His instruction? When He tells us not to steal, are we stealing? When He tells us to love our neighbor as our self are we? To hear instruction means we are willing to put into practice. In doing so, we demonstrate the hearing of instruction.

How did you do on the pop quiz? Did you discover areas you need to work on? That’s great, for now you know how to pray and seek God’s wisdom and power to change those areas to be pleasing to God.

Lord your word says those who seek you diligently will find you. Lord we long for you, we want more of you. Help us not to be frustrated by our lack of obedience but to be compelled to live for you. Lord we need your help to become the person you want us to be. We know you are with us and provide us everything we need to live a godly life until you return. In Jesus’ precious name we pray. Amen.

©Elizabeth Marks has lead small group Bible studies for almost a decade. She is creator of ThinkOnItBibleDevotions.com , YourBibleWitnessAtWork.com, and BeingWomenOfInfluence.com websites and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.

Contentment

Contentment is such a pleasant sounding word. It conjures pictures of green meadows, trickling stream, peacefulness, and calm serenity. Contentment is a place where all your needs are cared for. It sounds like fantasy doesn’t it? Is this for real?

I’m here to tell you “yes, contentment is real and it’s possible”. The apostle Paul talked about this contentment in Philippians 4:10-12 when he said “have learned in whatever state I am, to be content”. I know this place exists, for I myself have been there from time to time.

What do you mean you’ve been there from time to time? Aren’t you content? Yes and no, I can let the contentment go by allowing many things to tempt me to step out of contentment, just like you. What things interfere with contentment? How about stress, anxiety, worry, striking, jealousy, greed, envy, bitterness, angry, fear, insecurity, or uneasiness? (See 2 Corinthians 12:19-21, Galatians 5:19-21)

Contentment for me is confidence in the Lord. Psalm 118:8 says “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” Resting in Him, relying on His promises and trusting God no matter what I must face each day is how I demonstrate confidence in Him. (Proverbs 3:26, Proverbs 14:26, Isaiah 30:15)

Contentment is a reward for losing my life to God. Look at 1 Timothy 6:6 NKJV “Now godliness with contentment is great gain.” I don’t mean we ran out and commit suicide. Rather I’m referring to a wholehearted commitment to living God’s way. We learn to give Him everything because He gave His everything that we might live.

How do we get to this place called the contentment? The directions are easy but the journey may be challenging. Contentment comes from God. Therefore the path to contentment always begins with drawing closer to God. There are many ways to get closer to God: read the Bible, pray, fellowship with other believers, worship, go to church, serve others and on and on. What you choose is up to you. Our part is to seek God. God’s part is to guide us. And He is faithful to do just that.

Next we begin trusting God. Start by giving to God something bothering you and then watch how He takes care of it. Keep a journal of how God answered your prayers because referring back to all God has done will help us trust him more.

Lastly we act based on our trust in God. What does this look like? This will be different from person to person. God has shaped each one of us differently. Therefore the action we take will depend on which gifts, talents, abilities, life experiences, and personality God’s given us. When we start using all we have been given we not only glorify and honor God but also demonstrate our trust in him.

How is your contentment?

Lord Jesus, in you we find contentment. Thank you for it your healing touch, forgiveness of sins and the power to live for God honoring life. Draw us closer so we may experience your contentment stay and every day. In your name we pray amen.

© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word. For more devotions, bible studies and a recommended book store, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.

Opposites Attract

You have no doubt heard the saying “opposites attract”, but I doubt you have heard it in this context before.

Throughout the New Testament we are taught by Jesus and his disciples to live differently.

• Don’t hold grudges but forgive (Matthew 18:21)
• Love your enemies (Matthew 5:42-44)
• Believe without seeing (John 20:29)
• Hate our life so we will live forever (John 12:25)
• Give that we might receive (Acts 20:35)

When we do these things, it is opposite from what our culture and the people around us we do. Being different, we stand now like a city on a hill. We shine like a light that can’t be easily snuffed out. The more consistently we follow Christ and his examples, the more others are drawn to us to find out why. Then it’s our job to give them an answer for why we live as we do.

Jesus is compelling not just for His name but for His actions. He followed the will of His Father. He was obedient and even unto death. He served others rather than waiting to be served. He healed people. He gave His life so we could live. Likewise Christians ought to be compelling not for their namesake but for their actions done out of love for their mighty Savior.

Lord Jesus thank you for having a plan and inviting us to be part of that plan. Help us to live our lives pleasing to you. Enable us through our witness to the world to stand out for you, to be opposite of the world, to turn the world upside down for you Lord. In your precious name we pray Amen.

© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word. For more devotions, bible studies and a recommended book store, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.

Dark Side of Believing

Read John 12:9-11

 

Many Jews started believing in Jesus when they witnessed Lazarus being raised from the dead. Each one of us is like Lazarus. We were raised from the dead as soon as we believed in Jesus Christ.

 

Following Christ has its cost. Look at verse 10. The chief priests wanted to kill Lazarus as well as Jesus simply because so many Jews started believing in Jesus because of him.

 

Our story of salvation will have an impact on others. Some may turn to the Lord and believe. Others may treat us rudely, shun us or try to slander our faith. While we have no control over how others will react, we do have a responsibility to share our story when someone asks about it.

 

Do you have your 30 second story yet? Try to communicate these things:

· What were you like before?

· How are you different now?

· And what caused the change?

 

Here’s an example:

I used to be a perfectionist judging others by my insanely high standards. On the verge of divorce, I found myself humbled by the consequences of my behavior. I cried out to Jesus and asked him to come into my life. Now I no longer judge others and have found contentment and peace through faith in Jesus.

 

Do not be afraid to share your story with others. For the Bible teaches we are blessed when we do.

 

Matthew 5:10-12 NKJV: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

 

We are called to be salt and light to the world around us. Therefore, as Matthew 5:16 says “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven”, let’s shine!

 

Lord Jesus, thank you for making all things work together for good. Thank you for the good work you do in us will be noticed by others. Give us courage to share our story when we are asked, regardless of how others may respond. In your name we pray amen.

© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word. For more devotions, bible studies and a recommended book store, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.

Caught Off Guard

 

The other day while working during the lunch period, a co-worker asked if I would answer a few questions.  “Of course”, I replied, “happy to help if I can.”

 

A stranger steps into my work area asking me questions which seemed rather difficult to answer on the spot.  But the worst part was they were video taping my response!

 

I vaguely remembered we had an all-employee-meeting coming up, and slowly I began piecing this together.  This brief interview would be edited down into a collage of interviews to make an entertaining skit for the event.

 

I don’t particularly like being on camera, unless I’m prepared for it.  I have to think about my responses before speaking, so being put on the spot was very uncomfortable.

 

As I share this story, it dawns on me, this is a reminder.  We, Christians, should be prepared to give an answer for the hope we have in Jesus (1 Peter 3:15).  In case, we are “put on the stop” we will be ready.  

 

Are you prepared?  Do you have your 30 second explanation of what Jesus has done for you?  If not, why not work on one today?  You never know when you might need it.

 

Here’s my 30 second story:

I gave my life to Christ during a marital crisis.  After being forgiven from my sins, Jesus changed my hard heart of hatred into a tender heart of love.  He delivered me from perfectionism, workaholism, and love relationship addiction.  Now, I am a new person, my marriage is restored, and we were blessed with another child.

 

It’s your turn.  Tell me what Jesus has done for you. Write it down.  Practice it a few times until it holds off your tongue.  When you do, you won’t have to worry about being caught off guard.

 

Lord Jesus, thank you for letting us enough to die for us.  Thank you for making all things new.  In your precious name we pray Amen.

 

 © Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.  For more devotions, bible studies and a recommended book store, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.

 

Not all are Genuine

 

Read John 12:4-8

 

Earlier Mary had lavished expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet as a sign of worship.  Mary had done a beautiful thing for the Lord.  She expressed her appreciation for Jesus through humility, sacrifice and submission to Jesus’ authority. 

 

But Judas, one of the twelve disciples Jesus picked, was indignant saying the fragrance could have been sold and the money given to the poor.  You might ask why was that such as bad idea.  It seems like more good could have come from selling it rather than pouring it out on someone’s feet.  However, the Bible tells us Judas didn’t really care about the poor but rather he was interested in the money.  He kept the treasury of the disciples and was stealing from it.

 

How is it the disciples did not recognize Judas as the thief he was? 

• Perhaps Judas was a good liar.  We all know someone who can tell a convincing tale.
• Perhaps the disciples simply wanted to think the best of Judas.  After all aren’t we supposed to believe everyone is good? (Not really, the Bible tells us all have sinned – Romans 3:23). 
• Perhaps it is because we can’t see another person’s true motives – only God can. 

 

Whatever the reason for not recognizing those who are not part of God’s family, we can rest assured God knows who’s who.  Jesus told us this in John 10:14 NKJV: “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”

 

Back to the story at hand, though, John 12:7-8 NKJV “But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.””  Jesus stood up for Mary again.  Then He taught them about priorities.   Jesus knew He wasn’t going to be there forever, so the disciples had better come to Him while they could.  In addition, the poor would always be around and they were free to help them anytime they wanted to, but the opportunity to hang with Jesus, to worship Him in person was drawing to an end.

 

There comes a time when opportunities to give our life to Christ will cease also.  What’s holding us back from giving our self to Him?  Today is the day of Salvation.  Won’t you come and see for your self how good the Lord is?   All it takes is a simply pray like this:

“Lord Jesus, I am a sinner, but you died in my place.  Please forgive me and come into my life.  In your name, Amen.”

 

Lord Jesus thank you for guiding us back to the real issue at hand.  Focus on You.  For those who have yet to come to you we pray you soften their hearts and draw them to you.  For the believers we pray for discernment and wisdom to keep our priorities straight.  In your precious name we pray. Amen.

 

© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.  For more devotions, bible studies and a recommended book store, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.

Ways to Worship

 

Read John 12:1:3

 

Previously in John 11:43-44 Jesus had raised Lazarus from death.  In that encounter Jesus revealed more of Himself and His power to His disciples and others who were there to see.

 

In today’s reading we see Lazarus, Martha, Mary and Jesus are gathered together again.  They made Him supper and served Him, in various ways.  Each disciple showed their appreciation in their own unique way.  In this they demonstrated their love for Jesus.

 

• Lazarus, who was raised from the dead, sat with Jesus at the table.  He was spending as much close intimate time with Jesus as he could, after being resurrected.  Lazarus worshipped through fellowship and personal conversation with Jesus.

 

• Martha, the natural born servant, was doing what she did best.  She made supper and served Jesus.  Her worship was in the form of hospitality and service.

 

• Mary, who sat at Jesus’ feet hanging on His every word, showed her love by anointing Jesus with costly fragrance.  Mary’s act of worship was through humility, sacrifice and submission.

 

Each of these close friends of Jesus was eternally grateful for all He had done for their family.  He freed Martha from her demanding ways.  He raised Lazarus from the dead.  Jesus confirmed Mary choose the good part which would not be taken away from her (John 10:42).  Each worshipped in unique ways based on how God shaped them. 

 

There is no right or wrong way to worship as long as it is a pouring out of our love for God and what He’s done for us.

 

What has God revealed to you?  What was your response?  How can we be more open to His revelation?

 

Lord Jesus, thank you for revealing yourself to us this day.  Help us keep the lines of communication free from sin that distorts our understanding of you.  In Your name we pray. Amen.

 

© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.  For more devotions, bible studies and a recommended book store, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.

 

Martha’s Faith

Read John 11.

 

Previously in Luke 10:38-42 Martha was distracted by all the work to be done and Mary sat at Jesus’ feet taking in every word.  Now, after her brother Lazarus has died, she is the first to go to Jesus.

 

What’s the big deal you ask?  Well, think about this, Mary was the one hanging on every word from Jesus.  Mary seemed more interested in Jesus than Martha.  One would have assumed Mary would have been first to go to Jesus.  But it was Martha.

 

Martha is doer, the one who takes care of everything. She prepared elaborate meals for Jesus and His disciples when they visited.  She never stopped.  It was always go, go, and go for Martha.  So, imagine there’s a death in the family.  Who would everyone turn to?  Martha, of course!  Martha would be busy doing what she always did, preparing food, cleaning the house and making it ready for all the mourners.

 

When it says “as soon as she heard Jesus was coming, she went to Him”, it doesn’t mean she answered the door before anyone else.  No, it means Martha left her house, her duties and her self-imposed responsibilities and went to meet Jesus.  He wasn’t even in her town yet.  She went out to meet Him as He came near. 

 

How often do we drop everything and come to Jesus?  If this extreme doer could, so can we.  In my mind, Martha’s faith has increased tremendously since Jesus’ last visit.  Take a look at John 11:21-22 NKJV:

“Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.”

 

Martha knew Jesus could have healed her brother, if He had been there.  She knew He could lengthen life.  She probably had great sadness, sorrow and maybe even disappointment in her voice as she spoke those words.  And yet, look at her second sentence “But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.”

 

Now, that’s faith.  Her brother is dead, which is normally the end of the line.  There’s no returning from death.  Yet, she had confidence in Jesus’ connection with God.  She knew God would give Jesus anything He asked for.  She believed in the impossible, although she didn’t know how it would work out.

 

How often do we have faith to believe when all seems lost?

 

Although Martha’s faith seems great in that moment, it starts to shrivel with the next interchange with Jesus.  He replies, “Your brother will rise again.”  Jesus reassures Martha this isn’t the end.  Her brother would live again.  Jesus was giving her a glimpse of what He was about to do. 

 

Martha responds with what she knows, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”  But she totally missed Jesus’ point.  Maybe she was blinded by her grief.  We don’t know for sure. 

 

As if giving her a second chance to understand Jesus replies, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”  Martha says, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

 

This reminds me what it says in Mark 9:19-24 about the father who said “Lord, I believe but help my unbelief.”  Martha is saying the right thing, but does she believe it? 

 

In the next scene Jesus tells them to remove the stone from the tomb where Lazarus lays.  Martha is quick to point out there will be a great stench because Lazarus has been dead four days!  Where did her faith go?

 

Look at how gentle Jesus responds to her.  “Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?”” He doesn’t point out how she had great faith a few minutes ago and now she is hopeless.  He simply re-enforces the-believe-and-see principle He’s about to perform.  With that He prays out loud for all to hear and calls Lazarus out of the tomb. 

 

What did we learn?

1. Sometimes those seemingly with least belief have more faith than we know. (Martha)
2. Those who appear more faithful may have less faith than they realize. (Mary)
3. Faith can rise and fall, like the waves of the ocean.  But it doesn’t mean we don’t know the Lord. (Martha)
4. God can and does bring good out of terrible circumstances. (Lazarus’s death and resurrection)

 

What is God calling you to believe?  As the song goes, “Faith will rise as we wait upon the Lord.”

 

Lord Jesus you can do anything and nothing is impossible for you.  Strengthen our faith this day.  In your name we pray. Amen.

 

© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.  For more devotions, bible studies and a recommended book store, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.

What would you do?

 

Let’s say you, your spouse and your toddler (under 4 years old) have an appointment with a tax preparation services.  You thought about how to keep your toddler busy while you’re working with the accountant and have brought some small toys for him to play with.  You spouse really don’t have a good feeling about the visit and is sure you are going to have to pay a lot of taxes this year.   Your appointment is at 6:30pm. You arrive on-time with junior in tow only to discover you have to wait.  They are not finished with the previous client yet. 

 

What would you do?

1. Get angry about having to wait.
2. Be resentful for not being seen right away
3. Be anxious and worry about how much you have to pay
4. Try controlling your toddler’s noise and activity level
5. Wait patiently and play with your toddler’s toys to pass time

 

When we experience challenging situations, it is an opportunity to trust God and not to panic.  Learn to “go-with-the-flow” and enjoy a few moments with your family.  Here are a few suggestions to try whenever you’re in a similar situation:

·         Try getting down to your toddler’s level and see things from his/her perspective.  Play with their toys like they do, if only for a couple minutes.  The joy you bring to their little faces will be so worth it! 

·         Try talking with your spouse, while your toddler plays with his/her toys.

·         Talk to God in the quietness of your mind, thank Him for all He is doing and has done in your life.

·         Think about everything you have to be thankful for; an income supporting your family, a house to live in, a car to get your places, food in the pantry, and spare change in your pocket, etc.

 

Everything in life is used in God’s economy to bring about godly change in our life.  Each difficult moment is used to shape our responses into that which the Father in heaven can be proud of. 

 

Take time to think about your options in each encounter.  Don’t squander your time on worthless anger, frustration, selfish thoughts or worry.  Instead use you time to glory God by doing what He would do. 

 

Second Timothy 1:7 NKJV says “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

 

Lord Jesus thank you for dying in our place so we might live in you and do what is pleasing to the Father.  Thank for giving us the spirit of power, of love and a sound mind able to be make god-honoring decisions.  Enable us to live out our faith in all situations. In Jesus’ name Amen.

 

© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.  For more devotions, bible studies and a recommended book store, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.

 

Humble Heart

I refresh the humble and give new courage to those with repentant hearts. Isaiah 57:15 NLT

 

He refreshes and gives new courage to anyone humble enough to repent of their sins.

Do we truly understand we are sinners?  If so, we are less likely to be judging of others as we know how easy it is to fall. 

 

When we grasp how much we’ve been forgiven, we are less critical of others and that’s a sign of humility.  Humble folks don’t point their finger at someone else because when they do, they realize three fingers pointing back at them. 

 

How interesting God gives “new” courage.  Not the same kind of courage we used to muster on our own, but a new courage that comes directly from His spirit. 

 

God honors those with a repentant hearts.  Test yourself, examine your motives, and let nothing be done through selfish ambition.  God refreshes the humble.  Therefore, humble yourself before the Lord and He will lift you up.  He provides the courage for you to stand amidst your circumstances.

 

Lord thank you for giving us the courage to humble our self before you.  Thank you for lifting us up when we are repentant.  Enable us to remain humble in all the seasons of our lives.  In Jesus’ name Amen.

 

© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.  For more devotions, bible studies and a recommended book store, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.