Dwell On These Things

Well, Sunday night I was convicted that I have been spending way too much of my time dwelling on things that are not in the least bit profitable. I think God has been trying to get hold of me for a few weeks now and I guess I've been unintentionally resisting. I have had so much on my mind lately that I feel mentally exhausted. Obviously, I haven't had enough Jesus in my diet, because according to Philippians 4:7, "the peace of God...will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." So, seeing the truth in this verse, I have realized that God can give me peace from my exhaustion. He has hit me with a few key verses the past couple of days and I thought they were worth sharing.

The first verse that came to mind last night was Philippians 4:8. And, I think the only reason for that is because of the last few words in the verse: "...dwell on these things." And, then I felt compelled to dig in and study about what I'm supposed to be dwelling on. So, here we go!

Philippians 4:8~ Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right (just,) whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

• So, what is truth? Prime example:

John 1:14~ And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 14:6~ Jesus said to Him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

Jesus Christ IS truth.

• What is honor? Well, to be honorable, is to have a good reputation. To have a good name. To be honest. Fair. To have integrity. And the very first person that came to my mind when I was thinking of someone honorable was : Jesus. I mean, He came to this earth in human form, died a terrible death, and then rose again, ALL FOR YOU AND ME! If that's not honorable, I don't know what is.

Jesus is honorable.

• What is right or just? The Webster's dictionary gives this definition for 'just:' Acting or being in conformity with what is morally upright or good; righteous. Who comes to mind, yet again? Take a wild guess..

I Peter 3:18~ For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit...

Jesus is just.

• What is purity? To be pure is to be spotless, unblemished, blameless, etc. You want to know who is the very definition of purity? I think I see a pattern developing here.

I Peter 1:18-19~ ...knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.

Hebrews 4:15~ For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.

Jesus is pure.

• The definition of 'lovely' is: Delightful for beauty, harmony, or grace; attractive. Now, I for one, do not think that Jesus was physically beautiful. I almost feel bad for saying that, but if you look at the Scriptures, it clearly says that He wasn't. I would probably say that he was closer to being down right ugly. That sounds even worse!

Isaiah 53:2-3~ He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him, nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.

It seems to me like He was actually a very unattractive guy. Physically. But, guess what? I, personally, think that Jesus was the most attractive person that has ever walked on this earth. Spiritually. His inward appearance is incomparable. No one can match it. He had (has) amazing character. And, since the Bible tells us (over and over again) that it is what's on the inside that counts (I Samuel 16:7,) I consider Jesus to be VERY LOVELY person.

• Good repute? That's an interesting one. To me, this means to be well spoken of or to have a good reputation. And believe me, Jesus Christ is well spoken of around our house. I'll tell you why that is.

John 15:13~ Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.That is the ultimate example of love. For Jesus to give up His life for us is priceless.

He has an amazing reputation.

• The definition of 'excellent' is: Superior; very good of its own kind; eminently good. I encourage you to read all of Hebrews 1, which talks about Jesus' superiority, but I'll share the first 4 verses just so you get a piece of it.

Hebrews 1:1-4~ God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.

Jesus is excellent.

• Now first of all, I'd just like to say that if Jesus fulfills all of these characteristics, I think He's pretty praiseworthy. But, we are also commanded, all through the Bible, to offer Him praise. I'll just list a few examples, though.

Psalm 145:3~ Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom.

Psalm 96:4~ For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; He is to be feared above all gods.

Psalm 150:2~ Praise Him for His acts of power; praise him for His surpassing greatness.

Jesus is praiseworthy.

As I was thinking about Philippians 4:8 last night, I was trying to think of things that fit the descriptions in this verse. And, although there are other things that do fit those descriptions, I kept coming back to the ONE who fit them perfectly. Jesus Christ is the pure essence of Philippians 4:8. So, it seems to me, that whenever I am being totally focused on myself and whenever I have other things taking up all of my time, that is sin. Whenever I'm feeling exhausted because of what I'm choosing to dwell on, that is sin. My thoughts need to be completely consumed by Jesus. At all times.

Do You Know What Love Is?

I am at this very moment listening to Mariah Carey's rendition of "I Want to Know What Love Is." And, with today being Valentine's Day, my mind has been mulling over the thought "What is Love?" It seemed only appropriate for the subject of my next Bible study to be Love. And what better place to start than the "Love Chapter" in I Corinthians? That's where I'll begin and I'll expand from there!

I Corinthians 13:4 (I'm going to break the verses down to write each definition of the word love. And, I'm going to list a couple [or a few...] verses after each definition to go along with it.)

• Love is patient.

Romans 12:12~ Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
I Thessalonians 5:14~ We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
Ephesians 4:1-2~ Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all himilty and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love....

• Love is kind.

Ephesians 4:32~ Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
Colossians 3:12~ So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience....

• Love is not jealous.

Genesis 4:3-15 tells the story of Cain and Abel. Of how the Lord was pleased with Abel's offering, but not with Cain's. Cain was jealous of Abel because of this, and he rose up and killed his own brother! Because of Cain's jealousy and the fact that he acted on it, the Lord cursed him.
Genesis 37, 39-50 describes the story of Joseph. This is probably one of the best examples of jealousy that I can think of. It describes Joseph's life from the time he was 17 years old up until his death. We see how his life played out, from him being his father's beloved son, to his brothers letting their jealousy get the better of them and selling him into slavery. But, praise the Lord, the story didn't end there. Joseph was exalted in Egypt after a couple years of hardship. And his relationship with his family (his brothers, especially) was restored.

• Love does not brag.

James 4:16~ As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil.
I Corinthians 3:21~ So then let no one boast in men. For all things belong to You...

• Love is not arrogant.

Romans 1:28,30~ And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper.... slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents....

I Corinthians 13:5

• Love does not act unbecomingly.

I Timothy 4:12~ Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.
Colossians 1:10~ ....so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God....
Ephesians 5:3-4~ But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.

• Love is not self-seeking.

I Corinthians 10:24~ Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.
Philippians 2:3-4~ Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

• Love is not provoked.

James 1:19-20~ This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.
Proverbs 14:29~ He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.

• Love does not take into account a wrong suffered.

Ephesians 4:32~ Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ has forgiven you.
I Peter 4:8~ Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.

I Corinthians 13:6

• Love does not delight in evil.

Romans 12:9~ Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Proverbs 8:13~ "The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverted mouth, I hate."
Psalm 97:10~ Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of His faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

• Love rejoices with the truth.

** John 14:6~ Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me."
III John 4~ I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.
Philippians 4:4~ Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!
I Corinthians 13:7

• Love bears all things.
• Love believes all things.
• Love hopes all things.
• Love endures all things.

Genesis 29:20~ So Jacob served seven years for Rachel and they seemed to him but a few days because of his love for her.
Psalm 100:9~ For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.
Mark 9:23~ And Jesus said to him, "'If You can?' All things are possible to him who believes."
Psalm 84:12~ O Lord of hosts, how blessed is the man who trusts in You!
Romans 5:3-5~ And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
I Corinthians 13:8

• Love NEVER Fails....

Proverbs 17:17~ A friend loves at all times....
Song of Solomon 8:6-7~ "Put me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on you arm, for love is as strong as death, jealousy is as severe as Sheol; its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord. Many waters cannot quench love, nor will rivers overflow it; if a man were to give all the riches of his house for love, it would be utterly despised.
I Peter 4:8~ Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.

Jesus Christ, the ultimate Lover of our souls, proved every single point out of this passage when He gave up His life for us. He loves us so deeply that He was willing to give up His life for us. This is the kind of love that we need to pursue and practice.
Love is not just a feeling. Feelings come and go. If love were just a feeling, it wouldn't be worth much. If love were just a feeling, Christ would not have taken our place on the cross. Love is a commitment. Love is long-lasting. Love is never ending. The only way to know this kind of love is to know God, because God is love.
I John 4:7-10~ Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
So, now the question remains: Do you know what love is?

Speaking Boldly of Christ Through Persecution

I think that Acts 4 is a pretty amazing example of how we, as Christians, should respond to persecution. And it really inspired me! I'll just give a quick run through of what happened--

As Peter and John were ministering to the people in the temple, they were arrested and put in jail overnight. The next day they were questioned by the Sanhedrin about the power by which they healed the lame man (ch. 3.) Peter, being filled with the Holy Spirit, answered saying, "let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Isreal, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom YOU crucified, whom GOD raised from the dead-- by this name this man stands here before you in good health. He is the Stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief Corner Stone. And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."

~I think it's pretty awesome how bold Peter was (even while standing in the middle of all of the rulers and elders and scribes) in saying "YOU rejected Him. YOU killed Him. But you know what? GOD raised Him from the dead. HE became the chief Corner Stone. And HE is the only One that can save us!"

The Sanhedrin (after seeing that Peter and John must have been with Jesus, and after seeing the lame man, now healed) had no reply. They then began to discuss how word will spread among all of the people about the healing if they didn't put a stop to it. So, the Sanhedrin commanded Peter and John not to speak or teach AT ALL in the name of Jesus. But, Peter and John answered, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we CANNOT stop speaking about what we have seen and heard." They were then threated further, but the Sanhedrin could find no reason to punish them. So they were let go! :)

~I want to have the same attitude as Peter and John. They refused to stop talking about Jesus! This passage remind me of:
Jeremiah 20:9~ But if I say, "I will not remember Him Or speak anymore in His name," Then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire shut up in my bones; And I am weary of holding it in, And I cannot endure it.
~I want the word of God to burn like a fire within me! I don't want to hold it in! I want it to consume my life!

After Peter and John were released, they went back to their own companions and told them everything that was said to them by the rulers and elders. And they all prayed to the Lord, "And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus." After they prayed, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God boldly!

~Even after being arrested and questioned and threatened, they still spoke the word of God! And they prayed for boldness!

** I need to be praying for confidence that I may speak boldly to everyone about my Lord and Savior, even if/when I'm being persecuted for it!**

Making the Most of Every Opportunity

I started this study in May of 2010, while I was on tour in New Orleans with a performance choir that I was involved in from the church that we had been attending. The inspiration for this study was the ministry that I was able to be a part of for that time. It was amazing! So, I decided to work on this:

~I need to make the most of every opportunity that I get to share the Word of God with people!

Colossians 4:2-6~ Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak. Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.
Ephesians 5:15-16~ Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.

~I feel like, according to Colossians 4:2-6, I need to be praying that God will open up doors for me to share the Word. I need to conduct (manage) myself with wisdom, making the most of the opportunity! And, my speech needs to be with grace, so that I'll know how to respond to people.

~If I need wisdom on how to speak to to people, all I have to do is ask God!

James 1:5~ But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

~I think that one way to speak with grace is to follow:

Ephesians 4:29~ Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

So, I only need to speak with words that are uplifting.

~And, according to Ephesians 5:15-16, it is wise to make the most of my time, because the days are evil.
I Peter 3:15~ ...but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone that asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;
~Now, this verse tells me that I ALWAYS need to be ready to defend what I believe. And, the best way that I can defend myself is with Scripture.
Proverbs 22:17-18~ Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge; for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, that they may be ready on your lips.
~It will be pleasant if I keep the words of the wise (Scripture) within me. And if I keep them within me, they will be ready on my lips, so that I'll be able to defend my faith.
Colossians 3:16~ Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
~I see this verse as a command to memorize Scripture. It seems like that is the only way for it to richly dwell within me.

Now, I used to use excuses when it came to spreading the Word. I used to say that I'm not good at talking to people, I'm just shy, or I'm afraid of rejection..... But, this is what the Bible says about the kind of attitude that I should have:

Romans 1:16~ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Psalm 119:46~ I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings and shall not be ashamed.
Matthew 10:19-20~ "But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say. For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you."
Ephesians 6:19-20~ Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
II Timothy 1:7~ For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
Matthew 10:14~ "Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet."
~So, to sum all of those verses up.... I don't need to be ashamed to talk about Scripture. I should be proud to speak of the Lord and His Word! I don't need to worry about what I'm going to say. God will give me the words! I need to be praying that I may be fearless when talking about the Word. And, this is because I have been given a spirit of power, love, and discipline. Not fear. And, I don't need to worry about being rejected! If I am, I just need to "shake the dust off my feet" and go to the next place! :)
~~~I want to make the most of every opportunity and not be afraid to do so.~~~
This study was really hard for me to put into words.... So, I ended up using alot more Scripture than I did my own thoughts. But, I think that's definitely the way that it should be. I guess my sin nature wants to take over and say "These are MY thoughts." But, I don't want to live life according to MY thoughts. I want to live according to GOD'S WORD. So, there you have it.

Giving the Gospel

Hey guys! So, I've decided to start a blog (again!) And, this time, I'm going to try really, really hard to keep up with it. I've had photography blogs in the past that I never keep up with after about 2 months... Although photography is one of my main passions, my first priority (or, what I try to keep as my first priority) is God. I try to work on a few Bible studies a month, and I wanted a place to be able to write down all of my thoughts and my findings. And, hopefully, people will comment back and share their thoughts with me. :)

Another thing that you will probably learn about me as you read my posts, is that I type what I think as I go. I'm not incredibly eloquent with my words, but for me, most of the time it's easier to understand things when they're written out in plain English, the way that people speak everyday. I'm warning you now, I won't be writing like Jane Austen or Shakespeare (I only wish I could understand their literature...) But, you should be able to understand me. Hopefully. If you can't.... I'm sorry. This is just the way I think and talk. So, here's my first blog post!

The topic of this post--Giving the Gospel or How to Give the Gospel--took me weeks to study. Something that I have noticed is that usually when giving the Gospel or learning how to give the Gospel, people only give the basic verses: John 3:16, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23. But, I think that it should be a little more in-depth than just the basics.... It should really be put on a more personal level than it usually is. Salvation is the most important decision you will ever make in your life! You need to understand it fully! Now, I'm still going to add the basics in here, but I'm also using some other verses that aren't normally used. So, this is what I have found in my studies.....
We deserve death, but God offers us salvation. All we have to do is accept it. He loves us, and He just wants us to love Him in return. We are valuable in God's eyes. He paid a high price for us.
•Isaiah 59:1-2~ Behold, the Lord's hand is not so short that it cannot save; nor is His ear so dull that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear.•Romans 3:23~ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,•Romans 6:23~ For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
•John 3:16~ For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
•Romans 5:8~ But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
•Matthew 11:28-30~ "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
•I Corinthians 6:20~ For you have been bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.
We are saved by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. We cannot earn salvation in any way. We can never be good enough to earn salvation. We just have to accept it.
•Ephesians 2:8-9~ For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
•Romans 4:4-5~ Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness.
It isn't always easy being a Christian. You will be looked down on for your beliefs. And, just like anyone else, you're still going to have trials and tribulations, but you will know that God is watching you, and that He is going to take care of you if you commit yourself to Him. God will bring you through any hard times. You just have to believe that He can and will.

•Matthew 5:10-11~ "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
•Romans 5:3-4~ And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;•John 16:33~ "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."•Romans 8:18~ For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
•Romans 8:28~ And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
One day, all trials and tribulations will be done away with. In heaven there will be no tears, death, mourning, or pain. It is up to you which fate you choose. If you choose to believe, you will have eternal life in heaven with our Lord and Savior. If you choose not to believe, you will be thrown into the Lake of Fire.
•Revelation 21:3-4~ And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among me, and He will wipe away ever tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."
•Revelation 20:14-15~ Then death and Hades were thrown into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death, the Lake of Fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the Lake of Fire.
ONE MORE VERSE.....

If you're like I am (or used to be,) there will be times that you doubt your salvation, and you ask yourself, "Am I really saved?" This is my favorite verse of assurance.

•I John 5:11-13~ And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son, has the life; he who does not have the Son of God, does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.
Well, those are just my thoughts and verses for giving the Gospel..... If you have anymore really good ones that I missed, please feel free to share them with me! :)