When we operate in the Spirit of knowledge, we come to know God and maintain a deep communion with Him. Keith Miller
Quote for the Day
Reflection on 1 Timothy 3:8-16
Scripture
Without question this is the Great Mystery of the faith:
Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the Spirit
He was seen by angels and announced to the nations
He was believed in throughout the world and taken to heaven in glory
Reflection
What is the mystery of faith? What is the hidden thing that is now revealed? It is Christ in the flesh
Beloved, it was for your sake that I became a human being. I put aside, for a time, the splendour and majesty of the throne of Heaven. I came and dwelt among you and I died for the remission of sins.
Every being in heaven has seen this and you have too. I revealed this mystery to you so that you could be a part of my kingdom, my family.
Many have seen the truth, but they rejected it. It is to their shame and eternal sorrow that they walk away from my redemption.
Other see it and accept it, but they fail to grow. They focus on an easy salvation. They will fall over the line into heaven, but they will not claim all the blessings I have for them
Others will receive the fullness of my Kingdom in this life as well as in eternity.
Prayer
Father, please help me to know everything there is to be known about the mystery of faith. Let me walk in the fullness of your mercy today and always. Amen
Quote for the Day
He wants a river of might to flow out of you that will release the mighty acts of God so that people will see the manifestation of the Kingdom in power and they will see and behold the glory and power of the Kingdom. Keith Miller
Reading The Bible Regularly Is Good for You
The Rule of 4
I recently came across a survey that suggests reading the Bible 4 times a week brings about massive changes in your life, including better spiritual and mental health. The survey is available at www.c4be.org
A survey of 4000,00 people in 1996 conducted by Edward Cole and Pamela Ovwigho found that even among people who identify as christians the Bible is rarely read. Less than 40% read the bible at least weekly. Those who claim to be born again read the Bible more frequently, but even here only about 25-40% of adults read the Bible more than 3 days per week.
When it comes to lifestyle choices, a startling picture emerges. For christians who read the bible at least 4 times per week the incidence for various harmful or sinful behaviours changes:
- Getting drunk = 57% lower
- Sex outside marriage = 68% lower
- Pornography = 61% lower
- Gambling = 74% lower
- Any of these habits = 57% lower
What is remarkable is that for those who read the Bible 1,2, 0r 3 times a week there is no discernible difference in these behaviours between christians and non-christians.
When it comes to positive christian practices, those who read the bible more often are much more likely to engage in things like discipling other believers or witnessing.
- Sharing faith with others = 228% higher
- Discipling others = 231% higher
- Memorising scripture = 407% higher
There is also anecdotal evidence in the same study that shows feelings of alienation from God, loneliness and so on radically decline in those who read the Word 4 times or more per week.
It is clear that it is not enough to read the Bible occasionally. We need to develop the habit of engaging with it at least every second day, and preferably daily to allow God to impact our hearts and minds.
Reflection on 1 Timothy 3:1-7
Scripture
People outside the church must speak well of him, so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap.
Reflection
My guidelines for the character of christian leaders are specific but flexible.
These are principles not laws. The leaders in my church will above all be people who love me deeply and passionately. They will be people who love others and pour themselves out in serving others.
These are the people who are beyond reproach, who live faithful lives. They are not in any way perfect, but they know they are restored by my grace.
The titles of the office change, and the particulars vary, but the men and women of God are people who live in humble fellowship with me and who study my word.
Being an “elder” is not a reward for long service. It is rather a recognition of a person of true character who carries the respect of the church and the community.
This description is really the description of any mature believer. They have devoted themselves to me and have overcome their sin in the power of my Spirit.
Prayer
Please Lord, raise up these mature believers in the faith. Let everyone who claims to follow you take the call so seriously that you change every part of their lives. Amen
Reflection on 1 Timothy 2:8-15
Scripture
In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.
Observation
In every place of worship, men must pray with hands and hearts that are holy and dedicated to the Lord.
Women must be modest in their dress, not drawing attention to themselves with ostentatious hair arrangements or expensive clothes and jewellery. Women should learn submissively. They should not lord it over the men.
Application
People can be proud in their public worship. They draw attention to themselves in the way they pray or in their appearance.
God is not interested in these human power games. He wants hearts that are focused on Him, hearts that are surrendered to Him.
So we pray with holy hands. Our hands must not be a party to sin during the week. God will cleanse us from sin, but we have to ask Him and confess our sins before we get to worship.
Our hands should be lifted to God in surrender to Him. We reach up to Him as the source of every good thing.
We must be free from anger and controversy. If we are not walking in genuine love with our brothers and sisters, then how can we seek the presence of the Lord?
Worship and prayer are not about actions. God judges our hearts and not our outward appearance.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you command us to be holy, just as you are holy. Please help me to approach your throne confidently, but always in the knowledge of your grace. Amen
Today’s Bike Ride
Overcast and cool this morning on my ride to Haire Drive
Quote for the Day
The might of God is the vigor and strength of God—not only in you, but also upon you to fulfill the heavenly blueprint He has for your life. Keith Miller
Today’s Bike Ride
Took my favourite route this morning, through Tariaro and Turrawan. I went clockwise today to avoid being at the RSL corner prior to the Anzac Day ceremonies.
