Tag Archive | seek

“Good Behavior”

Mar13

For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. — Romans 13:3-5

When I was a younger woman I always feared authority. Probably a good thing in my teens. Fear in itself is not a bad thing depending on what and who you fear. Fear of something can keep you from danger and regretful consequences. Who you fear can make you respectful to persons and to avoid getting involved with others.

As I matured my fear of authority changed a bit when I realized the One I should fear, God, was the authority over all authority. So, do I want to have no fear of authority? Then I must do what is good.

One of those “do what is good” things, for conscience sake was to obey God’s Word about obeying the law of the land set by and enforced by those in authority. You know the unwritten rule that says you can go over the speed limit by 5? Well, my conscience said that the law says, “Limit” which means the maximum. So, yes, I am that annoying person in front of you going the speed limit.

I’m not writing this to brag but I’ve learned a lot about obeying God by following the speed limit. Like: is it okay to disobey when everyone else is? Is it okay to disobey if I’m inconvenienced (in this case, running late for work)? It’s okay to disobey just a little if I’m anxious to get to my destination, right? I thank God for my limits that keep me safe and my conscience clear. Now that, my friend, is peace.

And I like to think that God blesses my obedience, even when I am tempted to be disobedient (in this case speeding), by blessing me with green lights, merging on the freeway clear of any traffic, no traffic delays, etc. Once again, I made it to work on time. Amazing!

That’s my God, AMAZING!!!!!

Are you trusting God by being obedient?

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Problem With The World

Mar12

First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions  and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. — 1 Timothy 2:1-3

Yesterday’s devotional spoke of obeying, submitting authority to our leaders — politicians of our country. It told of the grumbling and verbal dissatisfaction we have with them. My question is (actually two) — Am I praying for my leaders? Am I being a good witness before men in my verbiage and actions toward the leaders of my country?

The problem with the world today is too much focus on what our world leaders are doing wrong instead of praying for them. The answer for a quiet and tranquil life? Jesus Christ. Salvation and knowledge of Him and in obedience He can change the condition of the hearts of world leaders, those in authority and even the hearts of those who vote.

The problem is not our politicians. The problem is we have left our first love and obedience to Him.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Established Authority

Mar11

Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. — Romans 13:1-2

Ouch! How many of us skim over that portion of scripture? Many are unhappy with the world’s politicians and their “politics”. I read and hear grumbling, tearing apart of their character, making fun of these world leaders. When the reality of who put them in office, position, sinks in I personally am very humbled. God has a plan despite my desire for who I want as the leader of my country. I have a right to vote, and I do, but the outcome is always according to God’s will.

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. — 1 Peter 2:13-15

“It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and  establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding. — Daniel 2:21

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Pay Backs, Vengeance and Burning Coals

Mar10

Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but  leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. — Romans 12:17-21

Are you an overcomer?

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? — 1 John 5:4-5

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Do Not Be Wise?!

Mar9

Do not be wise in your own estimation. — Romans 12:16c

“Boast no more so very proudly,
Do not let arrogance come out of your mouth;
For the Lord is a God of knowledge,
And with Him actions are weighed. — 1 Samuel 2:3

Weighing our knowledge and/or wisdom with God’s knowledge and wisdom, we will lose every time. Let us “trust in the Lord with all our heart and do not lean on our own understanding”. Now that is wisdom to rely and trust in!

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

 

Be Not Haughty

Mar8

do not be haughty in mind, but  associate* with the lowly. — Romans 12:16b

*accommodate yourself to lowly things

I remember a time in my life when I would covet my neighbor’s things. Before I owned a house I would envy those who had one. The old junker we were driving paled to the brand new cars on the block. And my mother’s wisdom ringing in my ear, “as long as it gets you from point A to point B”.

“The one who dies with the biggest toys wins”. Remember that bumper sticker? Many want to be judged by what they own, by their position in the workplace, how intelligent they appear and think it below themselves to be seen anywhere but amongst the well-to-do.

The song, “No One Knows What Goes On Behind Closed Doors” reminds me that the outward appearance doesn’t always tell the whole story. The haughty on the outside is probably broken on the inside. Their need is to be recognized. Jesus is not attracted by our status in society. He is concerned with the humble heart who can accept that He is God and take the salvation He has to offer. Jesus was not too proud to associate with the lowly. He went to those who were not distracted by the things of this world, the lowly, to bring a greater gift than anything this world could give.

Are you too proud to accept God’s forgiveness through Jesus Christ? If you have accepted the gift, are you too proud to associate with everyone, including the lowly, who need Christ?

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Be of the Same Mind

Mar7

Be of the same mind toward one another; — Romans 12:16a

make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. — Philippians 2:2

But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ. — 1 Corinthians 2:15-16

No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. — John 15:15

Christ unites the body of believers. It is His mind we seek. As we seek to honor and please God the Holy Spirit brings us together in one mind to bring glory to our Lord.

Prayer and Bible study under the power and influence of the Holy Spirit brings like minds, unity and power to the work of God. Are you participating?

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

Rejoice and Weep

Mar6

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. — Romans 12:15

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence,  fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; — Romans 12:10-11

Serve the Lord, in devoted love for others, by identifying and sharing with them in their joys and sorrows.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

 

Bless, Not Curse

Mar5

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. — Romans 12:14

Bless (Eulogeo: Greek): to invoke blessing upon a person.

It’s right there, in black and white, in my Bible. Bless those who persecute? Really? I must have read that wrong. No, there it is. Bless and do not curse.

I thought, how can I bless someone who is mean, evil, wrong doing, harsh and many other such words? As I thought on these Words of God I saw a different picture.

If I dwell on persecutors I get angry and my mind wants revenge, for them to suffer as they have made others suffer and pretty soon I find myself enraged and bitter. What does that do to me? That’s my selfish view although justified as I need to dwell on Jesus and “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise”. (Philippians 4:8) Which way is most effective for the Kingdom of God?

My other thought is what better way can I bless someone than to pray for them. All day long I can hear, read, see persecution everywhere — news, T.V. in general, the internet, Facebook, conversations everywhere — but I wonder how many are praying for the persecuted and especially the persecutors. Just maybe if we started praying for them and our leaders — instead of mocking them, ridiculing them, pointing out all their faults — the earnest prayers of faithful believers just might see God move in miraculous ways in others and in us.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon

 

Be Devoted

Mar4

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. — Romans 12:10-13

I don’t know about you but these words are pretty convicting. Reminds me of the verse, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”. I have sinned and fallen short but that gives me no excuse to give up, quit trying. I must devote, be diligent, fervent (passionate), serving, rejoicing, persevering, contributing and practicing everyday these Words of God.

They are all action words that demand I participate in my walk with Jesus. It begins with loving the Lord with my whole being, with all I’ve got. That enables me, by His love, to love others. By loving others I am motivated to serve them, pray for them, contribute to their well-being. In serving I honor others but also our Lord. In Him we find hope and persevere because of that hope.

So honor God today by practicing His Word. His Word is wisdom for life. May God bless your endeavors to serve Him.

Continually seeking Him,

Sharon