The Hill of Faith: Trusting in Jesus ~

Hello again~ We've looked at scripture about having faith in God, and I mentioned having faith in Jesus, but in this lesson, I want to wrap up our thoughts about climbing the Hill of Faith by looking at a few scriptures which specify faith in Christ. Jesus, as the promised Messiah, qualifies as the perfect object for our faith. And there are wonderful connections to be made between the Messiah and the psalmist David.  In Romans 15:12, that tie is given to us in poetic form: "There shall be a root of Jesse; And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, In Him the Gentiles shall hope." David was the son of Jesse, whose lineage runs straight through to Jesus the Christ.

What does this mean to us? It means David foreshadowed Jesus the Messiah. As I said in a blog I wrote over a year ago, the magnitude of his life is hard to grasp. No king before or after him loved God as much. He was a man after God's own heart. And when he failed to please God and sinned, he was humble and contrite, begging forgiveness. But David was not only a king, a warrior and a ruler, he was also a prophet. In II Samuel 22:23, as David was about to die, he spoke these words: "The spirit of the Lord hath spoken by me and his word by my tongue." The importance of David and his forshadowing of Christ is seen in these 10 facts about his prophecies.

1. David's prophecies are Messianic.
2. David's prophecies refer to the suffering of Christ.
3. David's prophecies refer to the persecution of Christ.
4. David's prophecies refer to the triumphant deliverance of Christ.
5. David's prophecies refer to the hereditary rights given Jesus by the Father.
6. David's prophecies were written 1,000 years before Christ, but many make reference to and foreshadow Him.
7. David was a king after God's own heart; his qualities are of the Messiah.
8. Two facts that foreshadow Christ: David & Christ both born in Bethlehem; David's shepherd life points to Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
9. Both David and Christ were betrayed by friends and had to make a sad passage.
10. The Davidic Psalms are clearly typical of the future Messiah, of which David was a type.

As I said, David's last words acknowledge that he was a prophet. Many of the 100 direct references to Jesus in Messianic passages of the Psalms are quoted in the New Testament. They are used to explain the character and message of Jesus as Messiah and refer to all of the above. When we think of David, we should think of him as a man after God's own heart, and a type of the Messiah. Does it create faith and trust in your heart when you hear such amazing details as these? It does for me!

                                 
And it doesn't stop there. John 20:30-31 gives us the reason the book of John was written: "...but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name." Why did Christ come? We would all answer that question by saying that Christ had to come and die on the cross so that we could have forgiveness of our sins. And, as I've gotten older, I have begun to realize that it isn't quite as easy to have the kind of faith and trust we need as I once thought. When you get down to the truth that is presented in the New Testament, we have been trained to accept it from our youth. But sometimes I find that if it isn't getting stronger, with a deeper understanding, then we're missing the boat. So I'll suggest that maybe we all need to scrutinize our beliefs from time to time. If a Muslim jehadist told you to reject Jesus or have your head cut off, what would you do? What would you say? We haven't been persecuted for our beliefs very much--maybe an argument with an opposing brother or neighbor. It might do us some good to challenge our faith and see whether we're trusting in Jesus.   

In John 8:22-24, there is a revealing sequence. Jesus is misunderstood by the Jewish leaders. So the Jews said, "Will He kill Himself, because He says, 'Where I go you cannot come'? And He said to them, "You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins." In my simplified view of these words, it's relevant for us to grasp the message that the fatal, unforgivable sin is rejecting Christ. The Messiah had finally come, but was mostly rejected by the Jews. I say mostly because some of the Jews accepted Him--even some of the priests, who helped to teach and preach the gospel with all their wisdom and understanding. Should we do less?

                                                                                                      

And so we can look at the One who gives us strength. One of my favorite lines in the Bible is the first part of Jeremiah 20:11, which says: "But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior...." When I come home alone from my daughter's, and it's late and dark outside, those words go through my mind over and over. I have to trust that God is with me or I would be too fearful to leave the house. And in that same vein,  2 Thessalonians 3:3-5 says,  "But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ." This time the protection is from Satan and his angels, but we can rest in this guardian presence. When we are following Christ, trusting in His ability to lead us, guide us, and guard our hearts and minds, then our lives will be what God planned for us from the beginning of Creation!

                                                                                                           

And because I love the parable of the mustard seed, I'll remind you once more that: "If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." If you believe this statement, you are climbing the Hill of Faith!

Blessings...Mimi   

The Proper Daily Attitude~

It's still very cold here, but has warmed up enough so that we don't have to worry so much about our pipes freezing and losing our heat source. I'm very thankful for that today too. I'm going to write a short lesson about something we can do every day to maintain the right attitude. I think we forget sometimes that this is the whole duty of man.

And now we ARE getting closer to the heart of what you and I can do to have the right attitude. Not in a general sense, but you and I in particular on a daily basis. You'll probably remember what was said in Matthew after the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees. They got together and one of them--a lawyer--asked Him a question to test Him: "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?"

And what did Jesus reply? He said: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." And He told them that this was the first and great commandment, and that the second was very much like it: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." In other words, that covers the whole Old Testament! What do you think of that? Don't you agree that is the most significant statement Jesus could have made?

And if we go to I John 5:3, he gives us the same instruction: "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world." So there you have it in black and white--or in this case blue: Love God and love your neighbor. You may have to practice, but since it's the most important thing you can do, just practice! And John goes on to say that our faith in Jesus--faith that He is the Son of God--is the victory that overcomes the world! God has given us His Son and so many other spiritual and physical blessings. Ask yourself, what is your attitude toward Him? Do you show that you love Him by keeping His commandments?

Have a wonderful Sunday!
Blessings...Mimi

The Apostle Paul's Attitude ~

Hello! Hello! Is anybody there??? With so many states frozen over, I'm beginning to think the answer is NO! Our high today was 17 degrees, and we had a low of -6 last night. I'm praying that we don't lose heat. I'm not sure what I'd do, but probably go to Lisa's since she has electric heaters. I'm thankful that I have some choices. 

And so do you when it comes to your attitude. We all have choices when it comes to acting out our faith and beliefs. Think about the apostle Paul speaking to the elders at Epheseus as he was preparing to go to Jerusalem for the day of Pentecost.

The Holy Spirit has shown him that "chains and tribulations" await   him, and he says:  "But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. .... Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men." How could Paul say this with conviction? Because as he states: "For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God." Paul's attitude was that he had said everything he could to give them understanding and counsel--not of his own wisdom--but the counsel of God. {Acts 20:22-27}

And to the Philippians, Paul shows much more about his attitude. He tells the brethren that the things which happened to him turned out to further the gospel. And even though some of the people were then preaching from envy and strife, others were preaching from goodwill.

This meant that whether it was pretending or truth, the gospel of Christ was preached, and Paul rejoiced at the news. The important thing, Paul says, is that he magnify Christ in his body, whether through life or death. And he didn't know which would be best, saying: "For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you." What an attitude! He knows that the people need him, and he is willing to live in order to share their joy of faith and their rejoicing in Jesus Christ. {Phil 1:12-26}

                                                              

Further along in Philippians, Paul is rejoicing at their care for him. And his statement of acceptance and contentment is an attitude which would benefit all of us. He says: "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
 {Phil 4:11-13}

And when Paul spoke of doing things because Christ strengthened him, he was showing all of us that we too can depend on the strength of Christ in everything we do. With the world in the shape it's in regarding a lack of knowledge of God and the Bible, we know that things are seriously out of sync. And even in the U. S. today, we see so many problems on every hand--people who mistreat their families and friends without thinking, and problems within families because no consideration or appreciation is felt. There is an epidemic of unhappiness, laziness, and troubled souls who look to themselves rather than to God. But one of the things you and I can do is to keep the right attitude as we go through our trials and problems. That attitude rests in God. And for right now, I think we need some strength to get through this cold, snowy weather! I hope the best for all of you.

Blessings...Mimi  

More on the Proper Attitude for Your Life ~

There's snow on the ground and it's still snowing! On days like this, I want to sit and read or write all day--something I do often in any case. But, for now, I want to give you the lessons by Ron Roark on Attitudes. If you want to shift your life into a room where sunlight lives, learn from the good Book itself! There are so many examples of the proper attitudes for saints. Remember: beginning with the right attitude is important; keeping the right attitude is paramount!   

And what attitude did the people have when Peter was preaching on Pentecost? He was testifying and exhorting the people, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation." What happened? "Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." The people listening to Peter had the proper attitude and they were saved. {Acts 2:41}

On the other hand, Paul reasoned with Felix, the Roman governor, "about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come." Felix was afraid and said, "Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you." Felix knew that he was hearing the truth, but he didn't have the proper attitude about it, so he sent Paul away. Do you close your ears to the truth?
{Acts 24:25}                                              

And the same thing happened with Agrippa, another Roman governor. When he heard Paul's teaching, what was his attitude?  He said, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian." But was that the right attitude? "Almost" amounted to "no." {Acts 26:28} 

And what about the leaders of the day--the Pharisees and lawyers? Luke tells us what happened when they heard the preaching of John the Baptist: "But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him." If any group would logically have the proper attitude, it should have been the Pharisees and lawyers, because they were the teachers and  leaders. They believed in a Messiah. But they rejected the truth because of their wrong attitude. {Luke 7:30}

And none of us would leave out Abraham when looking at the right and proper attitude, which was evident when he followed God "by faith." You may remember that "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going." Also, by faith Abraham dwelt in the land of promise, and by faith Abraham offered up his only begotten son, whom Sarah conceived by faith. Do we have enough belief to live our lives "by faith"? {Hebrews 11:8}

These are good examples of those who showed their attitudes by their actions. You too are leaving an example which is either a right one or a wrong one. Who is following your example? Where will your example be recorded? Give some thought to your own life and what it means to have the proper attitude--not only for yourself, but also for the sake of those who look to you as an example. 

Blessings...Mimi 

The Proper Attitude for Your Life ~

Just to remind you,  I'm sharing the lessons on Attitudes written by Ron Roark. And I'm sure you've anticipated the Beatitudes as a part of these lessons. Picture the multitudes as they listened to Jesus speaking these words, and imagine them  as they listened in amazement to a message they'd never heard before, nor ever expected to hear. It doesn't really matter to us today where the sermon took place, except that we love the idea of following Jesus' footsteps as He made His earthly sojourn.

The emphasis here is that we have the Sermon on the Mount, and we want to embrace its message. We can study it in depth later. For now,  it's helpful to know that the word "beatitude" means supreme, utmost bliss and happiness. I'm giving you the Beatitudes from Matthew 5:3-12, so that you can read them slowly for yourself, and realize that when Jesus talked about the kinds of people who are happy and blessed, He was also talking about YOU! The Beatitudes portray the proper attitude for Christians!

1. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
2. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
3. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
5. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
6. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
7. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
8. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.                                                                                            

In the Beatitudes, you have the proper attitude, along with its reward. Now let's look at another example of the proper attitude in Mark 12:34, when Jesus goes to the temple and is asked which commandment is first. Jesus told the Scribes that the first commandment was to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. And the second was to love your neighbor as yourself. One of the Scribes was impressed with Jesus' answer and told Him so. And then the Scribe said that loving God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and loving one's neighbor as oneself is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. This wise answer brought this reply from Jesus: "You are not far from the kingdom of God." The Scribe's attitude is the proper one. 

And we can also find the proper attitude for saints. When reading a text like this, I remember C. S. Lewis' observation that Christianity is both hard and easy. You may agree after reading Philippians 1:4-9.

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and mind through Christ Jesus.

And while I'm sure you're daily rejoicing in the Lord, how's your gentleness holding up? And with anxiety so rampant these days, what happens when you're under stress? Because even though you know that the antedote is prayer and thanksgiving, asking God for what you want and need, you can lose your focus on God's part in your life. If you think about it, you'll remember that when you do your part, God gives you peace, which keeps watch over your heart and mind. Easy peasy? No, I'm not saying it's easy. But it is possible to do your best every day, and by doing your best every day, to find success when you least expect it. 

There is so much to say about the proper attitude, but I'm going to stop for now and continue another day. It's so important for us to understand the way our attitudes can create or destroy the good life we crave. Please give this message some thought, and see if you can find the proper attitude for yourself. And have a wonderful Sunday!

Blessings...Mimi

  

Attitudes for Your Life ~

I will lift up my eyes to the hills-
From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth. 
 Psalm 121:1-2

I've decided to continue my Bible blog at this time because my brother, Ron Roark, has written a set of Bible lessons on Attitudes. In a world that allows us to get by with a selfish attitude, this has become a very important subject. You'll be getting a combination of my thoughts along with Ron's teaching. I'll start by giving you a good definition of the word attitude, so that we can begin on the same page. Webster's dictionary gives this definition: attitude is the posture or position of a person showing, or meant to show, a mental state, emotion or mood. Or, attitude is the manner of acting, feeling or thinking that shows one's disposition, opinion, etc. What does having the right attitude mean to you?  I wonder if we're aware of how often a bad attitude ruins our day!

Consider these statements from the Bible:

• Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness...
• If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free...if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
• I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
• We give thanks to God always for you all, ... remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope....

How do these expressions of attitude make you feel? Are they attitudes you'd like to embrace? Why? We all know there are attitudes we like when we're on the receiving end, but what about our own attitudes? In this study, we'll look at circumstances that happen in our lives, and then see what attitude God wants us to have. That's the secret of an abundant, meaningful, useful and happy life--having the proper attitude toward God and our circumstances.

When you're making a decision or wondering what to do, you may deal with ignorance, false information, inexperience and emotions, causing you to make poor choices. If you want to make good choices, you'll need truthful information, knowledge, experience and reason. So, having the right attitude can make all the difference to your happiness. It can determine how many hills and valleys you have in your life--whether good times or bad, happiness or sorrow, highs or lows.

                                                                                                       

Remember that an attitude is a pattern of thought which is developed by repeated affirmations to the subconscious. So having the proper attitude is essential to having a happy life. And you'll also remember that being unhappy involves being upset, anxious, depressed and irritable. The choice is yours, and you will make a choice whether you realize it or not!  

Tomorrow we'll look at the Proper Attitude, and then we'll begin to look at the valleys of life before we start climbing up the hills. I hope you'll enjoy thinking about these biblical attitudes with me. 

Blessings...Mimi