![That Great Chasm Between Knowing and Doing]()
by Suellen | Faith, Prayer
I once read about a highly successful fitness expert, Bill Phillips, whose training helped many people improve their health and their stamina. Yet he was always amazed at the numbers of out-of-shape people who would approach him and thank him for his books. It’s as if they didn’t realize that he could tell at a glance that they were not implementing his ideas. He began to challenge people to “face the abyss,” that infinite chasm between knowing and doing.
Our western society has become a “spectator society.” We watch our teams win, and we think we have accomplished something. We watch news and our favorite TV series, and we trick ourselves into thinking we are in on the action. (more…)
by Suellen | Faith
Have you wondered why God chose Abraham?
We know that God chose Abraham to be the father of the Jews, the people who would eventually bring forth Jesus. But why was he so special? What was there about Abraham that made God choose him?
Something set him apart from others of his day. What was it? (more…)
by Suellen | Bible, Prayer
Today we are moving into deeper water. The discussion today is one of the most important ones we will cover.
There are so many people who want God involved in their lives, but they don’t know how to get Him involved. They pray “help” or “why me” prayers, or they just copy someone else, but they don’t understand how God designed His plan of prayer.
So let’s start with the big picture.
(more…)
by Suellen | Prayer
As Jesus taught His disciples, He often used parables or comparisons so that people could “get the picture.” Remember the saying, “a picture is worth a thousand words?”Well, last post we talked about Jesus comparing the Word of God to seed planted in the heart. Today, we want to present another picture. Throughout the Bible God’s Word is referred to as “water.”
When we get this picture, we will learn one of God’s most important concepts. There are lots of scriptures which we could use, but let’s focus on two. Isaiah 55: 10-11 speaks of God’s Word as rain and snow. It comes down from heaven causing the earth to bear and sprout. (Or causing your life to bear and sprout). But why does it say “rain and snow?” Why not just “rain?”
This part is important!
If we look at Psalm 147: 15-20, (NASB) we will get it. (more…)
by Suellen | Uncategorized
Psalm 73-77
Have you ever felt almost jealous of some unbelievers as they prosper while you are going through turmoil? That’s common, and that’s what this first psalm is all about.
Asaph, one of David’s chief musicians, is the writer of this psalm, and he doesn’t mind expounding his jealousy. Yet he finally comes to his senses, as he remembers the goodness of God.
Ultimately every person has to make the decision for their focus: a moment of pleasure on earth or a life lived with God at the center. Of course, God brings great pleasure, but there are times when “things just don’t seem to be going so well.” What do we do then? That’s the big question.
When my heart was embittered and I was pierced within,
Then I was senseless and ignorant; I was like a beast before Thee.(73:21-22)
But he goes on to say
Thou hast taken hold of my right hand
With Thy counsel thou wilt guide me
And afterward receive me to glory. (73:23-24)
When we stay faithful to God, He will guide us through the problems we face and bring us out to glory.
These next psalms continue in a similar vein. There are problems we face, and sometimes we can feel hopeless and helpless. However, if we turn our hearts back to God and allow Him to speak to us and strengthen us, our joy will return. Then we will see the answers before us.
Faithfulness is the key. He is faithful to us. Are we faithful to Him?
Romans 9
“Not the children of the flesh, but the children of the promise.” (V. 8) That’s the key phrase when we approach chapter 9.
Paul is explaining to the Romans that the covenant of God is established by faith – and not by works. This difficult concept continues to cause hangups until this day.
As Paul elaborates on the differences between the children of the flesh and the children of the promise, he digs into the annals of Israel’s history to bring out Jacob and Esau, and even the Pharoah of Egypt.
God started His covenant with the Jews, but He eventually extended it to the gentiles. The key from man’s perspective, is to have faith in the covenant – faith in God Himself. The covenant is powerful with many benefits. It doesn’t just fall on you; but neither do you work for it. It comes to those who believe in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and trust in His blessing of grace.
Today, as we go about our routines, let’s ponder this sacrifice and this great grace. Do we believe? Do we receive what He has for us? It’s here for us if we do. We are the children of the promise.
I once read about a highly successful fitness expert, Bill Phillips, whose training helped many people improve their health and their stamina. Yet he was always amazed at the numbers of out-of-shape people who would approach him and thank him for his books. It’s as if they didn’t realize that he could tell at a glance that they were not implementing his ideas. He began to challenge people to “face the abyss,” that infinite chasm between knowing and doing.
