God has once again used His Word to hit me over the head with the Truth that I really needed to hear! I have been doing some study on the life of Paul (aka Saul of Tarsus.) I have fully accepted the call that God had placed on me to speak and disciple other believers. I still cannot fathom exactly why God has called me or understand what He expects to accomplish with me. However, I know that is His Will and I am smart enough to know that He knows best!
Beth Moore has become such an inspiration to me. As I use her commentary to study God’s Word His message to me becomes apparent. I am in a stage that I know Ms. Moore understands; perhaps you do too. I want to serve God I believe Philippians 1:6 when it says, “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” That means that I (and you) must yield to the Holy Spirit’s guidance on my life. Especially, when I feel the tug to change or improve any area of my walk.
You know God is working when He reveals something you to when you are not even looking for it. I just began Beth Moore’s book To Live is Christ. Just the title sounded like exactly what I needed. After all, that is what I long for. To live in such a way that my very waking in the morning is to serve and honor the One who died to set me free! The book and study is about the life and ministry of Paul. There are already many highlighted portions in my book but one part was so profound to me that I must share it with you.
First, you need to turn to Acts. You need to read chapter 7 and verse 1 of chapter 8. This describes the death of Stephen the first Christian martyr. Go ahead, do it now!
First, no one will argue the fervor and devotion that Stephen gave to the cause of Christ. He fulfilled what Saul would later write in Romans 14:8 “For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.”
Now, notice Acts 8:1 “Now Saul was consenting to his death against the church which was at Jerusalem…” Saul was there cheering on the crowd as they stoned Stephen. Here, God paints us a picture of two men on opposite ends of the spectrum in THEIR love for Jesus. If you are like me, you are quick to praise Stephen and condemn Saul. Read here what Beth Moore writes. I hope if hits you like it did me!
“As Jesus watched. He didn’t miss a single not of Saul’s phylacteried head. Remember, Christ was up on His feet at the time. Can you image the alloy of emotions He must have experienced as He looked on the two key players in the kingdom for that day? One for Him. One against Him. One covered in the blood. The other covered by prayer shawls. One who could not save himself from men. The other who could not save himself from sin. One dead in body but alive in spirit. The other alive in body but dead in spirit. One loved by God. And the other loved by God. Grace, grace, God’s grace.” Beth More-To Live is Christ pg29
WOW! Did I need to see that the Easter season! I am way too quick to judge those living in open sin. What I need to remember is that Jesus GAVE himself for them as much so for me! In fact, the only thing that separates “them” from “me” is the precious blood of Jesus!
“Father, You are mighty and holy. I thank you for the gifts of this and every day! Thank You for Carys’ health, healing Justin and me, and providing a great support for Sawyer at home. I ask you to be with my church family tonight as they partake in the Lord’s Supper. Oh how I wish I could be there with them. As always, I will trust Your plan even if I do not understand.
Thank You for Your Word! Its truths touch me and keep me.
Thank You for Jesus. Words are not enough to describe all that I owe Him!
Please use Your word to teach and correct the areas of my life that need it! I want to serve and please You so teach me more each day to walk in Your Way!
Amen”
Beth Moore has become such an inspiration to me. As I use her commentary to study God’s Word His message to me becomes apparent. I am in a stage that I know Ms. Moore understands; perhaps you do too. I want to serve God I believe Philippians 1:6 when it says, “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” That means that I (and you) must yield to the Holy Spirit’s guidance on my life. Especially, when I feel the tug to change or improve any area of my walk.
You know God is working when He reveals something you to when you are not even looking for it. I just began Beth Moore’s book To Live is Christ. Just the title sounded like exactly what I needed. After all, that is what I long for. To live in such a way that my very waking in the morning is to serve and honor the One who died to set me free! The book and study is about the life and ministry of Paul. There are already many highlighted portions in my book but one part was so profound to me that I must share it with you.
First, you need to turn to Acts. You need to read chapter 7 and verse 1 of chapter 8. This describes the death of Stephen the first Christian martyr. Go ahead, do it now!
First, no one will argue the fervor and devotion that Stephen gave to the cause of Christ. He fulfilled what Saul would later write in Romans 14:8 “For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.”
Now, notice Acts 8:1 “Now Saul was consenting to his death against the church which was at Jerusalem…” Saul was there cheering on the crowd as they stoned Stephen. Here, God paints us a picture of two men on opposite ends of the spectrum in THEIR love for Jesus. If you are like me, you are quick to praise Stephen and condemn Saul. Read here what Beth Moore writes. I hope if hits you like it did me!
“As Jesus watched. He didn’t miss a single not of Saul’s phylacteried head. Remember, Christ was up on His feet at the time. Can you image the alloy of emotions He must have experienced as He looked on the two key players in the kingdom for that day? One for Him. One against Him. One covered in the blood. The other covered by prayer shawls. One who could not save himself from men. The other who could not save himself from sin. One dead in body but alive in spirit. The other alive in body but dead in spirit. One loved by God. And the other loved by God. Grace, grace, God’s grace.” Beth More-To Live is Christ pg29
WOW! Did I need to see that the Easter season! I am way too quick to judge those living in open sin. What I need to remember is that Jesus GAVE himself for them as much so for me! In fact, the only thing that separates “them” from “me” is the precious blood of Jesus!
“Father, You are mighty and holy. I thank you for the gifts of this and every day! Thank You for Carys’ health, healing Justin and me, and providing a great support for Sawyer at home. I ask you to be with my church family tonight as they partake in the Lord’s Supper. Oh how I wish I could be there with them. As always, I will trust Your plan even if I do not understand.
Thank You for Your Word! Its truths touch me and keep me.
Thank You for Jesus. Words are not enough to describe all that I owe Him!
Please use Your word to teach and correct the areas of my life that need it! I want to serve and please You so teach me more each day to walk in Your Way!
Amen”
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