What's the plan?

Continued devotion in Colossians 3 yields more gems for 2024.

After practicing more of the list noted in verses 12-16, one finds practical instructions for each believer and their office or station in life.

First, we are told that "whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do ALL in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by HIM."  3.17   

That means that in addition to thinking about what is  "true, honest, just and pure and of good report," Phil 4.8, one gives glory for all things good to "God the Father by Him (the Lord Jesus)."  Simply put "He must increase but we must decrease." Jn 3.30  Very clearly, the believer gets no credit because He or she is "laying up treasures" for another time.  Mt 6.19-21 

Second, each "office" has a directive: verses 18-22

• Wives submit
• Husbands love
• Children obey
• Fathers provoke not
• Servants obey

Interesting order. Especially curious at the "Fathers provoke not" stage.  The truth is, it's easier to be obedient to one in authority when its also done in love, kindness and mercy.

Third, verse 23 instructs that "whatsoever ye do, do heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."  Seems pretty clear that this instruction emanates from the attitude and heart of obedient behavior.  One should question whether an obedient behavior is done with a willing heart or begrudgingly because there is no choice or it's a duty to do so.

Why do a thing with a willing, grateful heart?  Because you are "laying up treasures." Mt. 6.19-21

In His blessed Name, Site Moderator

What's "New" with you?

What will your "New Year Resolutions" be?  Lose weight, usually tops the list.  Other things folks tend to think about is spending more time with loved ones or "spring cleaning" comes to mind along with organizing ones space. However, loftier goals are nearer to a believers heart.

Morning devotion finds this blogger in Colossians 3.12-16.  The Apostle begins by stating what we should "put on."  So, here goes the list of things this blogger will, Lord willing, attempt to "resolve" in the next year.

More mercy - be thoughtful of whomever you are dealing with.  One can never know the story behind the individual in front of you.

• More kindness - all too often I am given to hurry up and go to the next thing.  I want to "resolve" to slow down and see the need.
• Humility of mind.  Uggh, how proud and lofty I think myself when comparing my abilities to others.  I'm more mature, more experienced....so what!  Again, slowing down and really looking at who or what is in front of me will cause humility to prevail.
• Meekness - read the previous point.  The Lord Jesus was definitely meek and mild. "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me...for I Am meek and lowly... (Mt 11.29)
• Long-suffering.  How often am I in such a rush as to miss the pain and heartache in front of me?  Lord, forgive my impatience.  Spiritual maturity causes a gentle spirit to prevail while teaching or training another.
• Forgiveness.  One of the harder aspects in a believers life.  To keep a forgiving spirit when unjustly accused, wrongly done or feeling unvalidated.
• Thankful heart.  Definitely a goal for 2024.  "In every thing give thanks."  Why?  "For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (I Thes 5.18)
• Psalms and Hymns - When thinking on all that's good, true and honest and pure... (Phil 4.8) it is better to look up instead of around.  Life is difficult enough without dwelling on ones circumstances or the harsh things around us.
• More of His Word to add to wisdom.  (Col 3.16)  One can have knowledge without the wisdom to apply it.
• Ps 57.7 - bottom line

So, What's New with you this year?

Blessings, dear reader, as you enter 2024

Shedding worldly weights, trials and pain

Lately, this blogger has been given to focus on what really matters.  One thinks an unsettling emotion of perhaps envy or jealousy is conquered, then BOOM!  One little circumstance totally crushes the spirit giving way to a really bad attitude.  The solution? First, of course, in Jesus' Name ask forgiveness for such an attitude.  THEN, focus on what awaits when this life is done!  For every believer this is the only hope.  Much more could be added in thought and scripture but below are just a few verses on the subject that speak truth alone.  

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Rom 12.12

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Rom 15.13

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jer 29.11

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.  Isa 40.31

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isa 41.10

And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.  Ps 39.7

The prayer of this blogger is that the reader will discover a way beyond whatever may be discouraging at this time.  

God bless and keep you is my prayer,  Ps 57.7, Num 6.24

Wise but Harmless

 Matthew 10:16

“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”

The first order to understanding the words, "wise and harmless" would be to study the creatures they are descriptive of.

The second course to comprehend all the verse means, at least in this bloggers mind, is to find the Greek and Webster's Dictionary meaning of the words.
Then, one may begin to discern and interpret how a believer is to behave in this world for the glory of the Lord and among nonbelievers.

First, wisdom of the serpent

1.    Why is a snake considered wise in the writer's view? 

• According to (animalvivid.com), they use special sense of smell via their tongues to locate prey and evade predators.  So, one could conclude that the serpent does not seek an adversarial situation.  In fact they spend their lives actually hiding from "adversarial situations." 
• Is this a "wise" trait? Of course!  Believers NEVER seek an adversarial situation.  We are metaphorically known as "sheep" in scripture.  Sheep are docile, unassuming and quite dumb! (Mt 10.16, Jn 10.3, 4, 14, 27,  I Pet 2.25)
• Why are they "sneaky?" In part, because most predators, including humans, are bigger and more able to destroy them.  However, there is evidence to suggest they seek out others of like kind for a social relationship. (animalvivid.com)
• Is this a "wise" trait? It can be when a believer follows the Lord in such relationships. (2 Cor 6.14)
• How keen is their eyesight? It is also know that they have sharp vision.  This acute eyesight allows most species to see better at night than daytime. (animalvivid.com)  Their eyes actually correspond with their environment.  Their primary predatory sense is heat and vibration of their prey.
• Is keen eyesight "wise" in a believer? You betcha! If "the light of the body is the eye..." (Mt 6.22), it is necessary for each believer to always "watch and pray..."  lest one fall into "temptation..." (Mk 14.38)

2.    What does it mean to be "wise?" Websters 1828 dictionary gives the following definition:

• Properly, having knowledge; hence, having the power of discerning and judging correctly, or of discriminating between what is true and what is false; skillful. Wise in the Greek reads: discreet, implying a cautious character: practical skill or acumen: intelligence or mental acquirement.

So it is that like the serpent, a believer must stay aware and diligent of predators yet sensible in discerning what to do or not to do in the daily walk with the Lord. 

Plainly put, (Isa 1.18, Phil 2.12, I Thes 5.17)) while "reasoning, praying and working out" what to do, a way will seem clearer than other choices.

Second, Why is a dove called "harmless?"

Webster's defines "harmless" as; not hurtful or injurious, innocent, not guilty.

In the Greek "harmless" is know as unmixed, innocent, harmless, simple

1. Description of the dove.

• Most doves have relatively stout bodies, with short legs and short beaks. They all have a similar shape, though their plumage varies drastically from species to species. Some doves are uniform in color, while others have many different colors and patterns. (https://animals.net/dove/)
• As believers - most of us are ordinary in appearance with very distinct personalities.  Yet, Gen 1.27 explains we are made "in the image of"  God. I Peter 1.16 explains how we are to conduct ourselves.  "Holy."  Matthew 5.48 tells us to be "

2. Doves live in a variety of habitats.  

• Thus, wherever He leads, I will follow.  Believers are called to a variety of situations, circumstances and locations.  Whether preacher, missionary, church leader, sunday school teacher, stay-at-home mom, a dad who provides for his family, all have a "habitat."   Too many verses to count about God's will for a believers life in this world.  Eph 5.17, Pro 3.5, 6, Eph 4.11., I Cor 7.20-24.  In a nutshell, "bloom where you are planted."

3. Distribution of the dove

• The dove inhabits nearly every landmass in the world, except Antartica and parts of the Sahara Desert (https://animals.net/dove/)
• One could say a dove avoids extreme hot or cold. As the metaphor continues in a believers life, there should be balance. "Nothing wavering." Jms 1.8  The only way to remain stable would be to keep one's mind on God. Isa 26.3

4. Diet of the dove

• Most doves are herbivores, and eat primarily plant matter.  Some doves eat fruits and berries, whil others eat seeds and grains.  Those that feed on grains and seeds usually forage on the ground, while those that eat fruit typically forage in the trees and bushes. (https://animals.net/dove/)
• Those that forage on the ground, Lk 8.11, will find good "seed" noted in this passage as "the Word of God."  Do you get "fruit bearing" seed from His Word?
• Those doves that find "fruit in the trees and bushes" have soared to a higher place for their sustenance. 
  
  
  

• Where do you get your energy?

5. Dove care

• Doves need space to fly and exercise (https://animals.net/dove/)
• Where do you find yourself "flying" and getting spiritual "exercise?"
• Lk 3.22 describes the Holy Ghost "like a dove."  Do you follow the leadership of the Holy Ghost? Jn 14.26, I Cor 3.16

To conclude these few points on the dove.  This bird is harmless, no natural instinct to attack, just to live in the world as humbly as possible with the food given by her Creator.

Much more could be said about the similarities of the dove and the serpent in the life of each believer.  However, the Spirit gave it best, "Wise but harmless."  

Meditate and let me know what you think.

Ps 57.7

How to be more?

 "Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God."  (Phil 1.11)

The verses prior to this scripture were given a few years ago in answer to my dilemma of "being more than I am."  Once, this blogger was told that I "missed out on many blessings because I didn't love more."  This idea plagued and hurt my soul.  Then, the Lord gave me Phillipians 1.9, 10.  The truth is, to be sincere, one must be true to "the knowledge of love" that is in the heart.  

"I cannot, sincerely, be more than I am."

Which begs the question, how may I "change" to be more "to the glory and praise of God?"

The answer is found in verse 11.  "Being filled with the fruits of righteousness."  

What are the "fruits of righteousness?"

Well, Galatians 5.22 and 23 actually defines these things.  Although, it should be noted "fruit" is singular in this passage.  There is no reason a believer should not exhibit the full list:

• love
• joy
• peace 
• longsuffering
• gentleness
• goodness
• faith
• meekness
• temperance (patience and moderation)

How are these things to be accomplished inside so they may be seen on the outside?

Verses 24 and 25 of Galatians 5 answers this simply:

"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. (and) "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."

One should ask themselves:     

1. Have I "crucified the flesh...affections...and (its) lusts?"  I do not know the issues, problems or "affections and lusts" that stand between you and fellowship with God through the Holy Spirit  but I'm thinking that even now there are things popping up in your mind that identify with this scripture.
2. Do I "live and walk in the Spirit?"  This hits a bit closer to home.  To answer honestly, one must be honest with oneself.  Where do you tend to stray?  It's a good question and if you answer truthfully and deal with such problems, you'll be happier for it.                                                                                       

Now, this blogger could "tick" off most of the things listed above.

Love comes as noted from Phil. 1.9,10 - "sincere, according to knowledge." 

Joy is happiness when the heart is full in services magnifying the Lord and the joy that comes from being a mother and grandmother, in my case.

Peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith all come from the certainty of salvation and being "content...whatsoever state I am (in)." (Phil 4.11) This believer has learned to "go with the flow" in whatever way the Lord wills or brings circumstances to my life.

"Meekness," is a little harder.  The heart tends to react when provoked and hurt.  However, this too finds peace when understanding it's all part of His plan and will to mold me and make me into His likeness.

"Temperance" or moderation and patience is a regular part of christian training.  It seems to never end for this believer because I do not trust the words and actions of others as "sincerely" as I should.  If their intent is to harm or malign my heart in some way, that is between them and God.

Otherwise, I am peaceful and just take what comes as part of His plan. (Jer 29.11)

Which appears more pleasant, a bowl of fruit or vegetables?

Both are healthy. Both are good too eat.  However, which one is sweeter?  Of course, the fruits.

God has so made our bodies that "sweet" is preferred to no taste or "salty".  "Salt" is a whole other lesson, which, is needed to add flavor to almost any vegetable!

How are we to obtain the "fruit" necessary for "the glory and praise of God?"

Notice verses 24, 25 of Galatians 5: "crucify the flesh; walk in the Spirit."  A tall order to be sure but not impossible, if we search out His will according to scripture.

So much more could be said on the subject of separation and righteousness.  But for now, "be what you are," in the Lord and according to His will, as much as possible. (Rom 12.18) Because He loves you. (I Jn 4.7-8, Jn 3.16, Rom 5.8)

Be MORE "by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God."

Prayerfully and Humbly submitted,

"Greenland Bible Studies" blogger

Ps 57.7