the word of the lord

DEAR GOD: Listening To Your Sound Word~

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listening to God

 Hold on to the example of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Protect, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.
2 Timothy 1:13-14 (NASB)

In 2 Timothy 1:13-14, Paul exhorts Timothy to “hold fast the form of sound words” that he has heard from Paul, and to do so “in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” He further instructs Timothy to keep “that good thing which was committed unto thee” by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.

Supporting Scriptures

1 Timothy 6:20-21: “O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called.

Titus 1:9: “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”

John 14:26: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

Meditative Thoughts

Paul’s words to Timothy are a reminder of the importance of adhering to sound doctrine and teachings. In a world filled with conflicting messages and false teachings, it is crucial to cling to the truth of God’s Word. The “sound words” refer to the teachings of Christ and the apostles, which are the foundation of our faith. Holding fast to these teachings requires both faith and love, as they are rooted in our relationship with Christ.

The “good thing” that Paul refers to is the gospel message and the ministry entrusted to Timothy. This precious gift is to be guarded and preserved through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit not only dwells within us but also empowers us to live out our faith and fulfill our calling.

Moral Takeaways

  1. Faithfulness to God’s Word: We are called to remain steadfast in our commitment to the teachings of Christ, even in the face of opposition.
  2. Love as the Foundation: Our adherence to sound doctrine should be motivated by love for Christ and others.
  3. Dependence on the Holy Spirit: We must rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us, teach us, and empower us to live out our faith.

Reflective Questions

  1. How can I ensure that I am holding fast to the sound words of Scripture in my daily life?
  2. In what ways can I demonstrate faith and love in my adherence to God’s teachings?
  3. How can I be more aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence and guidance in my life?

 Prayer

” Father, thank You for the precious gift of Your Word and the teachings of Christ. Help me to hold fast to these sound words with unwavering faith and love. Empower me through Your Holy Spirit to guard the gospel message and live out my calling with integrity and devotion. May Your truth be a light in my life, guiding me in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.”

Thought for the Day

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” – Colossians 3:16

 

“BE LISTENING TO GOD!” 2/19/2019 Written by Pastor Randy Burbank for ...

DEAR GOD: Establish Your Plans For My Life~

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Working for the Lord - Truediscipleship

“Commit Your Work to the Lord, and Your Plans Will Be Established”

Proverbs 16:3 (ESV)

Introduction

The proverb “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established” (Proverbs 16:3) offers profound wisdom that resonates deeply within the Christian faith. This verse encapsulates the essence of trust, faith, and divine guidance, urging believers to entrust their endeavors to God. In today’s fast-paced and often secular world, this proverb serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of aligning our ambitions with God’s will.

Moral Views

At its core, this proverb emphasizes the moral principle of trust in divine providence. It suggests that true success is not merely a result of human effort but is ultimately determined by God’s blessing. This perspective encourages humility, recognizing that while human planning and hard work are essential, they are insufficient without God’s favor. It calls for a moral alignment where one’s actions and intentions are in harmony with God’s purposes.

In contemporary society, where self-reliance and individualism are often celebrated, this proverb challenges us to reconsider our approach to success. It invites us to shift from a self-centered mindset to one that is God-centered, acknowledging that our abilities and opportunities are gifts from God. By committing our work to the Lord, we acknowledge His sovereignty and express our dependence on His guidance and provision.

Christianity in Today’s Times

In today’s world, Christianity faces numerous challenges, including secularism, materialism, and moral relativism. Amidst these challenges, the call to commit our work to the Lord remains relevant and vital. This proverb encourages Christians to integrate their faith into every aspect of their lives, including their careers, relationships, and personal goals.

For many believers, this means seeking God’s guidance through prayer, studying the Scriptures, and being part of a faith community. It involves making decisions that reflect Christian values, such as integrity, compassion, and justice. In a world that often prioritizes success at any cost, Christians are called to pursue excellence in a way that honors God and serves others.

Meditative Takeaways

Meditating on this proverb can lead to several profound insights and spiritual practices:

  1. Trust in God’s Plan: Reflect on the importance of trusting God’s plan for your life. Consider how His wisdom and understanding far exceed our own. This trust can bring peace and assurance, even in uncertain times.
  2. Aligning with God’s Will: Contemplate how your goals and actions align with God’s will. Are there areas in your life where you need to seek His guidance more earnestly? This alignment can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
  3. Humility and Dependence: Recognize the importance of humility and dependence on God. Acknowledge that while your efforts are important, true success comes from His blessing. This humility can foster a deeper relationship with God and a greater sense of gratitude.
  4. Prayer and Reflection: Incorporate regular prayer and reflection into your routine. Use this time to commit your work and plans to the Lord, seeking His direction and blessing. This practice can strengthen your faith and provide clarity and focus.

Supportive Scriptures

Several other scriptures support and expand upon the themes found in Proverbs 16:3:

  • Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
  • Psalm 37:5: “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act.”
  • Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
  • Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Prayer

 “Dear LORD- we acknowledge Your sovereignty and wisdom. We commit our work and plans to You, trusting that You will establish them according to Your perfect will. Guide us in our endeavors and help us to align our actions with Your purposes. Grant us humility to recognize our dependence on You and the faith to trust in Your plan. May our lives reflect Your love and grace, and may we seek to honor You in all that we do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Thought to Take Away

As you go about your daily tasks and pursue your goals, remember to commit your work to the Lord. Trust in His guidance and provisions and seek to align your actions with His will. In doing so, you will find peace, purpose, and the assurance that your plans are established by the One who knows and loves you best.

As you ponder and think further on God’s Word -I pray it provides you with inspiration and a deeper understanding of the LORD and all that He represents…

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the ...