Joshua 1:8
"...[B]ut you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." (Joshua 1:8).
"You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me." (John 5:39).
"And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13).
Wow what a chapter. Never fails to amaze that something written so long ago has such relevance and application in our modern lives today as believers. I know this is obvious because it's from God, but still amazing. Interesting that nothing is unclean in and of itself, only how it relates to our faith and our neighbors.I think thats what he said. I wonder if that includes smoking? hmmm.... ;)
ReplyDeleteI agree, Joel - this is SO relevant to everyone RIGHT NOW. I think you could pretty much sum up this chapter by saying what you do or don't do is not nearly as important as why you do it. "[F]or whatever does not proceed from faith is sin." That's a verse worth contemplating!!
ReplyDeleteNow I know the smoking comment was a joke but I think it's worth taking up. Being a former smoker myself (I still love having a cigar from time to time), I believe I can approach this non-judgmentally. I think you could apply smoking, and anything else that we give our time or money to for that matter, directly to verse 14 of yesterday's reading. The main reason I gave up smoking (the fact that it was costing me an arm and a leg was a close second) is because I would crave a cigarette, which led to my wanting nothing other than to smoke, which led to my being cantankerous until I had a smoke. For this reason, I could honestly say that cigarettes controlled me - not the other way around. And for this reason I could honestly say that I had put cigarettes on the same level as God. That may sound extreme but I heard God very clearly ask me to prove otherwise and it was at that moment that I realized I was addicted and was a slave to that addiction. So I went cold turkey and haven't smoked since (other than a cigar once in a blue moon). With that being said, I know I could have a cigarette every now and then because I no longer am controlled by them but, as today's chapter states, I would be very careful not to do so around those who struggle with the addiction or who have a "weak faith" so as not to cause them to stumble.
I really like verses 16 & 17: So do not let your good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Hey Josh thanks for that. Thats the same thing that goes through my mind every time the pack is low and start thinking about getting the next pack. I know somethings wrong when I have to ask God for patience with the smoking thing. I need to start working on it.
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, all credit goes to God, of course, but you are a very very wise person. I'm very impressed with your wisdom and knowledge of God's Word. Its clear that God is renewing your mind and working in your life because you have the wisdom of an 80 year pastor :). Ever thought about going into ministry?
Thanks Joel. I appreciate that. I have thought about it but am not sure if that's His plan for my life at this point. Though I do hope to soon pursue a Theology degree - all in due time.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, don't take what I said as my condemning you for smoking. I simply wanted to share my experience. I understand everyone has their own story and obviously each page will vary from book to book. I just hope we can learn to have faith in God as the exclusive Author.
Not at all. I appreciate you sharing that. It's good to hear that you were able to quit with God's help. Maybe when I decide to quit you can help me with my accountability. :)
ReplyDeleteThis blog is helping Karyn and I in our faith in God as our exclusive Author. We are excited about reading each new chapter. Thanks again for letting us comment on here and thanks for your supportive comments. Trust me God is using you guys.
Reading this reminded me of the somewhat recent sermon on drinking v. Getting drunk and whether or not to drink with someone who struggles with alcohol abuse. This is something that hit home for me then, and hits home again. With acoholism running deep in my family,I need to not enjoy that glass of wine around my family members. Not because I can't stop at a glass of wine (I'm lucky to finish one glass) but because much of my family can't, and I am not being a light in their life by enabling something they're struggling with.
ReplyDeleteUm josh, you also can't smoke anymore because you married me. Those funds are now allocated to support my coffee addiction.
Joel/karyn thank you for participating!
Yes good example Mary. We do have freedom in Christ, but that freedom should be regulated by love and putting others first when they are weak in a certain area. I need to think about that next time I have a beer in front of Karyn. Just kidding Karyn.
ReplyDeleteHaha Joel I keep telling you that it is the Crown Royal that is my weakness not the beer. JUST KIDDING!!!!
ReplyDelete