Word for Today, Wed, 22 Jun 2005: Knowing the Word
Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>
Dear friends,
Well, summer is officially here in the northeast region of the
United States where I live. We promptly had a good hard rain
over night, but today promises to be fair with seasonably warm
weather.
You know, most of us check the weather just about every day,
don't we? We want to see what it will be like outside so that we
know how to dress and we know whether we can comfortably do
various activities.
It ought to be that way in our relationship with God, too. We
ought to know what His Word says well enough that we will be
fully equipped to handle whatever trials and struggles we face
during the day. Sadly, the majority of people are either too
busy or they don't even care enough to faithfully read God's
Word. I hope that you are not among that group, but if you are,
and you are at least reading this message, perhaps I can
encourage you to spend at least as much time reading the Bible as
you do checking the weather forecast.
Today, I'd like to share with you one of my favorite passages of
scripture using a translation that I've never read previously, a
translation called "God's Word".
The passage I'm sharing is one I like because it helps me to
remember the kind of attitude that is most helpful.
Another passage from the book of Psalms that I've been thinking
about (in fact, I just read it) is Psalm 37. This psalm also
deals with our thoughts and our attitudes. Psalm 37 includes
these key words: Fret, Trust, Delight, Commit. It encourages us
not to fret, but instead to trust in the Lord. When we do so, we
must commit ourselves fully to Him. When we do so, we become
delighted with God, and He gives us peace and contentment.
This is a great psalm of instruction and encouragement. I
encourage to to read Philippians 4 below, then take some time on
your own to dig out Psalm 37. If you do not have your own Bible,
pull it off the Internet at
bible.gospelcom.net/passage/?search=Psalm%2037&version=31
Yours in Christ,
Brian
____________________________
Philippians 4 from God's Word, courtesy of Bible Time, a great
online Bible search tool:
1 So, brothers and sisters, I love you and miss you. You are my
joy and my crown. Therefore, dear friends, keep your relationship
with the Lord firm! 2 I encourage both Euodia and Syntyche to
have the attitude the Lord wants them to have. 3 Yes, I also ask
you, Syzugus, my true partner, to help these women. They fought
beside me to spread the Good News along with Clement and the rest
of my coworkers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
4 Always be joyful in the Lord! I'll say it again: Be joyful! 5
Let everyone know how considerate you are. The Lord is near. 6
Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know
what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. 7 Then
God's peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will
guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally,
brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on whatever is right or
deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure,
acceptable, or commendable. 9 Practice what you've learned and
received from me, what you heard and saw me do. Then the God who
gives this peace will be with you.
10 The Lord has filled me with joy because you again showed
interest in me. You were interested but did not have an
opportunity to show it. 11 I'm not saying this because I'm in any
need. I've learned to be content in whatever situation I'm in. 12
I know how to live in poverty or prosperity. No matter what the
situation, I've learned the secret of how to live when I'm full
or when I'm hungry, when I have too much or when I have too
little. 13 I can do everything through Christ who strengthens
me. 14 Nevertheless, it was kind of you to share my troubles.
15 You Philippians also know that in the early days, when I left
the province of Macedonia to spread the Good News, you were the
only church to share your money with me. You gave me what I
needed, and you received what I gave you. 16 Even while I was in
Thessalonica, you provided for my needs twice. 17 It's not that
I'm looking for a gift. The opposite is true. I'm looking for
your resources to increase. 18 You have paid me in full, and I
have more than enough. Now that Epaphroditus has brought me your
gifts, you have filled my needs. Your gifts are a soothing aroma,
a sacrifice that God accepts and with which he is pleased. 19 My
God will richly fill your every need in a glorious way through
Christ Jesus.
20 Glory belongs to our God and Father forever! Amen. 21 Greet
everyone who believes in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters
who are with me send greetings to you. 22 All God's people here,
especially those in the emperor's palace, greet you. 23 May the
good will of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
--
Brian Masinick, mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: http://www.geocities.com/masinick/
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
mail.yahoo.com