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“Trustfulness is based on confidence in God whose ways I do not understand; if I did, there would be no need for trust”
Yesterday in our Bible study, we observed the patience of David to wait for God’s timing to become king. During our discussion, we brought up how patiently waiting for God required a trust in God, even when we don’t understand His plan or His timing. The question to ponder is “Do we really trust God?” We read yesterday of the great verse of how Abraham followed God. “And he said, Blessed be the Lord God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the Lord led me to the house of my master's brethren.” (Genesis 24:27) We are familiar with Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” We quote this passage genuinely, sincerely desiring to trust God with our lives, but we quickly find ourselves relying on our own wisdom. We support our conclusions to move ahead of God’s will by looking through our limited scope of knowledge. Abraham was guilty of this too! In Genesis 16, Abraham, one of the great examples of faith, and Sarah decided to “help” God, because from their limited wisdom, there was no way that God could keep His Word. This episode of lack of trust led to numerous difficulties in the life of Abraham and even generations afterwards. A couple of weeks ago, I was putting together some furniture in our living room. Shilyn asked if she could help, and Tavian volunteered to hinder progress. I explained to Shilyn what needed to be done and explained how she would have to really be listening to my instructions. At 5 years of age, she had a decent idea of what I desired to accomplish. I could ask her to hold this, or screw in this, and she would. Every once in awhile she would jump ahead in the building process, and I would have to bring her back to the step I was on, but she was genuinely trying to be helpful. Tavian, on the other hand, was a tornado of mayhem to our project. At a year and half, he did not comprehend what we desired to accomplish. He watched us use the screwdriver, and determined in his small scope of understanding that this screwdriver was the tool for everything. He tried to use it on the screen of the television, on the video game consoles, and even in his own ears. I’m sure Tavian desired to help and maybe even thought he was helping, but since he did not understand the big picture, he slowed down progress. God desires to build our lives for His glory. We don’t always understand every detail, but if we are patient and trusting, we have His promise that He will direct our paths.
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. -2 Timothy 2:15
The summer is a great time for some rest and relaxation. But, it is also a great opportunity to dive a little deeper into the Word of God. Here are three free mobile applications to assist you.
1. Bible.is
Bible.is is a great app for reading the Bible, but it's killer feature is that it is an amazing audio Bible. Bible.is has a standard audio Bible, and a dramatic audio Bible. The dramatic audio is one of my favorite features. The dramatic audio uses voice actors, sound effects, and music to make the Scriptures come alive. So, whether your working, play, or just chilling, Bible.is will help you meditate on God's Word. (Note: Bible.is does not default to KJV, so you must select it from the menu.)
2. Blue Letter Bible
Blue Letter Bible (BLB) is a great free resource. BLB has commentaries, dictionaries, and other study materials in one small mobile application. Back in the day, these books would cover an entire bookshelf, but now we can access it all for free from our tablet or mobile device.
3. Olive Tree Bible+
Olive Tree Bible is an outstanding way to keep your Bible reading fresh. One of my favorite features is the reading plans. They have a 90 day Bible reading plan, a Chronological reading plan, and many other helpful ideas for scheduled Bible reading. Another nifty thing is that as you read, if you desire, you can share the verses or passages to your social networks to encourage others. Olive Tree Bible does have many Bible Study resources, but some of them are paid downloads. (Note: Olive Tree Bible does not default to KJV, but it can be easily changed under the libraries tab.)
Disclaimer: God's Word is the only thing we can put our full faith and trust in. These resources are to help us study it more effectively. Some of these resources may contain man's opinions or thoughts that would differ from a proper study of Scripture. In these cases, God's Word alone is the authority for faith and practice!
A gentleman was walking with a friend one day through his beautiful grounds, when they came to a fine large tree which was decayed to the very core. “That tree,” said the proprietor, “was destroyed by a single worm. A short time since it was as vigorous as any of its companions, when one day a woodworm was discovered forcing its way under the outer bark. A naturalist who was at that time my guest remarked on seeing it that if left alone it would ultimately kill the tree. It seemed so improbable, that the worm was suffered to remain. Gradually it bored its way into the fibre of the tree, slowly but surely doing its work. The following summer the tree shed its leaves much earlier than usual, and in the second season it was a dead, worthless thing. The worm which seemed so very insignificant had found its way to the heart of the once noble tree and destroyed its life.” How forcibly do we see this same thing illustrated in the common walks of every-day life. A young man is persuaded by his companions to take his first glass of wine. It seems like a little thing, but it is the beginning of a course of degradation and eternal shame. The clerk in the bank appropriates a few shillings of the funds entrusted to his care. One step leads to another, until at last he is arrested and cast into prison as a defaulter. A boy begins to practise little deceits at school or at home which, unless discovered and checked, will make him a base and unprincipled man. Such is the destructive power of little sins when the continued indulgence in them is practised.
Whether it is in person, on the internet, or in a text, speech is one of the biggest battles for us as Christian young people. The Word of God is very clear on the dangers of improper speech.
Here are five areas of speech to stay away from:
1. False Speech
Society is full of liars and deceivers! The news is filled with political, corporate, and even religious leaders caught in lies and scandals. The dangers of false speech should be evident to every Christian. "Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight." -Proverbs 12:22
2. Froward Speech
The word froward means willfully contrary; not easily managed. James says "If any man among you seem to be religious and bridleth not (does not control or curb) his tongue... this man's religion is vain (empty, worthless). (James 1:26) It is imperative that a Christian learn to manage the things that come out of his or her mouth to maintain a proper Christian testimony. Proverbs 4:24 says "Put away from thee a forward mouth!"
3. Foolish Speech
It is amazing how much of today's "humor" is really foolishness. Most modern movies, music, and other forms of media find it humorous to make light of standards and values. This trend has many Christians being entertained by things that are senseless and meaningless. Proverbs 15: 2 says "The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright (well, successfully): but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. Christians should strive to talk about things that are sensible and not senseless!
4. Flattering Speech
It has been said that flattery will get you nowhere. Sadly, many have tried to use it as a vehicle to success. Paul told the Thessalonians that he sought to bring glory to God and not to men, so he did not use flattering words. (1 Thessalonians 2:4-5) Christian be genuine!
5. Filthy Speech
The Apostle Paul challenged the Ephesians to "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret." (Ephesians 5:11.12) It is terrible to live in a world where perversion is glorified, but it is worse when Christians speak pleasurably about such perversion. Christian "let no corrupt (rotten,bad) communication proceed out of your mouth!
