Flourish in Knowledge

    God provided His word (through the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:16-21) to chosen men who penned it; He preserved it over the millennia so that we could hear it and gain knowledge of the truth (Romans 10:17, 1 Timothy 2:4). God loves us that much!

    Consider that the very first instance of creation was the word of God being spoken into the darkness (Genesis 1:2-3), and because of His great, abounding, and continual love for us, His word continues to be spoken into the darkness to call people out of it and into His marvelous light (Isaiah 9:2, Acts 26:15-18, 1 Peter 2:9).

“For it is God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6 NKJV)

    God does not want us to be content with knowledge of Him (Romans 1:20), He wants us to know Him (Hebrews 11:6); He wants us to continue to gain knowledge of Him through hearing/reading and obedience (Side note: It is in obedience that we learn of God’s wisdom, His faithfulness, and the truth of His promises of escape, comfort, peace, help, etc.). He wants us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (renew means: change for the better, take on a new mind/mindset); He wants us to put on a new man that is “created according to God in true righteousness and holiness,” and that comes from learning Christ (Ephesians 4:17-23), so we can prove (to ourselves and to others around us) “what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2), and so we can “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks a reason for the hope that is in us” (1 Peter 3:15).

    When we don’t develop our knowledge of God, and come to truly know Him, we put ourselves at risk of being destroyed (Hosea 4:6). We may have a zeal for God, but if we don’t know His righteousness we are only living according to our own ideas (Romans 10:2-3). When we don’t develop our knowledge of God we are "shortsighted, even to blindness" and forget that we have been cleansed from our old sins (2 Peter 1:9), we remain children “unskilled in the word of righteousness” (Hebrews 5:13) and leave ourselves open to be “carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men” (Ephesians 4:13-14); we can become a roadblock (through our example, or lack thereof) for others who are in need of the knowledge of God (Luke 11:52), and we will not be able to help them as we should (Galatians 6:1, Hebrews 3:12-13; 5:12-14).

“You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:17-18 NKJV)

    Faith comes from hearing God’s word (Romans 10:17), and we are instructed in 2 Peter 1:5-11 to add “virtue” to our faith. Virtue is moral excellence, goodness – something that we cannot know without knowing God (consider Psalm 16:2, Mark 10:18), I believe that is why we are then told to add knowledge to our virtue, so we continue to learn from the very Source. Everything else on that list – self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love – are things that we can only learn from digging into God’s word, the Bible, and gaining knowledge of Him and His beloved Son.   

“Send out Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your tabernacle.” (Psalm 43:3 NKJV)

    Let’s joy in our access to God’s word, open it, and study it daily! Don’t hold off saying, “One day,” let today be Day One. From wherever you are right now – BEGIN! Let's develop a love and an appreciation for God's word through continued study. And when others observe you reading the Bible you can proclaim, “God loves us this much! We can read His words! We can know His will! We can know the way home to Him!”

    Are you ready to flourish in knowledge?

You can do it! So can I!! 

Flourish Even More in 2024… in Knowledge

“Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10 NKJV)

    Knowledge in this passage means knowledge and discernment in its highest sense which includes obedience. Fearing the LORD is the wise thing to do, and gaining knowledge of Him – the Holy One – will lead us to understand why He should be reverenced, respected – and obeyed – at all times.

    If the Lord wills, for the remainder of the year, we will learn to Flourish Even More in 2024 in Knowledge. It is important that we do not become content or complacent in what we think we already know of God and Jesus because “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” are hidden in Them, and we are to work toward “attaining to all the riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ” (Colossians 2:2-3).

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7 NKJV)

    When we look to God to seek Him, and in hearing His word, respect it “not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God” (like the Thessalonian brethren, 1 Thessalonians 2:13), we will begin our journey in gaining life-changing (Ephesians 4:17-24), life-preserving (Proverbs 2:10-12), and life-giving knowledge (John 17:3)!  

“…the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it.” (Ecclesiastes 7:12b NKJV)

    Take time this week to read and think on Proverbs 2, 3, and 4. Read each chapter at your normal pace and then go back and read each one slowly; make notes of all the benefits of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding that are mentioned. Recall these benefits throughout your day – while you’re driving, tidying, or doing the dishes – let these truths about knowledge prepare your mind for this study and for each day!

“If you seek [wisdom] as silver, and search for [wisdom] as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding…” (Proverbs 2:4-6 NKJV)

    Let’s be thankful to God that He made His will available to us! Let’s be filled with gratitude that He prepared it, preserved it, and provides it to us so we can know Him! Let’s determine to show full and proper appreciation by reading and studying His word, the Bible, to gain a better understanding of who He is and to learn and meditate on everything He has done, continues to do, and promises yet to do, so we can flourish even more in knowledge - in its highest sense - of our Most Holy God and loving Father!

You can do it! So can I!! 

Flourish in Giving – Give All Diligence

    As we finish our study in learning how to Flourish in Giving, let’s look at a word associated with giving; a word used throughout the Bible that informs us about our required effort: diligence.

“…giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5-11 NKJV)

Diligence

• Hebrew (Old Testament) definitions: to guard, watch with full attention and attentiveness, eager determination, vehemently, wholly, speedily

“Keep your heart with all diligence for out of spring the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23 NKJV)

• Greek (New Testament) definitions: speed on/urge on, eagerness/to await eagerly, earnestness, hastily; to use speed, to make effort, be prompt and earnest, endeavor, study carefully, to investigate, search out, crave, and demand. One of these Greek words is formed from two words: the first word means the origin point from which motion proceeds (motivation), and the second word means, to seek, to worship God, desire, enquire. It basically means that God is the very reason we should diligently seek Him; He is reason enough to motivate us toward humble worship and obedience.  

“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (Hebrews 6:11-12 NKJV)

    We are to give all diligence – give our utmost effort – to the things of God (Psalm 119:4, Matthew 6:33). We are to be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless (2 Peter 3:14) – daily effort is required in forgiving (Matthew 18:17-35, Ephesians 4:31-32), in purifying our hearts (1 John 3:3), in being holy in all our conduct (1 Peter 1:15-16) – and we should always remember to be quick to do these things! Don’t hold on to upset (Matthew 18:15-20, Ephesians 4:26-27), impurities (Ephesians 5:1-7), or worldly behaviors (Colossians 3:1-17) – think on all that God is, and all that He has done for you, and let that energize and motivate you to continued and immediate obedience and repentance!

“…diligence is man’s precious possession.” (Proverbs 12:27b NKJV)

    Consider that a widowed woman, in 1 Timothy 5:9-10, needed to be “well reported for good works” and she needed to have “diligently followed every good work” – quickly motivated to help, to alleviate, eager to show love, care, and compassion to those in need. Diligence is a word that we each should always be exemplifying to those around us!

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV)

    When we give diligence – use our utmost effort – to seek God, we will find Him (Acts 17:26-27, James 4:8) and when we continue in our desire to know Him better He will reward us; our eyes will be opened to truth and it will light the path home (Psalm 119:105, John 3:20-21).

    When we give diligence – eagerly exert ourselves – to our walk (1 John 2:3-6, Colossians 1:9-11), we will find daily motivation to stay the course and encourage others to develop faith and diligently seek God along with us (Psalm 78:4, 79:13, Matthew 5:16)

    When we give diligence – continual careful effort – to add virtue to our faith, knowledge to our virtue, self-control to our knowledge, perseverance to our self-control, godliness to our perseverance, brotherly kindness to our godliness, and love to our brotherly kindness (2 Peter 1:5-11), we will flourish and be fruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. And we will be motivated to make even more effort – quickly and carefully – to do all that is pleasing to God!!

    Flourish in giving even more in 2024 by first giving yourself to God, then in giving thanks to God for all that He has done, continues to do, and for all He has promised yet to do! Flourish in giving glory to God, because He is worthy of our every thought of love and word of praise – He has blessed us with all we have – so use these blessings to give to others! Give time, give physical needs, and give generously! Don’t give opportunity to the devil, nor give heed to man-made ideas and notions, instead, give time and attention to study of the God’s word so that you won’t give offense in anything for the gospel’s sake! And give it your all (Colossians 3:23)! Let God – our glorious Creator and loving Father - motivate you toward daily determined diligence to flourish even more in giving!

You can do it! So can I!! 

Flourish in Giving – Give Attention to Reading, Exhortation, Doctrine

    We are instructed to flourish in our faith, to grow and develop and bear good fruit (2 Peter 3:18, John 15:1-8, Galatians 5:16-26). Faith comes by hearing the word of God (by taking it in and comprehending it, Romans 10:17). We need to know God to appreciate and reverence Him, we need to know His instructions in order to obey them, and we need to know of His proffered help so we can endure temptation and walk properly in His sight. We can know all these things by reading His Word, the Bible. We need to read (listen to) His word and follow it, to benefit both ourselves and those who hear/observe us.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105 NKJV)

    Our foundation must be in God’s word in order to properly exhort our brethren. Sometimes it is our enthusiasm about a passage we’ve studied that sparks enthusiasm in our sister, prompting her to dig into that passage and renew her habit of reading and study. Without a doubt, our knowledge must be developed in God’s word and way to enable us to properly warn our sisters and to properly encourage them; we want our words to be true and helpful, not platitudes of hollow comfort.

    We need to know what God says and be sure we are following His doctrine/teaching not man’s. We can know His word by listening carefully, and always following up with study to be sure what we hear is truth (Acts 17:11). We need to hold all thoughts and statements (the preacher’s, the teachers, our friends/family’s, and our own) up to the word of God – Are these things so? Was that taken out of context? Does this align with, or contradict, God’s word?

    I’ve drawn this lesson from 1 Timothy 4:12-16, please take the time to read this passage. In it Paul gives the young preacher, Timothy, instruction to “give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (v13). I think that we, too, can benefit when we give attention to these very things.

Give Attention to Reading

    Reading God’s word helps us to avoid the counsel of the ungodly, keeps us from the standing in the path of sinners, and from sitting amongst the scornful; it will help us flourish and prosper like a green-leafed tree that has been planted by flowing water (Psalm 1). It will give us insight and understanding (Psalm 119:130). Reading God’s word will teach us, comfort us, and give us hope (Romans 15:4); it will make us capable of knowing right from wrong (2 Timothy 2:15, Hebrews 5:12-14). We need to develop a taste for it – which only comes from continued reading – in order to grow (1 Peter 2:1-3), because those who read God’s word – and keep it (remember it, and do it) – will be blessed in this life, and in the one to come (Revelation 1:3, 1 Timothy 4:8).

Give Attention to Exhortation

    How can we help encourage or admonish another person if we ourselves do not know the standard God has given us? We need to be reading and applying His word so that our minds are renewed and our lives are transformed (Romans 12:1-2). We need to know that God wants our words to be encouraging, not harsh and full of hate (Ephesians 4:29-32). We need to read to learn just how much God loves us and how much He has done to help us overcome, so that we in turn can develop our love for others and help them in their walk, by reminding them that they are loved and cared for by a God worthy of our faith and trust (Hebrews 3:12-14). We need to be thinking of others, and ways we can help others, so that we can stir up love and good works amongst the brethren (Hebrews 10:24-25). Think of it as fanning the glowing coals to flame, and getting our brethren excited about doing good and reflecting God’s love to all around.  

Give Attention to Doctrine  

    We need to know God’s word, plain and simple. We need to know His will in order to walk in it (Ephesians 5:15-17). God’s word is profitable for doctrine (teaching), for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; it is the only way for us to be complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

“Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your low; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it… Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way.” (Psalm 119:33-35, 37 NKJV)

    We must give attention to reading so we can know how to properly exhort our sisters in Christ (consider Titus 2:3-5, encourage them with truth) and so we can know God’s word and will – not guessing or surmising – but truly knowing how to be pleasing and acceptable to Him!

    When we give attention to these three areas we will be better fitted to be an example to all believers…

    …in word (the act of speaking) Ephesian 4:29-32, Colossians 4:5-6

    …in conduct (our behavior) 1 Peter 1:15-16, 2:11-12, Matthew 5:14-16

    …in love (desiring the best for another) 1 John 4:7-11, Romans 15:2

    …in spirit (zeal) Romans 12:10-13

    …in faith (confidence, fully persuaded) Hebrews 11:6, 13-16, 2 Timothy 1:12, Romans 4:19-21; 8:38-39

    …in purity (sinlessness) 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:8, 2 Timothy 2:21-22, James 1:27, 1 Peter 3:1-3, Philippians 2:14-15, Psalm 24:3-4, 51:10

    Determine today that you will give attention to reading – take time to read and meditate on God’s wondrous word (fan the embers of your habit by reading/listening to Psalm 119). From wherever you are right now, give attention to exhortation, so that you can lift up your brethren and encourage them in their walk on the narrow path.  And always give attention to doctrine – be sure and confident that what you are being taught and what you believe is God’s word – His way is the only way! In doing this, you can be assured that your example will be good and your progress will be evident to any who hear or see you! Are you ready to give it your all?

You can do it! So can I!!

Flourish in Giving – Giving to Others

     In our Flourish in Giving study, we have learned that we must first give ourselves to God (submit wholly to His word and way); when we do that we begin to understand all that He has done and continues to do for us and our hearts will be tuned to give thanks to God for everything. We will also be ready to give God all the glory He so rightly deserves, and any praise we receive we will redirect to Him, because we know that all we have and all we are capable of is due to His generous blessings.

    Over the past few weeks we had a small side study in which we learned what not to give: place to the devil, heed to fables/doctrines of men, and offense to others for the gospel’s sake.

    Now, let’s return to our main theme and consider another area in which we can flourish in giving – Give to Others.

    As we run this race, we are not to think only of ourselves; we must also give time and thought to others (Philippians 2:3-4). God established the church so that we would have others of like precious faith who would help us flee youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace (2 Timothy 2:22); people who would love us, warn us, and edify us as we overcome obstacles in our run toward the goal (Philippians 3:12-16). If we are going to do these things for our brethren we need to give time to them.

Give Time to Others

    We are supposed to be a support to one another. That means not only acknowledging one another in the assemblies but listening for opportunities to offer help or comfort. We are to bear one another’s burdens – doing this fulfills the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2) – we go through the trial and endure it together; we help carry the weight of the trouble.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NKJV)  

    There’s a saying, "Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow," and I will venture to say that it may have been based on Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 and 1 Corinthians 12:26. We need to take time to look (and listen) for opportunities to help others, we need to take the time to sit with our sisters in Christ and hear them, so we can better learn from them (consider Titus 2:3-5), encourage/support them, and/or help them with tasks that an extra set of hands would make easier. Let them know that you are here for them, whatever the need, and that you have time for them; in doing so, you will fulfil the law of Christ and discover the blessedness of helping! Remembering that in our turn, we should also lean on others so they, too, can discover the blessedness of helping!

    Take time to read Hebrews 3:12-14 and consider Ephesians 4:25, 29-32. We have Today – how will you use those 960 waking minutes?

Give Physical Needs

“But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifice God is well pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16 NKJV)

    The very first Christians shared with one another so everyone had what they needed (Acts 4:32-37), and throughout the New Testament you see several accounts in which people give to help those in need, for example: Dorcas/Tabitha (Acts 9:36-41), Barnabas (Acts 4:36-37), the Macedonian brethren (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).

Read and consider: Deuteronomy 15:7-8, Matthew 5:42, 10:42, 25:34-46, Romans 12:13, 20, Galatians 6:9-10

“But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.” (1 John 3:17-19 NKJV)

    The widow gave “out of her poverty” (Mark 12:41-44), and the Corinthians brethren gave “beyond their ability” (2 Corinthians 8:1-5) – because they first gave themselves to God, they trusted Him, and were thankful for the opportunity to give!

Give Generously

    God gives generously to us (Psalm 68:19) so that we can give generously to others (Romans 12:8)! He gives us so much comfort in our troubles that we have more than enough to then comfort others in their troubles (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). He is also able to make all grace abound toward us, so that we always have all sufficiency in all things, and have abundance for every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8)! God wants us to be cheerful givers (2 Corinthians 9:6-7) – not clinging to our money/possessions, but clinging to Him, knowing all that we have is from Him; we are simply stewards with a responsibility to use these things for good (1 Peter 4:7-11).

“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty nor trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19 NKJV)  

    We are all rich in blessings! You have time, use it for good – be a helper to those who run this race alongside you. When you have provisions, share them when you see a need. When you tune your heart to give to others God will grant you both opportunity and wherewithal to do just that! Give yourself to Him first, then to the work, and you will soon discover the joy and fulfillment of building up another person and fortifying a fellow soul! Your heart will overflow as you comprehend just how much God grants you each day, and the absolute truth of His promises! Soon you will give thanks to Him in everything, and willingly give Him the glory for all you are able to do!

    Are you ready and willing to give to others?

You can do it! So can I!!

Flourish in Giving – What We Are NOT to Give (Part 3)

Do Not Give Offense in Anything

    In this the final lesson of our three-part mini study of what not to give, I would like you to consider the inferred instruction that we find in several places in the New Testament: Do not give offence so that our ministry may not be blamed (2 Corinthians 6:3).

    We need to realize that lax attitudes about bad habits (refusing to work on our patience, our holiness, or our purity) does not just affect ourselves, it can damage our influence for good (Titus 1:16), it can also sully the reputation of the congregation we are a part of, and it will inevitably give opportunity for the world to ridicule God’s way and blaspheme His word and name (Romans 2:23-24). Consider for a moment why Jesus admonished the Laodicean church for being lukewarm in Revelation 3:15-16; if they were hot they would be zealous in their obedience, if they were cold they would simply separate themselves from God and the church, but they were lukewarm and it was very harmful to the work and respectability of the church, and lowering the One for who the church is named in the eyes of the world because these members were known to be Christians but their conduct was far from Christ-like.  

    We, specifically, are given duties in Titus 2:3-5 that we must accomplish. Why? So “that the word of God may not be blasphemed.”  If we are not conducting ourselves reverently, and if we are slandering others and drinking, we cannot be teachers of good things. And we are given the task of being an example and a teacher to the younger women so they may learn to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, and obedient to their own husbands. Otherwise, God’s word may be blasphemed, made fun of, and altogether rejected. Our behavior is seen, and our words are heard, by more people than we think! “I thought she was a Christian?!” “She talks down about her husband and kids a lot – isn’t she a church goer?”  “Well, I guess if she’s acting like that, I can too!” “If she doesn’t follow this command, why should I?” “She complains all the time, storming around, ranting about everything, why would I listen to her advice?”

    How do we avoid giving offence and keep God’s word from being blasphemed?

    Jesus instructed His twelve apostles to “be wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16) because they would be like sheep amongst wolves and they needed to be always mindful of their intent (to preach “the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” Matthew 10:7) and retain their pure, untainted motive (to reach the lost sheep of Israel, Matthew 10:5).

    It was, and still is, vital to be mindful of our intent:

• to serve God humbly and faithfully, Luke 17:5-10,
• to be holy in all our conduct, 1 Peter 1:15-16,
• to proclaim His praises, 1 Peter 2:9
• to do good so that God is glorified, Matthew 5:14-16
• to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus, 1 Peter 2:18
• etc.

    And to always remember why we are doing it:

• He is God, our Creator, and worthy of our every service, Acts 17:26-27, Romans 6, Ephesians 2:1-13, Jude 20-25
• He called us out of darkness into His marvelous light, 1 Peter 2:9
• We hope to be with Him in eternity, 1 John 3:1-3
• We want others to share in that hope, too, Mark 16:15-16

    Jesus instructed this and exemplified it – we need to look to Him and follow His footsteps:

“…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV)

“…But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow in His steps: “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously…” (1 Peter 2:20b-23 NKJV)

“He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” (1 John 2:4-6 NKJV)

    We need to remember who God is – and all that He has done and all that He continues to do for us: His mercy and grace, His forgiveness, His patience, and His blessings – and who we are before Him: in dire need of His mercy and grace, in utter need of His forgiveness, in desperate need of His patience, and in humble appreciation of His bountiful blessings – so that we give no offense nor minimize God, His word, or His way in other's eyes.

    Guard yourself in faith (Ephesians 6:16) and obedience (James 4:7) so you do not give opportunity to the devil to lure you from God (Ephesians 4:27). Study God’s word daily, and attend worship services and Bible studies to learn with your brethren, to know the truth (Hebrews 5:14), so you do not give heed to fables or notions of men (1 Timothy 1:4, Titus 1:14). And give proper diligence to do what God has given you to do, as a Christian, and specifically as a woman, so that you do not give offence and God’s word is not blamed or blasphemed.

You can do it!! So can I!!   

Flourish in Giving – When Not to Give (Part 2)

Do Not Give Heed to Fables and Doctrines of Men

    Continuing our mini study of what not to give, let’s consider the instruction given by the apostle Paul to both Timothy and Titus: do not give heed (attention) to fables/Jewish fables, endless genealogies, and the commandments of men (1 Timothy 1:4, Titus 1:14). He was warning them against listening to anything that people have used/will use to justify their resistance to wholly obey God’s commands and what they will use to try to align God (and His way) with their existing beliefs. The Jews and the Gnostics (those who denied Jesus was deity who came in the flesh) used these devices to hold onto their former habits and ideas.

Side Note: In case of the Jews, one might argue that their ways were God’s ways because they should have been following the Law of Moses, but by Jesus’ time many of those laws had been modified to suit the people and therefore what many followed were only commandments of men (God’s commands changed in any way, big or small, by men become men’s commands). Consider, for example, Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:17-48 (“You have heard that it was said… (man’s modification), but I say to you… (the truth)”). After Jesus’ death, the New Covenant came into effect (Hebrews 10:9-10) and several of the New Testament letters are teaching the Jews to let go of their Judaism and simply follow Christ (see Paul’s letter to the Romans, for example, and the letter to the Hebrews).

    We can be just as guilty of using these devices. If what the preacher/teacher says is not scripturally sound – modifying God’s word and commands to please himself/his audience – and you give heed to his words, and base your faith and actions on what he says, never once checking to see if it is correct (consider Acts 17:11), then you are blindly following the commandments of men (read and think on 2 Timothy 4:3-4). And if you hold to it, because it checks a box in your moral conscience that you’ve attended “church” and that’s enough for you (that’s all you’re willing to give), then you are no different than the Jewish people who simply went through the motions of service (read and consider Malachi 1, Matthew 15:7-9).

“These people draw near to me with their mouth, and honour Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrine the commandments of men.” (Matthew 15:8-9 NKJV)   

We are also guilty of these devices if we base our “goodness” and our “righteousness” on what we think the Bible says – “I’m pretty sure it’s in there, somewhere” – instead of knowing what it says through sincere study and application. If we do this then we are simply following our own made up notions, and we are giving a foothold to the devil to carry us further from the narrow way with fables, wives’ tales, and “every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14).

“…they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.” (Romans 10:2-3 NKJV)

How do we avoid giving heed to these things?

• By exercising ourselves toward godliness (1 Timothy 4:7) and trusting in the living God (1 Timothy 4:10). 

    Go a little further in that same chapter and see the instructions given to Timothy – yes, Timothy was a preacher but the instructions he received are sound and useful for every Christian!

• Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, faith, in purity (v12). This can only be accomplished when we submit to God and learn His way (see next two points).
• Give attention to reading, exhortation, to doctrine – meditate on these, give yourselves entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all (vv13, 15).
• Take heed of yourself (your relationship with God) and the doctrine (His instructions), and continue in them (v16) 

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2 NKJV)

    Give time and attention to reading God’s word, and not just reading, but thinking on it and obeying it – apply it to your life, see God’s wisdom, give Him the glory and thank Him for His provision. Don’t give attention to any ideas or commands that are not clearly founded in God’s word – it’s our responsibility to search “the Scriptures daily to find out if these things were so” (Acts 17:11). Remember, we need to know the True and Authentic so we can properly spot what is false (Hebrews 5:14) and keep not only ourselves, but our brethren from being led astray. God has provided all we need to know Him, the One True God – the very source of Truth. Don’t be content with everyone else’s knowledge, get your very own through careful study and application! Only then can you serve God with confidence, knowing you have submitted to His righteousness! Are you ready?   

You can do it! So can I!!

Flourish in Giving – What We Are Not to Give (Part 1)

    So far in our study we have learned that we must first give ourselves to God (Romans 12:1-2, 1 Peter 4:1-2) – this is vital to our learning, obeying, and flourishing – we must choose God over self. Next, we need to give thanks to God (1 Thessalonians 5:18, Hebrews 13:15, Colossians 1:12) – developing a sincere gratitude for God’s blessings will fortify our trust and encourage our obedience. After that, we looked at the need to give glory to God (Psalm 29:1-2, 1 Peter 2:9) – all we have is from God: our abilities, our wherewithal, time and opportunity (ex: Deuteronomy 8:18, 2 Corinthians 9:8, Ephesians 2:10). We are simply sharing from the abundant supply He has granted us (Psalm 68:19, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4) – so we need to give Him the praise, tell others that it was by His blessings you could be a benefit to them, and that it is God to whom all glory is due!

    Now, if you’re already flourishing in these areas; that is wonderful! Keep going! Keep growing!! And, if you’re desiring to flourish in these areas, keep trying! Discover what happens when you don’t give up!! Whatever stage of development you find yourself at, I would like you to consider and area to watch out for; a circumstance in which we are instructed NOT to give.

Do Not Give Place to the Devil  

    Throughout Ephesians 4 to 6, Paul teaches Christians how to walk worthy of the calling (Ephesians 4:1), and one of the many instructions he gives is found in chapter 4, verses 26-27: “”Be angry and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.” We are to resolve our quarrels quickly (Proverbs 17:14), otherwise we leave ourselves open to the devil’s temptations (consider God’s instruction about sin in Genesis 4:7, and Jesus’ instruction in Matthew 5:21-26).

    The command to not give place to the devil is applicable everywhere in our lives, not just in the matter of harbouring anger. Anytime we choose self over God we give the devil a foothold in our lives. For example: You choose __(fill in the blank)__ over attending worship services one week (or any other good and proper thing), the devil will certainly take advantage of that and feed you all sorts of lies as you struggle to justify your choice; he may even work to create more opportunities/invitations that keep you on the same selfish path, all in an effort to distract you from attending faith-fortifying assemblies/activities (remember what faith does to his fiery darts, Ephesians 6:16).

Don’t make it easy for the devil to claim you:

• Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7)
• Put on the full armour of God, so that you can stand against the wiles (schemes) of the devil (Ephesians 6:11)  
• Be sober, be vigilant – the devil walks about looking for someone to devour; resist him – get help from your brethren, be a help to your brethren - we need to band together and stand against him (1 Peter 5:8-9)
• Keep watch over yourself (that you are in Jesus and walking as He walked, 1 John 2:3-6), stay on guard, and the wicked one will not touch you (1 John 5:18)

    When we flourish in giving ourselves to God, in giving thanks to Him, and in giving Him the glory, we are guarding ourselves from giving place to the devil – so keep flourishing in giving what is good and right to our gracious and loving Father in heaven and resist the temptation to give place to the devil!

You can do it! So can I!!

Flourish in Giving God the Glory

    Consider clay for a moment. If the lump of clay was to say to the sculptor, “I can do this on my own; I don’t need you,” what is going to happen? That lump will not gain any help from the world around it, quite the opposite; and try as it might, having no capacity within itself to change, it will remain as it is and become hardened.

    But the clay that submits to the water applied by the sculptor, knowing it is being prepared for something greater, endures the pressures applied by the sculptor’s careful hands and allows itself to be transformed from a lump to a beneficial vessel.

    God is our Creator – our Sculptor, if you will – and we are the clay. This is an oft used illustration in the Bible. Read and consider Isaiah 29:15-16; this is the clay that says it doesn’t need the Sculptor. But we, who have submitted to the Sculptor, and to the water He has provided (waters of baptism, Mark 16:15-16, Romans 6:3-4, 1 Peter 3:21), are being transformed under the properly applied pressure of God’s wise and loving hands (Hebrews 12:3-11, Ephesians 4:17-24) into beneficial people. And even as sculpted clay must go through fire (kiln) to be complete, so must we also endure the fiery trials of life – the testing of our faith – but in the end we will receive the salvation of our souls (read and think on 1 Peter 1:3-9).

“But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter; and all we are the work of Your hand.” (Isaiah 64:8 NKJV)   

     As we have already learned in this study, we must first, give ourselves to God, because without God we can do nothing, and it is only with Him that we have access to the life-changing blessings that He bestows in mercy and kindness toward us (Ephesians 1:3-14, 1 John 4:9-10). Second, we must learn to give thanks to God. He is our Creator and Sustainer, our goodness is nothing apart from Him (Psalm 16:2); we must develop an attitude of gratitude that declares daily – and many times throughout each day – our praise and thanksgiving for all He has done, continues to do, and promises to do!

    If you do not give ourselves to God and trust His word, if we do not appreciate all that He is and all that He does and learn to give thanks to Him in everything, then we will not be able to do what is decreed throughout the Bible: give glory to God.

“Give unto the LORD, O you mighty ones, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.” (Psalm 29:1-2 NKJV)

glory (Greek: doxa) means good opinion, praise, honour.  

    In reference to God it carries with it a declaration of God’s intrinsic worth and worthiness. All that God does gives rise to praise and our good opinion – everything He does is only ever for our good – our natural response to such loving goodness is to give praise and glory for such.

 “Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together.” (Psalm 34:3 NKJV)

How to Give Glory to God:

    Abraham gave glory to God when He did not waver at God promises through unbelief – he wholly trusted and was fully convinced of God’s faithfulness, His power, and His capability – and was strong in faith (Romans 4:20-21). Abraham declared God, His worth, and His worthiness to be trusted and obeyed, by trusting and obeying Him! When we, like Abraham, wholly trust and obey God, we prove “what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2) and exhibit God’s wisdom to those around us.

    In Luke 17:11-19, one leper (one among ten others who were healed by Jesus), returned to Jesus, and with a loud voice glorified God, fell down at Jesus’ feet, and gave Him thanks. Jesus said, “Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner? Arise, go your way, your faith has made you well.” So giving glory to God involves faith, and it also includes turning to God in humbleness, proclaiming His praise for what He has done, and giving thanks to Him for the same. When we, like the leper, are helped, we should also have a heart like his that desires to immediately run to the Source of our help, joyfully proclaim His praises on the way, and fall to our knees before Him in thanksgiving.

    When we come to know who God is and who we are before Him we will understand that without Him we were hopeless (Ephesians 2:11-13), it is He who made us and not we ourselves (Psalm 100:3), and it is He who daily loads us with benefits (Psalm 68:19). These truths should motivate us to glorify Him by strengthening our faith, and by choosing to wholly trust Him and obey Him each day; it should fill our hearts with thanksgiving, and praise should spill over our lips in gratitude! These truths should cause us to joy in running to God, they should bring us to our knees in humble gratitude for His unfailing love and compassion! These truths should keep us from craving praise from men for what good we may accomplish (consider Matthew 6:1-4), and instead compel us to direct all praise and thanksgiving to God (Matthew 5:14-16) because He is the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17); it is He – and it always will be He, who deserves both the credit and the glory!

    We were once like lowly lumps of clay, but by submitting to God’s sculpting, we are now able to do good works (Ephesians 2:10, 2 Corinthians 9:8) and be beneficial people (Titus 2-3, Galatians 6:9-10)! Give God the glory – and proclaim His praises – for transforming your life and sculpting you into a woman with talent and ability to benefit others, a women who humbly obeys God and proclaims His praises (1 Peter 2:9), and one who can endure beautifully to the end!

You can do it! So can I!!

Flourish in Giving Thanks to God

    God, through the apostle Paul, tells us that we are to use our words for good, specifically for giving of thanks (read and consider Ephesians 5:1-4), and we are instructed to give thanks always for all things (Ephesians 5:19-20) and in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18), so it is certainly an area of giving in which we need to be flourishing!

“…in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV)

    What can we give thanks for?

    A beginning place is thanking God daily for “life, breath, and all things” (Acts 17:25) because He is our Creator, Sustainer, and our faithful loving Father, but I think it is important to always work toward thanking God (and praising Him) for specific things. When we think about specifics we are developing a real gratitude for His wondrous blessings, and we are tuning our eyes to see them and preparing our hearts to give thanks to Him for each one of them!

“I will praise the name of God with a song, and I will magnify Him with thanksgiving.” (Psalm 69:30 NKJV)

Give Thanks to God For His Provision

    For His spiritual provision:

    God daily loads us with benefits, namely our salvation (Psalm 68:19)! Read and think on John 3:16-17, 1 John 4:9-10 and give thanks to God for qualifying us “to be partakers of the inheritance,” for delivering us, conveying us, redeeming us, and forgiving us (Colossians 1:12-14, also read Ephesians 1:3-23). Don’t limit your consideration and giving of thanks for Jesus’ sacrifice to just Sunday when you gather with the church to take communion (the Lord’s Supper), think about it and learn to appreciate it even more each day. Let your heart declare: “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57), “Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:14), and “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)

    For His physical provision:

    God grants us ability to work and obtain an income (Deuteronomy 8:18) – have you thanked Him yet today for your job and your ability to do it?  Read and consider Matthew 6:25-34. God provides us with food, drink, and clothing when we determine to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. We are often taught as children to thank God for our meals, and most of us still purposefully pray in thanksgiving for our food, but how often do we pause in our closets and thank Him for our clothing? It’s another way to allow our thanksgiving to flourish!

    For His help in times of trouble:

    God is the Father of mercies and God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4), and He grants us access to “come boldly to the throne of grace” – at any time, as many times as needed – “to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15). He also wants to provide us with His peace – peace that guards our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus – all He asks of us is to give Him all our anxieties, make our requests known to Him through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6-7). We may be frequent in our asking for His help but do we follow up each help with a prayer of thanks?

Give Thanks to God For Our Brethren

    Paul provided us with many examples of proclaiming thanks to God for his brothers and sisters in Christ:

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you with joy…” (Philippians 1:3-4)

“We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all the saints…” (Colossians 1:3-4)

“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers…” (1 Thessalonians 1:2)

“We are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other…” (2 Thessalonians 1:3)

    See also 2 Timothy 1:3 and Philemon 4-5

    Have you given thanks to God for your brethren? They too are a provision from God – who help us in our walk (2 Timothy 2:22)!

Give Thanks to God For All People And Those in Authority

    God gives us clear instruction in how to speak about “all men, for kings and all who are in authority,” – this includes MPs, MPPs, Prime Ministers, Governor-Generals, Senators, Governors, Members of Congress, Vice Presidents, Presidents, and those campaigning for these positions – we are to make supplications (fervent, heartfelt pleas), intercessions (pray on their behalf), and giving of thanks for all of them. We, who know God, who know of His power and ability, who know of His goodness and love, are to be praying for these men and women – fervently, diligently, humbly, imploringly and thankfully! They too are a provision from God (read and think on Romans 13:1-7)!

Give Thanks to God Continually With Praise:

    Whatever we do in word or deed, we are to do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, and we are to give thanks to the Father through Him (Colossians 3:17) – thanking God for life, ability, mobility, His blessings (health, nourishment, clothing, our senses, transportation), His grace (forgiveness, His word to guide us, His help, etc.), and for opportunities to do good (Ephesians 2:10, Galatians 6:9-10, Titus 3:14).

“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” (Hebrews 13:15 NKJV)

• If you awoke to this day – give thanks to God!
• If you have heard the gospel and obeyed it – give thanks to God!
• If you have obeyed God’s commands and discovered His wisdom in providing those instructions – give thanks to God!
• If you had food to eat, water to drink, and clothing to wear - give thanks to God!
• If you see His goodness in your day (Matthew 5:16) – give thanks to God!
• If you have been helped by your brethren – give thanks to God!
• If you were able to help another person – give thanks to God!
• If you have asked Him for help and been helped – give thanks to God!
• If you live in a country that has laws for your safety – give thanks to God!

    Give thanks to God often and always! Be specific – it will help you to remember and appreciate all that God has done, all that He continues to do, and all that He promises to do! Are you ready to flourish in giving? Give thanks to God!

You can do it! So can I!!

Flourish Even More in 2024 in Giving

    If the Lord wills, over the next few weeks I would like to dig into a study about giving, so we can flourish even more in it! God generously gives us all things (1 Timothy 6:17-19, James 1:5), and He does this so that we can give to others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, 9:8)!

    How do we cultivate a generous, giving heart? I think we must first give ourselves to God. We need to know and trust God and His word, only then can we be imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1), and be generous, like He is, in all good things.

    Jesus said, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever cannot bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple… whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:26-27, 33)  

    We cannot let our parents ideas of what is right, our siblings notions of goodness, nor our own feelings come before serving God and obeying His word; even if it’s what our parents “have always done,” even if our siblings now call us a stick in the mud, and especially if we’re beginning to think we’ve already done enough/learned enough to be “okay.” As true Christians, we are part of the kingdom of God and Jesus Christ is our King (1 Timothy 6:13-16), are you willing to give up all other rule and authority in your life to follow Him in His way? Take time to read and consider 1 John 2:3-6.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2 NKJV)  

    God does not ask too much of us when He commands us to sacrifice our own notions, ideas, and desires so that we can be transformed into a new person created in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:17-24). Giving ourselves to Him, allowing His instructions and commands to transform us (so we no longer look, sound, nor act like the world), is the only way to prove to both ourselves and others around us that God’s will is good and acceptable and perfect!

    When we give ourselves to God we do not let anyone’s opinion sway us – no matter if they be family, friend, or self – we will compare words with God’s word; if what is said does not align with what God has said, we stick with God – we submit to Him, Our Creator and Father, not to the person in error. It will not be easy, but it will be worth it. What God commands us to give up is minuscule in comparison to what He gives us in return (Psalm 68:19, Romans 8:18, 2 Corinthians 4:17)!

    Please open your Bible and take time to think on these passages: Galatians 2:20, Matthew 16:24-27/Luke 9:23-26, and Romans 1:16-17   

“Therefore since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.” (1 Peter 4:1-2 NKJV)

    Are you ready to flourish in giving? God asks us to first give ourselves to Him, that we may do His will and be proof that it is worthy of doing! God is faithful and His promises are true! Trust His word – it is only ever for your good – obey His commands and give yourself wholly to Him!

You can do it! So can I!!