Peace in God and with God - Day 7 Through the Bible

"Piecemakers Quilt Guild" Show at Burnsville, NC Town Center

(Hand-stitched Quilts are probably the most celebrated heritage craft of the Appalachian Mountains.  This is a dying art as many of the quilts are now partially or all machine-stitched.  One of our church members belongs to this guild and is one of the only remaining quilters doing all hand-stitched quilts.  She and a group of Mt. Celo Church members used to have quiltings in the basement of the church and use proceeds from the quilts to support mission work.)

Lessons from the Readings

  1)   Both material wealth and poverty have been given by God to His people in their earthly lives – Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold. (Gen 13:2) Job was very wealthy, lost all, was given even more at the end; Jesus, the Son of God “had nowhere to lay His head.”  While the Old Testament occasionally speaks of material wealth as the fruit of obedience, the New Testament speaks of sharing in the sufferings of Christ as the fruit of obedience.  Abram’s wealth brought him problems as well as blessings.  (“Now the land was not able to support them, that they might dwell together, for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together.  And there was strife…(Genesis 13:6-7).  It is not our material possessions – or lack of them - that impact our lives for God, but our devotion and obedience to Him that He uses to impact the world for His glory and purposes.

  2)   Beauty and wealth (and special gifts – such as intelligence) can be both blessings and curses.  We don’t need to look much beyond Hollywood to see this.  (Sarai was very beautiful, and Abram feared being killed on account of that, and this led to his scheming and deception. Gen 12:11-20).  I heard a statement in a sermon once on this – regarding Sarai, Tamar and other Biblical examples.  “Beauty, wealth and great talent attract the wrong kinds of people.  Teach your children this.”  Any parent with children so “blessed”, knows the truth of this statement.

  3)   Make decisions only in accordance with the Word of God and in prayer with God – not according to greed, selfishness or what someone else tells you.  Abram said to Lot …let there be no strife between you and me…you take, and then I will go…“Lot lifted his eyes…saw that it was well watered…chose for himself…pitched his tent even as far as Sodom.  But the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord.”  Genesis 13: 10-13.  “Abraham called on the name of the Lord (Gen. 13:4) …And the Lord said to Abram…lift your eyes now, look…for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever.”….the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, and take the goods for yourself…but  Abram said, “I have raised my hand to the Lord…I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, “I have make Abram rich.”’  Glory and praise belong only to God.

A question I will contemplate during this year of study:  Who is Melchizedek? King of Salem (Peace/Jerusalem) and priest of God Most High…blessed Abram and God.. Abram gave him a tithe of all. (Gen14:18-20)  A highly-debated subject in theology…A Pre-incarnate Appearance of Christ?  Melchizedek is not of the order of the Levites.  Christ is said to be of the order of Melchizedek.  (Hebrews 6-7 and Psalm 110:4)

  4)   Meditate, be still, trust in the Lord, lie down in peace, for God alone makes us dwell in safety…another Life Principle of Dr. Stanley’s – Peace with God is the fruit of Oneness with God…communion…Psalm 4: 4-8 

  5)   Receive, treasure, incline your ear, apply, cry out,  lift up your voice , seek, search for wisdom, understanding, discernment…then I will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God…why I have committed to this study of God’s Word – Proverbs 2:1-5  

  6)   Charitable deeds and prayer are to be done in secret before God.  Let the reward come from God – not man.   What we do for God in secret, He will reward openly.  (Matthew 6:1-18 )

  7)   While the Bible also encourages collective prayer, all is to glorify God, to have the focus on God – not man or self.   Note the emphasis of the Lord’s Prayer (which is really the Disciple’s Prayer since the Lord had no sin to forgive):  Our Father…Your name…Your kingdom…Your will…(You) give us…(You) forgive us…(You) do not lead us…(You) deliver us…Yours is the kingdom, the power, the glory forever.  Our part in this prayer – to forgive our debtors. Matthew 6: 9-13

APPLICATION:  Stay in the presence of God – Maintain the spiritual, eternal focus/mindset – “Turn my eyes upon Jesus”

Day 6 of Daily Bible Study

January 6
In our sermon today on Our Greatest Gift to Others, by Rev. Bill Dages, this Scripture passage was read: "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" (Romans 10:14-15).

The Daily Bible Reading begins in Genesis 11:1, when the earth had one language and men contemplated using brick and asphalt in building themselves a city and tower "whose top is in the heavens". Unfortunately, when men aspire to greatness they become self-centered and experience a predictable fall (at least it's predictable from God's viewpoint-Proverbs 16:18). In Isaiah 14, we read that Lucifer planned to "ascend into Heaven" for the purpose of  exalting himself. Both of these situations have PRIDE written all over them.

During the sermon this morning, I was puzzled how "feet" could be considered beautiful to someone. To get a really good view of feet, one would have to be on the ground. This could describe a person who has been humbled, who has had the pride knocked out of him by whatever circumstances. If I were on the ground suffering, in misery, and all alone, perhaps even unable to look up, and someone came to help me, bringing me good news--I would probably think those were the most beautiful feet I have ever seen! 

When we exalt ourselves, God says we will be humbled (Matthew 23:12). When we are humbled (or more often, when God softens our heart by humbling us), we are thankful for some relief--for some good news that there is actually a way out of our misery! A lack of understanding about God leads one to think he or she is so invincible it is possible to disregard God and be exalted to greatness.

Psalms 4:1, contributes to this line of thought in the description of a prayer of humility that seeks God's mercy. Then Proverbs 1:28-30, portrays the results of an arrogant attitude that leaves one cut off from God.
The study concludes with instruction by Jesus Himself to "be clothed through faith, with the righteousness of Christ" (Matthew 5:48), without which 'no one will see the Lord' (Hebrews 12:14)"--not even if they build a tower into heaven!

In closing, I want to share this powerful thought from our sermon today (this is not the exact quote). However, Horatius Bonar was quoted in his book, "God's Way of Peace", as saying that not knowing God well enough is at the root of all our despair. This statement requires much contemplation and meditation--it is such a key thought! As Christians, it is our responsibility to convey the truth about the God of Love, to let others know there is indeed a way out of their misery! There are so many on the ground who have "fallen" in the process of self-exaltation and the search for the good life. They do not know God well enough to know that He has a garment of righteousness prepared for them with unimaginable love. They are waiting for someone to bring them hope and healing. A hard question for Believers: What am I doing to take the Good News to those who wait in misery and despair? Are my feet "beautiful feet"?

Day 5 of Daily Bible Study

                                                    A Yancey Morning taken last summer.

January 5

Completing the Bible readings for today leaves me with a question: To what extent am I deceived—either by external influence or by my own doing?  We live in a culture that tends to carry us along into gray areas. Too often I find myself taking the path of least resistance--the path human nature dictates.  This choice (or lack of choosing) results in shallowness—which translates into sin. When I do not examine my beliefs, when I stand for nothing, when I’m satisfied with going along with the crowd—my life becomes superficial—a facade, actually worthless to God!

Looking back at today’s study, Noah obeyed God & followed Him--not the crowd (who, incidentally, drowned). Shem & Japheth honored & respected their father rather than just going along with what their brother did and they were blessed by God. We see in Genesis 9, a foundational principle for relationships. Verse 6 says we are all made in the image of God. What a different culture this would be if we all just respected one other.  Instead, we live in a culture that stresses self and that promotes “all about me” attitudes.  As believers, if we allow this deception to permeate our thinking, we will lose our power as Christians.

In Matthew 5, Jesus presented the “Beatitudes” to His disciples. Is this passage a “profile” of a believer: Poor in spirit, one who mourns, meek, hungry & thirsty for what is right, merciful, pure in heart, a peacemaker, persecuted for standing for what is right?  If so, as a believer, do I fit that profile? Do I have the depth of character required to mourn for the dilemma of sin that permeates our culture? Is my heart pure? Do I extend mercy?  Am I a peacemaker? 

Following this passage, Jesus reassures us there is a blessing in being a recipient of persecution because of Him. He goes on to reassure us that in spite of being persecuted, we ARE “the salt of the earth” and “light of the world”. We cannot fulfill these responsibilities if we take on the demeanor of the world—if, we only pretend we are followers of Christ. The world is growing darker by the day and people find themselves out of hope. As believers, Jesus says we are to provide the preservative (salt prevents decay) for our culture as well as illuminating the way to that which is truth (reality).

In order for us to carry out these responsibilities, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit—we must become people of depth. This comes by spending time with God—time in prayer and time in His Word, being honest with God and with myself. The section on “How can I rid myself of guilt”, takes us beyond shallowness—beyond just worrying about what people think. (The Scribes and Pharisees were notorious for putting themselves in the limelight so that all could see how “religious” they were. Jesus said unless our righteousness exceeded theirs—we would not even enter the kingdom of Heaven.) This article shows what is involved in forgiveness in the depths of our being where others cannot see—where we thoroughly address and examine the sin, make amends, and accept forgiveness. The is such a good example of prayerfully dealing with issues on a godly level as opposed to just brushing things aside and going on our way.

In light of this study today, I feel the need to challenge myself to stop “surface living”, to stop pretending things are fine and look at my life in depth from God’s perspective! How I long to love God with all my heart, and with all my soul, and with all my mind, and with all my strength, and to love others as I love myself (Mark 12:30-31).  I want to be a person of depth, untainted by this culture, unpretentious, and receptive to the Holy Spirit in the innermost places of my heart.

Patterns and Repetitions in the Bible - Day 4 Through the Bible

High Pastures Christian Retreat -  290 King's Highway, Burnsville, NC

(Both Quiet Reflections - see previous post -  and High Pastures - near our church -  have accommodations for those wishing to retreat in solitude or as groups to draw nearer to God.  The Executive Director of High Pastures and his wife are family of one our Mt. Celo Church members.  Also, Billy Graham's Retreat, The Cove, is about 1 hour from us.  

Today's Readings

NOTE:  The post writings are authored by members of Mt. Celo Church.  They reflect the very personal experiences gleaned from sitting alone with God in study of His Word.  They are shared in the prayer that you will be blessed by them.  However, the Holy Spirit may have a different message for you depending on your current needs and circumstances.

During my years of study of the Bible, I have noticed patterns and repetitions that have greatly impacted my understanding of God's character and His dealings with us.  Today's readings introduce three of those.  I did some further research to understand historical/Biblical backgrounds of these.  I had always heard that the often-repeated number 7 represented completion in the Bible (there is some variance of this meaning in Jewish Rabbinic tradition), but I was not sure what the number 40 represented, except that it was the length of many major events in the Bible.

1) The number 7
You shall take with you 7 of each animal.  (Gen. 7:2)...After 7 more days I will cause it to rain on the earth...(Gen. 7:4)...And it came to pass after 7 days that the waters of the flood were on the earth. (Gen. 7:10)...Then the ark rested in the 7th month....(Gen. 7: 4)...And he waited yet another 7 days, and again he sent the dove out of the ark. (Gen, 8:10)...So he waited another 7 days and sent out the dove, which did not return again to him. (Gen. 8:11)  This is from the Tyndale Bible Dictionary (emphasis added) :

In Scripture, seven symbolizes completeness or perfection. On the seventh day God rested from his labors and creation is finished (Gn 2:2). Pharaoh in his dream saw seven cattle coming from the Nile (41:2). Samson’s sacred Nazirite locks were braided in seven plaits (Jgs 16:13). Seven devils left Mary of Magdala, signifying the totality of her previous possession by Satan (Lk 8:2); "seven other devils" will enter the purified but vacant life of a person (Mt 12:45). However, on the positive side, there were the seven spirits of God (Rv 3:1). In the seventh year the Hebrew slave was to be freed (Ex 21:2), having completed his time of captivity and service. Every seventh year was a sabbatical year (Lv 25:4). Seven times seven reiterates the sense of completeness. In the Year of Jubilee (at the completion of 7 x 7 years = the 50th year), all land is freed and returns to the original owners (Lv 25:10). Pentecost, the Feast of Weeks, is seven times seven days after Passover. "Seventy," which is literally "sevens" in Hebrew, strengthens the concept of perfection. There are 70 elders (Ex 24:1) in Israel. Israel was exiled to Babylon for 70 years (Jer 25:12) to complete its punishment. "Seventy times seven" (Mt 18:22) reiterates this still further. The Lord was not giving Peter a mathematical number of times that he should forgive another person, but rather was insisting on limitless forgiveness for a brother’s sin.

2) The number 40
For after 7 days I will cause it to rain on the earth 40 days and 40 nights...(Gen. 7: 4)...And the rain was on the earth 40 days and 40 nights. (Gen. 7:12)...Now the flood was on the earth 40 days. (Gen. 7:17)...And when He had fasted 40 days and 40 nights...(Matt. 4:2)  This is the commentary from BibleStudy.org:

Additional commentary on the Biblical meaning of 40 *

The number 40 is mentioned 146 times in the Bible. The number points to or symbolizes trial and testing, or probation.

How is the number forty related to TRIALS and TESTING?

Jesus Christ was tempted of the Devil 40 days and 40 nights. Jesus was seen 40 days by His disciples after His resurrection. It was 40 years from the crucifixion of Jesus until the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 70 AD. Moses was 40 years in Egypt, 40 years in the desert, and 40 years in the wilderness leading the children of Israel. Moses was on Mount Sinai twice with God for 40 days and 40 nights receiving the Law. Twelve spies investigated the Promised Land for 40 days. Elijah was 40 days at Mount Horeb. Jonah preached that judgment was to come to Nineveh in 40 days. Ezekiel laid on His right side for 40 days symbolizing Judah’s sins.

How is the number 40 related to PROSPERITY and PROBATION?

Ancient Israel, for forty years, was judged by Othniel. Israel was also judged for 40 years by Barak and Gideon. A united Israel was also ruled, for forty years each, by King Saul, then King David, the by David's son King Solomon. Joash, considered one of the betters kings of the Kingdom of Judah, reigned for forty years (835-796 B.C.).

The Bible was written by forty different people - which pictures probation. Christians are under judgment now - under probation - based on how they live by every word of God.

3) "It is written..."Matt 4:4,7.10  I am going to underline these words throughout this year of study.  To quote Dr. Stanley, for those of you who do not have his annotated daily study Bible:  'Jesus responded to each of Satan's three temptations by appealing to the unchanging Word of God:  "It is written." If we want to successfully overcome temptation, we must know what the Word says.'

My prayers for you as you commit to this study of God's Word:

"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, that that you may know Him better."  Eph. 1:17

"I pray that you...may have power...to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."  Eph. 3:17-19

Day 3 of Daily Bible Study

The "gate" at Quiet Reflections Retreat--not far from Mt. Celo Church in Yancey County.

January 3

 Relationships cannot be reproduced—they are as unique as the individuals involved in them. We can read what others experience while doing this daily Bible study, however we cannot duplicate someone's experience with God. At first glance, this may seem discouraging, but look again.

When I find myself in a large crowd, I never fail to be amazed that--of all the people I observe, no two are alike. I bring a unique person before God to study His Word each day—that one of a kind individual is me! No one will relate to God exactly as I do. My life, my personality, my thoughts, and my experiences are personal to me. My Father gave me one of a kind fingerprints, only He knows the number of hairs on my head, only God knows my complete DNA. He made me unlike anyone else.

Years ago, I remember being impressed with a little book by Chuck Swindoll, called Intimacy with the Almighty. I bought all my adult children a copy. I was so disappointed when I realized it was not the powerful book for them that it had been for me. While we may envy someone's Bible study experience, we can rest assured that we, too, can have encounters in His Word that leaves us amazed! Our relationship with Him has the potential for taking us to one of those "you just had to be there" moments. We can write out our experience—put it in words. However, it’s just not possible to communicate the depths of spiritual communion that we encounter when we really get into God's Word. God wants us to have our own experience with Him--not a “second-hand” one—He wants it to be ours and ours alone!

If you're only reading about this study, consider actually doing it. Purchase The Charles Stanley Life Principles Daily Bible (available online or from a Christian book store) and join us in this study. Make it your study—yours and God’s. If you were the only person in the world—God still would have sent His Son to take your place on the cross in order to pay for your sins. He has so much in His Word that He wants to share with you! Ask Him to help you study with passion—a passion to really know Him! He promises we will find Him when we seek Him with our whole heart (Deuteronomy 4:29). 

As the pages of your Bible are opened before you, picture God waiting on the other side of that “open door”. Ask Him to take your hand and by His Holy Spirit to walk with you through His Word. Along the journey, ask Him to show you how Scripture personally applies to you and your circumstances. Ask Him how you can apply what you have read. Be encouraged to "own" this Bible study--it has the potential for leading you to higher ground and to a personal relationship with God that you probably never dreamed was possible!

Lessons and Applications - Day 2 Through The Bible

Mt. Mitchell Golf Course up the road from us - a 4.5 Star Golf Digest "Must Play" public course.

(We thought you might enjoy seeing photos of the beauty that surrounds Mt. Celo Church.  The golf course above is a favorite course to play and home of some of our Mt. Celo Church members.  We hope you will worship with us at church and then enjoy the acclaimed outdoor sports and beauty all around us.)

JANUARY 2

TODAY'S BIBLE READINGS (Bold type, italics, all caps, and underlines are mine - according to how I felt the Holy Spirit speaking to me.)

Lessons I learned from the readings:

1) The Blame Game - take responsibility for my own disobedience to God.  It's not God's fault ("The woman YOU gave me.. "Gen 3:12); someone may have influenced me, but they rarely make me do something contrary to God's will ("The WOMAN you gave to me, SHE gave me of the tree, and I ate."Gen. 3:12); things (even lies) and people don't cause me to disobey - I choose ("The SERPENT deceived me, and I ate." Genesis 3:13.

2) There Are Consequences to Sin - even when we are forgiven. (Genesis 1: 14-19)  I loved this from Dr. Stanley:  "Sin fractures the relationship between God and us and between us and others.  It also creates a painful emotional distance and destroys the close fellowship God intended for us to enjoy."  Guilty.

3) Jealousy/Envy/Anger/Murder - An Escalation of Sin: Cain and Abel:  Sin increases in intensity.  Again, we are responsible for choosing our reactions to circumstances.  And, again, there are consequences to these choices. Note especially Genesis 4:6-7  So the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry?  And why has your countenance fallen?  If you do well, will you not be accepted?  And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door.  And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it."

4) Maybe my favorite of the day: "Then men began to call on the name of the LORD."  Gen, 4: 26 Prayer Enters the Human World.  This was from Spurgeon's Morning devotional today:  "Prayer is the struggling speech of the believing infant, the war cry of the fighting believer, and the requiem of the dying saint falling asleep in the arms of Jesus.  It is the breath, the password, the comfort, the strength, and the privilege of a Christian."  May I be a prayer warrior for You this year and throughout my life, Father.

5) An Eternal Question in Psalm 2:1-6 - Why do the nations rage, plot, set themselves against,  and take counsel together against the LORD and His anointed?  Then the great promises that the LORD will hold them in derision, speak to them in His wrath, distress them, and has set His King on His holy hill of Zion.  The battle between the 2 forces still rages.  Note how well this parallels with the Genesis reading.

6) Proverbs 1: 8, 9 reminds us and our children of The Importance, The Essence of Hearing, Not Forsaking, and Clothing Ourselves with the Instruction and Law of God.  And so we commit to this study.

7) Matthew 2: 1-23  God's Providential and Sovereign Care of Us with His Great Plan is in evidence here.  God communicated to Joseph and to the wise men.  He communicates with us.  Jealousy/Envy/Anger/Murder again raise their ugly heads in King Herod's choices.  As Dr. Stanley said, "Herod believed enough in Scripture to inquire where they said the Messiah would be born, but not enough to shape his life according to its teachings.  A little religion can be a dangerous thing.  We must know the full counsel of God's Word."  This is why we commit to this study.  We want to know all of God's Word - not just portions pulled out in a wrong context.  I want to interpret Scripture by Scripture - the whole counsel of God.  I want to quote another note of Dr. Stanley's since some of our blog readers may not have his annotated study Bible.  "The wise men formed an important part of the celebration that surrounded Jesus' birth.  In fact, they represented you in God's great plan.  They portrayed the countless stargazers who set out in search of a king and find the Son of the living God.  Through your own seeking and serving, you become part of the heavenly symphony that gives passionate praise to the Savior.  Allow your heart to burst into song at the thought of Him.  Permit the tune of your being to swell with the joy of who He is.  Just like the wise men, you have joined the great multitude in never-ending worship.  Seek Him and sing, for surely He is worthy."

APPLICATIONS:  I want to know God better through His Word, draw closer to Him in prayer, and have His Holy Spirit be the only controlling force in my emotions, choices and life.  I want my walk to honor and glorify God, to be a faithful witness to other believers, and to be His light in this dark world.

January 1

Beginning the New Year with the Daily Study Bible this morning was exciting. I refuse to entertain the fleeting thoughts that I may not be able to study every day, I may get behind, or I may not be "doing it right". I WANT to do this and I visualize myself ahead of time sitting down at my desk in the early morning with Bible, pens, & pencils at hand. Prayer is the priority--and I begin by asking God to open my heart and mind to His Word, and to help me focus on the moment and to receive what He has for me.

It is mind boggling to realize I am created in the image of God and that my purpose is to enjoy a relationship with Him. The very history of Creation is preserved for us in Genesis and God proceeds to reveal Himself to us through these 66 books, called The Holy Bible. God's desire is that we "delight" in Him and Psalms 1 reveals the blessings of being "planted" in God!

The Book of Proverbs begins by instructing me that if I am wise, I will listen and learn, and that a proper perspective of God is the foundation of knowledge. To me, one of the most important things to learn about God is that He loves me and only wants that which is good for me. This is not easy to grasp, and I think Satan wants to deceive us about God's love more than about anything else! When we know, without a doubt, that someone loves us and has our best interests at heart, we can trust them. We can ask God to help us understand the truth about His love for us--it is wonderful to finally realize that God is not out to get us. He is our Father and loves us to the point of giving His only begotten Son to die in our place (John 3:16), in order that we can have a Father-son or Father-daughter relationship with Him for eternity!

Matthew completes today's study with Jesus' ancestry listed from Abraham to David to Joseph, and the account of an angel instructing Joseph in how to handle his situation concerning Mary. God knows exactly where our names appear throughout generations. And, Joseph is such a role model for us--he believed the angel and followed God's instructions precisely. The last verse, Matt.1:25, summed up for me Joseph's humility and obedience . ."And he (Joseph) called His name JESUS".