Deny Yourself

"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself,
and take up his cross daily, and follow me."

Luke 9:23

I've been reading a very extensive biography of Hudson Taylor recently, and have been inspired by a practice his parents incorporated into their family's daily life. At each meal, it was encouraged that one of the children practice denying themselves by choosing to skip something they otherwise would have relished, such as dessert or their favorite side dish. The practice was not forced, but often rewarded by a special treat later on in the evening for the particular child who denied himself. The fruit of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor's wisdom is very evident in the life of Hudson, who had, in consequence, developed the habit of denying himself willingly and joyfully even when he was on his own with no one to oversee his choices. This self-control played a major role in his excellent stewardship of the funds God entrusted into his care, as Hudson was able to look beyond his personal preferences, desires and want of comforts, and carefully handle every penny he earned for the glory of God, choosing rather to lay up "treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal." (Matthew 6:20)

My heart grieves for the rich young ruler whose affections were so tied up in the luxuries of this world that he did not heed to the words of the very Savior of the world, "sell all that thou hast, ...and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: ...come, follow me." (See Luke 18.) The Lord has used these words to speak to many of us since then through His Word, including Dr. Paine who has a wonderful testimony of denying self, and stepping out in faith, exemplifying Romans 8:18:

"For I reckon the sufferings
of this present time
are not worthy to be compared
with the glory
which shall be revealed in us."

God bless you all! Have a victorious day in Christ!

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Fear Not

"And fear not them which kill
the body, but are not able to
kill the soul: but rather fear
him which is able to destroy
both soul and body in hell."
Matthew 10:28




It is so amazing how God directs every little thing that we do. Last Sunday, the day before I started to study this command, we watched "The Snake Story" by Otto Konning. Well he started off talking about yielding your rights, and then how fear over took the people of Papua
New Guinea. As I was studying this Command it reminded me of yielding our rights, because if nothing is ours, then we have nothing to fear. Also I was reminded of how fear takes over our lives.

" I, even I, am he that comforteth
you: who art thou, that thou
shouldest be afraid of a man
that shall die, and of the son
of man that shall be made as
grass." Isaiah 51:12


Wow! This verse really made me stop and think. One of the biggest fears in my life was mans approval. To read this verse and think, the people whom I feared are gonna be as grass one day, God whom I didn't fear will live forever, and is the King of everything and everyone! God really showed me through this verse how serious he is about us (me) fearing Him. How can I fear someone who will, after I die, have really no part in my life (that is if they do not fear God).
Next time I am worried about what I look like, how I talk, or how I act, I'm gonna think would God really be pleased with me!

"There is no fear in love; but perfect
love casteth out fear: because fear
hath torment. He that feareth is not
made perfect in love."
1 John 4:18


Instead of having fear of man, we must reverence God, and then we will have love for man. This verse reminds me of William Tyndale's last words, he said, "Lord, open the king of England's eyes." He had such fear of God that he loved the man who had him put to death, even when he was dying. Wow! To be like William Tyndale. Please pray that God would show me how to have such fear of Him, that I would love everyone?!

Jordin

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Want it for yourself? Do it for others

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

I'm thrilled with the Scriptures the rest of you are presenting and know beyond the shadow of a doubt that the good work our Lord has begun in our hearts is continuing in this moment. Thank you to all who have invested their insights through this Commands of Christ blog.


This command is such a great one.

Therefore all things

whatsoever ye would that men should do to you,

do ye even so to them,

for this is the law and the prophets.

Isn't this great? It isn't the golden rule for nothing! This gets us thinking of everything we enjoy receiving and in turn make those desires a giving list for others. And then besides the tremendous blessedness of giving, we receive the wonder of fulfilling the law and the prophets. You're probably like me and get a certain amount of satisfaction by getting things done. I write myself list as much for the thrill of checking things off as I do for the mental organization. But when I can "kill two birds with one stone" I feel like I've hit a home run. All those bases covered at once! Do you know, friends, that in fulfilling this command, we're also covering the old testament laws, the exhortations of the prophets and the words of Jesus at once!

Jesus came not to minister unto but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many. What sacrifice for us all! As a child I talked about this command and preached it when I felt it was being violated in regards to me! In one of those talk a young friend wasn't sure how it would work out to benefit him. If he did for others, who would do for him?

Then early one morning, many years later, I happened to meet a jogged as I was roller blading in Chicago. Our talk took on some of the same conversational hues. Her main goal in life was to keep happy by being in top physical shape. Her social/economic profile read of riches, education and status. In probing for the reasoning behind my volenteer position and chastity choices, her questions fired one after another. I huffed and puffed up and down hills that hot summer morning. After over 2 miles, she paused and then asked, "If I serve God and put others first, who will look after me?" I smiled as we pushed on because the question echoed from my own heart's history. It was then that I introduced to her the incredible concept of God's love. When we know God as our caring and generous Father we can afford to give everything as Jesus did to "do unto others what we would have them do to us." God is faithfully and richly rewards in comparison with the small kindnesses we learn to give with joy to others.

I love promises: "...as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee; thy reward shall return upon thine own head." Obadiah 1:15

I've seen this command in action up close and personal. You see, my Mom's older brother, Shan, who has down's syndrome, has been living with us for several years. This summer he was diagnosed with cancer which has paralysed him from the waist down. Seeing my mom put all her nurse's training and the essence of "do unto others" into practice in her care for him, it is easy to see the quality of life it brings. There aren't any thank you's, but there is fulfilment knowing that God is pleased. It comes naturally to her because she loves him so much and has taught us how to care for him in the best way possible too. It is all part of putting ourselves in his shoes. In doing so, my Mom has become a sermon in shoes.

"But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?" 1 John 3:17

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." Philippians 2:4

"Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth." 1 Corinthians 10:24

"As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." Galatians 6:10

"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measure to you again." Luke 6:38

May the love, honor, forgiveness, help, truthfulness, loyalty, protection and earnest prayer that you and I desire of others be free flowing from our hearts to all the "others" in the sphere of our influence. For whatever we do for others, we do for Christ.

Love in Jesus,

Janny

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Choose the Narrow Way

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Matthew 7:13-14

"Choose the narrow way" requires such practical action from us. A Christian must willingly take limitations upon his or her self in order to stay on the narrow path. Imagine a wall to the left and a wall to the right of the course set before you-- what do they represent? They are there not to deprive you of what's behind them, not to harm you or somehow make your race miserable; they are there to keep you on track, keep you focused, and keep other distractions from leading you astray! These walls are built by standards, commitments and pre-determined decisions that will be greatly instrumental in our "winning the race".


Note that not only the gate is "narrow" (Jn. 14:6) but the way is "narrow". We can not run with baggage, there is no room! Jesus said, "Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple." (Lk. 14:33) I've not read of one Christian hero who accomplished much for God but that he first had every earthly tie severed from his heart that the will of God might freely, fully reign within him.

Proverbs 4:25-27 exhorts us in saying, "Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil."

No man, having put his hand to the plough,
and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Luke 9:62

Helpful Verses to Memorize:

Ephesians 2:2-6 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Proverbs 4:26-27 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

Isaiah 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

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Judge Not

"Judge not, that ye be not

judged. For with what judgement

ye judge, ye shall be judged: and

with what measure ye mete, it

shall be measured to you again.

And why beholdest thou the

mote that is in thy brother's

eye, but considerest not the

beam that is in thy own eye?"

Matthew 7:1-3

As I was studying and meditating on this Command, I feel like I should just share a testimony on what the Lord did through this Command.

Some time back I judged others in one particular area. This area was girls who dressed, walked, and had the attitude of in modesty. The Lord really convicted me in this area, so I look on those girls with compassion, that they were not taught any better. The Lord also used my change of heart, to want to teach younger girls about purity and how it is so important, purity of the heart, soul, mind, and body. So far the Lord has brought into my life my younger cousin, who I am sharing what I have learned, with her. Just the other night she was telling me about some of her friends and how they act and dress, I could share with her how she is being an example by dressing modestly, but also sharing how she needed to act modestly. The Lord gave me so many examples I could use in how I either learned my lesson the hard way or how God showed me not to act a certain way. I am not saying, I got it down, I will be learning the rest of my life! But life lessons prepare you to help others.

Through this the Lord showed me my proud heart and how I really need to change my heart on judging people in other areas of my life. He showed me these verses:

" God resisteth the proud, but

giveth grace unto the humble."
James 4:6



"Speak not evil of another,

brethern. He that speaketh

evil of his brother, and

judgeth his brother,

speaketh evil of the law,

and judgeth the law: but

if thou judge the law, thou

art not a doer of the law,

but a judge. There is one

lawgiver, who is able to

save and to destroy: who

art thou that judgest another?"

James 4: 11-12





May the Lord bless everyone who is truly delighting in His Commands.

Jordin

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Be Reconciled

"Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be
RECONCILED to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Agree
with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him;
lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the
judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison."

Matthew 5:24-25

Reconcile- Reconciliation is changing for the better a relationship between two or more persons. Theologically it refers to the change of relationship between God and man. We are naturally children of wrath (Eph. 2:3), and are at enmity with God (Eph. 2:11-15), but, "...we
were reconciled to God through the death of His Son..." (Rom. 5:10). Because of the death of Jesus, the Christian's relationship with God is changed for the better. We are now able to have fellowship with Him (1 John 1:3) whereas before we could not. So, we are reconciled to Him
(Rom. 5:10-11). The problem of sin that separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2) has been addressed and removed in the cross. It was accomplished by God in Christ (2 Cor. 5:18).

Before we can worship Christ and before He can use us for His glory there cannot be anything in the way hindering us from having a relationship with Christ. Any sin separates us from Christ, and we are the ones who separate ourselves from Him. It's our sin, not anything
that Christ has done, because He has already done everything to bring us to Him. We are the only ones who can close that gap between Christ and ourselves.

So girls, don't let anything get in the way between your relationship with Christ, because that is the only thing that matters in the long run! And when you are right with God everything else will literally fall into place. Just focus on Christ first, others second, and yourself last. Don't let things that other people do hinder you from your relationship with Christ. Many times I get frustrated with people and then my attitude is not right, and that little attitude can keep
me from having fellowship with Christ. So we need to leave our gift before the altar and "go and be RECONCILED with thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift to the Lord". It is so much more precious to God when we come to Him with a clean heart than one filled with sin.

--Elizabeth Nicolls

Scripture referenced in this post:
Ephesians 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Ephesians 2: 11-15 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

I John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:10-11 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

II Corinthians 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;


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I have a prayer request: I would ask that you all keep my grandmother in your prayers. She fell last week and broke her leg right above the knee. She had to have surgery and 13 screws put in her. It will take about 8 to 12 weeks to heal and it is very painful for her. She is not doing well spiritually. She cant understand why God would let this happen to her and is discouraged all the time. Please! Please! Pray that God will give her strength and the grace to accept what has happened and that this won't affect her relationship with Christ, and that Satan would not have any influence over her. Thanks again girls. I miss you all and am praying for you.

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Beware of Leaven

"Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees." Matthew 16:6

The first question which is good to ask for this command is, "What is Leaven?" When I think of Leaven, I think of the yeast that we put in bread to cause it to rise. This is probably the first thing that came to the disciples minds when Jesus told them to beware of leaven because this is what happened next.

"And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread."

Matthew 16:7

I didn't spend much time studying this command so I may have missed a few, but I found four different uses for leaven in the Bible.

The first one was for yeast which we put into bread, like I mentioned above.

The Second refers to Doctrine or Teaching

"Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees."

Matthew 16:12

We can easily be pulled away into wrong thinking and unbiblical beliefs, this is why Sound Doctrine is so important. If you read 1 & 2 Timothy you will see that Paul warns Timothy over and over again to be careful about sound doctrine (healthy teaching)

The Third refers to Hypocrisy

"In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops."

Luke 12:1-3

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Colossians 2:8

The fourth refers to Sin (Read 1 Corinthians 5:1-6)

"Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?"

1 Corinthians 5:6

There is a saying that little compromises lead to big consequences. I've found this to be true. I find myself doing wrong things that I never thought I would ever do and when I look back to see how this happened, it’s a little pride I allowed, or "small" wrong thoughts I allowed that caused me to stray farther and farther away from God's path.

Proverbs says it well.

"Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man."  Proverbs 24:33-34

How can we apply this command?

Here's a good question to ask yourself. Are there areas in which I have allowed a compromise that could grow into a destructive sin.?

We should saturate ourselves with God's word so we will be more likely to recognize leaven in our lives and in the teaching of false prophets.

We need to ask God for understanding in this area so we can be effective vessels for Him

"Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart."

Psalm 119:33-34

Lastly I would encourage you to read and apply Proverbs 2 ….When wisdom enters your heart…..Discretion will preserve you…..

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Ladies...Slay the Dragon Lust!

'Oh wow' I thought when I saw that I was assigned to this command...this will be really good for me! How many of you think of this command and allow your mind to tell you "This command was for the guys. I don't have to worry about it!"? I think all of us can say that at some point, we have been guilty of writing this off as something that only our male friends and brothers struggle with. I have found that despite the fact that it is usually referred to as something men struggle with, us girls can have quite the difficult time with this command! The original command went like this:

"Thou shalt not commit adultery." Exodus 20:14

The first time I glanced over this command, I thought, 'Well, that won't be a problem. I'm not married, and I've certainly not committed adultery!' Then...I read Jesus' convicting words in Matthew 5:27-28!

"Ye have heart that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: but I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman (or man) to lust after her, hath committed adultery with her ALREADY IN HIS (her) HEART!"

I began to think about all the times I looked at some guy in the grocery store check-out line, or walking through the mall and had the words "he's so cute" run through my head. What would my future husband think of that? Worse, what about the times I had dwelt on such thoughts for long periods of time and allowed myself to be carried away with thoughts of "Does he like me..." or "is he watching me...?"! Many of us, myself included, even wake up on certain days and dress differently because we are going to see someone we "like." Girls, I think one of our biggest downfalls in this command is fantasizing. Being the emotional creatures that we are, we allow ourselves to throw caution (and reason) to the wind and we set out on an imaginary adventure, seeking a life that will never come to pass, but that we would just love to think about. This is the greatest reason that I refrain from reading romance novels. They wake up a desire in a girl that is not godly, and that will never be reality. As dear Janny shared with us on the Journey..."never imagine what cannot be." I think it was her Grandmother who said, "No relationship with a guy is ever 'ordinary.'" This is SO incredibly true.

Girls, someday our knight will come. He will slay the dragon and stand before us having given everything. Will we have EVERYTHING to give back? Thousands of girls will not. Are you one of them? We cannot allow ourselves to go into marriage with a thousand expectations that sprouted from one tiny deadly seed called lust. This tiny seed can poison thousands of people with the most potent poison, and yet, it remains disguised until the damage is already done. Over 50% of all marriages will end in divorce simply because couples are not able to get along. Do you ever wonder why? I do. Part of that huge percentage lies in the fact that girls waste their teen years pursuing trashy love stories, romantic movies, and detailed articles that set fire to every girl's heart. they then marry "Prince Charming" who promises what she demands before marriage, but what he is not able to fulfill after marriage. Despite the old wives tale that men slayed dragons for princesses in locked castles, we ourselves have a dragon to slay. That dragon is one that must be slain before our prince ever starts fighting his way through the briers to awaken sleeping beauty.

I have to say that many of the old Disney movies are probably not the best tool to use to "save your heart." However, I was thinking...will you still be "Sleeping Beauty..." or will you be awake to the world and have used every last petal on your rose except for one? I don't know about you, but I want to hand a whole rose to my prince...not just one wilted petal! Keep yourself oblivious to the obvious. Allow God to fill the gap that every girl wants to fill on her own strength before it is time. Believe me...it IS worth it. Love is SO worth the wait.

Now...boys, drama, and romance are not all that us girls lust after right? We look around and see things that other girls our age have that we want...and that ugly monster called "lust" rears it's awful head again! Something that has really struck me lately is that so few young ladies desire God over all else. We are called to be different. I don't know if any of you have read Brett and Alex Harris' blog, but they are two incredible young men who have written a book called "Do Hard Things." They are calling our generation to rebel against low expectations and to take a stand and be different (www.therebelution.com). We are not about the ordinary ladies. We are about the extraordinary. Now is the time to be different and to show the world that we can make a difference. Every other girl might be wrapped up in lust and want, but we don't have to be. Every other girl might have boyfriends, an Italian sports car, and a touch-screen ipod, be we don't have to. The whole world might live on facebook, writing nothing edifying, but we don't have to. Are all of these things inherently wrong? Of course not, but our calling is to glorify God, and to be content with what he has chosen to give us. What a testimony we could be if we did as Jesus did in Philippians 2:5-8!

Something that I often struggle with is lusting after the privileges that other girls have that I don't have. I see them as privileges at least...but I think in the long run, I will come to see them as detrimental to my welfare. There are times when I simply cannot understand why my parents are asking me not to do something. I know that all of you can think of one. It is often difficult to cheerfully accept these things without questioning God. It is even more difficult not to talk to others that are not part of the problem. That is called murmuring! I would encourage you to check out the following verses and to seek to diligently apply them to your life. It will be so worth it in the long run!

"For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away and lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever." I John 2:16-17

"Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8

May God bless you and encourage you in the coming weeks! I miss you all!
~Hannah

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Let Your Light Shine!

As Dad read through the story of Jesus' birth to us this Christmas, I was struck with the star that drew the attention of the wise men (Matthew 2-13). The star was unusual. It didn't fit in, or look like the ones around it. It was rare. It stood out as being so remarkable, so different, that it drew the attention of esteemed, wise and wealthy men. But as unusual as it was, it wasn't actually the star that was important or what the men were searching for; it was what the star was casting its light upon!

We are the light of this world. We are not to fit in or look like the darkness around us. We are to shine as brightly and purely as possible; not that others may stop and be content to see us, but that their attention may be directed to Christ the Lord, for Whom we shine.

People who are different naturally draw the attention of passersby. We are a peculiar people, and it shows in many, many areas; some small, some big, but all relevant to our representation of our Lord. We are not just to be different for difference sake, but we are different because the world is in darkness and we are in light; a stark contrast that will attract the attention and curiosity of others, leading to inquiry.

Ye are the light of the world.

Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14a, 16

And, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him.

Matthew 2:9b-11a

Verses to Memorize:

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Philippians 2:14-15 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

I Peter 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

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Practice Secret Disciplines

"But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly….But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly….But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."

Matthew 6:3-4,6,17-18

There are Three key words I would like to point out.

DISCIPLINE:

The definition of discipline is a method of practice, something YOU discipline YOURSELF to do on a REGULAR basis. Habit. A correction or regulation of ONESELF for the sake of improvement.

Discipline is something that helps us be successful. For example, The discipline of getting up in the morning helps us have a diligent day. The discipline of practicing an instrument day after day causes us to become better at that instrument.

SECRET:

One of God's names is El Roi - the God who sees. As the passage above mentions over and over again, God is the one who sees in secret. God sees everything, man only sees what is in the open. The fact that we are giving, praying, and fasting in secret gives all glory to God and HELPS with our pride.

It all comes down to our motives. Here's a good question to ask yourself. When I give, do I do it so that men will praise me, or do I do it only for the eyes of God?

It also comes down to who we are serving. Who are you serving when you give? Is it God or yourself? You can't serve God and self at the same time.

REWARD:

Discipline isn't always fun but it helps to remember that our reward will come from God.

"But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!"

2 Chronicles 15:7

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ"

Colossians 3:23-24

Practicing Secret Disciplines is a command and must be obeyed. Don't shy away from this command, but instead, realize that this is to help us be successful. Since it is for our benefit, how can we be proactive and start obeying this command today?

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Do Not Cast Pearls

"Give not that which is unto the dogs,
niether cast ye your pearls before
swine, lest they trample them under
thier feet, and turn again and rend
you." Matthew 7:6




While I was studing this Command I could not get having wisdom out of my mind. You have to have alot of wisdom to know if you are Casting your pearls before swine. I have been praying and asking the Lord for even a tenth of Solomon's wisdom. Remember the WWJD fad, I was reminded tonight in family devotions that although this was a fad, it had (has) the true meaning of wisdom, living your life as Jesus would. Wow! That goes back to the chapter that we (I) am memorizing (Col.3). Is God awesome or what! Everything always goes together, I am studying about wisdom, my family does devotions on wisdom, and I amd memorizing Col. 3, which tells us how to get wisdom!
This Command is also all about discipleship, knowing when and how to share the truth with someone. The Pearl of great price is very precious and we do not need to use it unwisely. God has really showed me that I need to start sharing with others the pearl of great price. My biggest fear has been, that I would cast my pearls before swine and they would rend me. Please pray that God would show me those that are ready for the truth.

"Smite a scorner, and the simple will
beware: and reprove one that hath
understanding, and he will understand
knowledge." Proverbs 19:25

The lord also showed me that I really need Discretion. It does not come easy for me to have a right attitude, even when someone has offended me, or just plain annoys me. That is what Discretion is all about, having the wisdom to have the right attitudes, words,and/or actions when we are feeling pressured.

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Keep Your Word

When I saw that my devotional topic was on “Keeping Your Word” I wasn't sure what I was suppose to write about, but then the vows that four others and I had made on the day our baptism day came to my mind, and I thought this would go well with the command to "Keep Your Word".

At our church we have it that before the pastor baptizes us, he asks us 5 questions to which we either answer “I do” or I am”. As I was preparing for this devotional I reviewed the vows which I had made that day before family, friends and strangers, and I began to realize I had made a great start by making those vows, but then had just brushed them off. Two of the vows that really astounded me as I reread them were:

1. “Are you truly sorry for your past sins, and are you willing to renounce Satan, the world and all works of darkness, and your own will and sinful desires?”

My Answer: “I am.”

2. “Do you promise by the grace of God, and the aid of the Holy Spirit, to submit yourself to Christ and His Word, and faithfully to abide in the same until death?”

My Answer: “I do.”

Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 says,

When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

All I can do is ask for God’s mercy and say I am sorry for my neglect in keeping my word. I know that the first few years of my Christian life did not align with my vows. Praise God that it does not need to stay this way!

When I think of the verse “Let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil” (Matthew 5:37), I must honestly say I didn’t know exactly what this verse meant, but I thought of it this way, anything God asks us to do is “Yes", anything the world asks us to do is a “No". This means there is no room for “maybe’s" or “I don‘t know's".

How many vows have you and I made that God is waiting for us to fulfill that He might bless?

You know, even for me this looks like a lot of homework, but I love the “by the grace of God” and “aid of the Holy Spirit” in the second vow I made. It is not on our own that we will get anywhere, but by the “grace of God” and the “aid of the Holy Spirit” that we will.

--Evangelyn Kornelson

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