Praying The Word

February 5, 2020

Scripture Reading For Today: Psalm 115, Proverbs 22, and 1 Peter 2

When it comes to prayer I tend to write out a lot of my prayers using scripture as well as praise, thanksgiving and supplication. As I was reading my Bible Study, I found that I was drawn to quite a few verses that I could use in my prayer life. Psalms 115: 13 – 15 “He will bless those who fear the Lord—small and great alike. May the Lord cause you to flourish, both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. A blessing from the Lord to add to prayers for the family. Proverbs 22 : 5 “In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls, but those who would preserve their life stay far from them.” A Prayer to keep us from the snares and pitfalls of the enemy. Proverbs 22 : 6 “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” A Prayer to pray over children, especially when tempted to worry or have anxiety over their lives. Proverbs 22 : 9 “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” A prayer when financial struggles tempt you to stop tithing.

Psalm 115 : 11 “You who fear him, trust in the Lord—he is their help and shield.” I love that God is our help and shield. What does His shield protect us from exactly?

– Terror of the night (Psalm 91 : 1 – 16)

– Deadly pestilence (Psalm 91 : 1 – 16)

– Schemes of devil (Ephesians 6 : 11 – 18)

– Snare of the fowler (Psalm 91 : 1 – 16)

– Flaming darts of the evil one (Ephesians 6 : 16)

– Cosmic powers over present darkness (Ephesians 6 : 11 – 18)

– Rulers and authorities (Ephesians 6 : 11 – 18)

– Temptation beyond your ability (1 Corinthians 10 : 12 – 13)

– Guard you against the evil one (Ephesians 6 : 11 – 18)

Psalm 115: 1 “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” A verse to memorized and meditate on when feeling prideful.

Psalm 115 : 1 – 18

1 “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory,because of your love and faithfulness. 2 Why do the nations say, “Where is their God?” 3 Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. 4 But their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. 5 They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. 6 They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. 7 They have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats. 8 Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them. 9 All you Israelites, trust in the Lord—he is their help and shield. 10 House of Aaron, trust in the Lord—he is their help and shield. 11 You who fear him, trust in the Lord—he is their help and shield. 12 The Lord remembers us and will bless us: He will bless his people Israel, he will bless the house of Aaron, 13 he will bless those who fear the Lord—small and great alike. 14 May the Lord cause you to flourish, both you and your children. 15 May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. 16 The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth he has given to mankind. 17 It is not the dead who praise the Lord, those who go down to the place of silence; 18 it is we who extol the Lord, both now and forevermore. Praise the Lord.”

Proverbs 22 : 1 – 29

1 “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. 2 Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all. 3 The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. 4 Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life. 5 In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls, but those who would preserve their life stay far from them. 6 Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. 7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. 8 Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity, and the rod they wield in fury will be broken. 9 The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. 10 Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended. 11 One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with gracewill have the king for a friend. 12 The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful. 13 The sluggard says, “There’s a lion outside! I’ll be killed in the public square!” 14 The mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit; a man who is under the Lord’s wrath falls into it. 15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away. 16 One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealthand one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.”

Thirty Sayings of the Wise Saying 1

17 “Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, 18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heartand have all of them ready on your lips. 19 So that your trust may be in the Lord, I teach you today, even you. 20 Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge, 21 teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth, so that you bring back truthful reportsto those you serve?”

Saying 2

22 “Do not exploit the poor because they are poorand do not crush the needy in court, 23 for the Lord will take up their caseand will exact life for life.”

Saying 3

24 “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, 25 or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.”

Saying 4

26 “Do not be one who shakes hands in pledgeor puts up security for debts; 27 if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.”

Saying 5

28 “Do not move an ancient boundary stoneset up by your ancestors.”

Saying 6

29 “Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.”

1 Peter 2 : 1 – 25

1 “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

The Living Stone and a Chosen People

4 “As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in himwill never be put to shame.” 7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejectedhas become the cornerstone,” 8 and, “A stone that causes people to stumbleand a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for. 9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”

Living Godly Lives in a Pagan Society

11 “Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. 18 Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 25 For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”

Well I’ve tried to make this a bible study that anyone can pull up and read. My hope is that you will read the scripture and find new meaning in the verses placed in front of you. I also pray that you would be brave and bold enough to share them with myself and the rest of the world here on my page. Just drop a comment down below, with the scripture reference and what the Holy Spirit is speaking into your heart. Because God speaks to each and every one of us through His Word and there is a lot we can learn from one another. ———>Walking in Grace, Teresa.

#biblestudy #godssheid #prayer #prayingscripture

God See’s The Heart

Psalm 113, Proverbs 20, 1 Peter 1

Psalm 113 : 1-9

Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, you his servants; praise the name of the Lord. 2 Let the name of the Lord be praised,both now and forevermore. 3 From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,the name of the Lord is to be praised. 4 The Lord is exalted over all the nations,his glory above the heavens. 5 Who is like the Lord our God,the One who sits enthroned on high, 6 who stoops down to lookon the heavens and the earth? 7 He raises the poor from the dustand lifts the needy from the ash heap; 8 he seats them with princes,with the princes of his people. 9 He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the Lord.

Psalm 113: 1 “Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, you his servants; praise the name of the Lord.” Still struggling with being prideful. Never thought I would have a problem with that, but just like my pastor said this Sunday, pride doesn’t attack all at once it creeps in real slow. So while reading this verse God spoke to me saying give praise, thanksgiving and credit to Jesus all day, all the time. If your praising Him, thanking Him or pointing to Him, no one is looking at you! Hide behind the cross.

Proverbs 20: 1-30

Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise. 2 A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion; those who anger him forfeit their lives. 3 It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. 4 Sluggards do not plow in season;so at harvest time they look but find nothing. 5 The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters,but one who has insight draws them out. 6 Many claim to have unfailing love,but a faithful person who can find? 7 The righteous lead blameless lives;blessed are their children after them. 8 When a king sits on his throne to judge,he winnows out all evil with his eyes. 9 Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure;I am clean and without sin”? 10 Differing weights and differing measures—the Lord detests them both. 11 Even small children are known by their actions,so is their conduct really pure and upright? 12 Ears that hear and eyes that see—the Lord has made them both. 13 Do not love sleep or you will grow poor;stay awake and you will have food to spare. 14 “It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer—then goes off and boasts about the purchase. 15 Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel. 16 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider. 17 Food gained by fraud tastes sweet,but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel. 18 Plans are established by seeking advice;so if you wage war, obtain guidance. 19 A gossip betrays a confidence;so avoid anyone who talks too much. 20 If someone curses their father or mother,their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness. 21 An inheritance claimed too soonwill not be blessed at the end. 22 Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong! ”Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you. 23 The Lord detests differing weights,and dishonest scales do not please him. 24 A person’s steps are directed by the Lord.How then can anyone understand their own way? 25 It is a trap to dedicate something rashlyand only later to consider one’s vows. 26 A wise king winnows out the wicked;he drives the threshing wheel over them. 27 The human spirit is the lamp of the Lordthat sheds light on one’s inmost being. 28 Love and faithfulness keep a king safe;through love his throne is made secure. 29 The glory of young men is their strength,gray hair the splendor of the old. 30 Blows and wounds scrub away evil,and beatings purge the inmost being.

Proverbs 20:3 “It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”

Honor – adherence to what is right or to a conventional standard of conduct.

Avoid – keep away from or stop oneself from doing (something).

This doesn’t mean we swallow our feelings or keep them bottled up inside; instead of causing conflict we take our feelings to God continue to form that relationship with Him by turning to Him in times of negative emotion. He will guide us in how to handle the situation and will give us peace over the matter. And we will have acted honorably.

Proverbs 20:5 “The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.” Our heart is where we hide away our true feelings it is at the core of our being. God see’s our heart, wants to heal our heart, then use His triumphs within us to minister to others. That is our purpose. 1. Accept Jesus to overcome sin 2. Form a relationship with Him and let Him calm the storms within us (transform and heal our deep waters) 3. Then by encouraging us to look within ourselves and pour out what He has done for us = we help others and show them Jesus.

Proverbs 20:18 “Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.” This ties into the previous verse by encouraging us to seek God in all things and letting Him direct our steps but goes on to speak of war. Not physical war but spiritual war. It is very important to seek out and turn to Jesus when engaging in spiritual warfare He is the ultimate conqueror.

Proverbs 20: 24 “A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?” Every second of every day is directed by God. He has plans and a purpose for us each day we choose to listen and follow Gods plans or our own but choosing our own path is foolish. We don’t know what is instore for us in the days, months and years ahead. But God does and not only that but He knows who we are at our core so He knows what’s best each day.

Proverbs 20:27 “The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord that sheds light on one’s inmost being.” Human Spirit refers to a person’s words. In this verse according to my NIV. So a person’s words are a “lamp of the Lord that sheds light on one’s inmost being.” God uses our spirit or words in a powerful way to illuminate Christ. No other part of us can point to Jesus like our words.

1 Peter 1: 1-25

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood:Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

Praise to God for a Living Hope

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

Be Holy

13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. 22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For,“All people are like grass,and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;the grass withers and the flowers fall, 25 but the word of the Lord endures forever.”And this is the word that was preached to you.

1 Peter 1:5 “who through faith (in believing in Jesus Christ) are shielded by (the blood of Jesus) God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time (when we stand before God upon our death).” If we didn’t have the covering of Jesus’s blood we would be accountable for all our actions (sins) here on earth and would pay the penalty for those sins, but because we believe we are shielded from that fate and have eternal life with God in Heaven.

1 Peter 1:6-7 “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” God does not promise us a problem free life in fact he points out that we will definitely have problems, but they will prove and improve our faith.

1 Peter 1:14-16 “…do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance, But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” I am reminded that I am no longer a slave to my fleshly desires and have been called to a higher purpose and that is to daily strive to be more like Jesus, allowing Him to transform me.

1 Peter 1:17 “Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially (without bias), live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.” We are to live as foreigners (outsiders). We aren’t to conform to the norm of society but be always mindful of “the wages of sin which is death, but (remember) the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 6:23.

Well I’ve tried to make this a bible study that anyone can pull up and read. My hope is that you will read the scripture and find new meaning in the verses placed in front of you. I also pray that you would be brave and bold enough to share them with myself and the rest of the world here on my page. Just drop a comment down below, with the scripture reference and what the Holy Spirit is speaking into your heart. Because God speaks to each and every one of us through His Word and there is a lot we can learn from one another. ———>Walking in Grace, Teresa.

#biblestudy #cross #god #purpose

Who Is Sin Free?

Scripture Reading: Psalm 111, Proverbs 18, Philippians 2

Blessed to be sitting here doing my bible study with one of my step children asking questions about how we study the Word and how he can do so also 🙂

Psalm 111: 1 – 10

“Praise the Lord. I will extol the Lord with all my heartin the council of the upright and in the assembly. 2 Great are the works of the Lord;they are pondered by all who delight in them. 3 Glorious and majestic are his deeds,and his righteousness endures forever. 4 He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate. 5 He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. 6 He has shown his people the power of his works,giving them the lands of other nations. 7 The works of his hands are faithful and just;all his precepts are trustworthy. 8 They are established for ever and ever,enacted in faithfulness and uprightness. 9 He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever—holy and awesome is his name. 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.”

Psalm 111:7 “The works of His hands are faithful and just; (even when I may not think so) all His precepts are trustworthy.”

Proverbs 18 1: -4

” An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgment starts quarrels. 2 Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. 3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes reproach. 4 The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream. 5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked and so deprive the innocent of justice. 6The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating. 7 The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives. 8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts. 9 One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys. 10 The name of the Lord is a fortified tower ;the righteous run to it and are safe. 11 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale. 12 Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. 13 To answer before listening—that is folly and shame. 14 The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? 15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out. 16 A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great. 17 In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines. 18 Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart. 19 A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel. 20 From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. 21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. 22 He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord. 23 The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly. 24One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Proverbs 18:9 “One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.” Do everything to the best of your ability don’t do things half heartedly especially serving the Lord.

Proverbs 18:15 “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.” Keep reading, seeking and learning about God and His mission for us.

Philippians 2

Imitating Christ’s Humility

1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God,did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothingby taking the very nature of a servant,being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man,he humbled himselfby becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest placeand gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father.

Do Everything Without Grumbling

12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. 14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Timothy and Epaphroditus

19I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. 25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.

Phillipians 2: 3-4 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Lately I have been struggling with the question am I prideful? I catch myself saying “well I prayed for this or that” as if my prayers are what healed someone or something happened because I prayed. But this thinking is flawed as it was not me that produced the miracle or answered the prayer but God. Yet I know God desires for us to come to Him in prayer and ask for things as an act of faith-growing and obedience. I think God is highlighting examples of how Christ lived. Showing me how to live humbly like Christ. God wants us to be servants of Christ; to walk out our faith as He did even to the point of death if need be. Jesus wasn’t about taking credit for the things God did through Him, He was always pointing to His Heavenly Father and encouraging us to as well.

Philippians 2: 7-8 “rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness….he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death…”

Philippians 2: 11″ every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Philippians 2:12-16 “…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, (Keep your faith fresh; always pursuing that feeling of being on fire for Christ, because we don’t know when we will be called to Heaven) for it is God who works in you to will and act in order to fulfill His good purpose(the closer we are to Christ, the easier it is to fulfill your God Given purpose. We must be vigilant in listening to His direction and seeking His will not our own in order to fulfill His purpose in our lives.) Do everything without grumbling or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure.…Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the Word of Life.”

(We are constantly being watched by non-believers, even when we don’t know it. They are always watching to see if our faith is genuine or if we are walking with integrity. Philippians 2: 21 “For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.” I can attest to this as well, before I was saved I was always watching to see if Christians were living life the way I thought God wanted them to live. I didn’t know the awesomeness of Gods love and forgiveness. I had no idea that we are all sinners, our entire lives. I thought Christians were expected to be perfect and the “real” ones were perfect, never sinning once they were saved. I didn’t realize that God looked at out heart and mind as well as our actions; that He considered even thinking about commiting a sin, a sin. Matthew 5: 27-28 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. ” Just thinking about it is sin. Who then is sin free and able to enter into Heaven? The answer is no one, that is until Jesus was sent to be the ultimate cover-all sacrifice for us. Now if we believe in Jesus and His sacrifice and ask Him to cover our sins for us we are in. Does that mean we are perfect forever. NO. We try and live a life worthy of His sacrifice. We try and not sin; and when we fall short which we will, everyone does, His forgiveness and sacrifice are right there to keep us in line to Heaven. Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” BUT 1 John 1: 9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.)

Well I’ve tried to make this a bible study that anyone can pull up and read. My hope is that you will read the scripture and find new meaning in the verses placed in front of you. I also pray that you would be brave and bold enough to share them with myself and the rest of the world here on my page. Just drop a comment down below, with the scripture reference and what the Holy Spirit is speaking into your heart. Because God speaks to each and every one of us through His Word and there is a lot we can learn from one another. ———>Walking in Grace, Teresa.

#biblestudy #forgiveness #jesus #pride