Bible Studies

Trouble with us humans is some of us especially myself have a tendency to focus on what we don’t like, what’s missing, what isn’t there, what makes us uncomfortable, on our challenges, on circumstances we’d prefer to do without, on the bad weather, on the season we don’t like, on our hurdles, obstacles, etc. When we do this, we don’t just miss the beauty of God’s bountiful blessings He bestows upon us each and every day. We miss the beauty of the Lord Himself!

Mr. Simeon puts his trust totally in me. Having me in sight at all times is exceedingly important to him. So much so that I either need to lift and move his body for him so he can lie on his bed facing me. Or he may even try himself to shift his head and body enough to get me in view. Mr. Simeon must reposition himself or be repositioned in order to be content. If he finds that his focus is not on me, he wants to be repositioned so that it is. Not all the time, as he does love his naps and such. But much of the time!

The young man’s words were pretty telling, weren’t they? That’s exactly how I lived for decades. Living MY dream. For MY enjoyment. For MY pleasure. For MY satisfaction. For ME. For SELF.

I was on my knees when the Lord reminded me of three things He loves. Very simple. Straightforward. Clear. And true. For He always and only speaks in line with His Word. And His Word confirms He had in fact given me this message. God loves LOVE. God loves HUMILITY. God loves PURITY.

More than 2000 years ago, Jesus arrived at our home, the earth. Although he received some gifts at his birth, it was he who came with the greatest gifts of all. He brought his gifts of unfailing love and faithfulness.

I love the sequence of ideas here. God loved us while we were still in need of washing. God loved us and then he washed us. God didn’t wash us clean and then love us. God didn’t free us from bondage of idolatry and darkness, and then say “Okay, I can stand you now.” He loved us first.

By the victory your faith wins, you prove the value of faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ to other people. By your strength when you have problems, you learn to rely more upon God. When you are able to overcome temptation by faith, your belief is seen to be reality.