Looking Down the Tunnel and Seeing the Path that God Provides...

This then is the message which we have heard of Him and declare unto you, that God is Light, and in Him is no darkness at all.  If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the Truth: But if we walk in the Light, as He is in the Light, we have fellowship one with another and the Blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the Truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us.  1 John, Chapter 1, verses 5-10.

This reminds me of being lost in a cave with lots of different tunnels.  If we know that God is the Light that we see at the end of the tunnel, we are relieved.  If we move confidently toward that Light, we will be saved.  The darkness is all types of worldly things like: greed, drugs, infidelity, gossip and a variety of other things that can lead us away from our focus on Jesus, who is our Light and Salvation.
Now, if we tell ourselves that the Light at the end of the tunnel is too far away and give up, we can lose our way by getting lost running down the wrong tunnels, trying to navigate the worldly temptations in darkness and lose our focus on God.
Salvation is ours if we look down the tunnel and see the path that God provides for us as He illuminates the way, if we’d only let Him.

Because this is an example of how I’ve applied this Bible passage to my life, it doesn't necessarily reflect the whole meaning of the passage.


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Our Enthusiasm for a Relationship With Christ Should be Contagious...

But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  2 Peter, Chapter 3, verse 8.

I think this passage is important for us to remember when we read Bible passages that refer to specific amounts of time, so that we don’t take the dates too literally.

This makes me think about how insignificant time can be.  When I was younger, I used to spend some time in the summers with my grandmother.  The weeks with her sped by so quickly that before I knew it, I was leaving to return home.  She approached everything with enthusiasm, whether it was trying to figure out answers on game shows or reading.

She had a zest for everything she did and her enthusiasm was contagious.  She is the person who developed my love for reading.  She read thick novels and when I was about 8 years old I told her that I wished I could read big books like she did.  She told me that I could and took me to the public library.  She helped me pick out a humorous adult novel that would interest me.  I took great pride in reading that novel, encouraged by her confidence in my abilities.  I’m not sure that I would have attempted something like that, otherwise.

Well, I think the same is true for Christians.  Our enthusiasm for our relationship with God can be contagious, as well.  We can share this with others with confidence in their ability to be open to all God has for them.  Our moral support and encouragement can make all the difference in their developing this important relationship that might not have happened otherwise.

Because this is an example of how I’ve applied this Bible passage to my life, it doesn't necessarily reflect the whole meaning of the passage.


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This Isn't Something to Be Manipulated...

For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.  While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.  2 Peter, Chapter 2, verses 18-19.

This passage reminds me of the story Pinocchio.  Pinocchio was encouraged to go with the others boys to the Land of Toys where they had no responsibilities.  People could do worldly things and have fun all the time.  Well, Pinocchio was led astray just as some people are led astray by false prophets.

Pinocchio and the others had extreme consequences for living the worldly life.  They started turning into donkeys.  Well, I think people who lead the same type of worldly lives today end up not only looking like donkeys to others, but lose their chance for Salvation in the process.

Fortunately, if we turn our lives around after having lived the life of Pinocchio, God will forgive us and guide us.  This isn’t something to be manipulated.  “Oh, I’ll lead a worldly life now, while I’m younger.  Then, when I’m older, I will settle down because I know God will forgive me for making these choices.”

God tells us in this passage to not be taken in like Pinocchio was.  Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.  But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 2 Peter, Chapter 3, verses 17-18.

Because this is an example of how I’ve applied this Bible passage to my life, it doesn't necessarily reflect the whole meaning of the passage.


This is a connection I've made from this Bible passage. Please share your connections.

God Doesn't Want Me to Be a So-So Christian...

For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;  And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an example unto those that after should live ungodly; And delivered just Lot vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)  The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.  2 Peter, Chapter 2, verses 4 -9.

I’m reminded that God didn’t spare the fallen angels (Satan and his followers).  He did spare Noah and his family and the rest of the people in the world perished in the flood due to their beliefs and lifestyle choices.  God saved Lot and the rest of Gomorrha perished due to their beliefs and lifestyle choices.
God is definitely not telling me that it’s okay to be a “So-so Christian” and that I’ll get to heaven anyway.  I feel He’s telling me that all these people perished for their wayward beliefs and choices.  Only those who were dedicated to God were saved.  I need to be equally dedicated to my belief in God if I want to be saved too.  God knows that I won’t be perfect, but He also knows what’s in my heart and if I’m genuinely trying be an example of how He works in my life.

Because this is an example of how I’ve applied this Bible passage to my life, it doesn't necessarily reflect the whole meaning of the passage.


This is a connection I've made from this Bible passage. Please share your connections.

God Will Guide You As You Read the Bible...

We have also a more sure Word of prophecy; where unto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a Light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation.  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.  2 Peter, Chapter 1, verses 19-21.

The ability to interpret the Bible’s message doesn’t belong to any one person or group, especially if they feel that they are the only ones who know what God’s Will is.  It’s important for me to remember this because there are religious fads, cults, trends and religious leaders who may suggest beliefs that sound good but are really contrary to God’s Will, as stated in the Bible.  It’s easier to interpret the Bible than many lead you to believe.  Trust the instincts that God gives you and He will guide you as you read the Bible for yourself.

Because this is an example of how I’ve applied this Bible passage to my life, it doesn't necessarily reflect the whole meaning of the passage.


This is a connection I've made from this Bible passage. Please share your connections.

God is Always Willing to Take Us Back...

And the LORD shall scatter you among the nations, and ye shall be left few in number among the heathen, whither the LORD shall lead you.  And there ye shall serve gods, the work of men’s hands, wood and stone, which neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell.  But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find Him. If thou seek Him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.  When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto His Voice: (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) He will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which He sware unto them.  Deuteronomy, Chapter 4, verses 27-31.

I love reading passages like this.  God tells us how angry He is when we turn away from Him, but He also loves us and is willing to forgive us if we turn back to Him.  I think it’s appropriate that we call Him, God the Father, because He loves us as a parent would, only in a much more pure and consistent way.
When we were kids and ran through the house, knocking over a lamp and breaking it, our parents were unhappy.  We might have had a consequence for not following the rules, but our parents still loved us.  That was even more evident after we came to them to apologize for breaking the rules.
God is always willing to take us back and forgive us no matter how many times we missed church, used His Name in vain or acted in unchristian ways.  If we truly turn to Him, God is always there to forgive us and accept us, but we need to be committed enough to try to be examples of how He works in our lives.
Here are some related passages:
*Go and proclaim these Words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; and I will not cause Mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the LORD, and I will not keep anger for ever.  Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed My Voice, saith the LORD.  Jeremiah, Chapter 3, verses 12-13.
*If so be they will hearken, and turn every man from his evil way, that I may repent Me of the evil, which I purpose to do unto them because of the evil of their doings.  Jeremiah, Chapter 26, verse 3.

*Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God?  shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?  Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the first of my body for the sin of my soul?  He hath shown thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?  Micah, Chapter 6, verses 6-8.


Because this is an example of how I’ve applied this Bible passage to my life, it doesn't necessarily reflect the whole meaning of the passage.



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Please click on comments below to share your suggestions. Thanks! Debbie

Needing to Listen Respectfully to the Advice of My Elders...

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder.  Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.  1 Peter, Chapter 5, verses 5-7.

I remember becoming frustrated with people who were older who gave me common sense advice.  I thought that they must think I’m stupid.
Later, God showed me that I needed to listen respectfully to the advice of my elders.  It didn’t hurt me to listen, even though I already knew what they were telling me.  It made them feel better, because they were passing on some insight that they felt would be helpful to me.  I now realize that they do this out of love.
When I’m older, I sure wouldn’t want younger people treating me as if my advice didn’t matter.  I think this passage is important to remember.  If we aren’t good role models to the younger generation about being respectful to our elders, how will they know to be respectful to us when we’re older?

Because this is an example of how I’ve applied this Bible passage to my life, it doesn't necessarily reflect the whole meaning of the passage.

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Satan Works a Subtle Wedge When We Talk About Others...

But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.  Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.  1 Peter, Chapter 4, verses 15-16.

It’s easy to become self-righteous thinking, “Well, at least I haven’t killed anyone or stolen anything.”  It’s humbling to read how God feels that busybodies are just as sinful.  Getting caught up in talking about others is one of the ways that Satan works a subtle wedge in the lives of Christians.  It’s easy to get caught up in gossip, but we need to take a stand.  Sometimes just ignoring a situation is condoning that behavior.  It’s not always easy to let people know that you feel uncomfortable talking about others, but God will give you the words, if you let Him.

Here are some related passages:
*Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.  Ephesians, Chapter 4, verse 29.
*Let all bitterness, and wrath and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.  Ephesians, Chapter 4, verses 31-32.

Because this is an example of how I’ve applied this Bible passage to my life, it doesn't necessarily reflect the whole meaning of the passage.


This is a connection I've made from this Bible passage. Please share your connections.

I'm a Pick Your Battles Christian...

And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?  But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled: But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.  For it is better, if the Will of God be so, that ye suffer for the well doing, than for evil doing.  1 Peter, Chapter 3, verses 13-17.

As Christians, we might get laughed at, stigmatized or even isolated from others but that’s a small price to pay for our belief in God.  I would much rather suffer this ridicule than to give in for momentary peace, giving up my eternal peace and Salvation.  I’m a “Pick Your Battles Christian.”  If I look at my two options, I could live life in the fast lane now and be popular but go to hell, or I can risk some ridicule by living up to my Christian ethics and go to heaven.  I plan to put my money where there is the greatest chance for reward-heaven!

Because this is an example of how I’ve applied this Bible passage to my life, it doesn't necessarily reflect the whole meaning of the passage.


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How Is a Computer Like Our Relationship With Jesus?

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the Truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.  For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass.  The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the Word of the Lord endureth for ever.  And this is the Word which by the Gospel is preached unto you.  1 Peter, Chapter 1, verses 22-25.

Think of a brand new computer in the box.  Look inside the box and you would see machinery with potential, but of no use unless it is plugged in.  Similarly, we have potential that becomes realized once we develop a relationship with Jesus.
When the computer is properly hooked up, just as a Christian who is focused on God, the machinery works at optimum capacity.  Once a virus corrupts our files like worldly choices corrupt our lives, the machinery performs inconsistently, at best.  Both the computer and the Christian can continue to get progressively worse.  After we realize that help is needed and turn to a computer technologist to repair the hard drive, in much the same way a Christian turns to God for assistance, both can get started running “like new” again.  I need to turn to God for periodic “overhauls,” making sure my faith and my lifestyle choices are running smoothly and are attuned with what God wants.

Because this is an example of how I’ve applied this Bible passage to my life, it doesn't necessarily reflect the whole meaning of the passage.


This is a connection I've made from this Bible passage. Please share your connections.