Heart and mind – discernment (Prayer day 19)

Our desires and delights direct our decisions, that why Jesus taught us to pray “lead us not into temptation…” 

Scripture

Psalm 139:1-6, 23-24  A Psalm of David

1  O LORD, you have searched me and known me!

2  You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.

3  You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.

4  Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.

5  You have hedged me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.

6  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.

23  Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!

24  And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Observations

1. Which attribute of God does David mediate on in these first verses of Psalm 139?
2. What does God know about David, as revealed in (1) verse 2, (b) verse 3, and (c) verse 4?
3. What emotion does this intimate knowledge of God evoke in David’s heart?
4. Thinking about God’s knowledge, what does this David ask of God? Why would he ask this? (v23-24)

Personal reflection and Application

Our desires and delights direct our decisions, and that makes us vulnerable to be led astray by temptations.  God Almighty knows us intimately; he knows our location and situation, our thoughts and words, our plans and motives. And because of this David feels safe and asks God to test his heart (motives and affections) and thoughts (plans and attentions), and direct his way into God’s paths of life!  About this Paul writes:

“Set your heart on things above, where Christ is… set your mind on things above…” Colossians 3:1-2

1. Write down the first 5 thoughts that comes to mind. Bring these thoughts to God in prayer – bluntly tell him what is on your mind – and ask him to test and purify your thoughts.  Choose which one of these are the most godly or noble, and speak to God about this thought for a while, seeing where he leads you with it.
2. Write down your first 5 desires that you can identify. Bring these in prayer to God – tell him straight what you want (even if it is sinful) and then ask God to test and purify your desires. Choose the most noble or godly desire and speak to God about it; follow God’s lead in the discussion.
3. In closing simply pray David’s prayer “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”

 

 

 

 

Stewardship 2 – desires and riches

The aim of this devotional study is to reflect on the Christian approach to riches.

Scripture

1 Timothy 6:5-19

5… From such [who suppose that godliness is a means of gain] withdraw yourself.  6  Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8  And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

9  But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10  For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

11  But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12  Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses…

17  Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18  Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19  storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Observations and reflections

1. To get to the heart of Paul’s instructions in this chapter, summarize each sub-this section in a short phrase:
   1. Verses 5-8
   2. Verses 9-10
   3. Verses 11-12
   4. Verses 17-19
2. Paul quotes some teachers who say “godliness is a means of gain” but responds by saying “godliness with contentment is great gain.”
   1. What do you understand by each of these phrases?
   2. Then Paul says we cannot “carry” anything out – why does he say that? [hint: what can we take out of this world…? see verse 6]
   3. So in light of this, why would Paul be content with only “food and clothing”?
3. Paul is often misquoted as saying “money is THE root of ALL EVIL”; what does he say in this text above, and what difference does it make?

Application and Prayer

1. Paul refers to people who once served God but have backslid in pursuit of earthly wealth. Do you know individuals who once served Jesus passionately but have since then become more wealthy and consequently more worldly, with less care for God and his things?  How did it happen?  Or, can you recognize in your own life that more possessions bring more cares and also more carelessness for God’s and his things?
2. Paul gives command to wealthy people in the congregation Timothy oversees:
   1. “to not be haughty [proud]” – do you recognize in yourself that you more easily look down at poor people that at rich people? What is the right attitude?  And how can you rectify that?
   2. “not to trust in …riches” – do you find (or long for) security in savings or insurance? What is the right attitude?  And how can you rectify that?
   3. “who gives us all things to enjoy” – do you sometimes feel ashamed or guilty for having more money than others? What is the right attitude?  And how can you rectify that?
3. Pray to God about your attitude regarding money and earthly possessions – both that which you have and that which you desire or need. But take your time to thank God for that which you have and have had in the past – recognizing him as the “giver of all good things”!  Then ask God what you should do with what you have now.

Knowing Jesus 4

The Aim of this Biblical Study is to grow in the knowledge of the humanity of Jesus Christ.

Scripture

Hebrews 4:14-5:1-9

14  Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  15  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16  Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

1  For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.  2  He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. 3  Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people.

4  And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. 5  So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”…

7  In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.  8  Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9  And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.

Observations

1. What are the names and titles attributed to Jesus in this passage? What do each mean or imply about the person and ministry of Jesus?
2. Read through the passage above and mark every phrase that highlights the humanity of Jesus.
3. According to this passage, what are the qualifications of a high priest? How does Jesus fulfill it?

Application and prayer

1. If you were a struggling addict, or someone constantly resisting sexual temptations, or a tired mother battling to keep her rage intact with a rebellious three-year old, but you want to please God from your heart – which parts of this passage would be comforting to you? Why?
2. Write your three biggest character weaknesses / habitual sins (pray and think before you write). In which way can the man, Jesus relate to your struggle?
3. Now in prayer approach Jesus your High Priest boldly and pray for mercy for forgiveness, as well as grace to overcome these fleshly weaknesses. (Be sincere – pray for a while with passion from your heart).
4. Now pray for someone close to you who struggle to overcome some fleshly weakness, and afterwards send them an encouraging message – or even better – visit them personally and encourage them in Christ.

Note: Image “Approach the Throne of Grace as a Child” found at https://wolfspain.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/10-04-11-approach_throne_child.jpg