Monthly Archives: June 2010

A Season Of The Heart THANKSGIVING

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What does this day mean to us? A time of family gatherings! Turkey! With Stuffing! And, pumpkin pie! Yum!

In many countries of the world a special day is marked as a national holiday set aside for thanksgiving. Those official Thanksgiving days provide us a time to pause and consider all that we enjoy.

Thanksgiving Day is a day we can use to express thanks to those around us. And, it is a day we can use to reflect on the truth that it is Almighty God Who has provided us with our lives and all of our bounty. It is to God that we owe the greatest of thanks. He is the Source.

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

All Peoples of the earth who live in lands God has blessed can affirm a long list: “I am thankful for….”

For life, for health, for friends and family, for a sense of belonging, for gorgeous skies and landscapes, for an abundance of varied kinds of food, for safety, for entertainment, for laughter, for puppies and kittens, sights and sounds, colors and textures, for the kindness and charity of others, including those people we hold in memory who played a part in providing what we enjoy today, whether by simple generosity or great sacrifice, perhaps on a field of battle; for law and order and all the things that make for a secure peace; for the ability to get wealth and enjoy a sense of success, for big things and little ones, for things past, present, and future, and on and on and on….

Rejoice, and make thanksgiving a season of the heart!

Thanksgiving Day is a day to rejoice and savor our blessings with a greater joy than usual. It is a day to anticipate life filled with even more blessings.

And, it is also a good day to prepare our own list of things for which we are thankful – so we can recount them more often. All people can benefit by taking the time to recount every one.

Thanksgiving can become a continual season of our heart as we practice the giving of thanks and add to our lists day by day.

Developing an attitude of gratitude!

We frequently take for granted many circumstances where we can develop an even greater attitude of gratitude.

Some of us do not recognize a blessing until it is gone – disappeared.

Let us shake off any dullness, and warm up any cold spots in our hearts. Let us ask God for the eyes to see and feel and respond in gratitude.

We can improve or expand a true spirit of thanksgiving by simply being alert and seeing life as the great gift from God that it is.

Ponder just how we got our bodies made in God’s own image. Who granted us the opportunity to be born with a “will?” Who gave us our intelligence? Who gives us hope and faith?

Why not give some time and attention to the perfection and the beauty of a newborn baby’s face and the love and loyalty of a faithful mate? And, what about the energy and drive to work hard and feel the pleasure of success and achievement, a job well done?

The ability to enjoy our blessings and be thankful is a gift from God in itself. In the Bible, we read of this gift.

Ecclesiastes 3:12 I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, 13 and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God.

For thanksgiving to be real, it needs to be expressed. Give it a voice with a hearty thank you OUT LOUD to those who deserve it!

Another very special way to express thanksgiving is to generously provide blessings to others so they might be thankful also.

You may also want to expand the spirit of thanksgiving by encouraging others to give as well.

On this special day set aside for thanksgiving, let us especially remember the greatest Giver of all. God has out-given us all and always will.

John 3: 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. So, let’s do it, individually, as a family, as a community, as a nation. Let us give thanks! Sing! Rejoice! Celebrate God’s goodness, His love, and His mercy to us all!

A Psalm of Thanksgiving.
Psalm 100: 1 Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! 2 Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. 3 Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. 5 For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.

If you would like encouragement and further details on giving God thanks, please contact us.

Personal Prayer: Our Lifeline to God

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What do we think of when we hear the word prayer? The word pray means to entreat, to beseech, to intercede, to make supplication, to ask for something humbly or earnestly. The Holy Scriptures provide much guidance about this vital subject – about how we are to pray. Although this article is not a thorough study of the subject, it looks at some specific examples of Jesus Christ, King David, the Apostle Paul, and others. And, it examines verses where God has given us detailed instructions about how we are to pray.

Religions of the World

When we look around us, we can see society and its many civilizations and religions have developed multiple ways for human beings to pray – to approach their idea of God. Each religion has its own special way for worshippers to make their voices heard before their god.

Some pray by chanting or reciting the same words over and over again. Others write their prayers on paper or cloth and burn them so that the prayers are carried to their god in the smoke. Others may place their prayers inside of a prayer wheel so that at every turning of the wheel, the prayer is offered to the deity or deities. Others pray facing a certain direction, towards a certain city, and at specific times of the day.

Prayer to the True God

Is the God of the Bible approachable through these methods? If not, then we must understand that billions of human beings are now, and have been for millennia, using methods that the true Creator God does not recognize or to which He does not respond.

Has our exposure to these various methods of prayer, devised by men, affected us in our personal appeals to God and in our understanding of the subject of prayer?

As we examine this important question, let us also consider whether there is a difference between the God of the Bible and the gods of the other religions of the world. Have we accepted that there IS a difference, and have we recognized that our heavenly Father’s Son, Jesus Christ, IS our personal Savior and the Savior of all of mankind? If so, then we can understand that we must go to Almighty God’s Source Book, His Instruction Manual, the Holy Bible, where He reveals to us how we are to structure and live our lives.

We Want God to Hear Us!

Certainly, all of us want to have God hear our prayers. We all want our heavenly Father to respond. We want to know we are not alone in the universe. We want to know that we are loved – that our Creator cares about each and every one of us, and that He wants the best for us. We also want to know our prayers can make a difference in our own lives and in the lives of our loved ones. Simply put, we want to know that our Creator hears us and that He will respond to our petitions – that He hears our words when we praise Him and tell Him we love Him.

How to Pray

So, with these things in mind, let us look at some specific instructions given to us by Jesus Christ, the Firstborn Son of God, during His earthly ministry. Some significant instructions are recorded for us in Matthew 6:9-13, with a parallel in Luke 11:2-4. These Scriptures are known to many as “The Lord’s Prayer.”

In Matthew 6:7, a few verses prior to the Lord’s Prayer, we are admonished “do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do.” So evidently, there is a difference in how the God of the Bible should be approached compared to how various religions of the world approach their deities. This would include pre-manufactured, man-made prayers, chants, or Scriptures repeated over and over in personal prayer or in a ritualistic worship service.

Why is it that millions of professing Christians mindlessly utter, over and over, the specific words of the “Lord’s Prayer” when approaching God? Or why do they repeat the words of Luke 1:28 and Luke 1: 42, words spoken to the virgin Mary by an angel sent from God? Why recently have people been taught to repeat The Prayer of Jabez (1 Chronicles. 4:10) every day for one full month, so that they can receive this very same blessing Jabez received from God (The Prayer of Jabez, Bruce Wilkinson)? Is there something powerful or “magical” about speaking these exact words? Or perhaps, have many been misinformed about the proper approach to prayer?

Jesus instructed us not to repeat what people have referred to as “The Lord’s Prayer” or any other Bible verses over and over verbatim and in vain repetition to our Heavenly Father in prayer. The words, “do not use vain repetitions” are simple and basic.

According to the words of Jesus Christ, a person who uses vain repetitions is following the lead of the heathen. And, what is a heathen? The word heathen carries with it the meaning of pagan or unbeliever. What is it the unbeliever does not believe? Why, an unbeliever does not accept or believe in the Word of God, the Holy Bible. This revelation may seem shocking to some, but Jesus’ words are plain.

If we believe the words of Jesus, and if we believe the Holy Scriptures are the divine, inspired words of our Creator recorded for our benefit (2 Timothy 3:16-17), then we must not be using “vain repetitions.” The word vain means futile. Do we want our prayers to God to be futile? Of course not!

It is obvious that followers of Christ must begin to believe the words of God and stop following after the “traditions of men” (Mark 7:6-9, Matthew 15:3-9). What, therefore, should a believer do? How should a believer pray? When we look at Jesus’ own example of prayer as recorded in John Chapter 17 and Luke 22:41-44, we can see that our prayers must be spontaneous, sincere, fervent, and from the heart.

In Matthew 6:9 Jesus says, “In this manner, therefore, pray….” In other words, when we pray, these are major topics that we should pray about. And additionally, this is a proper order in which we should pray about those topics. It is wise to look to Christ’s model prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 for guidance, direction, and inspiration. So, let us examine these Scriptures verse by verse and commit ourselves to understanding what Christ is specifically teaching on this subject.

Our Father Who Is in Heaven, Hallowed Be Your Name

The first important aspect of prayer is the acknowledgment of God as our heavenly Father, our “Abba,” our Daddy (Romans 8:15). God wants us to be in His Divine Family. We recognize His power, majesty, wisdom, mercy, and patience. We come before Him as begotten sons and daughters and communicate with Him to establish the very personal and intimate relationship that He desires to share with us. And we praise His Holy and Righteous Name, while telling Him how thankful we are that He IS God and that He loves us.

Notice Hebrews 11:6 plainly says, But without faith it is impossible to please him, for He who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. To start our prayers by praising God and acknowledging His sovereignty over our lives helps build that faith in Him that we all must have. And we talk to Him as any son or daughter would talk to their loving father.

Your Kingdom Come

Is there anything more important on God’s “Calendar of Events” than the Kingdom of God being established on the Earth under the righteous rulership of His Beloved Son? Romans 8:19-22 reveals the answer: For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now (emphasis ours).

This “revealing of the sons of God” begins at Christ’s triumphant return (1Thessalonians 4:16-17, 1 Corinthians 15:51-55, Revelation 3:11-12; 5:9-10; 14:1-5). It is quite evident from these scriptures why we now focus our minds on God’s Kingdom and His will for each of us as well as all of mankind. The vision of the soon coming Kingdom of God is what gives a Christian hope for the future. And, certainly each and every one of us truly desires “peace on earth.”

So, when we pray for the Kingdom, we reinforce this vision of hope in our own minds. And we demonstrate to our Heavenly Father that we understand what is most important to Him and His Son –– the One who will very shortly become “King of kings and Lord of lords.”

Your Will Be Done, On Earth As It Is in Heaven

What is God’s overriding will for mankind? Is it not that all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1Timothy 2:4, Romans 11:26-27)? When we consider God’s overriding will, is there any more important message for the world to hear than the gospel, the good news, of the soon-coming Kingdom of God?

Matthew 24:14 says, And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. And Jesus Christ tells us in Matthew 28:19-20, Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

Assisting the Church through our prayers in the announcing of this good news gives a Christian’s life purpose and meaning. We become less selfish. Our thoughts are turned outward toward others. We grow to truly desire that everyone would hear the only message of love, hope, and liberty.

Prayer helps us learn to ask God to mold us and shape us into new Spirit-led creations so that we could be used as effective instruments in His hands for the announcing of this precious gospel. When we pray “Your will be done,” we surrender our will to God’s will and learn to view the Church, our brethren, our peoples, our lives, our future, and this world from our heavenly Father’s perspective. Jesus deeply understood this kind of surrender. His words in Matthew 26:39, 42, and Mark 14:36 are clear. He told His heavenly Father, “Nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread

Notice that Christ’s model prayer is ordered in the same general manner as the Ten Commandments: God first, then man. This is an important lesson.

The Commandments teach us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. In our daily prayers, after we talk with our Father of our “heavenly hope” (Colossians 1:5), and the work of preaching the gospel, we next address the needs of others, before our needs.

When we pray for our family, our brethren, and others in intercessory prayer, we become empathetic to their needs and suffering. Their pain becomes ours. We share in their trials. We learn to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2).

Praying in this manner helps us learn to greatly appreciate the pain and suffering our Savior endured so that we could have our sins forgiven and be healed (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24). We come to understand that we are all part of the “body of Christ” and “if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it” (1Corinthians 12:26-27). And, as we look outward to the needs of others, we become more merciful, compassionate, and tenderhearted. We take on the “mind of Christ” (Philippians 2:3-5). And, we desire even more fervently that God’s Kingdom does come to release this world from it’s suffering and bondage.

Although God knows our needs before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8), He wants us to learn to trust Him and be dependent upon Him. He very much wants us to share our hopes, dreams, desires, questions, faults, concerns and problems with Him. We are to become as “little children” (Matthew 18:3-4) who are teachable. Thus we come before our Heavenly Father as a child comes before its father.

Notice in Luke 11:3, the instruction is, “Give us day by day our daily bread.” Yes, sometimes it might appear to us that we are receiving just “the bare minimum” from God – that our most basic needs are being met “day by day.” During “lean times” it might appear that we have just enough food to eat or that the money to pay the bills arrives just in the nick of time. Are we “OK” with that? Certainly, it is a part of our human nature to want to have abundance and to not have to worry about “making ends meet.” But sometimes the depth of our faith is being tested, isn’t it?

The Bible is full of examples of how the great men and women of God were faced with seemingly insurmountable problems and perils from which they could not deliver themselves. Yet the great Sovereign God of the Universe did provide deliverance – many times at the very last instance. We need to be consciously aware of God’s day by day deliverances and to be thankful that our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are always there for us.

We need to carefully consider the Apostle Paul’s words in Philippians 4:12-13, I know how to be abased and how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. After all, it is Christ Who is our spiritual daily Bread. It is Christ Who provides the strength we need for a full, abundant life. We need God to give us this Bread daily.

And Forgive Us Our Debts, As We Forgive Our Debtors

Scripture says, All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). And Romans 6:23 says, For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

None of us wants to receive the wages of sin, do we? Surely most of us want to receive that most precious gift of God – eternal life, right? So each one of us needs to have our sins forgiven. That forgiveness is available to us according to promises in Acts 2:38, Luke 24:47, and Ephesians 1:7.

The forgiveness we receive from God is tied to our desire and ability to forgive the wrongs that other human beings have done to us. Can we see why this is so? It just makes sense that when God transforms human beings into the very image of His Son (Romans 8:29, Philippians 3:21, Ephesians 4:13) by creating His holy, righteous nature in them that they must learn to forgive and extend the same mercy to others as He extends to them.

Notice in the verses immediately following “The Lord’s Prayer,” Jesus gives us this instruction (Matthew 6:14-15), For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. This same teaching is echoed in Mark 11:25-26. Sounds serious, doesn’t it?

Unfortunately, it is just not natural for humans to forgive each other, is it? It requires desire and dedication. It requires God’s help and His Holy Spirit. We can have confidence that those things we lack, we can receive as spiritual gifts from God (James 1:5-6). So we must pray fervently that God will give us a spirit of forgiveness and humility. And we must follow the instruction Paul gives us in Ephesians 4:32, And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

And Do Not Lead Us into Temptation, But Deliver Us from the Evil One

The night of Jesus’ betrayal and arrest, He prayed for His disciples, including all of His true disciples down through history. John 17:15, I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. The “evil one,” of course, is Satan (Adversary) the Devil (Accuser), and by extension, Satan’s demons. Christ’s prayer applies to us today.

Following Jesus’ example, we are to pray that God delivers us from Satan’s spiritual attacks. The “us” in “do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one (emphasis ours)” refers not just to each of us individually, but also to our brethren, our families, and other people. We pray so they are also delivered from the powers of darkness.

Scripture reveals to us that Satan has deceived “the whole world” (Revelation 12:9), and that includes us. Yes, God can keep us from the evil one, but there are things the Christian must also be doing to win this spiritual battle. We are told in Ephesians 6:11, Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. The spiritual armor is described in Ephesians 6:12-18.

The Apostle James instructs us in James 4:7-8, Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded.

Notice how the topic of forgiveness is taught again in Ephesians 4:26-27, Be angry, and do not sin, do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. The teaching is plain. We are to maintain control over our emotions and be quick to forgive, otherwise we provide a place in our minds which Satan can occupy. Sadly, this is the typical state of the world around us. Until Christ returns and Satan is placed in a place of restraint for 1000 years (Revelation 20:1-3), we must be ever vigilant to resist temptation and avoid deception.

For Yours Is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory Forever

The model prayer ends as it began with our praising and thanking God for our calling and for His blessings, while recognizing His sovereignty over our lives. We again speak of heavenly things. We firmly fix the vision of the soon-coming Kingdom of God in our minds. And we can remember our Savior’s comforting words that He inspired to be written by the Apostle John. These words voice our greatest desire – the return of Christ, Revelation 22:20, He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

Our Spiritual Growth

Over time God develops something very special inside us. He develops it using our involvement in seeking what is best for others, by our spending countless hours communicating with our Heavenly Father in prayer about the problems facing our loved ones, our brethren and the world, and by our sharing with Him our understanding of the ultimate solution, that is, His truth, His laws, His government, His perfect judgment and justice. These are the behaviors that allow Him to develop in us His “agape” love, the greatest love, the selfless, sacrificial, intelligent, spiritual form of love expressed as an outgoing concern for others. That is the essence of Who and What the Family of God is.

During our Christian journey, especially in moments of great stress, there are times when we may feel frustrated that our prayers are not being heard or that we somehow have nothing to pray about because God has heard our words before. Let us not be discouraged! One of the reasons Jesus gave us this model prayer, this outline of prayer, is to remind us that there is always something or someone to pray about.

If we occasionally experience a prayer block, we can also remind ourselves of all the many reasons we have to be thankful. In fact, it is certainly very spiritually healthy to have some of our prayers consist only of words of thankfulness to God the Father and Jesus Christ for all that they have done, are doing, and will do for us.

To assist us as we develop an active prayer life, it is most certainly helpful to read through the book of Psalms several times a year and meditate deeply on the words of love, praise, thankfulness, belief, and repentance as recorded by King David and the other Psalmists. David has been described as a “man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14; 16:7,12). It would be wonderful for us all to have the same close, intimate relationship with God that David had. Reading and meditating on the Psalms and coming before God in humility, love and worship in our prayers can help us to take on many of David’s positive attributes.

The Apostle Paul also addressed these positive aspects of prayer with encouraging words in Philippians 4:4-7, Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be made known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Let us meditate deeply on those words.

In Summary

Let us all pray fervently, as we lift up our voices, hands and hearts in an attitude of praise, trust, humility, and thankfulness (Psalm 134:1-2, 1Timothy 2:8) to God. Let us pray fervently that His Kingdom will come to earth to bring peace and happiness as soon as possible. Let us cry out for understanding and wisdom (Proverbs 2:1-9, James 1:5-6). Let us request that He will provide for both our physical and our spiritual needs (Matthew 6:25, 31-33). Let us ask for His correction, and that it would be done mercifully (Jeremiah 10:24, Psalm 6:1). Let us come boldly before the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16), confessing our sins, asking for His forgiveness and asking that God will create in us a spirit of forgiveness toward others. Let us request God’s protection and deliverance from temptation for our family, our brethren, and ourselves. Let us grow in “the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18) and claim all of God’s promises revealed to us in the Scriptures.

Christ’s model prayer is a wonderful guide, providing some specific instructions we can use to structure and organize our prayers. As we use it daily to praise God, pray for the Kingdom, pray for the work of preaching the Gospel as a witness and a warning to the world, pray for our brethren, our families, our peoples, or leaders, our nation, and finally pray for ourselves, our outlook can become more focused on what is truly important and less on our selfish passions and desires.

Let us come to understand that without God we can do nothing (John 15:5), and that every good and perfect gift comes from our heavenly Father (James 1:17). He is constant, never changing, always trustworthy, always faithful, always merciful (Malachi 3:6, Joel 2:12-13, Psalm 136).

It was Daniel’s custom to pray three times a day (Daniel 6:10). King David did this also (Psalm 55:17). What examples! And King David also set us another example, that of renewing our relationship with God at the start of each day. In Psalm 5:1-2 David says, Give ear unto my words, O LORD, Consider my meditation. Give heed to the voice of my cry, My King and my God, For to You I will pray. My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up.

Paul instructs us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” In other words, we are to talk to our heavenly Father continually – at any time of day or night. And when we do, our hearts should be thankful and joyful.

Yes, personal prayer is our lifeline to God, and God offers a direct communication link with Him to everyone He is now calling (John 6:44). And God wants to hear from us!

As we study the Scriptures, we can learn more how to pattern our prayers after the great servants of God like Abraham, David, Daniel, Jeremiah, Isaiah, and of course, after the example of Jesus Christ. Let us grab onto the lifeline God has offered to us and hold on for dear life. Then we shall enjoy that special intimate relationship with our loving Creator that He desires to have with each of us.

Please contact us for additional information or for assistance in effectively accessing your lifeline to God.

Self Examination: A Practical Approach

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When was the last time you took a long, hard look at yourself? I don’t mean when was the last time you admired yourself in front of your mirror! No, the question is when was the last time you deeply considered who you are in matters of character, behavior, and thought?

Unfortunately for many of us, the idea of a self-examination that would focus on our behaviors, habits, motivations, and intents of our hearts is a highly frightening experience! We are not born with a natural desire to want to take stock of who and what we really are, or to make changes in our lives even for our benefit. In fact, the opposite is true. We have a natural desire to hold on to who we are and to what we have become and to resist change forcefully.

However, through the love and grace of our Heavenly Father and His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, it is possible to experience true repentance which is a complete change of our life’s direction. And, it is God who will provide us with the courage and strength to examine ourselves (2 Timothy 1:7) in preparation for that change.

A Spiritual Mirror

We are told in James 1:22-25, But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work this one will be blessed in what he does.

We can determine from these Scriptures that God’s “perfect law of liberty” is a kind of mirror for us to use, so we are not forgetful in the things God would have us to do. We must understand though, that this “perfect law of liberty” is not just the Ten Commandments, but is the entirety of the Word of God which instructs us in God’s way of life, and leads us to real liberty and deliverance from spiritual bondage.

If we are willing to look intently into God’s spiritual mirror, our true nature can be reflected back to us. Undoubtedly we will see many things that need changing. This can be an unnerving experience, especially when we are new Christians.

We can be thankful God does not expect us to change everything all at once. He is “longsuffering” toward us (2 Peter 3:9). However, God does desire that we be willing to allow Him to be our Master Potter, and to mold and shape us into the new creation He wishes us to be (Isaiah 64:8).

An Instruction to Examine Ourselves

We read in 2 Corinthians13:5, Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? –– unless you indeed are disqualified. We should notice the purpose of the examination is to see whether we are “in the faith.” The question is not whether we have faith, but rather, whether we are living within the faith. In other words, are we faithfully living God’s way of life? Are we following all His laws and instructions, as revealed to us in the pages of the Bible? And, more importantly, is our purpose for doing so from a right motivation?

Can we see evidence of Jesus Christ living His life in us through the Holy Spirit which we received following our baptism and the laying on of hands (Galatians 2:20)? We are told to “test” ourselves. One way we do this is by comparing ourselves to the supreme example of Jesus Christ. (It is very helpful to study the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John several times a year.) And, we should look closely at the instructions given to us by God’s prophets and apostles and see how we are measuring up.

If we fail to test ourselves or if we fail to make any and all necessary changes, we are told we could be considered “disqualified.” In other words, we could be in danger of losing our salvation. Notice what the Apostle Paul said about himself, But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified (1 Corinthians 9:27).

A Specific Instruction Before Passover

Paul gave specific instructions to the Church of God in 1 Corinthians 11:20-34 concerning how members of the Body of Christ were to examine themselves before the annual Passover. In this New Testament Passover observance which utilized the new symbols of the bread and wine instituted by Jesus Christ on the night of His betrayal, Paul said, But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment of himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep (verses 28-29).

This passage of Scripture is often referred to in sermons prior to Passover, and it is vital for Christians to understand what is being said here. Certainly, it is clear we are told to “examine” ourselves. This is not a suggestion, it is a specific instruction! We are told those who have not examined themselves and are therefore taking of the bread and wine of the Passover service in an “unworthy manner,” bring judgment upon themselves. The judgment flows from not discerning “the Lord’s body” (the Body of Christ).

What is the meaning of “the Lord’s body” in this context? Of course, these verses (1 Corinthians 11:28-29) refer to the physical flesh and blood Body of Jesus. But, “the Lord’s body” also has a spiritual meaning. The context of these verses, along with many other passages of Scripture, indicate a reference to the entire Body of believers, the Church of God.

If we are careless in our worship, and if we count the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as a common thing, our own behavior can weaken the entire Body of Christ (the Church). We can then understand because of this lack of discernment of the needs of the Church and how our actions affect others, many in the Body of Christ are weak and sick (physically and spiritually), and many have died. In other words, we can be doing spiritual damage to each other instead of being a blessing.

Then, in verses 31-32 Paul says, But if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. The understanding is clear. We need to exercise godly judgment on ourselves. But if we do not, then God will judge us and will then bring correction into our lives for our own benefit, “that we may not be condemned with the world.” However, we can clearly see there is another reason God chastens us. It is so the Body of Christ (the Church of God) becomes stronger, to no longer be spiritually weak (feeble, impotent, without strength) or sick. It is so the entire Body will become perfected as each individual Christian becomes perfected (Matthew 5:48, Revelation 3:12).

Love Toward God and Love Toward Neighbor

The verses in 1 Corinthians offer very strong motivation for us to examine ourselves. Do we want to be a blessing to our spiritual brethren and our physical families? Is it possible that sometimes we really do not care whether our actions or attitudes cause harm to those we should be loving? Do we want to be spiritually strong so we can serve and uplift others, or are we content with being served? Are we really thankful for our Savior’s supreme sacrifice, and do we deeply appreciate and recognize the love our Father in heaven has for us? If so, are we willing to examine ourselves, and with God’s help, make necessary changes? Are we willing to change so our lives can be a blessing to others, and so we bring praise, glory, and honor to God’s Holy Name? Are we willing to be “living sacrifices” to God (Romans 12:1)?

We need to approach this goal of self-examination based on a foundational motivation that stems from a love for our brethren and families, and love for our Savior and our Heavenly Father.

The Right Attitude

As true believers study the Bible and grow in grace and knowledge, they undoubtedly make changes in how they live from day to day. Have you ever asked yourself WHY you want to live a Christian life? Or, if you are one who has recently found yourself drawn to God and are a spiritual babe, have you asked yourself WHY you may want to become a disciple of Jesus Christ, be baptized, receive the Holy Spirit, and become a begotten son of God? Why would you be willing to be out of step with the rest of the world? Why would you want to start keeping the Ten Commandments and many others of God’s laws, statutes, and judgments as you learn about them? Certainly, if you are a babe in Christ then the idea of self examination will probably seem quite foreign to you and maybe a bit confusing. Yet, as we have seen, it is a necessary, vital, and commanded facet of a Christian’s life.

If we were to ask a handful of people the same questions covered in the paragraph above, we would probably receive quite a few different answers. But is that the way it should be? Or should we all have the same basic answers?

Having the same basic answers is related to understanding WHY Jesus was willing to suffer horrible things at the hands of men to complete the job He was sent to do. Consider for a moment that His attitude and His motivation for serving His Heavenly Father and for His being willing to give up His very life should also be our motivation and our attitude. Jesus is our Example. We are to become like the Father and the Son (John 17).

Why was Jesus obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:8)? The simple answer was that He was able to love the Father with all His heart, soul, mind, and strength (Matthew 22:37-38, Deuteronomy 6:5-6). And He loved His neighbor as Himself (Matthew 22:39-40, Leviticus 19:18). Jesus’ heart was right.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit and because of Christ’s complete love of the Father, nothing, absolutely nothing, was able to take His focus off of the Father and from His mission to be mankind’s Savior and Messiah. Do we follow God’s instructions and commands in the Bible, because we want to please God, and because we really LOVE the Father and the Son? This becomes the essential question! Or, is our motivation to escape trouble or punishment, or to get something from God?

If we can look honestly at ourselves and sincerely know we are surrendering our will to God, if we know we are living God’s way of life, and if we know we are worshiping Him in the total integrity of our heart because we are thankful and really love Him, then we can examine ourselves with the right attitude and from a proper motivation. However, if our attitude and motivation is wrong, then our self-examination will not bear much fruit.

What Do We Look For?

Do we look at things? In other words, do we carry around a mental list with one column containing those bad things we used to do when we were of the world, and with a second column containing the good things we now do as Christians? Do we then say, “I’m a pretty good Christian” if my list of good is longer than the list of bad, and if the list of the good is growing longer each year. Is that how God would like us to examine ourselves? What is God looking for?

Is it possible our hearts are deceiving us? The prophet Jeremiah said, The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9) Do WE know our own heart?

An examination of ourselves requires more than comparing a list of what we used to do versus what we do now. Rather, we must examine our minds and determine if we are thinking differently. Thinking differently is a good beginning toward repentance. It is not just a matter of what we are doing (or not doing). It is more accurately a matter of how we are thinking.

If we are thinking differently as we are being converted, and if we are having our minds renewed (Romans 12:2) as we are allowing the mind of Christ to reside in us (Philippians 2:5), then we will also be doing more good things. However, we could be doing more good things and less bad things even if our motivation and attitude are not correct. Yes, God is interested in what we are doing. But He is more interested in why we are doing what we are doing.

The deeper question is: Are we obeying and serving God by the “letter of the law” or are we fulfilling both the letter and the spirit of the law? Are we worshiping God both in spirit and in truth? John 4:23-24 says, But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.

Our process of self examination must involve not only looking at what we are doing by asking ourselves if we are following God’s instructions, but it must also involve an examination of our thinking or why we do what we do. We must determine if what we are doing is being done in the right attitude and from a right motivation.

A Measuring Stick

God’s Holy Scriptures are a ”lamp to our feet, and a light to our path” (Psalm 119:105). We are told in James 1: 22 to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” The Apostle James also says in James 2:22, 24, Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

Emphasis is placed on being active Christians! We are to be doing and working along with having faith in order that we are justified before God. James drives the point home in verse 26, For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. Strong words, those!

Paul exhorts the Church in Titus 3:14, And let our people also learn to maintain good works to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful. Throughout God’s Word we find the writers were inspired to write down many instructions for us to follow. Certainly, we understand we have been given God’s Ten Commandments to live by. But the Bible contains literally hundreds of other commands and instructions which our Heavenly Father also expects us to follow.

God’s instructions assist us in maintaining good works, so we become fruitful disciples of Jesus Christ, as Paul explained (Titus 3:14). God also knows how we think. After all, He designed us, and He knows we are forgetful. Paul exhorts us regarding our memories in Hebrews 13:16, But do not forget [emphasis ours] to do good and share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

These instructions and exhortations help us remember what it is God would have us to do. They give us a yard stick by which to measure ourselves. We must remember though that while we examine ourselves and use God’s yard stick of Biblical instructions, we must be conscious of the fact it is our attitude and motivation coupled with our works and actions that truly determine if we are being led by the Holy Spirit, and thus are “sons of God” (Romans 8:5, 6, 14).

Works done from a wrong motivation can be described as “dead works.” Putting away dead works (Hebrews 6:1) is central to Christianity. One of the “elementary principles of Christ” is “repentance from dead works” (Hebrews 6:1). It is one of the first things new Christians are to understand when they receive the Holy Spirit and begin their life long walk with their Savior.

Rephrasing Instructions as Questions

To assist you in your self examination, there is a select group of Scriptures provided at the conclusion of this article. All of these verses have been rephrased as questions. Although these verses are a cross section of instructions given to us in the New Testament, the same format can be used with any Scripture where instructions are given. The procedure of rephrasing verses into personal questions allows the human mind to process the words in a special manner.

It is well known in psychology, education, sales and other disciplines that questions affect the mind differently than do statements. Consider the following illustration: A person who is learning skydiving would have a teacher who has instructed many necessary things, including things like, check your parachute, check this, check that, avoid this, do that, and so on. Asking questions about preparation and the vital instructions allows the human mind to process the important information so the skydiving experience is a safe one. People ask questions, don’t we? We make for ourselves a check list. “Have I done this?” “Did I check that?” And on it goes. This process helps people to internalize and remember the instructions that have been given.

Hopefully, the reader will find this process of rephrasing instructions as questions a useful tool to help as they follow God’s command to examine ourselves. And, as each individual is perfected, so is the Body of Christ perfected. Although we are individuals, we make up a collective whole. We are the begotten children of God.

Through self-examination that leads to repentance, confession, forgiveness, and spiritual growth, we will be converted or transformed and able to love the LORD our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. It is THE method used by God through His Holy Spirit that enables us to live godly lives from a motivation of love.

Let Us Now Examine Ourselves

To utilize the following verses effectively, simply read the rephrased question first, then read the instructional verse, and then reread the question. This will help you internalize these Scriptures. God desires that we hold up His Word as a spiritual mirror. Allow the words into your heart with the help and guidance of God’s Holy Spirit.

Some questions are from an individual perspective (“Do I,” or “Am I”). Others will be worded from a congregational perspective (“Do we,” or “Are we”). Primarily these Scriptures are from the books of Colossians, Philippians, Ephesians, and Galatians.

Throughout our self examination, we need to remember it is the attitude and motivation behind our good works and obedience to God that is most important to Him. Our attitude and motivation are an important way God comes to know whether or not we are truly repentant and being converted, and whether our minds are truly being renewed.

May the Almighty, Loving, Merciful, Everliving God Who gives us life and breath, encourage and guide us all as we examine ourselves and apply His Words of life in our walk with him. If we can assist your self-examination, please contact us.

Selected Scriptures

Ephesians 4:1-3
Do I walk worthy of the calling with which I was called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with others in love, and am I endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace?

Ephesians 4:22-24
Have I put off, concerning my former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts? Am I renewed in the spirit of my mind? And, have I put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness?

Ephesians 4:25-27
Have I put away lying, and do I speak truth with my neighbor? For we are members of one another. When I am angry, do I choose not to sin by not letting the sun go down on my wrath, and by not giving place (in my spirit) to the devil?

Ephesians 4:28
If I have stolen, do I steal no longer, but rather, do I labor, working with my hands what is good, that I may have something to give him who has need?

Ephesians 4:29-30
Does no corrupt word proceed out of my mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers? And, do I avoid grieving the Holy Spirit, by whom I was sealed for the day of redemption?

Ephesians 4:30
Am I putting away from me all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking, with all malice?

Ephesians 4:31
Are we kind to one another, tenderhearted, and do we forgive one another, even as God in Christ forgave us?

Ephesians 5: 1-2
Are we imitators of God as dear children? And do we walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling aroma?

Ephesians 5:3-4
As is fitting for saints, do we not let it even be named among us: fornication, and all unrighteousness or covetousness, neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting; but rather giving of thanks?

Ephesians 5:11
Am I careful to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather, do I expose them?

Ephesians 5:15-17
Are we making sure we are walking circumspectly, not as fools, but as those who are wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil? And, do we endeavor to not be unwise, but rather to understand what is the will of the Lord?

Ephesians 5:18-20
Are we careful not to be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but to be filed with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in our hearts to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God?

Ephesians 6:10-18
Am I striving to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might? Do I daily put on the whole armor of God, that I may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil? Do I understand I do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places? Am I diligent to take up the whole armor of God, that I may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand? Do I gird my waist with truth; put on the breastplate of righteousness; shod my feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; and above all, take the shield of faith which I will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one? And, do I put on the helmet of salvation and take up the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints?

Galatians 6:1-3
Do I, as one who is spiritual, when I see a man who is overtaken in any fault, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering myself lest I also be tempted? Do I bear other’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ? Do I know not to think of myself as something, when I am really nothing, so I do not deceive myself?

Galatians 6:9-10
Are we striving not to grow weary while doing good for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart? And, as we have opportunity, are we doing good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith?

Philippians 2:1-4
Are we being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind? Are we careful to let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind, do we esteem others better than ourselves? Do we look out not only or our own interests, but also for the interest of others?

Philippians 2:5-8
Are we letting the mind be in us which was also in Christ Jesus? Who made Himself of no reputation, and took the form of a bondservant, and having come in the likeness of men, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

Philippians 2:12-13
Am I working out my own salvation with fear and trembling? For it is God who works in me both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Philippians 2:14-16
Do I do all things without complaining and disputing, that I may become blameless and harmless, a child of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom I shine as a light in the world, as I hold fast to the word of life?

Philippians 3:13-15
Am I, as my mind matures, forgetting those things which are behind, but rather reaching forward to those things which are ahead, and pressing toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus?

Philippians 4:4-8
Do I always rejoice in the Lord? Is my gentleness known to all men? Because the Lord is at hand. Am I anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, do I let my requests be made known to God? So the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard my heart and mind through Christ Jesus. And, am I diligent to meditate on whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy?

Philippians 4:11-13
Have I learned that in whatever state I am in to be content? Have I learned how to live both humbly and to live in prosperity? Do I believe that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me?

Colossians 2:20-23
Do I subject myself to regulations, the commandments and doctrines of men, which have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but which are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh?

Colossians 2:2-3
Have I set my mind on things above, and not on things on the earth? For I have died, and my life is hidden with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:5-8
Am I putting to death what is earthly in me: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry? Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. Am I being diligent to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, and filthy language out of my mouth?

Colossians 3:12-14
Are we, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, putting on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, and longsuffering? Are we bearing with one another and forgiving one another, even as Christ forgave us? And above all these, have we put on love, which is the bond of perfection?

Colossians 3:15-17
Are we letting the peace of God rule in our hearts, to which we were called in one body; and are we thankful? Are we letting the word of Christ dwell in us richly in all wisdom; and are we teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, while singing with grace in our hearts to the Lord? And whatever we are doing in word or in deed, are we doing all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him?

Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever I do, am I doing it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men? Knowing that from the Lord I will receive of the inheritance; for I serve the Lord Christ.

Colossians 4:2-3
Am I continuing earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; praying also for the ministry that God would open to the Church a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ?

Colossians 4:5-6
Do I walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time? Is my speech always spoken with grace, seasoned with salt, that I may know how I am to answer each one?