John Donne

 

“Of all commentaries on the Scriptures, good examples are the best.”

John Donne,  1572 - 1631

English poet, Scholar, Cleric

I use a commentary most days as I read the Bible. I found one that is easy for me to understand and helps me know the truth and meaning of what I’m reading. I highly recommend using a commentary when reading God’s Word.

But when it comes to basic ways to live our life and live what we believe, I think this quote is true. A good example from a man or women living their life for Christ can have a powerful impact on you.

I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Christian men and women and seeing their faith played out in many different situations. Their influence has allowed me to grow in my faith and be a stronger Christian.

Good examples bring so many valuable assets to the lives of others. And you know when you’ve found one. The evidence is clear. They have a positive attitude and admirable qualities.

People who are good examples have bad days too. They don’t always have the answers or understanding they need to accomplish or change something. But they don’t get bent out of shape or angry or frustrated when they don’t understand. They put one foot in front of the other and determine what needs to change.

A good example is the best sermon come to life. The way one walks is more important than the way they talk, although a talking Christian is noticed for their sound and moral ways.

Be a teacher of good. Be an example that causes others to evaluate the way you do and say things because they are impressed with how you do it. People don’t want to copy bad attitudes and vocabulary. They want to be remembered because of the good others saw in them.

Be a good example. The best way to do that? Read the Bible. Have friends that are stimulating and live for Christ. Let your example cause someone else to choose the narrow path of faith because they saw you live out your faith.

“Good examples are the best.”

By His Grace . . . 

Warren Wiersbe

 

“Have you examined the throne room inside lately?”

Warren Wiersbe, Clergyman, Bible teacher, speaker

The throne room inside. That’s our heart. That’s where God’s Spirit resides. Inside our body. What is your throne room like?

Is it open to God’s perusal? Does He feel at home there? Can Jesus rest there and know He is in charge? Does the Holy Spirit have access to work there and bring you closer to God?

Every member of the Trinity has an interest in our heart. In Proverbs 4:23 it says: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Everything you do. Every act. Every comment. Every thought. It all matters. What you think is what you do.

Scripturesavvy.com: “When we look at Proverbs 4:23, we see a powerful statement about the importance of our heart. To guard our heart means to protect it from negative influences that can lead us away from God. The heart is often viewed as the center of our emotions, thoughts, and motivations. It is where our true character resides and where we make decisions that define who we are.”

Our heart is so important to everything we do. Knowing that God’s Spirit resides there should cause us to actively be aware of everything we do and think. It should be in the forefront of every thought, every action and every word.

1 Corinthians 3:16

“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?”

Godsbless.ing: “This verse speaks to the profound and comforting truth that the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, is a constant and abiding presence within those who believe in God. This presence is not temporary or fleeting; it is eternal and enduring. This means that as believers, we are never alone or abandoned, for the Holy Spirit is always with us, guiding, comforting, and empowering us in our journey of faith . . The Holy Spirit is like a steadfast companion, walking alongside us in every moment, leading us towards a deeper relationship with God and a life filled with purpose and meaning.”

In the March 29^th devotion of “Walking With God” by Martyn Lloyd-Jones: “When you wake up, the first thing you should do is to say to yourself: ‘I am a child of God. Christ is in me. That old self is gone; I died with Christ. I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. Everything I do today must be in the light of this knowledge.’”

Make examining your heart a normal part of your day. With the Holy Spirit inside, you have everything you need to help you make choices that will bring good to your life. And that’s just what God hopes you will do. For it’s the throne room where the Holy Spirit resides and God lives.

By His Grace . . . 

P. J. Wolz

 

“How wonderful, at evening, to be able to say,

“What a day, Lord! What a day! Because I could pray.”

P. J. Wolz

Years ago I was typing words that a friend’s grandfather wrote, making a book for her. The above words caused me to pause then and continue to have me pause every time I see them. A saint filled with God’s Spirit who was thankful He could pray.

Do I feel that way? At the end of the day, am I thankful I had the chance to talk with God? Her grandfather’s words continue to make me shiver in excitement. In possibility. In desire.

I want to catch the joy this man had. The relationship He shared with God. The happiness that filled His heart because He could talk to God.

I am thankful I can talk with God, but I haven’t realized it in this way. To come to the end of my day and be thankful that I can talk with God.

I see a simple life. Doing simple things. Regular work each day. A home to come to and rest. And thankfulness to God.

We can talk with God any time and know He hears and guides us. But our lives are so crowded with “things” that we miss the simplicity of talking with God any time we want too.

 Ephesians 6:18

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

Biblerepository.com: “Ephesians 6:18 provides insight into the vital role of prayer in the lives of believers . . . This isn’t just about a one-time prayer; it speaks to a continuous, active communication with God. This ongoing dialogue with our Creator is our lifeline, helping us stand firm in our faith . . . The phrase ‘Praying always with all prayer and supplication’ indicates that we should be in constant communication with God. This means both thankfulness and asking for guidance or help. Throughout scripture, prayer is presented as a way to deepen the relationship we have with God. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul urges believers to ‘pray without ceasing,’ which captures the essence of this ongoing conversation.”

“How wonderful, at evening, to be able to say,

“What a day, Lord! What a day! Because I could pray.”

I need to make these words into a sign so that I see them each day. I want to feel this in my heart each evening and thank God as this man did. What a day indeed!

By His Grace . . . 

George Macdonald

 
Trissa McCabe Phetry Facebook Page

“Few are needed to do the out-of-the-way tasks which startle the world, and one may be most useful just doing common place duties, and leaving the issue with God. And when it is all over, and our feet will run no more, and our hands are helpless, and we have scarcely strength to murmur a prayer, then we shall see that, instead of needing a larger field, we have left untilled many corners of our single acre, and that none of it is fit for our Master’s eye were it not for the softening shadow of the cross.”

George Macdonald, Scottish author, poet and Congregational minister

December 1824 – 18 September 1905

This is one of my favorite quotes. I’m not sure if it’s the suggestion that there is much to do in “our single acre” or that “none of it is fit . . . were it not for the softening shadow of the cross.” Words to consider. Words to dwell on.

Some have the opportunity to make a big difference in the lives of multitudes while others appear to make a small difference in the lives right around them. Wherever you fit in, it is enough. For without the cross of Jesus, none of it would be enough.

I’ve read stories where the work of a famous man or women started a generation or two back when a mother or father made a choice, and that choice was passed down to a willing heart which then touched the hearts of millions.

Our single acre has the ability to change the heart of one who may change the heart of many. Everyone counts. It is always amazing when you watch the Hand of God as He works through individuals.

We were created for a purpose. God prepared work for us to do. He chose the work we will do.

Ephesians 2:10

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Scripturesavvy.com: “We are created by God Himself, and this act of creation is intentional and filled with purpose . . . We are reborn with purpose and capability to do good works. These good works are not just ordinary tasks; they are divinely assigned responsibilities that reflect God’s character and love in the world . . . It shows us that before we were even born, God was already setting things in motion for us to fulfill our purpose. This truth helps us understand that our lives are not accidental but rather part of a larger divine plan.”

Whether our work is large or small, God is the One who chose what each of us will do. Every work assigned is good in the eyes of God. As we serve Jesus, we serve the living God. We owe our service to Him. It is always enough if we serve with His presence before us, leading us along our path.

Large or small, a million people or one, without Christ, none of it is fit. 

How is your single acre doing?

By His Grace . . . 

Charles Spurgeon

 

“A little faith will bring your soul to heaven;

A great faith will bring heaven to your soul.”

Charles Spurgeon

Great faith. Little faith. What is great faith? What is little faith? Once we have faith and believe, God saves us. We can’t lose faith. What does Spurgeon mean by great faith and little faith?

Matthew 15:28

“Then Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.’ And her daughter was healed at that moment.”

Biblerepository.com: Matthew 15:28 is a verse that highlights the incredible faith of a woman seeking Jesus’ help for her daughter . . . Jesus calls her faith ‘great,’ which is significant because it is a rare acknowledgment from Him . . . The reference to her faith being great suggests that this woman, despite not being part of the Jewish community, understood who Jesus was and what He could do. Her position as a Gentile, a Canaanite, was one that could have led to feelings of being an outsider or unworthy. Yet, her faith surpassed any barriers of nationality or social standing. She believed that Jesus had the authority and ability to heal her daughter and was not deterred despite the initial silence from Jesus . . . Complete belief in Jesus will bring you great faith.

Believing in Jesus. This women knew who Jesus was and believed He had the authority and ability to do what she asked. It’s as simple as that. We believe or we don’t.

RedeemingGod.com: The terms “Great faith” and “Little faith” simply mean this: Some truths are easy to believe while others are difficult. If you believe something that is difficult to believe, then you have great faith. If you do not believe something that is relatively easy to believe, then you have little faith . . . You and I do not have faith containers in our souls which overflow when our faith is great but are nearly empty when our faith is little. Faith does not work like that . . . Great faith and little faith have nothing to do with the size, amount, or degree of faith . . . Rather, the terms “great faith” and “little faith” describe the difficulty of the truths that are believed.

How much do you believe? As children of God and believers in Jesus, we must have complete belief. That is when we’ll have peace, hope and strength to endure while we wait on God.

Great faith isn’t hard to have. Anyone can have it. There’s no such thing as choosing what you believe. You either believe or you don’t. Believe!

“Great faith will bring heaven to your soul.” You’re always connected. Heaven is at your fingertips. Jesus is with you all the time. Determine to have “great” faith without any doubts. There is no such thing as “little” faith. Always believe. Always trust. And always thank God for His great gift of faith!

By His Grace . . .