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Beverly Lussi

Empowered by the Word

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“For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.”
1 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB

The Bible is such an amazing life-giving book. For a Christian, learning and living out its truths is a significant spiritual discipline. However, even the most seasoned believer can at times become inattentive and uninspired while perusing the Scriptures.

Today I want to challenge you to consider the condition of your time spent in the word of God. To better gauge where you are in this discipline, ask yourself these questions:

  • Does my time in Bible reading/study look any different than it did one, ten, twenty years ago?
  • Do I understand what I’m reading?
  • Am I putting into practice what I’m learning from the Scriptures?
  • Is there an enjoyment and anticipation in reading God’s word, or boredom and apprehension?
  • Do I read the Bible daily or on a hit-and-miss routine?

Before going any further, let me encourage you to NOT fall prey to the comparison game between your reading and studying habits verses the practices of others. We are all different in how God made us and where we are in our spiritual journey.  You need to seek God for where you need to be, not where someone else may think you need to be.

Now, if you feel your time in the word of God could use some empowerment and rejuvenation, check out these suggestions as you ask Him to open your eyes to His remarkable truths.

  • Try reading from more than one translation, especially for hard to understand passages.
  • Purchase the Bible on CD for trips in the car; download Scripture on your phone and listen while walking/exercising/cleaning the house/cooking/etc.
  • Read the Scriptures aloud to keep your mind from wandering off into never-never-land.
  • Write memory verses on 3×5 cards. Place them around the house; in your purse; in your car; at work.
  • Use a devotional book to help you focus before you begin your time in the Word.
  • While at home, keep a Bible within easy reach of the kitchen or living room. Take/make time to stop and read it.
  • For easy access while on the computer, add sites like BibleGateway.com and blueletterbible.org to your favorites.
  • Right now, grab your Bible and dig deeper: Psalm 119: 11,103, 105, 147-149, 169; Luke 11:28; Acts 20:32; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 4:12.

Revived by His word,

Beverly <><

 

Photo Credit: FreeImages.com/James Lin.

 

Looking Like Dad

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“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children.” 
Ephesians 5:1 NLT

My phone made the familiar whistle sound notifying me of a text. Enjoying a few days of vacation, my daughter was sharing a beach picture of her hubby, Ed, and their oldest, Lucia. He was enjoying the vast beauty of the ocean, so Lucia had followed suit in mimicking her father’s stance. There was no mistaking that Lucia was her father’s child (see the picture).

What a clear visual this illustrated of the resemblance between God and His children. For the followers of Christ, the Scriptures speak of imitating God; reflecting His glory; walking as Christ walked. We have been created in the very image of God. We are to clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ; to put Him on; to be changed into His glorious likeness.

In the everyday reality of life, do others recognize that you are a child of the King? Do your actions emulate those of the humble, meek, and loving Son of God? Can kindness, compassion, and joy be seen on your face because you favor the Father? When you speak are your words encouraging, truthful, and filled with grace like those uttered by Jesus?

Simply put, we need to be looking and acting like our Father. That will only happen when we spend lots of time with Him just like a child with their parent. Watching. Listening. Drawing close. Loving. Trusting. Imitating.

Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with Him and learn a  life of love…His love was not cautious but extravagant… Love like that. Ephesians 5:1-2 MSG

[Digging deeper – John 13:15; Romans 8:29, 13:14; 2 Cor. 3:18, 5:17; Eph. 4:24; 1 John 2:6]

Longing to be like Him,

Beverly <><

Awaken the Worship

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“So come, let us worship: bow before him, on your knees before God, who made us!”
Psalm 95:6 (The Message)

During my growing up years, Sunday morning worship consisted of two hymns, the offering, another hymn, the Doxology, followed by the choir or special music, and then the sermon. As a young adult, I grew tired of this “tradition” and found myself embracing the ‘Praise and Worship’ music that began to take precedence in the 1980’s. It was a welcomed change with a newness and excitement to it.

However, I distinctly remember declaring a few years later – If we’re not careful, this new praise and worship style will become a tradition just like the format of hymns, offering, and special music did during my era. In many churches that has been the case.

I’m not saying there is anything bad or wrong with “tradition”. Regardless of your preferred worship style, the real issue is what does worship look like for you? All too often we associate it with the corporate worship we experience on Sunday mornings. But what about your own personal times of worship with God? How do you revere, honor, and acknowledge Him for who He is?

Let’s explore some ideas that might prove useful in establishing or awakening your worship time.

  • Do a word study of worship and see how it is defined as well as lived out in the Bible.
  • Don’t limit worship to “singing” only; read a Psalm, a prayer book, or Scripture to the Lord as an act of worship.
  • Pay attention to the lyrics you sing to Him; as an alternative, simply read them to fully grasp what you are offering to Him.
  • Spend time in adoration of the Father, asking for nothing, focusing totally on Him.
  • Worship God in a new place and/or in a different position (i.e. bowing; kneeling; outdoors)
  • Intentionally worship God while you are involved in service/ministry to others.
  • Speak forth His praises around your family members as you are working, playing, or making memories.

As you worship the Lord this week, I pray you will ask the Holy Spirit to quicken your heart with a creative new zeal to give Him the glory due His name. After all, He alone is worthy of our praise!

[Digging deeper – 2 Chronicles 7:3; Nehemiah 9:3; Psalms 2:11, 29:2, 99:5,9; Matt. 28:9; John 4:23; Rom. 12:1]

Because of Him,

Beverly <><

 

 

Photo Credit:  Image courtesy of Art4TheGlryOfGod by Sharon, “Shout for Joy to God, All the Earth!”…at www.flickr.com