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Spend Time With God Through His Word

1/26/2015

Before walking to the school bus one day, my daughter Ella handed me a note and said, “Daddy, this is for you.” I opened the note and discovered that she had drawn a picture us with a caption that read, “I love you Dad. I hope you have a nice day. I love you very much.” While this alone warmed my heart, what she said next was even more of a blessing. She said to me, “I made this for you so you could take me to work with you today.” What a beautiful sentiment. Now whenever I look at my precious note I know she is with me; she is in my heart.

I was thinking about this in regard to my relationship with God. My Father has written something for me. He has left His written Word and through His message I can see Him (1 John 3:16), hear Him (Mt 4:4), and come to know Him better (1 John 2:3, Phil 3:10). He teaches me that as I abide in His message, I have fellowship with Him (John 15:5-8, 1 John 1:7). So, as I spend time in His Word each day, I rejoice, for indeed He is with me
(c.f. Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5)

- Josh Allen (Pikeville, KY)

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A Simple Devotional Plan

1/19/2015

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A common trait in the lives of the God’s faithful is the ability to recognize the value in the practice of daily devotions. Daniel is revealed as a man who placed importance on daily prayer and meditation (Daniel 6:10), as did David (Psalm 77:12, 46:10, 4:4), Jesus (Mark 1:35, Matthew 6:6), and a myriad of other godly men and women (c.f. Hebrews 11). This is the reason why one of our goals in 2015 is a renewed commitment to daily prayer and study.

Some who are not in the practice of having daily devotional time may need some help in getting started. Here is a simple plan to help get you get off on the right track:

Start with a Commitment - Commit to setting aside time in your day. Take it seriously or you will never follow through. Start by having a goal of at least 15 minutes, an easily achieved goal.

Utilize your Resources - We have provided all of our members with a plan to read through the Bible this year. This plan can be found in the binders we handed out, in our weekly bulletin, and in our weekly devotional newsletter. You can subscribe to this email online at www.mainstcoc.org. Utilize these resources! It has been said, “Those who do not have a plan, plan to fail.”

Read your Bible - Remember that God speaks to us through the Word, so pay attention. We often scan emails, texts, letters, and articles, but with the Bible we must take our time and really concentrate.

Meditate - Consider what you have read. How does this apply to my relationship with God? Are there principles in the text that I can apply to my life? Also, don’t just confine your meditation to these few minutes, think on these things through out your day. [Note: Use the devotional seeds provided in our devotional newsletter. They are designed to get you to think about the text].

Pray, Pray, Pray! - This cannot be stressed this enough. Pray throughout your day (1 Thess 5:17). James said, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).

- Josh Allen (Pikeville, KY)

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Don't Forsake. Praise and Provoke!

1/12/2015

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God commands Christians to worship together. One must not forsake "the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some" (Hebrews 10:25, also consider the "must" of John 4:23-24).

Worship, however, is not just something to be done simply because it is commanded. The scriptures reveal that heart must also be employed in Christian worship. We must desire to worship. God only wants worship that is done "in spirit and truth" (John 4:24). Christians should always view worship as a privilege. It is an opportunity to offer praise to God on the first day of the week because of His care EVERY day of the week.

The Bible teaches that Christians need one another and that worship plays a vital role in this dynamic. Before the stern words of Hebrews 10:25, the writer speaks of the result of true worship. He urges all Christians, "let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching" (10:24-25). There are many positive byproducts that come as a result of participation in congregational worship:

Godly worship stirs up the attitudes of love and service (Heb 10:24). The KJV uses the word "Provoke" in Hebrews 10:24. The idea of being provoked by another is usually viewed in a negative sense, but here it is showing how others can have a positive impact on others simply by worshipping God as He has commanded.
Exhortation occurs (Heb 10:25). The word "exhort" means "to encourage, to embolden, to cheer, to advise, to excite, or to give strength, spirit, or courage" (KJV Bible Dictionary). Through worship Christians find strength to face the week ahead (c.f. Col. 3:16).

As one considers the benefits of worship, the list could go on and on, yet one struggles to find even one satisfactory reason to skip out on worship. The fact is: You need worship, so make it an aim to not forsake the assembly. Praise God, provoke others, and be provoked "unto love and good works".

- Josh Allen (Pikeville, KY)

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Jesus Prayed. Do You?

1/4/2015

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The apostles taught that Jesus is the Christian's example in all things. To Paul, He is the pattern to imitate (1 Cor 11:1). To Peter, He is the Shepherd whose footsteps Christians are to follow (1 Peter 2:21,25). To John, He is the Servant who led by example (John 13:13-17). There are countless attributes of Jesus which are worthy of emulation, however let it be noted today that Jesus was a prayerful person.

A survey of His life reveals:

He prayed alone before He His day began (Mark 1:35)
He prayed alone in the afternoon (Matthew 14:23; Luke 9:18, Lk 5:16)
He prayed with His disciples in the afternoon (Luke 9:28-29)
He prayed alone at night...all night (Luke 6:12)
He prayed in public (Matthew 11:25-27; John 11:41-42, 12:27-28)
He prayed before important decisions (Luke 6:12-13)
He prayed at important events (i.e. after His baptism, Luke 3:21-22)
He prayed in moments of deep agony (Lk 22:42; Matthew 27:46)
He prayed to before meals (Mk 8:6; Mt 26:26; Luke 24:30)
He prayed to teach others (Matthew 6:9-13)
He prayed for others (Lk 22:31-32)
He prayed for His disciples (John 17:6-19)
He prayed for His future disciples (John 17:20-26)
He prayed for children (Matthew 19:13-15)
He prayed for His enemies (Luke 23:34)
He prayed to heal (Mark 7:34-35)
He prayed with thanksgiving (John 11:41-42; Luke 10:21-22)
He prayed with loud cries and tears (Hebrews 5:7)
He prayed the same prayer multiple times (Matthew 26:39,42,44)
He prayed short prayers (John 12:27-28)
He prayed long prayers (John 17:1-26; Lk 6:12)
He prayed kneeling (Lk 22:41)
He prayed standing (John 17:1)
He prayed laying prostrate with His face in the ground (Matthew 26:39)
He prayed according to the Father's will (Mt 26:36-44)
He prayed with His dying breath (Lk 23:46)
He prayed before He ascended back to Heaven (Luke 24:50-53)

The prayer life of Jesus helps one understand the command "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Jesus was continually prayerful. He placed a priority on prayer. It was a large part of His day and His life. What an amazing (and challenging) example to follow!

- Josh Allen (Pikeville, KY)

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Spend Time With God Through His Word

A Simple Devotional Plan

Don't Forsake. Praise and Provoke!

Jesus Prayed. Do You?

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