Practice Makes Perfect??

This week I have read through the book of Ezra in the Old Testament, God showed me several things through my study, but I think what stood out the most to me was the example that Ezra set with his life.

"For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel."

                    Ezra 7:10

Ezra knew the importance of God's word, he had made a commitment to study it and teach it to others. Obviously he loved the word of God, experienced the blessing of studying it and wanted to share the knowledge of it with Israel. Ezra understood however, that it is not enough to simply study God's word, we must practice what we learn. If we read God's word and do not apply it, have we gained anything? Knowledge perhaps, but we would have missed God's intent for us to grow in faith  and love. And how can we really teach others that which we have not applied to our own life? The well known phrases come to mind: "Practice what you preach" or, "Do as I say, not as I do," and of course "Hypocrite" - a term I'm sure we don't want to be used in regard to us.

Have you ever had an employer or teacher who gave you theoretical instruction but had no practical experience to back it up? It's kind of frustrating, isn't it. Well, it's the same with God's word, how can we genuinely teach it to others if we don't live it? This is a challenge for me and I hope it is for you also, that as believers our goal is not to just stay the same; we should be ever-changing, becoming more like Christ. Every time we read God's word we should be saying "Okay, what about me? How does this apply to me, how can I put this to work in my life? Do I need to make a change? What is God trying to teach me here?" I'm not saying it is always easy, sometimes it can be a painful process, but the outcome is worth it.

God's word is a wellspring of life to those who diligently seek it. It is overflowing with knowledge, wisdom and the secrets to true happiness. God has revealed Himself and His purposes to us in His word; He has given us instruction for living.... but we must respond! To know God's commands and not follow them would be disobedience. It is my prayer for you that you will be filled up with the blessings of being in God's word, that He will guide and direct your paths and that you will receive His instruction with a humble, submissive heart that you might grow in Christ.

Need a Plumb Line?

Thus He showed me, and behold, the Lord was standing by a vertical wall with a plumb line in His hand.

The LORD said to me, "What do you see, Amos?" And I said, "A plumb line " Then the Lord said,
"Behold I am about to put a plumb line
In the midst of My people Israel
I will spare them no longer.
"The high places of Isaac will be desolated
And the sanctuaries of Israel laid waste
Then I will rise up against the house of Jeroboam with the sword."
                                                                                            Amos 7:7-9

In our society, diversity and acceptance have become commonly used terms. We are constantly urged to be tolerant of other people's views and lifestyles and often labeled 'intolerant' or 'judgemental' if we voice our disagreement. As a result, many Christians have chosen to remain silent and have gradually become accepting of values which the Bible clearly speaks against. Over time, becoming complacent with the sin around them, some have followed the ways of the world. Though we all fall to temptation and sin, it is so important that we do not become like the world, therefore we need a standard to adhere to, a plumb line to keep us straight in this crooked world.

God showed Amos how crooked the nation of Israel had become by holding a plumb line in their midst; if there was ever a time that our nation needed a plumb line it is now. Sin abounds and we must find that straight line to keep us on the right track. I believe that God has given us such a plumb line in His word. The Bible holds for us all answers we need, there is no confusion in regards to what He considers sin, it is plainly stated. We must not compare our righteousness with the world, we must compare it with The Word.

The Bible is a gift from God and I treasure it and the promises given to me. I hope and pray that you read the Bible each day, keep it close to you to be your plumb line in the midst each day.

No Compromise

Thanks for visiting my blog. I titled this blog "In All Your Ways" based upon Proverbs 3:5-6, because as a believer in Christ, I am convinced that we must surrender to Him each day and acknowledge Him in ALL our ways if we desire to live a faithful life in accordance with His will. I hope to share with you my thoughts from the Bible and on Christian living.

I have been working through the Old Testament for several months now and this last week have re-read the book of Daniel. The stories of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego are so familiar, yet their message is still so relevant for today.

Four young men, placed in several situations where they were forced to choose between obedience to their God or their earthly ruler; tempted to compromise their faith to save their skin; to go with the flow rather than face persecution.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego refused to bow to an idol and so were placed in the fiery furnace. God sustained them and used it for His glory, even bringing King Nebuchadnezzar to bless the name of God (Daniel chapter3).

Daniel, pressured to stop praying to his God or be cast into the lion's den, refused and continued to pray and give thanks to God as was his custom. Once again, God delivered His faithful and spared Daniel from the lions; King Darius subsequently made a decree that all men should "fear and tremble before the God of Daniel" (Daniel chapter 6).

How often in today's society do we compromise our faith in order to make life just a little bit easier? Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego could have taken the easy way out, but they were well grounded in their faith and chose to take a stand for their beliefs. I get the impression that compromise was not even an option in their minds.

There is so much compromise today, even among Christians and I wonder if we/they are aware of it. So many 'things' can take precedence in our busy lives and consequently God often gets pushed down our to-do list. How will we respond if our faith is tested? For this reason it is crucial that we establish habits of faithful living as Daniel and his friends did, then perhaps we will have the strength to stand firm during times of testing.


Daniel 10:11 tells us that Daniel was highly esteemed by God, what an honor! I pray that we will each be faithful and obedient, not compromising our faith, therefore pleasing to God.