Practical – Page 4 – Sharing Christ

55. Encouragement for single Christians

gospelriver Practical, Song/Poem September 8, 2011December 1, 2011 2 Comments

from a single Christian

Click for Hymns for the Lonely YouTube Playlist (Listen while you read)

Jesus fills the gap

Are you lonely?
“He hath said, I will never leave thee” (Heb 13:5).
He sends you flowers every spring, and He won’t forget about you. Meditate on Him. (Matthew 6:30)

Do you wish you could spend an evening watching the sunset with your beloved?
Remember that your greatest Lover made the sunset for you to enjoy. Watch it with Him. (1Tim. 6:17)

Do you wish you could walk hand in hand with your beloved?
Remember the One who holds your hand and says, “Fear not” (Isaiah 41:13). You are in His hand (John 10:28). Walk with Him.

Do you long for children to love, teach and nurture for God?
Seek to win souls for Christ, and you will find that you have children to love, teach and nurture (1Cor. 4:15). Witness for Him.

Do you long to look into the eyes of your beloved?
Anticipate that day when you “shall see His face” (Rev. 22:4). Wait and watch expectantly for Him.

Do you long to have someone to share your love and secrets with?
Cherish time in secret with your Bridegroom in heaven (John 14:21). Talk with Him.

Jesus is what none other can ever be

Earthly partners will fall short. They will never satisfy the deepest needs of your soul. Only Christ can truly fill and satisfy the heart, and only He is perfectly suited to meet your need. Give your heart to Him in worship, and He will fill it to overflowing.

The love of an earthly partner may grow dim. The love of Christ is unchanging, enduring, unending, and beyond our understanding (Rom. 8:39, Eph. 3:19).

An earthly partner may not be attentive to your needs. Christ, your Great High Priest, is ever aware of your need, and is touched by your feelings and necessities (Heb. 4:15).

An earthly partner gives a precious ring. Christ gave His priceless life for you, and gave the Spirit as the guarantee of your inheritance (Eph. 5:25, 1:14).

Who made your heart with the capability to love? Who is love in Himself? Surely in Him is love to satisfy the most thirsty soul, and there could be no greater lover than Love Himself.

Jesus is the greatest Lover

The Lord Jesus said, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him” John 14:21.

“If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” John 14:23.

“And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them” John 17:26.

The love of the Lord Jesus is a personal, individual love. He would have gone to Calvary just for you. Each individual is important to Him, as if there were no one else but you.

The love of the Lord is a constant, ever-present love. You need only seek Him to know that love is there.

Spend time with your Beloved today, and tell Him how much He means to you.

Songs to sing when you’re feeling lonely

His eye is on the sparrow
Give me Jesus
Lean on Me
Oh, the deep, deep love of Jesus
Deep, deep love version 2
Oh love, that will not let me go
You’ll never walk alone
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Eagles Wings
Above all
As the deer
More precious than silver
How deep the Father’s love for us
O glorious love
Power of Your love
My Jesus I love Thee
There is none like You

Dealing with inner struggles

Pride expects things for myself, as if I deserved them, and consequently has no reason to be thankful. Humility understands that God’s favor and blessings are undeserved, and every good and perfect gift comes from His loving hand.

Appreciation for living for God can be seen in an African missionary’s words, “Say not sacrifice, but privilege.” The Lord Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him take up his cross, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). That is sacrifice. The early disciples rejoiced to be counted worthy to suffer for His name. That is privilege. Following Christ is a privilege, and it will mean showing our love to Christ by giving up things that we naturally want for ourselves, out of love to Him. I wonder if my spiritual condition is such that I could do the same? When we can, Christ will grow nearer in our hearts, and we will have learned an invaluable lesson that will put us in good stead the rest of our lives, whether married or single.

We need to understand that all things are in God’s control (Ephesians 1:11). If I am single, then He has allowed that or determined that for a purpose. It is not my place to blame my all-knowing, all-powerful Guide and Lord, but to accept the will of the One who called me to serve Him.

With whatever trying circumstance, one can seek to forget, busy oneself with activity, rise above it, drown in it, or, in contrast, accept it from God. Elizabeth Elliot included a poem by Amy Carmichael in her book Loneliness: It can be a Wilderness. It can be a Pathway to God (also here?) included below:

For in Acceptance Lieth Peace

He said, “I will forget the dying faces;
The empty places,
They shall be filled again.
O voices moaning deep within me, cease.”
But vain the word; vain, vain:
Not in forgetting lieth peace.

He said, “I will crowd action upon action,
The strife of faction
Shall stir me and sustain;
O tears that drown the fire of manhood, cease.”
But vain the word; vain, vain:
Not in endeavor lieth peace.

He said, “I will withdraw me and be quiet,
Why meddle in life’s riot?
Shut be my door to pain.
Desire, thou dost befool me, thou shalt cease.”
But vain the word; vain, vain:
Not in aloofness lieth peace.

He said, “I will submit; I am defeated.
God hath depleted
My life of its rich gain.
O futile murmurings, why will ye not cease?”
But vain the word; vain, vain:
Not in submission lieth peace.

He said, “I will accept the breaking sorrow
Which God tomorrow
Will to His son explain.”
Then did the turmoil deep within him cease.
Not vain the word, not vain;
For in Acceptance lieth peace.

– Amy Carmichael

Why might God desire for me to be single?

We don’t always know God’s reasons. But here are a few ideas that could be reasons for singleness:

Paul explains in 1Corinthians 7 that singleness may allow me to better serve the Lord, and bring greater blessing to others than if I were married. Some work can best be done when single, without the cares and needs of a family to attend to. Though caring for one’s family is truly living for God, it is not directly related to ministering to God’s people or winning the lost (though it may very well be viewed as preparing young hearts to have lives for Christ). It may even be that this service is only temporary, and after it is complete, marriage will take place.
Perhaps I am not ready for married life and have not yet learned the lessons necessary for a healthy, God-honoring marriage.
Only the Lord knows the future. He knows what could happen if I were to marry. Perhaps a single life would shield from unforeseen evils, pain, or suffering.
Perhaps God has not brought Mr. or Miss Right into my life yet.
God may have some lessons for me to learn as a single individual before marriage that I could not learn otherwise. For instance, if the pain of loneliness causes me to come into a deeper knowledge of the presence of Christ and a greater intimacy with Him, then that single life will be well worth it. Perhaps the Lord would like to teach me a lesson in patience and waiting on Him. If I fight it, it may simply prolong my singleness. If I learn His lesson and bow my will to His, He will lead me on.

Panic Attack

Perhaps you are saying, “But I’m getting older! I don’t have much time left. The time is running out!”

The Bible says in response, “the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none….” A day is coming when none will be married except to Christ, when the sorrows and trials of this life will give way to the “far better” life that is eternal (Phil. 1:23). The treasures of earth will fade into insignificance in the splendor of the glories of heaven. Then the single Christian who lived his/her life for God will receive a special glory that is greater than sons and daughters (Isaiah 56:5).

Accept God’s best from God’s hand. Realize that God is in control, and God’s time is always best. Let your panic turn into fervent prayer, and look to the Lord for the needed strength.

Along with this, we must note that God does give

A note of balance

Marriage was God’s general desire for mankind from the beginning (Genesis 2:18). Many can actually serve God more effectively in their sphere married than single.

If a person is on your heart, let God guide. Pray much. Marriage is a life commitment. You will have to live with the one you marry for a lifetime. Make sure they are God’s pick, not just yours.

To desire a single life for Christ is honorable, but if you simply cannot do it without giving in to temptation, then God instructs to marry (1Cor. 7:37), for our own preservation and holiness, but only in the LORD (1Cor. 7:39). (That means I should not allow the physical attraction that I have toward an individual to be my direction, but I should make sure that the one I marry is bowing to the will and ways of the Lord in his/her life.)

Please share!

What has helped you to accept God’s plan and purpose for your life?

What blessings have you found from a single life?

27. Others

a writer Sharing Christ Practical, Song/Poem, Your thoughts November 10, 2009 1 Comment

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” –Philippians 2:4, ESV

“Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.” -Luke 17:33

“We lose what on ourselves we spend,
We have, as treasures without end,
Whatever, Lord, to thee we lend,
Who givest all—who givest all.”
-“Giving to God,” Christopher Wordsworth (1807–85)

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”- Jim Elliot, October 28, 1949 http://www.wheaton.edu/bgc/archives/faq/20.htm

“Others, Lord, yes others,
Let this my motto be,
Help me to live for others,
That I may live like Thee.”
-Charles D. Meigs, 1917.
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/t/h/others.htm

“…the story is told of a missionary who loved her books. Some she gladly loaned, but others — her favorites — she kept stored in a footlocker under her bed. One night she heard a scratching sound. After searching, she discovered the noise was coming from her footlocker. When she opened it, she found an enormous pile of dust. Termites had destroyed her precious books. That which she had tried to keep for herself, now belonged to no one.” – More Precious Than Silver. Copyright © 1998 by Joni Eareckson Tada. http://www.joniandfriends.org/

What reactions or comments do you have on the thoughts reflected in these quotes? Feel free to submit questions for discussion.

Do we read of any place where the Lord sought for something just to please Himself, or did something simply for Himself?

What are examples of places where the Lord manifested what it was to live for others?

14. “All… against me” Part II

a writer Sharing Christ Practical May 30, 2008October 9, 2011Trials 0 Comment

This is an expanded version of post #8

Lessons from Trials in Jacob’s family

I. Plight of the trials

a. Jacob – Gen. 42:36 — Circumstances

i. Emotional: Son he loved is “dead”; Simeon imprisoned, Benjamin taken
ii. Practical: Famine; unable to provide for family

b. Brethren — Sin

i. Emotional: Felt unloved, neglected
ii. Practical: Not given dreams as Joseph

c. Joseph — The World

i. Emotional: Hated, despised, forgotten
ii. Practical: Sold, imprisoned, mistreated

II. Purpose of the trials

a. Jacob-Gen. 45:27-28

i. Must surrender his heart (dearest son) to the will & working of God
ii. Learned: Goodness and greatness (sovereignty) of God
iii. His view: “All these things are against me” How could things get worse?
iv. God’s view: “Who can be against us?” How could things be better?

b. Brethren – Gen 50:18-20

i. Must surrender their wills to the chastisement/correction of God
ii. To learn: Government & grace of God
iii. Their view: It’s hidden to man
iv. God’s view: “All things… opened”

c. Joseph

i. Must surrender his life to the ways of God
ii. Learned: Guidance (protection & provision) & Glory of God
iii. Joseph’s view: Prison, humiliation
iv. God’s view: Throne, exaltation & blessing

III. Power for the trials

a. Jacob-Rom. 8:28,31 “all things…for good”; “who can be against us?”

i. Certainty of the past (calling, v32), present (in control of God, v31), future (crown, v32,39), Rom. 8:14-34
ii. Comfort of the Scriptures, Son, Spirit, “God of all comfort”

b. Brethren- Mark 7:37 “all things well”

i. Care of Son/Father, Rom. 8:35-39; Heb. 12:6

c. Joseph-Rom 8:35-37 “all things…conquerors through Him that loved us”

i. Christ, Rom. 8:35-39; Heb 2:18; Phil 4:13

d. More “all things”: Matt 19:26, 2Cor 4:7-18; 1Cor 3:21,23

e. God brings Sweet out of Bitter, Strength out of Weakness, Triumph out of Tragedy, Blessing out of Broken hearts (Jerry Jennings)

f. God can bring feast out of famine, fruit out of failings, faith out of floundering

8. “All these things are against me.” Gen. 42:36

a writer Sharing Christ Exhortation, Practical March 13, 2008Faith, Trials 0 Comment

It seemed everything was against Jacob. He was still grieving over the apparent death of his beloved Joseph, he had no idea if Simeon would ever return, and his youngest son was about to be made to leave home. They were experiencing a great famine and they would starve without a long trek back into Egypt to buy food from a seemingly hostile ruler. What more could go wrong?

Yet, “if God be for us, who can be against us?” (Rom 8:31). Things are not always as they appear, and to faith, God’s good purpose will be fulfilled regardless of appearances to the contrary. “All things work together for good to them that love God.” (Rom 8:28 ) “Joseph is yet alive!”, Simeon would soon return, Benjamin would meet his brother, the family would be united, sin would be dealt with and put away, and the whole family would soon have their fill of the very best of the land of Egypt. Really, how could things have been better?

Without Christ, we can do nothing (John 15:5), but
“I can do ALL THINGS through Him who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13)
“With God, ALL THINGS are possible” (Matt 19:26)
“He hath done ALL THINGS well” (Mark 7:37)
“ALL THINGS are yours… and ye are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.” 1Cor 3:21,23
2Cor 4:7-18 ALL THINGS (tribulations) are for the benefit of others.
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in ALL THESE THINGS we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Rom 8:35-37)

I’ll pass along a few thoughts given to us from Jerry Jennings last night:
God brings:
Sweet out of Bitter
Strength out of Weakness
Triumph out of Tradgedy, and
Blessing out of Broken hearts.

If you’re like me, you sometimes find yourself repeating Jacob’s words. Yet God’s strengthening words, all-sufficient hand, and sympathizing heart are ever near. May you enjoy His feast out of famine, fruit out of failings, and faith out of floundering today.

~NEB

7. Path of Purity

a writer Sharing Christ Practical March 4, 2008Affection, Heart, Holy, Purity 0 Comment

“Keep thyself pure“

1 Tim. 5:22

This blog is really thoughts for myself, but since I’m reminding myself I thought I would share it with you, too.

How can I “keep myself pure”?

Here are a few of the thoughts I’ve considered:

1) Where is my Heart? and upon what do I think? The purposes I have

My affection:
“Do not love the world or the things in the world.” 1John 2:15
“Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness. ” Psalm 119:159
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. ” 1John 4:7
“O love the LORD, all ye his saints” Psalm 31:23
My occupation:
Col. 3:1-17 fits well here. “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” v2-3
Phil. 4:8 “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
My conviction:
Is my purpose in life to grow great in the world or to grow nearer to Christ?
My supplication:
How much do I live in the attitude of prayer?

2) What are my Habits? The places I go

How wisely do I use my time? Do I have time when I just sit around and do nothing? Do I feel bored with life? Do I spend many hours doing things that are just “fun” but worth nothing to me spiritually? (I don’t think it’s wrong to do things for fun, and I sure don’t want to do things for God out of drudgery — and this isn’t worth much to God anyway– but surely we can find things that are both enjoyable and that benefit others as well, like visiting the sick or elderly, singing hymns together, or playing Bible games with Christian friends.)
Do I have worldly associations and commitments that take away from God and His word?”Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. ” Eph 5:1-2″Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Eph. 5:15-17

3) Who do I “Hang out” with? The people I associate with

Do my friends help me learn more about Christ? Are they good role models? Would they rather discuss the Scriptures or watch a movie?”Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” Eph. 5:11

The importance of purity: Biblical examples

Yet why is it so important for me to “keep myself pure”? I have considered various Bible characters who failed in this and some of the results they suffered from.

Solomon failed in relation to his heart. “Now King Solomon loved many foreign women” 1Kings 11:1 As a result the kingdom was divided, and his peace was affected.

David likely failed in his habits. It appears “he arose from his couch” and went for an idle stroll. As a result of his sin against Uriah and with Bathsheba the sword did not depart from his house, his own family rose up against him, and many in Israel died.

Lot failed in both his aspirations and associations. As a result, he lost everything that he had been attracted to and sought after. His possessions were burned, his wife perished, and his family was dishonoured. His earthly treasures didn’t stand the test of the fire.

Samson failed in all three: He had worldy purposes, went to unclean places, and spent his time with ungodly people. As a result he lost his separation, strength, sight, and ultimately his “soul” or life. “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life?” Matt 16:25-26

The Lord Jesus is the perfect example of purity.

The Lord Jesus was pure in thought, deed, and word. He was “separate from sinners” yet always available as a friend to the downcast and needy sinner. His voice could cause those who came to lay their hands on him to fall backward to the ground, but His gracious touch and word also said “I will, be thou clean” to a needy leper. His days were full of “Father, I thank Thee” and his hours with “I have compassion on the multitude”. His heart was ever “I delight to do Thy will, Oh My God, yea Thy law is within My heart.” Yea, even on Calvary He displayed purity of affection, occupation, conviction, and supplication. How perfect is our Example! He knew no sin, did no sin, and in Him was no sin.

Let my prayer be, “Lord, may I love Thee wholely, trust Thee truly, and serve thee faithfully until Thou dost come.”