A
daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and
exhortation.
Thursday,
May
21,
2020
![]() We have had
a lot of purple finches at the feeder outside our office
window but yesterday a gold finch stopped by. We get
quite a few of these beauties but they're squeamish so I
was pleased to capture this shot before he sensed I was
there and flew away.
"Connecting
The Dots"
Part
2
![]() "The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14). Yesterday we shared a message about, "connecting the dots" applying it to spiritual discernment. But the term is also used in a business context such as Apple founder Steve Jobs, who viewed his leadership role as "connecting the dots" for people. Far too often it seems our modern world with all its information, education and supposed brilliance just can't connect the dots, especially the most important dot connections in life. ![]() Living with a big picture outlook leads to a deep settled or unwavering peace as we have confidence that God is in control and working all things out for our good (Romans 8:28). Psalm 119:165 states, "Great peace have they which love Your law, and nothing can make them stumble." Connecting the dots also gives us a fuller understanding about current events from a spiritual and eternal perspective which helps to form our personal perspective. "The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple" (Psalm 119:130). Today so many mock God and those who follow Him. These rantings actually strengthen my faith and resolve to serve the Lord, even more so as I consider the source of disbelief going back to the Garden of Eden. Disbelief and mocking the things of God are certainly not unique to our generation! Today's Scripture verse gives powerful insight on this matter: "The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned." Many have always considered the things that come from the Spirit of God as foolishness. They cannot understand them, regardless of what level of human knowledge or formal education they attain, since they do not have spiritual discernment, which is a result of spiritual regeneration. ![]() The Psalmist stated "I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding" (Psalm 119:32). Biblical understanding must have a foundation in faith since, "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6). ![]() Today we encourage each reader to unashamedly place their faith in the Lord who guides us in connecting the dots of life. "We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true" (1 John 5:20). Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber ![]() Today's
Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
Ben
Smart, an Australian campus minister, shares this perspective on connecting the
dots:
There are two extremes that we should seek
to avoid:
On the one hand, some people love to study theology, to stretch their brains, to learn, and to debate and discuss in-depth theology, but it has no connection to the way they live their lives. If you find yourself more tempted to lean in this direction, be very careful that you don’t let Christianity become merely an intellectual exercise. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22). On the other hand, some people couldn’t care less about theology, because they would rather just live good lives for Jesus. But since their life practice isn’t informed by and based on good theology, they are prone to go astray. If you find yourself eager to do good works, yet you are bored by studying the Bible, then I encourage you to remember that the Bible is the only sure way that we can know how to live and do good works. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3:16). Rather than falling into either of these extremes, we are to study the Bible and theology in order that we might better know God, His character, and His will for our lives. We learn and listen in order that we might live rightly, and honour God in all that we do. It is absolutely vital that we connect the dots between theology and the way we live our lives. Either one of these two is fatally insufficient on its own. Send a message to
Stephen & Brooksyne
![]()
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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version. Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."
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