SOUNDING OUT:
Reading Notes

  I was pushed on time this week, and didn’t want to make the time to sound out. But instead of just skipping it, I thought I’d pass along some tidbits you might enjoy. I’ve been reading Bedside Blessings by Charles Swindoll. It’s a daily devotional I have enjoyed reading this year. It’s part of my “light reading” that I do just before hitting the sack. That along with a quick puzzle.

  Here are some ditties from the year so far:

January 15

  The Word of God doesn’t tell us about the truth; it is truth. It doesn’t merely contain words about God; it is the Word of God. We don’t have to try real hard to make it relevant; it is relevant. Don’t neglect it. It is the foundation of a stable life. It feeds faith.

The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting. Psalms 119:160

January 19

  Discipline is one of the most hated terms of our times... right alongside patience and self- control. But have you noticed how often it comes up in the testimonies of those who win?
   No runner completes the training or a race without it.
   No human body is kept fit without it.
   No temptation is overcome without it.
   If you want to put a stop to mediocrity, to replace excuses with fresh determination,... you need discipline.

Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects.
Colossians 1:10

February 11

  What does it mean to be a person after God’s own heart? Seems to me, it means that you are a person whose life is in harmony with the Lord. What is important to Him is important to you. What burdens Him burdens you. When He says, “Go to the right,” you go to the right. When He says, “Stop that in your life,” you stop it. When He says, “This is wrong and I want you to change,” you come to terms with it because you have a heart for God. That’s bottom-line biblical Christianity.

Applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence.
II Peter 1:5

February 12

  We have to deal with attitudes as severely as we deal with actions. Christian parents, learn that! Come down hard on wrong attitudes! But when you catch those beautiful glimpses of right attitudes, reward! Build up! Of course, in order to do that, and to be consistent role model, your own attitudes must be right.

The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor, and life.
Proverbs 22:4

February 15

  Whenever the New Testament lingers on the subject of sensual temptation, it gives us one command: RUN! The bible does not tell us to reason with it. It does not tell us to think about it and claim verses. It tells us to FLEE! I have discovered you cannot yield to sensuality if you’re running away from it. So? Run for you r life! Get out of there! If you try to reason with lust or play around with sensual thoughts, you will finally yield. You can’t fight it. That’s why the spirit of God forcefully commands, “Run!”

God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape.
I Corinthians 10:13

February 16

  I have discovered tat a joyful countenance has nothing to do with one’s age or one’s occupation (or lack of it) or one’s geography or education or marital status or good looks or circumstances. Joy is a choice. It is a matter of attitude that stems from one’s confidence in God-that He is at work, that He is in full control, that He is in the midst of whatever has happened, is happening, and will happen.

You will make me know the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy.
Psalm 16:11

February 19

  Without exception, people who consistently laugh do so in spite of, seldom because of anything. They pursue fun rather than wait for it to knock on their door in the middle of the day. Such infectiously joyful believers have no trouble convincing people around them that Christianity is real and that Christ can transform a life. Joy is the flag that flies above the castle of their hearts, announcing that the King is in residence.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!
Philippians 4:4

February 27

  All whom God uses greatly are first hidden in the secret of His presence, away from the pride of man. It is there our vision clears. It is there the silt drops from the current of our life and our faith begins to grasp His arm. Abraham waited for the birth of Isaac. Moses didn’t lead the Exodus until he was eighty. Elijah waited beside the brook. Noah waited 120 years for rain. Paul was hidden away fro three years in Arabia. God is working while His people are waiting, waiting, waiting. That’s what’s happening. For the present time, nothing. For the future, everything!

Wait for the Lord;’ be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14

February 28

  When money is our objective, we must live in fear of losing it, which makes us paranoid and suspicious. When fame is our aim, we become envious. When power and influence drive us, we become self-serving and strong-willed, which makes us arrogant…All these pursuits fly in the face of contentment… and joy. Only Christ can satisfy, whether we have or don’t have, whether we are know or unknown, whether we live or die.

To me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21

March 14

  Spiritually speaking, the ultimate purpose of our lives is “His good pleasure.” Our lives are to be lived for God’s greater glory-not our own selfish desires. Are we left to do so all alone? Is it our task to gut it out, grit our teeth, and do His will? Not at all. Here’s the balance: God is at work in us! He is the one who gives us strength and empowers our diligence. As He pours His power into us, we do the things that bring Him pleasure. Take special note that His pleasure (not ours), His will (not ours), His glory (not ours) are what make life meaningful.

We should be holy and without blame before Him in love according to the good pleasure of His will.
Ephesians 1: 4-5