"Then they that feared the LORD SPAKE often one TO
ANOTHER: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was
written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that THOUGHT upon his
NAME." (Mal. 3:16)
To those of you who have experienced the "GREAT EXCHANGE" - (Our sin on
Christ -His righteousness on us) (Term coined by Dr. John Piper):
Dear Sisters,
I believe it was 1996 when I read a book which
changed my life, and I was encouraged to do "word studies" and
"prayer journaling" on Scripture. It has been such a blessing
to me, and I feel that God wants me to share the "blessings" with
you. Many of my prayers are kind of "personal", but I am reminded
that we are to "confess our faults to one another" that we might
be healed. Other prayers are testimonies of God's wonderful grace
to me and His answers to my prayers. As I share them, I pray that
you will be able to receive them in that light, not in the spirit
of pride, but as testimonies of God's wonderful mercy and goodness
to me. My written prayers are usually "laced" with special Scriptures
that the Lord has laid upon my heart, and because they have "touched"
my heart, I hope that they will "touch" your heart as well. I
hesitate to share my "meditations" sometimes. It's always a risk"
to share one's heart, especially with those you don't know well.
I have been hurt in the past by those who have used my "confessions"
against me, but I really feel that God wants me to do this. I
believe we can only grow as sisters when we can openly and honestly
share our hearts, sins and victories, sorrows and joys! I do hope
that when you read of the "victories" that God has given me, that
this will encourage you, but please know that I am far, far from
being what I ought to be, and that it seems that the Lord is only
in the "beginning stages" of teaching me what it means to walk
in the power of His Spirit. I am so thankful that God's work in
me has truly made me a different person from what I was 22 years
ago before my marriage, but there is still so much remaining sin!
God's "searchlight" on me is beginning to reveal the deep pride
and selfishness of my heart. My heart is still so wicked! I am
always greatly encouraged, though, when I read Psalm 84:11b- "The
Lord WILL give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold
from them that walk urightly." I have fallen again and again,
but I am reminded of Proverbs 24: 16a -"For a just man falleth
seven times, and riseth up again..." I am "upright" only because
I am covered by Christ's blood, by God's grace, but the promise
IS to me! HOLINESS in my life is God's will for me. It is the
good thing that I am seeking, by His grace. So the promise is
to YOU and to ME. If we are truly in Christ, he WILL increase
our righteousness! What a HAPPY thought! Let's praise Him together!
I would be absolutely THRILLED to hear your "meditations" and
testimonies, too!
So HOW has God ordained that we should be made
holy, purified, consecrated? It comes through the careful STUDY
of WORDS - God's WORDS. As we imbibe His words and their meanings,
God works surrender in our hearts and a sweet EXPERIENCE WITH
HIM. Jesus said, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy WORD is
truth"(Jn. 17:17), so those who are REALLY in the WORD have a
special promise and assurance from God that they have an everlasting
INHERITANCE (possession) of HIM and that they are being slowly
sanctified.
Let me explain HOW I "meditate". Perhaps you will
find my method helpful in your study as well. First, I usually
take a passage, and then I take one verse at a time (usually just
one or two a day). I have a Thompson Chain Reference Bible, so
it has little topics by each verse about what that verse is about.
I enjoy looking up the verses that deal with that topic. You could
probably use a Topical Bible to do this as well. Then I look up
"Key" words in that verse in the Strong's Concordance. Finding
the meanings is REALLY INTERESTING sometimes! Then I take the
verse and pray it to God and usually apply it to my life for that
day in whatever I'm going through. Application to life is what
makes Bible Study so much FUN, isn't it?
The best way to get the most out of this is to
open your own Bible and read and verse or verses and look for
the KEY words and "meditate" or "chew" on those words yourself
BEFORE you read how God has blessed me with them. I would love
to hear some of your thoughts and how God is applying them to
your life as well today! Originally I walked through whole Psalms,
and it seemed like God kept bringing circumstances in my life
to line up exactly with the verse for the day. It was amazing!
But then we DO have an amazing God! :) Don't we?
May God bless you!
P.S.. I would enjoy your encouraging e-mails,
and I'd love for you , also, to share your testimonies
and "meditations" sometime!
