Celise

To hold fast means not to forget it. Our lives are busy and pull us in many directions. I have to make a purposeful commitment to keep Gods Word in my mind and heart. To hold forth means to talk about it to those in need, to hold out the words of God like a lifeline.

If my struggles are like a drink offering poured out before the Lord then it was worth it. the drink offering was part of the Temple sacrifice ritual that brought Jewish worshippers close to God. My trials have also brought me closer to God.

To hold fast means not to forget it. Our lives are busy and pull us in many directions. I have to make a purposeful commitment to keep Gods Word in my mind and heart. To hold forth means to talk about it to those in need, to hold out the words of God like a lifeline.

Complaining and arguing come from a place of selfishness, wanting something for the self. If we humble ourselves and put the love of Jesus first then we will indeed be lights in this dark world.

Salvation from sin is a gift. It is not caused by works. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast." (Eph. 2:8-9, NIV). "Working out your salvation in fear and trembling" means not to lose sight of what God is doing in their lives as the Holy Spirit gradually changes their hearts to be in line with God's purposes. For God to change your life you have to keep focused on His Presence in your life and not let the things of the world drown out His voice. That is why I am blessed to be part of this Bible study.

If we are trying to be humble just so God will exalt US, that is selfishness, not humbleness. Our impatience comes from our sinful nature wanting to be fed some recognition or gratification. If we try to humble ourselves so God can use us, that will lead to someday hearing "well done!" from our Master. That would be true exaltation.

"The Word became flesh and dwelt among us." This teaches that he was human. When He was hanging on the cross dying He said,"I thirst," and they gave Him a drink. Very human. If He did not come to us as a fully human being, then His death on the cross would not be a full atonement for our sins. He is our substitute.

If Jesus Himself, who is "in very nature God" allowed himself to be made into a physical man and crucified so that his sinful children could be redeemed to Him, it is a testimony to how far He will go and how much He loves us! If He did not humble Himself to be made man, we would all be doomed. If the King of Kings could humble Himself to walking among us and serving us with His life, we need to serve Him in humility with ours. Lord help me to serve You by serving others, at home, at work and everywhere between. Help me stop thinking all the time of myself and look for You in the people around me. Amen.

Humility means putting self second, God first, and serving God by serving others. My natural human inclination when in a group is to feel a kind of mental comparison with others that is very distracting. It does not matter who is smarter or better dressed or has the best attendance. Serving God is what matters, and God often uses the least likely people.

When I die I will be with the Lord, in His very Presence. It takes away the fear of death. Living in this body is a great gift and I do not disparage it, but nothing in this world could compare with seeing the very face of Jesus, hearing Him speak and knowing that everything is right between us because He loved me enough to die for me. It also makes me want to give that assurance to loved ones and others.

Fear is a tool of Satan. It can be paralyzing. The only way to overcome it is to let Christ more and more into my life. Pride is one thing that prevents us from witnessing. I am proud of getting along with my coworkers and others and my selfish pride cringes at the idea of them laughing at me when I witness. Jesus took all the verbal and physical abuse and paid for my sins at the cross, so He knows how it felt. I believe He will give me the right words and help me to speak them. "Losing my life" for Christ's sake means to let him have control, to seek Him in everything, to put His will first in everything. "Not my will but Thine be done."

If we are trying to live to please God and not ourself, we have to accept that His will may include suffering and problems to further His unsearchable plan. We can rejoice that His will is being accomplished in our lives and lean on Him for strength. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."!

Knowing that God is in control even during dark times gives me peace and security. Jesus said,"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. " Jesus did not live a sheltered trouble-free life, neither did Paul and the disciples, but they obeyed God and knew His Spirit was with them, so they were joyful. I think that obedience to God brings the peace and the Presence that will let me rejoice no matter what.

Personal stress and problems test and prove what we really believe. If Paul did not have a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ he would have stopped talking about him when he was arrested and perhaps tried to bribe his way out of prison. Instead Paul accepted where he was as part of God's plan and kept sharing the Gospel, even in chains. My husband has a painful debilitating condition that has left him unable to work and depending on me for many things. I have had to return to the Lord again and again for strength to keep working, take care of him and not get overwhelmed and depressed. Bit by bit Jesus has carried me along. it has helped me learn to trust Him with each day as it comes.

Discernment means they will be able to know what God is saying to them and apply it to their lives. As human beings we are easily distracted or misled from the truth. Paul wants them to be able to recognize the presence of God in their lives and live accordingly. Selfishness is keeping ourself and our comfort first priority. Discernment means evaluating the true nature of things. Truth is VERY often uncomfortable, and our selfishness can try to prevent us from seeing and acting on the truth. There are many good things we can settle for; family, church activity, work-but the relationship with Jesus Christ should be the first best thing.