When God's Promises are Conditional

 

Many of God's promises to us are unconditional, however, there are some in which we must meet conditions before we can expect Him to fulfill His promise. 

If we do something, then God will do something. I call these "if/then" promises. 

In the example below, I put the if/when in bold for us to easily see.   

If we request wisdom from God by asking in faith without doubting Him,

then He will give it. 

James 1:5-7

What is the "if" part that we are required to do? 

If we request wisdom from God ...

But is it enough to simply ask God for wisdom? 

No. Before He grants us wisdom, He expects us to ask a certain way. 

in faith

How much faith? 

without doubting Him.

I like to divide the phrases by structuring them so I can see the main parts and supporting parts. It helps me see and remember the main points.

If we request wisdom from God 

by asking in faith (part 1)

without doubting Him, (part 2, expanding on part 1)

then He will give it. 

James 1:5-7

With the Scripture structured this way, it's easier to see both parts of our responsibility in the request and His response. 

If we request 1) in faith 2) without doubting Him, then He will give it.

Here's another example. Read the passage below and find the if/when.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Because there are several items in the "if" part and the "then" part, let's structure the verse into a list. My thoughts are in parentheses.

If my people, which are called by my name, (clarifies the question of which people)

1) shall humble themselves, 

2) and pray, 

3) and seek my face, 

4) and turn from their wicked ways; 

then 

1) will I hear from heaven, 

2) and will forgive their sin, 

3) and will heal their land. 

2 Chronicles 7:14

Making this simple listed helps with understanding each element. Sometimes, I write a number over the word/phrase in my Bible or make a list beside the verse.

Here's another if/then example. 

“If you do not listen, and if you do not take it to heart to give honor to My name,” says the LORD of hosts, “then I will send the curse upon you and I will curse your blessings; and indeed, I have cursed them already, because you are not taking it to heart.

Malachi 2:2

Let's structure that verse so we can see the elements of if/when. Look for my notes in brackets.  with some questions and answers I noticed.

“If you do not listen, 

and if you do not take it to heart to give honor to My name,” says the LORD of hosts, 

[Is it enough to listen? No. We must take it to heart to give honor to the LORD]

“then I will send the curse upon you [notice the LORD gives us a chance to listen and take to heart]

and I will curse your blessings; 

and indeed, I have cursed them already, 

because you are not taking it to heart. [Did God have a reason to curse them? Yes, "because" is a term of conclusion. Because they didn't take heart, He cursed them.]

This is an example of spending a little extra time in Bible study to explore and learn truths in Scripture. Taking a few minutes to structure the verse(s) and make lists are easy ways to get more out of your Bible study time.

Here's another passage with an example of "if/then." This time the "if/then" is implied but easy to see.

And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a mustard seed, 

you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and be planted in the sea';

and it would obey you. 

Luke 17:6

Another example of implied if/then.

Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. 

Matthew 6:31-34

The main point is to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. By reading the verses before and after we see the context, and better understand it. 

The first two sentences explain the problem - us worrying about what we will have to eat, drink, or wear. Instead, Jesus told them to to do something else first. (seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.) 

The last two sentences summarize the whole passage so they were clear on the meaning. "So" is another term of conclusion. Because of the reminder that our Father knows our needs, we have a reason to live without worrying about them. He ends with an instruction, "so" do not worry. 

Want to practice on your own? Try it in Proverbs 2:1-6.

If/then phrases whether written or implied are great ways to add more depth and understanding to your time with the Lord, in His Word.

Remember to pray first, and ask God to send His Holy Spirit to teach you and fill you with the wisdom to not only read, but take to heart what He wants you to know.

I'm praying God will richly bless you as you seek Him above all things.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

 

What Does it Mean to Meditate on Scripture?

 

Why meditate on the Bible? 

What does that even mean? 

This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, 

but you shall meditate on it day and night, 

so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; 

for then you will make your way prosperous, 

and then you will have success.

Joshua 1:8

The word "meditate" can bring up thoughts of Yoga, or serenely contemplating life by a beautiful sunset. In the Bible, we find the word "meditate" in this Old Testament passage recorded in the Hebrew is הָגָה  hāḡâ pronounced as haw-gaw'.  We commonly use the term "meditate" in English as the idea of thinking about something or using a chant to focus on our thoughts. 

Using an online Strong's dictionary of Hebrew and Greek words; הָגָה hâgâh, haw-gaw'; we learn the word is used several times in the Old Testament with slightly expanded meanings. In the King James version it was translated as "meditate" six times, "mourn" four times, "speak" four times, "imagine" two times, "study" two times, "mutter" two times, "utter" two times, "roaring" one time, "sore" one time, and "talk" one time. 

Here are some examples 

of how the word hāḡâ (meditate)was used in the Bible.

mourn - Isaiah 38:14 Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: mine eyes fail with looking upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me.

speak - Psa 35:28 And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.

imagine - Psalm 2:1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

study - Pro 15:28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

mutter - Job 27:4 My lips certainly will not speak unjustly, Nor will my tongue mutter deceit.

utter - Psalm 71:24 My tongue also will utter Your righteousness all day long;

For they are ashamed, for they are humiliated who seek my hurt.

roaring - Isaiah 31:4 For thus hath the LORD spoken unto me, 

Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, 

when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, he will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: 

so shall the LORD of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof.

sore - Isaiah 59:11 We roar all like bears, and mourn sore like doves: we look for judgment, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far off from us.

talk - Psalm 71:24 My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.

Below is the same word used in Psalm 1 

Let's read through, 

then investigate this passage to see what we can learn about meditating on Scripture. 

Psalm 1:1-3

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,

Nor stand in the path of sinners,

Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!

But his delight is in the law of the LORD,

And in His law he meditates day and night.

He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,

Which yields its fruit in its season

And its leaf does not wither;

And in whatever he does, he prospers.

By reading the passage slowly, we can find several answers to the question of the importance of meditating on the Word of God in this passage. 

Below is a deeper look with the Scripture above in black. My insights/ notes in blue.

Psalm 1:1-3 with notes

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, [note there is a a blessing for not listening to the advice of evil people and staying in the Word of God]

Nor stand in the path of sinners,

Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! [note the contrast between two things.

1) listening to the wicked and standing in the same path as sinners, 

2) and sitting in the seat of people who scoff at God's Word.]

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, [not duty, not boring, but delight, bringing joy to my life]

And in His law he meditates day and night. [In what? In commentaries? Listening to inspirational messages? No, though those have a place. But our focus, our continual meditation should be on God's law, the Bible. How often? Day and night. Meditating in God's law-the Bible-day and night.]

He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, [The person who meditates on the Bible will be like a small tree that can grow because it's nourished. Small faith can grow when nourished by the Word]

Which yields its fruit in its season [Yielding fruit is a natural part of the growth and maturity of trees and believers.]

And its leaf does not wither; [When the roots are fed from the streams of water-the Word of God-the tree doesn't wither when the droughts come or when storms hit. The roots are firmly established and deep. We might be damaged by illness or accidents, but if our roots run deep, we'll not wither away from God.]

And in whatever he does, he prospers. [There is no need to worry. Deep roots and thoroughly watered the tree will fulfill its purpose and be fruitful.]

Meditating is more than letting our eyes read the words on the paper or screen before us. 

It's searching for truths, 

allowing the truths to penetrate our hearts, and 

speaking them aloud. 

Those are the meditations that will make us 

resilient and 

fruit-bearers.

Precious one,

I pray God's Holy Spirit will reveal deep truths to you 

as you spend time with Him meditating on His Word. 

I pray these words give you strength and courage through your life 

and that you will boldly share these truths, 

in Jesus' name.

 

Why Context is Necessary in Scripture

 

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 

Philippians 4:13 (NASB95)

There are dangers in pulling out one verse that sounds encouraging or condemning, without considering the context in which it was written. The very encouraging verse from Philippians 4 is often quoted but sometimes misused. 

Paul authored this letter to the believers in Philippi. How do we know? 

God's Word tells us. Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons:

Paul was in prison. How do we know? 

It's recorded in the Bible, in the same letter. Philippians 1:12 Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, 13 so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else,

In the first chapter of Philippians, Paul acknowledges his imprisonment but is writing to thank them for their gifts. 

Philippians 4:15 You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; 16 for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs.

He also writes to reassure them because they were concerned for Paul. 

Philippians 4:10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.

Then the next sentence, verse thirteen he writes;

 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 

Considering what we know from the letter, Paul's "I can do all things" statement is based on his circumstance--being imprisoned for preaching the gospel. He has enjoyed prosperity and wealth but is now in prison. His comment speaks to trusting God in any circumstance, regardless of the need. A few verses later he clarifies his statement.  

Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:13 is not about Paul expecting God to give him the strength to do everything he wanted to do. Paul's expectation and trust is that God will supply his needs, in this case, while he is imprisoned for preaching the gospel. 

What difference does it make?

If we count on this verse as a standalone promise from God, and someone believes God will give them strength to do anything they want but they fail, we have misled them into a false belief. Be careful to share the Word of God accurately and in context.

2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

That's why it's so important to spend time reading the Bible, 

so we will understand the meaning 

rather than simply trying to find a verse that sounds good for our situation. 

The Bible contains both encouragement and instruction. 

Mostly, it shows us God's great love for us and His will for our lives.

Of course, we pray for the Holy Spirit to teach us before we look for answers in the Bible. Then we can search a passage by asking and answering questions such as;

Who? (to whom was it written? Who wrote it?)

What? (is being discussed or addressed? What is it explaining or asking?)

When? (After an event? Before an anticipated event?)

Where? (In prison? In the wilderness? In a synagogue? In a group of believers or nonbelievers?)

Why? (to address what issue or concern? to instruct about what?)

 and

How? (did this come up? How did it become a problem or habit? How are we to handle it or respond? How will God respond?)

By looking at the Scripture in light of those answers, 

we will be closer to ensuring we are handling the Word of God correctly. 

 

Beloved, I pray you will diligently seek to read and understand Scripture. 

It's God's Word to us--a rich and faithful Word. 

I pray it dwells in you richly.

He wants you to know Him and how very much He loves you. 

I'm praying your Bible study time will thrill your heart 

and leave you encouraged and 

empowered to share what you've learned with a world 

that so needs to hear it.

Lisa

Bible Study 101 - How to use a List in Bible Study

I admit I love a good list. 

In Bible study, it helps me absorb what I've read. 

It's good to read the Bible, but to actually study it, 

you need to spend a little more time with it. 

Even if you're not a list-maker, 

here are some ways you can use lists in your Bible study time.

For instance, in Philippians 4:8 we have an obvious list. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

So, we can write the list in a way to remember and apply it. My list might look something like this-

Dwell on These Things

whatever 

is true,

is honorable, 

is right,

is pure,

is lovely,

is of good repute.

If there is any 

excellence

anything worthy of praise 

let your mind dwell on these things. 

Phil. 4:8

That's a list that will help me focus on good, praise-worthy things. It also helps with memorizing because I can visualize my list. 

Here's another example in 2 Peter chapter 1:5-11. Starting in verse five we read qualities we need to have. [Read verses 1-4 for context and learn who this list applies to.]

Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, 

in your faith supply moral excellence, 

and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 

and in your knowledge, self-control, 

and in your self-control, perseverance, 

and in your perseverance, godliness, 

and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, 

and in your brotherly kindness, love. 

Did you notice that this list builds on itself? We diligently establish one quality before we apply another. We can read why this is important in the last few sentences.

For [a term of conclusion] if these qualities are yours and are increasing, 

they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

For [a term of conclusion] he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, 

having forgotten his purification from his former sins. 

Therefore, brethren, [because of what you just read] be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; 

for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 

for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.

Did you notice "diligent" was repeated? What do we do when we want our children to remember something? Repeat it. People of faith should be diligent to grow from our initial faith to love in the steps listed above. In the conclusion, we read that by doing that, we are useful and fruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and our entrance into the eternal kingdom will be abundantly supplied.

On the other hand, it is also explained that if that is not happening, we have forgotten something very important.

Because the Bible is our book of answers,

you didn't have to consult a priest, pastor, or commentary to find the answer to the question  

  How Do I Know I'm Growing in Christ

You found it by taking the time to examine Scripture-the Word of God. 

Sometimes when I find a list I want to remember, I simply number the items in the list on the text and underline the answer it brings. 

Other times I make a separate list beside the passage. If there are only two or three, I might draw a bullet point or insert a dash to help me find the others. Colored pencils are also helpful to find special words. 

You create the lists in a way that makes sense to you. Colored pencils, indentions, or underlining. You'll want to be able to find the passage again and explain it to someone who has the question for the answer you found. 

I'm praying the Holy Spirit shows you rich and profound lists in your Bible study time today that reveal your identity in Christ and the way God wants you to think and behave.  

Blessings,

Lisa

 

 

Bible study 101 - How to Find Answers in the Bible

 

I believe the Bible is our book of answers.

Jesus loves me, 

this I know, 

for the Bible tells me so.

 

This simple chorus answers the question, how do we know Jesus loves us? 

"The Bible tells me so."

Here's another familiar example. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16 

How much did God love the world?

He loved it so much "He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

How do we know?

Because He told us in His word, John 3:16.

The terms "for," "because," and "that" or "so that" are terms of conclusion. They answer the question "why?"

Here's a longer section for you to practice. In the first two chapters of the book of Proverbs, King Solomon wrote about wisdom. In this third chapter, he speaks to his son. 

Proverbs 3:1-12

1 My son, do not forget my teaching,

But let your heart keep my commandments;

2 For length of days and years of life

And peace they will add to you.

3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you;

Bind them around your neck,

Write them on the tablet of your heart.

4 So you will find favor and good repute

In the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart

And do not lean on your own understanding.

6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He will make your paths straight.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;

Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

8 It will be healing to your body

And refreshment to your bones.

9 Honor the LORD from your wealth

And from the first of all your produce;

10 So your barns will be filled with plenty

And your vats will overflow with new wine.

11 My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD

Or loathe His reproof,

12 For whom the LORD loves He reproves,

Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.

You probably recognize some of the verses that are often quoted. You might even have them committed to memory. That's wonderful!

While reading, did you notice some terms of conclusion? If you read it again, you might see instructions and conclusions. In this case, the conclusions are promises from God. 

It helps me identify them by marking them in some way. Below, I color-coded the instructions and also indented the promised results, so I could easily find what God wants me to do, and how He will respond. I didn't need a commentary or opinion from someone, I read it directly from His Word.

Pay attention to verse 12 to find a special conclusion about why God gives us these instructions and reproves us when we disobey.  

Proverbs 3:1-12

1 My son, do not forget my teaching,

But let your heart keep my commandments;

2 For length of days and years of life

And peace they will add to you.

3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you;

Bind them around your neck,

Write them on the tablet of your heart.

4 So you will find favor and good repute

In the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart

And do not lean on your own understanding.

6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He will make your paths straight.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;

Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

8 It will be healing to your body

And refreshment to your bones.

9 Honor the LORD from your wealth

And from the first of all your produce;

10 So your barns will be filled with plenty

And your vats will overflow with new wine.

11 My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD

Or loathe His reproof,

12 For whom the LORD loves He reproves,

Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.

Isn't it exciting to find these treasures in God's Word? I encourage you to note them in a study Bible or notebook. Pray over them to see what the Holy Spirit wants to reveal to you. 

I'm praying His Word will penetrate deeply into your soul today, satisfying your questions, and leaving you hungry and thirsty to receive the blessings He has in store for you.

The Bible is our book of answers. 

We only have to read it to find the questions it answers.

Bible Study 101 Why Bother Reading the Bible? Five common questions

 

Why Read the Bible? 

Is it enough to read about someone to consider them your friend? 

What about listening to a podcast or sermon about them. 

Is that enough to consider them your friend?

Isn't a relationship more than that?

Five common questions I'm asked about reading and studying the Bible

1) I'm a good person. Why bother with all those laws and rules?

We need to know His laws so we can know His will for us and stay away from sin.

"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Psalm 119:11

We need it to be able to do kingdom work.

"All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, 

for rebuke, 

for correction, 

for training in righteousness; 

so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, 

equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16,17

2) That sounds like a lot of work. Where's the fun in that?

It's actually a delight to read and study the Bible.

"If Your law had not been my delight,

Then I would have perished in my affliction." Psalm 119:92

"I delight to do Your will, O my God;

Your Law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8

3) But the Old Testament was written so long ago. Wasn't the Old Testament written for that time, not now?

It's for us, too at every age. It brings hope to read about other people who have lived following God. It also helps us understand the ways of God. 

"For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." Romans 15:4

4) How do I know the Bible we have all these years later is still His Word?

God preserves His Word. He watches over it to perform it. He delivers on all His promises in His Word.

“You have seen well, for I am watching over My word to perform it.” Jeremiah 1:12 

He is preserving His Word. 

"The words of the LORD are pure words;As silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times. You, O LORD, will keep them; You will preserve him from this generation forever." Psalm 12:6,7

 

5) Isn't that just for those extreme Christians who want to push their religion on everyone else? 

Christianity is more than a religion. It is a relationship with God Almighty, the one true God. Christians are excited about that and want others to share in that faith. The Bible, His Word, explains about  salvation.

 “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. 

“WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.”

How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. Romans 10:8-10, 13, 17

God wanted the Bible to be preserved for us all. 

The words in the Bible are more than a list of laws to obey. 

They are a way for us to get to know God 

and the salvation He provided for us.

 

"This will be written for the generation to come, 

That a people yet to be created may praise the LORD." 

Psalm 102:18

I'm praying you will hunger for the delight of spending time with God, reading His Word and those words bring you closer to Him. I pray you will praise the LORD with every page.

Bible Study 101 - Five Reasons to Pray First

 

Five reasons I need to pray before I begin Bible study time.

 We are often in a rush to complete our tasks for the day, and unfortunately, Bible study can become routine. Perhaps you have closed your Bible without remembering what you learned in your time of reading. Here are several reasons I find it essential to pray before I begin.

1) Because I need the Holy Spirit to teach me. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you." John 14:26 (NASB20)

 

2) I want to do more than let my eyes touch the words so I can fulfill a "duty" to read the Bible. I want His Word to penetrate my heart. I want my time with God to leave me changed, and more conformed to Him.

3) I often need to clear my mind of distractions so I'm unhindered by any concerns or to-do lists. That way, I can listen carefully for the Holy Spirit to prick my heart toward God, instead of earthly matters.

4) I need the reminder of how precious a gift He has given us in His Word. What a treasure to have God's Word to guide me on this. I try to continually always thank Him for providing this extraordinary gift for me.

5) I like to study and learn, so it's easy for me to become too focused on finding an answer or memorizing a passage than simply sitting at His feet and allowing His love to surround me. 

I pray you will not only make time to spend in Bible study today and that time will become a precious fellowship with God, who loves you.