Tag: Voices

Voices: the Church

On By Ben JenningsIn Devotional10 Comments

voices largebanner2
Devotion for Monday, December 5

24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.  Hebrews 10:24-25

As We continue this week with our Voices series, we’re going to look at voices that should be in our lives.

Today’s text tells us that one group of peole we need in our life is others in the church.  The word translated church can be literally translated “assembly” and speaks in this context of a local assembly of baptized belivers who assemble to worship God, learn from God’s Word, fellowship together and develop relationships where we can “consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works”.  There is no replacement for the church in your life.  You need the voices of fellow brothers and sisters who know you and love you, and will encourage you to do and be who God’s called you to be.
The writer says this is why it’s important to be there when the church assembles.  You need the preaching, teaching, fellowship and encouragment that only church can provide.
Application:
Are you connected to our church to the degree that you have been provoked to love and good works?  Have you encouraged others to love and good works?   Are you skipping services thinking that it’s no big deal?  You need to be there every chance you get.

Voices: The Media-Day 2

On By Ben JenningsIn Devotional13 Comments

voices largebanner2
Devotion for Friday, December 2, 2011

Romans 12:1-21 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

In today’s text Paul pleads with us to present ourselves as sacrifices to God. How do we do that? Paul answers- Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind. When our thoughts are being influenced more by the world than by God then we are being conformed to this world. When we’re being conformed to this world, then we are not presenting ourselves as sacrifices to God.

How are we influenced by the thoughts of this world? The biggest influence is the media.

Now not all media is wrong. In fact some media can help us to renew our mind.

But much of the media out there does move more toward conforming us to the world than renewing our mind.

Application:
Is the media that you are taking in renewing your mind or conforming you to the world?

Voices: the Media

On By Ben JenningsIn Devotional8 Comments

voices largebanner2
Devotion for Thursday, December 1, 2011

I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. 4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person. Psalm 101:3-4

As I am writing this devotion I’m on my ipad. I really enjoy using it, and I know right now I’m making some of you jealous. My daughter is sitting next to me and she is watching Veggietales through Netflix on our Wii. (The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything…I knew you were wondering).

We live in a world where media is an every day part of our life. We have access to a ton of movies, shows, websites and other information and for many of us it’s as close as your pockets.

Of course all of this can be very cool, but it also can be dangerous.

What do I mean? Well, there are voices that now can speak into our lives that don’t really have our best interest at heart.

The psalmist in today’s vesre purposed nin his heart. “I will set no wicked thing before my eyes.” It’s imporatnt to be careful with what we allow ourselves to see and be influcnced by. Frankly speaking, there is a lot of worthless things out there that target us as an audience. When we allow these voices into our lives it can lead to wrong thinking and wrong action.

Application:
Are there things you’re allowing your mind to take in that are worthless and wicked? Ask this question- Is what I’m watching on tv or the internet displeasing to God? If Jesus were sitting here with me, would it be awkward?

Voices: Friendships 2

On By Ben JenningsIn Devotional8 Comments

voices largebanner2
Devotion for Wednesday, November 30, 2011

My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:16 For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.17 Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.18 And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.19 So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof. Proverbs 1:10-19

One of the things that confused me when I was young was when people who claimed to be my friends would do things that made our friendship difficult. I had friends that every time I hung out with them I ended up doing something wrong and getting in trouble with my parents. I thought they were my friends, but really they were just using me to get what they wanted.

Proverbs warns us about people who try to get you to do wrong with them. I have found that when people do wrong things, they try to get others to do wrong with them. They don’t feel as bad or guilty when they aren’t the only ones doing wrong things. It’s almost like they think that God is ok with our sin if we sin in groups. It doesn’t make sense, but it’s how we think some times.

When people, who claim to be our friends, speak into our lives and their voices are pushing us to do wrong, at that moment they aren’t really being your friend. If they were your friend, they’d be looking out for your best interest. If there is a pattern of them trying to get you to do things that aren’t good for you, then they aren’t really your friend.

The author here gives great advice in that situation, “”My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path.” If that is the kind of relationship you have with them, it’s time to end the relationship.
Application
How does this apply to you today?