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9-10-14 The Brevity of Life

9/10/2014

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
James 4:14

The book of Ecclesiastes reminds me that there is a time to be born, and a time to die; it teaches me that the living know that they shall die. As I learn more about the heart, mind, will and purpose of God from His Word, it becomes very evident that He is teaching me to view life from His eternal perspective. Time, as I know it, is fleeting; it passes away as quickly as the grass of the field.

God knows the end from the beginning, and in His providence and sovereignty, He is at work in every aspect of my life to call and conform me to Himself. When I cease to remember His perspective from eternity past to eternity future, my expectations are shattered and my hope is diminished. However, God wants me to bring my thoughts captive to His Word / will, and establish both my expectations and hopes on His infallible Word.

He has taught me that mankind is of only a few days, in the light of eternity. Those few days are, at best, full of trouble. I know, based on John 16:33, that in this world I will have tribulation, but God says i am to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world. Psalm 90:12 reminds me to number my days, that I might apply my heart unto wisdom. He wants me to take stock of my days, understanding that life is short and eternity is certain. It is only in making an accurate assessment of my life in this manner, that I will truly apply my heart unto wisdom.

Wisdom is simply weaving what I know about God’s character and nature, as revealed in the Person of Jesus Christ, into the fabric of my life. God tells me that the world system passes away, but the one who does the will of God lives forever. What do I know about Jesus Christ in His holiness, His love, His ways of order or His forgiveness? Have I begun to take steps to bring my life into conformity to Christlikeness in those areas? May God help me today to do so.

(C) 1992, 2014 N.A.Collins
Limited copy permission for one personal file copy

9-3-14 The Privilege of Prayer

9/3/2014

Pray without ceasing.
1 Thessalonians 5:17

When the two-faceted requirement for salvation has been accomplished, in that i have come to God in repentance and faith, God gives me the wonderful privilege of entering into His presence by the vehicle of prayer. The ceaseless process of doing so is actually commanded in the Word of God and is accomplished on my behalf by the intercessory work of Christ and the ministry of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

The biblical alternative for worry is prayer offered up in His will with the accompanying habit of bringing every thought into obedience to Christ. My praying needs to be scriptural praying, that is, in line with the Word of God if I am to be assured that my desires are in line with the design of God. A continuous and free-flowing prayer life, based on the Word of God will produce a life that is in constant meditation on the Word with a prayer life of communion with God that is wholly dependent upon the heart of God as revealed in Scripture. Every statement to God, or request from Him, must be according to His revealed will.

Good interpersonal relationships with others involves my taking even my persecutors to the throne of God for His working out His pleasure in their lives for His eternal glory and for their eternal good. For me to fail to pray for others is to sin against God. Before ever confronting an area of difficulty, I should talk to God about them, according to His will, so that He works in their life. When He gives opportunity, I will be able to talk to them about the very things I've been praying about. It is only then that I will have the joy of seeing them respond to the Word of God, in response to the Spirit of God, and I can then praise God.

What, according to God's Word, can short-circuit an effective prayer life for me, as a believer? God clearly answers that question for me. It is two-fold, being 1) sin, according to Psalm 66:18, and 2) selfishness, according to
James 4:3.

What a blessing to have open communication with the God of the Universe, the Savior of my soul!

May God help me to keep my focus on Him, resisting and rejecting sin and selfishness, so that He is pleased
and others are profited by my life.

(C) 1992, 2014 N.A. Collins
Limited copy permission for one personal file copy

8-27-14 The Mind of Christ

8/27/2014

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Let this mind be in you,  which was also in Christ Jesus.
                                                                                                                                 Philippians 2:5

As a blood-bought, born again believer, God wants me to adopt the mind of Christ in all aspects of my thoughts, actions and words. In looking at 2 Corinthians 10:5, I see the clear pattern given by God for changing my thought patterns. It is so important to reject imaginations in my thinking and all thoughts that exalt self interest above the knowledge of God as revealed in Scripture. Those thoughts that come from an unbiblical comparing of myself to others must be put away. Fears and anxieties over the future need to be put under the umbrella of God’s Sovereignty. Guilt over the past must be submitted to the forgiveness of God for Christ’s sake. I must put scripturally structured boundaries around all of my thoughts as I bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (mind of Christ / Word of God).

I must first of all CAPTURE those thoughts, then CONFESS them as needed, CORRECT them by returning to God’s ways and then CONTROL them by thinking on God’s Word as taught in Psalm 19:7-9 and Philippians 4:8.

Psalm 19:7-9 explains the functionality of the Word of God, in that:

       The perfect law of the Lord converts the soul.

       The sure testimony of the Lord gives wisdom to the simple.

       The right statutes of the Lord rejoice the heart.

       The pure commandment of the Lord enlightens the eyes.

       The clean fear of the Lord endures forever.

       The true judgments of the Lord are altogether righteous.

Philippians 4:8 teaches me to think on that perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, true Word of God, written to reveal the heart, mind, will and purpose of God for His redeemed children.   When God’s Word dominates and controls my thinking, His perfect peace prevails. It produces both tranquility and stability beyond all human understanding in the face of every trial.

May God help me to think scripturally today.

                         (c) 1992, 2014 N.A.Collins
                  Limited copy permission for one personal file copy

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8-20-14 Contentment

8/20/2014

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But godliness with contentment is great gain.
                                                                                               1 Timothy 6:6

I’ve been asking myself this question: “In the middle of the many challenges of everyday life, what does contentment look like? How would it actually be demonstrated?”

When my computer or printer doesn't work, I have learned to get the instruction book out; when I have no idea of how to reach an address, I have learned to use the GPS. Even so, when a much weightier issue, such as contentment, is considered , I run to the Word of God for the divine guidelines that will answer my question and give me direction.

I have found out from the passage above, that for the believer, godliness with contentment is great gain. I understand in a practical definition, that is is simply the stable state of being satisfied with God Himself, and with what He has given. If I am to know true biblical contentment, I must FIRST have an accurate information base of knowing and understanding the will of God. Not only does that involve a clear picture of His holiness but also a good understanding of His sovereignty in all the affairs of mankind.

THEN, as I come to grips with the character and nature of God in the study of His Word, it will be imperative that I begin to practice applicationally what I know academically. There are specific steps that are needed for me to progress toward maturity and contentment, as I live out my life for the purpose of pleasing God and profiting others.

I can actually check off the following, in order to examine myself and see if I am contented in the place of God’s choosing for me today:

        1. Discover God’s will in a regular daily pattern of personal Bible study.

        2. Praise God for His working in my life.

       3. Develop communication excellence in interpersonal relationships.

        4. Deal with offenses in a God-honoring manner.

        5. Pray scripturally for others on a daily basis.

        6. Structure specific plans for a personal ministry to others.

        7. Show kindness to others for God’s glory

        8. Express gratitude to others.

Today, it is my desire and commitment to experience and express godliness with contentment.

                        (c) 1992, 2014 N.A.Collins
                    Limited copy permission for 1 personal file copy

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8-13-14 Dealing with Offenses

8/13/2014

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How often am I faced with interpersonal relationship situations in which offenses are a significant part? As with each of you, reader, the answer is much too frequent, isn't it?

The clear solution, amidst the difficulty, is simply for me to to think theologically rather than emotionally, in order to both please God and profit others.

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God
with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it,
Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Matthew 22:37-40

What are the biblical considerations in these matters? It seems to me that Proverbs 13:10 sums it up very clearly. It is simply that "contention cometh but by pride." So, in these situations, the old sinful nature characteristic of pride is the root cause of an unresolved offense.

In some cases, I have offended another, and do not want to deal with it, since I believe I was right. At other times, I have been offended by another, and I do not deal with it, since I believe they were wrong. What IS the answer to these things?

Interestingly enough, these two exact issues are specifically addressed in the Word of God. The foundational truth that must prevail in my thinking is that I am a representative of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and am to have the spirit of mercy any grace toward others that was extended to me by God, for Christ's sake.

In Matthew 5:24, I learn that if, when I am worshipping God, i recall an offense that i have been to someone, I am to leave my gift in the altar, and go to be reconciled with my brother.

In Matthew 18:15-17, I learn that if I am aware of an offense by another, I am instructed to go to him or her, privately, in order to be reconciled. In the event of that failing to bring reconciliation, I am to take a witness, still striving for reconciliation, semi-privately. Only if there is no repentance is there a need to move the matter to a public issue before the church.

Some thoughts that come to my mind are 1) that these offenses should be doctrinal issues of conviction, not incidental issues of preference. 2) Additionally, if I find myself being offended at many things, I should consider Psalm 119:165, realizing that if I love God's law, nothing shall offend me. Ultimately, in dealing with offenses, I am reminded in Colossians 4:3 that I am to be "endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

After all, from God's perspective, the world will know that I am a follower of Christ by the demonstration of His love to God and my neighbor.

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8-6-14 Prayer of Submission

8/6/2014

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Dear God,

Because I know You through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Your Word tells me that I belong to You, as Your child (John 1:12).

I believe, according to Your Word, that You will do everything in my life for my eternal good and for Your glory (Romans 8:28).

And so, because of the fact that I trust You to be perfect and flawless in Your dealings with me, I make full and total surrender of my life to You (Romans 12:1-2).

I give to You every personal desire that I have for my life. If You choose to give me the privileges of long life or good health, then I will use those gifts to honor Your name. I will not ask for those privileges unless You would see fit to give them to me, for Your glory (Psalm 31:15).

If You deem it wise to give me that which seems less than perfect to me in my humanness, then it is my intent just now to trust You for those things which I cannot understand. I will thank You for working out Your plan for my life so that I will be conformed to the image of the precious Lord Jesus Christ. I will depend upon You to give me grace to always glorify You in the midst of whatever You should choose for me (Romans 8:29) (2 Corinthians 12:9).

It is my intent not to resent anything that You would allow to come into my life, even when I can’t see what You are doing with me nor can I understand what You are intending for my tomorrows (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Along with the Apostle Paul, I would express my desire before You just now, that Christ would be magnified in my body, whether by life or by suffering or by death (Philippians 1:20-21).

Lord, I need You to keep me true to this commitment and to show me immediately when I deviate from it (Psalm 139:23-24).

Because of Your perfect trustworthiness, I trust You completely (Psalm 18:30a)

                                                                                                                        ________________________________
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                                          (C) 1980 N.A.Collins
              Limited copy permission for one personal file copy

(By Dr. Nell Collins, excerpted by permission from “Diagnosis: Cancer - A Time To Live” - New Life Media)

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7-30-14 Delight in God's Law

7/30/2014

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          Psalm 1:1-3

Bessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,
nor standeth in the way of sinners,nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord;
and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
that bringeth forth his fruit in his season;
his leaf also shall not wither;
and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

These three verses give a fantastic overview of the victorious Christian life. The first section gives real clarity on my standard and practice. The second section addresses the causal reason for maintaining those practices. The third section describes the spiritual profit that God brings to me when I employ them.

The core from which both practice and profit emanate is the depth of delight that I have in the eternal, infallible Word of God . It is that principle of joyful anticipation in understanding the heart, mind, will and purpose of God that causes me to meditate day and night.

Every thought, decision, action and word is to be filtered through the Word of God. As result, my thoughts, having been brought captive to the Scriptures, are in alinement with His heart. My actions are regulated by the rails of righteousness that are given to me by my Lord. My words are brought under the control of the indwelling Holy Spirit, and are used to exalt God and edify men.

Praise the Lord for His Word!

                           (C) 2014 N.A.Collins
                   Limited copy permission for one personal file copy

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7-23-14 Glorying in Infirmities

7/23/2014

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For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11)
This passage, seen above, is my life verse, and has carried me victoriously through many challenges and difficulties. My greatest treasure is the sovereignty of God! What hope, joy and peace comes from knowing my perfect, all-wise Lord is a sun and shield, and that no good, Christ-conforming thing will He withhold from His obedient children.

Recently, I took a serious fall that could easily have taken my life, but God protected me, and convinced me that it was time to stabilize myself with the use of a cane. The progressing neuropathy in my feet has made that imperative.

I definitely have had the opportunity to do what I teach, as it was absolutely necessary to make that submissive commitment to God. What a blessing it was when, for the very first time, I realized the thing that I had originally resented was actually God's 1 Corinthians 10:13 "way of escape" for my continuing life and ministry. Now I find myself thanking God for it! Is it ever necessary to run back again to that place of submission? Yes, but only when my focus moves to what people think or how it must look more than what God is doing in me for His glory. The apostle Paul said it best when his human desire was thrice denied and the promise of sufficient grace given. He said simply, "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9b.

"God has every right and my permission (yielded-ness)
to rearrange my life in any way, at any time, in order to
fulfill His plan for its influence, to His glory."

(C) 1992, 2014 N. A. Collins
Limited copy permission for one personal file copy.

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7-2-14 Precepts - Principles - "Practicles"

7/2/2014

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But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.   James 1:22

I have so often been convicted by this passage in James 1:22. For a long part of my Christian life, I struggled with that age-old dilemma of knowing WHAT to do, but having no clue as to HOW to do it.

In those early years following my salvation, I recognized the practical definition of a biblical PRECEPT. I knew it was the clear stated requirements of God for pleasing Him. As I grew, I came to realize that there were also biblical PRINCIPLES given as applicational guidelines. While they were as critical to spiritual growth and maturity as were the precepts, there was still that seemingly impossible matter of the means to accomplish them.

As I began to seek the Lord in this matter, I realized that there could be many and varied ways to see them fleshed out in my life. Thus, I began to define some steps of action in my mind that would being practical biblical change in an obedient response to the precepts and principles of Scripture. Those methods, or "tools", I began to think of as "PRACTICALS".

St the time of my salvation, God had equipped and enabled me for the ministry of exhortation, and He began to show me that moving from Truth to Action by specific and definable actions would accomplish The desire of His heart, as revealed in Scripture. You may be wondering what some of those what I call Truth and Action steps are. I would like to think through a few of them with you. For instance:

    1.     TRUTH : When God says in Matthew 22:37-39 ( a precept) Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

            ACTION :    Study God's Word the first thing every morning, showing God is top priority. Note verbs (action words) and determine what would accomplish them. Write a key verse on a card and review aloud frequently during the day.


       2.   TRUTH : When God states in 2 Corinthians 10:12 ( a principle) For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves:but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

              ACTION:    From that key meditation verse, jot down Christlike Attitudes ( how He would think), Behaviour ( how He would walk), and Communication (how He would talk).

        3.    TRUTH:     When I am reminded in Proverbs 25:28 ( a principle)   He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

              ACTION:   Structure time by a written schedule, structure money by a written budget

         4.     TRUTH:   When God teaches from 1 Peter 2:13-15 (a precept)   Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake:whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

                ACTION: Deal with temptation to be non-submissive to authorities by Scripture - write this verse on a card to keep handy to review
                                Prayer - prayer of agreement with the passage
                                Action - action of agreement with the passage

            5. TRUTH: When God teaches in Romans 8:28-29a   ( a principle) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son...

                  ACTION: Consciously rehearse Gods divine purpose of conformity to Christ in all things, keeping a journal of God's good working toward that end in each circumstance.

                         (C) N.A.Collins
                  Limited copy permission for one personal file copy.

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6-25-14 Spiritual Warfare

6/25/2014

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

2 Corinthians 10:4-5

Life today is in a society where the god of this world has placed erroneous boundaries for that which is considered to be "natural" or "normal." The world system at large holds onto that which is opposed to the character and nature of God.

On any given day, the information that I hear from the world system stands is stark opposition to the eternal Truth of the inerrant and infallible Word of God. God's program for my biblical thought control is simply that I bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. My mind must rely entirely on the Holy Word of God. My trials, however difficult they may seem, serve to remind me of the individual need for personal salvation and subsequent obedience.

Christ has won the war with the god of this world, and Jesus Christ is Lord. In the everyday events of practical living, however, the battle still rages on in my life. It is imperative that I obey the Scriptures if I am to know practical victory...my hope in the spiritual battle of this day is knowing that it is not my battle, but the Lord's. For that reason, I need not fear. The Lord Himself fights the battles for me to the extent that I am simply obedient to His Word.

It is as I remember His faithfulness in the past, in the light of His promised faithfulness for the future, that i am able to fight the good fight of faith in the present. My consistent effort of faith in actions involves the personal sacrifice of submission (OBEDIENCE) to God and service (MINISTRY) to men.

I must be faithful to the Word of God, regardless of my feelings. I must be consistent in my personal utilization of the Scriptures to reprove, rebuke, and exhort others with doctrinal accuracy and personal patience. When I have been faithful in this, i will be able to say, as did Paul, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." When I live to glorify God,, i will be able to face my home-going with joy and confidence as I anticipate the words of my Lord, "well done, thou good and faithful servant."


                                    (C) 2003, 2007, 2014 N.A Collins
                          Limited copy permission to 1 personal file copy

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9-10-14 The Brevity of Life

9-3-14 The Privilege of Prayer

8-27-14 The Mind of Christ

8-20-14 Contentment

8-13-14 Dealing with Offenses

8-6-14 Prayer of Submission

7-30-14 Delight in God's Law

7-23-14 Glorying in Infirmities

7-2-14 Precepts - Principles - "Practicles"

6-25-14 Spiritual Warfare

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