Category Archives: Walk With Christ

April 1, 2010 KBR Ministries Leave a comment

As I was sharing with a friend the lessons the Lord has been teaching me in the past few months, she said she was learning the same things about making the choice to focus on the Lord – even if it means blocking out sources that cause stumbling blocks in our minds. She shared, “I have really been thinking about the thought issue lately and it has really been interesting to come to grips with the concept that every thought should be taken prisioner and used in your own mind for Christ. I had heard that verse so many times, but it never really had that meaning to me.” She offered to write down her thoughts, and I am very blessed to be able to share her article with you. Here is Maggie, with encouragement to those who are struggling to keep their mind on Christ throughout their days.

My Thoughts About Thoughts
by Maggie Bullington

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true,
whatever things are noble, whatever things are just,
whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely,
whatever things are of good report,
if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
(Philippians 4:8)

In this age of technology and media, our minds are constantly encountering things that can so easily pull us off the path that Christ has set for us. Internet, books, movies and music, while they all have helpful uses, may also fill our minds with trash that will push our thoughts away from what should be the focus of our lives.

Lately, I have been feeling the Lord is trying to show me the importance of having pure thoughts – thoughts that will help me stay focused on the Lord and His will for my every moment. I’d like to share a few verses and things I’ve been thinking about.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 says, “ For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…” I have often thought about this verse and wondered how I could ever “bring every thought into captivity.” The only answer – turn to Him for help. I have found it very helpful to wake up in the morning and pray something like, “Lord, please help me have pure thoughts through this day and help me to stay focused.” Of course, there are some things that are just going to require our thought, like sewing a dress or making supper, but I also believe that it takes a conscious decision on our part to determine to take every thought captive. When you find your mind wandering, pray to Him for help, sing a song or hymn or recite a verse you have memorized to help refocus your mind on things that are praiseworthy. Also, try printing Bible verses and posting them where you will see them throughout the day.

Sometimes, we have a tendency to hold grudges and angry thoughts in our minds; this, needless to say, can cloud our walk with Christ. When someone wrongs you, make it up as quickly as possible to avoid storing these bad thoughts. Both you and the other person will feel better. A few days ago, a lady friend was telling us about her mother, who was having pretty bad health problems because of a brain injury. When she had an accident and her brain was injured, her personality suddenly changed and because of the type of injury, she could no longer control her impulses. Anger and problems that she had hidden away suddenly became evident, and she became very angry at times. Our friend ended this sad story by saying that we have to remember to watch our thoughts and the things that we do – storing up anger and bad thoughts can certainly be harmful in the long run to us and to those around us.

As mentioned above, internet, books, movies and music can all be harmful. When on a website or reading a book, always be sure that what you are reading isn’t filling your mind with bad things. Always practice discretion in these areas. Once you have seen, read, or heard something unwholesome it is hard and sometimes impossible to go back and undo it, so we are better off not to expose ourselves to it at all. The Lord can help you to overcome something that you have trouble with, so never hesitate to come to Him about it. James 4:7 says, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

If you also yearn to have pure thoughts, seek the Lord. Be careful about what you set before your eyes and make the decision to take every thought into captivity. He will help you overcome any problem you may be facing!

“Commit your works to the Lord,
& your thoughts :
will be established.”
(Proverbs 16:3)

~Maggie Bullington

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1 Comment»

SAMANTHA AND REBEKAH. » Amen!
Thank you, sister, for sharing from your heart!! What a good reminder! It is so hard to take “every thought captive”, but with His help we are more then conquerors! “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear what a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer!”

Walk With Christ

March 1, 2010 KBR Ministries Leave a comment

As I shared last month, the Lord has been showing me how my focus is too easily swayed from seeking the eternal Kingdom of God. I found myself facing the fact that I had lost the close, constant communion and side-by-side walk with my Father.

A few weeks ago, the Lord showed me how to practically renew my walk with Him and my focus on Him, how to claim His perfect peace for my weary and busied soul. I needed a “fast” – rather than a fast from food, a fast from “things” or projects.

It all started on another busy, hectic day. I was emotionally tired and my crowded mind once again pushed out thoughts of my Lord. Then a friend told me that she and her family had taken a break from some certain things for a few months, so that they could focus on the Lord’s will for their family and renew their family relationships. I was struck acutely by this idea – I thought,What a peaceful and restful time they must have had together! I too desired some time just to “take off” and not be pressured by life.

Then the Lord showed me that I could do the same thing in my own spiritual walk. I could set aside many of the projects I am working on (aside from the inevitable tasks such as school work and chores – though that sounds good too, right?!) – just set aside a time to slow down. At first, the thought was a bit painful, because I see that these things need to be done and I felt that I needed to keep on top of these things so I do not get behind. But the more I thought about it…the more I realized how possible – and necessary – it was for me to do.

So I set aside an entire week to abstain from certain things – projects that had been occupying my mind, regular activites (which were not mandatory) that took time from my day. With this mentality, I woke up fresh the next morning – and I felt free! I didn’t wake up thinking “I need to do ___ today…I need to email ___ today…I have ___ to finish this week.” I woke up, savoring the moment, thankful for this season in life. My mind turned to Christ…I felt joyful and happy and restful. It was not the actual labor of the projects I had set aside which were weighing me down, but I found it was the mental energy and the focus which I had been putting into these things. With my mind free to think of other things – free to think and rest on Christ, my devotions did not feel rushed – not because I spent more time reading the Bible, but because my mind was not filled with all these worldly thoughts.

The day wore on, and I realized something else. I once more enjoyed – treasured being with – my family! I was patient with my siblings – even if my actions had not changed, I felt patient with them, because my mind was not preoccupied. I enjoyed helping them with their chores and talking and laughing with them.

In fact, the week I had taken off from these things proved to be very enjoyable. After the “week off” was over, I did not want to go back to these things, and so I continued to cut down the time I spent on those things. I have to guard my mind and when I feel “overloaded,” I have to evaulate, What have I been feeding my mind? What am I thinking about?

Everything that I goes into my mind and how I spend my day – each contribute to the peace of my soul. Is it worth reading that extra book or figuring out that newest technological gadget or following that blog or fill my mind with not-so-profitable things, and in the process loose that perfect peace that Christ gives? These things may not be bad, but why are we doing them? What is our purpose? Is there another more important need we need to fill before we expand into other areas? We need to fill our mind with worthy things, Scripture, and prayer. We must meditate on Christ and slow down to think of Him all the day long.

The things of this world threaten to take our focus away from Christ – so wemust guard every thing we do, every thing we put into our mind, and every tool we use – make sure it is only for the glory of God – and we keep that focus in mind constantly.

“And the fruit of righteousness is sown
in peace of them that make peace.”
(James 3:18)

Sister, for you this purifying process of the mind will be different. But whatever it takes, however hard the sacrifice may seem, no matter how pressing deadlines may loom, take the effort to renew your mind in Christ, to lay down those things that crowd Him out. Put a limit on the time and effort you will put into these things which may be causing you to stumble. Christ is worth it, and His glory should be our ultimate goal.

And this is the reward to those whose mind is stayed on Christ:

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,
whose mind is stayed on thee:
because he trusteth in thee.”
(Isaiah 26:3)

What a promise! May it be so in our lives.

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3 Comments »

MAGGIE B. » Amen!
Sarah, I really enjoyed your monthly thought…again! Thank you for supplying your ideas and houghts – they are so encouraging.
I was especially interested with your idea of a “fast” just to get away from the busyness of life and renew our mind to think on Him. Nothing should ever get in between us and our love for Him,because only what’s done for Him will last! Thank you for reminding me.

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SAMANTHA P.» Amen, dear sister!!!

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JENNY F.» Thank you for sharing these thoughts, Sarah. I, too, want to sacrifice the lesser, earthly things to seek the lasting rewards of “the mind stayed on Christ.” This is something I have been thinking about (feeling convicted about!) lately so this article was very timely! Thank you for the encouragement.

Walk With Christ

February 1, 2010 KBR Ministries Leave a comment

In the midst of the busy schedule of daily life, it can be easy to loose sight of our ultimate goal, which as daughters of the King, is glorifying Christ and doing His will.

Life has become increasingly busy for me during the last few months, with projects to complete and deadlines to meet. My mind has become continually occupied with these projects, always on the race thinking of these things that need to be done and trying to mentally work out problems. In essence, my mind has shifted from the peace and steadiness of Christ, to my surroundings and troubles.

Then the Lord broke through my thoughts and quieted my soul. I felt Him asking me, “Are you doing what truly matters? What are you focusing on? When you are 70 years old, will you look back in regret at how little time you spent during these years pouring out your soul into the only thing that eternally matters – My will?”

Shamed, I bowed my head and admitted, “I fear that I someday, yes, I will see the opportunities I missed to invest in the most important relationship, and realize all the riches I missed that are found in Your quiet presence.”

Life is fleeting and circumstances are unpredictable, but there is One in life that makes it worth living – God alone. He is unwavering, never changing, never rushed by approaching deadlines, never faced by complicated dilemma. He knows everything, and He can give me this same peaceful calm – if I will look to Him for that all-comforting grace. One glimpse of my Savior and the agonies He faced pales the stormy weather around my troubled spirit. He knows what I am facing. He has sufficient grace!

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

Sister, I have not found all the answers to this. I am still struggling through this issue, but I have begun to see that all these things that are going around me and the things that I am worrying about are truly so trite…so vain…so vanishing. My own goals seem so worthless, so self-centered, so carnal, when I take my eyes off His will. Yet, one look to the Savior, again, solves all the troubles of my soul, as I realize that seeking His pleasure, His glory, His approval, makes all my efforts entirely worth it, and all worldly goals utterly worthless.

“Let us not be desirous of vain glory.”
(Galatians 5:26)

Though the projects that I am doing may be good in themselves, if I lose sight of God’s will and how He wants to use these things – if I cease to do them for His glory and for my own edification – I will find that though these projects may be God’s will for me, it certainly is NOT His will for me to sacrifice my relationship with Him in doing these things.

“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without,
redeeming the time.”
(Colossians 4:5)

Later in my life, I want to look back and see that because I focused on God’s will rather than the World’s approval, the Lord was able to use my life for His glory and my refining. I want to know that I looked to Christ alone for my reward and my motivation. And He was enough.

Look to Christ! Jesus is the Prince of Peace…stop and rest in Him. Let the cares of the world fade away, and with His strengthening peace filling your soul, you will be enabled to face the battles and troubles around – in His strength.

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2 Comments »

MAGGIE B. » I Just wanted to drop you a note to tell you that I really appreciated your February “monthly thought.” Actually, this is something that I have been thinking of over these past few weeks – focusing our whole life on the Lord.
Sad to say, in past years my life was mainly divided into two parts…my daily life and my walk with the Lord. I’d get out my Bible, hurriedly read a few verses, so I could get back to my busy life and feel good that I had “spent some time with the Lord.” But I am beginning to realize in a completely different way that my WHOLE life belongs to Him. He is our Heavenly Father – read His word, talk to Him through the day, ask His help with your projects, share Him with others, love Him always! Thanks again Sarah!

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SAMANTHA P.» Thank you, Sarah, for this month’s “thought for the month”! It is something that I have been especially working on this month, namely to let nothing to take the place of my Savior in my life. It is so easy to get wrapped up in the things of this world, yet we are told, “be anxious for nothing”. God has loved us with an everlasting love, yet how often I do not seek to put Him first in everything! “Jesus! What a friend for sinners! Jesus! Lover of my soul, friends may fail me, foes assail me, He, my Savior, makes me whole. Hallelujah! What a Savior! Hallelujah! What a Friend! Saving, helping keeping, loving, He is with me to the end.”

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SARAH LEE » Maggie and Samantha ~ thank you both for your thoughts – it is encouraging to hear that the Lord has been teaching you both similar things. Maggie I agree that it is so easy to not live daily life with Christ in and transforming every moment and action. But He should be because He is our best Friend! Blessings to you both.

Walk With Christ

December 1, 2009 KBR Ministries Leave a comment

Memorizing Scripture

Time flies – I can’t believe that December has already arrived! At the end of each year, I like to reflect on the previous months and events. Something that is always evident in days gone by is God’s hand and plan unfolding. I am awed to see all the Lord has done!

Each New Year’s I make a list of goals to work toward in the coming year. I can’t say how much of those goals I actually accomplish, but it is always encouraging to read over the goals at the end of that year and see what the Lord has done in my life, and the prayers He has answered.

One of the goals I made last year was to memorize Scripture. I have known for many years that I needed to hide God’s word in my heart, but just did not make the commitment to do so. Finally, one day I just told myself I was goingto do it, and decided to make myself accountable to someone and memorize with them. I asked a mature friend if she would join me, and she agreed. As we have memorized Titus together, our friendship has been strengthened and I also have been pushed to be diligent with my memorization! Actually I have found that memorizing is much easier than I thought it would be. The biggest blessing is having these verses in my mind to dwell on during the spare moments throughout the day.

Here are some ideas that I have found helpful in memorizing Scripture:

~Pick a few verses or even phrases to work on at a time. Each morning during devotions, study the entire passage, but then specifically pick out the next phrase that you need to memorize, and break it down. How many phrases (divided by conjunctions) are in that verse, and are the phrases in an special order that would assist you in remembering it? For example, if there are three ways we should live in the passage I am currently working on (Titus 2), how can I remember exactly what order they are listed? Are they listed alphabetically? In verse 12 they are actually the opposite – backwards: soberly, righteously, andgodly; and all three end in –ly. There are several ways to make a phrase memorable – even just by repeatedly studying the order of the words in the phrase.

~Write the verses that you are working on on a sticky-note and post it on your bed, mirror, desk, or other often-used place. This will help you memorize how it looks, and also serves to help other family members memorize them with you!

~Recite the verses while driving, resting, folding clothes, or going to sleep – any time you need something worthy to think about!

~Listen to the passage read – recordings are available, often for free, in many formats.

~Be faithful. Do not put it down! Make a habit each time during your daily devotions and maybe another time of day as well to work on Scripture memory.

~Be accountable. Memorize with a friend or family member, and regularly check in with them and tell them how you are progressing.

If you have any tips to share, please do! I am learning and want to hear what works for you.

I want to encourage you also to evaluate your life during the closing of this year – choose about three areas that you desire to grow in during 2010. I would love for you to share the goals you set for the coming new year with me! Let us spur one another on in the ways of the Lord.

“I have one deep, supreme desire−
That I may be like Jesus.
To this I fervently aspire−
That I may be like Jesus.

I want my heart His throne to be,
So that the watching world may see
His likeness shining forth in me−
I want to be like Jesus.”
-“I want to be Like Jesus” by Thomas O. Chisholm

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2 Comments »

BETHANY WARD » Sarah,
What a beautiful article, I to have often known and wanted to memorize scripture, but I never ended up doing it. I am so glad that you have made this calendar available, and I know that with God’s help I will be able to memorize 11 Corinthians with my sister. Thanks so much!
Bethany
P.S. Here are some things that I hope to improve in the next year:
1. Memorize more scripture
2. Be more like Jesus in every way possible
3. Be more of a caring gentle sister and a great example as well.
May God Bless!!!

SARAH LEE » Bethany, Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts. I am so glad that you are now going to work on memorizing Scripture! I know the Lord will abundantly bless your faithfulness in that. Also, I am so thankful you shared three goals for your life in the new year! Those are wonderful areas that I think each one of us will always have to grow in. In fact, those were some of my goals for the past year. May He bless you this new year!!

JENNY FLORIO » I enjoyed reading your monthly thought. Memorizing is so important! I feel such an urge to memorize God’s Word when I consider all that is going on in our government and wonder if one day I will not have such easy access to the written Word as I do now! I have been listening to the Bible on CD lately and that really helps with memorizing. I am working on memorizing John right now, going rather slowly through it. It is such a special book! Lately I have been meditating on the verse, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” How amazing to think that He came truly dwells among us, that He, very God, desires to be with US! I can’t even comprehend it… He is an amazing God!

SARAH LEE » Jenny, I appreciate you sharing what Scripture memorizing “projects” you have been working on as well. You shared some very good ideas for memorizing – I also have found it so beneficial to listen to the Bible read (I use my MP3 player and often listen to the passage as I go to sleep). One of the greatest things about memorizing Scripture is that it is always in mind to abide on.

Walk With Christ

May 1, 2009 KBR Ministries Leave a comment

“You don’t like correction, do you?” What a humiliating question to be asked. Yet God has been asking me this so many times lately, through different circumstances or people. It seems like every time I think I “have it down,” this is brought to my eyes again. What a hard area it is!

Who likes being rebuked, instructed, or corrected?

Well, Proverbs 13:1 says a wise son will hear his parents’ instruction and humbly accept it. Our natural human nature despises counsel and correction, but Proverbs 10:8 says “the wise in heart will receive commandments.” The wise person embraces correction, realizing his/her own weaknesses and need to learn.

On the other hand, a fool scoffs and rejects correction. “A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.” (Pro 15:5) Which do we want to portray–the wise, or the foolish?

We are commanded, in Proverbs 19:20, to “hear counsel, and receive instruction…” Jesus says that His rebuke is a sign of His love for us in Revelation 3:19: “As many as love, I rebuke and chaste.” We should feel loved when our parents correct us, because they have the courage and love for their children to do so.

“Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.” (Proverbs 19:18)

A wise man will love those who rebuke him in love (Pro 9:8). Our parents want our best when they correct us; they care enough to stop and show us where we are erring. When we are reprimanded by our authorities, we should have an open heart for their wisdom and thank them for it. God will greatly bless that humility!

I have found that I must seek God’s grace to accept correction. I cannot do it alone. When someone tells me that I did a certain task wrong, I must ask God for grace to respond humbly, to be humble enough to say, “I am sorry; I was wrong!” Then go on with life, joyfully accepting it. When I am asked to do something that I do not want to do or that interrupts my schedule, I must stop and pray for God to work in me so that I can serve Him foremost. “Sure, I can do that for you!” When I get frustrated and am tempted to say something wrong or display a bad attitude, I have to close my mouth and go in another room to pray for help! God has truly delivered me, though, when I do this.

This is such a hard area; I fail many times a day. But the Lord is teaching me so faithfully, and it is a comfort to know that how ever many times I fail or give a wrong response, He still has grace and forgiveness for me. He will help me start again. And He wants me to succeed for His cause! He will be faithful until the battle is won. But I must desire His work to be done in my life, and must surrender my will for His.

Will you too allow the holy Spirits’ conviction and work in the daily, hidden, mundane responses of life? Few will see your efforts. But God will. What else matters? When we allow God to change our “old man” into His new nature, HE will radiate from our lives and others will be blessed by our life crucified with Christ. Will we let Him live in us completely? He gave His life for us; He will surely see us through.

“I am crucified with Christ:
nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith
of the Son of God, who loved me, & gave himself for me.”
(Galatians 2:20)

Press on with me, dear sister!
~SarahLee

“A wise son
heareth his father’s instruction:
but a scorner
heareth not rebuke.”
~Proverbs 13:1

“Humble yourselves
in the sight of the Lord,
and he shall lift you up.”
~James 4:10

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Category Archives: Walk With Christ

Encouraging Girls to Grow in their Walk with Christ