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The Word

Bless Your Heart by Cindy Colley

Parenting Seminar, Digging Schedule, and Wisdom from Shelby Camp

Posted on September 22, 2023

I think we never get enough good and Biblical information about parenting. The devil is the lion and he loves the easy prey–our kids (1 Peter 5:6).

So, Saturday at West Huntsville, parents will receive some elder-invited training from 12:30-3:00 pm from Ben Hayes. I plan to be there and I am praying for eternal blessings from this teaching. It will be live-streamed and archived at www.westhuntsville.org. Perhaps this might be useful for some of you. I don’t personally know Ben, but I am praying for him today.

In other news, we are currently “caught up” on the DD orders although “caught up” can never happen for very long! (That’s a good thing!) You downloaded more free copies, ordered more study guides, and fun stuff than you ever have before. Glenn has worn his old body out in packing and shipping. If you don’t have what you ordered (if you ordered before today)  by the end of September, there’s a problem and we will track it down or re-send. We have all new blue mugs and we have re-ordered stickers, because you have stuck so many of them all over the place! Don’t forget the podcast is next Tuesday night at 7 CST! It will be on the FB page and here: https://livestream.com/whcoc/for-women

We’ve scheduled the podcasts for the rest of 2023. This year, it seems, my schedule is particularly tricky toward the end of the months, so the schedule is a little off-kilter. Much of what I do has to be scheduled far in advance, so there are often conflicts. But, maybe by knowing ahead, you can make it work. There’s a particularly long (and more relaxing) podcast break over the year-end holidays. I find this helpful and I hope you will like it, too. Here are the podcast dates to get us through January:

October 17th

Nov 21st

January 9th

January 30th

Remember, too, if you don’t get every question done prior to the podcast, join us anyway and you’ll get a jump on what you’re lacking. If you don’t get all of every page done–ever–it’s still worth whatever time you are able to put in the study. It’s eternally rewarding to be in the book whenever we can. (And, sometimes, for me, “whenever I can” is more often, and for longer, than I really do get in there!)

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I just saw this article by digger, Shelby Camp. She’s just so right. I hope you can read:

Followers of Christ,

I read a Facebook post a couple days ago that was encouraging. It got me where it hurts. It stepped on my toes and pricked my heart. I even had a second thought about how I treat people in my home because of it. It was a positive thing and I’m glad I read it. It reminded me to be a mom who is present and understanding with my kids. Then I listened to a podcast about something similar. It was spiritual in nature, and it gave me some practical advice on how to implement Godly actions. But my actions didn’t consistently change. It was good advice and I wanted to implement it, I felt passionate about it, but it was rooted in emotion. Today, I was more tired. Today, my kids were more demanding. Today, I faced something bigger than what they spoke about in the podcast and I didn’t have a sword to fight it.
Then I went to Colossians 3 about “Putting on the New Self and letting the Word of Christ dwell in you richly.” My toes were stepped on, my heart was broken, my repentance was the response, my actions were changed, and I was able to put in the practical skills I had read earlier in that Facebook post because I put meat on it. I grabbed my sword and stood up to fight the enemy. I can be that better mom because of it. I can be the friend I want to be because of it. Because it isn’t me anymore, it’s Him.
These are the words of Jesus in John 15:3-4 “Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” If we are just relying on the “spiritual thoughts” of our local preachers, the Facebook posts someone “good” shares, a great podcast, a slew of “encouraging the soul books,” but we aren’t attached to The Vine, abiding in Jesus and His Words first and foremost, everyday, then we are like the branch that withers. Jesus describes this in verse 6: “If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, and thrown into the fire, and burned.” In verse 9-10: “As the father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my LOVE. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love…” (Go, abide in His Word, and read the entire chapter).
So when we read a Facebook post that really validates the way we feel about something concerning God or the church or our own sin or the way we think concerning things of the Bible or the way we act in our home, do we go to His Book to make sure it’s Truth validating us and to double check that it’s not our own emotions leading us astray or the Devil? Are we connected to the vine, the source for all Truth, Jesus and His Words, so that we have more than “encouraging words” and “passionate emotions” to combat the enemy we face every day? There is real power in the Word of God and in being immersed in the actual Jesus, rather than what others say “About Him and His Word.” This goes for conversations with friends/family, books we read, or things we listen to… I love talking about God and His people, I love reading books about spiritual things, I love a good podcast or sermon series that encourages me as a Christian and these things can be great tools in my belt… and I listen and refer to them on a weekly, almost daily basis, BUT if I’m choosing to indoctrinate myself with every dose of that while not immersing myself WAY MORE in God’s Book and finding out the Truth of His Word in my life for myself, I could easily be persuaded (accidentally and unknowingly) by something that isn’t actually from God. I don’t know if that makes sense… but let’s make sure those voices “about God” are actually FROM GOD ALMIGHTY.
Here are a few verses from 2 Timothy 3:14-4:18 (but go read The Book for yourself… read all of 1 and 2 Timothy today after scrolling or reading or listening to something that is only a reflection or maybe less than a reflection of God’s Words – don’t replace your personal bible study today with something that isn’t actually Bible Study):
“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you have learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof; for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work… preach the word… be ready in season and out of season… with complete patience… for the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”
And what are we doing this for according to scripture?? Where is the hope? See verses 17-18:
“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have KEPT THE FAITH. Henceforth there is
laid up for me the crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all
who have loved his appearing.”

 

 

Bless Your Heart by Cindy Colley

“She did not wash away her sins…”

Posted on September 24, 2020

Tonight,Maggie, my grand-daughter who just turned two, prayed that “Mammy will be baptized so her sins can be washed away.”

Her mother told her immediately that “Mammy has already been baptized.” Apparently she thinks my sins are still there because she replied “ But she did not wash away her sins.” 

When you are two, it’s a big and daunting theological world. When you are 61, it is even more complicated and daunting. When you are two, you cannot understand exactly what’s washed away in that water. When you are 61, you can’t understand how. When you are two, you’re afraid of the water. When you are 61, you are afraid of challenges of the path you walk after the water (Romans 6:4). Maggie is two and she can’t wait to be baptized “to wash away your sins” that do not yet exist. I’m 61, and I just praise Him ceaselessly for the constant washing of sins that I wish did not exist (1 John 1:7). 

I’m so thankful Maggie’s parents are putting the Word in her diligently and directionally. This week she’s told me about the father of the twelve tribes, the faith of Rahab, the man in the big fish and the one in the lion’s den, the small man in the Sycamore tree and the apostle to the Jews and the one to the Gentiles. I’ve heard her say the books of the New Testament from Matthew to Colossians and I’ve heard her talk about Moses the lawgiver and Jesus, the triumphant Savior, as he rode over palm branches and heard the words “Hosanna in the highest.”  The biggest blessing of spending a week with their little family has been watching their sweet family Bible time. Tonight was a scavenger hunt outside finding and praising God for the items on the Creation cards from Apologetics Press (https://store.apologeticspress.org/products/apcmst001). There have been various games and challenges, lots of laughter and reverent prayers at least five times each day. 

When I look into those big brown eyes and think about the world in which Maggie will grow up, I am profoundly grateful for her mother and daddy; for the church of which they are a part in their community —an eldership and a body that supports their family in the greatest ministry on earth. Most of all, I’m so thankful for the great gift of the Holy Spirit: the Word, that we open each day to find the keys to victorious living in a spiritually war-torn world.  As Maggie, said her “Bible words” for this week, I reflected on how very central they are to the work her family is striving to do in the Lord’s church. She really summarized the plea that encompasses their work:

“He who has an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 2:7).

May Maggie always hear with child-like faith what the precious Holy Spirit says to the churches!

I love you, Mags, and I am already missing you! Let’s talk on the phone.

Bless Your Heart by Cindy Colley

Countdown to Digging Deep 2020-21!

Posted on July 20, 2020

This may be the most exciting thing in my world right now. Next to the birth of Eliza Jane a few weeks ago, it’s my favorite birth of the year. It’s the upcoming “birth” of Digging Deep 2020-21 and it will occur on August 18th directly from the PTP files. More information about how to watch this episode of DD with its give-aways, the unveiling of the new 2020 theme, info about where to download the free study or purchase the deluxe study guide — everything  you need to watch and study, will be forthcoming right here! There will be t-shirts and I’m trying hard to negotiate a very limited number of hoodies this year, because I love hoodies! Remember, you can watch this on August 18th. I know you are going to love the study. You may not know you are going to love it, when you first hear it, but, I promise, if you love the Word of God, His scheme of redemption and His mercy in your own life, you will love this study. At this time next year, if you participate, you will be closer to Him and to heaven. But then, it’s that way every year; not because it has to do with this website or me, but because it’s a saturation in His Word.  It keeps me doing it year after year. I’m praying especially hard this year, because I’ve seen the Covid-19 pandemic have such an unbelievable effect on processes, large and small. I’m praying that it won’t limit, in any way, the free flow of the Word through Digging Deep. I hope you will pray this with me. The way we overcome fear, illness, societal ills and injustices is ultimately through the Word; thus I’m praying for more of the Word in sisters’ hearts this year and not less.

I know there are lots of avenues through which you can organize your Bible Study. Maybe DD is not the best one for you. That’s okay. Find your best and prioritize the Word in every single day of the next 12 months. What I hold in my hand when I hold that brown leather volume is the product of many miracles. It’s the one book that has the power to convey the mind of God to a mere 21st century woman like me, who is lost without its message.

I haven’t finished the glory study yet. Lots of you have. I have started hearing from you. Be sure and let me know THIS week if you’ve completed through month eleven–every lesson, every practical application and either every podcast or every Dig-a-Bit. Notify me at byhcontest@gmail.com. Also remember that the video podcast for July is happening on the 30th and that’s a Thursday this month. (I’ll be out of town the first half of next next week recording lessons for the upcoming virtual Polishing the Pulpit. I really hope you’re planning to “attend” that!) The July DD study for me, so far, of those who could build an idol at the foot of the smoking mountain, is astonishing. It makes me know that even God’s people can quickly lose heart and turn from principles of righteousness in times of frustration.

Keep Digging! Hang in there. To God be the glory!

Bless Your Heart by Cindy Colley

For the Diggers: A Plain Passage, the Spirit, and the Mystery

Posted on February 1, 2019

Responding to some questions, I’ve received about the Digging Deep January 2019 study, I want to spend a moment today in the last few verses of I Corinthians 2. I hope it is helpful as you finish up month five and move into the February study.

First of all, let me emphasize that I surely don’t think I know all the answers about the Holy Spirit, though there is much that we can know, for sure, on this side of eternity because we have a completed revelation.

It is very important for us to always put to use the very first rule of Bible interpretation or hermeneutics. That is, that we should never violate any of the plain passages–the very clear ones–as we try to figure out the ones that are more difficult to understand. As we look at 2 Timothy 3:16, we see some words that are plain and powerful. Scripture is literally “breathed of God”. It is, in language that is never used about ideas we may have in our minds or leadings of the heart. The scriptures are actually breathed of God. Then it says they are profitable for doctrine (it’s the teaching we need), reproof (it is the evidence or convicting power), correction (it is shows us when we need to change) and  instruction in righteousness (the guide to being right in His eyes, to being holy). As if that was not enough and repetitive enough, the plain passage goes on to say that it gives us everything we need for every single good work. This is a big assurance that scripture is ALL we need for everything we need to be in God’s economy and in His eyes. If the Holy Spirit gives us something extra, He is going beyond what is already the thorough furnishing of the Scriptures that were originally given by the Spirit in the first place. That is just a carte blanc statement of the full provision of knowledge by the Word given by the Spirit in Scripture and it is in very understandable terms. SO if there are other passages, and there are, that are harder to understand, we have to let this passage and other plain ones shed light on those more difficult ones rather than the other way around.

Next, about the mystery. From the passages in Ephesians and Colossians, we can clearly conclude that the mystery was completely revealed in the day of Paul the apostle. It was revealed to Paul and the apostles and prophets and they spoke it, preached it and wrote it to the New Testament Christians and we have those writings preserved for us today. So when Paul wrote, he was clearly teaching them that the mystery was no longer a mystery. He was revealing it to them at that time. We learned that the owners (or those who were keeping the mystery until the revelation Paul’s day) were God and Christ. We learned that the subject of the mystery was Christ and His grace. Then we learned that the essence, body, material of the mystery that was revealed in scripture was the gospel–the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. We gave a list on slides from of every verse that mentions a mystery in these two epistles on the podcast. I’ll put those lists here. I think you’ll clearly see that the mystery that Paul was talking about was the gospel and that it’s revelation happened in the first century.

Here are those notes, just so they will be on this page, too: 

The Mystery

1. Time revealed: Paul’s day (Col 1:25,26; Ephesians 3:2-4)

2. Its subject: Christ (Col. 1:25, 26); Grace (Eph. 3:2,3)

3. Its value: richness, glory (Col. 1:27)

4. Its purposes: comfort (Col.2:2); gathering all people together in Christ (Eph. 1:10); people could understand the mystery (Eph. 3:4)

5. Its owners: God and Christ (Col. 2:2)

6. Mode of transfer: speaking (Col. 4:3): preaching (Col. 1:26-28); writing (Eph. 3:3,4)of apostles and prophets (Eph. 3:4,5)

7. Other names for it: The Will of Christ (Eph.1:9); The gospel (Eph. 6:19)

Add to this list another plain passage which actually defines the “mystery”, having the word “mystery” and then a colon, and then the exegesis of what the “mystery” is–straight from the Holy Spirit. This is it: “mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” Here again, the mystery is defined by the passage itself, as being the gospel of Christ. (I Tim. 3:16…I really love that I can remember these passages because I Tim 3:16 tells us plainly what the “mystery” is and 2 Tim. 3:16 tells us where we have the revelation and that it is ALL we need to know to be equipped to do ALL we need to do. I love that the 3:16s are there and that they are such a good commentary on how God does John 3:16–(How he gives us the gospel so we can believe and be saved.)…So 3 great 3:16s that explain each other.

So then, I Corinthians 2:9 tells us that we are not relying on eye witness…that is we do not see with our eyes the gospel…the death burial and resurrection of Jesus. So much about eye witness information is questionable. Sometimes we think we see things that are not actually reality or we mistake identities or even imagine things that we really don’t see.

Then it says we are not relying on hearsay or verbal passing down of the gospel (hearing with our ears). That would be incredibly unreliable because “word of mouth” stories and accounts change and evolve as they are retold. That’s not how I want to learn the “mystery”, so I am very glad “ear has not heard.”

Then it says “neither has entered into the heart of man” I’m very glad about this one, too. The mystery or the things God has prepared for us to know doesn’t just come through a message to my heart. If it did 1) there would be no need for the written revelation because I would know the mystery from this “heart” revelation, and 2) I think I would have a hard time discerning between what God was putting in my heart and what was being put there by the devil and his forces. I’m very glad I do not have to rely on something being laid on my heart or an internal nudging or a feeling of being led. Here it is clear that I do not have to depend on these things to enjoy what God has prepared for me.

Then it goes on to make it really clear that “words” are the vehicle by which I can know the mind of God. It says that just like no one can know what a man is thinking (or the spirit of a man) unless he tells us, that likewise we can’t know what God thinks unless His Spirit communicates that. Then it says we get this information, not in words that man speaks, but rather we have it in the words of the Holy Spirit. So, to this point, we have that it’s not something we had to see with our own eyes, or a gospel we had to hear verbally, or a mystery that just “entered our hearts”. Rather it was a mystery given in WORDS by the Spirit of God. It says “we” (Paul and the other inspired men) speak (and by implication, write)…what has been given by the Spirit of God (vs. 11 and 12).

So…who is it that can’t discern or rejects–does not understand—the revealed Will of God? The “natural man” (the Greek word) only appears one other time in the New Testament. That’s Jude, verse 19, where it is translated as “sensual”. Sensual, worldly people are not going to receive and appreciate the words of the Spirit as delivered by Paul…but rather those who choose to be governed by God and His Spirit. The rational souls (Greek meaning of “spiritual” here)… the ones who are choosing NOT to be worldly and sensual…THOSE people– are the ones who are going to more readily receive the Words of the spirit and thus have the mind of Christ. Paul said he and others have the mind of Christ. He had it in words. It was delivered in words and so we, too, can have the mind of Christ.