PLEASANT VALLEY
CHURCH OF CHRIST

THOUGHTS

GOD's reasoning is far superior to ours - Isaiah 55:8-9; Romans 11:33-36. If we try to filter things from the infinite mind of GOD through our finite minds, we will find that it just won't work. That would be like trying to funnel Niagara Falls through a drinking straw. You cannot do it.

The 23 Psalm is a lesson to remind ourselves of the wonderful provision, protection, and preservation the Lord furnishes His people.

The Lord is my Shepherd - David was a shepherd in his youth and now he is saying the Lord is his Shepherd and he is the flock of sheep the Lord tends to. He also felt this way as king because he shepherd over Israel.  

Lie down in green pastures - Any distrubance or intruder scares sheep. They are very fearful animals and cannot lie down unless they feel totally secure. David uses "green pastures" to express his view of the abundant care God gives to his people.

 Still Waters - Sheep are afraid of fast-flowing streams. God's provision of "still waters" has a soothing effect and calms the sheep.

Valley of the shadow of death, You are with me" - This can refer to any distressing time in our lives. We are aware of sickness, trials and hardship. But the Lord, our Protector, can lead us through these dark and difficult valleys to eternal life with Him. There is no need to fear death's power - 1 Corinthians 15:25-27.

Your rod and your staff - the shepherds used the rod and staff to rescue, protect, and guide the sheep. Just as the Lord stands over us and protects us.

We have many fears that surround us and keep us from living as God wants. In Isaiah 12:1-2, 41:8-10, we receive wonderful words of comfort. In Isaiah 41:10 we are told "Fear not, for I am with you...." In Isaiah 12:2 speaks the word "afraid". This kind of fear is what we are not to have.  To overcome fear we need to: Trust in God - Philippians 4:7, Lay hold on God's Word - Romans 15:4. We can have VICTORY OVER FEAR, because FAITH IS THE VICTORY.

Uphold The Truth - If we love the truth we will not only be willing to live in harmony with it, but we will uphold and defend it. The apostle Paul praised the Philippians because they were partakers with him in the defense of the Gospel - Philippians 1:7 - "just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace."  The word "right" is short for "righteous" which conveys Paul's thoughts that the Philippians were in perfect accord with God's will. The word "heart" refers to the innermost part of a person. The word "defense" means "verbal or speech defense". Paul was not silent while in prison, and would testify Jesus Christ at his judicial proceedings. The word "confirmation" means "validating a guarantee".  Defense and Confirmation are the negative and positive aspects of Paul's ministry. He defended the gospel against opponents attacks, and he confirmed the gospel through powerful signs. When you combine these words together, you get this message: "WITH A RIGHTEOUS HEART, DEFEND AND CONFIRM THE GOSPEL."

Persevere - The New Testament makes it clear that faith alone can save by believing in God's Word. But it makes it equally clear that perseverance in doing good works is the greatest indication that an individuals faith is genuine - James 2:14-26. Perseverance springs from a faithful trust that God has been steadfast toward His people. Through persevering in God's work, Christians prove their deep appreciation for God's saving grace - 1 Corinthians 15:57-58. As a result of of perseverance, the Christian can expect not only to enhance the strength of the church, but also to build up strength of character - Romans 5:3-4. Christians can also expect to become closer to God. We learn we can persevere primarily because God is intimately related to us - Romans 8:25-27. Especially because we have the assurance of a final reward in heaven - 1 John 5:13.

 In 1 Corinthians 14:15, Paul in this chapter is speaking to the church at Corinth about the principles of governing tongues. In verse 15 Paul says - "What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding." At the day of Pentecost, all the Apostles were able to speak in different languages, so all that were present were able to understand what was being said. This is what Paul is saying, pray and sing with understanding means you have awareness and comprehend what you are saying so the uninformed can understand as well. We sing praises unto God and give God our thanks for all He has blessed us with. God deserves this from us for His greatness and love He has shown for us.

In Matthew 10:8, Jesus tells the Apostles to "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give." Now we cannot physically do what the Jesus and the Apostles could do, however we have the power of prayer. God hears our prayers to comfort and strengthen those who are ill. God will do as such if it be His Will. And when prayers are answered, we ALWAYS thank God for healing those we have prayed for.

SHARPER THAN A SWORD - 5 Characteristics of the Godly!

#1. The Godly Put God First!

#2. The Godly are Humble!

#3 The Godly are Generous!

#4. The Godly are Prayerful!

#5. The Godly Obey the Word!