International Christian Church Quiet Times

Author: Jeremy

The Greatest Role

The Ark of the Covenant

1 Chronicles 17:1-15
– David became aware of his lifestyle of luxury in the palace while the Ark of the Lord remained outdoors under a tent.
– He set out to continue the commitment he previously made to build a temple for the Lord.
– God was with David (verse 2 & 8) and altered this plan for the betterment of David.
– David would not be the one chosen to build God’s temple, but his offspring would.

One of my deepest desires is to someday be a Women’s Ministry Leader. It has always been a dream of mine to help women, but now that I know more about the Bible, I wish to do so in a permanent way by sharing with others how God has taught me to utilize the scriptures in every situation, how to transform my thoughts through Godly perspective, and how to seek the Word as the ultimate authority and my unfailing support system. In my first year as a Christian, I noticed that the roles of leadership I assumed brought me closer to that goal were given to others and not to me. I became hopeless, envious and discouraged. After a great time of self-evaluation and prayer, I saw how prideful and ungrateful I had become and completely missed the wonderful role that God had intended for me to have – to simply be a “helper”. I also lacked the right heart behind the position I aimed for, and it was God’s grace that spared me some heartache and trial. Once I focused in on my new role of being a “servant to all”, I found myself happier than ever before. The Lord showed me more and more each day how serving, encouraging, loving and pulling people in to become united was tailored to my character, and that in this role, I could still be a great help. With this newfound glorious position without a “title”, and without any recognition that God so systematically placed me in, I have come to true contentment. This peace could only come from one perspective change. It is that my worth is not in a role, but in God.

Questions for Reflection:
Q: Have you fallen into a luxurious lifestyle and forgotten your duties to God?
Q: What has God called for you to do and in what ways have you submitted and surrendered to it?
Q: How content are you with where you’re currently at?

1 Chronicles 17:16-27
– David may have been king but he had true reverence for the one and only King.
– He not only saw God’s hand in every victory he had but he was grateful for every challenge and lesson as well.
– David trusted God’s plan and promise even if it was not what he expected.
– God blessed his household forever.

When I think of the relationship between David and God, I feel very comforted. God chose David among many amazing men to be king. He brought him many victories, personally blessed him, and raised him up in everything he did. God showed how He valued David’s plan by altering it to make it happen. I believe He is doing that with me as well. God not only brought an incredible young woman to my life, but helped me relate to her through our past, to be a great friend, to show her God’s will for her life in the scriptures, to baptize her, to disciple her, and now raise her up to be a Leader in the Church. My dream came true after all. God’s plan is perfect and when we submit to it, we have the opportunity to change many lives, and more importantly, our own.

Questions for Reflection:
Q: Do you believe God is working for your dreams to come true?
Q: If so, where do you see plans being altered for the betterment of your future?

Challenge:
1 – Evaluate your life, your heart and your plan. Make the decision to make all three match God’s.
2 – Write down three areas where God has personally made your dream come true in the role you’re in.
3 – Have confidence in who God made you to be, not who you saw yourself as.

March 27, 2015
The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree

“Once there was a tree, and she loved a little boy.” – Shel Silverstein

1 Chronicles 28:10
– He chose you, He loves you and you have been set apart.
– God has prepared you in advance do great things for His people. (Ephesians 2:10)

When I reflect on my past, I can see clear evidence that God has prepared me in advance to become a Disciple and a fisher of women. (Mark 1:14-18) At eighteen years old, He allowed me to work with one of LA’s top Talent Agencies, along with working as a grassroots activist for children’s rights. In both areas, He refined my resolve while He built my character in a highly cut-throat industry. He showed me how to not personalize the many critiques and criticisms that came. He also forged in me the ability to relate to artists, actors, choreographers and directors, who have been in the same field I was in. I was taught how to care, how to persevere, and a variety of other things. Similarly, the same thing happens to us as we try to build God’s Church. He tells us that the road will not be easy, you may get hurt, but if you remember that God personally chose you out of many, His love is unfailing, and that He is at your side while you fight to love His people, you will see the plan He specifically has for your life. (Psalm 25:14)

1 Chronicles 29:6-9
– The leaders of the families, the officers of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king’s work, gave willingly.
– Always be ready to give up your best.
– Maintain an “it’s-not-about-me” mindset.

“… and she loved a boy very, very much– even more than she loved herself.” – Shel Silverstein

Prior to having an intimate relationship with God, I believed my best was what I did for a living, and what I looked like. I relied on both of those things as a source of fulfillment and love. Once I came to the knowledge of the Truth, “that every good and perfect gift came from God,” (James 1:17) I found those things to no longer be “mine,” but rather God’s. True love is only found when we’re with Him. He sacrificed His one and only son, whom had never sinned, and never would, so that I may come to find salvation and an everlasting friendship with God. God has proved just how much He loved me. With the calling for me to be a Disciple, and to “give up everything,” (Luke 14:25-33) I sought out to prove my love to Him by sacrificing “my life.” I ended a relationship, I lost a home, I gave up my agent, I surrendered anything I found reliance in, and I devoted myself to becoming a living sacrifice. God became my only God and what I depend on, and it has been the most rewarding and most beautiful journey I could ever hoped for. As I live this new life with Him, I know I wouldn’t change or take back what I’ve given up for anything because God never second guessed Himself in doing the same.

Questions for Reflection:
Q: What have you personally given up for God? How do you feel about what you’ve given up?
Q: What is God calling you to give up now? Do you believe it will make a difference in your life, or for others? (Mark 10:29)
Q: What has God personally gave up for you? Write down what His sacrifice has done in your life and in the lives of others.

And after a long time the boy came back again.
“I am sorry, Boy,” said the tree, “but I have nothing left to give you-
My apples are gone.”
“My teeth are too weak for apples,” said the boy.
“My branches are gone,” said the tree.
“You cannot swing on them-”
“I am too old to swing on branches,” said the boy.
“My trunk is gone,” said the tree.
“You cannot climb-”
“I am too tired to climb,” said the boy.
“I am sorry,” sighed the tree.
“I wish that I could give you something… but I have nothing left. I am an old stump. I am sorry…”
“I don’t need very much now,” said the boy, “just a quiet place to sit and rest. I am very tired.”
“Well,” said the tree, straightening herself up as much as she could,
“well, an old stump is a good for sitting and resting. Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest.”
And the boy did.
And the tree was happy.
– Shel Silverstein

Challenge:
1 – Give freely.
2 – Give wholeheartedly.
3 – Give up everything.

March 21, 2015
Who is God?

Because I struggle with understanding why God does what he does and having faith in His will, it is important for me to study out who God is according to the Bible. Being a disciple is difficult and there are many emotional and material costs that come with it. In my pride, I want to view God in a very negative light in order to justify my attitudes about the struggles of being a disciple. “Why would God create a world where so few would choose Him?” “God feels loved when I’m in pain.” “The world is God’s game.” These thoughts, though very arrogant and entitled, can very easily be my realities when I begin to trust what I think is true over what the Bible says, and even equate my relationship with my physical father to the relationship I have with God. The scriptures that follow compose one of my favorite and most important quiet times.

What authority does the Bible have?

Hebrews 4:12-13

12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

These thoughts originate in an attitude in my heart that can be dealt with using the Bible. It is important that I minister to these thoughts because I must give an account of them someday.

Let’s get started:

Jeremiah 29:11-14

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.[b] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

God plans to:

-prosper me

-not harm me

-give me hope

-give me a future

-listen to me

-be found by me

definitions:

“prosper”: to make successful.

“harm”: have an adverse effect on.

“hope”: a feeling of trust.

God does not feel loved when I am in pain; harming is not his intention. Harm does not come from God, for this is simply out of character for Him. Life’s harm comes from sin; sin from self, the sin of others, and the devil’s schemes all play a part in the hurt one experiences in life. Harm from the devil that is allowed by God should not be equated to “God harms”, for it is biblically impossible.

1 Timothy 2:3-4

3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

God is not laughing when people do not choose Him. Because discipleship is essentially adoption into God’s house, it hurts God when potential children refuse to have any part with God. God gives everyone the opportunity (Acts 17:26-28) and desperately wants them to take it. This can be paired with the Jeremiah 29 scripture as well. Because God does not want to harm, it would only make sense for Him to want the best for each individual, especially when it comes to salvation.

Genesis 6:5-6

5 The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. 6 The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled.

Sin is something that God feels very deeply about. It hurts Him to the point where He would undo a lot of work that He initially found good (Genesis 1). Because of this fact, humanity is not a “fun” thing for God, nor was it His science experiment. In fact, this verse might suggest that allowing humanity to live is something of an emotional sacrifice for God. What’s in it for God? To prosper the creation that he loves very deeply with only a possibility of that creation returning the favor.

Though there are plenty of other scriptures out there on God and who He is, these are a few that really minister to my heart when I’m in times of doubt.

March 18, 2015
Brave Heart

Brave Heart

1 Chronicles 8:40
– The sons of Ulam were brave warriors.
– They could handle their bow.
– They multiplied themselves.

Are you brave?

Brave = “To be ready to face and endure danger or pain; showing courage.”

“He was a brave soldier.”

One of the things I’ve struggled with my whole life is pain. Enduring it is definitely not one my strengths, but it has certainly taught me a few key things. Pain is essential. If you want to give love or receive love, it takes true perseverance. From the age five and up, I was physically, sexually and emotionally abused. I got to a place where I didn’t want to “feel” anymore. I didn’t see the need for trusting or “opening up.” I ran to things that took any and all emotion out of me such as music, dance, drugs, and relationships. When all was said and done, I found myself empty and alone. The emptiness inside of me prompted me to run in a direction I never thought I would: God. With Him I’ve learned what true trust and love is. (I John 4:18) He showed me that this world wasn’t the safe and secure place that I thought it was, but that only He was. He became my safe zone and my refuge, which gave me the courage to forgive and move on. With His help I’ve been able to see pain as a blessing, and now I love helping other young women find the positives in negative situations. Pain has refined my character, showed me my weak areas and ultimately trained me to be ready for the next battle.

Questions for reflection:
Q: How do you deal with pain?
Q: Do you numb it or embrace it?
Q: Can you handle correctly your bow? (The Word of God)

1 Chronicles 9:1
– The people of Judah were taken captive because of their unfaithfulness.
– We can all fall into a trap if we don’t know our Bible well enough, and can be lead astray by other’s opinions of the scriptures versus what the Word actually says.
– We must study the Bible often so that we’re never led astray.

1 Chronicles 9:13

Are you able?

Able = “Having considerable skill, proficiency, or intelligence.”

“The dancers were technically very able.”

Questions for reflection:
Q: How often do you cultivate your skills?
Q: Do you share them with others?

– If you watch and listen to others do something skillfully, it may inspire you but if you are not personally attempting to do it yourself, you’ll never be able to be trained in it.
– Bravery takes action. Action takes courage. Courage takes hope.

“Never stop looking for what’s not there.” -Monte Wildhorn

Challenge:
1 – Be trained through pain and suffering.
2 – Be brave in everything you do.
3 – Learn how to properly use the Word
4 – Trust the soldiers around you with your life.

March 17, 2015
Covering Over And Understanding An Offense
“An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.” – Proverbs 18:19

Proverbs 18:19
19 An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.
- This is the key scripture. When someone is offended – they are unyielding. The plant a flag. They “stand their ground” on their thoughts, perceptions, and opinions.
- Am I offended? Are they offended? Am I willing to listen? Are they?
The question is then, what do the scriptures teach about dealing with someone who is offended?

Proverbs 17:9
9 He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
- We must repent of repeating the matter(s) between the those that are offended and ourselves – especially within other relationships. This is like keeping a record of wrongs! What am I promoting with my speech? With how I act towards others? What am I saying about them?
- It is not healthy for other disciples to get polluted with our own evil suspicions (due to the offense). We cannot keep repeating to others our negative view, our view of each other, of leaders, of “the church” when we are in a state of mind of being offended.
- This “repeating” to others leads to us “separating close friends.” We must be careful and loving and refuse to repeat the matter. This kind of action is what builds gossip and dissension in the family of God.
- The fact is that we need not to repeat the offenses that we sense – perceived or very real – except to people who can actually help us with our heart and our sin.
Proverbs 19:10
11 A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.
- This is where we need to get. We have to see our LACK of a “THICK SKIN” as UNWISE AND UNLOVING – because the only reason someone will lack patience is because they lack love.
- Why does the scripture say, “It is to his glory?” Because patience wins souls. When you overlook offenses – it’s because you love someone deeply. (1 Peter 4:8) That kind of mercy is at the heart of wisdom. This is the kind of wisdom that we need to go after. This is the kind of wisdom God wants us to have.
About the Father – how does he deal with us and our offenses? If we am going to follow Jesus – then we have to be like the Father. That is what we need to go after – be like Jesus, be like the Father.

Isaiah 43
22 “Yet you have not called upon me, O Jacob,
you have not wearied yourselves for me, O Israel.
23 You have not brought me sheep for burnt offerings,
nor honored me with your sacrifices.
I have not burdened you with grain offerings
nor wearied you with demands for incense.
24 You have not bought any fragrant calamus for me,
or lavished on me the fat of your sacrifices.
But you have burdened me with your sins
and wearied me with your offenses.

25 “I, even I, am he who blots out
your transgressions, for my own sake,
and remembers your sins no more.

This is really deep. God is saying to his people that they have not called on him – or wearied themselves for him. The intent here is not “weary” like – Galatians 6 weary – but wore out because you’ve worked so hard for the LORD. He’s getting weary – worn out and burdened buy their sins. GOD is right and just in that – we are NOT God. But this tells me that he totally can relate to me. When you offend God by sinning against him, even he can get burdened and wearied – even though he is the one who blots out and forgets all our sins. God understands.

Isaiah 44:21-23
21 “Remember these things, O Jacob,
for you are my servant, O Israel.
I have made you, you are my servant;
O Israel, I will not forget you.
22 I have swept away your offenses like a cloud,
your sins like the morning mist.

Return to me,
for I have redeemed you.”
23 Sing for joy, O heavens, for the LORD has done this;
shout aloud, O earth beneath.
Burst into song, you mountains,
you forests and all your trees,
for the LORD has redeemed Jacob,
he displays his glory in Israel.

It is to God’s glory that he redeemed his people. That he forgives all their offenses like a cloud and then calls them to return to him. God forgives and then calls others to return to him. This is what he does for us. We need to do this for one another. Then, we will bring glory to our God and be like him in our relationships!

Suggest Prayer Focus
- When I am offended, help me to love deeply and cover over it to promote love.
- May conflict and offenses when they come be about you and your honor – as well as the salvation of other people – instead of how offended I feel personally.
- When I admonish, rebuke, encourage, teach and preach – I pray your spirit guides me and gives me the words that will express your heart the clearest, inspiring repentance and obedience in those around me.
- Help me remember how do you handle the burden of my sins and the offenses I have committed that weary you? You covered them over with the very blood of your son Jesus for me! May I reject the heart of the unmerciful servant and be like you!
Jeremy Ciaramella
September 16, 2014