Jesus You See, part 2, Help Steve at Conferences in 2020
Jesus You See, part 2
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8) I have read this verse many times and struggled to order my thoughts around things that were honorable, just, pure, lovely, etc. However now that I am developing the discipline of meditating on the character of Jesus regularly, I am applying this passage to thinking about Him. For He alone is truly “honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise.”
Jesus is the Word Made Flesh
Psalm 1 mentions how blessed is the man who delights in, and meditates upon, God’s law, and the positive fruit this activity produces. “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” (Psalm 1:1-3 ESV) The Amplified Version expands our understanding of this man receives such excellent fruit in his life by focusing, pondering, and meditating throughout the day. “Blessed (happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man …. His delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.” (Psalm 1:1-2 AMP)
Knowing Jesus
The more attention I give to studying and making a habit of thinking and focusing on Jesus, His name, and His character, the more real He becomes and the more I know Him. I have been considering the invitation Jesus extends in Matthew 11:28-29. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jesus gives rest. He is meek, gentle, humble, and approachable. Jesus is safe. I have a great desire to embody those same characteristics, to my wife, children, my grandchildren, and especially three little foster boys who are dear to me. I want them to find rest and not more trauma when they come near to me.
Jesus First
Some days I wish I was engaged in more activity for Jesus. My nature is to be doing. Then God patiently reminds me that growing in my knowledge of Him is the most important pursuit I have. “Thus says the LORD: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.’” (Jeremiah 9:23-24)
Mediations on the Character of Jesus, part 2
In the December Newsletter I posted 10 studies to serve as guides for connecting with the living God based on the principles of Psalm 100. As we continue to move forward into 2020 celebrating the birth of Jesus, the next ten studies are accompanied by a Christmas hymn to “come into His presence with singing and enter His courts with praise.”
Help Steve at Conferences
I am looking for families and individuals to help promote Stewardship, the Hymnbook, and other Building Faith Families products at the Demme Learning booth. In 2020 Demme Learning will be present at homeschool conventions and curriculum fairs throughout the country. We have math and spelling specialists who serve at these fairs, and I am looking for kindred spirits to represent Building Faith Families. In exchange for your time and energy serving at the booth serving for a portion of a day, you will be gifted with Demme Learning products. If you are interested in participating or learning more about this new venture, email Steve at sdemme@demmelearning.com. Mention which fair you will be attending and I will be in touch with more details in February.
Upcoming Events
For those of you who live near Pennsylvania, Building Faith Families is sponsoring a one day event called “Midwinter Encouragement” focused on serving home educators.
Podcasts
Numbers 218-229 Biblical Husbanding, or Loving Our Wives as Jesus has Loved His Bride are being released each week. Thank you for those who pray for our podcasts. May they be a blessing to all who listen. You may access them here, on iTunes, or on Google play, by searching for Building Faith Families with Steve Demme.
Transcriptions
This series of podcasts on Loving Your Wife are being transcribed for those who prefer reading to listening. Look for a link to the text in subsequent emails and on the podcast page. Growing in grace and the knowledge of Jesus, Steve