A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
Proverbs 25:11

Sunday, December 16, 2007

a Lesson for me....for you?

I found this devotional VERY convicting...and thought that some of you would too...
btw...I did use a system to read your Bible through in a year...the best system I have ever used...not overwhelming...I finished early this year...and will be doing a post on it....this week
so.....please...read on:


And the Child Grew
by Dr. Paul Chappell


“And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.”

Luke 2:40


John Bois was one of the men who helped translate the 1611 King James Version of the Bible into English. “At the age of five, John Bois could read the Bible in Hebrew. By the time he was six years old, he not only wrote Hebrew legibly, but in a fair and elegant character. According to historical records, John Bois soon distinguished himself by his great skill in Greek, writing letters in that language to the Master and Senior Fellows, when he had been but half a year in college.

“It was a common practice of John Bois to go to the University Library at four o’clock in the morning, and stay without intermission till eight in the evening. When he was elected Fellow of his College in 1580, he was laboring under that formidable disease, the small pox. But, with his usual resolution, rather than lose his seniority, he had himself wrapped in blankets, and was carried to be admitted to his office by his tutors.

“For ten years, he was Greek lecturer in his college; and during that time, he voluntarily lectured in his own chamber at four o’clock in the morning, most of the Fellows being in attendance!

“He was ‘in fastings oft,’ sometimes twice in the week; and punctual in all religious duties. His preaching was without notes, though not without much prayer and study. He took but two meals, dinner and supper, and never drank at any other time. He would not study between supper and bed-time; but spent the interval in pleasant discourse with friends. He took special care of his teeth, and carried them nearly all to the grave. Up to his death, his brow was unwrinkled, his sight clear, his hearing quick, his countenance fresh, and head not bald. He ascribed his health and longevity to adhering and observing certain disciplines taught to him by his tutor.” (Biographical sketch from Alexander McClure)

John Bois increased in wisdom and stature. He did not let time go to waste; rather, he embraced the study and work of God. God blessed him for his service. The principle is clear. When we grow in the wisdom of God’s Word, and when we maturely take care of the bodies God has given to us, we will be more like Jesus.

Luke 2:52 says, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Little is written about the youth of our Lord, so we must take into serious consideration the small amount of text referring to His youth. After Jesus was born, He grew.

After we are born into the body of Christ, we are to grow in the Lord. Has there been a progressive, growing change since you have entered into the family of God? Challenge yourself through Scripture to grow in wisdom and in stature. John Bois grew in wisdom and stature, and God favored him by choosing him to help translate the Scriptures. Jesus Christ grew in wisdom and in stature, and God used Him to become the Saviour of this world. Imagine what God could do with your life if you sincerely lived a life growing in wisdom and in stature!

20 comments:

Sharon said...

Deby,
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this!! Thank you for posting it. I'm going to post a link to it from my blog if you don't mind.
:-)

Michelle-ozark crafter said...

Hon, this is very good! I have grown greatly in the Lord but I beleive we can always continue to grow and learn for all our days1 i hope you are feeling better!

Cathy said...

Yes, Deby, it is convicting. It is too bad God's word is not read like it was back then. You know the word says regarding His Words - Pr 4:22-
For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. No wonder he was in good health.

Pam--in America said...

That was great...and you're right, very convicting. Thanks for posting.

Sis. Julie said...

Great post Sis!! Thank you for sharing it with us. We all need to read this!! I'm glad I did!!

jennifer said...

Wow! What an inspiration for us all!!!

By the way LOVE lOVe LoVE all the kitten names:)
Jennifer

Susan said...

May we all strive for this during the coming New Year.
Susan

Annie said...

Very inspiring. You have a wonderful blog.Thanks for posting. Nice to meet you.
annie

DonnaB said...

I loved this post...I had never heard of the man before but he must have been really inspiring since his testimony has lived on.

Unknown said...

Very convicting, thanks for this reminder that we all need to continue to grow in the wisdom & knowledge of the Lord....

Anonymous said...

Hi Chole,
Yes we are spoiled. I think we both must have our mommys train well. I am so happy you visited me. I love to have friends stop by.
I bet it cold where you are.
It has been cold here. Mommy keeps me dressed in silly clothes to stay warm.
Love,
Miss Candi

Lallee said...

What an interesting and accomplished person. I enjoyed reading this. Thank you for sharing!

Anonymous said...

After we are born into the body of Christ, we are to grow in the Lord. Amen!

Anonymous said...

Hi Deby,
I love the picture at the top of your blog.
Hugs,
Elizabeth

Jodi said...

Wonderful post, Deby. We love reading biographies of Christians in our home ~ so inspiring. I like the verse Cathy posted, too. Without the meat of God's Word there will not be spiritual growth.

Lallee said...

Deby, my camera is a Sony DSC-N2, 10.1 megapixels. I love it and highly recommend it. It is very user friendly and does great macro shots like you noticed.

Anonymous said...

I'm so thankful our church studies the Word ~ Genesis through Revelation, verse by verse, over the course of 2 years - then we begin again. The Lord has blessed us with an excellent *teaching* Pastor who challenges us with preparing for the next week by reading ahead and digging deeper, becoming students of the Word.

Beautiful post, Deby. Thank you.

on another note, I love your quip about the Pacific North Wet. haha. Early this morning I saw my hubby off to work. Outside on the driveway I looked up and saw the most lovely dark sky dotted with stars. Along with the very cool temp (35) it was a sweet experience. Sure am glad I was wearing Clark's big robe though...it was a tich chilly!

Anonymous said...

Hi Deby,
It seems you are going to have all grandsons and I am going to have all granddaughters. Maybe someday we might be kin. LOL Never know we live in a small world.:)
Hugs,
Elizabeth

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

Thanks for visiting my blog. I'm enjoying reading yours as well! Tonight I added more of my Nativity collection if you would like to come see!

Katherine

ellen b. said...

Deby,
Thanks for posting this great devotonal. Imagine what we can do for the Lord if we continue to grow in wisdom and stature. It's never too late...