Day 1
Quiet
(definitions from dictionary.com)
- making no noise or sound, esp. no disturbing sound
free, or comparatively free, from noise - silent
- restrained in speech, manner, etc.; saying little
- free from disturbance or tumult; tranquil; peaceful
- being at rest.
refraining or free from activity, esp. busy or vigorous activity - making no disturbance or trouble; not turbulent; peaceable
- motionless or moving very gently
free from disturbing thoughts, emotions, etc.; mentally peaceful - said, expressed, done, etc., in a restrained or unobtrusive way
not showy or obtrusive; subdued
not busy or active - to make quiet.
to make tranquil or peaceful; pacify
to calm mentally, as a person
to silence
1 Thessalonians 11-12 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
Day 2
I want to look a little into what it means to live a quiet life. In the Word, quiet in this reference does not refer to the first three definitions from yesterday. It does not mean to be silent or have nothing to say. Quite the opposite, we are called to live our faith loudly, exalting our God.
Lets take a look at the other definitions.
being at rest: Matthew 11:29 "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS."
peaceable, mentally peaceful, creating peace: Hebrews 12:11-15 "All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble,
and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble..."
Does it surprise you that a quiet (peaceful) life takes so much work?
Day 3
Let me make a note of importance here, your salvation is about God's grace and mercy and your faith in Jesus Christ, it has nothing to do with what you "do".
That being said, I will now go on to say that everyone lives their lives in obedience to something. Are you living a life in response to God's love or are you still bound by flesh and sin?
Living a quiet life doesn't mean you are perfect. It is simply understanding that everything you do is a picture to the world of the God that you follow. What does your life say about your God?
Let us look at the scriptures again:
1 Thessalonians 11-12
11Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
How is this world view of life different from what we are taught in society today?
Hebrews 12:11-15 "All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble..."
Scripture says we are a being molded by God, being made perfect. What importance does discipline play in our walk with God?
Why do you think both scriptures refer to the importance of physical strength?
Day 4
Matthew 11:29 "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS."
These words tell us so much about our faith. Lets break it down a little. A yoke is used in farming, connected to oxen or horses to pull wagons or plows. Lets draw a picture here, I'm a visual person so hopefully this helps you too. Imagine if you will that your cross or burden in this life is your plow, you are the horse. Something needs to connect you to your calling, something needs to guide you, something needs to show you the way. Now by your faith you have connected the yoke, or Holy Spirit [whom adds no extra burden but will teach and show you the way] and He connects you with the life you are meant to live.
In this life we will all carry different burdens. Sometimes our plows feel heavy and sorrowful. Other times the work seems simple and joyful. Regardless of the current load, your soul finds rest. You are promised eternal life. These moments here, at this time and this place, are short and sweet but will be only a drop in the bucket in comparison to the amount of time our souls with rest with our Lord and Savior, Jesus.
Day 5
Look around you. What do you see? What do you hear? Is your life quiet? How do we know if we are living a quiet life? It is easy to get busy with the business of being called to serve God. I know many of you who have come to your Friday to-do list and are still working on the things from Tuesday. Do you think this is the life God intended for you? If someone took a still shot of your life, would they see a picture of the God you say you serve?
Abba, Father~This week you have so graciously reminded me of the importance of the life I lead. Thank you for your mercy, for inviting me to be a part of your family. Thank you that my life can be a picture of that love and grace. Forgive me for any discontent, bitterness, grief that I may have caused this week. May your light shine through me, may my life be the quiet life you call it to be. Dependent on only YOU!! ~In the precious name of Jesus.
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