He did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the LORD.

2 Chronicles 12:12-14 (New International Version, ©2010)

12 Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the LORD’s anger turned from him, and he was not totally destroyed. Indeed, there was some good in Judah.
13 King Rehoboam established himself firmly in Jerusalem and continued as king. He was forty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city the LORD had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel in which to put his Name. His mother’s name was Naamah; she was an Ammonite. 14 He did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the LORD.

This morning I was listening to the Bible on my ipod. Verse 14 struck me. Rehoboam did evil because he did not set his "heart on seeking the LORD". Wow! I have not set my heart on seeking the LORD. Sure I go to church, I give money, I teach Pioneer Club and I try to be a good person with varying degrees of success. However I don't SEEK the LORD that often. He get bits and pieces, here and there, when and if I have time or motivation.

In my meditation on this I'm reminded of Deut. 6:4-6, which is repeated by Jesus himself in Mathew 22:36-38 where he ads this is the GREATEST commandment. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."

I take heart in verse 12 because when Rehoboam humbled himself, God was able to use him for good. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Confession means to agree with God that you have sinned. Admit you have broke His standard. You now repent and decide to turn from it. God will forgive.

I hope that someone may benefit from the lesson God taught me today from his Word.

Servanthood. What are your motives?

Philipians 2:3-4

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

This verse resides on my desk top. I put it there as a reminder to think of others as better than me. All too often I put ME on the throne of importance at the expense of relationships within my family.

This morning I reread the verses. The selfish ambition part is what struck me today. What are my motives. Is my humility real or just an act to save face infront of family, friends and church? My prayer is that it's real. My hope is the Holy Spirit will change me and teach me to love my family as I should.

After all this goes through my head, I read the following scripture for today's Bible study.

John 13:3-15 I encourage you to read the entire passage, but I only want to concentrate on the first three verses.

3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

Verse 3: Jesus knew who he was. There was no question in His mind about his position with the disciples.

Verse 4: "so he got up" This tells me what is to follow is BECAUSE of who He is.

Verse 5: He washed and dryed their feet. In Bible times people wore sandles so feet got dirty fast in Isreal. Hosts would provide guests with water to wash or a servant of the house would wash the guest's feet. This was a menial task done by the lowest in the home.

Jesus. Master. Teacher. Rabbi. Son of God. Washed the disciple's feet to teach them that leaders must be servants. We as Fathers and Husbands are to serve our families. Not so we can get what we want, but to lead by Jesus' example.

I hope that someone will benefit from what the Lord is teaching me.

Submission

Proverbs 3:3-6

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Why don't we submit? We don't really trust that God's way is better.

I won't step off a cliff because I know that gravity will pull me down and though the fall might be fun, that sudden stop at the end is going to hurt and has the potential to kill me.

Hebrew 11:24-26 Sin too is fun, but only for a short time. The end of it hurts and leads to death. Romans 6:23 23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

As we enter this CHRISTmas season, ask yourself if you really trust God.

Where do you live?

Hebrews 11:1-16

This is the famous "faith" chapter. I want to focus on verse 13 through the end of the chapter.

13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.


When I read verse 13 I am humbled. These folks died having not received the promise, yet they knew it was coming and still had faith. They lived this life as a stranger here.

I think of my "instant" live. High speed internet is too slow. 65 miles an hour on the highway is too slow. I see something on the internet that I want, I buy it NOW with a credit card and then I am even tempted to spring for expedited shipping so I can have it NOW.

I am not living as a stranger in this world. My decisions are not based with eternity's values in view.

Consider this as we go through the CHRISTmas season. Start living as if this is not your home.

"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4)

In this Christmas season many people are writing to Santa about what they want. Kids are telling parents and spouces are hinting to one another of what they want for Christmas. But it won't last.

Many toys will be broken before the 25th is over. The rest will lose their luster and fail to bring the promised joy after an all too finite period of time.

What does it mean to "Delight yourself in the Lord"? Marriage is an earthly image of the church's relationship with Jesus, so let's look at that relationship.

When you first met your spouce and an interest sparked, what did you do?

1. You did some research and found out their name. What are the names of God? What do they mean and say about his character?
2. You made time to spend with that person. When do you schedule time with God? Does he get what's left IF you feel like it?
3. You talked with them. How often do you pray? Are your prayer merely gimmie lists?

These are just a few ideas you get your juices flowing.

"and he will give you the desires of your heart." This does not mean that God becomes your own personal servant and that He must start meeting your demands. What it means is that as you spend time with him YOU will change. Your DESIRES will change. In fact you will only find satisfaction in Him.

Consider on this as we enter this CHRISTmas Season. You will only be content when you find yourself content with the Lord.

God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise

1 Cor 1:18-31

18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”

Using human logic the Christian faith is just not right. This CHRISTmas we celebrate and recognize the virgin birth of Jesus Christ. Virgin birth? Foolishness. Impossible. On Good Friday we remember Christ's death ("normal"), but on Easter we celebrate that He is RISEN. Again, "foolishness to those who are perishing". It's not human logic though.

Isaiah 55:8-9 8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.


20 Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

I just love verse 25. God foolishness is wiser than human wisdom. No comentary. Just like it.

26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him.

I grew up in a Christian home. Mom and Dad made their share of mistakes, but they were great examples for us kids and taught us to do right. As a result, from a human perspective, I was a "good kid". However being good is not good enough. We are born dead in sin. I know what I would be if Christ had not called me. I'd be lost. I'd be that guy you read about in the paper.

30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

Christ is our righteousnes, holiness and redempton. It's not us. It's Him.

Add this to the list to praise God for as we enter this CHRISTmas season.

Overcoming the World.

1 John 5:1-5

"1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,"

Remember when you first fell in love? That person was WONDERFUL and could't believe that they actually love you. Nothing was too much. Everything and anything was possible.

Love songs are written about climbing mountains, crossing seas and valleys and deserts just to be with the one we love. Yet then as time moves on we take our eyes of the them and back on ourselves. That person becomes a burden. The slightest inconvienience becomes and issue.

I think that parrallels our relationship with God. When we first realize how sinful we are we can't believe that we are loved. But as time wears on our attitude becomes one of "What have you done for me lately?" God's commands become suggestions or something we'll do when we have time or feel like it. After all God knows "I'm busy."

"4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."

All too often we are "busy" with the things of this world. We forget that God is GOD, and Jesus is his Son the Creator of all things. We're so wrapped up in work, school, hobbies and facebook that we don't have time for Him. We place ourselves above God. Only when we have faith in God and who He and who Jesus Christ is can we overcome the world.

Why can we overcome? Be Jesus did and our life is in him.

John 16:32-33
32 “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

In this busy CHRISTmas Season, remember Him in whom we put our faith.

Colossians 2:13-14

Colossians 2:13-14

Read today's verses. Read them again. Read them again. That's what I had to do today before todays lesson hit me.

"13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. "

We've all had a loved ones pass away. How many of them, AFTER they were dead, planned their own funeral? How many picked out the flowers and the hymns? How many of them picked out their tombstone? Did they drive to the church and then the cemetary? No! They were dead. They could do nothing by themselves.

I WAS DEAD. There was absolutely nothing I could do about my sin situation. Therefore God made me alive with Christ. It wasn't me. It was God.

"He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. "

Because of Christ, God forgave my debt. It has been nailed to the cross. It is dead and therefore it is now helpless.

Romans 8:1-2 1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

If you have never accepted Christ's payment for your sin I encourage you to talk to him in your own word and tell him. Admit you have sinned and accept his forgiveness. He will make you alive. What a great way it would be for you moving into this CHRISTmas Season know Him personally.

Trust in the Lord

Isaiah 26:2-4

Verse 3 says "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."

We live in a very uncertain world. Trials and temptations abound. However we have to decide if we really believe God is God and that he really is in control. When we worry we deny God's sovereignty.

I am reminded of James 1:2-8 where we are told in verse 5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. " But we are also warned in verses 6-8 "But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do."

So let's remember as were challenged in Isa 24:4 "Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal. "

"The trick to life is not getting what you want, it's wanting what you've got."

Today on facebook I found the quote that has become the title of today's study. I found it ironic because I am currently selling stuff, that I bought to make me happy, so that I will have money to buy other stuff to make me happy. The joy in my stuff is always very short lived. I have hundreds if not thousands of dollars worth of stuff that just sits around taking up space because it no longer brings me joy.

As I was contemplating what to say here I thought about spouses cheating. Why? Because they are not content. They seek more to make them happy.

I thought about the debt that I'm in. Why? Well as Dave Ramsey put it, "People spend money they don't have to buy things they don't need to impress people they don't even like." I've purchased so many things that I did not know I "needed" until I was told.

I am now thinking of the fact that I'm over weight. Why? Simply because I always want MORE.

Philippians 4:10-12
10I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Paul learned to be content. What is the secret?

Proverb 19:23
23 The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

First we must fear the LORD. I don't think we really do this. Yes God is gracious. Yes He is full of mercy. However having grown up in the Church I have lost some of the awe and majesty of who God really is. I am not content to rest in God. So many of the troubles I deal with today are dirrect result of doing things "MY" way.

1 Timothy 6:3-10
3If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

I think of all the time and effort and money that I put into my stuff and my comfort. What happens to it all when I die? My kids get some of it and the tax man takes his chunk. However I leave it all behind. Sure I could chose to be buried with it, but I don't take it with me. The Pharoah's of Egypt thought they could but their stuff is either still buried or in museums around the globe.

Now I compare the above effort with the ammount of effort I put into godliness, which I will take with me to heaven. We are told in 1 Timothy 6:11-12 to "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness." and to "Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called". I can't do this if I'm burying myself with stuff for my own pleasure.

Do I "pursue" godliness? Not often enough because I'm too busy pursuing what I want.

Hebrew 12:1-3
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 13:5
5Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

The last line is promise. Unlike human promises God won't break His. If you are His child He is right there waiting for you to turn to Him.

I hope God has blessed you with the lesson He has taught me today.

Do you forget what you look like?

James 1:23-25

23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

Sounds kind of silly, yet how many times do each one of us do something we know goes against God's word or principles? How often do we willfully chose to walk in the flesh and feed our own desires?

25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does.

God's word gives us freedom. Freedom from sin. Freedom from following our lusts and desires. I'm drawing a line in the sand. I want to start applying God's principles right now.

Self-sufficiency is no prize; it is a trap.

The title is quote right for Charles Stanley's devotional this morning. It's interesting that once again God's grace is brought to my attention.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

No commentary today. God's still working on me with this passage.

Amazing Grace

Listening to Chris Tomlin's version of Amazing Grace on my way home today.

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

The words in bold really struck me. God's grace that should be so precious to me and yet how I all too often take it for granted.

^{Romans 3:21-26}

²¹But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. ²²This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, ²³for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. ²⁵God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— ²⁶he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

Romans 5:1-2

¹Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ²through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

I hope you too may benefit from this lesson the Lord has taught me today.

Casting your cares

1 Peter 5:6-7

⁶Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ⁷Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Do you suffer from anxiety or worry? I sometimes do. 1 Peter 5:7 is one of the earliest verses I ever memorized. However, though true it is incomplete without verse 6. Until you humble yourself and place yourself under His hand you never will truly cast your cares. Trusting God is not and over night process. We may have to cast our cares to Him over and over again.

Humble yourself before God today and give him your burden.

Broken Dreams

As children bring their broken toys
With tears for us to mend,
I brought my broken dreams to God
Because He was my friend.
But then instead of leaving Him
In peace to work alone,
I hung around and tried to help
With ways that were my own.

At last I snatched them back and cried,
"How could you be so slow"
"My child," He said, "What could I do?
You never did let go."

Robert J. Burdette

Woman who survived abortion

This is all I have to share today. Take 16 minutes and let the Lord touch your heart.

Gianna Jessen from LMF CAM on Vimeo.

Who are you when you are alone?

Today I'm working from home till my 11am meeting. The children are at school and my bride is off to her work and to help a friend. I'm alone. I can do whatever I want. My mind is flooded with the thing I USED to do. Then Psalm 139 comes to mind. Guess what. I'm not alone. God is here.

This is what is meant in Roman 12:1-2 when it speaks of renewing your mind. Scripture has shown me that the way of my past is not right. 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 the old me is gone. The new me has come.

Short and sweet today folks. Have a blessed day.

Forgiveness

I was having a conversation with someone and explaining that I feel our relationship is a little onesided. I feel my forgiveness is being taken advantage of. The Holy Spirit, never wasting an opportunity to teach ME a lesson wispered, "What about how you treat me?"

The first verses to come to mind was Romans 6:1-3 1What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

The very thing I was speaking to this person about I do to Christ daily.

1 Timothy 1:15-16 15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

Christ has shown me MERCY and yet I was putting a quid pro quo status on a temporal relationship.

Mathew 6:9-15 9"This, then, is how you should pray: " 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11Give us today our daily bread. 12Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.' 14For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Danger! Danger, Will Robinson! The level to which we forgive others is the standard to which God forgives us.

Think about "that person" you've been carrying a grudge against. Think about the family member with the quirk the makes you want to make their face look like a catchers mit. Think of that individual who has sinned against you for the 490th time for the same offense. You know that you were not supposed to count, but you did, because said individual does "it" CONSTANTLY.

If you are a follower of Christ, you must forgive...AGAIN...and AGAIN...and AGAIN...forever.

That's the lesson God had for me today. I hope you benefit from it.

Who is in charge of your life?

That was the final question asked by Charles Stanley this morning. The question dovetails nicely in with the message delivered by Richard Moskos in church on Sunday.

God has been dealing with me of late as I've been struggling with the "me" "mine" "my" syndrome. Let's look at the scripture Richard shared and I'll share with you the questions the Holy Spirit asked me. I won't share any answers. Those are between you and God.

Acts 20:22-24 ²²"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. ²³I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. ²⁴However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

"consider my life worth nothing."

• How does that fit into "my rights", "my time"and "my wants"?
• How much to I value "my life"?

"if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me."

• How does that fit in with "my plan" and "my schedule"?

"the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."

• How often do I testify?
• Do I even think of spreading the gospel day to day?

Phil 3:7-11

⁷But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.

• What is "my profit"?
• What possition does it hold in "my life"?
• Does it compare with Christ?
• Have it become more important than Christ?

I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ ⁹and be found in him,

• Rubbish? Really? But I've got some pretty nice stuff.
• Does it really fulfill me?
• Am I content?

not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.

• Righteousness not of my own.
• Faith.
• This is when I truly am content. This is where I find true fulfillment.

¹⁰I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

• Am I willing to suffer?
• Am I willing to give up "my rights", "my time"and "my wants"?

Galations 5:13-17

¹³You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.

• What have I done with the freedom Christ has given me?
• Do I serve where I've been called to serve?

¹⁴The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." ¹⁵If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

• Do I love my neighbor?
• Do I make every effort to live in peace with them? Hebrews 12:14-15

¹⁶So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. ¹⁷For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.

• Do I live in the Spirit or in the flesh?
• Do I even care?

I hope the lessons God is teaching me have been of some benefit to you.

Praying the Bible

I learned a long time ago that praying the Bible is a great way to pray. When we do, we are praying God's Word and not our own. Then we can confiendently claim his promises.

Today's message from John Piper reminded me of that truth. I'm only going to post the scripture he used and then quote him in the last paragraph. Read it through. If the Lord so leads, pray it through. I'm still trying to internalize this so I've got nothing to ad right now.

Psalm 119:36 "Incline my heart to Your testimonies and not to gain."

Psalm 119:18 "Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your law."

Ephesians 1:18 "That the eyes of your heart may be enlightened."

Psalm 86:11 "O Lord, I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name."

Psalm 90:14 "O satisfy us in the morning with Your loving kindness, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days."

Ephesians 3:16 "That God would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man."

Colossians 1:10 "That [we] will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord... bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."

"To remember some of these prayers, I use an acronym - IOUS - almost every day in praying for those I love, asking God to give us an inclination to his Word and not to money or fame or power (Psalm 119:36), and to open our eyes to see wonderful things when we read his Word (Psalm 119:18), and to have hearts united in the fear of God rather than fragmented over a dozen concerns (Psalm 86:11), and to be satisfied in his steadfast love (Psalm 90:14)."
By John Piper. © Desiring God.
Website: www.desiringGod.org. Email: mail@desiringGod.org. Toll Free: 1.888.346.4700.

Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?

Luke 6:46-49

46 "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? 47 I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."

One of the dangers in growing up in the "church" is learning the stories at a young age and then later in life thinking, "Oh that's a 'kid's' story. I've known that for years." And then proceed to ignore the lesson. This story falls into that category. I would probably have passed it buy with limited attention except the first verse caught my eye.

Why do I call Him Lord, if I do not do as he says? It's a fair question that I will not answer here. You should ask yourself the same.

The parable teaches us two things.

1. What we build our life on will have and effect on the quality of life.
2. Storms are coming.

Is your life built on the Rock of Jesus Christ? When times get tough he will always be there and help you stand even when trouble is all around you.

Isaiah 40:28-31

Isaiah 40:28-31 Read it. Let the Lord speak and then return.

28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.

How often I forget exactly who God is. The creator. I don't understand quantum physics. God created quantum physics. I don't understand brain chemistry. God created my brain. I don't understand the path that America is on. Yet God has a plan for me and promised that it would be for my good. It may not be what I want, but it will be for my good.

Think of the child that asks for a cookie. The parent who cares about his child may say no and give a piece of fruit or carrot sticks. It is not what was asked for, but it was for their good.

He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

God never gets tired. He's never going to say, "Daddy's tired. Come talk to me later."

As for God's understanding I am reminded of Isaiah 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.

I also am thinking of how God answered Job's questions in Job 38. 2 "Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? 3 Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 4 "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand.

29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Thank Him for that. Many times have I just said, "God I can't do this. You need to get me through it." And he does. We serve an awesome God.

30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;

I'm not such a youth any more, (39 and counting) but from the standpoint of a person that woke up at 2:15am today for reasons unknown, I can understand tired.

But there is another kind of tired. It comes from the running around trying to "do good" and please everyone at church, home and work. I've tried to "live the Christian life" and all I did was wipe out and then I'd beat myself up for failure.

Turns out the "Christian life" is a works that is not Biblical.

31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Have you ever seen and eagle soar? Does he beat his wings and work up a sweat? NO! He spreads his wings and rides the currents in the air. The wind lifts him up. That is the way we are supposed to live as Christians. The source of our power comes from him. It's not about the "doing" or "not doing".

John 15:1-6 1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

Galations 5:16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

I hope the Lord has blessed you with His word.

Examine yourselves.

Every doubt your salvation? Ever wonder why you keep doing the wrong thing. Do these words from the apostle Paul ring true in your life?

Romans 7:15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.

News flash. Every believer at one point or another struggles with this very thing. Look at the quoted verse above. It's from the Apostle Paul. THE GREATEST EVANGELIST THE WORLD HAS EVER KNOWN. If he struggled with this, why should we believe we won't?

What do we do?

2 Corinthians 13:5-6 5Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? 6And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.

What is inside you? What do you believe? Where is your hope? These are the questions you need to ask yourselves.

What about when we sin?

1 John 1:9 Confess! God will forgive. Confession is NOT saying I'm sorry. Confession is admitting and AGREEING with God that you have violated his standards. God promises to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness. We will be as if we never sinned.

But we keep on sinning the same stuff over and over.

Romans 5:7-9 We were still sinners when Christ died for us. There was nothing worthy about us that made God do this. We keep forgetting that the Christian walk is NOT a "do/don't list" . It's faith in what Christ has DONE for us and our faith is in HIS work.

I also think we humans limit God to our understanding. When people we care about offend us in the same way over and over our tendancy is to hold a grudge or not believe the person. That is why Jesus had to tell the disciples in Matthew 18:21-22 and Luke 17:3-5 to forgive as God forgives. We're not to count up to 7 or 490 and stop forgiving, that's not the point. We're to keep on forgiving. God knows your heart. If you truely confess over and over, he will forgive over and over.

Search the scripture.

2Timothy 2:15 15Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (KJV)

2 Peter 1:3-5 3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

Ps 119:11 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

We fill our lives with the garbage this world has offer through TV, RADIO, BOOKS, NEWS PAPERS and MAGAZINES and rarely take time to renew our minds with the word of God. Then we wonder why we doubt our salvation and stuggle in our walk with the Lord.

Sunday School and Church are great. Prayer service is great. Men's and women's Bible studies are great. Youth group is great. It's NOT ENOUGH. Get into his Word EVERY DAY. Examine yourself EVERY DAY. See that you are in the faith EVERY DAY.

This what the Lord had been showing me the past few weeks, I hope you benefit from it.

He knows our needs.

I really needed this today. I have copied Charles Stanley's devotional in it's entirety. I encourage anyone reading this to follow the links at the bottom of the page and sign up for this daily devotional.

September 8 On Eagle's Wings Isaiah 40:28-31
After I'd witnessed an eagle in flight, I understood why God used this bird to describe a relationship with Him. The eagle—which simply opens its wings and soars—is wholly dependent upon air currents to keep it aloft.
In contrast, we often beat our wings trying to be better Christians. We resolve to read the Bible more or to improve at keeping our temper. We strive to escape old habits and temptations. But instead of flying to the mountaintops, we remain on the valley floor with tired wings. This is because believers sometimes get confused about what a spiritually mature person looks like. The godly believer isn't someone who tries and tries to do well. I've been a believer long enough to know that I can't live the Christian life. This flesh of mine isn't a bit better today than it was the day I was saved.
Spiritual maturity means recognizing that we do not change ourselves. Flesh is corrupt, and its vices cannot be suppressed by any human means. But our omnipotent Father subdues believers' human impulses through His Spirit. For example, God's indwelling Spirit calms anger and wields His strength to weaken the lure of old temptations. While others tire from trying to be good, the mature believer relies upon God and will "mount up with wings like eagles" (Is. 40:31).
Isaiah reminds us that even young men stumble and grow weak. Anyone trying to change himself into a model Christian will burn out beating his wings against the world system and his own flesh. God didn't make these human bodies, minds, or spirits to fly solo. He created us to soar on His strength.
For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit http://www.crosswalkmail.com/wlwnlzdsnfnbdjsybwqmtbktdzbjvqqjfgdtllydndsgnfj_gryrwgkrkwtc.html.
Watch Online Videos of Dr. Charles Stanley and In Touch Ministries at LightSource.comandListen to Dr. Charles Stanley Online Broadcasts at OnePlace.com.

Renewing your Mind

I've been thinking of late that I've been making poor decisions. Spiritually, emotionally, financially, physically and with my food intake. Just the other day I was thinking that it's time to "cut the crap" and do what I know to be right.

Several days ago my devotional from Charles Stanley was from Ephesians 4:20-24

²⁰You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. ²¹Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. ²²You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Verse 22 speaks of your former way of life. The way we used to be. 2 Corinthians 5:16-18 say those in Christ are a "new creation" "the old has gone, the new has come!". I get frustrated when Christians say "I'm just a sinner saved by grace." No! Romans 5:7-9 says You WERE as sinner Christ died for you. We were "justified by his blood". If I am "just a sinner" then I still under wrath. Since I am a new creation, I am under grace.

That bring us to vs 23 being made new in the attitude of our minds. Immediately I am reminded of Romans 12:2 about "being transformed by the renewing of you mind". And next logical question is, how?

How did you learn about the world? You watched its TV. You read its books and listened to its music. You just through birth immersed yourself in the world. Transforming your mind is no different.

Start with the word of God Ps 119:11: Psalm 1: Romans yeah, the whole book. I used to think this book was too deep to understand. This book is the greatest book in my heart. It is when I scratched the surface of the truth held here that I began to stop making excuses and started moving forward for Christ. The first 11 chapters talk of all that Christ did for us when we were not worthy and the fact that there is nothing we can do to earn it. Mind boggling.

Prayer. Talk to God. You do not need long eloquent prayers. Just pour out your heart to him and the Holy Spirit will help Romans 8:26-27.

I hope the Lord has spoken to you as he has to me through this study. With his help I know that better decisions can be made.

The Armor of God

Yesterday's lesson mentioned the armor of God. There's so much I wanted to say that I decided I would devote today to it. Follow the link below and read the passage or read it in your own Bible. Let God's word speak to you and then come back and read what I have to share.

Ephesians 6:10-18

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Paul is wrapping up his letter here with a final exhortation. We're to be strong in his mighty power. And to put on his armor to stand up against the devil. Who's armor? GOD'S armor. We have not been left to deal with the devil on our own. He has given us tools to work with so we are not to rely on our own strength.

13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
The full armor. Not part of it. We don't pick and choose. For us to stand we must use everything God has given us to succeed. As you read the parts of the armor you will notice the armor only protects from the front. We're to stand facing the enemy. To turn and flee will expose our backs to attack.

14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,

Belt of truth. What truth? God's truth.

• We, that believe in Christ, are saved. John 3:16-18


• We are more than conquerors and can never lose God's love. Romans 8:37-39


• We will have trouble by Jesus has overcome the world. John 16:33

These are just a few of the truths you must know and believe if you are to stand. If we know the enemy is already a defeated foe than will will not fear him. John 8:32 "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

with the breastplate of righteousness in place,


The soldiers breastplate guards the heart and vital organs. This is the breastplate of God's righteousness. Romans 3:22This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

When we put on this breastplate our heart is covered with God's righteousness. It's not what we do, it's what he has done.

15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

We've all lacked peace at one time or another. When our nerves are shot it effects every aspect of our being and we don't "move out" with confidence. The gospel (1Corinthians 15:2-5) brings peace to those who have accepted Christ. We can then move out for him.


16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Dodging one arrow may be possible if you know it's coming, but multiple arrows makes the task impossible. That's when a soldier would tuck under his shield.

When the devil or the world or our own doubts attack us we can tuck under our faith. Though we may not be having a good time now we have our faith in Christ and know that the situation will work out for our good. (Romans 8:28)

17Take the helmet of salvation

Protect your mind. How you think and how you believe will effect how you act.

and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Our only offensive weapon is the word of God. Follow Jesus example when he was tempted. Each time the devil offered him what he knew was wrong, Jesus responded quoting scripture.
Matthew 4:1-11 Luke 4:1-13 Learn the word of God. It never ceases to amaze me how much scripture is brought to my heart when I need it.

18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

The Holy Spirit is here to help us. We are promised in Romans 8:25-27 that the spirit will intercede for us in our prayers. We're to pray about everything. Nothing is too small for God. If it's on your heart bring it to him.

Also pray for you fellow believers. Pastors and church leaders come to mind first, but do not neglect spouses, children, parents and siblings. All of us need prayer.

I hope this study has been of some benefit to you. I know it has been a challenge for me.

God's grace. Stewardship. Edurance. Soldiering.

2 Timothy 2:1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 3Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer.


1You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Paul prayed 3 times for the "thorn" in his flesh to be removed and the answer he received was "my grace is sufficient for you". (2 Corinthians 12:9) God has given us His grace and we rarely bother to use it.

What is grace? It is God's umerited favor. We were sinners when Christ died for us(Romans 5:8). We deserved death Romans 6:23. Yet God provided a way for our sins to be paid for. THAT is God's grace.

We who have accepted Christ work on the cross are no longer sinners. We are a new creation. 2 Corinthian 5:17. Yes we can still sin, but 1 John 1:9 promises us that we can restore that relationship with God at anytime we chose. There is no condemnation for those of us who are in Christ. Romans 8:1

THAT is grace. If you are a child of God be strong in that grace.

2And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.

I've learned so much by men just like me who obeyed this verse and taught me what they know. That's why I write this blog. God is teaching me so much that I HAVE to let it out.

3Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

We are in a battle. God has given us what we need. Ephesians 6:10-18 There is so much in this passage that it deserves it's own blog.

4No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer.

This world has many distractions. So many toys, activities, family and jobs that take us away from what Christ really wants us to do. That does not mean we abandon our families and quit our jobs. It means we put those things into perspective and serve God through them. Too often our jobs and activites replace God.

I'll close with the verse below. This does not promise us a smooth road. It promises us the road that God has for us. And experience has taught me His path, even in the midst of a battle field, is safer than my own bed if that is outside His will.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

I pray you have been blessed by what God has taught me today.

How we deal with one another.

I have a few accountablity partners. Why? Because the Christian walk is not easy and going it alone is impossible. That's why God gave us the church.

Heb 10:24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

So we are to get together to encourage each other.

Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

We sharpen one another as we struggle together.

One of the men in my accountablity circle had issues with me. He wrote, "I am trying to figure out how to say these things without offending you. But we are brothers... so I am trusting the Spririt to translate and filter out my crap and keep the truth of it in..." (He was a bit more specific and it's not important to this blog.) He closes with this, "I just need someone that will be a little more listening, and encouraging..."

Ouch! But that is the beauty of two men agreeing to hold one another accountable. He had not only the RIGHT to say this, he had the OBLIGATION to say it.

Them that know me personally, know I am a talker. My wife jokes and tells me I could "have a 45 minute conversation with at rock". The Lord has also been working on the WAY I say things. It's getting better, but I'm not there yet. (See my Freedom in Christ blog from Monday and my comments on the fruit of the Spirit.)

This incident made me think. And pray. How are we to interact with our Christian brothers and sisters? Since the contect of mutual accountability was my thought pattern this is what came to me.

Galations 6:1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness ; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.

Sometimes we can real good at the correcting, but the restoring and the gentleness, we're not so good at. Remember the Holy Spirit works differently in eveyone. Each person growth will be at God's pace, not yours. Be gentle with them. Also don't think that you have arrived in any area. Except for the grace of God, any one of us is capable of ANY sin.

Galations 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

We're bear the burden together. The image that come to my mind is that of two oxen pulling a cart. They have to work together. If one pulls harder or not at all no progress is made.

Philipians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

It's easy to be prideful when someone comes to you for help. Remember that it's not about you. It's about them and God's glory.

Philipians 2:5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross!

Once again our standard is Christ. He is God yet He gave up everything. He did it humbly.

I hope the Lord has blessed you with His Word.

Focus on God, not your situation.

I was wondering what or if I was going to blog today. Somedays the ideas come fast and furious and somedays I have nothing to say. There I even days I have something I should say, but I am too wrapped up in myself to actually type them out.

Today's personal Bible study dealt with discouragement. I won't reproduce the devotional here this time. I only wish to point out the first half of step 7 of his "nine specific steps" in overcoming discouragement.

"7. Focus on God, not your situation. " - Dr Charles Stanley

The first thing the popped into my brain when I read this was Peter walking on water when Jesus called him. Let's look at the text.

22 Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. 23 After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray ; and when it was evening, He was there alone. 24 But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves ; for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost !" And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." 28 Peter said to Him, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." 29 And He said, "Come !" And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31 Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt ?"

So Peter called out to Jesus and was told to, "Come!", and he did. Peter walked on water toward Jesus. Let's give him a little credit here. He, a fisherman familiar with the sea, stepped out of the boat. Not very smart on human terms, but when done in obedience to Christ it was the ONLY thing to do.

Then Peter looked around him at the storm he started to sink. Are the storms in your life right now? Have you taken your eyes off the Savior and started worrying about the world around you? Has anxiety replaced the peace you had when you trusted God?

Cry out to Jesus. He's still there, right where He was when you took your eyes off Him. When Peter cried out Jesus reached out his hand and saved him. He will do the same for you.

How strong is your faith? Call out to the Jesus today.

Freedom in Christ.

Click the link below and let the Holy Spirit talk to you. Then come back here and read what I have to share.

Galations 5


1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Why do we, if free, go back to the old ways? One reason is we don't really believe that we are free. I believe that if I jump off a cliff I will fall. Therefore I do not jump off a cliff. Simple. So, I must not truely believe in my heart of hearts that I am free. I'm working on that part.

A second reason is sin is fun. Hebrews 11:25 speaks of Moses choice He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. Sin is fun. However it does not last forever like pleasures from the Lord. Psalm 16:11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

You have the freedom to choose.

2Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. 6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

A few days or hours after my birth, I was circumcised. So according to these verses Christ is of no value to me and I am obligated to obey the whole law. No, that is NOT what it is saying. There were people spreading lies in the early church convincing new Gentile Christians that they could accept Christ, but they needed to be circumcised also. This is adding to what Christ did on the cross. By adding to Christ's work, one nullifies His work as NOT ENOUGH. This is an evil lie. The outward physical appearance of a man is irrelevant. Vs 6 tell us that faith expressing itself through love is what is important.

7You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? 8That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 9"A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough."

No one cares how a person started the race. They want to know who won and with marathons, they want to know who finished. If you have been sidetracked it did not come from God. Vs 9 gives a hint of where it come from. As yeast will work it's way through the entire loaf of bread, so will sin work it's way through out our lives. If you tolerate it, eventually it will take over.

10I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be.

Be careful what you teach. Is your lesson from the Lord? I pray that you read the scripture as much more important than my words. If I ever post a falsehood, please let me know. I claim no corner on Biblical discernment.

11Brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. 12As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!

Paul was still being persecuted by the Jewish leaders. Therefore his message was NOT the same as theirs. He is quite discriptive in what he wishes these false teachers to do. At least this way they would not breed.

13You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. 14The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 15If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

Use your freedom to serve. Love eachother.

16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

This is the how. You walk in the Spirit by doing what you know to be right. We make it harder than it is because we want an excuse.

19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

I won't break this down, you can read. Has the Holy Spirit spoken to you of one or more of these that need to be removed from your life?

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Fruit does not happen over night. First is the seed, then the root followed by the plant. A flower soon follows and eventually fruit. All during the tree's life are good days and bad, storms and fair weather. The fruit comes in time.

It's the same way in our Christian walk. So many want INSTANT fruit and when it does not happen they quit. Let the Spirit work and you will see fruit.

24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.

Our sinful nature is dead. Do we live that way?

25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

When the fruit does appear, remember it is the fruit of the Spirit, not the fruit of the believer. He gets the credit. And don't look down on others that are taking longer to grow. Again, it's the Spirits work. Let Him work.

Marriage is not a fairy tale, however you can live Happily Ever After.

Television, movies, books, pop culture and the American dream all speak of settling down and getting married. Then comes the house and the kids and they all live happily ever after. Right? WRONG! I paraphrase Gary Thomas. When you take an imperfect spouse and they marry an imperfect spouse and they have imperfect children, you do not get a perfect marriage.

So where do we turn when our marriage is in the dumps...when our relationship is at the point that you want to throw in the towel? The world goes to divorce court. Christians are supposed to go to scripture. Far too often Christians are more like the world and just throw in the towel.

What does scripture have to say about marriage?

Gen 2:20 The man gave names to all the cattle, and to the birds of the sky, and to every beast of the field, but for Adam there was not found a helper suitable for him. 21 So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. 22 The LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. 23 The man said, "This is now bone of my bones, And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man." 24 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. 25 And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.

So we see that God instituted marriage in the very beginning. It started with the very first man and woman.

But how does marriage work? We find that in Ephesians 5.

22 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing ; but that she would be holy and blameless. 28 So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; 29 for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, 30 because we are members of His body. 31 FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHERAND SHALL BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH. 32 This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.

There is some pretty unpopular thoughts here. Especially in our american culture with women's lib and the fact that so many men have misused this portion of scripture to be a tyrannical jerk. Let's try and get through our own personal filters and take a look at what God has to say.

22 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.

This clearly places the wife under the husband. But how does it do it? In the same way that the church is under Christ. Therefore the woman is NOT a door mat. She is NOT a slave. She does however need to follow her husband's lead. Even when she does not agree or understand. I'm not saying that you need obey if your husband tells you to rob a bank. I am saying that if your husband is leading and his leadership is moral and legal you must follow him. Will he mess up. Yup. But that is when he needs his wife right there holding him up in prayer, thought and deed. You will answer to God for how you obey Him by the way you obey your husband.

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing ; but that she would be holy and blameless.

How are we to love our wive's? As Christ loved the church. How did he do that? He gave himself up for her. He had every right and all the power, yet he willingly surrendered it for the benefit of the church, so the church (His bride) would be presented in glory with no spot or wrinkle. THAT is our standard guys. How are you measuring up? What would your wife say if you were to ask this question of her? When out with they guys how do you present your wife? Is she blameless and perfect or do the guys all know every offense she's committed of late?

28 So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; 29 for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, 30 because we are members of His body.

We all eat. We get enough rest. Sometimes we even go to the gym. We shower and brush our hair. These are daily events. What kind of daily maintenance do you do on your marriage? If you go two or three day without a shower or deodorant you will stink. When marriage goes two or three days without active maintenance it stinks. Each spouse will become offensive to the other.

Again I want to point out to you that the standard is Christ. One of us may be better at this marriage thing than the other, but we're not to look around to see how we're doing. We're to look at what Christ has done for the church and what he is doing for her everyday. Our wive's actions or inactions are irrelevant as well. We constantly sin yet Christ is still right there no matter what. Hebrews 5:13b for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL IEVER FORSAKE YOU,"

31 FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHERAND SHALL BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH. 32 This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.

The two shall become one flesh. The illustration once given to me was tissue paper. Glue two pieces together and let it dry. Then try pulling them apart. You cannot do it without destroying both.

Keep your parents out of it. No running home to mama when things are not going well. Cling to one another.

The mystery Paul refers to is the church being the bride of Christ. Marriage is supposed to be a reflection of our relationship with Christ. Therefore divorce is not supposed to happen. Let's look a Jesus words in Mathew 19.

1 When Jesus had finished these words, He departed from Galilee and came into the region of Judea beyond the Jordan; 2 and large crowds followed Him, and He healed them there. 3 Some Pharisees came to Jesus, testing Him and asking, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?" 4 And He answered and said, "Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE, 5 and said, 'FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH '? 6 "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate." 7 They said to Him, "Why then did Moses command to GIVE HER A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE AND SEND her AWAY?" 8 He said to them, "Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way. 9 "And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery." 10 The disciples said to Him, "If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry." 11 But He said to them, "Not all men can accept this statement, but only those to whom it has been given. 12 "For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother's womb ; and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are also eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to accept this, let him accept it."

"Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives ; but from the beginning it has not been this way. "

Divorce was NEVER part of the plan. Hardheaded humans demanded it and Moses a human leader permitted it. Jesus does give the "except for immorality" statement and I would never argue with Christ. I would however say that since marriage is a picture of our relationship with Christ and will never abandon us for any sin we commit, I encourage any of you that are victims of an unfaithful spouse to consider reconciliation not separation and divorce.

33 Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.

Again we are commanded to love our wives and wive's are commanded to respect their husbands. Is it easy? No. Does it get easier? Yes, but ONLY when you submit to God and walk in the Spirit.

This study was done for marriage as there is some maintenance that needs to be done. I hope one of you readers are blessed by it.