I will not be blogging the next few days. I hope to be back on Monday the 2nd, perhaps Tuesday the 3rd. I am seeking God's will on which direction to take.
God Bless.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
In Christ and through him.
Ephesians 1:3-8 NIV
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
Sometimes, especially here in materialistic America, one can feel left out, inadequate or missing out on the "good life". That's exactly what the devil wants you to feel. He wants you distracted by the pleasures here on earth and have you pursuing them instead of enjoying the blessings given by our Father in heaven.
4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
Your walk with God is not a mistake. You were chosen. You were adopted through Christ because it was God's will. You are with God because he loves you.
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding,
You have been redeemed. That means bought back. You have been forgiven because God lavished his grace on you. It was not a mistake. God in His wisdom chose to do it.
Personal Note:
I have begun to notice a cycle to the devotional offered by Charles Stanley as I have blogged on this passage before. I feel lead to do entire books of the Bible and do them verse by verse. I am thinking Romans as that is a real practical book, but it is also a HUGE undertaking. I ask prayer for God's wisdom as this blog has become so much more than I thought it would.
God Bless
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
Sometimes, especially here in materialistic America, one can feel left out, inadequate or missing out on the "good life". That's exactly what the devil wants you to feel. He wants you distracted by the pleasures here on earth and have you pursuing them instead of enjoying the blessings given by our Father in heaven.
4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
Your walk with God is not a mistake. You were chosen. You were adopted through Christ because it was God's will. You are with God because he loves you.
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding,
You have been redeemed. That means bought back. You have been forgiven because God lavished his grace on you. It was not a mistake. God in His wisdom chose to do it.
Personal Note:
I have begun to notice a cycle to the devotional offered by Charles Stanley as I have blogged on this passage before. I feel lead to do entire books of the Bible and do them verse by verse. I am thinking Romans as that is a real practical book, but it is also a HUGE undertaking. I ask prayer for God's wisdom as this blog has become so much more than I thought it would.
God Bless
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Peace
John 14:27 NIV
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Peace was given freely. Not just any peace, but God's peace. This peace was not given, only to be taken away as this world does.
If your heart is troubled or you are afraid remember that you have access to this peace if you have accepted Christ's payment for your sin. The only thing preventing you from having peace are disbelief or your actions are outside of God's will.
God Bless.
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Peace was given freely. Not just any peace, but God's peace. This peace was not given, only to be taken away as this world does.
If your heart is troubled or you are afraid remember that you have access to this peace if you have accepted Christ's payment for your sin. The only thing preventing you from having peace are disbelief or your actions are outside of God's will.
God Bless.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
More Servant Leadership
Matthew 20:25-28 NIV
25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
When this blog is done I will continue my search for a job. I am looking for a position as supervisor. Should I find a job in the roll it will be my duty to serve those under me and not Lord the position over them.
This lesson is not just limited to work. Fathers as head of the house need to grasp that they are to be servants of their spouse and children. Those who work in the church must realize that God put them in place to serve everyone in the church. All of us who have accepted Christ and are part of the church need to serve those outside the church so that they will see the difference in us and ask us why.
God Bless.
25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
When this blog is done I will continue my search for a job. I am looking for a position as supervisor. Should I find a job in the roll it will be my duty to serve those under me and not Lord the position over them.
This lesson is not just limited to work. Fathers as head of the house need to grasp that they are to be servants of their spouse and children. Those who work in the church must realize that God put them in place to serve everyone in the church. All of us who have accepted Christ and are part of the church need to serve those outside the church so that they will see the difference in us and ask us why.
God Bless.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Servant leadership
John 13:3-15 NIV
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.
Read it again and again and again. Jesus was from God and returning to God. He was the Son of God and therefore God. He had all things under his power, yet he stripped off his outer garments and washed the disciples feet. This was the job of the lowest servant. Not the job of the Rabbi.
While reading I am reminded that Jesus laid aside his Godly attributes to come to earth as a baby.
10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
Peter once again argues with the Lord during a teaching moment. I am so like him. As I read the exchange I get the the conviction that Christ is speaking of cleansing from sin in verse 8. In verse 10 I feel Christ is speaking that once you are saved you do not need to be saved again every time you sin. You merely need a foot washing or cleansing from the present sins. I get this because of vs 7 where Christ said he would understand later. I read this passage in light of my knowledge of the entire gospel message and I can see the parallels.
12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them.13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
Now we are back to servant leadership. I do not believe that we are to go around washing one another's feet. The teaching here is that there should be no task to low for anyone of us. And I also believe there is the idea of forgiving your brother's offenses as well.
I hope all reading this had a Merry Christmas.
God Bless.
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.
Read it again and again and again. Jesus was from God and returning to God. He was the Son of God and therefore God. He had all things under his power, yet he stripped off his outer garments and washed the disciples feet. This was the job of the lowest servant. Not the job of the Rabbi.
While reading I am reminded that Jesus laid aside his Godly attributes to come to earth as a baby.
6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
Peter once again argues with the Lord during a teaching moment. I am so like him. As I read the exchange I get the the conviction that Christ is speaking of cleansing from sin in verse 8. In verse 10 I feel Christ is speaking that once you are saved you do not need to be saved again every time you sin. You merely need a foot washing or cleansing from the present sins. I get this because of vs 7 where Christ said he would understand later. I read this passage in light of my knowledge of the entire gospel message and I can see the parallels.
12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them.13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
Now we are back to servant leadership. I do not believe that we are to go around washing one another's feet. The teaching here is that there should be no task to low for anyone of us. And I also believe there is the idea of forgiving your brother's offenses as well.
I hope all reading this had a Merry Christmas.
God Bless.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Isaiah 9:6
Isaiah 9:6 NIV
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Remember, He is the Reason for the Season.
God Bless.
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Remember, He is the Reason for the Season.
God Bless.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Learning through Suffering
Hebrews 5:7-8 NIV
7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered
Jesus knew what was coming and prayed for his Father to deliver him. Yet he obeyed God's will and went to the cross to die for you and me.
I think of all that I have been through in 2011. I'm glad I did not have foreknowledge as Christ did, but I have had to struggle and suffer through trials that I have had no control over. In submitting to God's will I have learned to trust him more.
I have told several people I just want to forget 2011. Part of me still does. But the lessons I have learned and the faith I have gained are treasures to me. I don't want to give them up.
Remember, He is the Reason for the Season.
God Bless
7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered
Jesus knew what was coming and prayed for his Father to deliver him. Yet he obeyed God's will and went to the cross to die for you and me.
I think of all that I have been through in 2011. I'm glad I did not have foreknowledge as Christ did, but I have had to struggle and suffer through trials that I have had no control over. In submitting to God's will I have learned to trust him more.
I have told several people I just want to forget 2011. Part of me still does. But the lessons I have learned and the faith I have gained are treasures to me. I don't want to give them up.
Remember, He is the Reason for the Season.
God Bless
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Witnessing.
Luke 2:1-20 NIV
I will not cut and paste the entire passage here. Take the time and read it.
17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
"They" were the shepherds. Shepherds were not know to be learned men. They saw something amazing and they told others.
What has God shown you? How has he changed your life? Witnessing is simply telling people what you know. Telling people what God has done in your life. You do not need to be a Bible scholar or have a special degree. Share with people the very scripture you are working through yourself. This is how we are to win others to Christ.
Yes some are called to be preachers and teachers and those positions do require some education. But we are all called to be witnesses. Share what God has done for you.
Remember. He is the Reason for the Season.
God Bless.
I will not cut and paste the entire passage here. Take the time and read it.
17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
"They" were the shepherds. Shepherds were not know to be learned men. They saw something amazing and they told others.
What has God shown you? How has he changed your life? Witnessing is simply telling people what you know. Telling people what God has done in your life. You do not need to be a Bible scholar or have a special degree. Share with people the very scripture you are working through yourself. This is how we are to win others to Christ.
Yes some are called to be preachers and teachers and those positions do require some education. But we are all called to be witnesses. Share what God has done for you.
Remember. He is the Reason for the Season.
God Bless.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
The hardest lesson for me.
I sit down and check my Facebook and e-mail accounts. Gmail is the account I am using to look for a job. In there I see e-mails from Monster, the Ladders and others all assisting me in finding another job. I remind myself that right after devo's and blog I need to buckle down and continue the search for that elusive job. It's only been 6 weeks, yet I'm getting frustrated.
So I tear myself away from my distractions and the verse Dr. Stanley chose for today devotional is Psalm 27:14.
Psalm 27:14 NIV
Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
I will not quit looking for a job, but I will keep trusting in God to bring me the RIGHT job. He will do it in His timing. Some days I just wish he'd down load that information to Cozi or ipod, so I could make plans, but that would not be faith. I'd be relying on my plans and not on His.
Remember, He is the Reason for the Season.
God Bless.
So I tear myself away from my distractions and the verse Dr. Stanley chose for today devotional is Psalm 27:14.
Psalm 27:14 NIV
Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
I will not quit looking for a job, but I will keep trusting in God to bring me the RIGHT job. He will do it in His timing. Some days I just wish he'd down load that information to Cozi or ipod, so I could make plans, but that would not be faith. I'd be relying on my plans and not on His.
Remember, He is the Reason for the Season.
God Bless.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Contentment at Christmas
Philippians 4:11-13 NIV
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I 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. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
In the verse preceding this passage Paul was thanking the church at Philippe for the gifts they had sent and their renewed concern for his well being. Paul goes on to explain that he has learned the secret to contentment in all circumstances. That secret is relying on God for strength. God is in ultimate control of our circumstances.
Every Christmas there is a drive for more, more, more. Christmas morning after the presents are all unwrapped and the toys are no longer new, many will once again experience that drive for more.
Christmas time is CHRIST's mass. It is not the exact date Jesus was born, but it is the the date the Church has chosen to celebrate and recognize that Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth. And through his eventual death and resurrection, we might live with Him in heaven.
So when you open your gift(s) remember the one true gift that will not break for fade or go out of style. The gift of Jesus. And when you realize he is in control of everything that comes into your life, you too will learn to be content.
He is the Reason for the Season.
God Bless.
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I 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. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
In the verse preceding this passage Paul was thanking the church at Philippe for the gifts they had sent and their renewed concern for his well being. Paul goes on to explain that he has learned the secret to contentment in all circumstances. That secret is relying on God for strength. God is in ultimate control of our circumstances.
Every Christmas there is a drive for more, more, more. Christmas morning after the presents are all unwrapped and the toys are no longer new, many will once again experience that drive for more.
Christmas time is CHRIST's mass. It is not the exact date Jesus was born, but it is the the date the Church has chosen to celebrate and recognize that Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth. And through his eventual death and resurrection, we might live with Him in heaven.
So when you open your gift(s) remember the one true gift that will not break for fade or go out of style. The gift of Jesus. And when you realize he is in control of everything that comes into your life, you too will learn to be content.
He is the Reason for the Season.
God Bless.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Pick a side and LIVE it.
1 John 1:3-6 NIV
For a few years, I've been convicted that God is separating those who are truly His from those who are playing church. I have this conviction in my soul that the church in America is in for persecution on a scale we have never experienced before. Here is yet one more passage that confirms this conviction.
Verses 3 and 4 were covered in Wednesday's blog. I will not cover them again here.
Verses 5 says there is no darkness in God at all. His character will not allow it. He will not allow darkness into his presence.
When I come to verse 6 I have to ask myself the question. "Do I walk in darkness/ sin?" I'm not asking "Do I sin?", God knows that I will sin and has promised in 1 John 1:9 NIV to forgive. I am asking about a lifestyle of sin. "Do I continually, willfully walk in a way that is contrary to the way I know I am supposed to walk?"
Do you?
It's time to pick a side and LIVE it.
Joshua 25:15 NIV
15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
Remember that Jesus is the Reason for the Season.
God Bless.
3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our joy complete.
5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.
For a few years, I've been convicted that God is separating those who are truly His from those who are playing church. I have this conviction in my soul that the church in America is in for persecution on a scale we have never experienced before. Here is yet one more passage that confirms this conviction.
Verses 3 and 4 were covered in Wednesday's blog. I will not cover them again here.
Verses 5 says there is no darkness in God at all. His character will not allow it. He will not allow darkness into his presence.
When I come to verse 6 I have to ask myself the question. "Do I walk in darkness/ sin?" I'm not asking "Do I sin?", God knows that I will sin and has promised in 1 John 1:9 NIV to forgive. I am asking about a lifestyle of sin. "Do I continually, willfully walk in a way that is contrary to the way I know I am supposed to walk?"
Do you?
It's time to pick a side and LIVE it.
Joshua 25:15 NIV
15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
Remember that Jesus is the Reason for the Season.
God Bless.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Jesus prays for us.
It's a very rare Sunday blog folks. Today in my Adult Bible Fellowship we were reading from the Book of John. In chapter 17 starting at verse 20 we read these words in the NIV.
20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
Jesus prayed for ME! If you have accepted his payment for your sin then he was praying for YOU! He prayed the we would be ONE. He prayed that we would have UNITY. He prayed this so that the world would know He was from God.
Christ wants us to work together and our love for one another validates our message. Think on this next time your Christian brother/ sister upsets you. Our love for each other is of great importance. So much the Jesus took the time to pray to His Father for us about.
Ephesians 4:2-4 NIV
2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;
God Bless.
20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
Jesus prayed for ME! If you have accepted his payment for your sin then he was praying for YOU! He prayed the we would be ONE. He prayed that we would have UNITY. He prayed this so that the world would know He was from God.
Christ wants us to work together and our love for one another validates our message. Think on this next time your Christian brother/ sister upsets you. Our love for each other is of great importance. So much the Jesus took the time to pray to His Father for us about.
Ephesians 4:2-4 NIV
2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;
God Bless.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
“If you love me, keep my commands."
I want to apologize for not blogging the past two days. Let get back into it.
John 14:15-21 NIV
15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
Verse 15 sums up what I learned today. I obey out of the motivation of Love. When I disobey it means I love myself or some thing more than God. That is idolatry. Scripture is clear that we are to have no other god's before him.
God Bless.
John 14:15-21 NIV
15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
Verse 15 sums up what I learned today. I obey out of the motivation of Love. When I disobey it means I love myself or some thing more than God. That is idolatry. Scripture is clear that we are to have no other god's before him.
God Bless.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Do you share what God has shown you?
1 John 1:1-4 NIV
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.
The Word of God always existed. The Word of God came to Earth and the apostles saw Christ. They touched Him. 1 John 1:14 NIV says "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us."
2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our joy complete.
If the apostles had not shared their faith I would not be writing this blog today. I would still be lost in my sin. They testified so that I could have fellowship with them and with God.
vs 4 says they wrote it down to make their joy complete. I know exactly how they felt. I write this blog to share what Christ has shown me. I only find fulfillment in my Christian walk when I am share what I have learned.
In this Christmas season, share you faith. Don't waste the opportunity to ask someone "What does the birth of Jesus mean to you?"
God Bless
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.
The Word of God always existed. The Word of God came to Earth and the apostles saw Christ. They touched Him. 1 John 1:14 NIV says "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us."
2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our joy complete.
If the apostles had not shared their faith I would not be writing this blog today. I would still be lost in my sin. They testified so that I could have fellowship with them and with God.
vs 4 says they wrote it down to make their joy complete. I know exactly how they felt. I write this blog to share what Christ has shown me. I only find fulfillment in my Christian walk when I am share what I have learned.
In this Christmas season, share you faith. Don't waste the opportunity to ask someone "What does the birth of Jesus mean to you?"
God Bless
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
God gave them over.
Romans 1:24-25 NIV
24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
As a man who has been separated from his wife since March, this hits home. Living a life of sexual purity by God's standard is hard. These verses puts sexual immorality equal to idolatry. Something for all of us to think about in our sex saturated culture.
God Bless.
24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
As a man who has been separated from his wife since March, this hits home. Living a life of sexual purity by God's standard is hard. These verses puts sexual immorality equal to idolatry. Something for all of us to think about in our sex saturated culture.
God Bless.
Monday, December 12, 2011
The Mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:6-16 NIV
6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9However, as it is written:
Since we have the mind of Christ, we need to be making better judgments about what we do. Too many decisions have been being made in the flesh and not giving thought to God'd plan.
Remember, Jesus is the Reason for the Season.
God Bless.
6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9However, as it is written:
“What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”—
the things God has prepared for those who love him—
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”—
the things God has prepared for those who love him—
10 these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. 14 The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. 15 The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, 16 for,
“Who has known the mind of the Lord
so as to instruct him?”
so as to instruct him?”
But we have the mind of Christ.
Since we have the mind of Christ, we need to be making better judgments about what we do. Too many decisions have been being made in the flesh and not giving thought to God'd plan.
Remember, Jesus is the Reason for the Season.
God Bless.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
"...the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom,..."
1 Corinthians 1: 18-31 NIV
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:
We so often think we have better way. We don't.
He is the reason for the season.
God Bless.
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.”
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”
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. 22Jews 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.
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. 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.”
We so often think we have better way. We don't.
He is the reason for the season.
God Bless.
Friday, December 9, 2011
The Cost of Forgiveness.
Mathew 26:26-28 NIV
At first I was wondering what kind of blog to write from so few verses. In fact only two were used by my devotional this morning. One thing mentioned by Dr Stanley in my devotional was the cost of forgiveness. With that in mind I have been reading these verses over and over.
Jesus is God. Therefore when he was in the upper room celebrating Passover he knew exactly what was ahead. Yet he did it anyway.
God Bless.
26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
At first I was wondering what kind of blog to write from so few verses. In fact only two were used by my devotional this morning. One thing mentioned by Dr Stanley in my devotional was the cost of forgiveness. With that in mind I have been reading these verses over and over.
Jesus is God. Therefore when he was in the upper room celebrating Passover he knew exactly what was ahead. Yet he did it anyway.
God Bless.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Love each other
John 15:9-17 NIV
9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
The Father loved his Son. The Son loved us. For our joy to be complete we must love eachother the way he loved us.
How much did he love us?
13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
He died for us.
14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
Jesus, the Son of God, calls us the disciples friends. They took what they learned and shared it with the world. We have this scripture today to read and learn what God has to say because they obeyed Jesus' command.
16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
This continues today. God chooses his people. If you are child of God then he chose you. You are to bear fruit for him. If you are not bearing fruit you need to examine yourself to see if you truly are a child of God.
17 This is my command: Love each other.
Do you love? With what I've been through this past year, I have some reasons not to love some people. But that is the flesh. Christ has given me the ability to forgive. As I surrender my will to him, I have once again learned to love.
John 13:34-35 NIV
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Remember that Jesus is the Reason for the Season.
God Bless.
9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
The Father loved his Son. The Son loved us. For our joy to be complete we must love eachother the way he loved us.
How much did he love us?
13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
He died for us.
14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
Jesus, the Son of God, calls us the disciples friends. They took what they learned and shared it with the world. We have this scripture today to read and learn what God has to say because they obeyed Jesus' command.
16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
This continues today. God chooses his people. If you are child of God then he chose you. You are to bear fruit for him. If you are not bearing fruit you need to examine yourself to see if you truly are a child of God.
17 This is my command: Love each other.
Do you love? With what I've been through this past year, I have some reasons not to love some people. But that is the flesh. Christ has given me the ability to forgive. As I surrender my will to him, I have once again learned to love.
John 13:34-35 NIV
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Remember that Jesus is the Reason for the Season.
God Bless.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Humility in relationships
Today I read Philippians 2:5-11 NIV
Jesus was the Son of God and therefore God. He had all power and all authority at his disposal and yet he submitted to His Father's will. He waited for the Father to exalt Him.
As I'm reading, these verses I think of us as Christians. The husband is to practice humility for his wife because that what Christ did for the church. Ephesians 5:25-30 NIV
Ephesians 6:9 says that masters are to treat their slaves in a manner aware of their true master being God. Though society may have allowed slaves to be abused, God did not. We don't have slave, but some of us will be bosses. The company may tolerate rudeness and yelling when you deal with those under you. God does not. Therefore as a boss you must be humble and give up what the world says in OK.
Here is some scripture that you can look up and study. Or just click the links I have provided.
If you are saved let the Holy Spirit teach you. If you do not know the Lord I pray he will use his Word to convict you.
Matthew 23:12 Luke 1:52 Luke 14:11 Luke 18:13-15 Romans 12:2-4 Ephesians 4:2 James 4:5-7 James 4:9-11 1 Peter 5:4-6
God Bless.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Jesus was the Son of God and therefore God. He had all power and all authority at his disposal and yet he submitted to His Father's will. He waited for the Father to exalt Him.
As I'm reading, these verses I think of us as Christians. The husband is to practice humility for his wife because that what Christ did for the church. Ephesians 5:25-30 NIV
Ephesians 6:9 says that masters are to treat their slaves in a manner aware of their true master being God. Though society may have allowed slaves to be abused, God did not. We don't have slave, but some of us will be bosses. The company may tolerate rudeness and yelling when you deal with those under you. God does not. Therefore as a boss you must be humble and give up what the world says in OK.
Here is some scripture that you can look up and study. Or just click the links I have provided.
If you are saved let the Holy Spirit teach you. If you do not know the Lord I pray he will use his Word to convict you.
Matthew 23:12 Luke 1:52 Luke 14:11 Luke 18:13-15 Romans 12:2-4 Ephesians 4:2 James 4:5-7 James 4:9-11 1 Peter 5:4-6
God Bless.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Who is Jesus? How does who he is affect your actions?
Matthew 16:1-28 NIV take the time to read it all. This blog will only address a few verses.
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
Peter goes on to answer this question and say that Jesus is the Messiah. But I ask everyone reading this blog to put themselves in the disciples sandals and answer that question as if Christ himself were asking you today.
If you answer as Peter did, then it will change your life.
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.
It's popular within the Christian circles to say a recent trial is "my cross to bear." My sister's cancer for instance. She might say, "This is my cross to bear." I believe that to be a misapplication of the teaching here.
A cross was used for execution. The one to be killed had no rights. He no longer had any appeals. He was completely at the mercy of his executioners and they had no mercy planned for the condemned. We know from the account of Christ's death he was forced to carry his cross.
The only application that makes sense here is follower's of Christ are to die to self. We are to do it willingly because we are choosing to follow our Savior. In light of this application vs 25 and 26 make sense.
Vs 27 is not speaking of salvation. It is speaking of reward. When one of our children obey's and we take them for ice cream, does the child who disobeyed stop being our child? No. So it is with God. He will reward his children that obey.
Even as I type this I am once again convicted of far I am from where I want to be in following Christ. And once again I struggle with the flesh not wanting to let go. I pray that each one reading this will allow the Holy Spirit to convict of what needs to be removed from their lives and more important they he will give us the strength to get rid of it.
God Bless.
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Peter goes on to answer this question and say that Jesus is the Messiah. But I ask everyone reading this blog to put themselves in the disciples sandals and answer that question as if Christ himself were asking you today.
If you answer as Peter did, then it will change your life.
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.
It's popular within the Christian circles to say a recent trial is "my cross to bear." My sister's cancer for instance. She might say, "This is my cross to bear." I believe that to be a misapplication of the teaching here.
A cross was used for execution. The one to be killed had no rights. He no longer had any appeals. He was completely at the mercy of his executioners and they had no mercy planned for the condemned. We know from the account of Christ's death he was forced to carry his cross.
The only application that makes sense here is follower's of Christ are to die to self. We are to do it willingly because we are choosing to follow our Savior. In light of this application vs 25 and 26 make sense.
Vs 27 is not speaking of salvation. It is speaking of reward. When one of our children obey's and we take them for ice cream, does the child who disobeyed stop being our child? No. So it is with God. He will reward his children that obey.
Even as I type this I am once again convicted of far I am from where I want to be in following Christ. And once again I struggle with the flesh not wanting to let go. I pray that each one reading this will allow the Holy Spirit to convict of what needs to be removed from their lives and more important they he will give us the strength to get rid of it.
God Bless.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Get of the pew and do your job.
1Corinthians 12:4-11 NIV
Church is not entertainment. The pastor, elders and deacons are not the ones who do everything while you just show up and put your money in the plate.
The church is a body. Everyone has a duty to fulfill. When you accepted Christ you were given the Holy Spirit and he gave you a gift. A gift that you are to use to strengthen to body of Christ.
A friend of mine has Parkinson's Disease. She has shared with me how frustrating it is when parts of her body start shaking and will not do as she wants. Someday's she can function, but she is slowed. Someday's she has to work from home because she can't leave the house.
It is no different with the body of Christ. When believers do not do their part and do whatever they want instead of what Christ the head wants, the Church is impaired. It has difficulty moving forward. Someday's it can't move at all .
Get in the word. Pray. Find out what your gift is and get going on what God has called you to do.
God Bless.
4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
Church is not entertainment. The pastor, elders and deacons are not the ones who do everything while you just show up and put your money in the plate.
The church is a body. Everyone has a duty to fulfill. When you accepted Christ you were given the Holy Spirit and he gave you a gift. A gift that you are to use to strengthen to body of Christ.
A friend of mine has Parkinson's Disease. She has shared with me how frustrating it is when parts of her body start shaking and will not do as she wants. Someday's she can function, but she is slowed. Someday's she has to work from home because she can't leave the house.
It is no different with the body of Christ. When believers do not do their part and do whatever they want instead of what Christ the head wants, the Church is impaired. It has difficulty moving forward. Someday's it can't move at all .
Get in the word. Pray. Find out what your gift is and get going on what God has called you to do.
God Bless.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Power and witness
Acts1:8 NIV
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Some of Jesus' final words to the disciples before he left earth. When you accepted Christ as your personal savior you received power. This power will allow you to be His witness here on earth.
The challenge ARE YOU WITNESSING?
God Bless.
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Some of Jesus' final words to the disciples before he left earth. When you accepted Christ as your personal savior you received power. This power will allow you to be His witness here on earth.
The challenge ARE YOU WITNESSING?
God Bless.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Introduction to Jesus
Today's Bible study is in Revelation 1:4-8 NIV. Some blog's write themselves. Take yesterday's for instance, as I read the words, the Holy Spirit moved and I knew exactly what to write. Today's took a while.
Many people put an "s" and make Revelation plural. This mistake is in one of my movies and makes me cringe every time I watch the film. Fact this book is the Revelation of Jesus Christ. When writing a book, the first thing one does is introduce the main Characters. In this case there is only one. Jesus Christ. Dr Stanley in his devotional broke down this introduction so succinctly that I shall not reinvent the wheel. See his comments in blue.
Jesus Christ is the faithful witness. Jesus came to earth to more fully reveal the character and ways of the Father (John 14:9). The miracles He performed validated His claim to be the Son of God.
Jesus Christ is the first-born from the dead. The Savior bore our sins and died on the cross, was buried, and rose again on the third day. His resurrection proved that eternal life is possible for us, too, as Jesus taught in John 11:25: “He who believes in Me will live even if he dies.”
Jesus Christ is the ruler of the kings of the earth. It is the Lord who raises men to power, just as it is He who removes them (John 19:11; Rom. 13:1). Meanwhile, believers have access to a higher authority. In God’s throne room, we can beseech Him on behalf of our nations and lay claim to His promises.
Jesus Christ loves us and released us from our sins by His blood. Note the change of tense in John’s writing. The Lord’s love is ever-present, but He has freed believers from their past. Both the penalty and power of sin have been broken.
Remember, Jesus is the Reason for the Season.
God Bless.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
1 Corinthians 1:1-9 NIV
1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,
Because Paul was not one of the original disciples, his apostleship was a direct calling from God. Read the story of Paul's conversions and calling in Acts 9. If you are a Christian you too are called of God. Romans 1:7, Romans 8:28
2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:
This letter was not just written to Corinth. It was written to "those sanctified in Christ Jesus" and "all those everywhere who call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ". This letter was written to me. It was written to you.
3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I've written many times of God's grace and peace. Here is Paul wishing them on us. I could end this blog right here and just spend the day focused on God's grace and enjoying His peace.
4 I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5 For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— 6 God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.
Corinth was so vile that when some acted in a immoral or perverse manner the people at the time said they were acting like a Corinthian. They were a dirty joke by the surrounding nations. Therefore being a Christian here was not easy. God was confirming that the people took the message of Christ and applied it. They were different than the world around them and started to show their spiritual gifts.
Yesterday we saw in 1Thessalonians 5:23-24 that God is the one sanctifying us and is faithful to do it. Today, in these verses, we see that God will keep us firm. I've spent so many years running around trying to be "good" and yet it is God who is doing the sanctifying and God who is holding me firm.
Jesus is the Reason for the Season.
God Bless.
1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,
Because Paul was not one of the original disciples, his apostleship was a direct calling from God. Read the story of Paul's conversions and calling in Acts 9. If you are a Christian you too are called of God. Romans 1:7, Romans 8:28
2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:
This letter was not just written to Corinth. It was written to "those sanctified in Christ Jesus" and "all those everywhere who call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ". This letter was written to me. It was written to you.
3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I've written many times of God's grace and peace. Here is Paul wishing them on us. I could end this blog right here and just spend the day focused on God's grace and enjoying His peace.
4 I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5 For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— 6 God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.
Corinth was so vile that when some acted in a immoral or perverse manner the people at the time said they were acting like a Corinthian. They were a dirty joke by the surrounding nations. Therefore being a Christian here was not easy. God was confirming that the people took the message of Christ and applied it. They were different than the world around them and started to show their spiritual gifts.
8 He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Yesterday we saw in 1Thessalonians 5:23-24 that God is the one sanctifying us and is faithful to do it. Today, in these verses, we see that God will keep us firm. I've spent so many years running around trying to be "good" and yet it is God who is doing the sanctifying and God who is holding me firm.
Jesus is the Reason for the Season.
God Bless.
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