James 5:13-20
13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.
Reliance and God and recognizing Him in all aspects of our lives.
15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore
confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may
be healed.
My sister died of breast cancer and we prayed for her healing. Does that make these verses a lie? NO! Re-reading 15 and 16 together makes me think this is a sickness brought on by sin. David in Psalm 51:8 talks of his bones being crushed and only after the sin came out that he began to heal.
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. 17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
A righteous person is pursuing God. They walk with God and listen to Him. A righteous person prays within the will of God. Therefore, God answers the prayers of the righteous. Our prayers are not answered because we too often pray for our own selfish gain. (James 4:3)
19 My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
It's not that we give them forgiveness, it's that our faithfulness in bringing them back to the faith prevents them from future sins.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Friday, January 11, 2013
James 5:7-12
James 5:7-12
7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.
At 41 I am old enough to remember life before microwaves, cell phones and a computer in every home. We live in a world of INSTANT gratification and information. We want it NOW. I've often said, "If God would just download his calendar to my iPod, I'd be all set.". That because I don't want to wait.
Waiting involves trust. It involves believing that God's plan is truly the best plan. When we don't wait on God, we demonstrate our lack of faith and trust in God.
9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
Grumbling against a brother or sister puts us in the place of God. We don't know what God's plan is for us, never mind other people. By grumbling we think we know what is best for others. God is the Judge and you will answer to him.
10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
Be patient when you are suffering. God has a plan and will bless you or others through it. You may never know why you are suffering till you reach heaven and God reveals it to you.
12 Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.
Oaths are dangerous because you become bound by them. Just a simple yes or no and follow through on you word. If you say yes and life gets in the way be honest and upfront. Integrity, once lost, is hard to regain. A bad reputation will hurt your testimony for Christ.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.
At 41 I am old enough to remember life before microwaves, cell phones and a computer in every home. We live in a world of INSTANT gratification and information. We want it NOW. I've often said, "If God would just download his calendar to my iPod, I'd be all set.". That because I don't want to wait.
Waiting involves trust. It involves believing that God's plan is truly the best plan. When we don't wait on God, we demonstrate our lack of faith and trust in God.
9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
Grumbling against a brother or sister puts us in the place of God. We don't know what God's plan is for us, never mind other people. By grumbling we think we know what is best for others. God is the Judge and you will answer to him.
10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
Be patient when you are suffering. God has a plan and will bless you or others through it. You may never know why you are suffering till you reach heaven and God reveals it to you.
12 Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.
Oaths are dangerous because you become bound by them. Just a simple yes or no and follow through on you word. If you say yes and life gets in the way be honest and upfront. Integrity, once lost, is hard to regain. A bad reputation will hurt your testimony for Christ.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
James 5:1-6
Before we get into today's lesson I want to share this song. Yesterday was not a good day. I did not walk closely with the Lord. Upon hitting the pillow last night I had a time of prayer. I woke to this song on my head. God is faithful even when I am not.
James 5:1-6
Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.
Let's begin by making it clear that there is no sin in being rich. The question lies in where you put your trust. If you put all your trust in you money than you will be sorry. Already here in the US and around the globe, money is losing value and people are going broke. Trust in God, not in wealth.
4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.
Do you owe someone money for services and you did not pay? Have you worked and not been payed? God knows. If you owe, pay. If you are owed, trust in God. He knows your needs and he loves you.
5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.
I love my country, however the US and its allies are involved in a shooting war in many different countries. Now I am not against war. There are times when they are necessary and I realize that innocent people die in war. My issue and conviction is that people are dying all over the world, our military and government are involved, and to be honest I care more about my next meal and my next movie. Not sure what I'm going to do about it, but it is the first thing that came to mind when I read these verses.
Not exactly an uplifting study today. Sometimes we need to be shaken.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
James 5:1-6
Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.
Let's begin by making it clear that there is no sin in being rich. The question lies in where you put your trust. If you put all your trust in you money than you will be sorry. Already here in the US and around the globe, money is losing value and people are going broke. Trust in God, not in wealth.
4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.
Do you owe someone money for services and you did not pay? Have you worked and not been payed? God knows. If you owe, pay. If you are owed, trust in God. He knows your needs and he loves you.
5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.
I love my country, however the US and its allies are involved in a shooting war in many different countries. Now I am not against war. There are times when they are necessary and I realize that innocent people die in war. My issue and conviction is that people are dying all over the world, our military and government are involved, and to be honest I care more about my next meal and my next movie. Not sure what I'm going to do about it, but it is the first thing that came to mind when I read these verses.
Not exactly an uplifting study today. Sometimes we need to be shaken.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Monday, January 7, 2013
James 4:13-17
James 4:13-17
13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.
This NOT saying we don't make plans. All to often Christians say, "God, this is my plan. Rubber stamp it and make it happen.". We must seek His will and see if our plans fit. If they don't we need to get with God's plan.
17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.
Have you ever felt like the Lord was prodding you about something and you did not obey? Perhaps your reasoning is that other people are doing (____) and their Christian walk seems fine. Or the fact that other Christians are not doing (_____) and their Christian walks seems fine. Or perhaps it comes down to a choice and the better one is not the one you wish to do.
These are the practical day to day decisions the we as Christians must make. This is how we grow. If we come to a point and know what is right and we don't do it, we sin.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.
This NOT saying we don't make plans. All to often Christians say, "God, this is my plan. Rubber stamp it and make it happen.". We must seek His will and see if our plans fit. If they don't we need to get with God's plan.
17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.
Have you ever felt like the Lord was prodding you about something and you did not obey? Perhaps your reasoning is that other people are doing (____) and their Christian walk seems fine. Or the fact that other Christians are not doing (_____) and their Christian walks seems fine. Or perhaps it comes down to a choice and the better one is not the one you wish to do.
These are the practical day to day decisions the we as Christians must make. This is how we grow. If we come to a point and know what is right and we don't do it, we sin.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
James 4:1-12
James 4:1-12
4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us?
Do you really want to be an enemy of God?
The Holy Spirit lives within each one of us who has accepted Christs payment for our sins. When we choose to sin, He is forced to witness what we do. This is the Spirit of God. He wishes for communion with God the Holy Spirit, yet we are forcing the Holy Spirit to witness filth.
6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
11 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?
Some people will take these verses and accuse anyone who approaches them about sin in their life as judging them. Not so. Matthew 18 is very clear on how we approach a brother or sister who is acting in a fashion contrary to scripture. Mathew 7 warns us make sure we are not guilty of the sin we are about to approach our brother or sister about.
I believe this paragraph refers to those Christians who decide that a person is not saved. Or they decide the person is beyond hope. These Christians act like they are God and condemn the other. We are NOT God. We were sinners. God chose us with all our faults and filth and gave us grace. We need to extend that grace to others. I smile at how appropriate the verses I close each days lesson with are today.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
4 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight.
Christmas time. People are showing off their gifts. Have you ever seen what someone received, that you did not receive, and said, "I hate you." I do realize that phrase has become part of American culture, but be careful. 1 John 3:15 says if you hate your brother you are guilty of murder. For most of us, that is the principle on which James is speaking. You want something in your heart and you hate those that have it. You do want ever you can to get it including racking up debt. How many fights in a marriage start with money?
You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
Let's face it folks. Our greed list grows very fast here in America. Please understand I love my country, but we have turned our backs on God and turned to "stuff". We stopped asking God because we know he is a good parent and will say "no".
Do you really want to be an enemy of God?
The Holy Spirit lives within each one of us who has accepted Christs payment for our sins. When we choose to sin, He is forced to witness what we do. This is the Spirit of God. He wishes for communion with God the Holy Spirit, yet we are forcing the Holy Spirit to witness filth.
6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”
but shows favor to the humble.”
Grace. Praise God for grace.
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
When I stared listening to a Bible program that will help me through the Bible, I began to relax. The Word was like salve to me. God came near as these verses promise.
Some people will take these verses and accuse anyone who approaches them about sin in their life as judging them. Not so. Matthew 18 is very clear on how we approach a brother or sister who is acting in a fashion contrary to scripture. Mathew 7 warns us make sure we are not guilty of the sin we are about to approach our brother or sister about.
I believe this paragraph refers to those Christians who decide that a person is not saved. Or they decide the person is beyond hope. These Christians act like they are God and condemn the other. We are NOT God. We were sinners. God chose us with all our faults and filth and gave us grace. We need to extend that grace to others. I smile at how appropriate the verses I close each days lesson with are today.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
James 3:13-18
James 3:13-18
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
If God told you to do something that needs to be done do it...and shut up about it. Don't brag about how great you and you accomplishments are.
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
Peacekeeping is easy. It's done at the end of a gun. The UN has been sending armed men into harms way to prevent people from killing each other. The problem is once the armed men leave the war starts all over because the heart problem was never resolved.
Peacemaking is from God. Each party thinks of the welfare of the other.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
If God told you to do something that needs to be done do it...and shut up about it. Don't brag about how great you and you accomplishments are.
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
Peacekeeping is easy. It's done at the end of a gun. The UN has been sending armed men into harms way to prevent people from killing each other. The problem is once the armed men leave the war starts all over because the heart problem was never resolved.
Peacemaking is from God. Each party thinks of the welfare of the other.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
James 3:1-12
Happy New year everybody. I took an unplanned break from the blog. Figure it's the first day of the year, let's start it with the Lord. Had to smile at the providence of God in the topic of today's passage. It was conviction of a recent conversation that got me to thinking I really need to start doing my Bible study again.
James 3:1-12
Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
I've said it before. I do this blog with great respect for the Word of God knowing that all I say I will give an answer for. This is the reason I am not afraid to say, "I don't know.".
2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.
The entire body, I'll go so far as to say ones entire life is easier to maintain than the tongue.
3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
So how do we tame it? Galatians 5:16-17 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. It really is that simple. Every day recognize the you are a child of God. Study His word and obey it. You will not be perfect at first and the change will be gradual, but one day you will look back and realize how much of the filth that comes out of our mouths has changed.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
James 3:1-12
Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
I've said it before. I do this blog with great respect for the Word of God knowing that all I say I will give an answer for. This is the reason I am not afraid to say, "I don't know.".
2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.
The entire body, I'll go so far as to say ones entire life is easier to maintain than the tongue.
3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
So how do we tame it? Galatians 5:16-17 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. It really is that simple. Every day recognize the you are a child of God. Study His word and obey it. You will not be perfect at first and the change will be gradual, but one day you will look back and realize how much of the filth that comes out of our mouths has changed.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Friday, December 21, 2012
James 2:14-26
James 2:14-26
There is no real breaking point for me to make commentary, so follow the link and read today's passage. When you are done come back and read my commentary.
Someone claims to be a Doctor, Policeman, Fireman, mechanic, clerk, plummer, electrician or any other occupation we expect proof in their lives. Yet people go forward in a church service one day and pray a prayer and then go home and there is no change in their lives, but they're "saved" because of that experience so long ago. These verses say that person is wrong and their faith was never real.
James is not teaching a works salvation here. Remember Wednesday when I pointed out Isaiah 64:6 that our righteousness, or works, are as filthy rags. What James is teaching is true faith will change you. If you truly believe, your life and actions will not be the same. Verse 23 of our passage says "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness". The belief came first and that belief moved him to action.
So, where is your faith leading you? What is God asking you to do?
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
There is no real breaking point for me to make commentary, so follow the link and read today's passage. When you are done come back and read my commentary.
Someone claims to be a Doctor, Policeman, Fireman, mechanic, clerk, plummer, electrician or any other occupation we expect proof in their lives. Yet people go forward in a church service one day and pray a prayer and then go home and there is no change in their lives, but they're "saved" because of that experience so long ago. These verses say that person is wrong and their faith was never real.
James is not teaching a works salvation here. Remember Wednesday when I pointed out Isaiah 64:6 that our righteousness, or works, are as filthy rags. What James is teaching is true faith will change you. If you truly believe, your life and actions will not be the same. Verse 23 of our passage says "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness". The belief came first and that belief moved him to action.
So, where is your faith leading you? What is God asking you to do?
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
James 2:1-12
James 2:1-13
My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
The first thing that comes to mind is the Mafia. They wear suits that cost as much as some cars, yet their hearts are full of murder and crime. Man looks at what a man is wearing. God looks at the heart of the man. 1 Samuel 16:7
5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?
The last two years financially have been the poorest of my life. Yet God has used his church to bless me in ways I cannot count and spiritually I've been the richest in my life because I've fallen into His word.
8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11 For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
We are no longer under Old Testament law. However Jesus summed up the law in Matthew 22:37-40. 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” If a person truly loves God and his neighbor as Jesus says we won't have a problem. Again, we are no longer under compulsion to follow the "law" and therefore can not "break" it. However we can break God's heart. Which do you think is worse?
12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Mercy folks. It is lacking in our society. I'm trying to teach it to my kids. We do not need to respond with anything other than mercy. If you think it's hard you have the wrong focus. Focus on God and his mercy. Focus on Christ and the grace he lavished upon us. Read Ephesians 1:3-14. Still finding it hard to forgive and give mercy to others? Read it again. If you still find it hard remember that God will forgive you only to the level that you forgive others. The Lord's prayer says "for give us our trespasses and we forgive others who trespass against us."
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
The first thing that comes to mind is the Mafia. They wear suits that cost as much as some cars, yet their hearts are full of murder and crime. Man looks at what a man is wearing. God looks at the heart of the man. 1 Samuel 16:7
5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?
The last two years financially have been the poorest of my life. Yet God has used his church to bless me in ways I cannot count and spiritually I've been the richest in my life because I've fallen into His word.
8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11 For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
We are no longer under Old Testament law. However Jesus summed up the law in Matthew 22:37-40. 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” If a person truly loves God and his neighbor as Jesus says we won't have a problem. Again, we are no longer under compulsion to follow the "law" and therefore can not "break" it. However we can break God's heart. Which do you think is worse?
12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Mercy folks. It is lacking in our society. I'm trying to teach it to my kids. We do not need to respond with anything other than mercy. If you think it's hard you have the wrong focus. Focus on God and his mercy. Focus on Christ and the grace he lavished upon us. Read Ephesians 1:3-14. Still finding it hard to forgive and give mercy to others? Read it again. If you still find it hard remember that God will forgive you only to the level that you forgive others. The Lord's prayer says "for give us our trespasses and we forgive others who trespass against us."
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
James 1:19-27
James 1:19-27
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
Slow to anger. The Holy Spirit has done and incredible work in me, but I'm not "there" yet. When getting angry don't ask, "Do I have the RIGHT to be angry?". Ask yourself, "Do I have the DUTY to be angry?".
If one is angry about their rights being violated by some perceived offense, this is human anger and does not produce righteousness. It stems from pride. If one sees a situation that violates God's standards, then we have the duty to be angry about it. Be careful how you act on that anger. Eph 4:26 warns us not to sin while angry.
One may ask what verse 21 has to do with anger. Immorality and anger go hand in hand. I learned the fruit of the spirit at a young age, but the deeds of the flesh build on each other. Galatians 5:19-25 speaks of both but I only want to show the link between filth and anger. 19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. It is my conviction that they build on one another. If there is filth in your life, get rid of it.
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
The doing. That is the major issue with all of us. Slowly, as the Word of God works through my life I am changing. I find that I apply more and more of what I read. God's word really is freedom. It's our liberty and right to do what ever we want that are the chains.
Also note that scripture is a mirror. When we look in a mirror we see our own face and not that of a parent or sibling or Christian friend. Therefore be VERY careful when you read a passage and think how (fill in the person's name) needs to read and apply it. Make sure you apply Matthew 7:3-5 before approaching them.
26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
How is your speech? Do you take care of widows and orphans? These are all great things to do in the name of God and for God's glory. Matthew 25:31-46
Have you kept yourself pure? Good, but keep in mind it will not save you. Isaiah 64:6 Only faith in Christ can do that. John 3:16
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
Slow to anger. The Holy Spirit has done and incredible work in me, but I'm not "there" yet. When getting angry don't ask, "Do I have the RIGHT to be angry?". Ask yourself, "Do I have the DUTY to be angry?".
If one is angry about their rights being violated by some perceived offense, this is human anger and does not produce righteousness. It stems from pride. If one sees a situation that violates God's standards, then we have the duty to be angry about it. Be careful how you act on that anger. Eph 4:26 warns us not to sin while angry.
One may ask what verse 21 has to do with anger. Immorality and anger go hand in hand. I learned the fruit of the spirit at a young age, but the deeds of the flesh build on each other. Galatians 5:19-25 speaks of both but I only want to show the link between filth and anger. 19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. It is my conviction that they build on one another. If there is filth in your life, get rid of it.
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
The doing. That is the major issue with all of us. Slowly, as the Word of God works through my life I am changing. I find that I apply more and more of what I read. God's word really is freedom. It's our liberty and right to do what ever we want that are the chains.
Also note that scripture is a mirror. When we look in a mirror we see our own face and not that of a parent or sibling or Christian friend. Therefore be VERY careful when you read a passage and think how (fill in the person's name) needs to read and apply it. Make sure you apply Matthew 7:3-5 before approaching them.
26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
How is your speech? Do you take care of widows and orphans? These are all great things to do in the name of God and for God's glory. Matthew 25:31-46
Have you kept yourself pure? Good, but keep in mind it will not save you. Isaiah 64:6 Only faith in Christ can do that. John 3:16
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
James 1:9-18
James 1:9-18
9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
It's not wrong to be rich. But if you are counting on your riches and not on Christ, your riches will fail you.
I think of hurricane Sandy that just wrecked lower Manhattan. Though these people are poor by American standards they're rich by worldly standards. Of what benefit were their nice homes when the power went out? When my church was sending relief we were told not to send money because there was nothing on the shelf to buy. Money and riches failed.
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
My last two years have been a great trial. God has carried me every step of the way.
13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
God does not tempt people to sin. He may bring trials and he may allow us to be tempted, but he does not send the temptation to us.
Ever here the phrase "The devil made me do it."? Well if we can't blame God, then it's got to be Satan. Wrong! Most all of our sin is just plain old us. We choose it.
I also want to point out the devil is ONE being and he is NOT omniscient. He cannot be everywhere at once. There are billions of people on the Earth and one devil. Unless you are Super Christian who is on the front lines being used of God to bring thousands to Christ, I don't think the devil himself is going to bother with you.
16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
Have you ever loved someone who changed? Our father does not change. He does not give us gifts and then change his mind. All the good gift he has given us are by his choice. I am getting chills when I contemplate the fact that God chose me. My eyes are wet thinking about it.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
It's not wrong to be rich. But if you are counting on your riches and not on Christ, your riches will fail you.
I think of hurricane Sandy that just wrecked lower Manhattan. Though these people are poor by American standards they're rich by worldly standards. Of what benefit were their nice homes when the power went out? When my church was sending relief we were told not to send money because there was nothing on the shelf to buy. Money and riches failed.
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
My last two years have been a great trial. God has carried me every step of the way.
13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
God does not tempt people to sin. He may bring trials and he may allow us to be tempted, but he does not send the temptation to us.
Ever here the phrase "The devil made me do it."? Well if we can't blame God, then it's got to be Satan. Wrong! Most all of our sin is just plain old us. We choose it.
I also want to point out the devil is ONE being and he is NOT omniscient. He cannot be everywhere at once. There are billions of people on the Earth and one devil. Unless you are Super Christian who is on the front lines being used of God to bring thousands to Christ, I don't think the devil himself is going to bother with you.
16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
Have you ever loved someone who changed? Our father does not change. He does not give us gifts and then change his mind. All the good gift he has given us are by his choice. I am getting chills when I contemplate the fact that God chose me. My eyes are wet thinking about it.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Monday, December 17, 2012
James 1:1-8
James 1:1-8
Joy? For real? Recently my testing has not brought much joy. However the past year has brought so much change in my life that I understand why there should be joy in my life when tested. Compare it to going to the gym. No pain. No gain. Faith, like a muscle, must be exercised to grow.
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. 6 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. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
It's the not doubting that I struggle most with. Not that I think he can't help, but I doubt that he will. Which according to this verse is exactly why he does not act. When we turn to God we need to believe that he can and will act and that he has our best interest at heart.
My the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:
Greetings.
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.Joy? For real? Recently my testing has not brought much joy. However the past year has brought so much change in my life that I understand why there should be joy in my life when tested. Compare it to going to the gym. No pain. No gain. Faith, like a muscle, must be exercised to grow.
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. 6 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. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
It's the not doubting that I struggle most with. Not that I think he can't help, but I doubt that he will. Which according to this verse is exactly why he does not act. When we turn to God we need to believe that he can and will act and that he has our best interest at heart.
My the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen
Friday, December 14, 2012
Hebrews 13:11-25
Hebrews 13:11-25
11 The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. 12 And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. 13 Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. 14 For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.
15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Jesus' blood purifies us and we look forward to heaven. Praise is a sacrifice. We admit our position and we give back to God what he gave to us.
17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.
I really hope this is referring to spiritual leaders. I have very little confidence in the leaders of this country. When we submit and obey to our leaders we make their burden light and we please the Lord.
18 Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. 19 I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.
Another request for prayer. I don't pray for my pastor enough.
20 Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
2 Peter 1:3 Tells us that we do have all we need. We just need to get to know God and his word.
24 Greet all your leaders and all the Lord’s people. Those from Italy send you their greetings.
25 Grace be with you all.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
11 The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. 12 And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. 13 Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. 14 For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.
15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Jesus' blood purifies us and we look forward to heaven. Praise is a sacrifice. We admit our position and we give back to God what he gave to us.
17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.
I really hope this is referring to spiritual leaders. I have very little confidence in the leaders of this country. When we submit and obey to our leaders we make their burden light and we please the Lord.
18 Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. 19 I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.
Another request for prayer. I don't pray for my pastor enough.
20 Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
2 Peter 1:3 Tells us that we do have all we need. We just need to get to know God and his word.
22 Brothers and sisters, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for in fact I have written to you quite briefly.
23 I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you.24 Greet all your leaders and all the Lord’s people. Those from Italy send you their greetings.
25 Grace be with you all.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Hebrews 13:7-10
Very brief today. Got a late start and need to log into school.
Hebrews 13:7-10
Hebrews 13:7-10
7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
Watch the example of you pastors and elders. See how their life turns out. No, they will not be perfect, but as they apply their faith to life you will notice them grow in Christ. Follow their example.
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Some people cannot be trusted because they change their mind. And all of us know someone who puts on masks, meaning they act one way around family and another way around friends and yet another way at work. God is the same all the time. We can approach Him with confidence because he's not going to suddenly say, "I no longer accept my son's payment for sin. Go to hell."
9 Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so.10 We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat.
As Christians we celebrate the Lord's table to remember what Christ did for us on the cross. The ordinance does not save us nor does it forgive our sins. It helps us to focus and remember Christ. We are under grace now. It's not about ceremony and doing. It's about Christ who is better than the old way of following the law.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Hebrews 13:1-6
Hebrews 13:1-6
Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. 2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
I smiled when I read "loving like brothers and sisters". There was not a lot of love between my sisters and I growing up. There is now, but not then.
I have heard of a "secret shopper" program where a retailer will send in shoppers that work for him to see if the sales employees do their job correctly and provide the level of service expected by the owners. Verse two tells me that God has Angels roaming the earth providing opportunity for us to "get it right". Show hospitality to all. Treat others as you would want to be treated.
3 Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
Tying mistreated and suffering together, I get the impression that the writer is speaking of brothers in prison for Christ. It is easy for us to forget them because visiting a prison is a pain. I know this because a friend of mine went to prison for a crime he did commit. 6 years he was there. We did write, but I never visited him because of the time commitment that would be involved. As I type those words, my reasons sound hollow.
4 Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.
So many Christians think they can play with sexual immorality. They always get burned. Sex is a gift from God to married couples. Unless fulfilled within the context of marriage, the sexual act, though fun, will leave you empty and you will continually crave more and more till your appetites are beyond control. God will judge any such person.
5 Keep 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.”
6 So we say with confidence,“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
God will provide your needs. Chasing after money will not bring you happiness. It too will only lead to emptiness.
With God, the creator of the universe at our side, what could possibly happen the he does not chose to allow? I sometime wonder why I fear so much.
My the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
God will provide your needs. Chasing after money will not bring you happiness. It too will only lead to emptiness.
With God, the creator of the universe at our side, what could possibly happen the he does not chose to allow? I sometime wonder why I fear so much.
My the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Hebrews 12:18-29
Hebrews 12:18-29
18 You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; 19 to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, 20 because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” 21 The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”
When God came down on Mount Sinai, it was not a calming site.
22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23 to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
Our spiritual Mountain is better. We have Jesus as our mediator so we need not fear. We are under the new covenant or promise so we are under grace.
25 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven?
We have more. We have the fulfillment of scripture in that Jesus has died and rose again. The Holy Spirit has come and he indwell in those who have accepted Christ. For a person to walk away or reject God now in this age, their offense is worse.
26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.”
Revelation 21:1 reveals to us that there will be a new heaven and a new earth. God is going destroy this one and start all over.
May he grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
18 You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; 19 to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, 20 because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” 21 The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”
When God came down on Mount Sinai, it was not a calming site.
22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23 to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
Our spiritual Mountain is better. We have Jesus as our mediator so we need not fear. We are under the new covenant or promise so we are under grace.
25 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven?
We have more. We have the fulfillment of scripture in that Jesus has died and rose again. The Holy Spirit has come and he indwell in those who have accepted Christ. For a person to walk away or reject God now in this age, their offense is worse.
26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.”
Revelation 21:1 reveals to us that there will be a new heaven and a new earth. God is going destroy this one and start all over.
May he grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Hebrews 12:14-17
Hebrews 12:14-17
14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
How much effort? Every effort. We never quit. Now they may reject us, but we don't quit. Romans 12:18
At first read through, one might come to the conclusion that we have to achieve holiness before we can see God and therefore a "works" salvation. No! Holiness is a benefit of salvation and forgiveness. Romans 6:22 It is a gift from God.
15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
Just because a person lives in a garage, does not mean they are a car. Just because a person goes to church, does not mean they are a Christian. Share the gospel in your church, even when you "know" everyone there is a Christian.
Build relationships with each other. Someone may be hurting. Actually where there are humans, someone IS hurting. Come along side them. Comfort, help and meet their needs. Don't allow them to become bitter because their bitterness could cause others to stumble.
16 See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son.
I found it odd that sexual immorality and Esau would be in the same sentence. As I worked it through, food and sex are both legitimate needs that we as humans have. God has provided ways for these to be met in a righteous and holy manner. Esau wanted food NOW and did not care how he got it. I am now divorced. I have a choice. I can wait for God to provide me with a wife or I can chose to fulfill my sexual appetites in my own way.
17 Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done.
We can be forgiven for our sins and they will not eternally condemn us, however there are consequences for our sin if we chose to disobey God.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
How much effort? Every effort. We never quit. Now they may reject us, but we don't quit. Romans 12:18
At first read through, one might come to the conclusion that we have to achieve holiness before we can see God and therefore a "works" salvation. No! Holiness is a benefit of salvation and forgiveness. Romans 6:22 It is a gift from God.
15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
Just because a person lives in a garage, does not mean they are a car. Just because a person goes to church, does not mean they are a Christian. Share the gospel in your church, even when you "know" everyone there is a Christian.
Build relationships with each other. Someone may be hurting. Actually where there are humans, someone IS hurting. Come along side them. Comfort, help and meet their needs. Don't allow them to become bitter because their bitterness could cause others to stumble.
16 See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son.
I found it odd that sexual immorality and Esau would be in the same sentence. As I worked it through, food and sex are both legitimate needs that we as humans have. God has provided ways for these to be met in a righteous and holy manner. Esau wanted food NOW and did not care how he got it. I am now divorced. I have a choice. I can wait for God to provide me with a wife or I can chose to fulfill my sexual appetites in my own way.
17 Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done.
We can be forgiven for our sins and they will not eternally condemn us, however there are consequences for our sin if we chose to disobey God.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Hebrews 12:1-12
Hebrews 12:1-12
Therefore, 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.
I once played a video game and my character was able to pick up weapons and ammo as he walked through the game. Playing within the rules of the game there was a limit to the amount of weapons and ammo my character was allowed to carry. However even within the limits of the game, realistically a soldier would not be very effective if he was carrying a rocket launcher with rockets, 1 assault rifle with many mags of ammo, 1 sub machine gun with many mags of ammo, 1 9 mm pistol with many mags of ammo, 1 .45 pistol with several mags of ammo, grenades and a knife. He'd be useless because he was burdened so much he could not move.
But my illustration has a flaw in that these items are tools of his trade. What if my soldier instead of carrying his weapons started carrying things for the enemy? This is what we do when we sin. We start working for the enemy.
Able, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Issac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses' parents, Moses, the people of Israel, and Rahab all died in their faith having NOT received what was promised. We have Christ. We have the Holy Spirit. Our faith should be stronger.
What prevents you from unconditional surrender? Get rid of it.
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
When a runner runs he has nothing on him. He faces front and just runs as fast as he can. Jesus is the goal. Everything else should be a blur.
4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,
We get strong by exercise. As we, by faith, endure hardship we grow. I know this first hand. The past two years have been a very hard road. It's not over yet, but I know that God has a plan.
My the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Therefore, 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.
I once played a video game and my character was able to pick up weapons and ammo as he walked through the game. Playing within the rules of the game there was a limit to the amount of weapons and ammo my character was allowed to carry. However even within the limits of the game, realistically a soldier would not be very effective if he was carrying a rocket launcher with rockets, 1 assault rifle with many mags of ammo, 1 sub machine gun with many mags of ammo, 1 9 mm pistol with many mags of ammo, 1 .45 pistol with several mags of ammo, grenades and a knife. He'd be useless because he was burdened so much he could not move.
But my illustration has a flaw in that these items are tools of his trade. What if my soldier instead of carrying his weapons started carrying things for the enemy? This is what we do when we sin. We start working for the enemy.
Able, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Issac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses' parents, Moses, the people of Israel, and Rahab all died in their faith having NOT received what was promised. We have Christ. We have the Holy Spirit. Our faith should be stronger.
What prevents you from unconditional surrender? Get rid of it.
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
When a runner runs he has nothing on him. He faces front and just runs as fast as he can. Jesus is the goal. Everything else should be a blur.
4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,
“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”
Never have I heard more encouraging words. Some days, as a result of my continued struggle with sin, I would doubt my salvation. But because I am convicted of my sin and I continually come back to the Lord, I know I am saved. If I wasn't the Holy Spirit would not convict, I would not confess and I would just continue in ignorance. Praise God for his discipline.
7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover,
we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them
for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They
disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God
disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.We get strong by exercise. As we, by faith, endure hardship we grow. I know this first hand. The past two years have been a very hard road. It's not over yet, but I know that God has a plan.
My the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
In memory of Cheryl
The manner in which people deal with grief is as various as the number of people on the planet. Today would have been Cheryl's 44th birthday, had cancer not taken her from us. So I take a moment to reflect on how I feel. I have a loss, but it is not a hopeless loss. I miss her, but I have a hope. This is not a hope as in "I hope I get a pony for Christmas.". This is a knowing in my soul that I will see her again.
Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.". Sin is an archery term that means "to miss the mark". God has a standard of perfection. We don't meet that standard.
Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.". Those that have jobs would be pretty upset if they did not get paid. Yes somehow non believers think that if their good deeds out weigh the bad, then they won't get what is coming to them. They are wrong.
I'm sure most of you have seen John 3:16 signs at sporting events. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whomever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." God sent his Son Jesus into the world. He did live that life of perfection that God requires and he died as a substitute for sin. If we believe in Jesus sacrifice for us we will be saved. 1 John 5:11-12 says, "And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his son. Whoever has the son, has life; whoever does not have the son, does not have life."
My sister had faith in Jesus Christ. Read her blog, My Cancer Journey. She praised God throughout her entire ordeal.
I do not understand why Cheryl got cancer. I do know that her journey provided our family with an opportunity to share the gospel with people we would not have met other wise.
I sure Cheryl agreed with the apostle Paul when he said, "for me to live is Christ and to die is gain." Cheryl gained eternal life in her passing. She gain a pain free whole body that will never die. She gained a face to face meeting with our Savior Jesus Christ.
I ask your continued prayers for her widower Howard and children Troy, Trevor and Haley at this time. Prayers for my parents as they should never have to bury a child. And prayers for Dawn, Brenda and myself.
May the grace of hour Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.". Sin is an archery term that means "to miss the mark". God has a standard of perfection. We don't meet that standard.
Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.". Those that have jobs would be pretty upset if they did not get paid. Yes somehow non believers think that if their good deeds out weigh the bad, then they won't get what is coming to them. They are wrong.
I'm sure most of you have seen John 3:16 signs at sporting events. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whomever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." God sent his Son Jesus into the world. He did live that life of perfection that God requires and he died as a substitute for sin. If we believe in Jesus sacrifice for us we will be saved. 1 John 5:11-12 says, "And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his son. Whoever has the son, has life; whoever does not have the son, does not have life."
My sister had faith in Jesus Christ. Read her blog, My Cancer Journey. She praised God throughout her entire ordeal.
I do not understand why Cheryl got cancer. I do know that her journey provided our family with an opportunity to share the gospel with people we would not have met other wise.
I sure Cheryl agreed with the apostle Paul when he said, "for me to live is Christ and to die is gain." Cheryl gained eternal life in her passing. She gain a pain free whole body that will never die. She gained a face to face meeting with our Savior Jesus Christ.
I ask your continued prayers for her widower Howard and children Troy, Trevor and Haley at this time. Prayers for my parents as they should never have to bury a child. And prayers for Dawn, Brenda and myself.
May the grace of hour Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Passing the Baton of Faith
We are about to head into Chapter 12 and I just did not get to my blog this morning. My fellow WOLBI Alumni posted this video. Inspiring enough to share as my blog today.
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