They were seeking therefore to seize Him; and no man laid his hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come. John 7:30
As you read Scripture you will make note that the Bible has a lot to say about 'time.' Jesus was always where He was suppose to be, at the right time, because He was always on His Father's schedule.
The story is told of a man who rushed into a suburban railroad station and, almost breathlessly, asked the ticket agent, "When does the 8:01 train leave?"
"At 8:01," was the answer. "Well," the man replied, "It's 7:59 by my watch, 7:57 by the town clock, and 8:04 by the station clock. Which am I to go by?" "You can go by any clock you wish," said the agent, "but you can't go by the 8:01 train, for it has already left."
God's time is moving forward hour by hour, minute by minute. There are multitudes who seem to think that they can live by any schedule they choose, and that in their own time, they can turn to God. But His time is the right time. It is only in the fulness of His time that God's purpose is accomplished.
Those who listen for, and move in accordance with God's plan, will be in harmony with Him and will be blessed. Those who do not listen and do not move in accordance with God's plan are not blessed, but work contrary to His purpose. Whose time are you going by - your's or God's?
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Banking on Jesus
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts upon them, may be compared to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock. Matthew 7:24
In an issue of an Ohio church's newsletter, a pastor shared some teachings of Jesus concerning material possessions.
1. Jesus cautioned us not to invest in those things that will eventually become moth-eaten, rusted, or stolen Matthew 6:19.
2. He counseled us to avoid the anxiety that is generated by the endless pursuits of material things Matthew 6:25.
3. He challenged us to utilize our resources in making spiritual investments that will pay eternal dividends Matthew 6:20.
4. He reminded us that our hearts follow our treasures and we become 'attached' to what we spend our money on Matthew 6:21.
5. He warned us of the foolishness of placing our trust and security in what we've been able to accumulate Luke 12:16-21.
6. He promised us that when we establish/maintain spiritual priorities, all our needs will be met Matthew 6:33.
Here is the bottom line... We have a choice. We can heed the word of Jesus and know the joy of being liberated from the exhausting drive for wealth and material goods. Or we can decide that E.F. Hutton, Merrill Lynch and Dean Witter provide better counsel for our happiness and security. Personally, I'm banking on Jesus.
In an issue of an Ohio church's newsletter, a pastor shared some teachings of Jesus concerning material possessions.
1. Jesus cautioned us not to invest in those things that will eventually become moth-eaten, rusted, or stolen Matthew 6:19.
2. He counseled us to avoid the anxiety that is generated by the endless pursuits of material things Matthew 6:25.
3. He challenged us to utilize our resources in making spiritual investments that will pay eternal dividends Matthew 6:20.
4. He reminded us that our hearts follow our treasures and we become 'attached' to what we spend our money on Matthew 6:21.
5. He warned us of the foolishness of placing our trust and security in what we've been able to accumulate Luke 12:16-21.
6. He promised us that when we establish/maintain spiritual priorities, all our needs will be met Matthew 6:33.
Here is the bottom line... We have a choice. We can heed the word of Jesus and know the joy of being liberated from the exhausting drive for wealth and material goods. Or we can decide that E.F. Hutton, Merrill Lynch and Dean Witter provide better counsel for our happiness and security. Personally, I'm banking on Jesus.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
The Heart of Service
“...whom I serve in my spirit...” Rom 1:9
Understand, to serve God in your spirit, you will have to be energized by God’s Holy Spirit. There can be no special service unto God that does not get its energy from the Holy Spirit. His service is true spiritual service. In fact, the word here for serve, “latreuo,” is used in the New Testament only when referring to religious service, always for service to God. It is also translated to, “worship.” Serving God = Worship.
Sometimes the greatest worship you can give God is to serve Him from a pure heart. As Paul says, “I serve Him in my spirit.” It’s all our service, that’s why Paul says in Romans 12:1-2, “How do you serve God with your whole body?” True service for God is spiritual, not external. It comes from the heart, not from the flesh.
True spiritual service is an act of worship. When a person is serving God in his spirit, it will be characterized by a heart of thankfulness, praise, and joy of service.
A heart that serves God focuses on the potential and not the problem, because he knows that God is able, and will see you through.
Understand, to serve God in your spirit, you will have to be energized by God’s Holy Spirit. There can be no special service unto God that does not get its energy from the Holy Spirit. His service is true spiritual service. In fact, the word here for serve, “latreuo,” is used in the New Testament only when referring to religious service, always for service to God. It is also translated to, “worship.” Serving God = Worship.
Sometimes the greatest worship you can give God is to serve Him from a pure heart. As Paul says, “I serve Him in my spirit.” It’s all our service, that’s why Paul says in Romans 12:1-2, “How do you serve God with your whole body?” True service for God is spiritual, not external. It comes from the heart, not from the flesh.
True spiritual service is an act of worship. When a person is serving God in his spirit, it will be characterized by a heart of thankfulness, praise, and joy of service.
A heart that serves God focuses on the potential and not the problem, because he knows that God is able, and will see you through.
Monday, January 28, 2008
The Servant's Heart II
“...whom I serve in my spirit...” Romans 1:9
What Paul is saying is that what motivates me to preach, pursue, proclaim, and promote is my inner man - my spirit - not external forms. I’m not here to please men, I’m here to please God.It matters not what they say, what they think, peer pressure, or obligation, it’s in my heart to do this.
Paul is saying, “Folks, this isn’t a job, this is my life, my ministry. To know me, you must know what motivates me." Paul never served the Lord, that he didn’t do it with his whole being. We have all seen people who go through the motions, and those who have their hearts in it. And this is what we see...a person who serves God in his spirit is different from a hireling, a Pharisee, or a hypocrite.
“The great leaders of men, in all fields, have not been the arrogant and the greedy, but the servants. The real servants are the true nobility, the greatest of all the Son of God Himself, declared that He had come not to be served, but to be a servant, and to give his life as ransom for many.” - John E. Mitchell
What Paul is saying is that what motivates me to preach, pursue, proclaim, and promote is my inner man - my spirit - not external forms. I’m not here to please men, I’m here to please God.It matters not what they say, what they think, peer pressure, or obligation, it’s in my heart to do this.
Paul is saying, “Folks, this isn’t a job, this is my life, my ministry. To know me, you must know what motivates me." Paul never served the Lord, that he didn’t do it with his whole being. We have all seen people who go through the motions, and those who have their hearts in it. And this is what we see...a person who serves God in his spirit is different from a hireling, a Pharisee, or a hypocrite.
“The great leaders of men, in all fields, have not been the arrogant and the greedy, but the servants. The real servants are the true nobility, the greatest of all the Son of God Himself, declared that He had come not to be served, but to be a servant, and to give his life as ransom for many.” - John E. Mitchell
Sunday, January 27, 2008
The Servant's Heart
“For God whom I serve in my spirit...” Romans 1:9
All of us from time to time go through the motions, we function, our discipline tells us to, and we have to go on. We are all tempted to serve Christ for the wrong reasons. But here in this verse we have an insight to 'serving' in the writing of Paul. No doubt an intellectual, but underneath it all, he is a tender man who loved Christ. Yes, he spoke like a prophet, he had the fire and zeal of the preacher, he had the intellect of the theologian, he had the determination of the apostle. But underneath he had the heart of a shepherd.
So what we have is a glimpse of the real Paul, the man behind the theologian, the man behind the intellect, who he is, and what makes him tick.
What’s the key to our passage, “Whom I serve in my spirit...”? Remember, Paul was raised in Judaism, he understands the external, the formality, the ritual, and he understands the activity. He also understands what it meant to serve in the flesh,what it meant to go through the mechanics, and what it meant to go through the motions.
Being raised in a Gentile world, he understood external religion. What he is saying is that I don’t serve God in the flesh, in the external. It’s not that I don’t know how to go through the motions, put on a front, or appear to be what I am not. But the God whom I serve... I serve in my spirit!
My service to the Lord Jesus Christ is not external, it is internal, it comes from the heart that has been transformed by the love and power of Christ.
All of us from time to time go through the motions, we function, our discipline tells us to, and we have to go on. We are all tempted to serve Christ for the wrong reasons. But here in this verse we have an insight to 'serving' in the writing of Paul. No doubt an intellectual, but underneath it all, he is a tender man who loved Christ. Yes, he spoke like a prophet, he had the fire and zeal of the preacher, he had the intellect of the theologian, he had the determination of the apostle. But underneath he had the heart of a shepherd.
So what we have is a glimpse of the real Paul, the man behind the theologian, the man behind the intellect, who he is, and what makes him tick.
What’s the key to our passage, “Whom I serve in my spirit...”? Remember, Paul was raised in Judaism, he understands the external, the formality, the ritual, and he understands the activity. He also understands what it meant to serve in the flesh,what it meant to go through the mechanics, and what it meant to go through the motions.
Being raised in a Gentile world, he understood external religion. What he is saying is that I don’t serve God in the flesh, in the external. It’s not that I don’t know how to go through the motions, put on a front, or appear to be what I am not. But the God whom I serve... I serve in my spirit!
My service to the Lord Jesus Christ is not external, it is internal, it comes from the heart that has been transformed by the love and power of Christ.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Check Your Heart
Well, for the first of my video blogs, I wanted to give you something that we all need. This is a reminder of where we need to be in Him, and how everything else in our lives is based on that relationship. Some of these video blogs will be sermon excerpts. Others will be a little more personal in nature. So, you'll just have to check back each week to see what I have for you.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Video Blog
Make sure that you check back each Saturday! Starting tomorrow, I will be posting a video blog. Some weeks it will be a sermon snippet. Some weeks it will be a personal challenge. Other weeks I'll just be sharing from my heart. You'll have to check back each week just to see what it is. Have a great weekend!
The Right Motive
"For the love of Christ controls us..." II Cor 5:14
Hudson Taylor was interviewing some young people who had volunteered for the Lord's service. He asked several practical questions to find out how well qualified they were for the life they were anticipating. "And why do you wish to go as a foreign missionary?" - "I want to reach others across the sea, because Christ has commanded us to go unto all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature," one replied. Another said, "I want to go because millions are dying without ever having heard of Jesus, the only One who can save them." Others had similar answers.
Hudson Taylor looked at them thoughtfully for a moment, and then said, "All of your motives are good, but I fear they will fail you in times of severe testing and tribulation, especially if you are confronted with the possibility of having to face death for your testimony." The only motive that will enable you to remain true is stated in II Cor 5:14, "For the love of Christ controls us."
People serve the Lord for many reasons: • Legalism, fear • Prestige for reputation • Be thought of as righteous • Peer pressure • Some, because of intimidation.
There are many reasons, but none of those are what we would call 'true spiritual service.' Why? Because it is external. It is going through the motions, but it does not come from the heart. As a matter of fact, there are many today who serve the Lord for money, today in our society, 'Jesus' sells. But all of those are external, fleshly, and done for all the wrong reasons. Some people are willing to serve God, but only on a consultant basis!
How about you? Do you serve Jesus, or do you want Jesus to serve you?
Hudson Taylor was interviewing some young people who had volunteered for the Lord's service. He asked several practical questions to find out how well qualified they were for the life they were anticipating. "And why do you wish to go as a foreign missionary?" - "I want to reach others across the sea, because Christ has commanded us to go unto all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature," one replied. Another said, "I want to go because millions are dying without ever having heard of Jesus, the only One who can save them." Others had similar answers.
Hudson Taylor looked at them thoughtfully for a moment, and then said, "All of your motives are good, but I fear they will fail you in times of severe testing and tribulation, especially if you are confronted with the possibility of having to face death for your testimony." The only motive that will enable you to remain true is stated in II Cor 5:14, "For the love of Christ controls us."
People serve the Lord for many reasons: • Legalism, fear • Prestige for reputation • Be thought of as righteous • Peer pressure • Some, because of intimidation.
There are many reasons, but none of those are what we would call 'true spiritual service.' Why? Because it is external. It is going through the motions, but it does not come from the heart. As a matter of fact, there are many today who serve the Lord for money, today in our society, 'Jesus' sells. But all of those are external, fleshly, and done for all the wrong reasons. Some people are willing to serve God, but only on a consultant basis!
How about you? Do you serve Jesus, or do you want Jesus to serve you?
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Faith vs. Works
“...You have faith, and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” James 2:18
An old Scotsman operated a little rowboat for transporting passengers. One day a passenger noticed that the good old man had carved on one oar the word “faith” and on the other oar the word “works.” Curiosity led him to ask the meaning of this. The old man, being a well-balanced Christian, and glad of the opportunity for testimony, said, “I will show you.” He dropped one oar and plied the other called works, and they just went around in circles. Then he dropped that oar and began to ply the oar called faith, and the little boat just went around in circles again, this time the other way around - but still in a circle.
After this demonstration, the old man picked up faith and works, and plying both oars together, sped swiftly over the water. He explained to his inquiring passenger, “You see, that is the way it is in the Christian life. Dead works without faith are useless. And faith without works is dead, also, getting you nowhere. But faith and works pulling together make for safety, progress, and blessing.”
An old Scotsman operated a little rowboat for transporting passengers. One day a passenger noticed that the good old man had carved on one oar the word “faith” and on the other oar the word “works.” Curiosity led him to ask the meaning of this. The old man, being a well-balanced Christian, and glad of the opportunity for testimony, said, “I will show you.” He dropped one oar and plied the other called works, and they just went around in circles. Then he dropped that oar and began to ply the oar called faith, and the little boat just went around in circles again, this time the other way around - but still in a circle.
After this demonstration, the old man picked up faith and works, and plying both oars together, sped swiftly over the water. He explained to his inquiring passenger, “You see, that is the way it is in the Christian life. Dead works without faith are useless. And faith without works is dead, also, getting you nowhere. But faith and works pulling together make for safety, progress, and blessing.”
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Step Out
“...and the feet of the priests carrying the ark were dipped in the edge of the water... the waters which were flowing down from above, stood and rose up in one heap...” Josh 3:15-16
Every Christian faces the Jordan! Every church has their Jordan- a time of testing, of commitment, of crisis, a time to act in faith, to trust God and go on or suffer the consequences. Look at Numbers 13, 14.
They could have stayed in the wilderness, but that was not where they were destined to be, not where they needed to be, and not where God had called them to be. So they had to step out in faith. The bottom line is if they don’t cross over, there is no promised land. They had to trust God, so they took the land with a united effort. They did it in the power of God.
For Israel, this was not a time to walk by sight, but by faith. This was not a time to doubt God, just trust God. You see, it’s one thing to come out of Egypt, and out of lostness and walk in the salvation of complacency. It’s quite another to step into the water of commitment to the task, and realize that I’m going to have to get committed, get involved, and become a part of the movement.
The only way we get to the promised land is to step into the water. Our God is able, trust Him! Step into the water and walk by faith.
Every Christian faces the Jordan! Every church has their Jordan- a time of testing, of commitment, of crisis, a time to act in faith, to trust God and go on or suffer the consequences. Look at Numbers 13, 14.
They could have stayed in the wilderness, but that was not where they were destined to be, not where they needed to be, and not where God had called them to be. So they had to step out in faith. The bottom line is if they don’t cross over, there is no promised land. They had to trust God, so they took the land with a united effort. They did it in the power of God.
For Israel, this was not a time to walk by sight, but by faith. This was not a time to doubt God, just trust God. You see, it’s one thing to come out of Egypt, and out of lostness and walk in the salvation of complacency. It’s quite another to step into the water of commitment to the task, and realize that I’m going to have to get committed, get involved, and become a part of the movement.
The only way we get to the promised land is to step into the water. Our God is able, trust Him! Step into the water and walk by faith.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Step Into The Water
"And it shall come about when the soles of the feet of the priests who carry the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off, and the waters which are flowing down from above shall stand in one heap." Joshua 3:13
It is now forty years after the children of Israel have left Egypt. For four hundred years they have lived with a promise, that there was a land that would be given to them, a land flowing with milk and honey. They had been here once before, forty year ago. Earlier under the leadership of Moses, they had come to the edge of the promised land, but because of a negative report, the hearts of the people melted, and Israel was judged for forty years.
Now they are back... the parents have died, the children have grown, it's no longer Moses but Joshua. But the dream is still the same. The promised land, their land, a land flowing with milk and honey - and land where the people could grow - a land where the people could prosper - a land where they were free to serve and love God - a land that God always had said was theirs.
But, it was an occupied land, and even before the land, there was a barrier, the Jordan River. For them to take the land, they first had to step into the water, and a flooding water at that, and cross the Jordan River.
That water stood as a test of their faith. You see, it's one thing to be brought out of Egypt- it's quite another to cross over Jordan and become committed, with no retreat.
What has God set before you today? Can you trust Him, can you believe by faith to see it come to be?
It is now forty years after the children of Israel have left Egypt. For four hundred years they have lived with a promise, that there was a land that would be given to them, a land flowing with milk and honey. They had been here once before, forty year ago. Earlier under the leadership of Moses, they had come to the edge of the promised land, but because of a negative report, the hearts of the people melted, and Israel was judged for forty years.
Now they are back... the parents have died, the children have grown, it's no longer Moses but Joshua. But the dream is still the same. The promised land, their land, a land flowing with milk and honey - and land where the people could grow - a land where the people could prosper - a land where they were free to serve and love God - a land that God always had said was theirs.
But, it was an occupied land, and even before the land, there was a barrier, the Jordan River. For them to take the land, they first had to step into the water, and a flooding water at that, and cross the Jordan River.
That water stood as a test of their faith. You see, it's one thing to be brought out of Egypt- it's quite another to cross over Jordan and become committed, with no retreat.
What has God set before you today? Can you trust Him, can you believe by faith to see it come to be?
Monday, January 21, 2008
Under His Wings
"He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find
refuge." Psalm 91:4
A little something to put things in perspective... An article in National Geographic several years ago provided an interesting picture of God's wings. After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park, forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage.
One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesque on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick. When he gently struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother's wings. The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise. She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. When the blaze arrived, and the heat scorched her small body, the mother had remained steadfast. Because she had been willing to die, those under the cover of her wings would live.
Being loved this much should make a difference in your life. Remember the One who loves you, and then be different because of it. Remember today, you are under His wings, you are in Christ and there is safety.
Smile, God loves you, and have a great week!
refuge." Psalm 91:4
A little something to put things in perspective... An article in National Geographic several years ago provided an interesting picture of God's wings. After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park, forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage.
One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesque on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick. When he gently struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother's wings. The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise. She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. When the blaze arrived, and the heat scorched her small body, the mother had remained steadfast. Because she had been willing to die, those under the cover of her wings would live.
Being loved this much should make a difference in your life. Remember the One who loves you, and then be different because of it. Remember today, you are under His wings, you are in Christ and there is safety.
Smile, God loves you, and have a great week!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
The Need for Workers
"Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest." Matthew 9:38
In our world today people live and die without hope. In the United States alone 2.5 million people die annually. It is estimated that 75% of the current U.S. population is lost without Christ. Now if you do the math, that means every hour in the U.S. 214 people die without Christ. That doesn't even address the need in other countries.
As we think about the harvest, we need these principles: • We must accentuate the purpose of the church and not the peril. • We must believe in the promise and not belittle the position. • We need to contemplate the crown and not quibble about the cost. • We must deepen out prayer life and not our dependence on human personality or program. • We must enter in faith or excuse ourselves in fear.
How do I beseech the Lord of the harvest? Answer - Seek the heart of God.
* Understand the God's plan is to save people.
* Agree with God, you probably don't care like you should.
* Ask God to open your eyes.
* Ask God to give you His heart.
* Tell God you are willing to be used.
* Ask God want He wants you to do.
...Then. DO IT !
It is not enough to pray for the laborers, we must make ourselves available to be one.
In our world today people live and die without hope. In the United States alone 2.5 million people die annually. It is estimated that 75% of the current U.S. population is lost without Christ. Now if you do the math, that means every hour in the U.S. 214 people die without Christ. That doesn't even address the need in other countries.
As we think about the harvest, we need these principles: • We must accentuate the purpose of the church and not the peril. • We must believe in the promise and not belittle the position. • We need to contemplate the crown and not quibble about the cost. • We must deepen out prayer life and not our dependence on human personality or program. • We must enter in faith or excuse ourselves in fear.
How do I beseech the Lord of the harvest? Answer - Seek the heart of God.
* Understand the God's plan is to save people.
* Agree with God, you probably don't care like you should.
* Ask God to open your eyes.
* Ask God to give you His heart.
* Tell God you are willing to be used.
* Ask God want He wants you to do.
...Then. DO IT !
It is not enough to pray for the laborers, we must make ourselves available to be one.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
The Harvest is Plentiful
“Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” Matthew 9:37
It was 1985 in Dallas, Texas, Jerome Moody was at a party with friends and 100 life guards.They were there to celebrate NO drownings in 1985! At the end of the party, they found Jerome at the bottom of the pool, he had drowned! Even worse he did it in the presence of 100 life guards!
You and I today, live in a state of 38 million people who are drowning in sin, slavery and sadness. Even worse they are dying in the presence of ministers and members who are called, commissioned and challenged - to keep them from drowning in sin.
In California, according to the North American Mission Board, 58% of the population are unclaimed by any religious group. That’s 22,040,00 people, or the 42% that are claimed by some religious group, only 13 % would be evangelical. Which means 36,060,000 people in California alone, are in need of Jesus.
We are given a basic truth here, the harvest is plentiful, the laborers are few! But the problem has never been the harvest, but those willing to reap it. In this passage you see Jesus - serving verse 35, sympathizing, verse 36-37, and sending, verse 38.
The question for all of us to answer is, are we part of the problem or the solution? Jesus came to seek and to save, are we doing the same? Why not right now, ask God to give you an opportunity to share Jesus today.
It was 1985 in Dallas, Texas, Jerome Moody was at a party with friends and 100 life guards.They were there to celebrate NO drownings in 1985! At the end of the party, they found Jerome at the bottom of the pool, he had drowned! Even worse he did it in the presence of 100 life guards!
You and I today, live in a state of 38 million people who are drowning in sin, slavery and sadness. Even worse they are dying in the presence of ministers and members who are called, commissioned and challenged - to keep them from drowning in sin.
In California, according to the North American Mission Board, 58% of the population are unclaimed by any religious group. That’s 22,040,00 people, or the 42% that are claimed by some religious group, only 13 % would be evangelical. Which means 36,060,000 people in California alone, are in need of Jesus.
We are given a basic truth here, the harvest is plentiful, the laborers are few! But the problem has never been the harvest, but those willing to reap it. In this passage you see Jesus - serving verse 35, sympathizing, verse 36-37, and sending, verse 38.
The question for all of us to answer is, are we part of the problem or the solution? Jesus came to seek and to save, are we doing the same? Why not right now, ask God to give you an opportunity to share Jesus today.
Friday, January 18, 2008
The Real Enemy
“…stand firm against the schemes of the devil…” Eph 6:11b
It’s hard sometimes to be motivated to do things if you don’t understand why. Why do we need to stand in the strength and power of His might, and put on the full armor of God? Because there is a real, live, vicious enemy out there.
Now Note: We’re never told to attack. We’re told to stand firm. We’re told to resist. For us to know the enemy, is of deep importance, Isa 14:12-17;
Ezek 28:11-19. The devil was created as Lucifer, the anointed cherub, one who covers, fell because of pride. A third of the angels fell with him, Rev 12:3-4.
Jesus believed in him,He talked with him, Matt 4:1-11, and He talked about him, John 12:31;14:30;16:11. The apostles believed in him, Paul talked about him, I Cor 7:5; I Thess 2:18, Peter talked about him, I Pet 5:8, and James talked about him, James 4:7.
Jesus hated sin, and loved sinners, because He knew that the sinner was not the enemy. The real enemy is he who is behind the sinner, the “god of this world.” According to II Cor 4:4 “...the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” We should feel a loving, sympathetic, gracious, merciful pity toward sinners, because they’re just dupes of Satan. II Tim 2:26
Man is not the enemy, our enemy is beyond the human level. The point that Paul is trying to make, is that our battle is not a human battle, but a supernatural one. Because of this, we can’t fight on our own, we must put on God’s armor and appropriate God’s power.
It’s hard sometimes to be motivated to do things if you don’t understand why. Why do we need to stand in the strength and power of His might, and put on the full armor of God? Because there is a real, live, vicious enemy out there.
Now Note: We’re never told to attack. We’re told to stand firm. We’re told to resist. For us to know the enemy, is of deep importance, Isa 14:12-17;
Ezek 28:11-19. The devil was created as Lucifer, the anointed cherub, one who covers, fell because of pride. A third of the angels fell with him, Rev 12:3-4.
Jesus believed in him,He talked with him, Matt 4:1-11, and He talked about him, John 12:31;14:30;16:11. The apostles believed in him, Paul talked about him, I Cor 7:5; I Thess 2:18, Peter talked about him, I Pet 5:8, and James talked about him, James 4:7.
Jesus hated sin, and loved sinners, because He knew that the sinner was not the enemy. The real enemy is he who is behind the sinner, the “god of this world.” According to II Cor 4:4 “...the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” We should feel a loving, sympathetic, gracious, merciful pity toward sinners, because they’re just dupes of Satan. II Tim 2:26
Man is not the enemy, our enemy is beyond the human level. The point that Paul is trying to make, is that our battle is not a human battle, but a supernatural one. Because of this, we can’t fight on our own, we must put on God’s armor and appropriate God’s power.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Do Your Part
“Finally, be Strong in the Lord, and in the power of His Might. Put on the Full Armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” Eph 6:10-11
We are exhorted to stand firm in the Lord. Always remember, there is the availability of power, but there must be the appropriation of power.Note also the paradox of power - Ephesians 6:10 tells us that we are to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might.” This is God’s part, the strength is His.However, in verse 11, it says that we have to “put on the whole armor of God.” This is our part. The strength is God’s, yet we must appropriate it. We see many such paradoxes throughout Scripture.
We are saved because we are chosen by God, yet the faith is ours. Paul says, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me” Gal 2:20a. In other words, I am living my life, yet Christ is living it through me.
The book of Ephesians was written by Paul, and yet was written by the Holy Spirit. You are saved by God through His Sovereignty and grace, though you committed yourself to Christ, you must live the Christian life with diligence and commitment, it is God’s power alone living through you.
You can live an impotent, lethargic, indifferent, cold, fruitless life if you wish – even though residing within you is the power to do beyond and above what you can ask or think. Eph 3:20
You can choose to live that way. You can turn your back on all the available power, blunt the energy of the Holy Spirit, and say no to the work that God wants to do through you with His divine power, if you choose. But, you can also choose to appropriate God’s strength by being obedient and by putting on the whole armor of God.
Make the right choice! Remember, God will always do His part, but we have a responsibility to do ours.
We are exhorted to stand firm in the Lord. Always remember, there is the availability of power, but there must be the appropriation of power.Note also the paradox of power - Ephesians 6:10 tells us that we are to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might.” This is God’s part, the strength is His.However, in verse 11, it says that we have to “put on the whole armor of God.” This is our part. The strength is God’s, yet we must appropriate it. We see many such paradoxes throughout Scripture.
We are saved because we are chosen by God, yet the faith is ours. Paul says, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me” Gal 2:20a. In other words, I am living my life, yet Christ is living it through me.
The book of Ephesians was written by Paul, and yet was written by the Holy Spirit. You are saved by God through His Sovereignty and grace, though you committed yourself to Christ, you must live the Christian life with diligence and commitment, it is God’s power alone living through you.
You can live an impotent, lethargic, indifferent, cold, fruitless life if you wish – even though residing within you is the power to do beyond and above what you can ask or think. Eph 3:20
You can choose to live that way. You can turn your back on all the available power, blunt the energy of the Holy Spirit, and say no to the work that God wants to do through you with His divine power, if you choose. But, you can also choose to appropriate God’s strength by being obedient and by putting on the whole armor of God.
Make the right choice! Remember, God will always do His part, but we have a responsibility to do ours.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
His Image In You
Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study, and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says, "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver."
She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy, when I see my image in it."
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you. This very moment, someone needs to know that God is watching over them. And, whatever they're going through, all will be well in the end.
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study, and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says, "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver."
She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy, when I see my image in it."
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you. This very moment, someone needs to know that God is watching over them. And, whatever they're going through, all will be well in the end.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Paul's Prayer for the Philippians, Part VI
“...having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Phil.1:11
In Paul’s prayer for the Philippians he prays for the depth of their love, for devotion to Christ’s character, and for the demonstration of Christ’s life.
This does not refer to internal righteousness, love, joy, peace, and so on – these are the fruits of the Spirit. It refers to what is seen externally. The fruits of righteousness are the fruits which righteousness produces. These are to be seen in the innumerable acts of kindness and service to which every believer in Jesus Christ is called.
There are three kinds of fruit: Attitude fruit (Gal. 5:22), Action fruit and Addition fruit. This is Action fruit. Right attitude lead to right actions, which equals, additions.
A love that is filled with knowledge, discernment and excellence, leads to a life of integrity. Which leads to the fruit of righteousness. And the righteous deeds and attitudes for which Paul prayed come “through Jesus Christ.” Philipians 1:11
Because that is the case, He deserves all the glory, honor, and credit for them. It is God who produces spiritual fruit in the life of the believer. John 15:1-5
The difference between spiritual fruit and human ‘religious activity’ is that the fruit, brings glory to Jesus Christ.
Here’s the question - When people see you doing acts of kindness, whether in speech or actions, do they see you or Jesus living through you?
In Paul’s prayer for the Philippians he prays for the depth of their love, for devotion to Christ’s character, and for the demonstration of Christ’s life.
This does not refer to internal righteousness, love, joy, peace, and so on – these are the fruits of the Spirit. It refers to what is seen externally. The fruits of righteousness are the fruits which righteousness produces. These are to be seen in the innumerable acts of kindness and service to which every believer in Jesus Christ is called.
There are three kinds of fruit: Attitude fruit (Gal. 5:22), Action fruit and Addition fruit. This is Action fruit. Right attitude lead to right actions, which equals, additions.
A love that is filled with knowledge, discernment and excellence, leads to a life of integrity. Which leads to the fruit of righteousness. And the righteous deeds and attitudes for which Paul prayed come “through Jesus Christ.” Philipians 1:11
Because that is the case, He deserves all the glory, honor, and credit for them. It is God who produces spiritual fruit in the life of the believer. John 15:1-5
The difference between spiritual fruit and human ‘religious activity’ is that the fruit, brings glory to Jesus Christ.
Here’s the question - When people see you doing acts of kindness, whether in speech or actions, do they see you or Jesus living through you?
Monday, January 14, 2008
Paul's Prayer for the Philippians, Part V
"In order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ" Philippians 1:10b
The Greek word translated blameless in Philippians 1:10 describes relational integrity. It means living a life that doesn't cause others to stumble. Scripture clearly teaches that believers are not to cause others to stumble. Rom14; I Cor 8
Some people appear to live that kind of life, but the facts indicate otherwise, when those whom they have had the most opportunity to influence - their children and close friends- are observed. Often a pattern of misbehavior in a child can be traced to a pattern of misbehavior in a parent. The way that parent acts in church is proved to be quite different from what he or she is at home.
The kind of integrity Paul desired to see in the Philippians requires a no-compromise attitude in accord with God's Word. We are to live deeply planted in the rich soil of Biblical truth, so that our roots tap deep into divine revelation and we flourish.
That means many times you will find yourself standing up against the world. We need to remember and understand, we may live on this planet, but this is not our home! We are not here to please people,we are here to glorify Christ. We need to resist the world's pressures because they cause cracks in our lives, and that often occurs subtly.
We need to be devoted to Christ. How long? Until the day of Christ Jesus.
The Greek word translated blameless in Philippians 1:10 describes relational integrity. It means living a life that doesn't cause others to stumble. Scripture clearly teaches that believers are not to cause others to stumble. Rom14; I Cor 8
Some people appear to live that kind of life, but the facts indicate otherwise, when those whom they have had the most opportunity to influence - their children and close friends- are observed. Often a pattern of misbehavior in a child can be traced to a pattern of misbehavior in a parent. The way that parent acts in church is proved to be quite different from what he or she is at home.
The kind of integrity Paul desired to see in the Philippians requires a no-compromise attitude in accord with God's Word. We are to live deeply planted in the rich soil of Biblical truth, so that our roots tap deep into divine revelation and we flourish.
That means many times you will find yourself standing up against the world. We need to remember and understand, we may live on this planet, but this is not our home! We are not here to please people,we are here to glorify Christ. We need to resist the world's pressures because they cause cracks in our lives, and that often occurs subtly.
We need to be devoted to Christ. How long? Until the day of Christ Jesus.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Paul's Prayer for the Philippians, Part IV
"...In order to be sincere..." Philippians 1:10b
As Paul opens his heart to the Philippian believers. He is praying for three things - the depth of their love and secondly - their devotion to Christ's character. Paul also prays that they might have - a mature Christian character, that is sincere and blameless. The Greek word translated sincere may have several meanings. Some translate it 'tested by sunlight.' The sincere Christian is not afraid to stand in the light!
James Montgomery Boice, in Philippians:An Expositional Commentary, tells us that in ancient times, the finest pottery was thin, it had a clear color, and it brought a high price. Fine pottery was very fragile both before and after firing, and this pottery should have been thrown away. But dishonest dealers were in the habit of filling cracks with a hard pearly wax that would blend-in with the color of the pottery. This made the cracks practically undetectable in the shops, especially when painted or glazed,but the wax was immediately detectable if the pottery was held up to the light, especially to the sun. In that case the cracks would show up darker. It was said that the artificial element was detected by ‘sun-testing.’ Honest dealers marked their finer product by the caption sine cera -- ‘without wax’”
So just as in ancient times, as pottery was tested by holding it up to the sun, our lives need to be tested for the wax of hypocrisy. In the church are those who appear as fine pottery but are not. There are cracks of sin in their lives filled with the wax of religious ceremony and activity. When held up to the light of God’s Word their cracks become evident, when persecution or difficulty comes, they melt.
Our goal is to live according to His Word, filled with His spirit and stand in faith when the trials of life come our way.
As Paul opens his heart to the Philippian believers. He is praying for three things - the depth of their love and secondly - their devotion to Christ's character. Paul also prays that they might have - a mature Christian character, that is sincere and blameless. The Greek word translated sincere may have several meanings. Some translate it 'tested by sunlight.' The sincere Christian is not afraid to stand in the light!
James Montgomery Boice, in Philippians:An Expositional Commentary, tells us that in ancient times, the finest pottery was thin, it had a clear color, and it brought a high price. Fine pottery was very fragile both before and after firing, and this pottery should have been thrown away. But dishonest dealers were in the habit of filling cracks with a hard pearly wax that would blend-in with the color of the pottery. This made the cracks practically undetectable in the shops, especially when painted or glazed,but the wax was immediately detectable if the pottery was held up to the light, especially to the sun. In that case the cracks would show up darker. It was said that the artificial element was detected by ‘sun-testing.’ Honest dealers marked their finer product by the caption sine cera -- ‘without wax’”
So just as in ancient times, as pottery was tested by holding it up to the sun, our lives need to be tested for the wax of hypocrisy. In the church are those who appear as fine pottery but are not. There are cracks of sin in their lives filled with the wax of religious ceremony and activity. When held up to the light of God’s Word their cracks become evident, when persecution or difficulty comes, they melt.
Our goal is to live according to His Word, filled with His spirit and stand in faith when the trials of life come our way.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Paul's Prayer for the Philippians, Part III
Philippians 1:10a "...so that you may approve the things that are excellent."
Paul is praying for the maturity of the Philippian believers, he is specifically praying for the depth of their love. He is asking God to deepen their love in real knowledge and all discernment and discriminating love.
The word translated approve, 'dokimazo,' literally means to assay, examine, or test. It is used in reference to testing metals for purity. Paul’s idea is that we should carefully examine things and approve them only if they pass the test. Matters of doctrine are among the things that differ.
Paul was aware, for example, of doctrinal differences in the church at Colossae. He recognized serious cultic errors in the church and exposed them in his letter to the believers there. His epistle to the Colossians was written about the same time as his epistle to the Philippians.
Today cultists have their 'Christ’s,' but they are to be distinguished from our Lord Jesus Christ. We can, we must, love people whose doctrines differ from ours. But the fact that we love the people does not mean that we approve of what they believe, say, or do. Paul’s statement in Philippians 1:10 challenges us to recognize things that differ. The apostle wants us to discriminate not just between good and bad, right and wrong, true and false, he also wants us to discriminate between the good and the best.
The Christian life must be motivated and informed by love. Without love, we are only clanging symbols. This was never intended to be a mamby-pamby,undefined sentimental love. It is the love of Christ, and so it must be a love governed by Biblical principles and exercised with judgement.
Paul is praying for the maturity of the Philippian believers, he is specifically praying for the depth of their love. He is asking God to deepen their love in real knowledge and all discernment and discriminating love.
The word translated approve, 'dokimazo,' literally means to assay, examine, or test. It is used in reference to testing metals for purity. Paul’s idea is that we should carefully examine things and approve them only if they pass the test. Matters of doctrine are among the things that differ.
Paul was aware, for example, of doctrinal differences in the church at Colossae. He recognized serious cultic errors in the church and exposed them in his letter to the believers there. His epistle to the Colossians was written about the same time as his epistle to the Philippians.
Today cultists have their 'Christ’s,' but they are to be distinguished from our Lord Jesus Christ. We can, we must, love people whose doctrines differ from ours. But the fact that we love the people does not mean that we approve of what they believe, say, or do. Paul’s statement in Philippians 1:10 challenges us to recognize things that differ. The apostle wants us to discriminate not just between good and bad, right and wrong, true and false, he also wants us to discriminate between the good and the best.
The Christian life must be motivated and informed by love. Without love, we are only clanging symbols. This was never intended to be a mamby-pamby,undefined sentimental love. It is the love of Christ, and so it must be a love governed by Biblical principles and exercised with judgement.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Paul's Prayer for the Philippians, Part II
Phililippians 1:9-10a "And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent..."
In Philippians 1:4 Paul said that he was always “offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all...” Here in Philippians 1:9-11 he tells us what he is praying for. This is a prayer for maturity. Paul is praying for their spiritual growth. And there are three things Paul is specifically praying for:
1. The depth of their love.
We won’t go far in the Christian life without love. He is praying for their love to abound. It is not that they don’t have love, it’s that he prays it will grow. He is asking God to deepen their love. How? Well, not in emotion, not in feeling, but in real knowledge.
Paul used the Greek word 'epignosis,' meaning real, full, or advanced knowledge. Far from uncontrolled emotion, divine love is regulated by a knowledge of God’s Word. Love controlled by God’s Word is deep, anchored in convictions that are based on the truth.
As Christians we can love to the highest degree when we are controlled by the truth.
2. All discernment.
Paul used the Greek word 'aisthesis' from which we get the English word 'aesthetic.' It speaks of: moral perception, insight, and the practical application of knowledge.
Love is controlled by theology and theology must be applied to life with insight. Real love is not blind. Biblical love seeks to know right from wrong, and false from true. It seeks to make the right application of truth at the proper moments in life.
In Philippians 1:4 Paul said that he was always “offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all...” Here in Philippians 1:9-11 he tells us what he is praying for. This is a prayer for maturity. Paul is praying for their spiritual growth. And there are three things Paul is specifically praying for:
1. The depth of their love.
We won’t go far in the Christian life without love. He is praying for their love to abound. It is not that they don’t have love, it’s that he prays it will grow. He is asking God to deepen their love. How? Well, not in emotion, not in feeling, but in real knowledge.
Paul used the Greek word 'epignosis,' meaning real, full, or advanced knowledge. Far from uncontrolled emotion, divine love is regulated by a knowledge of God’s Word. Love controlled by God’s Word is deep, anchored in convictions that are based on the truth.
As Christians we can love to the highest degree when we are controlled by the truth.
2. All discernment.
Paul used the Greek word 'aisthesis' from which we get the English word 'aesthetic.' It speaks of: moral perception, insight, and the practical application of knowledge.
Love is controlled by theology and theology must be applied to life with insight. Real love is not blind. Biblical love seeks to know right from wrong, and false from true. It seeks to make the right application of truth at the proper moments in life.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Paul’s Prayer for the Philippians
Philippians 1:9-11 "And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."
As someone said, God is somewhat like a father who is raising a large family. He is pleased to have the family, and he is delighted that you are a member of it. But He is not satisfied only with that. He is also interested that you grow up to be a good citizen, spiritually speaking. He wants productive children. He wants your life to be fruitful with good works. This is the message of Philippians 1:9-11.
In praying for the Christians at Philippi, Paul asks for three things.
1. He prays that their love might abound in all knowledge and discernment.
2. He prays that their lives might be lived free of hypocrisy.
3. And he prays looking forward to the natural result of the first two requests, that they might be filled with 'the fruits of righteousness.'
Paul is saying to the Philippians :
1. I have you in my mind V 3-6
2. I have you in my heart V 7-8
3. I have you in my prayers V 9-11
Paul found joy in his memories of the friends at Philippi and in his growing love for them. He also found joy in remembering them before the Throne of Grace in prayer.
Exodus 28:15-29 The high priest in the Old Testament wore a special garment, the ephod, and part of that was a breastplate over his heart. On it were 12 stones with the names of the 12 tribes of Israel engraved on them, a jewel for each tribe.
He carried the people over his heart in love, and so did Paul. Perhaps the deepest Christian fellowship and joy we can experience in this life is at the Throne of Grace, praying with and for one another.
Do you know anyone who is praying for you? Who are you praying for?
As someone said, God is somewhat like a father who is raising a large family. He is pleased to have the family, and he is delighted that you are a member of it. But He is not satisfied only with that. He is also interested that you grow up to be a good citizen, spiritually speaking. He wants productive children. He wants your life to be fruitful with good works. This is the message of Philippians 1:9-11.
In praying for the Christians at Philippi, Paul asks for three things.
1. He prays that their love might abound in all knowledge and discernment.
2. He prays that their lives might be lived free of hypocrisy.
3. And he prays looking forward to the natural result of the first two requests, that they might be filled with 'the fruits of righteousness.'
Paul is saying to the Philippians :
1. I have you in my mind V 3-6
2. I have you in my heart V 7-8
3. I have you in my prayers V 9-11
Paul found joy in his memories of the friends at Philippi and in his growing love for them. He also found joy in remembering them before the Throne of Grace in prayer.
Exodus 28:15-29 The high priest in the Old Testament wore a special garment, the ephod, and part of that was a breastplate over his heart. On it were 12 stones with the names of the 12 tribes of Israel engraved on them, a jewel for each tribe.
He carried the people over his heart in love, and so did Paul. Perhaps the deepest Christian fellowship and joy we can experience in this life is at the Throne of Grace, praying with and for one another.
Do you know anyone who is praying for you? Who are you praying for?
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Created...For Good Works
Ephes. 2:8-10 "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
One of the reasons why God has saved us, is that we might be fruitful Christians. He has not saved us merely that we might be free from judgment and go to heaven when we die. But that the character of Jesus Christ might be reproduced in us while here on earth.
We are to live in the flesh, not of the flesh. We are to do good works that Christ might be glorified, and that many might be brought to faith in Him. We see this stated in a wonderful way in Eph 2:8-10. These verses say three things, they say that: ▪ God saved us by grace. ▪ He has a plan for our lives. ▪ There are good works in that plan.
So here is the question, “Are you serving or sitting?”
There are so many who think Jesus is supposed to serve them! No! We are supposed to serve Him, not for our glory, but for His.
Don’t be content to be on the team and sit on the bench, get into the game!
Don’t just go to church, be the church, get involved in ministry, and let the Lord use you to bring glory to Him.
One of the reasons why God has saved us, is that we might be fruitful Christians. He has not saved us merely that we might be free from judgment and go to heaven when we die. But that the character of Jesus Christ might be reproduced in us while here on earth.
We are to live in the flesh, not of the flesh. We are to do good works that Christ might be glorified, and that many might be brought to faith in Him. We see this stated in a wonderful way in Eph 2:8-10. These verses say three things, they say that: ▪ God saved us by grace. ▪ He has a plan for our lives. ▪ There are good works in that plan.
So here is the question, “Are you serving or sitting?”
There are so many who think Jesus is supposed to serve them! No! We are supposed to serve Him, not for our glory, but for His.
Don’t be content to be on the team and sit on the bench, get into the game!
Don’t just go to church, be the church, get involved in ministry, and let the Lord use you to bring glory to Him.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Part VI: Six Principles to Live By
Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the Lord from your wealth, And from the first of all your produce; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.
VI. Never believe what you feel if it contradicts God's Word
If there is anything I have learned in life, it is that you cannot always trust the way you feel.
Feelings can be deceptive, they can lead you astray, especially when it comes to Scripture. Our flesh doesn't always feel like being obedient to what the Lord is telling us to do - have you noticed that? When it comes to sharing our faith, we say, "I don't feel like that is my calling. " When it comes to tithing, we say, "I don't feel like I can afford it," when it comes to making a decision and the Bible is clear on the subject, and someone says, "But I feel..." Listen, God's Word is true, whether you feel it or not! If we obey God's Word only when we feel like it, How often do you think people would obey? If I waited to share my faith, or give, or serve, or attend church, until I feel like it - I would be a mess.
God doesn't bless your feelings, He blesses your obedience. I have found that when I choose to trust God's Word and obey Him, then He gives me understanding and my feelings get on board.
Ask yourself, "Can what I feel be true, if God's Word is true?"
And if both cannot be true, believe God - and make your own heart the liar.
Romans 3:4; III John 1:10-11
VI. Never believe what you feel if it contradicts God's Word
If there is anything I have learned in life, it is that you cannot always trust the way you feel.
Feelings can be deceptive, they can lead you astray, especially when it comes to Scripture. Our flesh doesn't always feel like being obedient to what the Lord is telling us to do - have you noticed that? When it comes to sharing our faith, we say, "I don't feel like that is my calling. " When it comes to tithing, we say, "I don't feel like I can afford it," when it comes to making a decision and the Bible is clear on the subject, and someone says, "But I feel..." Listen, God's Word is true, whether you feel it or not! If we obey God's Word only when we feel like it, How often do you think people would obey? If I waited to share my faith, or give, or serve, or attend church, until I feel like it - I would be a mess.
God doesn't bless your feelings, He blesses your obedience. I have found that when I choose to trust God's Word and obey Him, then He gives me understanding and my feelings get on board.
Ask yourself, "Can what I feel be true, if God's Word is true?"
And if both cannot be true, believe God - and make your own heart the liar.
Romans 3:4; III John 1:10-11
Monday, January 7, 2008
Part V: Six Principles to Live By
II Corinthians 10:12 "For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding."
V. Never take your Christianity from Christians, or argue that because such and such people do so and so, that therefore you may.
Just because it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, acts like a duck and quacks like a duck, doesn't mean it is a duck! There are a lot of people who call themselves Christian, who are not Christian! There are a lot of people who use the name 'Christian' for the wrong reason. We are warned over and over again in Scripture to "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves" Matthew 7:15. There are many who have just enough Christianity to get themselves into heaven, but are not surrendered to the Holy Spirit, or have wrong doctrine, or are weak when it comes to understanding Scripture.
When you are looking for THE example to follow, then you look to Jesus. You want to be like Him? Then spend time with Him, be in the Word and KNOW His ways.
You are to ask yourself, "How would Christ act in my place?"
. . . And strive to follow Him. John 10:27
V. Never take your Christianity from Christians, or argue that because such and such people do so and so, that therefore you may.
Just because it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, acts like a duck and quacks like a duck, doesn't mean it is a duck! There are a lot of people who call themselves Christian, who are not Christian! There are a lot of people who use the name 'Christian' for the wrong reason. We are warned over and over again in Scripture to "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves" Matthew 7:15. There are many who have just enough Christianity to get themselves into heaven, but are not surrendered to the Holy Spirit, or have wrong doctrine, or are weak when it comes to understanding Scripture.
When you are looking for THE example to follow, then you look to Jesus. You want to be like Him? Then spend time with Him, be in the Word and KNOW His ways.
You are to ask yourself, "How would Christ act in my place?"
. . . And strive to follow Him. John 10:27
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Part IV: Six Principles to Live By
Romans 14:23 "But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin."
IV. If you are in doubt as to a thing being right or wrong, go to your room, kneel down, and ask God's blessing upon it.
Bottom line - if in doubt, don't! Sounds simple, huh? But, we tend to want to rationalize why we think what we want to do is okay. Having said that, there are times when things can become confusing and we are not sure what to do. So, what do you do when there is no clear cut scripture on the subject and you don't know the principles to follow? Submit to these following tests:
(1) Common Sense - what does your common sense tell you to do?
(2) Publicity - How will it affect those who love you if it were made public?
(3) Foresight - Where could this eventually lead?
(4) Sportsmanship - Are you willing for everyone else to play the game by the same rules?
(5) Your Best Self - Would you, at your best, do this?
(6) Your Most Admired Life - Would the person you admire most do this?
Hopefully, the person you admire most would be Jesus, and that would give you your answer. Commit the following scripture to memory and apply it to your daily life: "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father" (Col. 3:17).
IV. If you are in doubt as to a thing being right or wrong, go to your room, kneel down, and ask God's blessing upon it.
Bottom line - if in doubt, don't! Sounds simple, huh? But, we tend to want to rationalize why we think what we want to do is okay. Having said that, there are times when things can become confusing and we are not sure what to do. So, what do you do when there is no clear cut scripture on the subject and you don't know the principles to follow? Submit to these following tests:
(1) Common Sense - what does your common sense tell you to do?
(2) Publicity - How will it affect those who love you if it were made public?
(3) Foresight - Where could this eventually lead?
(4) Sportsmanship - Are you willing for everyone else to play the game by the same rules?
(5) Your Best Self - Would you, at your best, do this?
(6) Your Most Admired Life - Would the person you admire most do this?
Hopefully, the person you admire most would be Jesus, and that would give you your answer. Commit the following scripture to memory and apply it to your daily life: "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father" (Col. 3:17).
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Part III: Six Principles to Live By
Matt. 5:16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
III. Never Let a Day Pass...Without Trying To Do Something For Jesus
Everyone ought to reflect on what Jesus has done for you, and then ask yourself, "What am I doing for Him?"
Not too long ago, everywhere you looked people were wearing wrist bands with W.W.J.D. on them. "What Would Jesus Do?" They drew a lot of attention , but the question is "did it change any action?" We were saved not to be like the world, but to be like Christ. Not for the world to bless us, but for us to be a blessing to the world.
Let me ask you a question. When people look at you, watch you or listen to you, who is it that they see and hear? We are to be His witnesses, and I believe people are ready for the real Jesus. Not some religious bigot, fake, and phony.
Of all the people in the world who show love, compassion, grace, forgiveness, and kindness, it ought to be us - God's children. It doesn't take that much effort to be like Jesus, if you are filled with Jesus. Ask the Lord to open a door and show you a way that you can glorify Him. If you do it for the right reasons, you will be blessed.
III. Never Let a Day Pass...Without Trying To Do Something For Jesus
Everyone ought to reflect on what Jesus has done for you, and then ask yourself, "What am I doing for Him?"
Not too long ago, everywhere you looked people were wearing wrist bands with W.W.J.D. on them. "What Would Jesus Do?" They drew a lot of attention , but the question is "did it change any action?" We were saved not to be like the world, but to be like Christ. Not for the world to bless us, but for us to be a blessing to the world.
Let me ask you a question. When people look at you, watch you or listen to you, who is it that they see and hear? We are to be His witnesses, and I believe people are ready for the real Jesus. Not some religious bigot, fake, and phony.
Of all the people in the world who show love, compassion, grace, forgiveness, and kindness, it ought to be us - God's children. It doesn't take that much effort to be like Jesus, if you are filled with Jesus. Ask the Lord to open a door and show you a way that you can glorify Him. If you do it for the right reasons, you will be blessed.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Part II: Six Principles To Live By
I Peter 2:2 "Like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation."
II. Never Neglect Daily...Private Bible Reading.
And when you read, remember that God is speaking to you and that you are to believe and act upon what He says.
You want to grow? Then you need food! We need to feed our souls the same way we feed our bodies. You cannot grow physically without feeding your body, and you will not grow spiritually without feeding your soul. God didn't give us His word just to read it, but to heed it, and to put it into practice and obey it!
There are too many believers who think the Bible can be ignored. There are too many believers who think they can rationalize God's word. There are too many believers who think "it" doesn't apply to them. Jesus said in Luke 6:46, "and why do you call me 'Lord, Lord' and not do what I say?" Good question, huh? Do we think we're smarter than God?
When you come to the Word, come with the right attitude, a right heart, and a willing spirit. Be like Samuel who said "speak, for Thy servant is listening" (I Samuel 3:10). If you will listen, God will speak. If you obey, you will grow!
I believe most, if not all, backsliding begins with the neglect of these first two principles.
II. Never Neglect Daily...Private Bible Reading.
And when you read, remember that God is speaking to you and that you are to believe and act upon what He says.
You want to grow? Then you need food! We need to feed our souls the same way we feed our bodies. You cannot grow physically without feeding your body, and you will not grow spiritually without feeding your soul. God didn't give us His word just to read it, but to heed it, and to put it into practice and obey it!
There are too many believers who think the Bible can be ignored. There are too many believers who think they can rationalize God's word. There are too many believers who think "it" doesn't apply to them. Jesus said in Luke 6:46, "and why do you call me 'Lord, Lord' and not do what I say?" Good question, huh? Do we think we're smarter than God?
When you come to the Word, come with the right attitude, a right heart, and a willing spirit. Be like Samuel who said "speak, for Thy servant is listening" (I Samuel 3:10). If you will listen, God will speak. If you obey, you will grow!
I believe most, if not all, backsliding begins with the neglect of these first two principles.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Six Principles to Live By
"And after He had sent the multitudes away, He went up to the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone." - Matt. 14:23
We all want to grow in Christ - I do, and I believe you do, too. Over the next few days I will be sharing 6 principles that, when applied to your life, will help you to do just that.
Today, I want to share the first principle we must apply to our lives:
NEVER neglect daily....private prayer. There is corporate prayer. There is public prayer. There is family prayer. But, there must always be private prayer. A time where you get alone with God and let Him speak to your heart and soul.
Prayer is what plugs you into the Power Source. It amazes me how many people think they can get by without it. Let me ask you this question: If Jesus needed to be alone with the Father, then how much more do we? The Father longs to be alone with you, to spend time with you, and to speak to you. And when you pray, remember that God is present, and that He hears your prayers.
Hebrews 11:6 says, "and without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a reward-er of those who seek Him."
The purpose of prayer is not to change the mind of God, but to find the mind of God. It's not for you to change God's mind, but for Him to change yours! Don't miss the opportunity, everyday, to spend time with the Father in a quiet place.
We all want to grow in Christ - I do, and I believe you do, too. Over the next few days I will be sharing 6 principles that, when applied to your life, will help you to do just that.
Today, I want to share the first principle we must apply to our lives:
NEVER neglect daily....private prayer. There is corporate prayer. There is public prayer. There is family prayer. But, there must always be private prayer. A time where you get alone with God and let Him speak to your heart and soul.
Prayer is what plugs you into the Power Source. It amazes me how many people think they can get by without it. Let me ask you this question: If Jesus needed to be alone with the Father, then how much more do we? The Father longs to be alone with you, to spend time with you, and to speak to you. And when you pray, remember that God is present, and that He hears your prayers.
Hebrews 11:6 says, "and without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a reward-er of those who seek Him."
The purpose of prayer is not to change the mind of God, but to find the mind of God. It's not for you to change God's mind, but for Him to change yours! Don't miss the opportunity, everyday, to spend time with the Father in a quiet place.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
When Jesus Calls
Mark 1:16-20 - And as He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." And they immediately left the nets and followed Him. And going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who were also in the boat mending the nets. And immediately He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went away to follow Him.
In this portion of Scripture, it becomes quite clear that Jesus Christ chose His disciples. In choosing them we see basically three things. First we see that Jesus saw them. (1) He saw who they were. They were fishermen, and He knew that about them. (2) He saw what they did - they caught fish. (3) He saw what they were - uneducated men. He saw them for who they were.
In the same way, when the Lord calls us He knows who we are. (1) He knows our personal identity. He knows what things make us who we are. (2) He knows what we have done. And yes, that means EVERYTHING! He knows what we've thought, what we've said, those dumb mistakes that we have made. He already knows all of those things that make us feel unworthy of Him. (3) He knows what we are/were...sinners - lost without Him. Yet, He chooses us anyway. In spite of ourselves, God chooses us.
Secondly, we see that Jesus spoke to them. (1) He spoke to them personally. He did not send someone else with a message. (2) He spoke directly. Jesus had chosen them and He chose to be the one to invite them directly - "Follow Me!" (3) He spoke with authority. Jesus said to them I will make you! He had the authority directly from the Father.
In the same way, when Jesus calls us, (1) He speaks to us individually. Read the following verses to see how true that is in your life. (John 3:16, Romans 10:13, Ephesians 1:13) (2) He speaks to us directly. In Matthew 10:34-40 we see the direct nature in which He speaks to us. That message there is for you, and for me, to be received directly from the Word of God. (3) He also speaks to us with authority. (Matthew 28:18-20, Revelation 1:17-18, Revelation 3:20) Jesus has the power and the right to speak as God - Because He is God!
Finally, we see their response to Him. (1) They left their nets. This was their life. It was everything they knew. It was their comfort zone. Yet they left what they knew and followed Him. (2) They left immediately. They didn't ask the Lord for time to think it over or talk to their family. In fact, God's word says that James and John left their dad in the boat with the hired servants. Can you imagine that scene? (3) They followed Him. They fixed their eyes upon the Lord and followed His command.
In the same way, when Jesus calls us (1) we need to leave. We need to leave our past, our sins, our fears, our decisions, our doubts, and our unbelief and follow the Lord. (2) We need to do it immediately. Hebrews 4:7 says, "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts". Follow Him immediately. (3) But, whatever you do, you just simply need to follow Him.
You won't follow someone you don't know well with all that you have. Spend time in prayer with Him right now and commit yourself to His leadership. You CAN trust Him. His plans are to prosper us and not to harm us, and to give us a future and a hope (Jer. 29:11). What more assurance do we need?
In this portion of Scripture, it becomes quite clear that Jesus Christ chose His disciples. In choosing them we see basically three things. First we see that Jesus saw them. (1) He saw who they were. They were fishermen, and He knew that about them. (2) He saw what they did - they caught fish. (3) He saw what they were - uneducated men. He saw them for who they were.
In the same way, when the Lord calls us He knows who we are. (1) He knows our personal identity. He knows what things make us who we are. (2) He knows what we have done. And yes, that means EVERYTHING! He knows what we've thought, what we've said, those dumb mistakes that we have made. He already knows all of those things that make us feel unworthy of Him. (3) He knows what we are/were...sinners - lost without Him. Yet, He chooses us anyway. In spite of ourselves, God chooses us.
Secondly, we see that Jesus spoke to them. (1) He spoke to them personally. He did not send someone else with a message. (2) He spoke directly. Jesus had chosen them and He chose to be the one to invite them directly - "Follow Me!" (3) He spoke with authority. Jesus said to them I will make you! He had the authority directly from the Father.
In the same way, when Jesus calls us, (1) He speaks to us individually. Read the following verses to see how true that is in your life. (John 3:16, Romans 10:13, Ephesians 1:13) (2) He speaks to us directly. In Matthew 10:34-40 we see the direct nature in which He speaks to us. That message there is for you, and for me, to be received directly from the Word of God. (3) He also speaks to us with authority. (Matthew 28:18-20, Revelation 1:17-18, Revelation 3:20) Jesus has the power and the right to speak as God - Because He is God!
Finally, we see their response to Him. (1) They left their nets. This was their life. It was everything they knew. It was their comfort zone. Yet they left what they knew and followed Him. (2) They left immediately. They didn't ask the Lord for time to think it over or talk to their family. In fact, God's word says that James and John left their dad in the boat with the hired servants. Can you imagine that scene? (3) They followed Him. They fixed their eyes upon the Lord and followed His command.
In the same way, when Jesus calls us (1) we need to leave. We need to leave our past, our sins, our fears, our decisions, our doubts, and our unbelief and follow the Lord. (2) We need to do it immediately. Hebrews 4:7 says, "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts". Follow Him immediately. (3) But, whatever you do, you just simply need to follow Him.
You won't follow someone you don't know well with all that you have. Spend time in prayer with Him right now and commit yourself to His leadership. You CAN trust Him. His plans are to prosper us and not to harm us, and to give us a future and a hope (Jer. 29:11). What more assurance do we need?
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy New Year!
"...on the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains became visible." -Genesis 8:5
As we come to a new year, I am reminded of a devotion I read years ago by Dr. J. Sidlow Baxter:
This verse has a unique applicability to the first day of a new year. The "tenth month" here corresponds with our January; so the "first day" is our January first. What an exhilarating discovery were those uncovered mountain-tops that first day! The flood was declining. God had not "forgotten to be gracious". Those mountain-tops speak to us on the first day of this year. What will the new year bring, of joy or sorrow, achievement of frustration, health or sickness, good or ill? We cannot foresee what darksome vales or verdant plains or surprise vistas the unfolding months may unveil. Yet if we are truly Christ's, we are not in total obscurity. Up from the unknown, misty morrows, certain grand securities stand out in advance view.
(1) There are those reassuring mountain-tops - the divine promises; exceeding great and precious promises" (2 peter 1:4), pledging to us the divine presence, protection, provision, throughout the coming days. Oh, those sunbathed peaks, "the promises"! (2) There are the mountain-tops of spiritual possibilities. To all who have received Him our Lord gives" power to become" (John 1:12). "Thou art...thou shalt be" (John 1:42). Let us wrest our minds away from pathetic enchantment with "it might have been", and say afresh, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13) (3) There are the mountain-tops of our Christian privileges - of fellowship "with the Father and with His Son" (1 John 1:3); of heavenly joy and peace and guidance imparted by the Holy Spirit; and many more. (4) There are the mountain-tops of challenging opportunities. How they shine already in the new-year's sun! Forget the failures of the past, except to learn from them to trust Christ more and self less; and prayerfully resolve on godly conquest in this new year.
And there is that glory-capped peak, the hope of our Lord's return. The darker the times, the more resplendently it shines, gilding all the unknown tomorrows with its lovely guarantee of ultimate blessedness.
But note: (1) The mountain-tops were seen from the ark, which typified our Saviour. No such radiant peaks greet those who are out of Him. (2) They were seen from Ararat, which means "holy ground". Without true consecration there can be buy hazy vision of the higher truths. (3) They were seen from another mountain top. We ourselves must be on a high altitude. Some of the Lord's people live, as it were, in the basement of the ark, in the twilight of a faith which is never quite sure. They lie against the ribs of the ship, hearing the thud of the waters, and nervously asking whether the ark can survive the strain, and whether or not salvation will last. This is a joy-killing suspense. Fellow-believer, as the new year comes in, climb the ark! Gaze out from the higher places with "assurance of faith". Lo, the "tops of the mountains"!
Let your mind think on these things and live with an understanding this year of who you are in Christ. Enjoy the abundance of life that He offers us. Climb that mountain!
As we come to a new year, I am reminded of a devotion I read years ago by Dr. J. Sidlow Baxter:
This verse has a unique applicability to the first day of a new year. The "tenth month" here corresponds with our January; so the "first day" is our January first. What an exhilarating discovery were those uncovered mountain-tops that first day! The flood was declining. God had not "forgotten to be gracious". Those mountain-tops speak to us on the first day of this year. What will the new year bring, of joy or sorrow, achievement of frustration, health or sickness, good or ill? We cannot foresee what darksome vales or verdant plains or surprise vistas the unfolding months may unveil. Yet if we are truly Christ's, we are not in total obscurity. Up from the unknown, misty morrows, certain grand securities stand out in advance view.
(1) There are those reassuring mountain-tops - the divine promises; exceeding great and precious promises" (2 peter 1:4), pledging to us the divine presence, protection, provision, throughout the coming days. Oh, those sunbathed peaks, "the promises"! (2) There are the mountain-tops of spiritual possibilities. To all who have received Him our Lord gives" power to become" (John 1:12). "Thou art...thou shalt be" (John 1:42). Let us wrest our minds away from pathetic enchantment with "it might have been", and say afresh, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13) (3) There are the mountain-tops of our Christian privileges - of fellowship "with the Father and with His Son" (1 John 1:3); of heavenly joy and peace and guidance imparted by the Holy Spirit; and many more. (4) There are the mountain-tops of challenging opportunities. How they shine already in the new-year's sun! Forget the failures of the past, except to learn from them to trust Christ more and self less; and prayerfully resolve on godly conquest in this new year.
And there is that glory-capped peak, the hope of our Lord's return. The darker the times, the more resplendently it shines, gilding all the unknown tomorrows with its lovely guarantee of ultimate blessedness.
But note: (1) The mountain-tops were seen from the ark, which typified our Saviour. No such radiant peaks greet those who are out of Him. (2) They were seen from Ararat, which means "holy ground". Without true consecration there can be buy hazy vision of the higher truths. (3) They were seen from another mountain top. We ourselves must be on a high altitude. Some of the Lord's people live, as it were, in the basement of the ark, in the twilight of a faith which is never quite sure. They lie against the ribs of the ship, hearing the thud of the waters, and nervously asking whether the ark can survive the strain, and whether or not salvation will last. This is a joy-killing suspense. Fellow-believer, as the new year comes in, climb the ark! Gaze out from the higher places with "assurance of faith". Lo, the "tops of the mountains"!
Let your mind think on these things and live with an understanding this year of who you are in Christ. Enjoy the abundance of life that He offers us. Climb that mountain!
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