Eph 6:5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
Eph 6:6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
Eph 6:7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
Eph 6:8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
Servants be obedient to them that are your masters... could we interpret this to mean people be obedient to those who are your bosses? Seriously, could we interpret it to mean that? In days of old people who worked under others often called those they worked for masters, right? And it wasn't always in a slave way but a respectful way. The master teaching the servant, the student. Even so, when we have bosses today we aren't always in a learning situation but rather we might be in a position that never changes with little hope for advancement and we'll forever have a boss. Very few people are the 'boss' so to speak in comparison to the many who are the employees. A servant gets paid, a master pays the servant. So if we equate these verses to the employer/boss situation we really need to reconsider our thinking don't we? Or maybe it's a situation where an elder is the 'master' to the younger 'servant' in a home situation, a father over a child, or a husband over a wife.
Servants be obedient to them that are your masters.
Employees be obedient to them that are your bosses.
Be obedient with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart AS UNTO CHRIST.
We are to be obedient with fear and trembling in singleness of our hearts AS TO CHRIST. When we are being obedient to others we are doing so as if they were Christ. Of course we know they're not and in no way are we to even for a heartbeat believe they ARE Christ. We are to respect others as we would respect Christ.
It goes on to say don't treat them disrespectfully - the exact wording - 'as menpleasers, with eyeservice' People who are nice to the face of others but in their hearts they are far from being so.
We have to do the will of God from the heart, with good will AS TO THE LORD and NOT TO MEN.
Will our attitude change if we believe we are working for Christ in ALL we do, with all those we interact with even those with the most surly of demeanors? No, Christ wouldn't have a surly demeanor but we are to treat others as we would treat Christ the Bible tells us this. Would we be nasty to Christ? Would we be condescending? Would we be hateful and hurtful, demeaning and abusive to Christ? When we act in such ways we as representatives of Christ's followers are representing Him very well at all, are we? We are to treat others as we would treat Christ and we are to represent Christ as His followers revealing His love, not our own.
This isn't easy, no one said it was easy, our hearts, our natural inclinations are not focused on being good. We are sinners and the inclination runs in that direction. It's a DAILY, hourly, minutely decision to be Christ's and as such we choose to act as Christ would have us to act. It's a choice not a happenstance. It's like love between a man and woman... really, it is, because after the newness wears off it's a choice to love in good times and in bad times. Those vows spoken saying in sickness in health, etc are relevant. A choice is made to love, to forgive, to walk as Christ would have us walk.
May God help us through His power to be as He would have us be. May we treat those around us as we would treat Christ through the power of Christ's righteousness and love, by His grace and mercy.
Please Lord help us all.
Amen.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
Can the dead hear?
Joh 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
Joh 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
Resurrection of life.
Resurrection of damnation.
Life or damnation.
All that are in the grave shall hear HIS voice.
Ecc 9:5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
Can the dead hear? No.
If the dead know not any thing then they can't hear can they? You know things because you hear things. I can't know something someone else knows unless they tell me, right?
I can know something if I see it, so can the dead see anything? No. How much more clearer can those words be- 'the dead know not any thing'? You have to be aware of things to know them. Even a patient in a coma is said to know nothing. They wake up and have no memory of life having passed them by. They might remember a few things hear and there but their overall awareness if virtually gone. None in a coma wake up knowing life as it's passed as one who isn't in a coma knows it.
The dead know not any thing.
We want to believe our dead loved ones know things, that they hear us, that they see us, that they're aware of us because it makes US feel better as if we haven't lost their presence entirely. It relieves guilt when we believe we can tell them we're sorry about things and then we believe that because they are dead of course they forgive us. We like to pretend they're still around to offer us comfort in some way, but the truth is... the dead know not anything. The dead don't hear, the dead don't see, the dead know not ANY thing. They are sleeping.
The Bible tells us that Jesus said- 'All that are in the grave shall hear HIS voice.' If a person is alive after death without death being a sleep, then they'd already hear His voice wouldn't they? What need would they have to hear His voice from the grave? They wouldn't. Surely Jesus speaks the truth and the time will come when ALL that are in the grave shall hear His voice--And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
Only when ALL are in their graves that are ever going to be in their graves will this time come because only then will ALL the dead throughout all time wake to hear the voice of Jesus and they shall come forth from death - some to life everlasting, others to permanent damnation.
There is an amazing justice in this isn't there? All the dead throughout all time sleep upon death and while some have slept for 6000 years and others will have slept in the grave for only a single hour, they will wake at the same time to their eternal fate.
Death is but a sleep.
Life is when Jesus calls us all from the grave at the same time.
May we be found in Jesus as we wake if we sleep in the grave, may our loved ones be found in Him all of us rising to life everlasting in Him, in His amazing love. By His mercy and His grace, through His righteousness alone.
Amen.
Joh 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
Resurrection of life.
Resurrection of damnation.
Life or damnation.
All that are in the grave shall hear HIS voice.
Ecc 9:5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
Can the dead hear? No.
If the dead know not any thing then they can't hear can they? You know things because you hear things. I can't know something someone else knows unless they tell me, right?
I can know something if I see it, so can the dead see anything? No. How much more clearer can those words be- 'the dead know not any thing'? You have to be aware of things to know them. Even a patient in a coma is said to know nothing. They wake up and have no memory of life having passed them by. They might remember a few things hear and there but their overall awareness if virtually gone. None in a coma wake up knowing life as it's passed as one who isn't in a coma knows it.
The dead know not any thing.
We want to believe our dead loved ones know things, that they hear us, that they see us, that they're aware of us because it makes US feel better as if we haven't lost their presence entirely. It relieves guilt when we believe we can tell them we're sorry about things and then we believe that because they are dead of course they forgive us. We like to pretend they're still around to offer us comfort in some way, but the truth is... the dead know not anything. The dead don't hear, the dead don't see, the dead know not ANY thing. They are sleeping.
The Bible tells us that Jesus said- 'All that are in the grave shall hear HIS voice.' If a person is alive after death without death being a sleep, then they'd already hear His voice wouldn't they? What need would they have to hear His voice from the grave? They wouldn't. Surely Jesus speaks the truth and the time will come when ALL that are in the grave shall hear His voice--And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
Only when ALL are in their graves that are ever going to be in their graves will this time come because only then will ALL the dead throughout all time wake to hear the voice of Jesus and they shall come forth from death - some to life everlasting, others to permanent damnation.
There is an amazing justice in this isn't there? All the dead throughout all time sleep upon death and while some have slept for 6000 years and others will have slept in the grave for only a single hour, they will wake at the same time to their eternal fate.
Death is but a sleep.
Life is when Jesus calls us all from the grave at the same time.
May we be found in Jesus as we wake if we sleep in the grave, may our loved ones be found in Him all of us rising to life everlasting in Him, in His amazing love. By His mercy and His grace, through His righteousness alone.
Amen.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Will we be made whole
Joh 5:6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
Wilt thou be made whole?
The man had no hope of being made whole, or rather he had little hope. He had just enough hope that he came to the pool of Bethesda. This pool was a healing pool but a conditional healing pool. Not just anyone could be healed but the first to make it in the pool when the healing angel troubled the water.
Joh 5:4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
A pool of miracles. If such a pool existed today people would be overwhelming the place fighting to be the first. With no time table and no telling when the water would be troubled it's possible it was one time a year, right? Or maybe once every six months? There's no way of knowing and because of that people had to stay by the pool possibly for long periods of time just watching the water maybe afraid to even sleep because they'd miss the troubling of the water.
Here was a man lame for 38 years! 38 years unable to walk and who knows how often he stayed by the pool of water. Who knows how often he witnessed the troubling of the water only to watch another go down into the pool and be healed. He stayed by the pool with that little bit of hope or else he wouldn't have wasted his time being near it at all. The hope he had was so small though that he told Jesus this when asked if he'd be made whole...
Joh 5:7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
The man would try to make his way there but each time he tried another moved into the water before him reaping the benefits. How many times had he seen it happen? How many times had he watched another be healed? Was he hoping Jesus would offer to put him in the pool? But that would mean Jesus staying near him and waiting until the angel troubling the water made their appearance. The man wanted to be healed of his infirmity he stayed near the pool. Jesus knew of his longing, Jesus knew that the man spoke truthfully. Jesus loved this man, Jesus had pity on this man, Jesus' compassion was roused for this poor man and so he healed him right then and there.
Joh 5:8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
Joh 5:9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked
Immediately the man was made whole! To be made whole meant that he wasn't whole. His infirmity, his unwholeness was taken away, he was healed.
Later Jesus said this to that man--
Joh 5:14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
Jesus told him to 'sin no more' if he sinned a worse thing would come on him. Can you imagine having an infirmity that made you lame for 38 years and then being told something worse could come upon you if you sinned? We are sinners by nature, was this a trap for the man? Sinning is a WILLFUL act, a heart set to do evil, to disobey God. If this man set his heart to oppose God, to do evil to God, to break the laws of God he would receive something worse than being lame for 38 years. It makes you wonder about something... how old was this man made whole? What sins had he committed before? We, in our enlightened ways don't believe at all that our illnesses and infirmities are a result of any sinning, that's like supernatural stuff, right? Yet from Jesus' own mouth came those words. Do we believe in Jesus? Do we really? Can we believe that sinning would have the result of an illnesses, or infirmities, of bad luck? We don't want to believe that because it leaves us feeling hopeless because we know how much we sin. We want to believe our illnesses are just part of life and anything else is just nonsense, germs are germs, diseases are diseases and whether or not we sin means very little. Is it true? No way a baby born with a disease is guilty...but perhaps the sins of the parents or their parents or...well you get the picture. We don't know beyond any doubt, the things of God are His, what we need to know we can know. Is sinning ever good? No, sinning is NEVER good. By the mercy of our Lord and Savior we can be forgiven of our sins, we can live with His righteousness it's the only way to really live-- in Him.
Wilt we be made whole?
In Christ.
Amen.
Wilt thou be made whole?
The man had no hope of being made whole, or rather he had little hope. He had just enough hope that he came to the pool of Bethesda. This pool was a healing pool but a conditional healing pool. Not just anyone could be healed but the first to make it in the pool when the healing angel troubled the water.
Joh 5:4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
A pool of miracles. If such a pool existed today people would be overwhelming the place fighting to be the first. With no time table and no telling when the water would be troubled it's possible it was one time a year, right? Or maybe once every six months? There's no way of knowing and because of that people had to stay by the pool possibly for long periods of time just watching the water maybe afraid to even sleep because they'd miss the troubling of the water.
Here was a man lame for 38 years! 38 years unable to walk and who knows how often he stayed by the pool of water. Who knows how often he witnessed the troubling of the water only to watch another go down into the pool and be healed. He stayed by the pool with that little bit of hope or else he wouldn't have wasted his time being near it at all. The hope he had was so small though that he told Jesus this when asked if he'd be made whole...
Joh 5:7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
The man would try to make his way there but each time he tried another moved into the water before him reaping the benefits. How many times had he seen it happen? How many times had he watched another be healed? Was he hoping Jesus would offer to put him in the pool? But that would mean Jesus staying near him and waiting until the angel troubling the water made their appearance. The man wanted to be healed of his infirmity he stayed near the pool. Jesus knew of his longing, Jesus knew that the man spoke truthfully. Jesus loved this man, Jesus had pity on this man, Jesus' compassion was roused for this poor man and so he healed him right then and there.
Joh 5:8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
Joh 5:9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked
Immediately the man was made whole! To be made whole meant that he wasn't whole. His infirmity, his unwholeness was taken away, he was healed.
Later Jesus said this to that man--
Joh 5:14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
Jesus told him to 'sin no more' if he sinned a worse thing would come on him. Can you imagine having an infirmity that made you lame for 38 years and then being told something worse could come upon you if you sinned? We are sinners by nature, was this a trap for the man? Sinning is a WILLFUL act, a heart set to do evil, to disobey God. If this man set his heart to oppose God, to do evil to God, to break the laws of God he would receive something worse than being lame for 38 years. It makes you wonder about something... how old was this man made whole? What sins had he committed before? We, in our enlightened ways don't believe at all that our illnesses and infirmities are a result of any sinning, that's like supernatural stuff, right? Yet from Jesus' own mouth came those words. Do we believe in Jesus? Do we really? Can we believe that sinning would have the result of an illnesses, or infirmities, of bad luck? We don't want to believe that because it leaves us feeling hopeless because we know how much we sin. We want to believe our illnesses are just part of life and anything else is just nonsense, germs are germs, diseases are diseases and whether or not we sin means very little. Is it true? No way a baby born with a disease is guilty...but perhaps the sins of the parents or their parents or...well you get the picture. We don't know beyond any doubt, the things of God are His, what we need to know we can know. Is sinning ever good? No, sinning is NEVER good. By the mercy of our Lord and Savior we can be forgiven of our sins, we can live with His righteousness it's the only way to really live-- in Him.
Wilt we be made whole?
In Christ.
Amen.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Ye shall afflict your souls and do no work.
An atonement is a cleansing from all sin.
An atonement for the holy sanctuary- a cleansing of all the sins attached to the holy sanctuary.
An atonement for the tabernacle of the congregation and the alter - a cleansing of all sin in places of worship.
An atonement for the priest- a cleansing of all sin for those who serve the people for God.
An atonement for all the people of the congregation- a cleansing of all sin for all God's people.
With the tabernacle on earth an example of the heavenly we know the temple service on earth foreshadowed Christ's life and death. The temple was a place for people to go to offering sacifices for their sins, a place to worship God, a place where God was to dwell when on earth. Christ, God's Son uniquely begotten on earth, God's Son who lived and died offering Himself as the only sacrifice needed for our sins. No building can truly compare to God fully realized on earth in Jesus. All the services of the temple pointed to the Messiah's life and death and life again. The once yearly full cleansing points to the once only cleansing we will have before Christ returns. Think about it... nothing unclean, nothing with sin, will enter heaven, nothing with sin will go with Christ upon His return. To be Christ's is to be His fully claiming His righteousness as ours, trusting in His righteousness, His forgiveness, His cleansing of us.
If the temple served as an example of the heavenly truly the day of atonement serves as an example of the earth's final cleansing.
Ye shall afflict your souls and do no work.
We can only fall at the feet of Jesus in soul affliction as we realize our helpless, sinless state. We cannot do any work to save ourselves, none. We have to believe that the Messiah will cleanse us of all our sins before the Lord.
Php 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Fear and trembling, afflicted souls. We work out our own salvation WITH fear and trembling. We fall before the feet of our Savior knowing that in our own unworthiness it's all we can possibly do, it's the only work we can possibly perform.
Lev 16:33 And he shall make an atonement for the holy sanctuary, and he shall make an atonement for the tabernacle of the congregation, and for the altar, and he shall make an atonement for the priests, and for all the people of the congregation.
Lev 16:34 And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year. And he did as the LORD commanded Moses.
Lev 16:29 And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you:
Lev 16:30 For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the LORD.
Lev 23:27 Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
Lev 23:28 And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God.
Lev 23:29 For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people.
Lev 23:30 And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people.
*******
May we afflict our souls with fear and trembling as we seek salvation in our Lord and Savior the Son of God, our Messiah, the only place salvation is found.
Amen
An atonement for the holy sanctuary- a cleansing of all the sins attached to the holy sanctuary.
An atonement for the tabernacle of the congregation and the alter - a cleansing of all sin in places of worship.
An atonement for the priest- a cleansing of all sin for those who serve the people for God.
An atonement for all the people of the congregation- a cleansing of all sin for all God's people.
With the tabernacle on earth an example of the heavenly we know the temple service on earth foreshadowed Christ's life and death. The temple was a place for people to go to offering sacifices for their sins, a place to worship God, a place where God was to dwell when on earth. Christ, God's Son uniquely begotten on earth, God's Son who lived and died offering Himself as the only sacrifice needed for our sins. No building can truly compare to God fully realized on earth in Jesus. All the services of the temple pointed to the Messiah's life and death and life again. The once yearly full cleansing points to the once only cleansing we will have before Christ returns. Think about it... nothing unclean, nothing with sin, will enter heaven, nothing with sin will go with Christ upon His return. To be Christ's is to be His fully claiming His righteousness as ours, trusting in His righteousness, His forgiveness, His cleansing of us.
If the temple served as an example of the heavenly truly the day of atonement serves as an example of the earth's final cleansing.
Ye shall afflict your souls and do no work.
We can only fall at the feet of Jesus in soul affliction as we realize our helpless, sinless state. We cannot do any work to save ourselves, none. We have to believe that the Messiah will cleanse us of all our sins before the Lord.
Php 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Fear and trembling, afflicted souls. We work out our own salvation WITH fear and trembling. We fall before the feet of our Savior knowing that in our own unworthiness it's all we can possibly do, it's the only work we can possibly perform.
Lev 16:33 And he shall make an atonement for the holy sanctuary, and he shall make an atonement for the tabernacle of the congregation, and for the altar, and he shall make an atonement for the priests, and for all the people of the congregation.
Lev 16:34 And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year. And he did as the LORD commanded Moses.
Lev 16:29 And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you:
Lev 16:30 For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the LORD.
Lev 23:27 Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
Lev 23:28 And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God.
Lev 23:29 For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people.
Lev 23:30 And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people.
*******
May we afflict our souls with fear and trembling as we seek salvation in our Lord and Savior the Son of God, our Messiah, the only place salvation is found.
Amen
Friday, May 7, 2010
Jesus Kingdom
What is the gospel of the kingdom?
Mat 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
Preaching the gospel of the kingdom.
Mar 1:14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
Mar 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
The kingdom of God is at hand.
Mat 12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
The kingdom of God is come unto you.
Jesus was come unto us. Jesus said...
Mar 4:26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
Mar 4:27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
Mar 4:28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
Mar 4:29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.
Mar 4:30 And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?
Mar 4:31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:
Mar 4:32 But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.
A miracle.
The greatest thing in all the world is Jesus, there is nothing greater, nothing. He is everything we need. We are so busy trying to find the answers to life we often overlook the only answer that means anything at all, Jesus. He is the gospel, He is the kingdom of God. How many people believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior? How many kneel before Him surrendering all they are to Him? How many plead for forgiveness? Jesus is the only answer and we should never get tired of proclaiming Him as the All in All! Others might get tired of hearing but we should never tire of proclaiming Him living, dying, and living again for us. All praise and honor, all glory to our Lord, our Creator, our Savior.
By the grace and mercy of our Lord, through the Holy Spirit, in the Father's love now and forever.
Amen.
Mat 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
Preaching the gospel of the kingdom.
Mar 1:14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
Mar 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
The kingdom of God is at hand.
Mat 12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
The kingdom of God is come unto you.
Jesus was come unto us. Jesus said...
Mar 4:26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
Mar 4:27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
Mar 4:28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
Mar 4:29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.
Mar 4:30 And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?
Mar 4:31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:
Mar 4:32 But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.
A miracle.
The greatest thing in all the world is Jesus, there is nothing greater, nothing. He is everything we need. We are so busy trying to find the answers to life we often overlook the only answer that means anything at all, Jesus. He is the gospel, He is the kingdom of God. How many people believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior? How many kneel before Him surrendering all they are to Him? How many plead for forgiveness? Jesus is the only answer and we should never get tired of proclaiming Him as the All in All! Others might get tired of hearing but we should never tire of proclaiming Him living, dying, and living again for us. All praise and honor, all glory to our Lord, our Creator, our Savior.
By the grace and mercy of our Lord, through the Holy Spirit, in the Father's love now and forever.
Amen.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Whether in pretence or in truth-- Christ is preached.
Php 1:12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel
The things that happened to Paul- ridiculed, jailed, set on trial for his faith in Jesus Christ, and all the hardships, beatened, bruised, abraded, all these things happened to further the message of the gospel to others, to spread the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ.
Php 1:13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places
Because of those bonds he was placed in Christ's message was manifested to the palace, and in other places! His tragedy was used to further God's plan.
Php 1:14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Others when they witness Paul's persecution and the way he holds fast to the message of Christ are emboldened by his example to speak the gospel without fear!
Php 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
Php 1:16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds
Some people preached Christ wrongly yet Paul says here that even those that did that thinking they'd heap more harm upon him instead gained more interest for Christ and Hisw word, His gospel.
Php 1:17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
Php 1:18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
Php 1:19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ
Whether in pretence or in truth-- Christ is preached.
We don't know who might hear something to spike the interest of another, a genuine interest, a real love for Christ can come from something even preached wrongly. It's not up to us to convict a heart it's the Holy Spirit who convicts, we can spread the word, we can preach what we know but in the end the Holy Spirit is the force used by God to bring Christ into hearts opened to Him
By His grace and mercy always and forever, in His righteousness.
Amen.
The things that happened to Paul- ridiculed, jailed, set on trial for his faith in Jesus Christ, and all the hardships, beatened, bruised, abraded, all these things happened to further the message of the gospel to others, to spread the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ.
Php 1:13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places
Because of those bonds he was placed in Christ's message was manifested to the palace, and in other places! His tragedy was used to further God's plan.
Php 1:14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Others when they witness Paul's persecution and the way he holds fast to the message of Christ are emboldened by his example to speak the gospel without fear!
Php 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
Php 1:16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds
Some people preached Christ wrongly yet Paul says here that even those that did that thinking they'd heap more harm upon him instead gained more interest for Christ and Hisw word, His gospel.
Php 1:17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
Php 1:18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
Php 1:19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ
Whether in pretence or in truth-- Christ is preached.
We don't know who might hear something to spike the interest of another, a genuine interest, a real love for Christ can come from something even preached wrongly. It's not up to us to convict a heart it's the Holy Spirit who convicts, we can spread the word, we can preach what we know but in the end the Holy Spirit is the force used by God to bring Christ into hearts opened to Him
By His grace and mercy always and forever, in His righteousness.
Amen.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
May God who has performed a good work in us do so until the day of Jesus Christ.
Php 1:3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
Php 1:4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
Php 1:5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
Php 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ
May God who has performed a good work in us do so until the day of Jesus Christ.
Is there anyone you thank God for upon remembering them? Do you pray for others with joy?
All too often we get caught up in praying with despair in our hearts, pain wracking us deeply as we feel for the trials and tribulations those we are praying for are going through. Our hearts get heavy with grief for others but we need to allow joy in our hearts as well. Make requests with joy. Jesus has conquered the worst there is in life and He's done if for us. We will suffer but it is only temporary. We should rejoice in the gospel, in the message of salvation through our Lord and Savior. Joy should fill us as we believe in His return.
The other day I was waiting in a doctor's waiting room and I couldn't help but think about Jesus and wonder how many of them knew of His plan of salvation. Not being the type to strike up conversations with anyone at all, I couldn't very well even consider finding out. It brought to mind the striking contrast of the disciples of Christ preaching His word, spreading the gospel far and wide. There are a few religions that go about to spread the word but it's a VERY rare occurance to find someone preaching the gospel outside of a church setting or function. People usually seek to find someone to share the word and it's not readily given otherwise in my personal experience.
With the joy of Christ in our lives we need to reflect Him and if we don't... why don't we.
May God help us to live in His joy, in His love, and help us to share the love of the gospel of Jesus Christ with others.
Amen.
Php 1:4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
Php 1:5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
Php 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ
May God who has performed a good work in us do so until the day of Jesus Christ.
Is there anyone you thank God for upon remembering them? Do you pray for others with joy?
All too often we get caught up in praying with despair in our hearts, pain wracking us deeply as we feel for the trials and tribulations those we are praying for are going through. Our hearts get heavy with grief for others but we need to allow joy in our hearts as well. Make requests with joy. Jesus has conquered the worst there is in life and He's done if for us. We will suffer but it is only temporary. We should rejoice in the gospel, in the message of salvation through our Lord and Savior. Joy should fill us as we believe in His return.
The other day I was waiting in a doctor's waiting room and I couldn't help but think about Jesus and wonder how many of them knew of His plan of salvation. Not being the type to strike up conversations with anyone at all, I couldn't very well even consider finding out. It brought to mind the striking contrast of the disciples of Christ preaching His word, spreading the gospel far and wide. There are a few religions that go about to spread the word but it's a VERY rare occurance to find someone preaching the gospel outside of a church setting or function. People usually seek to find someone to share the word and it's not readily given otherwise in my personal experience.
With the joy of Christ in our lives we need to reflect Him and if we don't... why don't we.
May God help us to live in His joy, in His love, and help us to share the love of the gospel of Jesus Christ with others.
Amen.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Jesus Christ in Sincerity
Eph 6:24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.
In Sincerity.
Loving our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.
Are you sincere in your love for Jesus Christ?
sincere (sîn-sîr´) adjective
sincerer, sincerest
1. Not feigned or affected; genuine: sincere indignation.
2. Being without hypocrisy or pretense; true: a sincere friend.
3. Archaic. Pure; unadulterated.
Do you love Jesus with a genuine love?
Do you love Jesus without any pretense?
Do you love Jesus unfeigned?
How is a sincere love revealed?
1Co 8:3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
If you love God... people will know. Loving God isn't something you keep a secret it's something you share. Not everyone can share in all ways but if you love God people will know. We have a light and we can't hide it but we have to let it shine. Maybe we aren't going to climb on a soapbox and preach but there are other ways aren't there? There is NO shame in being a Christian. So many have no problem showing that they're goth, or hiphop, cool, cold, classy, divas, jocks, business-like. We can look at people and generally get a little idea about them. Of course we can't know everything in a glance and there are a lot of people who don't reveal anything other than what we might term - ordinary. But when someone is quite passionate about their beliefs they let people know, don't they? Do we have passion for our Lord and Savior? Do we love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity?
May God bless and keep us in Him, loving Him, sharing Him, with a true sincerity through the righteousness, through the grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, now and forever!
Amen.
In Sincerity.
Loving our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.
Are you sincere in your love for Jesus Christ?
sincere (sîn-sîr´) adjective
sincerer, sincerest
1. Not feigned or affected; genuine: sincere indignation.
2. Being without hypocrisy or pretense; true: a sincere friend.
3. Archaic. Pure; unadulterated.
Do you love Jesus with a genuine love?
Do you love Jesus without any pretense?
Do you love Jesus unfeigned?
How is a sincere love revealed?
1Co 8:3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
If you love God... people will know. Loving God isn't something you keep a secret it's something you share. Not everyone can share in all ways but if you love God people will know. We have a light and we can't hide it but we have to let it shine. Maybe we aren't going to climb on a soapbox and preach but there are other ways aren't there? There is NO shame in being a Christian. So many have no problem showing that they're goth, or hiphop, cool, cold, classy, divas, jocks, business-like. We can look at people and generally get a little idea about them. Of course we can't know everything in a glance and there are a lot of people who don't reveal anything other than what we might term - ordinary. But when someone is quite passionate about their beliefs they let people know, don't they? Do we have passion for our Lord and Savior? Do we love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity?
May God bless and keep us in Him, loving Him, sharing Him, with a true sincerity through the righteousness, through the grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, now and forever!
Amen.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Beauty for Ashes
The promises of God to His people are many. Promises of a future with Him. Promises of a life in Him with great eternal rewards. 'Beauty for ashes'
We mourn now and rightly so. We mourn with a great heaviness of heart, with a spirit heavy with grief, because we live in a world that offers us so much pain. We lay off the mourning and feel joy, we begin to praise rather than dwell in the heaviness of a broken spirit. We can only do that when we are freed from the captivity of sin that threatens to have us drown in our sins, die in our pain. We live in a world that isn't right for us, trying to fit in and failing because all the superficial trappings that we suppose might make us happy fail us. We turn to one thing after the other trying to fill the emptiness, the pain of life and disappointment still finds us. Some people settle for mediocre existence, not seeking happiness but rather becoming content with what life throws their way, making the best of whatever befalls them- not realizing that they are truly captives in another way. It's good when we mourn, when we weep, when we feel that spirit of heaviness because then we can realize there is something wrong. Seeking relief from pain whether emotional or physical is a natural response and the true life pain reliever is faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior and the world He offers, salvation in Him.
Salvation.
Salvation isn't just a promise for life hereafter, it's a promise for life now.
How would you act if you were promised 100,000,000 dollars? You would feel rich even before that money was realized. The promise of it enough to give you the thrill of that richness.
We are promised salvation and we can grasp hold of that thrill now.
Just as someone promised a great amount of money has to count their pennies until it's in their hands, living in their means until it's a reality- those promised salvation have to continue to live in a life that warrants mourning, brings them pain, and causes heartache. The joy of the promise makes life bearable. The promise needs to be real to us though. We have to believe in the promise. If we fail to believe in the promise then we lose hope and begin to live in despair. Without a promise, without hope we might settle for life with no future salvation.
May God help us to claim the promise of salvation in Christ now and live with the promise real in our lives believing its truthfulness, believing in the reality as if we've won the race, the prize before us is real.
By the mercy and the grace of our Lord and Savior through His righteousness now and forever! Amen.
Isa 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
Isa 61:2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;
Isa 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
Isa 61:4 And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.
Isa 61:5 And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.
Isa 61:6 But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.
Isa 61:7 For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.
Isa 61:8 For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.
Isa 61:9 And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the LORD hath blessed.
Isa 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
Isa 61:11 For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.
Luk 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Luk 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
Luk 4:19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord
Mat 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Mat 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Mat 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Mat 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Mat 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Mat 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Mat 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Mat 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints
We mourn now and rightly so. We mourn with a great heaviness of heart, with a spirit heavy with grief, because we live in a world that offers us so much pain. We lay off the mourning and feel joy, we begin to praise rather than dwell in the heaviness of a broken spirit. We can only do that when we are freed from the captivity of sin that threatens to have us drown in our sins, die in our pain. We live in a world that isn't right for us, trying to fit in and failing because all the superficial trappings that we suppose might make us happy fail us. We turn to one thing after the other trying to fill the emptiness, the pain of life and disappointment still finds us. Some people settle for mediocre existence, not seeking happiness but rather becoming content with what life throws their way, making the best of whatever befalls them- not realizing that they are truly captives in another way. It's good when we mourn, when we weep, when we feel that spirit of heaviness because then we can realize there is something wrong. Seeking relief from pain whether emotional or physical is a natural response and the true life pain reliever is faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior and the world He offers, salvation in Him.
Salvation.
Salvation isn't just a promise for life hereafter, it's a promise for life now.
How would you act if you were promised 100,000,000 dollars? You would feel rich even before that money was realized. The promise of it enough to give you the thrill of that richness.
We are promised salvation and we can grasp hold of that thrill now.
Just as someone promised a great amount of money has to count their pennies until it's in their hands, living in their means until it's a reality- those promised salvation have to continue to live in a life that warrants mourning, brings them pain, and causes heartache. The joy of the promise makes life bearable. The promise needs to be real to us though. We have to believe in the promise. If we fail to believe in the promise then we lose hope and begin to live in despair. Without a promise, without hope we might settle for life with no future salvation.
May God help us to claim the promise of salvation in Christ now and live with the promise real in our lives believing its truthfulness, believing in the reality as if we've won the race, the prize before us is real.
By the mercy and the grace of our Lord and Savior through His righteousness now and forever! Amen.
Isa 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
Isa 61:2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;
Isa 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
Isa 61:4 And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.
Isa 61:5 And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.
Isa 61:6 But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.
Isa 61:7 For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.
Isa 61:8 For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.
Isa 61:9 And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the LORD hath blessed.
Isa 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
Isa 61:11 For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.
Luk 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Luk 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
Luk 4:19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord
Mat 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Mat 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Mat 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Mat 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Mat 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Mat 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Mat 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Mat 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints
Sunday, May 2, 2010
We can't be like the pharisees
Joh 9:26 Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes?
Joh 9:27 He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?
Joh 9:28 Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples.
Joh 9:29 We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is.
Joh 9:30 The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes.
Joh 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
Joh 9:32 Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.
Joh 9:33 If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.
Joh 9:34 They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.
Over a thousand and then some years removed from Moses and the Pharisees uttered these words- 'We know that God spake unto Moses' How did they know except by believing in history, believing in things taught to them? They didn't witness first hand God speaking to Moses, they believed because they were taught to believe. They believed their forefathers and accepted Moses law as a law from God and why not, history related the many miracles wrought by God though Moses. Miracles. Those in Moses day didn't readily believe He was from God either, did they? At first they did, when they thought He was going to miraculously set them free, but then Moses, following God's orders went to Pharoah and Pharoah was angry making the people's work harder than ever at which point this was said--
Exo 6:6 Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:
Exo 6:7 And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.
Exo 6:8 And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I am the LORD.
Exo 6:9 And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.
They hearkened NOT.
Exo 10:1 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him:
Exo 10:2 And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am the LORD.
Moses came with many signs, many miracles were wrought and the people of Israel believed finally but at first they did what... they hearkened NOT unto Moses. The Pharisees in Jesus' day were confronted with miracles unexplainable miracles, miracles that surely had to be from God because like the blind man said-- Joh 9:32 Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. Joh 9:33 If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.
This wasn't a sign that a magician could work in any way at all under any pretense. Healing flesh, making eyes for a man born blind to see from. This was of God! Yet the Pharisees just as Pharaoh hardened their hearts to God. This time the Pharisees held fast to the fact they were believers of Moses and therefore would not change their ways to believe any other. Even though the books (scrolls) they took their history from revealed a 'Messiah' to come. They wanted the Messiah to be their IDEA of a Messiah, another Moses that would work signs and wonders to free them from Roman bondage, they didn't want a Messiah who was going to free them from their sin bondage.
Today many don't believe in Jesus Christ as a personal, real Savior. He's a fable of old, he's explained away with natural phenomena, as people have done to Moses. Jesus Christ isn't here on earth today but in heaven on our behalf preparing for us. He wants to live in us, the Holy Spirit was sent by Him to us to live in us. We can't be like the Pharisees who held fast to a past. We have to be like the blind man who believed. Our spiritual sight can be returned to us by the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Lord of all, Creator of all now and forever! By His Will.
Amen.
Joh 9:27 He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?
Joh 9:28 Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples.
Joh 9:29 We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is.
Joh 9:30 The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes.
Joh 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
Joh 9:32 Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.
Joh 9:33 If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.
Joh 9:34 They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.
Over a thousand and then some years removed from Moses and the Pharisees uttered these words- 'We know that God spake unto Moses' How did they know except by believing in history, believing in things taught to them? They didn't witness first hand God speaking to Moses, they believed because they were taught to believe. They believed their forefathers and accepted Moses law as a law from God and why not, history related the many miracles wrought by God though Moses. Miracles. Those in Moses day didn't readily believe He was from God either, did they? At first they did, when they thought He was going to miraculously set them free, but then Moses, following God's orders went to Pharoah and Pharoah was angry making the people's work harder than ever at which point this was said--
Exo 6:6 Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:
Exo 6:7 And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.
Exo 6:8 And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I am the LORD.
Exo 6:9 And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.
They hearkened NOT.
Exo 10:1 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him:
Exo 10:2 And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am the LORD.
Moses came with many signs, many miracles were wrought and the people of Israel believed finally but at first they did what... they hearkened NOT unto Moses. The Pharisees in Jesus' day were confronted with miracles unexplainable miracles, miracles that surely had to be from God because like the blind man said-- Joh 9:32 Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. Joh 9:33 If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.
This wasn't a sign that a magician could work in any way at all under any pretense. Healing flesh, making eyes for a man born blind to see from. This was of God! Yet the Pharisees just as Pharaoh hardened their hearts to God. This time the Pharisees held fast to the fact they were believers of Moses and therefore would not change their ways to believe any other. Even though the books (scrolls) they took their history from revealed a 'Messiah' to come. They wanted the Messiah to be their IDEA of a Messiah, another Moses that would work signs and wonders to free them from Roman bondage, they didn't want a Messiah who was going to free them from their sin bondage.
Today many don't believe in Jesus Christ as a personal, real Savior. He's a fable of old, he's explained away with natural phenomena, as people have done to Moses. Jesus Christ isn't here on earth today but in heaven on our behalf preparing for us. He wants to live in us, the Holy Spirit was sent by Him to us to live in us. We can't be like the Pharisees who held fast to a past. We have to be like the blind man who believed. Our spiritual sight can be returned to us by the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Lord of all, Creator of all now and forever! By His Will.
Amen.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Earnest of the Spirit
2Co 1:21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;
2Co 1:22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
God establishes us, no one else. God establishes us in Christ. God seal us. God gives us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
The earnest of the Spirit.
ar-hrab-ohn'
Of Hebrew origin [H6162]; a pledge, that is, part of the purchase money or property given in advance as security for the rest: - earnest.
A pledge, a part of the purchase in advance as SECURITY for the rest.
The SPIRIT, part of the SPIRIT in our hearts. We need the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts if we are to live in this world surrounded by so much evil. It is only with the Spirit in us, in our hearts that we can hope to live for Christ. God seals us, God gives us the Spirit.
It is true...
1Co 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
We receive part of the Spirit now as earnest, as a promise, a pledge, a security for the rest. We know in part now, we are seeing through a dark glass and we all know looking through dark glass isn't easy, or rather it isn't easy to see through the darkened glass to what is on the other side of the glass, it obscures our vision. We only see part of the mysteries of God, we only see dimly what life is all about. We see in part, we have part of the Spirit in us and yet we have a promise with that Spirit, a promise of more, of the Spirit fully in us. We shall one day see clearly, not darkly. One day we'll see it all face to face. We shall one day know as we are known. And we are known to ourselves- we know ourselves better than any one else. For as much as others might assume they know us, they truly only know what we allow them to know. Yes, some people wear their hearts on their sleeve so to speak and people believe they have some inner knowledge of them that the person doesn't even have of themselves but it's not true. We know ourselves and one day we will know even as we are known. We shall see others as we see ourselves. We will understand things that are mysteries to us now. We have a promise of this and the promise given to us by God through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior is the Holy Spirit in our hearts.
May God through Christ seal us and give us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. Please Lord this is our prayer that the promise within us is grasped hold of tightly never let go, that we cling to the Spirit in our hearts as a surety of the fulness of the Spirit upon Your return.
By the mercy and grace of our Lord and Savior now and forever.
Amen.
2Co 1:22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
God establishes us, no one else. God establishes us in Christ. God seal us. God gives us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
The earnest of the Spirit.
ar-hrab-ohn'
Of Hebrew origin [H6162]; a pledge, that is, part of the purchase money or property given in advance as security for the rest: - earnest.
A pledge, a part of the purchase in advance as SECURITY for the rest.
The SPIRIT, part of the SPIRIT in our hearts. We need the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts if we are to live in this world surrounded by so much evil. It is only with the Spirit in us, in our hearts that we can hope to live for Christ. God seals us, God gives us the Spirit.
It is true...
1Co 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
We receive part of the Spirit now as earnest, as a promise, a pledge, a security for the rest. We know in part now, we are seeing through a dark glass and we all know looking through dark glass isn't easy, or rather it isn't easy to see through the darkened glass to what is on the other side of the glass, it obscures our vision. We only see part of the mysteries of God, we only see dimly what life is all about. We see in part, we have part of the Spirit in us and yet we have a promise with that Spirit, a promise of more, of the Spirit fully in us. We shall one day see clearly, not darkly. One day we'll see it all face to face. We shall one day know as we are known. And we are known to ourselves- we know ourselves better than any one else. For as much as others might assume they know us, they truly only know what we allow them to know. Yes, some people wear their hearts on their sleeve so to speak and people believe they have some inner knowledge of them that the person doesn't even have of themselves but it's not true. We know ourselves and one day we will know even as we are known. We shall see others as we see ourselves. We will understand things that are mysteries to us now. We have a promise of this and the promise given to us by God through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior is the Holy Spirit in our hearts.
May God through Christ seal us and give us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. Please Lord this is our prayer that the promise within us is grasped hold of tightly never let go, that we cling to the Spirit in our hearts as a surety of the fulness of the Spirit upon Your return.
By the mercy and grace of our Lord and Savior now and forever.
Amen.
Friday, April 30, 2010
We should not trust in ourselves but in God
2Co 1:9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead
We should NOT trust in ourselves. Too often we do just that. We count on ourselves to react or act in certain ways and when we don't we crumble into despair because we've trusted ourselves to overcome things when in fact it is God that overcomes, it's in God we have to trust.
Strange isn't it that our money has those words- In God We Trust. Do we really? We should, but unfortunately we trust in others and we trust in ourselves and leave God out of it completely.
2Co 1:9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
The sentence of death is in ourselves. In and of ourselves we warrant death and it doesn't matter a wit how good we are. We can be super good people. We can be sweet and kind, and the best person to be about.
2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Having a form of godliness. A form of godliness. If you have a form of something you have a kind of that thing but NOT that thing itself. If I have a form of goodness, I don't have goodness itself do I? Just a form of it, a sort of goodness without actually having true goodness. It's not enough to have a form of godliness, it's not and yet so many people think it is perfectly okay to have a form of godliness.
Denying the power of God, denying the truth of God, you can have a form of godliness but you won't have the power of God in you
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
1Co 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
1Co 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
2Co 13:4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.
2Ti 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God
1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1Pe 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
1Pe 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Kept by the power of God. A far cry from having a form of godliness and denying the power there of.
2Co 1:9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead
We should not turst in ourselves... but in God.
May God help us do this, trust in Him, not ourselves for Salvation is in Him, not us. By His mercy, my His grace, His love so wondrous and so amazing, passing all understanding.
All glory and power unto our Creator now and forever! All praise and honor unto Him!
Amen!
We should NOT trust in ourselves. Too often we do just that. We count on ourselves to react or act in certain ways and when we don't we crumble into despair because we've trusted ourselves to overcome things when in fact it is God that overcomes, it's in God we have to trust.
Strange isn't it that our money has those words- In God We Trust. Do we really? We should, but unfortunately we trust in others and we trust in ourselves and leave God out of it completely.
2Co 1:9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
The sentence of death is in ourselves. In and of ourselves we warrant death and it doesn't matter a wit how good we are. We can be super good people. We can be sweet and kind, and the best person to be about.
2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Having a form of godliness. A form of godliness. If you have a form of something you have a kind of that thing but NOT that thing itself. If I have a form of goodness, I don't have goodness itself do I? Just a form of it, a sort of goodness without actually having true goodness. It's not enough to have a form of godliness, it's not and yet so many people think it is perfectly okay to have a form of godliness.
Denying the power of God, denying the truth of God, you can have a form of godliness but you won't have the power of God in you
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
1Co 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
1Co 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
2Co 13:4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.
2Ti 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God
1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1Pe 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
1Pe 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Kept by the power of God. A far cry from having a form of godliness and denying the power there of.
2Co 1:9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead
We should not turst in ourselves... but in God.
May God help us do this, trust in Him, not ourselves for Salvation is in Him, not us. By His mercy, my His grace, His love so wondrous and so amazing, passing all understanding.
All glory and power unto our Creator now and forever! All praise and honor unto Him!
Amen!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Partakers of Sufferings
2Co 1:3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
2Co 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
2Co 1:5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
2Co 1:6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
2Co 1:7 And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.
Partakers of sufferings.
Whether we be afflicted it is for your consolation and SALVATION- which is EFFECTUAL in the ENDURING of the same sufferings which we also suffer...
Or whether we be comforted it is for your consolation and SALVATION.
We will have sufferings, we will. The suffering can come in so many forms. We can't pinpoint one suffering being harder than another because we all suffer in our own way. It's true. There are pain tolerances for every individual and there are suffering tolerances as well. The tolerance level being high or low but in the end it doesn't matter really because as individuals we have to live with the sufferings we endure not collectively. I can't truly feel your pain and suffering, I can empathize but I can't feel exactly what you are feeling because I'm not you. So many people say 'man up', meaning endure the suffering like a man, who supposedly endures it very stoically. We all have to 'man up' but our 'manning up' isn't a self-serving, self-endurance test it's a test of our faith, our ability to look to God so we endure through Him, not of ourselves.
We have to have hope knowing that any suffering we endure will be rewarded, there will be a consolation found in Christ when He returns, our consolation- SALVATION.
Salvation is our prize and worth enduring what? Anything? Yes, anything.
By the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior may we as partakers in lifes sufferings endure unto the end our prize life with Christ forever, salvation found in Him.
Amen.
2Co 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
2Co 1:5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
2Co 1:6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
2Co 1:7 And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.
Partakers of sufferings.
Whether we be afflicted it is for your consolation and SALVATION- which is EFFECTUAL in the ENDURING of the same sufferings which we also suffer...
Or whether we be comforted it is for your consolation and SALVATION.
We will have sufferings, we will. The suffering can come in so many forms. We can't pinpoint one suffering being harder than another because we all suffer in our own way. It's true. There are pain tolerances for every individual and there are suffering tolerances as well. The tolerance level being high or low but in the end it doesn't matter really because as individuals we have to live with the sufferings we endure not collectively. I can't truly feel your pain and suffering, I can empathize but I can't feel exactly what you are feeling because I'm not you. So many people say 'man up', meaning endure the suffering like a man, who supposedly endures it very stoically. We all have to 'man up' but our 'manning up' isn't a self-serving, self-endurance test it's a test of our faith, our ability to look to God so we endure through Him, not of ourselves.
We have to have hope knowing that any suffering we endure will be rewarded, there will be a consolation found in Christ when He returns, our consolation- SALVATION.
Salvation is our prize and worth enduring what? Anything? Yes, anything.
By the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior may we as partakers in lifes sufferings endure unto the end our prize life with Christ forever, salvation found in Him.
Amen.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Grace be to you
2Co 1:2 Grace be to you...
What a saluatation!
Grace be to you. What does it mean to say that to someone? Grace be to you. It's the most wonderful thing anyone could truly say to another isn't it? Grace be to you. Grace is the whole message of our Lord's reason for taking on humanity and living among us, choosing to die so we could be forgiven and receive His grace, His forgiveness for our sins. Grace- undeserved forgiveness. Saying those words- grace be to you is bringing the message of Christ's love and forgiveness to others. We are to be ambassadors of Christ spreading the message of grace.
Remember this from my blog a few days ago--
'1Co 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
By the grace of God I am what I am. Grace is a REAL thing, not just something to mutter in prayer. Paul said- 'His grace which was bestowed upon me was NOT in vain.' Given this gift of grace, freed from sin, forgiven by the Lord, Paul used this miracle as we all should as God directs us. Paul said- 'but I laboured more abundantly than they all yet not I but the grace of God which was with me.' Paul laboured for Christ, but knows it wasn't of himself but by the grace of God with Him. Left to His own devices Paul would have continued to persecute Christ's followers. He knew this. By the grace of God bestowed on Him he lived and laboured. We can all have the grace of God given to us. Do we labour with the grace we receive to bring Christ to others? Can the grace bestowed upon us be in vain? God forbid.'
Grace be to you. Those words offer the knowledge of salvation. A beautiful message we should all be eager to bestow upon others.
It's easy for us to say 'good bye' to someone isn't it? The original context of that word is 'God be with you.' Yet it was shortened so that people no longer mean 'God be with you', they simply mean they are going away.
Saying God be with you is offering the hope to someone, offering God to someone which is what... offering the grace of God.
I don't imagine it would be easy to change our way of speaking and say 'Grace be to you' or even 'God be with you' if we aren't used to doing so. Is it something we might want to try though? We are to bring the message of God's grace to others by His grace. May the Lord guide us in this as we contemplate our words, our lives, our actions.
By the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior now and forever!
Amen.
What a saluatation!
Grace be to you. What does it mean to say that to someone? Grace be to you. It's the most wonderful thing anyone could truly say to another isn't it? Grace be to you. Grace is the whole message of our Lord's reason for taking on humanity and living among us, choosing to die so we could be forgiven and receive His grace, His forgiveness for our sins. Grace- undeserved forgiveness. Saying those words- grace be to you is bringing the message of Christ's love and forgiveness to others. We are to be ambassadors of Christ spreading the message of grace.
Remember this from my blog a few days ago--
'1Co 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
By the grace of God I am what I am. Grace is a REAL thing, not just something to mutter in prayer. Paul said- 'His grace which was bestowed upon me was NOT in vain.' Given this gift of grace, freed from sin, forgiven by the Lord, Paul used this miracle as we all should as God directs us. Paul said- 'but I laboured more abundantly than they all yet not I but the grace of God which was with me.' Paul laboured for Christ, but knows it wasn't of himself but by the grace of God with Him. Left to His own devices Paul would have continued to persecute Christ's followers. He knew this. By the grace of God bestowed on Him he lived and laboured. We can all have the grace of God given to us. Do we labour with the grace we receive to bring Christ to others? Can the grace bestowed upon us be in vain? God forbid.'
Grace be to you. Those words offer the knowledge of salvation. A beautiful message we should all be eager to bestow upon others.
It's easy for us to say 'good bye' to someone isn't it? The original context of that word is 'God be with you.' Yet it was shortened so that people no longer mean 'God be with you', they simply mean they are going away.
Saying God be with you is offering the hope to someone, offering God to someone which is what... offering the grace of God.
I don't imagine it would be easy to change our way of speaking and say 'Grace be to you' or even 'God be with you' if we aren't used to doing so. Is it something we might want to try though? We are to bring the message of God's grace to others by His grace. May the Lord guide us in this as we contemplate our words, our lives, our actions.
By the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior now and forever!
Amen.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Mortal must put on immortality
1Co 15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
1Co 15:25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
1Co 15:26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
1Co 15:27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
1Co 15:28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
Has death been destroyed? No. Death is all around us, we live in its shadow every day. Death of people, death of animals, death in all its seeming finality. Experts rate death as the number one stress inducer in people. If you've had a death of a loved one recently you are ranked right up at the top of those experiencing high stress. Death takes things away from us. Death steals from us. Yesterday we talked a little about death being a sleep so those that are taken from us by death are only taken temporarily. We will be reunited with them into a life we can only imagine, incorruptible life, bodies of incorruption. Those of us who are middle aged notice the effects of a corruptible body more so than those who are young. We see the wrinkles, we notice the effects of aging and for us in our corruptible state those are signs of our inevitable demise. I'm not trying to be morbid, just realistic. People spend a lot of money trying to stay the hands of time on them, trying to keep the inevitable corruption of the body at bay. No one likes the reminder of their finite state, that death is going to meet them even if they live to be 100 years old, no one has defeated death except a very few of God's chosen. Christ experienced death and has the power over death and as the Bible says-- the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. God shall be all in all. This is the day I long for the day when the end comes, the day death is destroyed, the day God is all in all without any exception.
By the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior may we see the day of His coming, may we be alive and changed in a moment, in a twinkling of an eye putting on incorruption without seeing death. May this be the will of God by the grace of Jesus, through the sacrifice, by the righteousness of our Savior now and forever.
1Co 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
1Co 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
1Co 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
1Co 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
1Co 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
1Co 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
1Co 15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
1Co 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen!
1Co 15:25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
1Co 15:26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
1Co 15:27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
1Co 15:28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
Has death been destroyed? No. Death is all around us, we live in its shadow every day. Death of people, death of animals, death in all its seeming finality. Experts rate death as the number one stress inducer in people. If you've had a death of a loved one recently you are ranked right up at the top of those experiencing high stress. Death takes things away from us. Death steals from us. Yesterday we talked a little about death being a sleep so those that are taken from us by death are only taken temporarily. We will be reunited with them into a life we can only imagine, incorruptible life, bodies of incorruption. Those of us who are middle aged notice the effects of a corruptible body more so than those who are young. We see the wrinkles, we notice the effects of aging and for us in our corruptible state those are signs of our inevitable demise. I'm not trying to be morbid, just realistic. People spend a lot of money trying to stay the hands of time on them, trying to keep the inevitable corruption of the body at bay. No one likes the reminder of their finite state, that death is going to meet them even if they live to be 100 years old, no one has defeated death except a very few of God's chosen. Christ experienced death and has the power over death and as the Bible says-- the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. God shall be all in all. This is the day I long for the day when the end comes, the day death is destroyed, the day God is all in all without any exception.
By the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior may we see the day of His coming, may we be alive and changed in a moment, in a twinkling of an eye putting on incorruption without seeing death. May this be the will of God by the grace of Jesus, through the sacrifice, by the righteousness of our Savior now and forever.
1Co 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
1Co 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
1Co 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
1Co 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
1Co 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
1Co 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
1Co 15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
1Co 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen!
Monday, April 26, 2010
The dead do rise, but...
1Co 15:11 Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
1Co 15:12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
1Co 15:13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
1Co 15:14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
1Co 15:15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
1Co 15:16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
1Co 15:17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
1Co 15:18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
1Co 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
1Co 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
1Co 15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
1Co 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
*******
The dead do rise, when?
Every man in his own order- Christ, the first fruits, then they that are Christ's at His coming.
Yes, the dead to rise, but they don't rise immediately upon dying as some believe. You hear all the time about friends and loved one going to heaven and seeing you from heaven as if they live on right after death. The mainstream belief is that loved ones KNOW you love them, see you, and understand everything going on in your life. This isn't true.
Ecc 9:5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
The dead know not any thing. This is a far cry from the belief the dead know everything, the complete opposite in fact. We try to placate our own grief, or guilt, by believing the dead know we love them and miss them and are sorry for anything we did to hurt them in any way. The belief is a selfish belief because truthfully if the dead have risen and know everything going on in our lives can they be happy? Think about it truthfully. Can a loved one alive and well in heaven look down upon our grief, upon our sicknesses, our tragedies and be happy? Yet we believe they are up there in heaven where there is only happiness. Do you see the great contradiction. We make up this fantasy to appease ourselves and who cares about the contradictions. The truth is this...
1Co 15:17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
1Co 15:18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
Fallen asleep.
1Co 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
Of them that slept.
Joh 11:11 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
Joh 11:12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.
Joh 11:13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.
Joh 11:14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
Lazarus sleeps and Jesus will go to wake him, yet his disciples questioned by he would wake a sick man when sleep is good for the sick. Jesus then made it clear that the sleep Lazarus was experience was death's sleep.
Death's sleep. People will believe what they want to irregardless of Scripture. People will believe in traditions of men and fables of men and not care about Scripture facts and there is nothing anyone can do about this. But truthfully if a person stopped and thought about death as a temporary sleep- temporary meaning that when Christ returns the dead in Him will rise up to new life in Him- it's so much more comforting to believe rather then a loved one witnessing the suffering of life and loved ones and believing they are somehow happy no matter what they see and know.
My father sleeps in Christ and has slept for 25 years now. It's comforting to me to know that he is not witnessing any of the suffering our family has experienced. It's comforting knowing his trials are over and he has been resting in true peace of nothingness, the same peace we have with a dreamless, wonderful, very restful night's sleep. The next thing my father will know is Jesus at His coming when He shall rise in Christ to live with Him forevermore.
The dead do rise, but not until Jesus returns.
May we all find comfort in the knowledge the Bible provides to us, the truth in Christ now and forever. By the love, by the grace, by the mercy and forgiveness of our Lord and Savior, always.
Amen.
1Co 15:12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
1Co 15:13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
1Co 15:14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
1Co 15:15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
1Co 15:16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
1Co 15:17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
1Co 15:18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
1Co 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
1Co 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
1Co 15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
1Co 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
*******
The dead do rise, when?
Every man in his own order- Christ, the first fruits, then they that are Christ's at His coming.
Yes, the dead to rise, but they don't rise immediately upon dying as some believe. You hear all the time about friends and loved one going to heaven and seeing you from heaven as if they live on right after death. The mainstream belief is that loved ones KNOW you love them, see you, and understand everything going on in your life. This isn't true.
Ecc 9:5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
The dead know not any thing. This is a far cry from the belief the dead know everything, the complete opposite in fact. We try to placate our own grief, or guilt, by believing the dead know we love them and miss them and are sorry for anything we did to hurt them in any way. The belief is a selfish belief because truthfully if the dead have risen and know everything going on in our lives can they be happy? Think about it truthfully. Can a loved one alive and well in heaven look down upon our grief, upon our sicknesses, our tragedies and be happy? Yet we believe they are up there in heaven where there is only happiness. Do you see the great contradiction. We make up this fantasy to appease ourselves and who cares about the contradictions. The truth is this...
1Co 15:17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
1Co 15:18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
Fallen asleep.
1Co 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
Of them that slept.
Joh 11:11 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
Joh 11:12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.
Joh 11:13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.
Joh 11:14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
Lazarus sleeps and Jesus will go to wake him, yet his disciples questioned by he would wake a sick man when sleep is good for the sick. Jesus then made it clear that the sleep Lazarus was experience was death's sleep.
Death's sleep. People will believe what they want to irregardless of Scripture. People will believe in traditions of men and fables of men and not care about Scripture facts and there is nothing anyone can do about this. But truthfully if a person stopped and thought about death as a temporary sleep- temporary meaning that when Christ returns the dead in Him will rise up to new life in Him- it's so much more comforting to believe rather then a loved one witnessing the suffering of life and loved ones and believing they are somehow happy no matter what they see and know.
My father sleeps in Christ and has slept for 25 years now. It's comforting to me to know that he is not witnessing any of the suffering our family has experienced. It's comforting knowing his trials are over and he has been resting in true peace of nothingness, the same peace we have with a dreamless, wonderful, very restful night's sleep. The next thing my father will know is Jesus at His coming when He shall rise in Christ to live with Him forevermore.
The dead do rise, but not until Jesus returns.
May we all find comfort in the knowledge the Bible provides to us, the truth in Christ now and forever. By the love, by the grace, by the mercy and forgiveness of our Lord and Savior, always.
Amen.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Christ Risen, Living In His Grace
1Co 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
1Co 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
1Co 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
1Co 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
1Co 15:5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
1Co 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
Many people saw Jesus after He'd been raised from the dead. There is NO doubt He was killed, murdered on the cross, no doubt. Jesus had become quite a sensation for stirring up the people. Miracles performed as never a man had performed them before. Some were in awe of Him others in fear of Him, some were angry with Him and that anger turned into hatred and they sought to have Him killed. With no doubt of His death, no contesting the fact He was dead at all, Jesus was buried in a tomb. The problem had been solved, the relief of those who hated Him and wanted Him dead had to be tremendous. But Jesus didn't stay dead, he rose again! Just as there was no doubt of His death there was no doubt of His rising again... 500 people saw Him at once! He didn't just appear to a few chosen few. There was NO DOUBT of His rising from the dead, no doubt.
1Co 15:7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
1Co 15:8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
1Co 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
1Co 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
By the grace of God I am what I am. Grace is a REAL thing, not just something to mutter in prayer. Paul said- His grace whish was bestowed upon me was NOT in vain. Given this gift of grace, freed from sin, forgiven by the Lord, Paul used this miracle as we all should as God directs us. Paul said- but I laboured more abundantly than they all yet not I but the grace of God which was with me. Paul laboured for Christ, but knows it wasn't of himself but by the grace of God with Him. Left to His own devices Paul would have continued to persecute Christ's followers. He knew this. By the grace of God bestowed on Him he lived and laboured. We can all have the grace of God given to us. Do we labour with the grace we receive to bring Christ to others? Can the grace bestowed upon us be in vain? God forbid.
May we receive the grace of God and by that grace live in Him, for Him, always.
Amen.
1Co 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
1Co 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
1Co 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
1Co 15:5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
1Co 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
Many people saw Jesus after He'd been raised from the dead. There is NO doubt He was killed, murdered on the cross, no doubt. Jesus had become quite a sensation for stirring up the people. Miracles performed as never a man had performed them before. Some were in awe of Him others in fear of Him, some were angry with Him and that anger turned into hatred and they sought to have Him killed. With no doubt of His death, no contesting the fact He was dead at all, Jesus was buried in a tomb. The problem had been solved, the relief of those who hated Him and wanted Him dead had to be tremendous. But Jesus didn't stay dead, he rose again! Just as there was no doubt of His death there was no doubt of His rising again... 500 people saw Him at once! He didn't just appear to a few chosen few. There was NO DOUBT of His rising from the dead, no doubt.
1Co 15:7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
1Co 15:8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
1Co 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
1Co 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
By the grace of God I am what I am. Grace is a REAL thing, not just something to mutter in prayer. Paul said- His grace whish was bestowed upon me was NOT in vain. Given this gift of grace, freed from sin, forgiven by the Lord, Paul used this miracle as we all should as God directs us. Paul said- but I laboured more abundantly than they all yet not I but the grace of God which was with me. Paul laboured for Christ, but knows it wasn't of himself but by the grace of God with Him. Left to His own devices Paul would have continued to persecute Christ's followers. He knew this. By the grace of God bestowed on Him he lived and laboured. We can all have the grace of God given to us. Do we labour with the grace we receive to bring Christ to others? Can the grace bestowed upon us be in vain? God forbid.
May we receive the grace of God and by that grace live in Him, for Him, always.
Amen.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Love
1Co 13:4
Charity suffereth long
and is kind
charity envieth not
charity vaunteth not itself
is not puffed up,
1Co 13:5
Doth not behave itself unseemly
seeketh not her own
is not easily provoked
thinketh no evil
1Co 13:6
Rejoiceth not in iniquity
but rejoiceth in the truth;
1Co 13:7
Beareth all things
believeth all things
hopeth all things
endureth all things.
1Co 13:8
Charity never faileth
but whether there be prophecies
they shall fail
whether there be tongues
they shall cease
whether there be knowledge
it shall vanish away.
1Co 13:9
For we know in part
and we prophesy in part.
1Co 13:10
But when that which is perfect is come
then that which is in part shall be done away.
1Co 13:11
When I was a child
I spake as a child
I understood as a child
I thought as a child
but when I became a man
I put away childish things.
1Co 13:12
For now we see through a glass, darkly
but then face to face
now I know in part
but then shall I know even as also I am known.
1Co 13:13
And now abideth faith,
hope,
charity,
these three;
but the greatest of these is charity.
Charity suffereth long
and is kind
charity envieth not
charity vaunteth not itself
is not puffed up,
1Co 13:5
Doth not behave itself unseemly
seeketh not her own
is not easily provoked
thinketh no evil
1Co 13:6
Rejoiceth not in iniquity
but rejoiceth in the truth;
1Co 13:7
Beareth all things
believeth all things
hopeth all things
endureth all things.
1Co 13:8
Charity never faileth
but whether there be prophecies
they shall fail
whether there be tongues
they shall cease
whether there be knowledge
it shall vanish away.
1Co 13:9
For we know in part
and we prophesy in part.
1Co 13:10
But when that which is perfect is come
then that which is in part shall be done away.
1Co 13:11
When I was a child
I spake as a child
I understood as a child
I thought as a child
but when I became a man
I put away childish things.
1Co 13:12
For now we see through a glass, darkly
but then face to face
now I know in part
but then shall I know even as also I am known.
1Co 13:13
And now abideth faith,
hope,
charity,
these three;
but the greatest of these is charity.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Who Delivers Us? Jesus Christ!
1Co 9:27
(ASV) but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.
(Bishops) But I tame my body, and bryng it into subiection, lest by any meanes, that when I haue preached to other, I my selfe shoulde be a castaway.
(CEV) I keep my body under control and make it my slave, so I won't lose out after telling the good news to others.
(DRB) But I chastise my body and bring it into subjection: lest perhaps, when I have preached to others, I myself should become a castaway.
(KJV) But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
(KJV+) ButG235 I keep underG5299 myG3450 body,G4983 andG2532 bring it into subjection:G1396 lest that by any means,G3381 when I have preachedG2784 to others,G243 I myselfG848 should beG1096 a castaway.G96
(KJV-1611) But I keepe vnder my body, and bring it into subiection: lest that by any meanes when I haue preached to others, I my selfe should be a castaway.
(KJVA) But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
(Vulgate) sed castigo corpus meum et in servitutem redigo ne forte cum aliis praedicaverim ipse reprobus efficiar
*******
Buffet my body
Tame my body
Keep my body under control
Chastise my body
Keep under my body
Buffet, tame, keep, chastise this sounds like something hard to do doesn't it? When you have to tame something that means it's wild, when you have to keep something under control that means it can be out of control, when you chastise something it's because it needs chastising. Paul here is talking about keeping himself in check. He doesn't want to be one who preaches to others how they should act and be found not following his own counsel. Living Godly isn't easy, it was Paul who also said this...
Rom 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
Rom 7:16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
Rom 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Rom 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
Rom 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
Rom 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Rom 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
Rom 7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
Rom 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
Rom 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
Rom 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Who delivers us from the body? Christ.
We can't accept Christ and then willfully let ourselves go out of control. We make choices and those choices are reflected in our actions. Knowing that our own bodies are carnal and desiring of carnal lusts we do have to make choices to keep it under control- buffet, tame, chastise ourselves.
1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
WITH THE TEMPTATION ALSO MAKE A WAY TO ESCAPE!
A way to escape. What's that suggest? When you are trying to escape what are you trying to do? Get free from something holding you captive. To escape from a something bothersome to you. You are trying to get away from something. Escaping... do you have escape from something not keeping you captive? You might say you want to escape from everyday life, a figurative statement meaning that you want to go on a vacation and get away from everyday life. You might want to escape a boring lecture, you want to get away from that lecture. You might be compelled to stay at the lecture because it means points towards a grade, but you feel as if you are suffering through the lecture, right? Escaping a temptation is getting away from that temptation without succumbing to it. Can you escape something if you don't do anything? Can a prisoner escape a captor if they just sit in their prison? Can you escape your everyday life if you never go on vacation? Can you escape that lecture if you stay in the room? No. To escape an action must be taken. 'With the temptation also make a way to escape.' A way to escape.
We know we have to bring our bodies under control. We know that we sin in our carnal nature, the war in our members wars against our minds. Wars, captivity, taming, control, escaping. This is life as we know it and ONLY JESUS CHRIST can save us from our sinning selves. We need to escape to HIM. A way to escape...we have to look to Jesus for our escape. 'I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.' Jesus will save us. We have to give up self to Him and let Him live in us doing His will in us by His righteousness.
Life isn't easy no one said it was, but we have a way of escape ready for us in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. We can find forgiveness in Him, we find pure love in Him, we find righteousness in Him.
By the grace and mercy of our Lord may we do these things all through Him in His power not our own.
Amen.
(ASV) but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.
(Bishops) But I tame my body, and bryng it into subiection, lest by any meanes, that when I haue preached to other, I my selfe shoulde be a castaway.
(CEV) I keep my body under control and make it my slave, so I won't lose out after telling the good news to others.
(DRB) But I chastise my body and bring it into subjection: lest perhaps, when I have preached to others, I myself should become a castaway.
(KJV) But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
(KJV+) ButG235 I keep underG5299 myG3450 body,G4983 andG2532 bring it into subjection:G1396 lest that by any means,G3381 when I have preachedG2784 to others,G243 I myselfG848 should beG1096 a castaway.G96
(KJV-1611) But I keepe vnder my body, and bring it into subiection: lest that by any meanes when I haue preached to others, I my selfe should be a castaway.
(KJVA) But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
(Vulgate) sed castigo corpus meum et in servitutem redigo ne forte cum aliis praedicaverim ipse reprobus efficiar
*******
Buffet my body
Tame my body
Keep my body under control
Chastise my body
Keep under my body
Buffet, tame, keep, chastise this sounds like something hard to do doesn't it? When you have to tame something that means it's wild, when you have to keep something under control that means it can be out of control, when you chastise something it's because it needs chastising. Paul here is talking about keeping himself in check. He doesn't want to be one who preaches to others how they should act and be found not following his own counsel. Living Godly isn't easy, it was Paul who also said this...
Rom 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
Rom 7:16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
Rom 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Rom 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
Rom 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
Rom 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Rom 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
Rom 7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
Rom 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
Rom 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
Rom 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Who delivers us from the body? Christ.
We can't accept Christ and then willfully let ourselves go out of control. We make choices and those choices are reflected in our actions. Knowing that our own bodies are carnal and desiring of carnal lusts we do have to make choices to keep it under control- buffet, tame, chastise ourselves.
1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
WITH THE TEMPTATION ALSO MAKE A WAY TO ESCAPE!
A way to escape. What's that suggest? When you are trying to escape what are you trying to do? Get free from something holding you captive. To escape from a something bothersome to you. You are trying to get away from something. Escaping... do you have escape from something not keeping you captive? You might say you want to escape from everyday life, a figurative statement meaning that you want to go on a vacation and get away from everyday life. You might want to escape a boring lecture, you want to get away from that lecture. You might be compelled to stay at the lecture because it means points towards a grade, but you feel as if you are suffering through the lecture, right? Escaping a temptation is getting away from that temptation without succumbing to it. Can you escape something if you don't do anything? Can a prisoner escape a captor if they just sit in their prison? Can you escape your everyday life if you never go on vacation? Can you escape that lecture if you stay in the room? No. To escape an action must be taken. 'With the temptation also make a way to escape.' A way to escape.
We know we have to bring our bodies under control. We know that we sin in our carnal nature, the war in our members wars against our minds. Wars, captivity, taming, control, escaping. This is life as we know it and ONLY JESUS CHRIST can save us from our sinning selves. We need to escape to HIM. A way to escape...we have to look to Jesus for our escape. 'I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.' Jesus will save us. We have to give up self to Him and let Him live in us doing His will in us by His righteousness.
Life isn't easy no one said it was, but we have a way of escape ready for us in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. We can find forgiveness in Him, we find pure love in Him, we find righteousness in Him.
By the grace and mercy of our Lord may we do these things all through Him in His power not our own.
Amen.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Bought With a Price
1Co 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
The temple of the Holy Ghost.
People have spent millions of dollars over the years, maybe more, to discover hidden temples. Temples are places that are revered and held to be holy places. People have built all sorts of temples to worship false gods. Today there are temples dedicated to God, churches, meeting halls, houses people make special to honor God but what does God want from us now? What temple does God truly honor now? Where is God's Spirit? Has He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell inside stone, wooden, plastic walls? No. The temple where God's Holy Spirit dwells is us. God gives us His grace, His love, the Comforter which is the Holy Spirit who will dwell with us when we give our lives to God. We aren't our own. We aren't. So many people tell others to take charge of their lives, self-empowerment is the word of the day. Self it glorified. We believe we are our own, we are told we are our own, that we control our own lives fully and this is true right up to the point we decide whether or not we want God in our lives. If we choose God then our lives are His and no longer our own. Satan likes to use this aspect as something to deter people from accepting Christ, as if giving up self is the worst thing that could happen. Self cannot save self. Self cannot promise self eternal life. Self has so little control over so much in life and yet people revere self as it's own god, making themselves as god to be in control of so much yet the control is an illusion.
Our body is a temple of the Holy Ghost, we are NOT the Holy Ghost, we have no power of our own. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Ghost which God has given to us, we are NOT our own. We are bought with a price and that price was the life of Jesus Christ God's Son. We have to glorify GOD in our body, and in our SPIRIT-- both of which are God's not our own.
May God bless and keep us in HIM, our spirit with the Holy Spirit given to us by God, paid for by Christ's sacrifice.
In Christ's Love now and forever.
Amen.
1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
The temple of the Holy Ghost.
People have spent millions of dollars over the years, maybe more, to discover hidden temples. Temples are places that are revered and held to be holy places. People have built all sorts of temples to worship false gods. Today there are temples dedicated to God, churches, meeting halls, houses people make special to honor God but what does God want from us now? What temple does God truly honor now? Where is God's Spirit? Has He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell inside stone, wooden, plastic walls? No. The temple where God's Holy Spirit dwells is us. God gives us His grace, His love, the Comforter which is the Holy Spirit who will dwell with us when we give our lives to God. We aren't our own. We aren't. So many people tell others to take charge of their lives, self-empowerment is the word of the day. Self it glorified. We believe we are our own, we are told we are our own, that we control our own lives fully and this is true right up to the point we decide whether or not we want God in our lives. If we choose God then our lives are His and no longer our own. Satan likes to use this aspect as something to deter people from accepting Christ, as if giving up self is the worst thing that could happen. Self cannot save self. Self cannot promise self eternal life. Self has so little control over so much in life and yet people revere self as it's own god, making themselves as god to be in control of so much yet the control is an illusion.
Our body is a temple of the Holy Ghost, we are NOT the Holy Ghost, we have no power of our own. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Ghost which God has given to us, we are NOT our own. We are bought with a price and that price was the life of Jesus Christ God's Son. We have to glorify GOD in our body, and in our SPIRIT-- both of which are God's not our own.
May God bless and keep us in HIM, our spirit with the Holy Spirit given to us by God, paid for by Christ's sacrifice.
In Christ's Love now and forever.
Amen.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
A Spectacle Unto the World
1Co 4:7 For who maketh thee to differ? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? but if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory as if thou hadst not received it?
What do we have that we don't receive? Seriously. Think about it. The very air we breath is a gift from God. All that we have we receive in one way or another. Yes, there are a lot of things in life we wish we didn't have to receive such as the angst and all that Satan as prince of this world strives to overcome us with. God allows things to happen for reasons beyond our comprehension but in the end those who trust in Him no matter how they suffer now will have the reward of eternal life in love, with Him. But seriously, when we receive we can't take credit for it can we? We need to give the glory to the one we've received from. When we glory in ourselves as if we could do anything without the Creator, we fail to honor God. Part of learning to give up self is learning that we receive and need to glorify the Giver of all life, rather than patting ourselves on the back and thinking that we give life and have power over life.
1Co 4:8 Already are ye filled, already ye are become rich, ye have come to reign without us: yea and I would that ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.
1Co 4:9 For, I think, God hath set forth us the apostles last of all, as men doomed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, both to angels and men.
Wow. Doomed to death. A spectacle unto the world- unto both angels and men.
Read that again. A spectacle unto the world to both ANGELS and MEN.
We don't like to think of being a spectacle to unseen beings do we? I mean hidden cameras are a frightening thought because people would watch us live our lives and all the private things we do are revealed. There's something demeaning when we think of being watch at our most vulnerable moments and not necessarily because we are committing any sins, but just because we generally aren't raised in a society that promotes full revelation at all times. Yet we are a spectacle. No, we're not apostles, but we are all watched. God sees all. Paul was watched closely, all the apostles were watched closely as their faith so new in a world that hadn't known Christ was tested and tried in many ways. All but one apostle was killed for their faith. The apostles were a spectacle all they did was watched. As Christians our lives are watched too and yet many take this to mean they have to seem pious and perfect. As Christians we need to proclaim Christ's love first and foremost and sometimes love is revealed only after harsh times. That saying- Christians aren't perfect just forgiven is true, and yet it's not an excuse either. Our hearts need to be revealed and with Christ in us it is His love that is shown- not ours. Of ourselves we have nothing.
Paul goes on to say...
1Co 4:10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye have glory, but we have dishonor.
1Co 4:11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling-place;
1Co 4:12 and we toil, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure;
1Co 4:13 being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things, even until now.
1Co 4:14 I write not these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.
WOW.
Being reviled- we bless
Being persecuted- we endure
Being defamed- we entreat
Reviled, persecuted, defamed. None of us wants any of that at all whatsoever, it's completely alien to our way of life. When people revile, persecute, or defame you in our society we try to get them in trouble for hurting us- we sue them, we tell on them, often people take them to court so they are punished for their vile ways of treating others. How often do we even consider blessing someone that reviles another? How often do people simply endure persecution, of defamation? It's ludicrous to our way of thinking. Turning the other cheek isn't promoted, not really.
There are many today that are being reviled, persecuted, and defamed for their Christian ways, for believing in Christ. And Christ's way is far above our so called civilized ways where self comes first and foremost.
May God help us, bless us, keep us in Him. As we are spectacles to the world, to men and angels, may they see Christ in us as we claim Christ's righteousness through the forgiveness He offers us and count on nothing of ourselves.
In the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ now and forever.
Amen
What do we have that we don't receive? Seriously. Think about it. The very air we breath is a gift from God. All that we have we receive in one way or another. Yes, there are a lot of things in life we wish we didn't have to receive such as the angst and all that Satan as prince of this world strives to overcome us with. God allows things to happen for reasons beyond our comprehension but in the end those who trust in Him no matter how they suffer now will have the reward of eternal life in love, with Him. But seriously, when we receive we can't take credit for it can we? We need to give the glory to the one we've received from. When we glory in ourselves as if we could do anything without the Creator, we fail to honor God. Part of learning to give up self is learning that we receive and need to glorify the Giver of all life, rather than patting ourselves on the back and thinking that we give life and have power over life.
1Co 4:8 Already are ye filled, already ye are become rich, ye have come to reign without us: yea and I would that ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.
1Co 4:9 For, I think, God hath set forth us the apostles last of all, as men doomed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, both to angels and men.
Wow. Doomed to death. A spectacle unto the world- unto both angels and men.
Read that again. A spectacle unto the world to both ANGELS and MEN.
We don't like to think of being a spectacle to unseen beings do we? I mean hidden cameras are a frightening thought because people would watch us live our lives and all the private things we do are revealed. There's something demeaning when we think of being watch at our most vulnerable moments and not necessarily because we are committing any sins, but just because we generally aren't raised in a society that promotes full revelation at all times. Yet we are a spectacle. No, we're not apostles, but we are all watched. God sees all. Paul was watched closely, all the apostles were watched closely as their faith so new in a world that hadn't known Christ was tested and tried in many ways. All but one apostle was killed for their faith. The apostles were a spectacle all they did was watched. As Christians our lives are watched too and yet many take this to mean they have to seem pious and perfect. As Christians we need to proclaim Christ's love first and foremost and sometimes love is revealed only after harsh times. That saying- Christians aren't perfect just forgiven is true, and yet it's not an excuse either. Our hearts need to be revealed and with Christ in us it is His love that is shown- not ours. Of ourselves we have nothing.
Paul goes on to say...
1Co 4:10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye have glory, but we have dishonor.
1Co 4:11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling-place;
1Co 4:12 and we toil, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure;
1Co 4:13 being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things, even until now.
1Co 4:14 I write not these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.
WOW.
Being reviled- we bless
Being persecuted- we endure
Being defamed- we entreat
Reviled, persecuted, defamed. None of us wants any of that at all whatsoever, it's completely alien to our way of life. When people revile, persecute, or defame you in our society we try to get them in trouble for hurting us- we sue them, we tell on them, often people take them to court so they are punished for their vile ways of treating others. How often do we even consider blessing someone that reviles another? How often do people simply endure persecution, of defamation? It's ludicrous to our way of thinking. Turning the other cheek isn't promoted, not really.
There are many today that are being reviled, persecuted, and defamed for their Christian ways, for believing in Christ. And Christ's way is far above our so called civilized ways where self comes first and foremost.
May God help us, bless us, keep us in Him. As we are spectacles to the world, to men and angels, may they see Christ in us as we claim Christ's righteousness through the forgiveness He offers us and count on nothing of ourselves.
In the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ now and forever.
Amen
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Each Man Have His Praise from God
1Co 4:5 Wherefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then shall each man have his praise from God.
Nothing is hidden from God. The counsel of our hearts are manifested to Him always. We can judge nothing really because we can't see the counsels of the hearts, we can't see the things hidden in the darkness of our lives, things we'd rather keep hidden eternally. God sees it all and He judges. When the Lord comes all will be revealed. May we live in Him and have His righteousness stand as our in the day of His coming. May we have His praise, amazing praise from God as we are found alive in Jesus Christ our Lord, our Savior now and forever.
Amen.
Nothing is hidden from God. The counsel of our hearts are manifested to Him always. We can judge nothing really because we can't see the counsels of the hearts, we can't see the things hidden in the darkness of our lives, things we'd rather keep hidden eternally. God sees it all and He judges. When the Lord comes all will be revealed. May we live in Him and have His righteousness stand as our in the day of His coming. May we have His praise, amazing praise from God as we are found alive in Jesus Christ our Lord, our Savior now and forever.
Amen.
Monday, April 19, 2010
The wisdom of the world is foolishness
1Co 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He that taketh the wise in their craftiness
1Co 3:20 and again, The Lord knoweth the reasonings of the wise that they are vain.
The wisdom of this world.
Worldly wise.
Wise in the ways of the world.
Being wise in the world is something people seek all the time. People like to believe they are wise because being wise means not being simple, or stupid, lacking intelligence. Even Solomon asked for wisdom from God and it pleased God because Solomon wanted to be wise in the way of the Lord, not the world.
Pro 1:2 To know wisdom and instruction; To discern the words of understanding;
Pro 1:3 To receive instruction in wise dealing, In righteousness and justice and equity;
Pro 1:4 To give prudence to the simple, To the young man knowledge and discretion:
Pro 1:5 That the wise man may hear, and increase in learning; And that the man of understanding may attain unto sound counsels:
Pro 1:6 To understand a proverb, and a figure, The words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
Pro 1:7 The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge; But the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.
To know wisdom
To receive instruction in wise dealing
That the wise man may hear and increase in learning
To understand a proverb, and a figure, the words of the wise
The foolish despise wisdom
So you see the wisdom of THIS world is foolishness with God.
God's wisdom however is something to be desired.
Pro 2:2 So as to incline thine ear unto wisdom, And apply thy heart to understanding
God's wisdom, God's understanding.
Read all this--
Pro 2:1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, And lay up my commandments with thee;
Pro 2:2 So as to incline thine ear unto wisdom, And apply thy heart to understanding;
Pro 2:3 Yea, if thou cry after discernment, And lift up thy voice for understanding;
Pro 2:4 If thou seek her as silver, And search for her as for hid treasures:
Pro 2:5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of Jehovah, And find the knowledge of God.
Pro 2:6 For Jehovah giveth wisdom; Out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding:
Pro 2:7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to them that walk in integrity;
Pro 2:8 That he may guard the paths of justice, And preserve the way of his saints.
Crying out for discernment, crying out for understanding, listening for wisdom, seeking this as we look for HID treasures! How many of us look for hidden treasures? Not many will do so out of the blue, but if a person is told their is a hidden treasure of silver in their house you can bet they'd be tearing the house inside out to find it. Seeking her as silver, searching for her as hid treasures... wisdom, understanding, discernment all for God, these are the things we need not money. We are convinced we need money to live, completely convinced and nothing can change our minds. Money means life, lack of money means death- no food, no house, no clothes, no medicines, no anything. Yet we are told to incline our ear to wisdom, to seek her as silver, not to seek out material riches.
May God bless us with wisdom, we need wisdom, we need the will to seek wisdom over worldly things, to seek for wisdom as if it were a treasure because it is a treasure, it really is.
ro 2:9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness and justice, And equity, yea, every good path.
Pro 2:10 For wisdom shall enter into thy heart, And knowledge shall be pleasant unto thy soul;
Pro 2:11 Discretion shall watch over thee; Understanding shall keep thee
Please God we need to understand righteousness and justice, and equity and every good path. We need wisdom to enter into our hearts. We need knowledge to be pleasant to our soul. We need discretion to watch over us and understanding to keep us.
By your will, by your grace may we understand that the wisdom of this world is foolishness to you, and your wisdom is righteous, just, discerning, understanding. Please Lord forgive us, help us, we need you so desperately because the world and the prince of this world would destroy us in mind, body, and soul. In your love now and forever by our Savior Jesus Christ.
Amen.
1Co 3:20 and again, The Lord knoweth the reasonings of the wise that they are vain.
The wisdom of this world.
Worldly wise.
Wise in the ways of the world.
Being wise in the world is something people seek all the time. People like to believe they are wise because being wise means not being simple, or stupid, lacking intelligence. Even Solomon asked for wisdom from God and it pleased God because Solomon wanted to be wise in the way of the Lord, not the world.
Pro 1:2 To know wisdom and instruction; To discern the words of understanding;
Pro 1:3 To receive instruction in wise dealing, In righteousness and justice and equity;
Pro 1:4 To give prudence to the simple, To the young man knowledge and discretion:
Pro 1:5 That the wise man may hear, and increase in learning; And that the man of understanding may attain unto sound counsels:
Pro 1:6 To understand a proverb, and a figure, The words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
Pro 1:7 The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge; But the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.
To know wisdom
To receive instruction in wise dealing
That the wise man may hear and increase in learning
To understand a proverb, and a figure, the words of the wise
The foolish despise wisdom
So you see the wisdom of THIS world is foolishness with God.
God's wisdom however is something to be desired.
Pro 2:2 So as to incline thine ear unto wisdom, And apply thy heart to understanding
God's wisdom, God's understanding.
Read all this--
Pro 2:1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, And lay up my commandments with thee;
Pro 2:2 So as to incline thine ear unto wisdom, And apply thy heart to understanding;
Pro 2:3 Yea, if thou cry after discernment, And lift up thy voice for understanding;
Pro 2:4 If thou seek her as silver, And search for her as for hid treasures:
Pro 2:5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of Jehovah, And find the knowledge of God.
Pro 2:6 For Jehovah giveth wisdom; Out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding:
Pro 2:7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to them that walk in integrity;
Pro 2:8 That he may guard the paths of justice, And preserve the way of his saints.
Crying out for discernment, crying out for understanding, listening for wisdom, seeking this as we look for HID treasures! How many of us look for hidden treasures? Not many will do so out of the blue, but if a person is told their is a hidden treasure of silver in their house you can bet they'd be tearing the house inside out to find it. Seeking her as silver, searching for her as hid treasures... wisdom, understanding, discernment all for God, these are the things we need not money. We are convinced we need money to live, completely convinced and nothing can change our minds. Money means life, lack of money means death- no food, no house, no clothes, no medicines, no anything. Yet we are told to incline our ear to wisdom, to seek her as silver, not to seek out material riches.
May God bless us with wisdom, we need wisdom, we need the will to seek wisdom over worldly things, to seek for wisdom as if it were a treasure because it is a treasure, it really is.
ro 2:9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness and justice, And equity, yea, every good path.
Pro 2:10 For wisdom shall enter into thy heart, And knowledge shall be pleasant unto thy soul;
Pro 2:11 Discretion shall watch over thee; Understanding shall keep thee
Please God we need to understand righteousness and justice, and equity and every good path. We need wisdom to enter into our hearts. We need knowledge to be pleasant to our soul. We need discretion to watch over us and understanding to keep us.
By your will, by your grace may we understand that the wisdom of this world is foolishness to you, and your wisdom is righteous, just, discerning, understanding. Please Lord forgive us, help us, we need you so desperately because the world and the prince of this world would destroy us in mind, body, and soul. In your love now and forever by our Savior Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
The Spirit of God Dwells in Us
1Co 3:16 Know ye not that ye are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
1Co 3:17 If any man destroyeth the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, and such are ye.
The Spirit of God dwells in us!
We are holy to God.
No we might not consider ourselves temples, or holy, all our righteousness are as filthy rags, so it's not easy to believe in our worth to God. Some people who are considered very egotiscal are said to consider themselves God's gift to mankind. In fact, we are all God's gifts to mankind each and every one of us is of a value to God that goes beyond measure. No, being egotiscal isn't a good thing. Thinking that we are important in and of ourselves without considering God is wrong, He is our creator! Without God we are nothing. The Spirit of God dwelling in us by the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is truly amazing. We have to really contemplate this- 'If any man destroyeth the temple of God, HIM SHALL GOD DESTROY, for the temple of God is HOLY and such ARE YE.'
If any man destroys YOU, God shall destroy him. Don't think immediate retribution. Don't think brimstone and fire. God's destruction is one of eternal destruction. Revenge belongs to God not us. When we belong to God we trust Him for all things. We are taught to forgive, to turn the other cheek, to do as we want done to us, not do as is done to us. The message of Jesus was one of forgiveness. We must forgive to be forgiven and through Christ we can forgive. Through Christ we can live. The Spirit of God can dwell in us. The natural man cannot understand the things of the Spirit, but a man who is born again in Christ receives the Spirit of Christ to become a son of God. Spiritual things are open to those who have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them. We can be taught of the Spirit. There isn't instance where we can believe we know instantly all the Spirit has to teach us, it is an ongoing life lesson that will be taught to us forever as long as we dwell in Christ.
By the mercy and grace of our Lord and Savior, by His love always may we have the Spirit of God dwelling in us and be taught of the Spirit. We are unworthy, but Christ is worthy and it's to Him we look, it's Christ we serve, it's His righteousness we believe in.
Amen
1Co 3:17 If any man destroyeth the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, and such are ye.
The Spirit of God dwells in us!
We are holy to God.
No we might not consider ourselves temples, or holy, all our righteousness are as filthy rags, so it's not easy to believe in our worth to God. Some people who are considered very egotiscal are said to consider themselves God's gift to mankind. In fact, we are all God's gifts to mankind each and every one of us is of a value to God that goes beyond measure. No, being egotiscal isn't a good thing. Thinking that we are important in and of ourselves without considering God is wrong, He is our creator! Without God we are nothing. The Spirit of God dwelling in us by the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is truly amazing. We have to really contemplate this- 'If any man destroyeth the temple of God, HIM SHALL GOD DESTROY, for the temple of God is HOLY and such ARE YE.'
If any man destroys YOU, God shall destroy him. Don't think immediate retribution. Don't think brimstone and fire. God's destruction is one of eternal destruction. Revenge belongs to God not us. When we belong to God we trust Him for all things. We are taught to forgive, to turn the other cheek, to do as we want done to us, not do as is done to us. The message of Jesus was one of forgiveness. We must forgive to be forgiven and through Christ we can forgive. Through Christ we can live. The Spirit of God can dwell in us. The natural man cannot understand the things of the Spirit, but a man who is born again in Christ receives the Spirit of Christ to become a son of God. Spiritual things are open to those who have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them. We can be taught of the Spirit. There isn't instance where we can believe we know instantly all the Spirit has to teach us, it is an ongoing life lesson that will be taught to us forever as long as we dwell in Christ.
By the mercy and grace of our Lord and Savior, by His love always may we have the Spirit of God dwelling in us and be taught of the Spirit. We are unworthy, but Christ is worthy and it's to Him we look, it's Christ we serve, it's His righteousness we believe in.
Amen
Saturday, April 17, 2010
The Mind of Christ
1Co 2:12 Now we have received,not the spirit of the world,
but the spirit which is of God;
that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
*
We don't receive the spirit of the world from God. Who is the prince of this world? The world's spirit is whose spirit if it isn't a spirit we receive from God? Seriously, think about it? Some like to put it in their heads and others that all things in our current world are part of the spirit of God. But evil and God do not go together, they never have and never will. People want to meld the two, they want to make evil part of God's spirit, of God's will. Horrific things happen and people will say it's God's will as if God desires horrific things to take place. God allows things to happen there is no doubt there at all, but evil in any form is not what God wills or wants. Evil is abhorrant to Him as it should be to us, even more so. He sacrificed His son allowing His son to experience death without knowing accept by faith if He would be raised again. The cup Christ had to bear was beyond anything we can imagine. Why, if Christ knew without any doubt would He have cried out, 'My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?' He felt the separation from His Father in a way He'd never felt it before, sin's separation. Had He sinned? No. But He died so that our sins would be forgiven. The spirit of the world is Satan's spirit and we can't pretend evil is just another part of God, it's not.
We can receive the spirit which is of God and we will know the things that are freely given to us of God. Such a miracle, such a blessing for us to receive the spirit which is of God. We all know too well what the spirit of the world has to give to us - a lot of treasures on earth and none in heaven, a lot of treasures that will rot and decay and disappear forever that's all the spirit of the world has to offer us.
*
1Co 2:13 Which things also we speak,
not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth,
but which the Holy Ghost teacheth
comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
*
Man's wisdom is different than God's. The Holy Ghost's teaching isn't man's teaching. Spiritual things compared with spiritual, this is the way the Holy Ghost teaches.
*
1Co 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God
for they are foolishness unto him
neither can he know them
because they are spiritually discerned.
*
The natural man can't receive the things of the Spirit of God. We like to believe anyone can and will receive Spiritual things of God, but the truth is the spiritual things of God seem like foolishness to a natural man, a man who doesn't have Christ as His Savior. A man who hasn't been regenerated by the Holy Spirit, a man who hasn't been born again in Christ. Do you know anyone who scoffs at the things of God? Do you know anyone who thinks some of the things you do are foolish? Is there a lack of comprehension from some people over your Spiritual walk with Christ? It's because the natural man can't receive the things of the Spirit of God. Something to really think about really. Are you receiving the things of the Spirit of God?
*
1Co 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things,
yet he himself is judged of no man.
*
There is a judging that has to occur. Right from wrong judging. If we don't have the ability to judge right from wrong we are lost. Spiritually we have to be able to judge right from wrong. NO, we don't condemn anyone or pass sentence upon them that's for God to do, but we can judge actions without juding eternal life. We have to. God judges us as we judge all things by the Spirit.
*
1Co 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord,
that he may instruct him?
But we have the mind of Christ.
*
NO one knows the mind of the Lord to instruct the Lord, no one! But we have the mind of Christ and the Holy Spirit teaches us if we have the mind of Christ. In fact it is the only way we can be taught of the Spirit, the Spirit who will teach us spiritual things can only do so if we have the mind of Christ.
By the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior may we have the mind of Christ in us and have the Holy Ghost teaching us all things spiritual. We don't want to be natural men, unable to receive the things of the Spirit. Please Lord bless us, forgive us, love us, and live in us. By Your will, by Your love now and forever.
Amen.
but the spirit which is of God;
that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
*
We don't receive the spirit of the world from God. Who is the prince of this world? The world's spirit is whose spirit if it isn't a spirit we receive from God? Seriously, think about it? Some like to put it in their heads and others that all things in our current world are part of the spirit of God. But evil and God do not go together, they never have and never will. People want to meld the two, they want to make evil part of God's spirit, of God's will. Horrific things happen and people will say it's God's will as if God desires horrific things to take place. God allows things to happen there is no doubt there at all, but evil in any form is not what God wills or wants. Evil is abhorrant to Him as it should be to us, even more so. He sacrificed His son allowing His son to experience death without knowing accept by faith if He would be raised again. The cup Christ had to bear was beyond anything we can imagine. Why, if Christ knew without any doubt would He have cried out, 'My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?' He felt the separation from His Father in a way He'd never felt it before, sin's separation. Had He sinned? No. But He died so that our sins would be forgiven. The spirit of the world is Satan's spirit and we can't pretend evil is just another part of God, it's not.
We can receive the spirit which is of God and we will know the things that are freely given to us of God. Such a miracle, such a blessing for us to receive the spirit which is of God. We all know too well what the spirit of the world has to give to us - a lot of treasures on earth and none in heaven, a lot of treasures that will rot and decay and disappear forever that's all the spirit of the world has to offer us.
*
1Co 2:13 Which things also we speak,
not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth,
but which the Holy Ghost teacheth
comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
*
Man's wisdom is different than God's. The Holy Ghost's teaching isn't man's teaching. Spiritual things compared with spiritual, this is the way the Holy Ghost teaches.
*
1Co 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God
for they are foolishness unto him
neither can he know them
because they are spiritually discerned.
*
The natural man can't receive the things of the Spirit of God. We like to believe anyone can and will receive Spiritual things of God, but the truth is the spiritual things of God seem like foolishness to a natural man, a man who doesn't have Christ as His Savior. A man who hasn't been regenerated by the Holy Spirit, a man who hasn't been born again in Christ. Do you know anyone who scoffs at the things of God? Do you know anyone who thinks some of the things you do are foolish? Is there a lack of comprehension from some people over your Spiritual walk with Christ? It's because the natural man can't receive the things of the Spirit of God. Something to really think about really. Are you receiving the things of the Spirit of God?
*
1Co 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things,
yet he himself is judged of no man.
*
There is a judging that has to occur. Right from wrong judging. If we don't have the ability to judge right from wrong we are lost. Spiritually we have to be able to judge right from wrong. NO, we don't condemn anyone or pass sentence upon them that's for God to do, but we can judge actions without juding eternal life. We have to. God judges us as we judge all things by the Spirit.
*
1Co 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord,
that he may instruct him?
But we have the mind of Christ.
*
NO one knows the mind of the Lord to instruct the Lord, no one! But we have the mind of Christ and the Holy Spirit teaches us if we have the mind of Christ. In fact it is the only way we can be taught of the Spirit, the Spirit who will teach us spiritual things can only do so if we have the mind of Christ.
By the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior may we have the mind of Christ in us and have the Holy Ghost teaching us all things spiritual. We don't want to be natural men, unable to receive the things of the Spirit. Please Lord bless us, forgive us, love us, and live in us. By Your will, by Your love now and forever.
Amen.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me....
Matthew 11:13-11:30
'For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.'
Until John the Baptist the Jewish people had their prophets and the law which prophesied to them. They accepted those prophets of old but then John came, a prophet unlike any they had seen. John came to call people to repent, John came to prepare the way of the Lord. And Jesus had this to say...
'And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.'
Mal 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD
Jesus said IF YE WILL RECEIVE IT- THIS IS ELIAS, this was the promised prophet Elijah which was to come before the LORD.
The prophet John wasn't to be forced upon anyone any more than Jesus would force Himself upon anyone. John was the the prophet to preach and make way the coming of the Lord, and those that heard him and believed him would know that he was indeed the prophet who was prophesized to come before the Lord. Jesus said...
'He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.'
And Jesus continued...
'But whereunto shall I liken this generation?
It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced;
we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.
The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.'
Children not pleased with the results their actions wrought from others. Children are like that aren't they? Fickle. Children have no qualms about letting you know that you haven't acted the way they wanted or expected. A child won't hesitate to say, I did this, but you didn't act like you were supposed to. I played you music and you were supposed to dance instead you just sat there. I complained to you but you didn't give me the sympathy I wanted. It's all about expectation. The majority of the generation of Jesus had expectations of things to come. They knew a prophet was to come before the Lord but they complained that John couldn't be a prophet of God because he didn't feast and drink- he denied himself- he has a devil.
Then the Lord came and they complained of his eating and drinking. The Son of God wouldn't be gluttonous, or a winebibber and because Jesus ate and drank normally and didn't deny himself they complained. The Son of man wouldn't be a friend of publicans or sinners. The people enivisoned the promised Messiah as a man much like themselves with the same disdain for publican and sinners, the same shunning of them. They didn't imagine that the Son of man would come to save the lost, but they pictured Him as one would would confirm their own ideals and share in their disdain for others. Because Jesus didn't fit their idea it was easy to reject Him outright and say He was a sinner just as the others. In grouping Jesus with the others they rejected they rejected their own salvation.
'Wisdom is justified of her children.' KJV
'And wisdom is justified by her works.' American Standard Version of the Bible
The wise don't need to be justified by others. The results of the wise will speak for themselves. The generation of Jesus' day rejected John the Baptist and Jesus Himself, very unwise. The results of the unwise are damnation, the results of the wise, are salvation. Wisdom is justified of her children, by her works. Time will tell.
Continuing... Matthew 11:20-30
'Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:
Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.
And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.'
WOW! Jesus began to UPBRAID the cities where most of his works were done!!! Why? Because they REPENTED NOT!
Think about it for a moment miracle after miracle wrought from the Son of God before mankind- healing after healing, feeding thousands miraculously, raising the dead to life- miracles of the like they'd never ever seen before and only a few of the thousands believed, only a few of the thousands repented.
When light is given to people they are accountable for that light. These people were given the miracle of having Jesus live His life prior to rising from the dead among them. These people were witnesses of His miracles, His power. They will be accountable for rejecting light of Jesus among them, of rejecting so great a salvation.
Heb 2:3 how shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation? which having at the first been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed unto us by them that heard
There will be no escape and Jesus Himself warned of that.
Continuing...
'At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.'
Praise be to God! All glory, honor, and praise, all thanksgiving to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ now and forever!!!
Let us not be as the majority in Jesus' day all caught up it our imagined salvation so that the reality eludes us. Let us accept the Lord Jesus as our Savior, our redeemer, offering us salvation, offering us forgiveness through Him, through His blood. By His love may we take His yoke upon us, may we learn of Him, learn of his meekness and lowliness of heart so we can find rest for our souls. His yoke is easy, His burden is light.
AMEN!
'For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.'
Until John the Baptist the Jewish people had their prophets and the law which prophesied to them. They accepted those prophets of old but then John came, a prophet unlike any they had seen. John came to call people to repent, John came to prepare the way of the Lord. And Jesus had this to say...
'And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.'
Mal 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD
Jesus said IF YE WILL RECEIVE IT- THIS IS ELIAS, this was the promised prophet Elijah which was to come before the LORD.
The prophet John wasn't to be forced upon anyone any more than Jesus would force Himself upon anyone. John was the the prophet to preach and make way the coming of the Lord, and those that heard him and believed him would know that he was indeed the prophet who was prophesized to come before the Lord. Jesus said...
'He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.'
And Jesus continued...
'But whereunto shall I liken this generation?
It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced;
we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.
The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.'
Children not pleased with the results their actions wrought from others. Children are like that aren't they? Fickle. Children have no qualms about letting you know that you haven't acted the way they wanted or expected. A child won't hesitate to say, I did this, but you didn't act like you were supposed to. I played you music and you were supposed to dance instead you just sat there. I complained to you but you didn't give me the sympathy I wanted. It's all about expectation. The majority of the generation of Jesus had expectations of things to come. They knew a prophet was to come before the Lord but they complained that John couldn't be a prophet of God because he didn't feast and drink- he denied himself- he has a devil.
Then the Lord came and they complained of his eating and drinking. The Son of God wouldn't be gluttonous, or a winebibber and because Jesus ate and drank normally and didn't deny himself they complained. The Son of man wouldn't be a friend of publicans or sinners. The people enivisoned the promised Messiah as a man much like themselves with the same disdain for publican and sinners, the same shunning of them. They didn't imagine that the Son of man would come to save the lost, but they pictured Him as one would would confirm their own ideals and share in their disdain for others. Because Jesus didn't fit their idea it was easy to reject Him outright and say He was a sinner just as the others. In grouping Jesus with the others they rejected they rejected their own salvation.
'Wisdom is justified of her children.' KJV
'And wisdom is justified by her works.' American Standard Version of the Bible
The wise don't need to be justified by others. The results of the wise will speak for themselves. The generation of Jesus' day rejected John the Baptist and Jesus Himself, very unwise. The results of the unwise are damnation, the results of the wise, are salvation. Wisdom is justified of her children, by her works. Time will tell.
Continuing... Matthew 11:20-30
'Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:
Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.
And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.'
WOW! Jesus began to UPBRAID the cities where most of his works were done!!! Why? Because they REPENTED NOT!
Think about it for a moment miracle after miracle wrought from the Son of God before mankind- healing after healing, feeding thousands miraculously, raising the dead to life- miracles of the like they'd never ever seen before and only a few of the thousands believed, only a few of the thousands repented.
When light is given to people they are accountable for that light. These people were given the miracle of having Jesus live His life prior to rising from the dead among them. These people were witnesses of His miracles, His power. They will be accountable for rejecting light of Jesus among them, of rejecting so great a salvation.
Heb 2:3 how shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation? which having at the first been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed unto us by them that heard
There will be no escape and Jesus Himself warned of that.
Continuing...
'At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.'
Praise be to God! All glory, honor, and praise, all thanksgiving to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ now and forever!!!
Let us not be as the majority in Jesus' day all caught up it our imagined salvation so that the reality eludes us. Let us accept the Lord Jesus as our Savior, our redeemer, offering us salvation, offering us forgiveness through Him, through His blood. By His love may we take His yoke upon us, may we learn of Him, learn of his meekness and lowliness of heart so we can find rest for our souls. His yoke is easy, His burden is light.
AMEN!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Of the Spirit reap life everlasting
Eph 5:9 For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth
Goodness, righteousness, truth!!! Fruit of the Spirit indwelling in us!
Eph 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace
Eph 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
For a HABITATION of God! For Christ to dwell in us through the Spirit. Christ in us how amazing is that? Through the Holy Spirit, a very real entity, a being, a God willing to dwell in us and live in us, working in us His will all for Christ and it's all for love. People don't have it wrong when they say all we need to have in life is love, they're right. You can live in total poverty, total sickness, and if you have the love of Christ you have a hope for a future. Without that love you have nothing. All the things we possess, all the things we think we have in life in our unique being that makes us who we are, all of that means nothing without Christ. You can be lauded as the most beautiful, the smartest, the kindest person on earth and it would mean nothing at all without the love of Christ.
Gal 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Sow to the Spirit and get everlasting life.
Sow to the flesh and reap corruption.
Sowing to the Spirit.
Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Walking in the Spirit.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Love
Joy
Peace
Longsuffering
Gentleness
Goodness
Faith
Meekness
Temperance
Fruits of the Spirit.
Crucify the flesh.
Truly it is a crucification to deny self, to deny the flesh. Crucify. Is it done simply? Can we nail our lusts to a cross and have them die? We need to do that daily! EVERY DAY! Give our lives over to Christ, our Lord, our Savior and let Him guide our steps, every day. It's not done simply if you think it should be done automatically without any thought, just be that way. It's not done simply if it's not thought about and willingly done. It won't be forced upon us to accept Christ's love and righteousness. We must actively believe, actively love, actively accept all that Christ has done for us and just as we eat and drink daily and do other actions daily we must make Christ being first in our lives something done daily as often as we need to do it, not assume that because long ago we suddenly learned of Christ and accepted what He did that it covers us forever and ever without another thought. Daily walking in the Spirit.
By the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior now and forever in Him and His righteousness through His sacrifice of love.
Amen.
Goodness, righteousness, truth!!! Fruit of the Spirit indwelling in us!
Eph 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace
Eph 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
For a HABITATION of God! For Christ to dwell in us through the Spirit. Christ in us how amazing is that? Through the Holy Spirit, a very real entity, a being, a God willing to dwell in us and live in us, working in us His will all for Christ and it's all for love. People don't have it wrong when they say all we need to have in life is love, they're right. You can live in total poverty, total sickness, and if you have the love of Christ you have a hope for a future. Without that love you have nothing. All the things we possess, all the things we think we have in life in our unique being that makes us who we are, all of that means nothing without Christ. You can be lauded as the most beautiful, the smartest, the kindest person on earth and it would mean nothing at all without the love of Christ.
Gal 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Sow to the Spirit and get everlasting life.
Sow to the flesh and reap corruption.
Sowing to the Spirit.
Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Walking in the Spirit.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Love
Joy
Peace
Longsuffering
Gentleness
Goodness
Faith
Meekness
Temperance
Fruits of the Spirit.
Crucify the flesh.
Truly it is a crucification to deny self, to deny the flesh. Crucify. Is it done simply? Can we nail our lusts to a cross and have them die? We need to do that daily! EVERY DAY! Give our lives over to Christ, our Lord, our Savior and let Him guide our steps, every day. It's not done simply if you think it should be done automatically without any thought, just be that way. It's not done simply if it's not thought about and willingly done. It won't be forced upon us to accept Christ's love and righteousness. We must actively believe, actively love, actively accept all that Christ has done for us and just as we eat and drink daily and do other actions daily we must make Christ being first in our lives something done daily as often as we need to do it, not assume that because long ago we suddenly learned of Christ and accepted what He did that it covers us forever and ever without another thought. Daily walking in the Spirit.
By the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior now and forever in Him and His righteousness through His sacrifice of love.
Amen.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Sword and Supply of the Spirit
Php 1:19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
The supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Supply of the Spirit. We all need a supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. How wonderful it is to think about having a supply of the Spirit. 'For I know that this shall turn to my salvation.... through your prayer...' Through prayer AND the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. It is the Spirit of Jesus Christ that dwells in us, Christ's righteousness in us. Without the Spirit of Jesus Christ in us we have no hope at all for salvation.
Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit...
Praying always in the Spirit.
Eph 6:17 ...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God
The Spirit has a sword. A sword is used for protection and the word of God is that protection. A sword is used for fighting battles, the Word of God is our sword, life is our battle.
Eph 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit
Filled with the Spirit we don't need to be drunk. May this be all our experience filled with the Spirit. Being drunk gives people a sense of euphoria (at least to start with). Being drunk makes people feel good, that's why they do it, right? Yet drinking to excess, getting drunk to the point we become obnoxious to others and to ourselves, getting into fights, or getting depressed and weepy because of drinking to excess this is wrong and it's the drinking the give us the feelings magnifying them, changing them. People do a lot of things under the influence of alcohol they would never do if they weren't lost in the bottle. Instead of finding the euphoria of alcohol we need to find out euphoria in the Spirit, being filled with the Spirit of God. By the grace and mercy of our Lord we can be filled with the Holy Spirit.
In His amazing love.
Amen.
The supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Supply of the Spirit. We all need a supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. How wonderful it is to think about having a supply of the Spirit. 'For I know that this shall turn to my salvation.... through your prayer...' Through prayer AND the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. It is the Spirit of Jesus Christ that dwells in us, Christ's righteousness in us. Without the Spirit of Jesus Christ in us we have no hope at all for salvation.
Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit...
Praying always in the Spirit.
Eph 6:17 ...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God
The Spirit has a sword. A sword is used for protection and the word of God is that protection. A sword is used for fighting battles, the Word of God is our sword, life is our battle.
Eph 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit
Filled with the Spirit we don't need to be drunk. May this be all our experience filled with the Spirit. Being drunk gives people a sense of euphoria (at least to start with). Being drunk makes people feel good, that's why they do it, right? Yet drinking to excess, getting drunk to the point we become obnoxious to others and to ourselves, getting into fights, or getting depressed and weepy because of drinking to excess this is wrong and it's the drinking the give us the feelings magnifying them, changing them. People do a lot of things under the influence of alcohol they would never do if they weren't lost in the bottle. Instead of finding the euphoria of alcohol we need to find out euphoria in the Spirit, being filled with the Spirit of God. By the grace and mercy of our Lord we can be filled with the Holy Spirit.
In His amazing love.
Amen.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
The Spirit is Truth
Gal 3:2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Gal 3:3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Receiving the Spirit.
Beginning in the Spirit, we must stay in the Spirit.
How?
1Jn 5:6 ... the Spirit is truth.
We must stay in truth. Truth must be our standard that we hold high in ourselves. There are a lot of things we don't have control over in life, a lot. One thing we do have control over is the truth. We can hold truth to be paramount and not abide a lie. If we choose to lie over anything we are choosing to follow the father of lies, Satan, and not the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is truth in all things the truth.
By the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ now and forever.
Amen
Gal 3:3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Receiving the Spirit.
Beginning in the Spirit, we must stay in the Spirit.
How?
1Jn 5:6 ... the Spirit is truth.
We must stay in truth. Truth must be our standard that we hold high in ourselves. There are a lot of things we don't have control over in life, a lot. One thing we do have control over is the truth. We can hold truth to be paramount and not abide a lie. If we choose to lie over anything we are choosing to follow the father of lies, Satan, and not the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is truth in all things the truth.
By the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ now and forever.
Amen
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