Philippians
{4:6} Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
{4:7} And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
{4:8} Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
{4:9} Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Think on what is...
True
Honest
Just
Pure
Lovely
Good report
Virtue
Praise
truth (tr¡th) noun
plural truths (tr¡thz, tr¡ths)
1. Conformity to fact or actuality.
2. A statement proven to be or accepted as true.
3. Sincerity; integrity.
4. Fidelity to an original or a standard.
5. Reality; actuality.
6. Truth (tr¡th). Christian Science. God.
honest (òn´îst) adjective
1. Marked by or displaying integrity; upright: an honest lawyer.
2. Not deceptive or fraudulent; genuine: honest weight.
3. Equitable; fair: honest wages for an honest day's work.
4. a. Characterized by truth; not false: honest reporting. b. Sincere; frank: an honest critique.
5. a. Of good repute; respectable. b. Without affectation; plain: honest folk.
6. Virtuous; chaste.
just (jùst) adjective
1. Honorable and fair in one's dealings and actions: a just ruler. See synonyms at fair1.
2. Consistent with what is morally right; righteous: a just cause.
3. Properly due or merited: just deserts.
4. Law. Valid within the law; lawful: just claims.
5. Suitable or proper in nature; fitting: a just touch of solemnity.
6. Based on fact or sound reason; well-founded: a just appraisal.
pure (py¢r) adjective
purer, purest
1. Having a homogeneous or uniform composition; not mixed: pure oxygen.
2. Free from adulterants or impurities: pure chocolate.
3. Free of dirt, defilement, or pollution: "A memory without blot or contamination must be . . . an inexhaustible source of pure refreshment" (Charlotte Brontë).
4. Free of foreign elements.
5. Containing nothing inappropriate or extraneous: a pure literary style.
6. Complete; utter: pure folly.
7. Having no faults; sinless: "I felt pure and sweet as a new baby" (Sylvia Plath).
8. Chaste; virgin.
9. Of unmixed blood or ancestry.
10. Genetics. Produced by self-fertilization or continual inbreeding; homozygous: a pure line.
11. Music. Free from discordant qualities: pure tones.
12. Linguistics. Articulated with a single unchanging speech sound; monophthongal: a pure vowel.
13. Theoretical: pure science.
14. Philosophy. Free of empirical elements: pure reason.
lovely (lùv´lê) adjective
lovelier, loveliest
1. Full of love; loving.
2. Inspiring love or affection.
3. Having beauty that appeals to the emotions as well as to the eye. See synonyms at beautiful.
4. Enjoyable; delightful.
good report (noun)
repute: report, good report
repute
repute (rî-py¡t´) verb, transitive
reputed, reputing, reputes
1.To ascribe a particular fact or characteristic to.
2.To consider; suppose.
noun
1.Reputation.
2.A good reputation.
virtue (vûr´ch¡) noun
1. a. Moral excellence and righteousness; goodness. b. An example or kind of moral excellence: the virtue of patience.
2. Chastity, especially in a girl or woman.
3. A particularly efficacious, good, or beneficial quality; advantage: a plan with the virtue of being practical.
4. Effective force or power: believed in the virtue of prayer.
5. virtues. Theology. The fifth of the nine orders of angels.
6. Obsolete. Manly courage; valor.
praise (prâz) noun
1. Expression of approval, commendation, or admiration.
2. The extolling or exaltation of a deity, ruler, or hero.
3. Archaic. A reason for praise; merit.
verb, transitive
praised, praising, praises
1. To express warm approbation of, commendation for, or admiration for.
2. To extol or exalt; worship.
Excerpted from The American Heritage® Dictionary
If we are to think on these things--
True
Honest
Just
Pure
Lovely
Good report
Virtue
Praise
It stands to reason we are not to think on other things- their opposites perhaps.
Lies
Dishonesty
Unjust
Unpure
Unlovely
Bad report
Unvirtuous
Unpraiseworthy
Is it possible that when we do think on things that upset us, thoughts we know are at odds with the Word of God, that it is our duty to call upon Christ in prayer and to counter those thoughts with their opposite?
Think about it for a moment.
A thought slips into your mind about someone that isn't all that pleasant. You start thinking about how *they* think they're so much better than you, or you even start thinking that they're better and a seed of jealousy, of coveting start pricking at you. You know those thoughts are wrong, you recognize it's wrong, you ask for forgiveness and help to stop thinking that way but just looking at them, talking to them, the thoughts return. It's so easy to get caught in despair, so easy for the trap of Satan to rise up around us ensaring us in that old scenario of hopelessness. We have to be evil to think such things, there is no hope for us ever. Of course we know our hope lies in Christ and Christ alone and we should pray each and every time the thought sin arises in our lives. And because our Bibles tell us to, we need to think on good things. So we need to direct our thoughts to good things. Maybe we look at someone and think - if only I had their money, their skill, their appearance- as soon as we recognize the coveting nature of such thoughts we need to ask for forgiveness and clinging to Christ ask for help to think on things that aren't covetous. So instead of coveting their money, perhaps we need to counter it by asking ourselves would we covet their debt? Instead of coveting their skills we need to think on the fact that the only skill necessary for salvation is a contrite heart--
Ps. {51:17} The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a
contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
All the amazing skill any one can possess mean nothing if they're not used for the glory of God. And if it's coveting someone's skill who is glorifying God we have to realize that as long as we seek the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior and cling to Him we are doing all we need to do. We're not all going to have amazing skills, it's just not going to possible.
Eph. {4:11}
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some,
evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers
While we might want and covet another's skill we have to be content within ourselves knowing that skill doesn't guarantee salvation, God will not just save those who have amazing skills.
Col. {4:10} But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the
last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were
also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. {4:11} Not that I
speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever
state I am, therewith to be content. {4:12} I know both
how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where
and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be
hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. {4:13} I can do
all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Heb. 13:5} Let
your conversation be without covetousness; and be
content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will
never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
So when we start coveting no matter what it is we need to try and look at the big picture! Jesus.
A pretty voice, a pretty face, those things don't matter they are nice but they don't hold the promise of salvation, salvation does not lie within a pretty face or voice.
Eph. {2:8} For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not
of yourselves: it is the gift of God: {2:9} Not of works,
lest any man should boast. {2:10} For we are his
workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,
which God hath before ordained that we should walk in
them.
The bigger picture demands we look from things temporal to things eternal. Think on those things, not temporary earthy things.
If you think you want to hurt someone, with the help of the Holy Spirit start thinking on helping someone instead.
If you think about anything you know in your heart is wrong, pray for the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts to whatever maybe good, think away from the evil to the good. And if the thoughts continue to plague you, increasing, keep praying and counteracting them with the instruction we find in God's Holy Word- think on...
Philippians
{4:6} Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
{4:7} And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
{4:8} Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
{4:9} Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Think on what is...
True
Honest
Just
Pure
Lovely
Good report
Virtue
Praise
By the grace and mercy of our Lord and our Savior now and forever! In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Isaiah 1:4 Sinful People
Isa. {1:4} Ah sinful nation, a people
laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are
corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have
provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone
away backward.
*
Sounds like people today doesn't it? Sounds like the world today.
What nation can't fit into this? Is there one?
A sinful nation.
A people laden with iniquity.
A seed of evildoers.
Children that are corrupters.
Forsaken the Lord.
Provoked the Holy One of Israel to anger.
Gone backwards.
It's safe to say that there isn't a nation today that doesn't fit the bill.
The corruption is so great it can't even be hidden any longer.
I was thinking about that earlier. Some people will say that it was always like it is now, only hidden.
I don't believe that.
Oh, I believe that there has always been evil, I just don't believe that it's always been as pronounced as it is now. I could be wrong, I'm no authority.
I just know that before perhaps people kept their compulsions under control more than they do now, they had to or when I was growing up we would have been just as afraid to allow our children out to play as we are now. We didn't have to worry there was a sexual predator on our street, on the street over, several of them all around the neighborhood. Today you have to worry about it, flyers go out announcing the newest sexual offender to the neighborhood. You can look up online and find out just how many sexual predators live around you. Now is it because we have a different technology? No. Because you can go back and get records and they weren't just hiding the sexual offenders from people and now they're not. There weren't as many, they weren't as prevelant.
As it was in the days of Noah.
Some might argue that it's been like it was in the days of Noah forever, but I can't agree.
Seriously.
The thought crossed my mind that if things were always as bad and just hiddened, then wouldn't we have a lot more abused people in the world? Or maybe we do or have, and everyone's always kept it hidden. I don't know.
What I do know is just in my own lifetime of 45 years, almost 46, things seems so much worse in so many ways.
We're a sinful nation.
We're corrupt.
We're evildoers.
We've forsaken the Lord.
We've provoked the Holy One of Israel.
Perhaps from generation to generation it's all the same to some degree.
Is it worse?
Yes.
Does it grow worse and worse?
Yes.
Will it continue on the trend until it can get no worse?
Yes, yes...yes.
We are children of our Heavenly Father and so many of us have forsaken Him, denied Him, refuse to listen to Him, shun His amazing love.
May God help us all!
By the grace and mercy of His Son, sacrificed for us, may we seek and find Him, may we grab hold and never let go.
In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior this is my prayer.
Amen.
laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are
corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have
provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone
away backward.
*
Sounds like people today doesn't it? Sounds like the world today.
What nation can't fit into this? Is there one?
A sinful nation.
A people laden with iniquity.
A seed of evildoers.
Children that are corrupters.
Forsaken the Lord.
Provoked the Holy One of Israel to anger.
Gone backwards.
It's safe to say that there isn't a nation today that doesn't fit the bill.
The corruption is so great it can't even be hidden any longer.
I was thinking about that earlier. Some people will say that it was always like it is now, only hidden.
I don't believe that.
Oh, I believe that there has always been evil, I just don't believe that it's always been as pronounced as it is now. I could be wrong, I'm no authority.
I just know that before perhaps people kept their compulsions under control more than they do now, they had to or when I was growing up we would have been just as afraid to allow our children out to play as we are now. We didn't have to worry there was a sexual predator on our street, on the street over, several of them all around the neighborhood. Today you have to worry about it, flyers go out announcing the newest sexual offender to the neighborhood. You can look up online and find out just how many sexual predators live around you. Now is it because we have a different technology? No. Because you can go back and get records and they weren't just hiding the sexual offenders from people and now they're not. There weren't as many, they weren't as prevelant.
As it was in the days of Noah.
Some might argue that it's been like it was in the days of Noah forever, but I can't agree.
Seriously.
The thought crossed my mind that if things were always as bad and just hiddened, then wouldn't we have a lot more abused people in the world? Or maybe we do or have, and everyone's always kept it hidden. I don't know.
What I do know is just in my own lifetime of 45 years, almost 46, things seems so much worse in so many ways.
We're a sinful nation.
We're corrupt.
We're evildoers.
We've forsaken the Lord.
We've provoked the Holy One of Israel.
Perhaps from generation to generation it's all the same to some degree.
Is it worse?
Yes.
Does it grow worse and worse?
Yes.
Will it continue on the trend until it can get no worse?
Yes, yes...yes.
We are children of our Heavenly Father and so many of us have forsaken Him, denied Him, refuse to listen to Him, shun His amazing love.
May God help us all!
By the grace and mercy of His Son, sacrificed for us, may we seek and find Him, may we grab hold and never let go.
In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior this is my prayer.
Amen.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Isaiah 1
Isaiah
{1:2} Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.
{1:3} The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: [but] Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.
{1:4} Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.
The ox knoweth his owner...
The ass his master's crib...
We could say the dog knows his owner and the horse his stall. Right? We understand that don't we? Having pets we understand their devotion. Are animals instinctively geared to follow their owners, their keepers?
We're not animals, but we are given every reason to follow our own Creator, our Father, our caregiver.
If we don't want to equate ourselves with animals- if we want to believe we are better, well, it's true. We were created much higher than the animals, animals were to be subject under us. But...where man errs is thinking that he is greater than his Creator, more important than his Maker.
The Lord hath spoken-- I have nourished and brought up children.
We are God's children. Without God we wouldn't exist at all whatsoever but so many don't believe that. They believe that we are responisible for our own existence. That somehow mysteriously we just were without any real logic as to how we did that- sure there are a lot of strange, unbelievable theories but that's just what they are theories. Nothing could truly explain our existence other than our being created. We were created and our Creator, our Heavenly Father didn't leave us on our own to flounder He brought us up, He raised us with the knowledge of Him and the way of life that would be best for us.
What did His children do as He sought to nourish them and bring them up in the best way? They rebelled against Him.
The arrogance of man is unbelievable. Self is predominent and what we call independance, wanting to do for ourselves, is truly like a young child wanting to feed themselves, wanting to make their own way. A young child needs a caregiver. A young child might think they know what's best for them, but in truth they don't. A young child will jump into deep water not even realizing they can't swim and they drown. A young child will reach into the pretty fire not realize it will burn them. We are children of God and our wisdom, our knowledge is nothing compared to that of our Heavenly Father and yet we want to think we know it all.
We rebel.
We sin.
We turn to ourselves and our evil ways, our corrupt ways.
We forsake the Lord, we anger Him, we go backwards not forwards.
Seriously.
Today people are no different than the people of thousands of year ago. If anything even more so, people try to use science and popular theory to explain our existent, they don't want to answer to a Creator, to a Heavenly Father. They are rebellious.
It is my prayer that we all understand that we are children of the Lord. Children! We do have a heavenly Father we have to answer to. A heavenly Father who cares for us, His children and love us as only a parent can love a child.
By the mercy and grace of our Lord and our Savior may our hearts be made clean in Him, may our lives become lives of obedience to the Heavenly Father whose love for us knows no bounds.
Amen.
{1:2} Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.
{1:3} The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: [but] Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.
{1:4} Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.
The ox knoweth his owner...
The ass his master's crib...
We could say the dog knows his owner and the horse his stall. Right? We understand that don't we? Having pets we understand their devotion. Are animals instinctively geared to follow their owners, their keepers?
We're not animals, but we are given every reason to follow our own Creator, our Father, our caregiver.
If we don't want to equate ourselves with animals- if we want to believe we are better, well, it's true. We were created much higher than the animals, animals were to be subject under us. But...where man errs is thinking that he is greater than his Creator, more important than his Maker.
The Lord hath spoken-- I have nourished and brought up children.
We are God's children. Without God we wouldn't exist at all whatsoever but so many don't believe that. They believe that we are responisible for our own existence. That somehow mysteriously we just were without any real logic as to how we did that- sure there are a lot of strange, unbelievable theories but that's just what they are theories. Nothing could truly explain our existence other than our being created. We were created and our Creator, our Heavenly Father didn't leave us on our own to flounder He brought us up, He raised us with the knowledge of Him and the way of life that would be best for us.
What did His children do as He sought to nourish them and bring them up in the best way? They rebelled against Him.
The arrogance of man is unbelievable. Self is predominent and what we call independance, wanting to do for ourselves, is truly like a young child wanting to feed themselves, wanting to make their own way. A young child needs a caregiver. A young child might think they know what's best for them, but in truth they don't. A young child will jump into deep water not even realizing they can't swim and they drown. A young child will reach into the pretty fire not realize it will burn them. We are children of God and our wisdom, our knowledge is nothing compared to that of our Heavenly Father and yet we want to think we know it all.
We rebel.
We sin.
We turn to ourselves and our evil ways, our corrupt ways.
We forsake the Lord, we anger Him, we go backwards not forwards.
Seriously.
Today people are no different than the people of thousands of year ago. If anything even more so, people try to use science and popular theory to explain our existent, they don't want to answer to a Creator, to a Heavenly Father. They are rebellious.
It is my prayer that we all understand that we are children of the Lord. Children! We do have a heavenly Father we have to answer to. A heavenly Father who cares for us, His children and love us as only a parent can love a child.
By the mercy and grace of our Lord and our Savior may our hearts be made clean in Him, may our lives become lives of obedience to the Heavenly Father whose love for us knows no bounds.
Amen.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Hebrews 13
{13:1} Let brotherly love continue.
{13:2} Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
{13:3} Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; [and] them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
{13:4} Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
{13:5} [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
{13:6} So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
{13:7} Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of [their] conversation.
{13:8} Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
{13:9} Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For [it is] a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
{13:10} We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
{13:11} For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.
{13:12} Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
{13:13} Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
{13:14} For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
{13:15} By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name.
{13:16} But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
{13:17} Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you.
{13:18} Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.
{13:19} But I beseech [you] the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.
{13:20} Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting
covenant
{13:21} Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.
{13:22} And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.
{13:23} Know ye that [our] brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.
{13:24} Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.
Brotherly love.
Entertain strangers.
Remember them in bonds.
Without covetousness.
Be content.
Never leave nor forsake us.
The Lord is our helper.
Not fear what man shall do.
Remember those who know more, who have spoken the word of God.
Follow faith.
Listen to what they say.
Don't be carried away with strange doctrines.
Hearts established with grace.
Go with Jesus.
We seek a city to come.
Offer praise to God continually.
Give thanks to His name.
Do good.
Communicate.
Forget not.
Obey them that rule over you.
Submit yourself.
Pray.
Have a good conscience.
Live honestly.
God of peace, the great shepherd, blood of the everlasting covenant.
Made perfect in every good work.
Do His will.
Through Jesus.
Suffer the word of exhortation.
If you think as Christians we are to do nothing...read the Bible.
Study the word of God.
The word of God is filled with exhortations for us as followers of Christ to do things.
People get frustrated because the why do live as Jesus would have them live and yet they do none of the things He tells them they should do, why is that?
We need our hearts established with grace.
We need to offer praise to God continually.
We need to give thanks to God.
Live honestly.
We need the God of peace in our lives.
We need to do His will- not ours.
Yes, it may mean suffering but if it does we know this- 'For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come'.
May God be with us, in our lives now and forever and ever.
If our lives seem empty we can fill them with the things Jesus would have us to do. Things we are exhorted to do.
Because we are saved by the grace and mercy, the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior we can live for Him. We mustn't forget the living for Him part once we are saved and continually seek forgiveness from our Savior. Our lives have to be wrapped up in His. We need to know Him and He needs to know us.
By the will of our Lord now and forever.
Amen.
{13:2} Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
{13:3} Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; [and] them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
{13:4} Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
{13:5} [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
{13:6} So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
{13:7} Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of [their] conversation.
{13:8} Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
{13:9} Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For [it is] a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
{13:10} We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
{13:11} For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.
{13:12} Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
{13:13} Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
{13:14} For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
{13:15} By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name.
{13:16} But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
{13:17} Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you.
{13:18} Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.
{13:19} But I beseech [you] the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.
{13:20} Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting
covenant
{13:21} Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.
{13:22} And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.
{13:23} Know ye that [our] brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.
{13:24} Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.
Brotherly love.
Entertain strangers.
Remember them in bonds.
Without covetousness.
Be content.
Never leave nor forsake us.
The Lord is our helper.
Not fear what man shall do.
Remember those who know more, who have spoken the word of God.
Follow faith.
Listen to what they say.
Don't be carried away with strange doctrines.
Hearts established with grace.
Go with Jesus.
We seek a city to come.
Offer praise to God continually.
Give thanks to His name.
Do good.
Communicate.
Forget not.
Obey them that rule over you.
Submit yourself.
Pray.
Have a good conscience.
Live honestly.
God of peace, the great shepherd, blood of the everlasting covenant.
Made perfect in every good work.
Do His will.
Through Jesus.
Suffer the word of exhortation.
If you think as Christians we are to do nothing...read the Bible.
Study the word of God.
The word of God is filled with exhortations for us as followers of Christ to do things.
People get frustrated because the why do live as Jesus would have them live and yet they do none of the things He tells them they should do, why is that?
We need our hearts established with grace.
We need to offer praise to God continually.
We need to give thanks to God.
Live honestly.
We need the God of peace in our lives.
We need to do His will- not ours.
Yes, it may mean suffering but if it does we know this- 'For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come'.
May God be with us, in our lives now and forever and ever.
If our lives seem empty we can fill them with the things Jesus would have us to do. Things we are exhorted to do.
Because we are saved by the grace and mercy, the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior we can live for Him. We mustn't forget the living for Him part once we are saved and continually seek forgiveness from our Savior. Our lives have to be wrapped up in His. We need to know Him and He needs to know us.
By the will of our Lord now and forever.
Amen.
Hebrews 13
{13:1} Let brotherly love continue.
{13:2} Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
{13:3} Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; [and] them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
{13:4} Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
{13:5} [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
{13:6} So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
{13:7} Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of [their] conversation.
{13:8} Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
{13:9} Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For [it is] a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
{13:10} We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
{13:11} For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.
{13:12} Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
{13:13} Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
{13:14} For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
{13:15} By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name.
{13:16} But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
{13:17} Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you.
{13:18} Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.
{13:19} But I beseech [you] the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.
{13:20} Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting
covenant
{13:21} Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.
{13:22} And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.
{13:23} Know ye that [our] brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.
{13:24} Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.
Brotherly love.
Entertain strangers.
Remember them in bonds.
Without covetousness.
Be content.
Never leave nor forsake us.
The Lord is our helper.
Not fear what man shall do.
Remember those who know more, who have spoken the word of God.
Follow faith.
Listen to what they say.
Don't be carried away with strange doctrines.
Hearts established with grace.
Go with Jesus.
We seek a city to come.
Offer praise to God continually.
Give thanks to His name.
Do good.
Communicate.
Forget not.
Obey them that rule over you.
Submit yourself.
Pray.
Have a good conscience.
Live honestly.
God of peace, the great shepherd, blood of the everlasting covenant.
Made perfect in every good work.
Do His will.
Through Jesus.
Suffer the word of exhortation.
If you think as Christians we are to do nothing...read the Bible.
Study the word of God.
The word of God is filled with exhortations for us as followers of Christ to do things.
People get frustrated because the why do live as Jesus would have them live and yet they do none of the things He tells them they should do, why is that?
We need our hearts established with grace.
We need to offer praise to God continually.
We need to give thanks to God.
Live honestly.
We need the God of peace in our lives.
We need to do His will- not ours.
Yes, it may mean suffering but if it does we know this- 'For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come'.
May God be with us, in our lives now and forever and ever.
If our lives seem empty we can fill them with the things Jesus would have us to do. Things we are exhorted to do.
Because we are saved by the grace and mercy, the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior we can live for Him. We mustn't forget the living for Him part once we are saved and continually seek forgiveness from our Savior. Our lives have to be wrapped up in His. We need to know Him and He needs to know us.
By the will of our Lord now and forever.
Amen.
{13:2} Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
{13:3} Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; [and] them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
{13:4} Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
{13:5} [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
{13:6} So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
{13:7} Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of [their] conversation.
{13:8} Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
{13:9} Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For [it is] a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
{13:10} We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
{13:11} For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.
{13:12} Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
{13:13} Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
{13:14} For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
{13:15} By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name.
{13:16} But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
{13:17} Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you.
{13:18} Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.
{13:19} But I beseech [you] the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.
{13:20} Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting
covenant
{13:21} Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.
{13:22} And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.
{13:23} Know ye that [our] brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.
{13:24} Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.
Brotherly love.
Entertain strangers.
Remember them in bonds.
Without covetousness.
Be content.
Never leave nor forsake us.
The Lord is our helper.
Not fear what man shall do.
Remember those who know more, who have spoken the word of God.
Follow faith.
Listen to what they say.
Don't be carried away with strange doctrines.
Hearts established with grace.
Go with Jesus.
We seek a city to come.
Offer praise to God continually.
Give thanks to His name.
Do good.
Communicate.
Forget not.
Obey them that rule over you.
Submit yourself.
Pray.
Have a good conscience.
Live honestly.
God of peace, the great shepherd, blood of the everlasting covenant.
Made perfect in every good work.
Do His will.
Through Jesus.
Suffer the word of exhortation.
If you think as Christians we are to do nothing...read the Bible.
Study the word of God.
The word of God is filled with exhortations for us as followers of Christ to do things.
People get frustrated because the why do live as Jesus would have them live and yet they do none of the things He tells them they should do, why is that?
We need our hearts established with grace.
We need to offer praise to God continually.
We need to give thanks to God.
Live honestly.
We need the God of peace in our lives.
We need to do His will- not ours.
Yes, it may mean suffering but if it does we know this- 'For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come'.
May God be with us, in our lives now and forever and ever.
If our lives seem empty we can fill them with the things Jesus would have us to do. Things we are exhorted to do.
Because we are saved by the grace and mercy, the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior we can live for Him. We mustn't forget the living for Him part once we are saved and continually seek forgiveness from our Savior. Our lives have to be wrapped up in His. We need to know Him and He needs to know us.
By the will of our Lord now and forever.
Amen.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Hebrews 12 C
{12:12} Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees
{12:13} And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
{12:14} Follow peace with all [men,] and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord
{12:15} Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
{12:16} Lest there [be] any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
{12:17} For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.
{12:18} For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest
{12:19} And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; [which] voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: {12:20} (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart
{12:21} And so terrible was the sight, [that] Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)
{12:22} But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels
{12:23} To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, {12:24} And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than [that of] Abel.
{12:25} See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more [shall not] we [escape,] if we turn away from him that [speaketh] from heaven
{12:26} Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.
{12:27} And this [word,] Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
{12:28} Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: {12:29} For our God [is] a consuming fire.
*
Hebrews
{12:15} Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled
Failing of the grace of God.
But... haven't we been told that it is by grace we are saved through faith?
Don't we believe that it is by grace alone we are saved?
Haven't we been taught that we have grace just by saying we have grace, believing we have the grace of Jesus?
How can we 'fail of the grace of God'?
Surely we need to understand this because we don't want to 'fail of the grace of God'. Isn't that like hearing Jesus say in that day- get away from me, I never knew you? Even though people are crying out to Him as if they honestly believe they are His?
Matthew {7:21} Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall
enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will
of my Father which is in heaven. {7:22} Many will say to
me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy
name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy
name done many wonderful works? {7:23} And then will I
profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye
that work iniquity.
Certainly if we fail of the grace of God we'd be among those wouldn't we? Simply because we are taught that it's impossible to fail of the grace of God. Taught falsely that our actions mean nothing. Taught that if we have any action of our own and think we are saved by it we are wrong. Over and over in the Bible people are told of God's covenant and how they should obey it to be God's people. Obeying is an action that results in God's favor, disobeying His disfavor. Jesus doesn't do away with the fact we need to obey God, He even says he didn't come to do away, but to fulfill. If Jesus would have us live with Him as our example then we will obey. The only way it's possible is by His grace. He makes it possible through His mercy. His mercy doesn't absolve us of consequences of our actions. If we're taught that no matter how we live- even if we live in complete and utter sinfilled ways- that we can obtain grace while we continue living that way not availing ourselves of the mercy of Christ to walk in His way, then we won't have the grace of God- we will fail of the grace of God, we will be among those who cry out to Jesus and we will hear Him say- 'I never knew you depart from me ye that work sin'.
Hebrews
{12:15} Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled
Dict.bitter (bît´er) adjective
bitterer, bitterest
1. Having or being a taste that is sharp, acrid, and unpleasant.
2. Causing a sharply unpleasant, painful, or stinging sensation; harsh: enveloped in bitter cold; a bitter wind.
3. Difficult or distasteful to accept, admit, or bear: the bitter truth; bitter sorrow.
4. Proceeding from or exhibiting strong animosity: a bitter struggle; bitter foes.
5. Resulting from or expressive of severe grief, anguish, or disappointment: cried bitter tears.
6. Marked by resentment or cynicism
Excerpted from The American Heritage Dictionary
Duet.
{29:18} Lest there should be among
you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth
away this day from the LORD our God, to go [and] serve
the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a
root that beareth gall and wormwood;
A root brings forth life in tiny shoots. A root bears those shoots, without the root the shoots would not grow. Root of bitterness, root that beareth gall and wormwood.
Are we the root and our actions the tiny shoots?
Duet. {29:18} Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go [and] serve
the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood; {29:19} And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst: {29:20} The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven.
Actions such as ... doing as we please regardless of how we are taught in Christ and believing we are still with Christ.
Hebrews {12:12} Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees
{12:13} And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
{12:14} Follow peace with all [men,] and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord
{12:15} Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
{12:16} Lest there [be] any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
{12:17} For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.
Lift up our hands and knees- make straight paths for our feet- be healed.
Follow peace with ALL men.
Holiness with ALL men.
Without this peace and holiness we will NOT see the Lord.
Looking diligently!
Watching out for anything that will hinder our walks with Christ!
Matthew {26:41}
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit
indeed [is] willing, but the flesh [is] weak.
Mark {13:33} Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye
know not when the time is.
We have to look diligently lest we fail of the grace of God.
We have to examine our lives and see if we are defiled by the actions of our heart. Truly if our heart is the root and our lives the shoot that springs up, we need to look diligently at our lives- our actions that make up our lives and pray that anything we do that would defile us, any sin that we cherish, any action that we know Jesus would not have us commit is done away with. If we holdfast to our sinfilled ways choosing like Esau to live for the moment of pleasure and self-satisfaction, we too will be seeking repentance with tears and we won't find it- we too will fail of the grace of God.
Follow peace with all and holiness.
Peace and holiness found in Christ Jesus and necessary to us because without the peace and holiness of Chirst in us, living is us and controlling our actions, we will not the Lord.
Where do our actions stem from?
Where do our lives get the motives for those actions?
Oh wretched man that I am...who will deliver me... Christ Jesus.
Deliver us Jesus. Deliver us from the insidious evil that would have us live our lives with excuse after excuse for our ungodly behavior. Deliver us from the root of bitterness.
We don't want to fail you, we don't want to fail of the grace of God.
Have mercy on us Lord.
Through the mercy and grace of the Sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ now and forever.
Amen.
{12:13} And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
{12:14} Follow peace with all [men,] and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord
{12:15} Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
{12:16} Lest there [be] any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
{12:17} For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.
{12:18} For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest
{12:19} And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; [which] voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: {12:20} (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart
{12:21} And so terrible was the sight, [that] Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)
{12:22} But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels
{12:23} To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, {12:24} And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than [that of] Abel.
{12:25} See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more [shall not] we [escape,] if we turn away from him that [speaketh] from heaven
{12:26} Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.
{12:27} And this [word,] Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
{12:28} Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: {12:29} For our God [is] a consuming fire.
*
Hebrews
{12:15} Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled
Failing of the grace of God.
But... haven't we been told that it is by grace we are saved through faith?
Don't we believe that it is by grace alone we are saved?
Haven't we been taught that we have grace just by saying we have grace, believing we have the grace of Jesus?
How can we 'fail of the grace of God'?
Surely we need to understand this because we don't want to 'fail of the grace of God'. Isn't that like hearing Jesus say in that day- get away from me, I never knew you? Even though people are crying out to Him as if they honestly believe they are His?
Matthew {7:21} Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall
enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will
of my Father which is in heaven. {7:22} Many will say to
me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy
name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy
name done many wonderful works? {7:23} And then will I
profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye
that work iniquity.
Certainly if we fail of the grace of God we'd be among those wouldn't we? Simply because we are taught that it's impossible to fail of the grace of God. Taught falsely that our actions mean nothing. Taught that if we have any action of our own and think we are saved by it we are wrong. Over and over in the Bible people are told of God's covenant and how they should obey it to be God's people. Obeying is an action that results in God's favor, disobeying His disfavor. Jesus doesn't do away with the fact we need to obey God, He even says he didn't come to do away, but to fulfill. If Jesus would have us live with Him as our example then we will obey. The only way it's possible is by His grace. He makes it possible through His mercy. His mercy doesn't absolve us of consequences of our actions. If we're taught that no matter how we live- even if we live in complete and utter sinfilled ways- that we can obtain grace while we continue living that way not availing ourselves of the mercy of Christ to walk in His way, then we won't have the grace of God- we will fail of the grace of God, we will be among those who cry out to Jesus and we will hear Him say- 'I never knew you depart from me ye that work sin'.
Hebrews
{12:15} Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled
Dict.bitter (bît´er) adjective
bitterer, bitterest
1. Having or being a taste that is sharp, acrid, and unpleasant.
2. Causing a sharply unpleasant, painful, or stinging sensation; harsh: enveloped in bitter cold; a bitter wind.
3. Difficult or distasteful to accept, admit, or bear: the bitter truth; bitter sorrow.
4. Proceeding from or exhibiting strong animosity: a bitter struggle; bitter foes.
5. Resulting from or expressive of severe grief, anguish, or disappointment: cried bitter tears.
6. Marked by resentment or cynicism
Excerpted from The American Heritage Dictionary
Duet.
{29:18} Lest there should be among
you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth
away this day from the LORD our God, to go [and] serve
the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a
root that beareth gall and wormwood;
A root brings forth life in tiny shoots. A root bears those shoots, without the root the shoots would not grow. Root of bitterness, root that beareth gall and wormwood.
Are we the root and our actions the tiny shoots?
Duet. {29:18} Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go [and] serve
the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood; {29:19} And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst: {29:20} The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven.
Actions such as ... doing as we please regardless of how we are taught in Christ and believing we are still with Christ.
Hebrews {12:12} Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees
{12:13} And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
{12:14} Follow peace with all [men,] and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord
{12:15} Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
{12:16} Lest there [be] any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
{12:17} For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.
Lift up our hands and knees- make straight paths for our feet- be healed.
Follow peace with ALL men.
Holiness with ALL men.
Without this peace and holiness we will NOT see the Lord.
Looking diligently!
Watching out for anything that will hinder our walks with Christ!
Matthew {26:41}
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit
indeed [is] willing, but the flesh [is] weak.
Mark {13:33} Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye
know not when the time is.
We have to look diligently lest we fail of the grace of God.
We have to examine our lives and see if we are defiled by the actions of our heart. Truly if our heart is the root and our lives the shoot that springs up, we need to look diligently at our lives- our actions that make up our lives and pray that anything we do that would defile us, any sin that we cherish, any action that we know Jesus would not have us commit is done away with. If we holdfast to our sinfilled ways choosing like Esau to live for the moment of pleasure and self-satisfaction, we too will be seeking repentance with tears and we won't find it- we too will fail of the grace of God.
Follow peace with all and holiness.
Peace and holiness found in Christ Jesus and necessary to us because without the peace and holiness of Chirst in us, living is us and controlling our actions, we will not the Lord.
Where do our actions stem from?
Where do our lives get the motives for those actions?
Oh wretched man that I am...who will deliver me... Christ Jesus.
Deliver us Jesus. Deliver us from the insidious evil that would have us live our lives with excuse after excuse for our ungodly behavior. Deliver us from the root of bitterness.
We don't want to fail you, we don't want to fail of the grace of God.
Have mercy on us Lord.
Through the mercy and grace of the Sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ now and forever.
Amen.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Hebrews 12 B
{12:5} And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the
chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him
{12:6} For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
{12:7} If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
{12:8} But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
{12:9} Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected [us,] and we gave [them] reverence: shall we not
much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
{12:10} For they verily for a few days chastened [us] after their own pleasure; but he for [our] profit, that [we] might be
partakers of his holiness. {12:11} Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless
afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
For whom the Lord loveth he—
Chastens and Scourges.
EVERY son he receives.
Dict. chasten (châ´sen) verb, transitive
chastened, chastening, chastens
1. To correct by punishment or reproof; take to task.
2. To restrain; subdue: chasten a proud spirit.
3. To rid of excess; refine or purify
scourge (skûrj) noun
1. A source of widespread, dreadful affliction and devastation such as that caused by pestilence or war.
2. A means of inflicting severe suffering, vengeance, or punishment.
Excerpted from The American Heritage® Dictionary
*
If you feel as if you're being knocked about by life, when you want to cry out-- why God, why me, why this, haven't
I endured enough, I can't take it any more, don't be surprised.
Every son of God's is chastened and scourged, every son. You can't get away from it.
People go to God for comfort- God will help you, comfort you, ease you. It's this image of God as all loving that
leads us to forget that a Father, a good Father chastens his children. We are forever God's children and we will need
chastening. We need to realize that our sins need to be forsaken- we need to resist unto blood- that's a lot of resisting.
We have to realize that while resisting our sins unto blood will not save us, that only the grace and mercy of God
saves us, we have to set aside those sins that beset us and we are chastened to do so.
No one will ever obtain a stature, a position in life, that will allow them to do as they please without consequences.
You might think oh- kings, queens, rulers, dictators, so on and so forth but that's not true- every person has to answer
for their actions. Some might think they don't, they'll live their lives as if they don't, but they do. If we have to answer
to each other for our actions how much more do we answer to our Creator and Savior?
Once we are convicted of something we are accountable for that something. People who are given titles such as
doctor, lawyer, teacher, are very excited upon receiving their degrees- their titles. Does receiving that title change
anything? Are they no longer accountable to know how to heal, to defend, to teach? No, they are expected to know
exactly what their title claims. They are expected to be well learned doctors, lawyers, and teachers. They are expected
to keep up with the advances in society in order to remain well learned and to live up to their titles.
Why is it then that when some Christians accept Christ and are 'saved', do they believe they are no longer
accountable for their actions? That automatically they are forgiven whatever they do? Yes, we are forgiven is we ask
for forgiveness, but being a Christian isn't a license to sin. It isn't a get in free card that you flash each time you sin
and go on to the next sin happily because you can flash that card. If anything being a Christian and knowing that we
are forgiven because of Christ's sacrifice, that He suffered for our sins, should have us striving not to sin- not because
it will save us, but because sin separates us from God and the last thing any Christian should want is to be separated
from the God who can save them, who loves them with a love beyond our comprehension.
Don't get caught in the trap that you don't have to resist sin unto blood- that you don't have be chastened and shown
your wrong ways, that you won't be scourged or punished in various ways throughout your life. Don't believe that
God has left you when you are suffering at your worst, don't believe that this world will be all fun and games, all light
and happiness, it's not. Only our life in Christ can bring us happiness and NOTHING can take Christ from us unless
we allow it to happen, nothing.
Remember--
{12:5} And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the
chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him
{12:6} For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
{12:7} If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
{12:8} But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
{12:9} Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected [us,] and we gave [them] reverence: shall we not
much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
{12:10} For they verily for a few days chastened [us] after their own pleasure; but he for [our] profit, that [we] might be
partakers of his holiness. {12:11} Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless
afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
By His mercy and grace now and forever in Jesus we ask that we remember and take heart, that we can endure till
the end in His righteousness.
Amen.
chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him
{12:6} For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
{12:7} If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
{12:8} But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
{12:9} Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected [us,] and we gave [them] reverence: shall we not
much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
{12:10} For they verily for a few days chastened [us] after their own pleasure; but he for [our] profit, that [we] might be
partakers of his holiness. {12:11} Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless
afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
For whom the Lord loveth he—
Chastens and Scourges.
EVERY son he receives.
Dict. chasten (châ´sen) verb, transitive
chastened, chastening, chastens
1. To correct by punishment or reproof; take to task.
2. To restrain; subdue: chasten a proud spirit.
3. To rid of excess; refine or purify
scourge (skûrj) noun
1. A source of widespread, dreadful affliction and devastation such as that caused by pestilence or war.
2. A means of inflicting severe suffering, vengeance, or punishment.
Excerpted from The American Heritage® Dictionary
*
If you feel as if you're being knocked about by life, when you want to cry out-- why God, why me, why this, haven't
I endured enough, I can't take it any more, don't be surprised.
Every son of God's is chastened and scourged, every son. You can't get away from it.
People go to God for comfort- God will help you, comfort you, ease you. It's this image of God as all loving that
leads us to forget that a Father, a good Father chastens his children. We are forever God's children and we will need
chastening. We need to realize that our sins need to be forsaken- we need to resist unto blood- that's a lot of resisting.
We have to realize that while resisting our sins unto blood will not save us, that only the grace and mercy of God
saves us, we have to set aside those sins that beset us and we are chastened to do so.
No one will ever obtain a stature, a position in life, that will allow them to do as they please without consequences.
You might think oh- kings, queens, rulers, dictators, so on and so forth but that's not true- every person has to answer
for their actions. Some might think they don't, they'll live their lives as if they don't, but they do. If we have to answer
to each other for our actions how much more do we answer to our Creator and Savior?
Once we are convicted of something we are accountable for that something. People who are given titles such as
doctor, lawyer, teacher, are very excited upon receiving their degrees- their titles. Does receiving that title change
anything? Are they no longer accountable to know how to heal, to defend, to teach? No, they are expected to know
exactly what their title claims. They are expected to be well learned doctors, lawyers, and teachers. They are expected
to keep up with the advances in society in order to remain well learned and to live up to their titles.
Why is it then that when some Christians accept Christ and are 'saved', do they believe they are no longer
accountable for their actions? That automatically they are forgiven whatever they do? Yes, we are forgiven is we ask
for forgiveness, but being a Christian isn't a license to sin. It isn't a get in free card that you flash each time you sin
and go on to the next sin happily because you can flash that card. If anything being a Christian and knowing that we
are forgiven because of Christ's sacrifice, that He suffered for our sins, should have us striving not to sin- not because
it will save us, but because sin separates us from God and the last thing any Christian should want is to be separated
from the God who can save them, who loves them with a love beyond our comprehension.
Don't get caught in the trap that you don't have to resist sin unto blood- that you don't have be chastened and shown
your wrong ways, that you won't be scourged or punished in various ways throughout your life. Don't believe that
God has left you when you are suffering at your worst, don't believe that this world will be all fun and games, all light
and happiness, it's not. Only our life in Christ can bring us happiness and NOTHING can take Christ from us unless
we allow it to happen, nothing.
Remember--
{12:5} And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the
chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him
{12:6} For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
{12:7} If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
{12:8} But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
{12:9} Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected [us,] and we gave [them] reverence: shall we not
much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
{12:10} For they verily for a few days chastened [us] after their own pleasure; but he for [our] profit, that [we] might be
partakers of his holiness. {12:11} Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless
afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
By His mercy and grace now and forever in Jesus we ask that we remember and take heart, that we can endure till
the end in His righteousness.
Amen.
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