"However, as it is written: 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him..." 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul quoted the Old Testament Scriptures (Isaiah 64:4) as he told the believers in The Church at Corinth that The Lord God had blessings that were held in store for all those who love Him, which no man could imagine or comprehend.
There are blessings, and then there are special conditional blessings. All too often we think of the blessings referred to in this Bible verse as the wonderful things which are waiting for us in heaven. However, most Bible scholars suggest that if it taken in the context of the previous verse and the following verse, (1 Corinthians 2:8 and 2:10), this refers to the wisdom which The Lord God shares with believers. God's truth must be revealed to us by God. (Matthew 16:17) He has revealed only a small portion of Himself to us as He enlightens us with His Word. As we read and study The Word of God, prayerfully, we will become enriched and enlightened as God shares His awesomeness and His provisions with us. Wisdom, peace, love, and joy, all begin with, and come from God. (Psalms 11:10, Proverbs 9:10, and Galatians 5:22-23) There are some great and wonderful things are in store for us, in this life and in the next one, some conditional blessings for those of us who love The Lord.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
We Need God's Help To Stand
"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." Ephesians 6:13 (NIV)
In his letter to the believers in Ephesus, the Apostle Paul told them that after they had done all that they could do, they were to just stand. He told them that in order for them to stand firm in the faith against the attacks of the devil, they would need to put on the whole armor of God.
The Bible does not tell us to attack the devil or his demons, we are told to resist him, and not to give in to him when we are tempted. The only way that we can resist the devil is to submit to The Lord God. (James 4:7) We need His help stand up to the attacks of the devil. That is why we are told to put on the whole armor of God. (Ephesians 6:10-18) We are in a battle against a smart, cunning, and powerful enemy. We need the all powerful God's help. (Matthew 28:18)
In his letter to the believers in Ephesus, the Apostle Paul told them that after they had done all that they could do, they were to just stand. He told them that in order for them to stand firm in the faith against the attacks of the devil, they would need to put on the whole armor of God.
The Bible does not tell us to attack the devil or his demons, we are told to resist him, and not to give in to him when we are tempted. The only way that we can resist the devil is to submit to The Lord God. (James 4:7) We need His help stand up to the attacks of the devil. That is why we are told to put on the whole armor of God. (Ephesians 6:10-18) We are in a battle against a smart, cunning, and powerful enemy. We need the all powerful God's help. (Matthew 28:18)
Monday, January 27, 2014
Are You Where God Wants You To Be
"The LORD had said to Abram, 'Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.' " Genesis 12:1 (NIV)
In this first Book of Moses, The Lord God told Abram, soon to be called Abraham, to leave his country, his home land, his people, and to leave his father's house. God told Abram to leave where he was, and to go to a place that He would show him.
The Lord God had something for Abraham to do in a place that was different from where he was. We should each ask ourselves, are we where God wants us to be, and are we doing what God wants us to do? All to often we do what we want to do, and not what God wants us to do. (Proverbs 12:15, 16:2, and 21:2) We go where we want to go instead of going where The Lord wants to lead us. We should pray that He will lead us, guide us, and direct us. (Psalms 25:5, Psalms 27:11, Psalms 31:3, Psalms 43:3, Psalms 139:24, and Psalms 143:10) Instead of relying on our own limited capacity to determine our direction, we should listen to The Lord God and allow Him to direct our paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6) That is the only way that we can be sure that we will go where He wants us to go, that we will be where He wants us to be, and that we will do what He wants us to do.
In this first Book of Moses, The Lord God told Abram, soon to be called Abraham, to leave his country, his home land, his people, and to leave his father's house. God told Abram to leave where he was, and to go to a place that He would show him.
The Lord God had something for Abraham to do in a place that was different from where he was. We should each ask ourselves, are we where God wants us to be, and are we doing what God wants us to do? All to often we do what we want to do, and not what God wants us to do. (Proverbs 12:15, 16:2, and 21:2) We go where we want to go instead of going where The Lord wants to lead us. We should pray that He will lead us, guide us, and direct us. (Psalms 25:5, Psalms 27:11, Psalms 31:3, Psalms 43:3, Psalms 139:24, and Psalms 143:10) Instead of relying on our own limited capacity to determine our direction, we should listen to The Lord God and allow Him to direct our paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6) That is the only way that we can be sure that we will go where He wants us to go, that we will be where He wants us to be, and that we will do what He wants us to do.
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Yield Not To Temptation
"And Jesus answered and said unto him, 'Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship The Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve." Luke 4:8 (KJV)
After Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan, He was led by The Holy Spirit of God into the wilderness, and He remained there for forty days and was tempted by the devil. (Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, and Luke 4:1-13) When Jesus said "Get thee behind me, Satan" He was refusing to yield to temptation.
It was not a sin for Jesus to turn rocks into bread. The sin would have been for Him listen to Satan and take matters into His own hands and not to wait on God to provide for Him in God's own way and time. The devil tempts us in many different ways to go against The Word of God. Satan wants us to doubt God, and to believe that God will not do what He says that He will do. He approaches us in moments of weakness, when we are going through trials, troubles, and tribulations, and suggests that God has forgotten about us, or that God will not do what He said that He would do. God said that He will supply all your needs, (Philippians 4:19), but the devil says that you are doing without things now. God said that your joy would be fulfilled, (John 17:13), but the devil says that you are going through sorrowful or depressing times. God said they that wait upon The Lord shall be blessed, (Isaiah 30:18 and 40:31), but the devil says why should you wait, you can have it now. The devil wants us to doubt or not believe in God. I recently heard a preacher say that when we say yes to temptation and sin, we are saying no to God. We believe the lie that the devil tells us, rather than believe the truth in The Word of God. Do not say no to God and yes to the devil. The devil is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (John 8:44) Yield not to temptation, for yielding to temptation is sinning. The only way to resist the devil is to submit to The Lord God. (James 4:7)
After Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan, He was led by The Holy Spirit of God into the wilderness, and He remained there for forty days and was tempted by the devil. (Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, and Luke 4:1-13) When Jesus said "Get thee behind me, Satan" He was refusing to yield to temptation.
It was not a sin for Jesus to turn rocks into bread. The sin would have been for Him listen to Satan and take matters into His own hands and not to wait on God to provide for Him in God's own way and time. The devil tempts us in many different ways to go against The Word of God. Satan wants us to doubt God, and to believe that God will not do what He says that He will do. He approaches us in moments of weakness, when we are going through trials, troubles, and tribulations, and suggests that God has forgotten about us, or that God will not do what He said that He would do. God said that He will supply all your needs, (Philippians 4:19), but the devil says that you are doing without things now. God said that your joy would be fulfilled, (John 17:13), but the devil says that you are going through sorrowful or depressing times. God said they that wait upon The Lord shall be blessed, (Isaiah 30:18 and 40:31), but the devil says why should you wait, you can have it now. The devil wants us to doubt or not believe in God. I recently heard a preacher say that when we say yes to temptation and sin, we are saying no to God. We believe the lie that the devil tells us, rather than believe the truth in The Word of God. Do not say no to God and yes to the devil. The devil is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (John 8:44) Yield not to temptation, for yielding to temptation is sinning. The only way to resist the devil is to submit to The Lord God. (James 4:7)
Saturday, January 25, 2014
We Need To Love More
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35 (NIV)
These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, as He spoke to His disciples and as they were recorded by the Apostle John, the disciple who referred to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved. Jesus commanded His disciples to love one another. He said that the world would know that they were His disciples by the way they loved one another.
We have hope, and we have faith, but what we need is more love. We do not need more love from God, He has already proven His love for us. (John 3:16 and Romans 5:8) We need to love each other more than we do. We need to demonstrate our love for one another more often. We need to perform more random acts of kindness towards others, without expecting to receive anything in return. (Luke 14:13-14) God is love. (1 John 4:8 and 4:16) Since God dwells within us, we should exhibit His love in our actions towards others. The world needs more love, and it should begin with those of us who believe. We must act Christ-like and demonstrate examples to the world regarding how they should behave. We will be judged first on how well we followed The Lord's commands. Judgment will begin with those of us in The Church. (1 Peter 4:17)
These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, as He spoke to His disciples and as they were recorded by the Apostle John, the disciple who referred to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved. Jesus commanded His disciples to love one another. He said that the world would know that they were His disciples by the way they loved one another.
We have hope, and we have faith, but what we need is more love. We do not need more love from God, He has already proven His love for us. (John 3:16 and Romans 5:8) We need to love each other more than we do. We need to demonstrate our love for one another more often. We need to perform more random acts of kindness towards others, without expecting to receive anything in return. (Luke 14:13-14) God is love. (1 John 4:8 and 4:16) Since God dwells within us, we should exhibit His love in our actions towards others. The world needs more love, and it should begin with those of us who believe. We must act Christ-like and demonstrate examples to the world regarding how they should behave. We will be judged first on how well we followed The Lord's commands. Judgment will begin with those of us in The Church. (1 Peter 4:17)
Friday, January 24, 2014
Speak Wholesome Helpful Conversations
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve The Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." Ephesians 4:29-30 (NIV)
In his letter to the believers in The Church at Ephesus, the Apostle Paul to guide and direct them in their Christian walk. Under the direction and influence of The Holy Spirit of God, Paul told them to let their speech and choice of words reflect a Christ-like communication. Their words should benefit the listener, and they should build each other up when they speak. He told them to control their tongue and not let any unwholesome words come out of their mouths, least they grieve The Holy Spirit of God.
We know that telling a lie is a sin. (Exodus 20:16, Proverbs 14:5, and Matthew 19:18) However for some unknown reason, a lot of us seem to think that it is okay to use foul language and profanities in our conversation. We will have to give an account for every word that we speak. (Matthew 12:36) If what we say does not give glory to God, then it is a sin. (1 John 5:17) We need to clean up our communications. It has been said that "the use of profanity is just a weak mind trying to express itself forcefully." (author unknown) Our communication should always be Christ-like, even when we are upset, hurt, or angry. (Colossians 3:8 and James 3:6) Additionally, if what we have to say will not be helpful to the listener, then it should not be said. On three occasions The Bible gives an example of men being told to encourage another. (Deuteronomy 1:38, Deuteronomy 3:28, and 2 Samuel 11:25) Our conversations should please, and not grieve The Holy Spirit of God.
In his letter to the believers in The Church at Ephesus, the Apostle Paul to guide and direct them in their Christian walk. Under the direction and influence of The Holy Spirit of God, Paul told them to let their speech and choice of words reflect a Christ-like communication. Their words should benefit the listener, and they should build each other up when they speak. He told them to control their tongue and not let any unwholesome words come out of their mouths, least they grieve The Holy Spirit of God.
We know that telling a lie is a sin. (Exodus 20:16, Proverbs 14:5, and Matthew 19:18) However for some unknown reason, a lot of us seem to think that it is okay to use foul language and profanities in our conversation. We will have to give an account for every word that we speak. (Matthew 12:36) If what we say does not give glory to God, then it is a sin. (1 John 5:17) We need to clean up our communications. It has been said that "the use of profanity is just a weak mind trying to express itself forcefully." (author unknown) Our communication should always be Christ-like, even when we are upset, hurt, or angry. (Colossians 3:8 and James 3:6) Additionally, if what we have to say will not be helpful to the listener, then it should not be said. On three occasions The Bible gives an example of men being told to encourage another. (Deuteronomy 1:38, Deuteronomy 3:28, and 2 Samuel 11:25) Our conversations should please, and not grieve The Holy Spirit of God.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
We Have Faith
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for." Hebrews 11:1-2 (NIV)
The unknown author of the Book of Hebrews describes what faith is. He states that it was because of their faith that the men of God, that were mentioned earlier in The Bible and listed later on, (Hebrews 11:5-32 by name and Hebrews 11:32-39 by what they endured) were commended for.
Faith in The Lord God is essential to the believer. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6) We are taught to hold on to our faith through trying times. (Hebrews 10:23) In fact, we are taught that the just shall live by faith. (Hebrews 10:38) It was because of their faith that the patriarchs pleased God and received a good report. (Hebrews 11:2) Our faith is demonstrated by our actions, faith without action is useless. (James 2:18, 2:20, and 2:28) We must exercise our faith and put it to work. (James 1:3 and 2:22) This is clearly a case when actions speak louder than words. We are justified by exercising our faith during trials and tribulations because that leads to patience and hope in The Lord God. (Romans 5:1-5)
The unknown author of the Book of Hebrews describes what faith is. He states that it was because of their faith that the men of God, that were mentioned earlier in The Bible and listed later on, (Hebrews 11:5-32 by name and Hebrews 11:32-39 by what they endured) were commended for.
Faith in The Lord God is essential to the believer. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6) We are taught to hold on to our faith through trying times. (Hebrews 10:23) In fact, we are taught that the just shall live by faith. (Hebrews 10:38) It was because of their faith that the patriarchs pleased God and received a good report. (Hebrews 11:2) Our faith is demonstrated by our actions, faith without action is useless. (James 2:18, 2:20, and 2:28) We must exercise our faith and put it to work. (James 1:3 and 2:22) This is clearly a case when actions speak louder than words. We are justified by exercising our faith during trials and tribulations because that leads to patience and hope in The Lord God. (Romans 5:1-5)
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
We Have Hope
"For You have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth." Psalms 71:5 (NIV)
The author of this psalm clearly stated that his hope was in The Lord God. His hope is in God, his hope was and has been in God, and he implies that his hope always will be in God.
As a believer, we always have hope. We can be strong in The Lord, and we can hold on to our faith, and we can be of good courage because our hope is in The Lord. (Psalms 31:24) We have hope because God said in His Word that He would protect us. (Psalms 119:114) It is good that man should hope, and wait on The Lord. (Lamentations 3:26) We hope for that which we do not yet have, and cannot see coming, but we know will come. (Romans 8:24-25) That which we hope for is that blessed hope which only The Lord God can provide. (Titus 2:13) Every man who believes and hopes in The Lord God, does himself good. (1 John 3:3)
The author of this psalm clearly stated that his hope was in The Lord God. His hope is in God, his hope was and has been in God, and he implies that his hope always will be in God.
As a believer, we always have hope. We can be strong in The Lord, and we can hold on to our faith, and we can be of good courage because our hope is in The Lord. (Psalms 31:24) We have hope because God said in His Word that He would protect us. (Psalms 119:114) It is good that man should hope, and wait on The Lord. (Lamentations 3:26) We hope for that which we do not yet have, and cannot see coming, but we know will come. (Romans 8:24-25) That which we hope for is that blessed hope which only The Lord God can provide. (Titus 2:13) Every man who believes and hopes in The Lord God, does himself good. (1 John 3:3)
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Judgement Day Is Coming
"But the day of The Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare." 2 Peter 3:10 (NIV)
In the words of the Apostle Peter, which were inspired by The Holy Spirit of God, the return of Christ on judgement day will be sudden and unexpected. It will be a time of catastrophe and judgement for the evil and the wicked. However, it will be a time of glorious renewal and salvation for the believers.
Because of the evil, wicked, and sinful behavior of man, The Lord God destroyed the world the first time with water during the great flood. (Genesis 7:17-22) The next time He destroys the world it will be by fire. (2 Peter 3:10) The first time that Christ came into the world, He came to offer Himself as a sacrificial lamb for the sins of man, to offer man a means of salvation. (John 1:29 and Hebrews 9:28) The next time He comes to earth, it will be to receive His Church unto Himself. (John 14:2-3 and 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) The third time He comes, He will come in judgement. The sun will not shine, the moon will bleed, and the earth will be destroyed by fire. (Joel 2:31, Acts 2:20, Revelation 6:12, and Revelation 20:9-10) Heaven and earth shall pass away, and there will be a new heaven and a new earth. (Revelation 21:1) There will only be hope of salvation on that day for those who truly believe.
In the words of the Apostle Peter, which were inspired by The Holy Spirit of God, the return of Christ on judgement day will be sudden and unexpected. It will be a time of catastrophe and judgement for the evil and the wicked. However, it will be a time of glorious renewal and salvation for the believers.
Because of the evil, wicked, and sinful behavior of man, The Lord God destroyed the world the first time with water during the great flood. (Genesis 7:17-22) The next time He destroys the world it will be by fire. (2 Peter 3:10) The first time that Christ came into the world, He came to offer Himself as a sacrificial lamb for the sins of man, to offer man a means of salvation. (John 1:29 and Hebrews 9:28) The next time He comes to earth, it will be to receive His Church unto Himself. (John 14:2-3 and 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) The third time He comes, He will come in judgement. The sun will not shine, the moon will bleed, and the earth will be destroyed by fire. (Joel 2:31, Acts 2:20, Revelation 6:12, and Revelation 20:9-10) Heaven and earth shall pass away, and there will be a new heaven and a new earth. (Revelation 21:1) There will only be hope of salvation on that day for those who truly believe.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Do Not Believe All That You Hear
"But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them, bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping." 2 Peter 2:1-3 (NIV)
These are the words of warning to the believers, written by the Apostle Peter, and inspired by The Holy Spirit of God. He warned them that there were false prophets and false teachers among them who would tell them made up stories in order to deceive, exploit, and take advantage of them.
Unfortunately for us, there are still false prophets and false teachers among us today. Every thing that we hear from our leaders, even some religious leaders, is not truthful or Biblically correct. Some of them seek to deceive others for their personal gain. We must be careful to use the Bible as the standard of truth and compare all that we hear to it. We are to study The Word of God so that we can rightly divide what we hear. (2 Timothy 2:15) We are to speak up against that which we hear that is not truthful. (Acts 17:11) We are to guard our minds and our hearts because some who are close to us will lie to us, and we do not want to repeat that which is not the truth. (Proverbs 4:23) All that sounds good is not truthful. (Proverbs 3:5)
These are the words of warning to the believers, written by the Apostle Peter, and inspired by The Holy Spirit of God. He warned them that there were false prophets and false teachers among them who would tell them made up stories in order to deceive, exploit, and take advantage of them.
Unfortunately for us, there are still false prophets and false teachers among us today. Every thing that we hear from our leaders, even some religious leaders, is not truthful or Biblically correct. Some of them seek to deceive others for their personal gain. We must be careful to use the Bible as the standard of truth and compare all that we hear to it. We are to study The Word of God so that we can rightly divide what we hear. (2 Timothy 2:15) We are to speak up against that which we hear that is not truthful. (Acts 17:11) We are to guard our minds and our hearts because some who are close to us will lie to us, and we do not want to repeat that which is not the truth. (Proverbs 4:23) All that sounds good is not truthful. (Proverbs 3:5)
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Using Our God Given Gifts
"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:10-11 (NIV)
These are The Holy Spirit inspired words written by the Apostle Peter to the believers in order to expose, counter, and thwart the false teachers of his time. His point was that every man has received a gift from God, and he should use that gift to the benefit of others to the glory of God.
As we study The Word of God we learn that we each were uniquely and wonderfully made by God. (Psalms 139:14) We each have a unique and different set of God given abilities, talents, and gifts. (Matthew 25:15) We each should use our abilities, talents, and gifts as best we can to be a blessing to others. (Proverbs 11:25, Matthew 22:39, and Matthew 25:40) All that we say and do, should be done as if we are doing it for The Lord God, to please Him and to give Him glory. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
These are The Holy Spirit inspired words written by the Apostle Peter to the believers in order to expose, counter, and thwart the false teachers of his time. His point was that every man has received a gift from God, and he should use that gift to the benefit of others to the glory of God.
As we study The Word of God we learn that we each were uniquely and wonderfully made by God. (Psalms 139:14) We each have a unique and different set of God given abilities, talents, and gifts. (Matthew 25:15) We each should use our abilities, talents, and gifts as best we can to be a blessing to others. (Proverbs 11:25, Matthew 22:39, and Matthew 25:40) All that we say and do, should be done as if we are doing it for The Lord God, to please Him and to give Him glory. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Saturday, January 18, 2014
We Cannot Follow God And The Worldly Ways
"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." Matthew 6:24 (NIV)
These words of Jesus, as recorded by the Apostle Matthew, were spoken during His Sermon on The Mount. His point was that they could not follow the ways of God and follow the ways of the things of this world at the same time. They would either truly follow one and only pretend to follow the other. They could not follow both of them because they would be going in two different directions.
Our actions speak much louder than our words with regard to whom we follow, serve, and obey. A lot of us call ourselves "Christians" but our behavior suggests that we are not being truthful. If there is no difference between us and our worldly friends and associates, then we are not true followers of Christ. When we accepted Christ into our lives, we became a new creature, and some of that old behavior ceased to exist. (2 Corinthians 5:17) We did not become perfect, but we did become a new person. (Ephesians 4:24 and Colossians 3:10) When The Holy Spirit of God indwelt us, we in effect, put on Christ. (Galatians 3:27) From that moment on we began to exhibit some of the fruit of The Spirit. (Galatians 5:23-24) Our behavior began to reflect The Christ within us. (Ezekiel 36:27) We are to grow in the knowledge of Him and His Word, and as we grow in age, we should grow in grace and holiness. (1 Peter 1:16 and 2 Peter 3:18) We are to grow in The Word of God from the simple milk to being able to digest, and understand, and live by the more meaty principals. (1 Corinthians 3:2 and Hebrews 5:12) If we are not following, serving, and obeying Christ, then who are we following???
These words of Jesus, as recorded by the Apostle Matthew, were spoken during His Sermon on The Mount. His point was that they could not follow the ways of God and follow the ways of the things of this world at the same time. They would either truly follow one and only pretend to follow the other. They could not follow both of them because they would be going in two different directions.
Our actions speak much louder than our words with regard to whom we follow, serve, and obey. A lot of us call ourselves "Christians" but our behavior suggests that we are not being truthful. If there is no difference between us and our worldly friends and associates, then we are not true followers of Christ. When we accepted Christ into our lives, we became a new creature, and some of that old behavior ceased to exist. (2 Corinthians 5:17) We did not become perfect, but we did become a new person. (Ephesians 4:24 and Colossians 3:10) When The Holy Spirit of God indwelt us, we in effect, put on Christ. (Galatians 3:27) From that moment on we began to exhibit some of the fruit of The Spirit. (Galatians 5:23-24) Our behavior began to reflect The Christ within us. (Ezekiel 36:27) We are to grow in the knowledge of Him and His Word, and as we grow in age, we should grow in grace and holiness. (1 Peter 1:16 and 2 Peter 3:18) We are to grow in The Word of God from the simple milk to being able to digest, and understand, and live by the more meaty principals. (1 Corinthians 3:2 and Hebrews 5:12) If we are not following, serving, and obeying Christ, then who are we following???
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Praise The Lord
"Praise The LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise The LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits; who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." Psalms 103:1-5 (NIV)
In this psalm, King David was talking to himself and telling himself to praise The Lord with all of his innermost being because of all of the blessings which The Lord had bestowed upon him. He stated that The Lord forgave his sins, healed his diseases, redeemed his life from the pit, crowned him with love and compassion, and blessed him with the good things that he desired.
We should praise The Lord fervently and frequently for all that He has blessed us with. He has blessed us with a home and home-life, a reasonable portion of health, happiness and joy, a good heritage, and hope for the future. We should praise God and we should thank Him for all that He has done for us. Then we should pray that The Lord God will continue to be gracious to us and continue to bless us. (Psalms 67:1)
In this psalm, King David was talking to himself and telling himself to praise The Lord with all of his innermost being because of all of the blessings which The Lord had bestowed upon him. He stated that The Lord forgave his sins, healed his diseases, redeemed his life from the pit, crowned him with love and compassion, and blessed him with the good things that he desired.
We should praise The Lord fervently and frequently for all that He has blessed us with. He has blessed us with a home and home-life, a reasonable portion of health, happiness and joy, a good heritage, and hope for the future. We should praise God and we should thank Him for all that He has done for us. Then we should pray that The Lord God will continue to be gracious to us and continue to bless us. (Psalms 67:1)
Sunday, January 5, 2014
The Lord Will Make A Way
"This is what The LORD says, He who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick. 'Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.' " Isaiah 43:16-19 (NIV)
The Old Testament Prophet, Isaiah, recorded these Holy Spirit inspired Words of God for the people of God as a message of hope. He told them that The Lord God, who parted the Red Sea for their forefathers as they left bondage in Egypt, would also perform new miracles for them. Even though they were disobedient and worshiped idols, even though they were conquered and captured, they were still His chosen people and He would deliver them and restore them. He said that The Lord would direct their paths and provide for their needs.
This message of hope applies to us today. We also are disobedient and do not follow The Word of God. We also are suffering through hard times and enduring the storms of life. We are told in His Word not to dwell on the things of the past, The Lord will do a new thing for us. We will be blessed in new and different ways. He will guide us during our darkest hours and our difficult times, and He will provide that which we need. No matter how bad things may become or appear, The Lord will make a way for us somehow.
The Old Testament Prophet, Isaiah, recorded these Holy Spirit inspired Words of God for the people of God as a message of hope. He told them that The Lord God, who parted the Red Sea for their forefathers as they left bondage in Egypt, would also perform new miracles for them. Even though they were disobedient and worshiped idols, even though they were conquered and captured, they were still His chosen people and He would deliver them and restore them. He said that The Lord would direct their paths and provide for their needs.
This message of hope applies to us today. We also are disobedient and do not follow The Word of God. We also are suffering through hard times and enduring the storms of life. We are told in His Word not to dwell on the things of the past, The Lord will do a new thing for us. We will be blessed in new and different ways. He will guide us during our darkest hours and our difficult times, and He will provide that which we need. No matter how bad things may become or appear, The Lord will make a way for us somehow.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Display The Fruit Of The Holy Spirit
"But the fruit of The Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by The Spirit, let us keep in step with The Spirit." Galatians 5:22-25 (NIV)
These Holy Spirit inspired words were written by the Apostle Paul in a letter to the believers in The Church at Galatia to encourage them to live by the influence of The Holy Spirit of God and not follow the worldly influences of the flesh.
When we as believers walk with The Spirit, we manifest the fruit of The Holy Spirit of God. We do not become perfect just because we accept Christ as our personal savior, but we are changed, and we die to, and no longer engage in, some of our previous sinful behaviors. However, our sinful nature is still within us, and we must battle it daily and make a conscious effort to exercise and display the fruit of The Spirit. We must pray, and pray often, for God's guidance and help in order for us to walk in His way. Let us live in such a way that those who see us, will see The Light of Christ radiating from us. (1 John 3:24) Let our behavior reflect the fruit of The Spirit and let our actions produce good fruit. (Matthew 7:17-18)
These Holy Spirit inspired words were written by the Apostle Paul in a letter to the believers in The Church at Galatia to encourage them to live by the influence of The Holy Spirit of God and not follow the worldly influences of the flesh.
When we as believers walk with The Spirit, we manifest the fruit of The Holy Spirit of God. We do not become perfect just because we accept Christ as our personal savior, but we are changed, and we die to, and no longer engage in, some of our previous sinful behaviors. However, our sinful nature is still within us, and we must battle it daily and make a conscious effort to exercise and display the fruit of The Spirit. We must pray, and pray often, for God's guidance and help in order for us to walk in His way. Let us live in such a way that those who see us, will see The Light of Christ radiating from us. (1 John 3:24) Let our behavior reflect the fruit of The Spirit and let our actions produce good fruit. (Matthew 7:17-18)
Friday, January 3, 2014
The Christian Race Is Difficult To Run
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
The unknown author wrote of these Holy Spirit inspired words to the believers that were scattered about after the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, The Christ, during the time when they were being persecuted for believing. They were encouraged to lay aside any and every thing which hindered, impede, or encumber them, the sinful and non-sinful things. They were told to persevere and endure, and continue with determination to run the race and finish the course which God has set before them in a Christ-like manner.
To go through life following Christian principals is demanding and difficult, and it requires discipline and determination. The race which we run is not a short sprint, it is a long marathon.
The Christian walk is surrounded by temptations to distract and derail us. The way is full of trials and tribulations which must be negotiated like hurdles that seemingly block our path, or cause us to stumble. Though the storms of life may throw water in our faces and make our footing difficult, and though the strong winds may push against us and make our progress difficult, if we keep our eyes and our mind on Christ and press on, for with His help we will be victorious. (Romans 8:37 and Philippians 3:14)
The unknown author wrote of these Holy Spirit inspired words to the believers that were scattered about after the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, The Christ, during the time when they were being persecuted for believing. They were encouraged to lay aside any and every thing which hindered, impede, or encumber them, the sinful and non-sinful things. They were told to persevere and endure, and continue with determination to run the race and finish the course which God has set before them in a Christ-like manner.
To go through life following Christian principals is demanding and difficult, and it requires discipline and determination. The race which we run is not a short sprint, it is a long marathon.
The Christian walk is surrounded by temptations to distract and derail us. The way is full of trials and tribulations which must be negotiated like hurdles that seemingly block our path, or cause us to stumble. Though the storms of life may throw water in our faces and make our footing difficult, and though the strong winds may push against us and make our progress difficult, if we keep our eyes and our mind on Christ and press on, for with His help we will be victorious. (Romans 8:37 and Philippians 3:14)
A New You This Year
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being
corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in
the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like
God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of
you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor,
for we are all members of one body. ‘In your anger do
not sin.’ Do not let the sun
go down while you are still angry, and do not give the
devil a foothold.”
Ephesians 4:22-27 (NIV)
These Holy Spirit inspired Words of God were written by the
Apostle Paul to the believers in The Church at Ephesus .
He wrote to encourage them to act like the new men which they had become
after they accepted Christ as their personal savior. He told them to put away their old sinful
ways and to treat everyone in a Christ-like manner.
We need to understand that we cannot obtain a better outcome
in our lives if we continue to do things in the same old way. Getting different results will require that
we perform different actions. If we want
things in our lives to change, then we should start by changing ourselves. The best change that we can make is to allow
The Lord God to rule our lives. God said
that He will give us a new heart and a new spirit if we submit to Him.
(Ephesians 36:25-27) Just like the children of Israel
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
For A Blessed Future Seek The Righteousness Of God
"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:31-34 (NIV)
These verses are a part of The Sermon on The Mount, which Jesus spoke to His disciples and to the crowd, that were recorded by the Apostle Matthew. Jesus told them not to worry about the future. He said that if they would seek The Lord God and His righteousness, He would supply their needs. He knows what they need before they ask Him.
There is nothing wrong with planning and preparing ourselves for the future, especially when we include God in our plans. (Joshua 3:5) However, we are taught not to worry about the future, or become overly concerned about it. (Psalms 27:1 and James 4:13-14) We do not know the future, (Ecclesiastes 8:7), but we know who controls the future. The Lord God knows all, He even knows the day and the hour when things are going to happen. (Matthew 24:36) If we seek His face, follow and obey Him, He will provide and supply all that we need. We ourselves, and our futures, are in His hands, and all things are under His control, part of His permissive will. (Job 1:6-12 and John 11:19) If we really want our future to be blessed, we need to put God first in our lives.
These verses are a part of The Sermon on The Mount, which Jesus spoke to His disciples and to the crowd, that were recorded by the Apostle Matthew. Jesus told them not to worry about the future. He said that if they would seek The Lord God and His righteousness, He would supply their needs. He knows what they need before they ask Him.
There is nothing wrong with planning and preparing ourselves for the future, especially when we include God in our plans. (Joshua 3:5) However, we are taught not to worry about the future, or become overly concerned about it. (Psalms 27:1 and James 4:13-14) We do not know the future, (Ecclesiastes 8:7), but we know who controls the future. The Lord God knows all, He even knows the day and the hour when things are going to happen. (Matthew 24:36) If we seek His face, follow and obey Him, He will provide and supply all that we need. We ourselves, and our futures, are in His hands, and all things are under His control, part of His permissive will. (Job 1:6-12 and John 11:19) If we really want our future to be blessed, we need to put God first in our lives.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)