"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after The Spirit." Romans 8:1
Because justification is by faith alone on the basis of God's grace, no sin that a believer commit can be held against him. The penalty for the believer's sins was paid by Christ and righteousness was imputed to the believer.
This does not mean that believers loose their sinful nature and will not sin. It means that believers are no longer slaves to sin. Those who are in The Spirit are led by The Spirit and choose to yield to The Spirit.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Order My Steps In Your Word
"The steps of a good man are ordered by The Lord; and he delighted in His way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for The Lord upholdeth him with His hand." Psalms 37:23-24
The words of the song, "Order my steps" are like a prayer request, a prayer we could all pray.
The following is not the whole song, just a few of the key verses:
"Order my steps in Your word dear Lord; Lead me, guide me, every day ...
Humbly I ask Thee, teach me Your will; While You are working, help me be still ...
Let the words of my mouth be acceptable in Thy sight;
Take charge of my thoughts, both day and night ...
I want to walk worthy, my calling to fulfill;
Please order my steps, Lord, and I'll do Your blessed will ...
Show me how to walk, in Your word; Show me how to talk, in Your word ...
Order my steps in Your word ...
Please order my steps in Your word.
The words of the song, "Order my steps" are like a prayer request, a prayer we could all pray.
The following is not the whole song, just a few of the key verses:
"Order my steps in Your word dear Lord; Lead me, guide me, every day ...
Humbly I ask Thee, teach me Your will; While You are working, help me be still ...
Let the words of my mouth be acceptable in Thy sight;
Take charge of my thoughts, both day and night ...
I want to walk worthy, my calling to fulfill;
Please order my steps, Lord, and I'll do Your blessed will ...
Show me how to walk, in Your word; Show me how to talk, in Your word ...
Order my steps in Your word ...
Please order my steps in Your word.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Prayer Is Powerful
"... The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:13-16
Prayer is a powerful thing. Prayer changes things. We are only as powerful as our prayers. "Little prayer, little power; much prayer, much power; no prayer, no power." (Unknown)
Prayer that is full of intensity and feeling produces results. Prayer is basically talking to God. It should not be the exact same words every time we pray. "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathens do ..." Matthew 6:7
As we grow in age, knowledge, and holiness, our prayers should also change. There are several model prayers which should serve as guidelines: the "now I lay me down to sleep..." children's prayer; the Lord's prayer from Matthew 6:9-13; and "ACTS", which stands for Acknowledgment, Confession, Thanksgiving, & Supplication.
Don't just say a prayer, pray a prayer. Pray daily and fervently, with meaning and feeling.
Prayer is a powerful thing. Prayer changes things. We are only as powerful as our prayers. "Little prayer, little power; much prayer, much power; no prayer, no power." (Unknown)
Prayer that is full of intensity and feeling produces results. Prayer is basically talking to God. It should not be the exact same words every time we pray. "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathens do ..." Matthew 6:7
As we grow in age, knowledge, and holiness, our prayers should also change. There are several model prayers which should serve as guidelines: the "now I lay me down to sleep..." children's prayer; the Lord's prayer from Matthew 6:9-13; and "ACTS", which stands for Acknowledgment, Confession, Thanksgiving, & Supplication.
Don't just say a prayer, pray a prayer. Pray daily and fervently, with meaning and feeling.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Be Not Ashamed Of The Gospel
The Apostle Paul said, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth ..." Romans 1:16
After his conversion, Paul had a lot of bad things to happen to him, but he remained ready to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. He knew that God's word was powerful.
The gospel is powerful and effective because it brings with it the omnipotence of God. Only God's power can overcome man's sinful nature and give him a new life. It can deliver man from his lost state, from willful sinful ignorance, from evil self-indulgence, from the wrath of God, and from eternal separation from God, punishment and damnation.
Spread the word of God. Don't be ashamed to tell people about Jesus Christ and the gospel. Jesus said, "But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven." Matthew 10:33
After his conversion, Paul had a lot of bad things to happen to him, but he remained ready to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. He knew that God's word was powerful.
The gospel is powerful and effective because it brings with it the omnipotence of God. Only God's power can overcome man's sinful nature and give him a new life. It can deliver man from his lost state, from willful sinful ignorance, from evil self-indulgence, from the wrath of God, and from eternal separation from God, punishment and damnation.
Spread the word of God. Don't be ashamed to tell people about Jesus Christ and the gospel. Jesus said, "But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven." Matthew 10:33
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Where's The Fruit?
You joined the Church during childhood and you have been a Christian for years. Where is the fruit of your Christian walk? What are the results of all of your years of serving The Lord?
"Ye shall know them by their fruit ... good tree bringeth forth good fruit ... By their fruits shall ye know them ..." Matthew 7:16-20
What have you done for The Lord? Have you led some lost soul to Christ? How many suffering saints have you helped? What have you done to give God glory?
These are questions that every Christian should ask themselves every day? We are not supposed to rest on our laurels because of what we did yesterday, last week, last month, last year, or whenever it was in the past. This a daily battle that we are engaged in and we need to be about The Lord's work on a daily basis.
So what have you done for Him lately? Where's the fruit of your Christian walk?
"Ye shall know them by their fruit ... good tree bringeth forth good fruit ... By their fruits shall ye know them ..." Matthew 7:16-20
What have you done for The Lord? Have you led some lost soul to Christ? How many suffering saints have you helped? What have you done to give God glory?
These are questions that every Christian should ask themselves every day? We are not supposed to rest on our laurels because of what we did yesterday, last week, last month, last year, or whenever it was in the past. This a daily battle that we are engaged in and we need to be about The Lord's work on a daily basis.
So what have you done for Him lately? Where's the fruit of your Christian walk?
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
When Your Faith Faces Giants
Walking this Christian walk and fighting these daily battles with the enemy, occasionally we all face situations in life that seem to be overwhelming. Dr. Julius Scruggs, President of the National Baptist Convention, USA Inc., preached a sermon recently which offered some pointers on what to do 'when your faith faces giants.'
Don't develop "giant phobia", do as David when he faced Goliath. (Read 1 Samuel 17:2-51) Remember that God was with you, strengthened you, and made you victorious in your previous battles with the lion and the bear. (17:34-36) Don't pretend to be someone else, use what God has given you to work for His glory. (17:38-40) Stay in The Word and do what you do in the name of The Lord. (17:45-46)
The battle is not ours, God will give us the victory, if we give Him the glory.
Don't develop "giant phobia", do as David when he faced Goliath. (Read 1 Samuel 17:2-51) Remember that God was with you, strengthened you, and made you victorious in your previous battles with the lion and the bear. (17:34-36) Don't pretend to be someone else, use what God has given you to work for His glory. (17:38-40) Stay in The Word and do what you do in the name of The Lord. (17:45-46)
The battle is not ours, God will give us the victory, if we give Him the glory.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Let Him Lift You Up
"Humble yourselves in the sight of The Lord, and He shall lift you up." James 4:10
All too often we brag and boast about ourselves, even to the point of exaggeration. Some of us will even go as far as to tear down our fellow man in order to make us look good in comparison.
However, none of that is necessary, God knows all that we do. It is Him that we should be trying to please and not trying to impress mankind.
As long people exalt themselves, God will not exalt them. We cannot lift ourselves up very high anyway. We only consider ourselves great in our own minds.
Remember that in the presence of God, we are all insignificant so be humble.
All too often we brag and boast about ourselves, even to the point of exaggeration. Some of us will even go as far as to tear down our fellow man in order to make us look good in comparison.
However, none of that is necessary, God knows all that we do. It is Him that we should be trying to please and not trying to impress mankind.
As long people exalt themselves, God will not exalt them. We cannot lift ourselves up very high anyway. We only consider ourselves great in our own minds.
Remember that in the presence of God, we are all insignificant so be humble.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Are We Doing All That We Can To Serve The Lord?
I heard a great sermon preached yesterday. It brought to mind the question, Are we doing all that The Lord wants us to do?
"In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also The Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple ... Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the mist of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King, The Lord of hosts ... thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of The Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will for for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me." Isaiah 6:1-8
There were things in Isaiah's life that got in the way of his seeing The Lord. When he saw The Lord in a vision he recognized that he was unworthy. An angle of The Lord touched his lips and took away his sin. Then he could hear the voice of The Lord and was willing to serve Him.
Likewise, there are things in our life which prevent us from being of service to The Lord or prevent us from doing the best that we can for The Lord. We know who He is, but our desire for sinful pleasures prevent us from hearing or obeying His word. We need to be "purged" of our sin and iniquity so that we can hear His voice and be better used in His service.
Are we doing all that we can to serve The Lord?
"In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also The Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple ... Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the mist of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King, The Lord of hosts ... thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of The Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will for for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me." Isaiah 6:1-8
There were things in Isaiah's life that got in the way of his seeing The Lord. When he saw The Lord in a vision he recognized that he was unworthy. An angle of The Lord touched his lips and took away his sin. Then he could hear the voice of The Lord and was willing to serve Him.
Likewise, there are things in our life which prevent us from being of service to The Lord or prevent us from doing the best that we can for The Lord. We know who He is, but our desire for sinful pleasures prevent us from hearing or obeying His word. We need to be "purged" of our sin and iniquity so that we can hear His voice and be better used in His service.
Are we doing all that we can to serve The Lord?
Sunday, February 20, 2011
The Golden Rule
"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets." Matthew 7:12
This is "the golden rule", do unto others as you would have them to do unto you. Treat people as you would like to be treated.
It is repeated in the Bible, "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise." Luke 6:31
Many people can recite "the golden rule", even if they do not always practice it. However, rarely, if ever, do the people that say it, tell you that it is a paraphrased Bible verse quotation.
According to MacAthur the negatively stated version of this rule existed before Christ in the rabbinic writings, in Hinduism, and in Buddhism. The negative command was "what is hateful to yourself, do not to someone else."
Jesus stated this as a positive command, enriched its meaning, and underscored this one imperative aptly summarizes the whole gist of ethical principles contained in the Law and the Prophets. (MacArthur) The Law refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament, and the Prophets refers to the remaining books of the Old Testament which were written by the prophets.
This is "the golden rule", do unto others as you would have them to do unto you. Treat people as you would like to be treated.
It is repeated in the Bible, "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise." Luke 6:31
Many people can recite "the golden rule", even if they do not always practice it. However, rarely, if ever, do the people that say it, tell you that it is a paraphrased Bible verse quotation.
According to MacAthur the negatively stated version of this rule existed before Christ in the rabbinic writings, in Hinduism, and in Buddhism. The negative command was "what is hateful to yourself, do not to someone else."
Jesus stated this as a positive command, enriched its meaning, and underscored this one imperative aptly summarizes the whole gist of ethical principles contained in the Law and the Prophets. (MacArthur) The Law refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament, and the Prophets refers to the remaining books of the Old Testament which were written by the prophets.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Iron Sharpens Iron
Talk about the Bible with your friends, it will be good for both of you as you will both benefit from the discussion. We talk with them about everything else.
"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of a friend." Proverbs 27:17
The benefits of an intellectual and theological discussion between friends will encourage joy through the development of keener minds and the improvement of good character development. The goal of the discussion is personal enhancement and not personal put-downs or self aggrandizement.
Friendships should be mutually beneficial, you should help each other morally and intellectually. You should each be an encouragement to the other to do better and to grow spiritually as well.
A good friend makes his friends better. He lifts them up and does not put them down.
"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of a friend." Proverbs 27:17
The benefits of an intellectual and theological discussion between friends will encourage joy through the development of keener minds and the improvement of good character development. The goal of the discussion is personal enhancement and not personal put-downs or self aggrandizement.
Friendships should be mutually beneficial, you should help each other morally and intellectually. You should each be an encouragement to the other to do better and to grow spiritually as well.
A good friend makes his friends better. He lifts them up and does not put them down.
Friday, February 18, 2011
You Shall Know Them By Their Fruits
"Ye shall know them by their fruits ... every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit." Matthew 7:16-18
The "fruit" that we produce depends upon our nature. We will be judged by our actions and the results which we produce. The results of our actions, the fruits of our efforts, should benefit others.
Our fruit should give God glory and cause others to see Christ in us.
The "fruit" that we produce depends upon our nature. We will be judged by our actions and the results which we produce. The results of our actions, the fruits of our efforts, should benefit others.
Our fruit should give God glory and cause others to see Christ in us.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
It Is Better To Give Than To Receive
"... How that labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of The Lord Jesus, how He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35
It is a good thing to be blessed, but it is even better to be a blessing to others. Giving someone money is not the only way that we can bless them. As the saying goes, giving a hungry man some food is a blessing to him, but teaching him how to fish can bless him for the rest of his life.
Most of us place too much importance upon our words. We think that what we have to say is a blessing to those that hear it. While it is possible to bless someone by what we say, what we do for them is usually much more of a blessing than what we say to them. Our actions speak much louder than our words.
The Bible also says "Give, and it shall be given unto you..." Luke 6:38 If you want to receive more blessings, try giving more blessings to others. Be a blessing to someone and you will receive a blessing. All that you have received was not meant for you to keep for yourself, some of it was for you to share it with others.
It is a good thing to be blessed, but it is even better to be a blessing to others. Giving someone money is not the only way that we can bless them. As the saying goes, giving a hungry man some food is a blessing to him, but teaching him how to fish can bless him for the rest of his life.
Most of us place too much importance upon our words. We think that what we have to say is a blessing to those that hear it. While it is possible to bless someone by what we say, what we do for them is usually much more of a blessing than what we say to them. Our actions speak much louder than our words.
The Bible also says "Give, and it shall be given unto you..." Luke 6:38 If you want to receive more blessings, try giving more blessings to others. Be a blessing to someone and you will receive a blessing. All that you have received was not meant for you to keep for yourself, some of it was for you to share it with others.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Be Like Salt
Being called "sugar" by someone you know can be considered a term of endearment or affection.
Most people would consider it a compliment to called "sweet."
The same is not true for being called "salt" or "salty", but maybe it should be. The word "sugar" is not found in the Bible but the word "salt" is included several times. The Bible says that "salt" is good, Mark 9:50 and Luke 14:34.
The Bible states that "Ye are the salt of the earth ..." Matthew 5:13 The Bible also states that our speech should be "... seasoned with salt ..." Colossians 4:6.
We know that salt add flavor the food. You may not know that in the past, salt was used to prevent the infection of wounds, and also to prevent the decaying of meat prior to the advent of refrigeration.
If we are to be like salt, then we should add a "Christ-like" 'flavor' to the world, and we should be a purifying influence in a decaying world.
Maybe we should consider it a good thing and a compliment if someone call us "salty".
Most people would consider it a compliment to called "sweet."
The same is not true for being called "salt" or "salty", but maybe it should be. The word "sugar" is not found in the Bible but the word "salt" is included several times. The Bible says that "salt" is good, Mark 9:50 and Luke 14:34.
The Bible states that "Ye are the salt of the earth ..." Matthew 5:13 The Bible also states that our speech should be "... seasoned with salt ..." Colossians 4:6.
We know that salt add flavor the food. You may not know that in the past, salt was used to prevent the infection of wounds, and also to prevent the decaying of meat prior to the advent of refrigeration.
If we are to be like salt, then we should add a "Christ-like" 'flavor' to the world, and we should be a purifying influence in a decaying world.
Maybe we should consider it a good thing and a compliment if someone call us "salty".
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Hear And Keep The Word Of God
"... Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it." Luke 11:28
We are all blessed in more ways than we can count and we all want to be blessed 'some more.' However, this conditional blessing requires a two fold response on our part, that we both "hear" and "keep" the word of God.
Many people hear the word of God, but as the old people used to say, 'it goes in one ear and out of the other.' It does not stop, interact with, or change anything as it passes through their head.
When we hear the word of God, it ought to change us in some way. We ought to see things in a different light and we ought to think, speak, and act differently.
When we know better, then we ought to do better.
We are all blessed in more ways than we can count and we all want to be blessed 'some more.' However, this conditional blessing requires a two fold response on our part, that we both "hear" and "keep" the word of God.
Many people hear the word of God, but as the old people used to say, 'it goes in one ear and out of the other.' It does not stop, interact with, or change anything as it passes through their head.
When we hear the word of God, it ought to change us in some way. We ought to see things in a different light and we ought to think, speak, and act differently.
When we know better, then we ought to do better.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Love Your Enemies
True Christians are very special people. They do not respond to people and situations like the worldly people respond.
Jesus teaches us to "... Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you." Luke 6:27-28
We should not give back to others as they give unto us. But rather we should give unto others as Christ would give unto them. During this life we will be lied to and lied on, done wrong, stabbed in the back by so-called-friends, and hated.
There is special blessing in store for those who can give love in return for hate and love their enemies.
Jesus teaches us to "... Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you." Luke 6:27-28
We should not give back to others as they give unto us. But rather we should give unto others as Christ would give unto them. During this life we will be lied to and lied on, done wrong, stabbed in the back by so-called-friends, and hated.
There is special blessing in store for those who can give love in return for hate and love their enemies.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
The Beattitudes or The Blessed Attitudes
"Blessed are the poor in spirit ... they that mourn ... the meek ... they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness ... the merciful ... the pure in heart ... the peacemakers ... they which are persecuted ... Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad; for great is your reward in heaven ..." Matthew 5:1-12
"Blessed" here literally means "happy, fortunate, & blissful", the divinely bestowed well-being that belongs only to the faithful. The way to heavenly blessing is the opposite of the way to worldly pursuit of happiness which is found in riches, merriment, abundance, leisure, and such things (MacArthur).
Blessed are the people who possess godly characteristics. Those with a penitent spirit, mild-tempered, gentle spirit, thirsting for righteousness, compassionate and merciful spirit, the spirit of mediation, long-suffering and forgiving spirit. These characteristics are God-given and are evidence of the indwelling of The Holy Spirit within the Christian.
We will be blessed for exhibiting these Godly attitudes and characteristics while we are here on earth living in a world that behaves totally differently.
"Blessed" here literally means "happy, fortunate, & blissful", the divinely bestowed well-being that belongs only to the faithful. The way to heavenly blessing is the opposite of the way to worldly pursuit of happiness which is found in riches, merriment, abundance, leisure, and such things (MacArthur).
Blessed are the people who possess godly characteristics. Those with a penitent spirit, mild-tempered, gentle spirit, thirsting for righteousness, compassionate and merciful spirit, the spirit of mediation, long-suffering and forgiving spirit. These characteristics are God-given and are evidence of the indwelling of The Holy Spirit within the Christian.
We will be blessed for exhibiting these Godly attitudes and characteristics while we are here on earth living in a world that behaves totally differently.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Unclaimed Blessings
Don't you want all of the blessings that God has in store for you? I have heard it said that blessings that God has in store for us cannot be claimed by anyone else. I have also heard that a number of blessings go "unclaimed" because we do not do that which is necessary to receive them. God blesses us daily, but we could receive even more blessings if we would do a better job of following the word of God.
"Thus saith The Lord, Keep ye judgement, and do justice; for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. Blessed is the man that doeth this ... that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil." Isaiah 56:1-2
Keeping the Sabbath is more than doing the right thing on Sunday. It implies a commitment to a lifestyle of devotion to The Lord and a practical reorganization of every day of the week around Him. We need to be more Christ-like every day. Some blessings we receive just because God is so good and gracious. Some blessings are conditional, we must do something to receive them.
I know that I have missed out on some blessings in the past, but I want to receive as many of the conditional blessings as I can in the future. Don't you want all of the blessings that God has in store for you? If you do, then act like it.
"Thus saith The Lord, Keep ye judgement, and do justice; for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. Blessed is the man that doeth this ... that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil." Isaiah 56:1-2
Keeping the Sabbath is more than doing the right thing on Sunday. It implies a commitment to a lifestyle of devotion to The Lord and a practical reorganization of every day of the week around Him. We need to be more Christ-like every day. Some blessings we receive just because God is so good and gracious. Some blessings are conditional, we must do something to receive them.
I know that I have missed out on some blessings in the past, but I want to receive as many of the conditional blessings as I can in the future. Don't you want all of the blessings that God has in store for you? If you do, then act like it.
Friday, February 11, 2011
A Priestly Benediction
The Lord spoke unto Moses, telling him to speak unto Aaron and his sons the priests, to speak unto the people saying, "The Lord bless thee, and keep thee; The Lord make His face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee; The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace ... and I will bless them." Numbers 6:22-27
The priests were instructed to pronounce God's many fold blessings upon the people. I offer this same priestly benediction and blessing for you. That God will bless you, protect you, be with you, shine all around you, and grant you His favor, love, and total well-being.
The priests were instructed to pronounce God's many fold blessings upon the people. I offer this same priestly benediction and blessing for you. That God will bless you, protect you, be with you, shine all around you, and grant you His favor, love, and total well-being.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Being Blessed And Having God With Us
"Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and I will bless thee ..." Genesis 26:3 Isaac was obedient and he was blessed.
Sometimes blessings come from going when and where God tell us to go. Some blessings come from being in the right place at the right time. Obedience to God's word and direction will result in our being blessed.
God is everywhere, all at the same time, but having God "with" us is special. God was "with" Isaac, when he sowed, he received a one hundred fold increase. Genesis 26:12 God blessed him. There are twelve other examples of God being "with" men in the Bible. God was "with" Ishmael, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Samuel, David, Solomon, Jeremiah, Jesus, and Paul.
If we obey God's word, the same can happen to us, we will be blessed and God can be "with" us.
Sometimes blessings come from going when and where God tell us to go. Some blessings come from being in the right place at the right time. Obedience to God's word and direction will result in our being blessed.
God is everywhere, all at the same time, but having God "with" us is special. God was "with" Isaac, when he sowed, he received a one hundred fold increase. Genesis 26:12 God blessed him. There are twelve other examples of God being "with" men in the Bible. God was "with" Ishmael, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Samuel, David, Solomon, Jeremiah, Jesus, and Paul.
If we obey God's word, the same can happen to us, we will be blessed and God can be "with" us.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
O Bless The Lord
"Bless The Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless The Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits..." Psalms 103:1-2
Praise God. Praise Him for all that He has done for us. Praise Him for all of His earthly gifts and blessings. Praise God for forgiveness of sin, for the recovery from sickness, for delivery from death, for abundant loving kindness, for tender mercies, and for the food to sustain life.
These are but a few of the many ways in which God has blessed us. He has blessed us in more ways than we can count or completely list. We can't praise Him or thank Him enough. All we can say is "Bless The Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name."
Praise God. Praise Him for all that He has done for us. Praise Him for all of His earthly gifts and blessings. Praise God for forgiveness of sin, for the recovery from sickness, for delivery from death, for abundant loving kindness, for tender mercies, and for the food to sustain life.
These are but a few of the many ways in which God has blessed us. He has blessed us in more ways than we can count or completely list. We can't praise Him or thank Him enough. All we can say is "Bless The Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name."
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Acknowledge Our Sins And Confess
Whether we know it or not, every sin we commit is a sin against God. See Psalms 51:4 Recognizing that, we need to do as David did.
"I acknowledge my sin unto Thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I will confess my transgressions unto The Lord ... For this shall every one that is godly pray unto Thee ..." Psalms 32:5-6
David knew that he was wrong and that his sins were an affront to The Lord. He confessed his sins unto The Lord and we should do likewise. All Christians, "... every one that is godly ..." should pray, confess our transgressions, ask for forgiveness, and ask for the help and strength not to repeat a particular sin.
We can become more Christ-like if we can eliminate one sinful thought, deed, or spoken word from our behavior each day. That will by no means make us sinless or perfect. It just means that we will be more Christ-like today than we were yesterday, and even more so on tomorrow.
Being like Christ requires an active effort on our part including prayer, confession, not yielding to temptation, and thinking before we speak or act. We should ask ourselves beforehand, will this give God glory and would Jesus say of do this?
If Christians acted more Christ-like, the world would be a better place.
"I acknowledge my sin unto Thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I will confess my transgressions unto The Lord ... For this shall every one that is godly pray unto Thee ..." Psalms 32:5-6
David knew that he was wrong and that his sins were an affront to The Lord. He confessed his sins unto The Lord and we should do likewise. All Christians, "... every one that is godly ..." should pray, confess our transgressions, ask for forgiveness, and ask for the help and strength not to repeat a particular sin.
We can become more Christ-like if we can eliminate one sinful thought, deed, or spoken word from our behavior each day. That will by no means make us sinless or perfect. It just means that we will be more Christ-like today than we were yesterday, and even more so on tomorrow.
Being like Christ requires an active effort on our part including prayer, confession, not yielding to temptation, and thinking before we speak or act. We should ask ourselves beforehand, will this give God glory and would Jesus say of do this?
If Christians acted more Christ-like, the world would be a better place.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Good Things From Bad Situations
Joseph went through some very trying times and situations, but The Lord kept his troubles and in the end he was blessed and was a blessing to others.
His jealous brothers cast him into a pit, Genesis 37:24, then instead of killing him, they sold him to the Midianites, 37:28, who took him to Egypt sold him to Potiphar, captain of Pharaoh's guard, 39:1. He was jailed after his master's wife lied on him, 39:12-20.
While in prison he met Pharaoh's baker and butler and interpreted their dreams. This was remembered by the butler when Pharaoh had a dream that he did not understand, Genesis 40 & 41. After Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dream, he was placed in charge of Pharaoh's house and all the land, 41:39-41.
After storing up food during the seven years of plenty, 41:47-48, Joseph was able to be a blessing to Egypt and his family during the seven years of famine that followed, 41:54 & 42:6-8.
God and use the bad situations that we go through to prepare us and to put us in position to be blessed in the future and to be a blessing to others.
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called to His purpose." Romans 8:28
His jealous brothers cast him into a pit, Genesis 37:24, then instead of killing him, they sold him to the Midianites, 37:28, who took him to Egypt sold him to Potiphar, captain of Pharaoh's guard, 39:1. He was jailed after his master's wife lied on him, 39:12-20.
While in prison he met Pharaoh's baker and butler and interpreted their dreams. This was remembered by the butler when Pharaoh had a dream that he did not understand, Genesis 40 & 41. After Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dream, he was placed in charge of Pharaoh's house and all the land, 41:39-41.
After storing up food during the seven years of plenty, 41:47-48, Joseph was able to be a blessing to Egypt and his family during the seven years of famine that followed, 41:54 & 42:6-8.
God and use the bad situations that we go through to prepare us and to put us in position to be blessed in the future and to be a blessing to others.
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called to His purpose." Romans 8:28
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Say Not To Tattoos
There are those who believe that the Old Testament is not relevant to today and that certain books of the Bible apply only to priests & preachers. Jesus quoted the Old Testament at times when He taught making it relevant to today. There are lessons for all of us within Paul's letters to the young pastors Timothy and Titus. The same applies to the book of Leviticus.
Leviticus contains some very specific 'dos and don'ts' which should apply to more than just the priesthood. "Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard. Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you..." Leviticus 19:27-28
This states that we should not "shape" or "edge" our hairline or beard, and we should not put any "tattoos" on our skin. Both of these are now very common practices, but that does not make them the Christian thing to do. Just because the world says that it is okay does not mean that we should do it.
And for those that say Jesus has or will have a tattoo on His thigh which reads "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS", Revelation 19:16, most of the Bible scholars believe that those words will be on His robe or on a sash or banner that will go over His robe from one shoulder down to the opposite thigh. It is now quite common to see words printed on clothing, even on pant legs.
We have all sinned, so judge not. But most of the things that we do to be considered 'cool', 'likable', or 'popular' are not acceptable Christian behavior. It would be better for us to please God than to try to please man.
Leviticus contains some very specific 'dos and don'ts' which should apply to more than just the priesthood. "Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard. Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you..." Leviticus 19:27-28
This states that we should not "shape" or "edge" our hairline or beard, and we should not put any "tattoos" on our skin. Both of these are now very common practices, but that does not make them the Christian thing to do. Just because the world says that it is okay does not mean that we should do it.
And for those that say Jesus has or will have a tattoo on His thigh which reads "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS", Revelation 19:16, most of the Bible scholars believe that those words will be on His robe or on a sash or banner that will go over His robe from one shoulder down to the opposite thigh. It is now quite common to see words printed on clothing, even on pant legs.
We have all sinned, so judge not. But most of the things that we do to be considered 'cool', 'likable', or 'popular' are not acceptable Christian behavior. It would be better for us to please God than to try to please man.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Productive and Prosperous
"And he shall ... bringeth forth his fruit in his season ... and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." Psalms 1:3
Prosperity is a good thing, but it does not come to those who sit around and wish, and wait for it.
To be fruitful one must do something, produce something. There is no fruit without work. To be prosperous one must also "... doeth ..." something.
To be productive and prosperous, we must do God's will. We will be blessed with a productive, fruitful and prosperous life by reading, studying, living, and sharing the word of God.
Every good and perfect gift comes from God, James 1:17, and it is He that causes us to prosper. Our success and material prosperity is for the benefit of others, as is the fruit that we produce.
Prosperity is a good thing, but it does not come to those who sit around and wish, and wait for it.
To be fruitful one must do something, produce something. There is no fruit without work. To be prosperous one must also "... doeth ..." something.
To be productive and prosperous, we must do God's will. We will be blessed with a productive, fruitful and prosperous life by reading, studying, living, and sharing the word of God.
Every good and perfect gift comes from God, James 1:17, and it is He that causes us to prosper. Our success and material prosperity is for the benefit of others, as is the fruit that we produce.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Obedience, Sacrifice, And Blessings
Abraham passed his test of faith in God and obedience to God, Genesis 22:1-14 The question is will we pass our test?
"And it came to pass after these things, that God did temp Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham; and he said, Behold here I am. And He said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a brunt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of." Genesis 22:1-2
Abraham was obedient and took his son to the mountains to offer him as a brunt offering unto The Lord. Before he actually slayed his son, The Angel of The Lord stopped him and showed him a ram that was caught in the bush.
He was will to give up the son that he loved in order to obey God. What sacrifices are we willing to make to obey the word of God? All too often we choose to please ourselves and our lustful sin nature instead of sacrificing our personal wants, wishes, and desires in order to please God.
Abraham was truly blessed, even his enemies were a blessing to him. If we want to be blessed more than we already are, then maybe we should be more obedient to God's word and His will.
"And it came to pass after these things, that God did temp Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham; and he said, Behold here I am. And He said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a brunt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of." Genesis 22:1-2
Abraham was obedient and took his son to the mountains to offer him as a brunt offering unto The Lord. Before he actually slayed his son, The Angel of The Lord stopped him and showed him a ram that was caught in the bush.
He was will to give up the son that he loved in order to obey God. What sacrifices are we willing to make to obey the word of God? All too often we choose to please ourselves and our lustful sin nature instead of sacrificing our personal wants, wishes, and desires in order to please God.
Abraham was truly blessed, even his enemies were a blessing to him. If we want to be blessed more than we already are, then maybe we should be more obedient to God's word and His will.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
God's Wrath
"And The Lord said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous ... we will destroy this place ... Then The Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from The Lord out of heaven ..." Genesis 18:20 & 19:13 & 19:24
God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because their sins were very grievous, the prevalence of homosexuality throughout the land.
Given the recent propositions and laws related to this issue, where are we as a country and culture headed? Are we witnessing the beginnings of our destruction because of our lustful and perverse nature?
We need to pray that there are at least ten righteous among us so that we might be speared. Genesis 18:24-32
God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because their sins were very grievous, the prevalence of homosexuality throughout the land.
Given the recent propositions and laws related to this issue, where are we as a country and culture headed? Are we witnessing the beginnings of our destruction because of our lustful and perverse nature?
We need to pray that there are at least ten righteous among us so that we might be speared. Genesis 18:24-32
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
The Blessings Of God
The Lord can change your name, your direction, and your life. He can bless you in more ways than you can imagine.
"And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, The Lord appeared to Abram ... Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but the name shall be Abraham ... And I will make thee exceeding fruitful ... I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee ... As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be ... And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her ... Abraham ... that is an hundred years old ... and ... Sarah, that is ninety years old ... shall bear thee a son ... and thou shalt call his name Isaac ..." Genesis 17:1-19
Abram was faithful and obedient, and God blessed him and his family. He was blessed with a long life and he was fruitful even in his old age.
No matter what situation we find ourselves in, if we are faithful and obedient to God's word, He can bless us and use us in ways that are beyond our wildest dreams, beyond that which we thought was not humanly possible. God is in control of everything.
"And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, The Lord appeared to Abram ... Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but the name shall be Abraham ... And I will make thee exceeding fruitful ... I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee ... As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be ... And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her ... Abraham ... that is an hundred years old ... and ... Sarah, that is ninety years old ... shall bear thee a son ... and thou shalt call his name Isaac ..." Genesis 17:1-19
Abram was faithful and obedient, and God blessed him and his family. He was blessed with a long life and he was fruitful even in his old age.
No matter what situation we find ourselves in, if we are faithful and obedient to God's word, He can bless us and use us in ways that are beyond our wildest dreams, beyond that which we thought was not humanly possible. God is in control of everything.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Are You Where God Wants You To Be?
Are you where God wants you to be? Are you doing what God wants you to do? Often we get lazy and stay in a comfortable rut even though we know that it is messy.
"Now The Lord has said unto Abram, Get the out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee..." "So Abram departed, as The Lord had spoken unto him..." Genesis 12:1 & 4
When God tells us that it is time for us to go, we need to get up and go. Staying in a place, or a situation, or a relationship for that matter, after God has told us to leave it will cause us to miss out on some blessings. We need to do what God wants us to do. To do that, we need to be where God wants us to be and with the people that He wants us to be with.
Some times we have to get away from some of our family members in order to do what The Lord has for us to do. We may have to leave mama's and daddy's house in order to get to a place where God can use us to do His will.
Abram obeyed God, left his home, went to an unknown place, and was blessed. Are you where God wants you to be? Are you doing what God wants you to do? If you are not sure, then you should ask Him.
"Now The Lord has said unto Abram, Get the out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee..." "So Abram departed, as The Lord had spoken unto him..." Genesis 12:1 & 4
When God tells us that it is time for us to go, we need to get up and go. Staying in a place, or a situation, or a relationship for that matter, after God has told us to leave it will cause us to miss out on some blessings. We need to do what God wants us to do. To do that, we need to be where God wants us to be and with the people that He wants us to be with.
Some times we have to get away from some of our family members in order to do what The Lord has for us to do. We may have to leave mama's and daddy's house in order to get to a place where God can use us to do His will.
Abram obeyed God, left his home, went to an unknown place, and was blessed. Are you where God wants you to be? Are you doing what God wants you to do? If you are not sure, then you should ask Him.
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