"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." Genesis 12:2-3 (NIV)
Abraham, the father of the faithful, was obedient when God told him to leave his homeland without telling where he was going. God said that He would bless him. God also said that He would bless the people who blessed Abraham, and that all of the people on earth would be blessed through him.
The genealogy of Jesus on earth can be linked to Abraham. That is how all of the people on earth were blessed through Abraham. When God said, "I will bless those who bless you ...", He was clearly talking to Abraham. However, I think this also applies to us today. That would be consistent with Proverbs 11:25, "...and he that watereth shall be watered also himself." (KJV) or "...he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." (NIV) He that blesses others shall himself be blessed. God will bless those who are a blessing to you and He will bless you for being a blessing to others.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Run Your Race To Win The Prize
"I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. " 1 Corinthians 9:23-25 (NIV)
After a lengthy discourse on all the things that he would do to win souls for Christ, Paul here encourages the people to live their lives as if they are in a race that they want to win. Most races are run for short lived goal, but the Christian race is run for an imperishable eternal crown.
Like the single minded athlete or runner in training who is focused on winning, we should have that same type of focus when we work for The Lord. We need to prepare for our race. W e need to run our race with diligence. We need to keep our focus on the prize. Our prize is to hear Jesus say "Well done, good and faithful servant ..."
After a lengthy discourse on all the things that he would do to win souls for Christ, Paul here encourages the people to live their lives as if they are in a race that they want to win. Most races are run for short lived goal, but the Christian race is run for an imperishable eternal crown.
Like the single minded athlete or runner in training who is focused on winning, we should have that same type of focus when we work for The Lord. We need to prepare for our race. W e need to run our race with diligence. We need to keep our focus on the prize. Our prize is to hear Jesus say "Well done, good and faithful servant ..."
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Seek Good Not Evil That You May Live
"Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then The Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say He is. Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps The Lord God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph. Therefore this is what The Lord, The Lord God Almighty, says: 'There will be wailing in all the streets and cries of anguish in every public square ... There will be wailing in all the vineyards, for I will pass through your midst,' says The Lord ... the day of The Lord ... That day will be darkness, not light." Amos 5:14-18 (NIV)
After lamenting to the people that they turned away from God, Amos calls them to repentance. Then he warns them that if they do not repent, they will suffer the wrath of God. There will be crying in the streets and suffering everywhere. The day of The Lord is coming.
There are people today who do not want to hear The Word of God. They are living in sin and want to continue to do so. Do not be one of those people, and do not associate with them. Confess your sins, believe in birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, The Christ, The Son of God, repent and turn from your sinful ways. Judgement day in coming.
After lamenting to the people that they turned away from God, Amos calls them to repentance. Then he warns them that if they do not repent, they will suffer the wrath of God. There will be crying in the streets and suffering everywhere. The day of The Lord is coming.
There are people today who do not want to hear The Word of God. They are living in sin and want to continue to do so. Do not be one of those people, and do not associate with them. Confess your sins, believe in birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, The Christ, The Son of God, repent and turn from your sinful ways. Judgement day in coming.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Get Your Heart Right
" 'Even now,' declares The Lord, 'return to Me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.' Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to The Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and He relents from sending calamity. Who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing ..." Joel 2:12-14 (NIV)
In the midst of a description of the destruction of the land and the suffering of the people, Joel tells them to return to The Lord. He says that if they would demonstrate genuine repentance, that God would forgive them and bless them. Tearing their outer garments, a Jewish way of showing grief, was meaningless the heart is broken in repentance and contrition.
When things are going all wrong for us, there is an opportunity for us to turn or return to God. There are those of us who believe that some times, God allows bad things to happen to us in order to get our attention. Only after making a mess of things, trying to handle it ourselves, do we realize that we need God's help. We must learn the error of our ways, confess and repent, and follow His way.
In the midst of a description of the destruction of the land and the suffering of the people, Joel tells them to return to The Lord. He says that if they would demonstrate genuine repentance, that God would forgive them and bless them. Tearing their outer garments, a Jewish way of showing grief, was meaningless the heart is broken in repentance and contrition.
When things are going all wrong for us, there is an opportunity for us to turn or return to God. There are those of us who believe that some times, God allows bad things to happen to us in order to get our attention. Only after making a mess of things, trying to handle it ourselves, do we realize that we need God's help. We must learn the error of our ways, confess and repent, and follow His way.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Be Thankful And Grateful For Those Who Help You
"I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers ... I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints." Philemon 1:4-7 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul is writing to his friend Philemon with a special request on behalf of Onesimus. Paul tells him that he is thankful for him and that he prays for him. Paul also tells him that he has been a source of joy and and an encouragement to him.
We ought to be thankful for the people that God has placed in our lives who have been helpful to us. We should also let them know that we are grateful for what they have done for us. We should let people know that the things that they have said and done have brought joy into our lives and that they have been a source of encouragement to us. People do not have to be kind or nice to us, and we should be thankful and grateful when they are. We ought to tell them how we feel while we have the opportunity. Life is short, and tomorrow is not promised to us.
The Apostle Paul is writing to his friend Philemon with a special request on behalf of Onesimus. Paul tells him that he is thankful for him and that he prays for him. Paul also tells him that he has been a source of joy and and an encouragement to him.
We ought to be thankful for the people that God has placed in our lives who have been helpful to us. We should also let them know that we are grateful for what they have done for us. We should let people know that the things that they have said and done have brought joy into our lives and that they have been a source of encouragement to us. People do not have to be kind or nice to us, and we should be thankful and grateful when they are. We ought to tell them how we feel while we have the opportunity. Life is short, and tomorrow is not promised to us.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Be Careful How You Provide For Your Family
"Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. Give the people these instructions, too, so that no one may be open to blame. If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." 1 Timothy 5:3-8 (NIV)
In providing instruction to Timothy regarding how to treat the less fortunate within his congregation, especially the widows, the Apostle Paul tells him that the Church should provide for those widows and orphans who do not have a family to support them. Those with family members should provide for them. Even pagan non-believers provide for their family.
As Christians we are to provide for our family members, especially our spouse, our children, our parents, and our siblings. This can also be extended to include grand children and grand parents, if the need exists. We are to exhibit compassionate Christian love, and this starts with our family. In the King James Version verse three states "Honor widows that are widows indeed." Exodus 20:15 "Honor thy father and thy mother..." Honor here implies "to show respect or care"; "to support"; "to treat graciously"; it includes meeting all needs including financial needs. Be careful how you treat your parents, your kids are learning how to care for you as they watch you care for your parents. And more importantly, God is watching.
In providing instruction to Timothy regarding how to treat the less fortunate within his congregation, especially the widows, the Apostle Paul tells him that the Church should provide for those widows and orphans who do not have a family to support them. Those with family members should provide for them. Even pagan non-believers provide for their family.
As Christians we are to provide for our family members, especially our spouse, our children, our parents, and our siblings. This can also be extended to include grand children and grand parents, if the need exists. We are to exhibit compassionate Christian love, and this starts with our family. In the King James Version verse three states "Honor widows that are widows indeed." Exodus 20:15 "Honor thy father and thy mother..." Honor here implies "to show respect or care"; "to support"; "to treat graciously"; it includes meeting all needs including financial needs. Be careful how you treat your parents, your kids are learning how to care for you as they watch you care for your parents. And more importantly, God is watching.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
At One Time We Too Were Foolish
"Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men. At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures ... He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy... so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:1-7 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul told Titus to remind the people to do good and slander no one. He said, at one time we all were just as bad as they are now. God saved them because of His mercy, not because of anything that they had done.
The same is true for us today. We really should no talk about the sins that anyone else is committing, for at one time we were just as sinful, if not worse. We should not act "holier that thou" because of where we are now in our Christian walk, we too have a sinful past. We are where we are now by the grace of God and by His mercy. We should remember that when we deal with those that are lost or recently converted.
The Apostle Paul told Titus to remind the people to do good and slander no one. He said, at one time we all were just as bad as they are now. God saved them because of His mercy, not because of anything that they had done.
The same is true for us today. We really should no talk about the sins that anyone else is committing, for at one time we were just as sinful, if not worse. We should not act "holier that thou" because of where we are now in our Christian walk, we too have a sinful past. We are where we are now by the grace of God and by His mercy. We should remember that when we deal with those that are lost or recently converted.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
God Provides Us With A Way Out
"So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NIV)
After the Apostle Paul had reminded the people about the things that had happened to the children of Israel after they were led out of Egypt and why some of them had to die in the wilderness, he warned them to be careful, least they fall into temptation.
We all will be tempted, but we have to choose not to give in to the temptation. God will not let more be put upon us than we can stand. And He will always provide for us a way out of every situation, but we have to choose to follow His way.
After the Apostle Paul had reminded the people about the things that had happened to the children of Israel after they were led out of Egypt and why some of them had to die in the wilderness, he warned them to be careful, least they fall into temptation.
We all will be tempted, but we have to choose not to give in to the temptation. God will not let more be put upon us than we can stand. And He will always provide for us a way out of every situation, but we have to choose to follow His way.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Be Sincere And Share With The Less Fortunate
"Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter; when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of The Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and The Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and He will say: Here am I ... The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs ..." Isaiah 58:7-11 (NIV)
The Prophet Isaiah was to tell the people that God was displeased with their behavior. Their fasting and praying was only half-hearted. They were merely "just going through the motions" and their appearance of righteousness was only a pretense. God wants genuine humility including acting humanely toward those in need.
We need to be sincere, honest, and truthful when we pray and worship. We also need to act more humanely towards our fellow man, especially those in need. We will be blessed if we are a blessing to others who are in need.
The Prophet Isaiah was to tell the people that God was displeased with their behavior. Their fasting and praying was only half-hearted. They were merely "just going through the motions" and their appearance of righteousness was only a pretense. God wants genuine humility including acting humanely toward those in need.
We need to be sincere, honest, and truthful when we pray and worship. We also need to act more humanely towards our fellow man, especially those in need. We will be blessed if we are a blessing to others who are in need.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
They Meant It For Bad But God Meant It For Good
"When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, 'What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?' ... His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. 'We are your slaves,' they said. But Joseph said to them, 'Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them." Genesis 50:15-21 (NIV)
Although his brothers had done him wrong years earlier, Joseph did not hold it against them. He told them, you meant it for evil, but God meant it for good. This was during a seven year lon famon, and Joseph was now in a position to provide for his brothers and their families.
Sometimes when people do us wrong, God can turn the situation around and use it for our benefit. Those who intend to hurt us may actually end up helping us. All things happen to us for a reason, even if we cannot see it or understand it at the time that we are going through it. We just need to trust in God and have faith that He will work things out.
Although his brothers had done him wrong years earlier, Joseph did not hold it against them. He told them, you meant it for evil, but God meant it for good. This was during a seven year lon famon, and Joseph was now in a position to provide for his brothers and their families.
Sometimes when people do us wrong, God can turn the situation around and use it for our benefit. Those who intend to hurt us may actually end up helping us. All things happen to us for a reason, even if we cannot see it or understand it at the time that we are going through it. We just need to trust in God and have faith that He will work things out.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Beware We Are In The Last Days
"But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, 'In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.' These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have The Spirit. But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in The Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear--hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh." Jude 1:17-23 (NIV)
Jude, the half brother of Jesus, warns the people that just before the second coming of Christ, men would mock The Word of God, try to turn you away from God, and tell you to follow them and their ungodly lustful desires. Christians are encouraged to stay faithful and pray, help those who have doubts by sharing God's Word with them so that they might be saved.
Don't be led astray by listening to and following the ungodly. We need to not only avoid that which is sinful and wrong, but we need to cling to that which is Godly and right. We are to share the gospel with those who are lost. Our goal is to pull them from the fire, not to fall into the fire with them. Through Bible reading, Bible study, and prayer, we have God's help to be a help to others. Don't hate the sinner, have mercy on him, but hate the sin.
Jude, the half brother of Jesus, warns the people that just before the second coming of Christ, men would mock The Word of God, try to turn you away from God, and tell you to follow them and their ungodly lustful desires. Christians are encouraged to stay faithful and pray, help those who have doubts by sharing God's Word with them so that they might be saved.
Don't be led astray by listening to and following the ungodly. We need to not only avoid that which is sinful and wrong, but we need to cling to that which is Godly and right. We are to share the gospel with those who are lost. Our goal is to pull them from the fire, not to fall into the fire with them. Through Bible reading, Bible study, and prayer, we have God's help to be a help to others. Don't hate the sinner, have mercy on him, but hate the sin.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
We Can Handle Anything With Christ
"... For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul is stating that he has learned to be satisfied with what he has. He has seen good times and bad times, and he has learned to deal with both extremes, poverty and prosperity. He gives God credit for giving him the strength to deal with all situations.
In this life we need to be able to adapt to ever changing situations and circumstances. With life comes many ups and downs, and we need to pray to God for the strength to handle them and persevere with a positive attitude. We cannot control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond to whatever. With God's help, we can respond in a Christ-like manner to all of the challenges that life brings our way.
The Apostle Paul is stating that he has learned to be satisfied with what he has. He has seen good times and bad times, and he has learned to deal with both extremes, poverty and prosperity. He gives God credit for giving him the strength to deal with all situations.
In this life we need to be able to adapt to ever changing situations and circumstances. With life comes many ups and downs, and we need to pray to God for the strength to handle them and persevere with a positive attitude. We cannot control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond to whatever. With God's help, we can respond in a Christ-like manner to all of the challenges that life brings our way.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Teach Me To Walk In Your Way Lord
"Teach me Your way, O Lord, and I will walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name. I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify Your name forever." Psalms 86:11-12 (NIV)
There are five prayers recorded in Psalms, (Psalms 17, 86, 90, 102, & 142), and this Psalm is one of David's prayers. It includes a petition, adoration, thanksgiving, but it omits the confession of any specific sin. It is a personal prayer, not an intercessory prayer for others. David wants God's help. He wants God to hear him, protect him, save him, and have mercy on him. He also wants God to "teach" him to walk in God's way.
Pray, "Teach me Your way, O Lord." Don't assume that you know what He wants you to do and that you know how to do it. We cannot walk with God without His help. "Ask The Savior to help you, comfort, strengthen, and keep you. He is willing to aide you, He will carry you through."
There are five prayers recorded in Psalms, (Psalms 17, 86, 90, 102, & 142), and this Psalm is one of David's prayers. It includes a petition, adoration, thanksgiving, but it omits the confession of any specific sin. It is a personal prayer, not an intercessory prayer for others. David wants God's help. He wants God to hear him, protect him, save him, and have mercy on him. He also wants God to "teach" him to walk in God's way.
Pray, "Teach me Your way, O Lord." Don't assume that you know what He wants you to do and that you know how to do it. We cannot walk with God without His help. "Ask The Savior to help you, comfort, strengthen, and keep you. He is willing to aide you, He will carry you through."
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Rejoice God Hears And Answers Prayers
"Praise be to The Lord, for He has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song. The Lord is the strength of His people, a fortress of salvation for His anointed one. Save Your people and bless Your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever." Psalms 28:6-9 (NIV)
After lamenting about his situation, David prayed for deliverance, then offers praise and thanks to God, even though his situation had yet to change. David knew that God would hear him, strengthen him, protect him, help him, save him, and bless him, so he was joyful and thankful .
We should believe and behave as if our prayers have already been answered. Our faith in God should allow us to know that He hears our prayers and that He will bless us because He loves us, not because we deserve it. Let us exercise a little more faith in God each day.
After lamenting about his situation, David prayed for deliverance, then offers praise and thanks to God, even though his situation had yet to change. David knew that God would hear him, strengthen him, protect him, help him, save him, and bless him, so he was joyful and thankful .
We should believe and behave as if our prayers have already been answered. Our faith in God should allow us to know that He hears our prayers and that He will bless us because He loves us, not because we deserve it. Let us exercise a little more faith in God each day.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Rejoice And Praise The Lord
"Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek The Lord rejoice. Look to The Lord and His strength; seek His face always. Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles, and the judgments He pronounced." 1 Chronicles 16:10-12 (NIV)
After the ark of the covenant had been recovered, David gave thanks and praised The Lord, and he encouraged the people to do likewise. The ark represented the presence of God and they celebrated having it with them again.
The presence of The Lord is cause for celebration, and He is always with us so we should always be joyful. When the world tries to get us down, we should look to Him and His strength, remember what He has done for us in the past, remember all of the wonderful things that He has done, and remember His promise never to leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) For that we should give Him praise, honor, and glory, and always be joyful.
After the ark of the covenant had been recovered, David gave thanks and praised The Lord, and he encouraged the people to do likewise. The ark represented the presence of God and they celebrated having it with them again.
The presence of The Lord is cause for celebration, and He is always with us so we should always be joyful. When the world tries to get us down, we should look to Him and His strength, remember what He has done for us in the past, remember all of the wonderful things that He has done, and remember His promise never to leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) For that we should give Him praise, honor, and glory, and always be joyful.
Friday, March 16, 2012
You Are Also A Leader Of God's People
"Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law My servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:7-9 (NIV)
After the death of Moses, The Lord said to Joshua, "Moses my servant is dead. Now then ... As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Joshua 1:1-5) Joshua was to lead the people into the promised land. These were the words of encouragement and the directions that The Lord spoke to Joshua. God chose him to lead the people.
If anyone follows you, listens to your advice, and if what you say or do influences anyone, then you are also a leader, and as such you have the responsibility to say and do the right thing, so as not to lead them astray. The best way to do that is to be sure that you follow The Word of God. Read, study, meditate, think about, recite, talk about, and live God's Word, and you will be prosperous, successful, and a good leader because God will be with you wherever you go.
After the death of Moses, The Lord said to Joshua, "Moses my servant is dead. Now then ... As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Joshua 1:1-5) Joshua was to lead the people into the promised land. These were the words of encouragement and the directions that The Lord spoke to Joshua. God chose him to lead the people.
If anyone follows you, listens to your advice, and if what you say or do influences anyone, then you are also a leader, and as such you have the responsibility to say and do the right thing, so as not to lead them astray. The best way to do that is to be sure that you follow The Word of God. Read, study, meditate, think about, recite, talk about, and live God's Word, and you will be prosperous, successful, and a good leader because God will be with you wherever you go.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Don't Be Grieved Or Embittered God Is WIth You
"When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You. Yet I am always with You; You hold me by my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will take me into glory ... My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalms 73:21-26 (NIV)
After noting that sometimes the wicked seem to have prosperity and a good life, the psalmist was upset, then he recognizes that God has a plan for the wicked, and a plan for him. He then confesses his sins, repents of his foolishness, and acknowledges that God has kept him, guided him, and been his strength.
Rather than worrying about that which others have, we should be thankful for that which God has blessed us with. Even when we sin and ignore Him, He is always with us. When things appear to be going wrong, He holds our hand and guides us through the storms of life. When we are weak, God is our strength. We need to repent of our sins, recognize, and be thankful for our blessings. And one of these days He will take us home to be with Him in glory.
After noting that sometimes the wicked seem to have prosperity and a good life, the psalmist was upset, then he recognizes that God has a plan for the wicked, and a plan for him. He then confesses his sins, repents of his foolishness, and acknowledges that God has kept him, guided him, and been his strength.
Rather than worrying about that which others have, we should be thankful for that which God has blessed us with. Even when we sin and ignore Him, He is always with us. When things appear to be going wrong, He holds our hand and guides us through the storms of life. When we are weak, God is our strength. We need to repent of our sins, recognize, and be thankful for our blessings. And one of these days He will take us home to be with Him in glory.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Teach Your Children About God
"Love The Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:5-9 (NIV)
After presenting them with the ten commandments, Moses told the people that they were to love The Lord completely. They were to teach The Word of God and the commandments to their children. They were to live them, talk of them all the time, and display them in their homes and on their persons.
Parents are to teach The Word of God to their children. If the children and grand children don't know it, then it is the fault of the parents and the grand parents. (Deuteronomy 6:1-2) If the parents don't know it, then it is our fault for not telling them. If we tell them but they refuse to listen, or refuse to believe, then we have done our part. The Word of God should be so ingrained within us that it should show in our daily lives, in our conversations, in our behavior, in our homes, and in our attire. We should make sure that each day we tell someone about The Lord. Make sure that no child sees or hears us, behaving or speaking, in an non Christ-like manner. We do not want to cause a child to stumble into sin or be led astray. (Matthew 18:6 & Mark 9:42 & Luke 17:2)
After presenting them with the ten commandments, Moses told the people that they were to love The Lord completely. They were to teach The Word of God and the commandments to their children. They were to live them, talk of them all the time, and display them in their homes and on their persons.
Parents are to teach The Word of God to their children. If the children and grand children don't know it, then it is the fault of the parents and the grand parents. (Deuteronomy 6:1-2) If the parents don't know it, then it is our fault for not telling them. If we tell them but they refuse to listen, or refuse to believe, then we have done our part. The Word of God should be so ingrained within us that it should show in our daily lives, in our conversations, in our behavior, in our homes, and in our attire. We should make sure that each day we tell someone about The Lord. Make sure that no child sees or hears us, behaving or speaking, in an non Christ-like manner. We do not want to cause a child to stumble into sin or be led astray. (Matthew 18:6 & Mark 9:42 & Luke 17:2)
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
He Sees When Our Strength Is Gone
"The Lord will judge His people and have compassion on His servants when He sees their strength is gone and no one is left, slave or free. He will say ... 'See now that I Myself am He! There is no god besides Me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of My hand.' " Deuteronomy 32:36 & 39 (NIV)
Near the end of his life, Moses was telling the people what thus said The Lord. He will judge His people. He will have compassion on whom He chooses.
God will have compassion on His servants, those who love and obey Him. Only He has the power over life and death, and only He can heal, save, and deliver us. The Lord will judge us all, and on that judgement day we want to hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Near the end of his life, Moses was telling the people what thus said The Lord. He will judge His people. He will have compassion on whom He chooses.
God will have compassion on His servants, those who love and obey Him. Only He has the power over life and death, and only He can heal, save, and deliver us. The Lord will judge us all, and on that judgement day we want to hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Monday, March 12, 2012
Always Do Your Best
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom." Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NIV)
After a lengthy discussion about the vanities of life, Solomon, the son of David, teaches about the unpredictability of life and the certainty of death. In the preceding verses, he states that the blessings of this life are to be appreciated, enjoyed, and shared. God's good gifts of human relationships, food, drink, and satisfying labor are to be received humbly and enjoyed fully (but not to excess) as blessings from God. Do your best, at every task, while you can, and while you can appreciate the satisfaction that comes from satisfying labor, from doing a good job.
We should always do our best at whatever it is that we do. If anything is worth doing, then it is worth doing right, and doing it to the best of our ability. We should do all that we do as if we were doing it for The Lord. Soon our opportunity to do anything will have passed.
After a lengthy discussion about the vanities of life, Solomon, the son of David, teaches about the unpredictability of life and the certainty of death. In the preceding verses, he states that the blessings of this life are to be appreciated, enjoyed, and shared. God's good gifts of human relationships, food, drink, and satisfying labor are to be received humbly and enjoyed fully (but not to excess) as blessings from God. Do your best, at every task, while you can, and while you can appreciate the satisfaction that comes from satisfying labor, from doing a good job.
We should always do our best at whatever it is that we do. If anything is worth doing, then it is worth doing right, and doing it to the best of our ability. We should do all that we do as if we were doing it for The Lord. Soon our opportunity to do anything will have passed.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Living For God
"The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 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 4:7-11 (NIV)
According to Henrietta C. Mears, Christian educator, author, and renown Sunday School teacher, the Christians to whom Peter was writing were suffering "fiery trials" from people who did not believe in Jesus. The Christians would not join their pagan idolatry and drinking and lust, so they were hated leading to active persecution. Here he offered them advice on Christian living and living for God.
We should love each other enough to overlook the sins that are committed against us and forgive those that committed them. We are to be gracious to one another. Whatever spiritual gifts that The Holy Spirit has given us should be used for the benefit of others. (The gifts of The Spirit are "... wisdom ... knowledge ... faith ... healing ... miraculous powers ... prophecy ... distinguishing between spirits ... speaking in tongues ... interpretation of tongues ... and He gives them to each one, just as He determines." 1 Corinthians 12:7-11) We are to be instruments of God's grace. All that we say and do, should be said and done such that someone is helped and that God is glorified, otherwise we are just wasting the precious little time we have left.
According to Henrietta C. Mears, Christian educator, author, and renown Sunday School teacher, the Christians to whom Peter was writing were suffering "fiery trials" from people who did not believe in Jesus. The Christians would not join their pagan idolatry and drinking and lust, so they were hated leading to active persecution. Here he offered them advice on Christian living and living for God.
We should love each other enough to overlook the sins that are committed against us and forgive those that committed them. We are to be gracious to one another. Whatever spiritual gifts that The Holy Spirit has given us should be used for the benefit of others. (The gifts of The Spirit are "... wisdom ... knowledge ... faith ... healing ... miraculous powers ... prophecy ... distinguishing between spirits ... speaking in tongues ... interpretation of tongues ... and He gives them to each one, just as He determines." 1 Corinthians 12:7-11) We are to be instruments of God's grace. All that we say and do, should be said and done such that someone is helped and that God is glorified, otherwise we are just wasting the precious little time we have left.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Walk In And Live By The Spirit
"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, live by The Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature." Galatians 5:13-16 (NIV)
In his letter to the Christians in Galatia, Paul is teaching them about Christian behavior and Christian living. Here he is saying just because you are forgiven does not mean that you can commit all the sin that you want. They were supposed to love one another and not fight with each other.
Christian freedom is not for selfish fulfillment, but for serving others. We are to love one another. We are not to act like wild animals, attacking, biting, and killing one another. When we let hate and evil rule us, we destroy ourselves. If we walk in The Spirit, we will not give in to the lust of the flesh or our desire to sin. The Spirit of God is within each of us, but we must yield to The Spirit.
In his letter to the Christians in Galatia, Paul is teaching them about Christian behavior and Christian living. Here he is saying just because you are forgiven does not mean that you can commit all the sin that you want. They were supposed to love one another and not fight with each other.
Christian freedom is not for selfish fulfillment, but for serving others. We are to love one another. We are not to act like wild animals, attacking, biting, and killing one another. When we let hate and evil rule us, we destroy ourselves. If we walk in The Spirit, we will not give in to the lust of the flesh or our desire to sin. The Spirit of God is within each of us, but we must yield to The Spirit.
Friday, March 9, 2012
We Cannot Serve Two Masters
"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)
This is part of the sermon on the mount which began in Matthew 5:1 and goes on until 7:29. Here Jesus taught that loyalty cannot be divided. One cannot be totally loyal to God and focus on earthly treasures, possessions, or wealth. According to Thomas Nelson, "Jesus was not condemning money or possessions in and of themselves, but the improper attitude of enslavement towards wealth."
We can only be a slave to one master at a time. Attempting to serve two masters will result in one of them being slighted and receiving less than our best effort. We are either a slave to God or we are a slave to something or someone else. Be very careful choosing whom you will serve, for there are eternal consequences to the selection. There is nothing wrong with having money, it is the love of money that gets us in trouble.
This is part of the sermon on the mount which began in Matthew 5:1 and goes on until 7:29. Here Jesus taught that loyalty cannot be divided. One cannot be totally loyal to God and focus on earthly treasures, possessions, or wealth. According to Thomas Nelson, "Jesus was not condemning money or possessions in and of themselves, but the improper attitude of enslavement towards wealth."
We can only be a slave to one master at a time. Attempting to serve two masters will result in one of them being slighted and receiving less than our best effort. We are either a slave to God or we are a slave to something or someone else. Be very careful choosing whom you will serve, for there are eternal consequences to the selection. There is nothing wrong with having money, it is the love of money that gets us in trouble.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
God Is Able
"Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, The God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." Daniel 3:16-18 (NIV)
King Nebuchadnezzar had a ninety foot gold statue of himself made (Daniel 3:1) and the decreed that at the sound of the horns, flutes, or whatever music, everyone was to fall down and worship the image. These three Hebrew boys refused to do so and were brought before the king for punishment. They told the king that God is able to save them, and even if He does not, He can. They were thrown into the firey furnace and God did save them.
Most of us only have a little faith in God. Most of us would not be willing to die to put our faith to the test. God can save us from whatever situation we are in. God is able. God is omnipotent (all powerful), omniscient (all knowing), and omnipresent (everywhere at the same time), He can and He will do whatever He wants to do. Saving us from our little problem situations would be easy for Him. He can, but even if He doesn't, God is able.
King Nebuchadnezzar had a ninety foot gold statue of himself made (Daniel 3:1) and the decreed that at the sound of the horns, flutes, or whatever music, everyone was to fall down and worship the image. These three Hebrew boys refused to do so and were brought before the king for punishment. They told the king that God is able to save them, and even if He does not, He can. They were thrown into the firey furnace and God did save them.
Most of us only have a little faith in God. Most of us would not be willing to die to put our faith to the test. God can save us from whatever situation we are in. God is able. God is omnipotent (all powerful), omniscient (all knowing), and omnipresent (everywhere at the same time), He can and He will do whatever He wants to do. Saving us from our little problem situations would be easy for Him. He can, but even if He doesn't, God is able.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Be Strong And Do The Good Work
"And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge The God of your father, and serve Him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for The Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. Consider now, for The Lord has chosen you to build a temple as a sanctuary. Be strong and do the work." 1 Chronicles 28:9-10 (NIV)
After his many blessing and victories in the name of The Lord, King David wanted to build a temple to God to house the ark of the covenant (1 Chronicles 28: 2), which contained the stone tablets of the ten commandments. God told David that his son Solomon would build the temple. (1 Chronicles 28:3) Here David is telling Solomon to follow The Lord and do a good work. David was also talking to all of the people, "Hear me, my brethren, and my people ..." 1 Chronicles 28:2
We do not always get to do what we want or what we plan to do. Everything happens according to God's plan. We should acknowledge God and serve Him wholeheartedly and willingly. We need to be honest with ourselves and with Him, for He knows our heart, motives, and thoughts. We need to serve Him and do the good work that He has called each of us to do. We may not be charged with building a temple, but we are all charged with kingdom building here on earth.
After his many blessing and victories in the name of The Lord, King David wanted to build a temple to God to house the ark of the covenant (1 Chronicles 28: 2), which contained the stone tablets of the ten commandments. God told David that his son Solomon would build the temple. (1 Chronicles 28:3) Here David is telling Solomon to follow The Lord and do a good work. David was also talking to all of the people, "Hear me, my brethren, and my people ..." 1 Chronicles 28:2
We do not always get to do what we want or what we plan to do. Everything happens according to God's plan. We should acknowledge God and serve Him wholeheartedly and willingly. We need to be honest with ourselves and with Him, for He knows our heart, motives, and thoughts. We need to serve Him and do the good work that He has called each of us to do. We may not be charged with building a temple, but we are all charged with kingdom building here on earth.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
We Can Choose To Be Blesssed Or Cursed
"Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many ..." Deuteronomy 11:18-21 (NIV)
After giving them the ten commandments a second time, Moses told the parents that they were to teach their children The Word of God in all places and at all times, so that it would become instilled within their hearts. By doing so they would bring long life to themselves and their children.
What we teach our children is a reflection on us. It is our responsibility, and not the responsibility of the church or the school, to teach our children The Word of God. We should read it to them, speak it to them, and live it in front of them, so that it becomes ingrained within them. We have a choice, we can obey The Word of God and be blessed, or we can choose to be disobedient and be cursed. (Deuteronomy 11:26-28) What we do not only effects our lives but also effects the lives of our children.
After giving them the ten commandments a second time, Moses told the parents that they were to teach their children The Word of God in all places and at all times, so that it would become instilled within their hearts. By doing so they would bring long life to themselves and their children.
What we teach our children is a reflection on us. It is our responsibility, and not the responsibility of the church or the school, to teach our children The Word of God. We should read it to them, speak it to them, and live it in front of them, so that it becomes ingrained within them. We have a choice, we can obey The Word of God and be blessed, or we can choose to be disobedient and be cursed. (Deuteronomy 11:26-28) What we do not only effects our lives but also effects the lives of our children.
Monday, March 5, 2012
What God Requires From Us # 2
"... What does The Lord your God ask of you but to fear The Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve The Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe The Lord's commands and decrees ..." Deuteronomy 10:12-13 (NIV)
After presenting the two tablets of stone containing the ten commandments, a second time, and this time placing them in the ark of the covenant, Moses explained to the people of Israel what God requires of them. The five requirements are: "...fear The Lord...walk in all His ways...love Him...serve The Lord...and to observe The Lord's commands..."
The Lord God requires the same things of us today. Briefly restated we are to (1) hold God in awe and submit to Him; 2 to conduct our life in accordance with the will of God; 3 to love Him with all of our heart and soul above all else; 4 to worship Him as the focus of our life; and 5 to obey His commandments. God expects us to love, fear, obey, and worship Him.
(See blog of September 20, 2010 quoting Micah 6:8, "What God Requires From Us # 1 at: www.revwendell.blogspot.com )
After presenting the two tablets of stone containing the ten commandments, a second time, and this time placing them in the ark of the covenant, Moses explained to the people of Israel what God requires of them. The five requirements are: "...fear The Lord...walk in all His ways...love Him...serve The Lord...and to observe The Lord's commands..."
The Lord God requires the same things of us today. Briefly restated we are to (1) hold God in awe and submit to Him; 2 to conduct our life in accordance with the will of God; 3 to love Him with all of our heart and soul above all else; 4 to worship Him as the focus of our life; and 5 to obey His commandments. God expects us to love, fear, obey, and worship Him.
(See blog of September 20, 2010 quoting Micah 6:8, "What God Requires From Us # 1 at: www.revwendell.blogspot.com )
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Good Health A Long Life And Happiness
"So be careful to do what The Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Walk in all the way that The Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess." Deuteronomy 5:32-33 (NIV)
After Moses had given the ten commandments to the people, he told them to be careful and to do as The Lord had commanded them. Walking in the way of The Lord was likened to following a straight path which they were not to deviate from. Following God would bring them long life and prosperity.
Keeping the ten commandments will not save you if you do not believe in Jesus, The Christ, The Son of God. However, if you believe and endeavor to keep the commandments, you will be blessed with good health, a long life, and prosperity.
After Moses had given the ten commandments to the people, he told them to be careful and to do as The Lord had commanded them. Walking in the way of The Lord was likened to following a straight path which they were not to deviate from. Following God would bring them long life and prosperity.
Keeping the ten commandments will not save you if you do not believe in Jesus, The Christ, The Son of God. However, if you believe and endeavor to keep the commandments, you will be blessed with good health, a long life, and prosperity.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Personal Motivation To Work For The Lord
"... 'Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.' ... They replied, 'Let us start rebuilding.' So they began this good work." Nehemiah 2:17-18 (NIV)
Because the Israelites had turned their back on God, He allowed the Chaldeans to defeat them, to destroy the house of God that Solomon had built, to tear down the walls around Jerusalem, and enslave them. (2 Chronicles 36:17-20) Ezra lead the rebuilding of the temple (Ezra 3-7), but the city and the surrounding wall still lay in ruins. Nehemiah, the cup bearer and taster to King Artaxerxes, prayed to God, then convinced the king to allow him to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the wall. The people were additionally motivated by the fact that each man was basically assigned to rebuild the section of the wall that was "opposite", "next to", or "in front of" his own house. (Nehemiah 3)
What are we working on today? What good work are we doing for The Lord and what is our motivation to do good work? Remember God knows our heart, thoughts, and our intentions. What "wall" are you working on and why are you doing it? Each of us needs to focus on doing a good work for The Lord in spite of what is going on around us.
Because the Israelites had turned their back on God, He allowed the Chaldeans to defeat them, to destroy the house of God that Solomon had built, to tear down the walls around Jerusalem, and enslave them. (2 Chronicles 36:17-20) Ezra lead the rebuilding of the temple (Ezra 3-7), but the city and the surrounding wall still lay in ruins. Nehemiah, the cup bearer and taster to King Artaxerxes, prayed to God, then convinced the king to allow him to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the wall. The people were additionally motivated by the fact that each man was basically assigned to rebuild the section of the wall that was "opposite", "next to", or "in front of" his own house. (Nehemiah 3)
What are we working on today? What good work are we doing for The Lord and what is our motivation to do good work? Remember God knows our heart, thoughts, and our intentions. What "wall" are you working on and why are you doing it? Each of us needs to focus on doing a good work for The Lord in spite of what is going on around us.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Yield Not To Temptation
" Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." James 1:12-15 (NIV)
James, the half brother of Jesus, offers statements on wise living, on practical examples of Godly behavior. Christians are blessed when they exercise Godly behavior when they are tempted. They are blessed when they persevere under trials and withstand the test. James makes it clear that God is not testing them by tempting them. Temptation comes from their own sinful nature and desires which lead to sin.
The temptation to sin is a trial, a test that we endure. God is not tempting us, but through His permissive will, He is allowing the temptation to occur. Our sinful nature causes us to desire to commit sin. The temptation is not sin, the yielding to the temptation is the sin. We are blessed when we do not give in to the temptation to sin. We need to pray for God's help to withstand, and not yield to the temptation to sin.
James, the half brother of Jesus, offers statements on wise living, on practical examples of Godly behavior. Christians are blessed when they exercise Godly behavior when they are tempted. They are blessed when they persevere under trials and withstand the test. James makes it clear that God is not testing them by tempting them. Temptation comes from their own sinful nature and desires which lead to sin.
The temptation to sin is a trial, a test that we endure. God is not tempting us, but through His permissive will, He is allowing the temptation to occur. Our sinful nature causes us to desire to commit sin. The temptation is not sin, the yielding to the temptation is the sin. We are blessed when we do not give in to the temptation to sin. We need to pray for God's help to withstand, and not yield to the temptation to sin.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
The Blessedness Of Answered Prayer
"To You, O Lord, I called; to The Lord I cried for mercy ... Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me; O Lord, be my help." You turned my wailing into dancing; You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to You and not be silent. O Lord, my God, I will give You thanks forever." Psalms 30:10-12 (NIV)
With a renewed perspective after a near death experience (Psalms 30:3) and a period of arrogance (Psalms 30:6), David recognizes that "all he is and all he has is due to God's unmerited grace." (John MacArthur) Here David expresses thanks to God for answering his prayers and blessing him.
Only God can turn our situations around and take us sickness to health, from "wailing" to "dancing", from sorrow to joy. We ought to recognize when God has answered our prayers and be thankful. We may not have all that we asked for, and we ask for a lot, but God has blessed us and given us some to the things that we asked for, in addition to some things that we did not mention, and we should give Him thanks.
With a renewed perspective after a near death experience (Psalms 30:3) and a period of arrogance (Psalms 30:6), David recognizes that "all he is and all he has is due to God's unmerited grace." (John MacArthur) Here David expresses thanks to God for answering his prayers and blessing him.
Only God can turn our situations around and take us sickness to health, from "wailing" to "dancing", from sorrow to joy. We ought to recognize when God has answered our prayers and be thankful. We may not have all that we asked for, and we ask for a lot, but God has blessed us and given us some to the things that we asked for, in addition to some things that we did not mention, and we should give Him thanks.
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