"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." Matthew 5:6 (NIV)
As part of The Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught that those who really seriously sought after God's righteousness would receive it. According to John Mac Arthur, they will have a right relationship with God. Thomas Nelson says that they will enjoy a complete satisfaction which only God can give them.
The Word of God is powerful, it can do what nothing else can do. The Word of God caused the heavens, and the earth, and everything therein to come into existence. We must recognize only God is truly righteous, and for us to be righteous we must share His righteousness. To those who diligently study His Word, God will share His power. To those who truly seek His righteousness, like a hungry person seeks food and a thirsty person seeks a drink, they will be satisfied.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Sunday, April 29, 2012
God Encourages Us With His Word
"You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; You encourage them, and You listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more." Psalms 10:17-18 (NIV)
The psalmist begins by questioning God for allowing hostility and trouble in the world, especially on the poor. After asking God to punish the wicked, he then glorifies God and acknowledges His goodness.
God knows the desires of the afflicted. He hears their prayers and their cry. He knows when we are suffering and why. His Word offers encouragement to us, whether it is spoken by the preacher or read from the Bible. His Word offers us words of advice, comfort, consolation, encouragement, direction, guidance, and help for any and every situation. God hears us, we just need to prayerfully read His Word to hear what He has to say to us.
The psalmist begins by questioning God for allowing hostility and trouble in the world, especially on the poor. After asking God to punish the wicked, he then glorifies God and acknowledges His goodness.
God knows the desires of the afflicted. He hears their prayers and their cry. He knows when we are suffering and why. His Word offers encouragement to us, whether it is spoken by the preacher or read from the Bible. His Word offers us words of advice, comfort, consolation, encouragement, direction, guidance, and help for any and every situation. God hears us, we just need to prayerfully read His Word to hear what He has to say to us.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
God Knows All About Us And Still Loves Us
"Jesus answered, 'Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.' The woman said to him, 'Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.' He told her, 'Go, call your husband and come back.' 'I have no husband,' she replied. Jesus said to her, 'You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.' 'Sir,' the woman said, 'I can see that you are a prophet' " John 4:10-26 (NIV)
When Jesus left Judea heading to Galilee, He went through Samaria. There He met the Samaritan woman by a well and asked her for a drink of water. She questioned Him and during their conversation He told her that if she knew who He was, she would have asked Him for the living water that He could give her. Even though she did not fully understand she asked for that water. Jesus told her to go and get her husband and return. When she said I have no husband, Jesus told her about her past five husbands and her current situation.
Jesus knew all about the Samaritan woman's past and that she was living with a man to whom she was not married. He still offered her the living water of salvation. He also knows all about our past, including all of our sins, and still loves us enough to offer us salvation and eternal life. He had to tell the woman about herself before she believed. Sometimes He allows things to happen to us so that He can show us who He is and what He can do for us. He loves us and He wants us to be with Him, but we have to accept Him.
When Jesus left Judea heading to Galilee, He went through Samaria. There He met the Samaritan woman by a well and asked her for a drink of water. She questioned Him and during their conversation He told her that if she knew who He was, she would have asked Him for the living water that He could give her. Even though she did not fully understand she asked for that water. Jesus told her to go and get her husband and return. When she said I have no husband, Jesus told her about her past five husbands and her current situation.
Jesus knew all about the Samaritan woman's past and that she was living with a man to whom she was not married. He still offered her the living water of salvation. He also knows all about our past, including all of our sins, and still loves us enough to offer us salvation and eternal life. He had to tell the woman about herself before she believed. Sometimes He allows things to happen to us so that He can show us who He is and what He can do for us. He loves us and He wants us to be with Him, but we have to accept Him.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Being Content Is Learned Behavior
"I am not saying this because I am in need, 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)
In thanking the Philippians for their gifts, the Apostle Paul stated that he was not needy. He has learned to be content "... whatever the circumstances ..." and "... in any and every situation ..." He states "... for I have learned to be content ..." and then repeats himself with slightly different words saying "I have learned the secret of being content ..." His contentment is not based upon his circumstances of his situation, but upon his belief, faith, and trust in The Lord Jesus Christ, who gives him the strength to handle everything that comes his way.
We need to understand that joy and contentment come from God. The world can't give it to us, and the world can't take it away from us. Contentment, like joy, is a gift from God. (Ecclesiastes 2:26) When we truly believe that all things work together for good for them that love The Lord (Romans 8:28), then we too can be content in every circumstance and situation. We must learn that God gives us the strength to handle everything that He allows to come our way. We must learn to believe in Him, have faith in Him, and to trust in Him.
In thanking the Philippians for their gifts, the Apostle Paul stated that he was not needy. He has learned to be content "... whatever the circumstances ..." and "... in any and every situation ..." He states "... for I have learned to be content ..." and then repeats himself with slightly different words saying "I have learned the secret of being content ..." His contentment is not based upon his circumstances of his situation, but upon his belief, faith, and trust in The Lord Jesus Christ, who gives him the strength to handle everything that comes his way.
We need to understand that joy and contentment come from God. The world can't give it to us, and the world can't take it away from us. Contentment, like joy, is a gift from God. (Ecclesiastes 2:26) When we truly believe that all things work together for good for them that love The Lord (Romans 8:28), then we too can be content in every circumstance and situation. We must learn that God gives us the strength to handle everything that He allows to come our way. We must learn to believe in Him, have faith in Him, and to trust in Him.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
The Love Of God
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: 'For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.' No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35-39 (NIV)
In this chapter of Romans the Apostle Paul identifies what The Holy Spirit does for us. He frees us from sin and death, enables us to follow God's law, grants us victory over our unredeemed flesh, confirms our adoption as children of God, and guarantees us our ultimate glory with God. He writes from his personal experiences stating that nothing can separate us from the love of God.
We can all look back over our lives and see what God has brought us through and kept us from. The love of God is like a protective shield around us. We may be attacked by demons, but we will not be defeated. Trouble, hardship, and persecution may come our way, but we will get through them by the grace of God. We are more than conquerors through Him who loves us. God loves us and nothing can separate us from the love of God.
In this chapter of Romans the Apostle Paul identifies what The Holy Spirit does for us. He frees us from sin and death, enables us to follow God's law, grants us victory over our unredeemed flesh, confirms our adoption as children of God, and guarantees us our ultimate glory with God. He writes from his personal experiences stating that nothing can separate us from the love of God.
We can all look back over our lives and see what God has brought us through and kept us from. The love of God is like a protective shield around us. We may be attacked by demons, but we will not be defeated. Trouble, hardship, and persecution may come our way, but we will get through them by the grace of God. We are more than conquerors through Him who loves us. God loves us and nothing can separate us from the love of God.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
You Are My Help And My Deliverer
"Hasten, O God, to save me; O Lord, come quickly to help me ... may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace ... But may all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation always say, 'Let God be exalted!' Yet I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay." Psalms 70:1-5 (NIV)
David knew that there were those who would do him harm, if they could. He knew that he would need God's help to survive. He prayed that God would stop his enemies and protect him from them. And he also prayed that God would bless His fellow believers. He recognized that no matter what he had, that he was still poor and needy in God's sight, and that in his current situation, he needed God's help and deliverance. David wanted deliverance for himself and retribution for his enemies.
We need to recognize that whatever situation we find ourselves in, we need God's help. Some people think that when things are going good that they can handle it. But we need His help in good times and bad times, when we are up and when we are down. We need protection from all hurt, harm, and danger, seen and unseen. He is our help and our deliverer in every situation. When we pray, we should tell Him that, and thank Him for being so.
David knew that there were those who would do him harm, if they could. He knew that he would need God's help to survive. He prayed that God would stop his enemies and protect him from them. And he also prayed that God would bless His fellow believers. He recognized that no matter what he had, that he was still poor and needy in God's sight, and that in his current situation, he needed God's help and deliverance. David wanted deliverance for himself and retribution for his enemies.
We need to recognize that whatever situation we find ourselves in, we need God's help. Some people think that when things are going good that they can handle it. But we need His help in good times and bad times, when we are up and when we are down. We need protection from all hurt, harm, and danger, seen and unseen. He is our help and our deliverer in every situation. When we pray, we should tell Him that, and thank Him for being so.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Caught In The Act
"The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, 'Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?' They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing Him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with His finger. When they kept on questioning Him, He straightened up and said to them, 'If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.' Again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there." John 8:1-11 (NIV)
When the woman that was caught in the act of adultery was brought before Him, Jesus said let the one among them who was without sin throw the first stone at her. No one knows what Jesus wrote in the dirt when He bent down. Jesus did not condemn the woman, but it is possible that the men were convicted by what He wrote in the dirt.
Be careful when you set out to trick someone, you may end up being the one that is embarrassed. Jesus taught them and us that we should not be so quick to condemn. Before we condemn others, we should take a look at ourselves. When you live in a glass house, you should not throw stones at others. Don't focus on the sins of others, deal with your own sins.
When the woman that was caught in the act of adultery was brought before Him, Jesus said let the one among them who was without sin throw the first stone at her. No one knows what Jesus wrote in the dirt when He bent down. Jesus did not condemn the woman, but it is possible that the men were convicted by what He wrote in the dirt.
Be careful when you set out to trick someone, you may end up being the one that is embarrassed. Jesus taught them and us that we should not be so quick to condemn. Before we condemn others, we should take a look at ourselves. When you live in a glass house, you should not throw stones at others. Don't focus on the sins of others, deal with your own sins.
Monday, April 23, 2012
We Are Not Of This World
"I have given them Your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that You take them out of the world but that You protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. 'My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me. I have given them the glory that You gave Me, that they may be one as We are one: I in them and You in Me. May they be brought to complete unity ..." John 17:14-23 (NIV)
Jesus prayed for His disciples and for all believers. He prayed that we might be united as one,
as He and His Father are one, that we would be in Him and He would be in us.
Jesus said that He was not of this world and, because His is within us, we are not of this world. He prayed for us because He knew that the world would hate us. He also knew that we would need God's help and protection to withstand the attacks of the devil.
Jesus prayed for His disciples and for all believers. He prayed that we might be united as one,
as He and His Father are one, that we would be in Him and He would be in us.
Jesus said that He was not of this world and, because His is within us, we are not of this world. He prayed for us because He knew that the world would hate us. He also knew that we would need God's help and protection to withstand the attacks of the devil.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Help Your Brother In His Hour Of Need
"You should not look down on your brother in the day of his misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast so much in the day of their trouble. You should not march through the gates of my people in the day of their disaster, nor look down on them in their calamity in the day of their disaster, nor seize their wealth in the day of their disaster ... 'The day of The Lord is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head.' " Obadiah 1:10-15 (NIV)
The prophet Obadiah had a vision from The Lord about Edom and Esau, Jacob's brother. Because Esau stood by and watched, and did nothing, when his brother was being defeated and Jerusalem was being destroyed, he was going to suffer in the future.
We should all be aware of the fact that doing nothing does not make us innocent. If our brother is being wronged and we stand by, watching, and do nothing to help him, then we are just as guilty as those who wronged him. Also we are not to rejoice at the suffering of others. Their misfortune should not be a cause for joy. We should not take advantage of them because they are defenseless. As we do to others, so it will be done unto us. Be very careful how you treat people and who you choose not to help. Judgement day is coming and we will have to give an account for all that we did and did not do.
The prophet Obadiah had a vision from The Lord about Edom and Esau, Jacob's brother. Because Esau stood by and watched, and did nothing, when his brother was being defeated and Jerusalem was being destroyed, he was going to suffer in the future.
We should all be aware of the fact that doing nothing does not make us innocent. If our brother is being wronged and we stand by, watching, and do nothing to help him, then we are just as guilty as those who wronged him. Also we are not to rejoice at the suffering of others. Their misfortune should not be a cause for joy. We should not take advantage of them because they are defenseless. As we do to others, so it will be done unto us. Be very careful how you treat people and who you choose not to help. Judgement day is coming and we will have to give an account for all that we did and did not do.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Righteousness Is Credited To Us Not Earned By Us
"Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why 'it was credited to him as righteousness.' The words 'it was credited to him' were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness, for us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification." Romans 4:20-25 (NIV)
In his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul used Abraham as an example to prove his point that we are justified by faith alone and not by works. Abraham, the father of the faithful, was not a sin free man, but righteousness was credited to him because of his belief and his faith in God.
It is not our previous sins that get in the way of our being used by God, but it is our disbelief and our lack of faith, or our insufficient faith, that gets in the way. Our righteousness is not something we earned or worked for, it is credited to us by God because of our belief and faith in Him. Our faith is weak because we do not exercise it enough or very often. We need to trust in God and step out on faith more often and let God use us as an example to others of what He can do for those who believe.
In his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul used Abraham as an example to prove his point that we are justified by faith alone and not by works. Abraham, the father of the faithful, was not a sin free man, but righteousness was credited to him because of his belief and his faith in God.
It is not our previous sins that get in the way of our being used by God, but it is our disbelief and our lack of faith, or our insufficient faith, that gets in the way. Our righteousness is not something we earned or worked for, it is credited to us by God because of our belief and faith in Him. Our faith is weak because we do not exercise it enough or very often. We need to trust in God and step out on faith more often and let God use us as an example to others of what He can do for those who believe.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Pray Like A Prophet
"A prayer of Habakkuk, the prophet ... Lord, I have heard of Your fame; I stand in awe of Your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy." Habakkuk 3:1-2 (NIV)
Habakkuk, the prophet, frequently question God regarding how long He would let evil men triumph over the righteous. After God answers him and tells him that judgement is coming, he prays for mercy.
Even today is seems that a lot of bad people enjoy a good life, often at the expense of the righteous, and a lot of good people seem to suffer a series of bad things in their lives. The Bible states that there will come a day when we will all have to answer to God and give an account for our thoughts, spoken words, and actions. (Matthew 12:36, Romans 14:12, Hebrews 13:17, & 1 Peter 4:5) None of us is ready for, nor can we stand, God's judgement, we all need God's mercy. We all need to pray, confess, repent, ask for forgiveness and mercy.
Habakkuk, the prophet, frequently question God regarding how long He would let evil men triumph over the righteous. After God answers him and tells him that judgement is coming, he prays for mercy.
Even today is seems that a lot of bad people enjoy a good life, often at the expense of the righteous, and a lot of good people seem to suffer a series of bad things in their lives. The Bible states that there will come a day when we will all have to answer to God and give an account for our thoughts, spoken words, and actions. (Matthew 12:36, Romans 14:12, Hebrews 13:17, & 1 Peter 4:5) None of us is ready for, nor can we stand, God's judgement, we all need God's mercy. We all need to pray, confess, repent, ask for forgiveness and mercy.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Demonstrate God's Perfect Love
"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God ... Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another ... but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us ... If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is The Son of God, God lives in him and he in God ... God is love ... There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear ... If anyone says, 'I love God,' yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And He has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother." 1 John 4:7-21 (NIV)
The Apostle John offers a description of what perfect love, Godly love is and tells how we can achieve it and demonstrate it. It is The Spirit of God within us that imparts to us the will to love each other.
God loves us and He has proven it. If we love God, we will love our fellow man because God is love and God is within us. We cannot love God and hate one another. We should pray that God will help us to love everyone. We must learn to demonstrate the love of God in our daily interactions with our fellow man.
The Apostle John offers a description of what perfect love, Godly love is and tells how we can achieve it and demonstrate it. It is The Spirit of God within us that imparts to us the will to love each other.
God loves us and He has proven it. If we love God, we will love our fellow man because God is love and God is within us. We cannot love God and hate one another. We should pray that God will help us to love everyone. We must learn to demonstrate the love of God in our daily interactions with our fellow man.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Love
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)
In his letter to the Christians in Corinth, the Apostle Paul describes what love is, and what love is not. His point was that doing the right thing, without love in your heart for whomever you are doing it for, is pointless. It is important to love one another.
Love for our fellow man is not to be confused with romantic love or with lust. It is more than just brotherly love, it is Godly love. Love benefits the recipient of love, not the giver. Love is a God-like virtue that we should demonstrate towards each other.
In his letter to the Christians in Corinth, the Apostle Paul describes what love is, and what love is not. His point was that doing the right thing, without love in your heart for whomever you are doing it for, is pointless. It is important to love one another.
Love for our fellow man is not to be confused with romantic love or with lust. It is more than just brotherly love, it is Godly love. Love benefits the recipient of love, not the giver. Love is a God-like virtue that we should demonstrate towards each other.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
May You Live Worthy And Gorw In His Knowledge And Power
"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of The Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to The Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light." Colossians 1:9-12 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul is letting the Christians in Colossae know that he is praying for them. He appreciates the good work that they have done and prays that they will continue, and grow in knowledge, and bear good fruit, and be strengthened with His power to endure what is ahead.
It is not just the preachers that work for The Lord, but every beliver has a job to do for God. He has to prepare us before He can use us to work for His glory. That preparation can sometimes be painful and unpleasant, but it is for our benefit. No matter how much we know, or think that we know, we all need to grow in spiritual knowledge and holiness. We need to be strengthened with His power to produce good fruit and to withstand the storms of life that are to come. According to John MacArthur, the good fruit we need to produce includes leading people to Christ (1 Cor 16:15), praising God (Heb 13:15), giving money (Rom 15:26-28), living a Godly life (Heb 12:11), and displaying holy attitudes (Gal 5:22-23). Thomas Nelson states that endurance and patience are necessary for our persevering through the storms, problems, trials, and tribulations that are to come, along with forebearing the faults and offences of others.
The Apostle Paul is letting the Christians in Colossae know that he is praying for them. He appreciates the good work that they have done and prays that they will continue, and grow in knowledge, and bear good fruit, and be strengthened with His power to endure what is ahead.
It is not just the preachers that work for The Lord, but every beliver has a job to do for God. He has to prepare us before He can use us to work for His glory. That preparation can sometimes be painful and unpleasant, but it is for our benefit. No matter how much we know, or think that we know, we all need to grow in spiritual knowledge and holiness. We need to be strengthened with His power to produce good fruit and to withstand the storms of life that are to come. According to John MacArthur, the good fruit we need to produce includes leading people to Christ (1 Cor 16:15), praising God (Heb 13:15), giving money (Rom 15:26-28), living a Godly life (Heb 12:11), and displaying holy attitudes (Gal 5:22-23). Thomas Nelson states that endurance and patience are necessary for our persevering through the storms, problems, trials, and tribulations that are to come, along with forebearing the faults and offences of others.
Monday, April 16, 2012
The Greatest Commandments
"Love The Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:30-31 (NIV)
In response to a question regarding which was the greatest of the commandments, Jesus offered two new commandments, which taken together summarize the ten commandments.
Jesus basically restated Deuteronomy 10:12 with the first commandment. Then He expanded it for the second because you cannot truly love God and not love all God's people.
We to love God with every aspect of our being. All that we say, do, and think should please God. As hard as that is for us to do, the second one is even harder. We are to love all of God's people as we love ourselves. (If we really loved ourselves, we would take better care of ourselves physically and spiritually.) While none of us can do this, it represents the goal of perfection, that perfect love that each of us should strive to attain. This would make us truly Christ-like.
In response to a question regarding which was the greatest of the commandments, Jesus offered two new commandments, which taken together summarize the ten commandments.
Jesus basically restated Deuteronomy 10:12 with the first commandment. Then He expanded it for the second because you cannot truly love God and not love all God's people.
We to love God with every aspect of our being. All that we say, do, and think should please God. As hard as that is for us to do, the second one is even harder. We are to love all of God's people as we love ourselves. (If we really loved ourselves, we would take better care of ourselves physically and spiritually.) While none of us can do this, it represents the goal of perfection, that perfect love that each of us should strive to attain. This would make us truly Christ-like.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Aim To Please God In All That You Do
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for The Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from The Lord as a reward. It is The Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism." Colossians 3:23-25 (NIV)
"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 ... The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all. Moreover, no man knows when his hour will come: " Ecclesiastes 9:10-12 (NIV)
These two passages of scripture basically make the same point. As King Solomon wrote to all who would listen and the Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians at Colossae, when you work, "... do it with all your might ..." and "... work at it with all your heart ..." as if you are working for The Lord.
Everyone who is old enough to have even a vague understanding of life knows that they will die, they just don't know when it will happen. There is a purpose for our life, and a purpose for everything that we say and do. However, if that purpose was not to give God glory, then it was a wasted effort. We should do our best at everything that we do, because ultimately we are doing it to please God. Man's abilities do not guarantee good results or a positive outcome during life, or at life's end. In the end, God will judge our efforts, and the reward for our labor will come from God, not from man.
"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 ... The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all. Moreover, no man knows when his hour will come: " Ecclesiastes 9:10-12 (NIV)
These two passages of scripture basically make the same point. As King Solomon wrote to all who would listen and the Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians at Colossae, when you work, "... do it with all your might ..." and "... work at it with all your heart ..." as if you are working for The Lord.
Everyone who is old enough to have even a vague understanding of life knows that they will die, they just don't know when it will happen. There is a purpose for our life, and a purpose for everything that we say and do. However, if that purpose was not to give God glory, then it was a wasted effort. We should do our best at everything that we do, because ultimately we are doing it to please God. Man's abilities do not guarantee good results or a positive outcome during life, or at life's end. In the end, God will judge our efforts, and the reward for our labor will come from God, not from man.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Rules For Holy Living
"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things ... Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other ... clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:2-14 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Colosse while he was in prison in Rome to warn them about heresy that threatened the Church, and to encourage them to exhibit good Christian conduct in their lives. They were to think heavenly thoughts, put aside their earthly nature, and act Christ-like.
We also must put off our sinful nature and put on "Christ-likeness". We must pray for God's help and work at being less sinful each day. Doing good is not hard, the hard part is avoiding sin. That requires our constant conscious effort and commitment. We know the difference between right and wrong, we just need to choose to do and say the right thing more often.
The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Colosse while he was in prison in Rome to warn them about heresy that threatened the Church, and to encourage them to exhibit good Christian conduct in their lives. They were to think heavenly thoughts, put aside their earthly nature, and act Christ-like.
We also must put off our sinful nature and put on "Christ-likeness". We must pray for God's help and work at being less sinful each day. Doing good is not hard, the hard part is avoiding sin. That requires our constant conscious effort and commitment. We know the difference between right and wrong, we just need to choose to do and say the right thing more often.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Lead Me O Lord In Your Way
"In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation ... Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies, make straight Your way before me ... But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You. For surely, O Lord, You bless the righteous; You surround them with Your favor as with a shield." Psalm 5:3-12 (NIV)
Here David prays that God will help him and harm his enemies. He not only prays for God's intervention in his life, but he asks for God's guidance and direction. Then he very unselfishly asks that God protect all who love Him.
David was not perfect, like us he committed a number of sins, but he was always straight forward and honest with God. When he messed up, he confessed it, and asked for forgiveness. We should not expect God to overlook our sins and punish others for their sins. We need to pray that God will make His way clear to us, and that He will give us the strength and faith to follow Him.
Here David prays that God will help him and harm his enemies. He not only prays for God's intervention in his life, but he asks for God's guidance and direction. Then he very unselfishly asks that God protect all who love Him.
David was not perfect, like us he committed a number of sins, but he was always straight forward and honest with God. When he messed up, he confessed it, and asked for forgiveness. We should not expect God to overlook our sins and punish others for their sins. We need to pray that God will make His way clear to us, and that He will give us the strength and faith to follow Him.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
God Is My Help
"Surely God is my help; The Lord is the one who sustains me." Psalms 54:4 (NIV)
David was fearful for his life on many occasions, and each time he prayed to God for help. He knew who was the source of his help. He asked God for deliverance, anticipated it, and thanked God for it in advance.
We would be better off if we imitated this part of David's behavior. We know that it is God who helps us, protects us, sustains us, and provides for us. We know that He loves us and cares for us. When we ask for His help, to do His will, we need to proceed as if it is already done.
David was fearful for his life on many occasions, and each time he prayed to God for help. He knew who was the source of his help. He asked God for deliverance, anticipated it, and thanked God for it in advance.
We would be better off if we imitated this part of David's behavior. We know that it is God who helps us, protects us, sustains us, and provides for us. We know that He loves us and cares for us. When we ask for His help, to do His will, we need to proceed as if it is already done.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Success And Prosperity
"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." Joshua 1:8 (NIV)
After the death of Moses, God chose Joshua to lead the people. He gave Joshua instructions and told him that He would be with him as He was with Moses. One of the things He told Joshua was to meditate on The Word of God daily and to follow its teachings. Obeying God's Word would lead him to prosperity and success.
A lot of people want to be prosperous, but they are not willing to do the things that will lead to prosperity. We have the recipe for success, we just need to follow the instructions. If we would read and study The Bible, day and night, and follow the directions given within it, we too would be prosperous and successful.
After the death of Moses, God chose Joshua to lead the people. He gave Joshua instructions and told him that He would be with him as He was with Moses. One of the things He told Joshua was to meditate on The Word of God daily and to follow its teachings. Obeying God's Word would lead him to prosperity and success.
A lot of people want to be prosperous, but they are not willing to do the things that will lead to prosperity. We have the recipe for success, we just need to follow the instructions. If we would read and study The Bible, day and night, and follow the directions given within it, we too would be prosperous and successful.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Be Patient And Persevere
"Be patient, then, brothers, until The Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because The Lord's coming is near. Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of The Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what The Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." James 5:7-11 (NIV)
James was encouraging the people to be patient, not just with the trials and tribulations of life, but to be patient with each other. Things will happen in God's due time. Pain and suffering are a part of living. Those who had gone on before them had suffered, persevered, and were blessed. He reminded them of Job and what he went through, and how God blessed him.
Most of us are very impatient people. We want what we want, and we want it right now. We need to develop patience. Some of the things that we go through are part of our preparation and development, so that God can use us. Personal growth takes time. We also need to recognize that others also need time to learn and grow. We need to be patient with, and to pray for, others as they learn and grow. All of us can say, "We are a work in progress, be patient with us, God is not finished with us yet."
James was encouraging the people to be patient, not just with the trials and tribulations of life, but to be patient with each other. Things will happen in God's due time. Pain and suffering are a part of living. Those who had gone on before them had suffered, persevered, and were blessed. He reminded them of Job and what he went through, and how God blessed him.
Most of us are very impatient people. We want what we want, and we want it right now. We need to develop patience. Some of the things that we go through are part of our preparation and development, so that God can use us. Personal growth takes time. We also need to recognize that others also need time to learn and grow. We need to be patient with, and to pray for, others as they learn and grow. All of us can say, "We are a work in progress, be patient with us, God is not finished with us yet."
Monday, April 9, 2012
"You Should Do As I Have Done"
"I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth ...
Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." John 13:15-17 (NIV)
Just before the passover feast, the last supper, and His betrayal by Judas, Jesus was with His disciples teaching them. His life and His actions were to be an example to them for them to follow. He was an example of loving humility. Their joy was not in knowing what He said and did, but in living and doing as He did.
Knowing The Word of God is not enough. We will be blessed if we are obedient to His Word and put it into practice in our lives. Some of our blessings are tied to our behavior. "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." James 2:26 (NIV) We must put our knowledge of God's Word into action and let our lives reflect it.
Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." John 13:15-17 (NIV)
Just before the passover feast, the last supper, and His betrayal by Judas, Jesus was with His disciples teaching them. His life and His actions were to be an example to them for them to follow. He was an example of loving humility. Their joy was not in knowing what He said and did, but in living and doing as He did.
Knowing The Word of God is not enough. We will be blessed if we are obedient to His Word and put it into practice in our lives. Some of our blessings are tied to our behavior. "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." James 2:26 (NIV) We must put our knowledge of God's Word into action and let our lives reflect it.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
He Is Not Here He Is Risen
"On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of The Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' " Then they remembered His words." Luke 24:1-8 (NIV)
After His death by crucifixion, the body of Jesus was wrapped in a clean linen cloth and placed in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathema. The entrance to the sepulchre was closed with a large stone and a guard was posted as ordered by Pilate, to prevent the disciples from stealing the body. (Matthew 27:57-66) When the women came with spices to anoint the body of Jesus, He was not there, for He had risen.
"Why do you look for the living among the dead. He is not here; He is risen!"
After His death by crucifixion, the body of Jesus was wrapped in a clean linen cloth and placed in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathema. The entrance to the sepulchre was closed with a large stone and a guard was posted as ordered by Pilate, to prevent the disciples from stealing the body. (Matthew 27:57-66) When the women came with spices to anoint the body of Jesus, He was not there, for He had risen.
"Why do you look for the living among the dead. He is not here; He is risen!"
Saturday, April 7, 2012
A Doorkeeper In The House Of The Lord
"Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For The Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless. O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in You." Psalms 84:8-12 (NIV)
This Psalm by the sons of Korah, who were the gatekeepers and musicians of the temple at Jerusalem. They ask God for His favor. They clearly state that it is much better to be in God's house than anywhere else. Better to be an usher in the temple than to be with the wicked. God is their provider and protector. It is He who grants them favor and honor. God will not withhold a blessing from those who walk with Him.
Every usher in every Christian church can quote verse ten. It is an usher's creed. An usher is a humble, low level position of service in the church. Service at the lowest level in God's house is better than any position anywhere else. God provides for and protects all of us. He grants favor and honor to whom He chooses. However, He does not withhold blessings from those who are upright and walk with Him. Those who put their faith and trust in God are blessed. It is better to serve God than to serve anybody else anywhere.
This Psalm by the sons of Korah, who were the gatekeepers and musicians of the temple at Jerusalem. They ask God for His favor. They clearly state that it is much better to be in God's house than anywhere else. Better to be an usher in the temple than to be with the wicked. God is their provider and protector. It is He who grants them favor and honor. God will not withhold a blessing from those who walk with Him.
Every usher in every Christian church can quote verse ten. It is an usher's creed. An usher is a humble, low level position of service in the church. Service at the lowest level in God's house is better than any position anywhere else. God provides for and protects all of us. He grants favor and honor to whom He chooses. However, He does not withhold blessings from those who are upright and walk with Him. Those who put their faith and trust in God are blessed. It is better to serve God than to serve anybody else anywhere.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Praise And Prayer During Trials
"Do not withhold Your mercy from me, O Lord; may Your love and Your truth always protect me. For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me. Be pleased, O Lord, to save me; O Lord, come quickly to help me." Psalms 40:11-13 (NIV)
David was quick to praise The Lord and to pray. He praised The Lord when things were going well and he prayed whenever he was in trouble. He confessed his many sins and asked for God's forgiveness and His help.
We could learn a lot from David. For even though he committed many sins, he acknowledged them and asked for forgiveness. He never broke his communication with God and he was aware of his relationship to God. That is probably why he is often referred to as "a man after God's own heart." We would do well to imitate that part of David's behavior.
David was quick to praise The Lord and to pray. He praised The Lord when things were going well and he prayed whenever he was in trouble. He confessed his many sins and asked for God's forgiveness and His help.
We could learn a lot from David. For even though he committed many sins, he acknowledged them and asked for forgiveness. He never broke his communication with God and he was aware of his relationship to God. That is probably why he is often referred to as "a man after God's own heart." We would do well to imitate that part of David's behavior.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
God Has A Plan For Each Of Us
"After Job had prayed for his friends, The Lord made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before ... The Lord blessed the latter part of Job's life more than the first. " Job 42:10-12 (NIV)
Through all of his suffering, Job did not take his wife's advice to curse God and die. He also would not agree with his three friends who said that he was being punished for his sins. Job remained faithful and he passed his test. After he prayed for his friends, God healed his body and restored his prosperity, giving him twice as much as he had beforehand.
Only God knows why we go through the situations that we go through. There is a purpose for everything, even if we do not understand it while we are enduring it. Our future holds something much better for us that anything we enjoyed in the past. So don't be discouraged, this is only a test and a temporary situation. God is sovereign and is in control of all things. We just need to trust Him and keep the faith. He will work everything out in our best interest, as only He can. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)
Through all of his suffering, Job did not take his wife's advice to curse God and die. He also would not agree with his three friends who said that he was being punished for his sins. Job remained faithful and he passed his test. After he prayed for his friends, God healed his body and restored his prosperity, giving him twice as much as he had beforehand.
Only God knows why we go through the situations that we go through. There is a purpose for everything, even if we do not understand it while we are enduring it. Our future holds something much better for us that anything we enjoyed in the past. So don't be discouraged, this is only a test and a temporary situation. God is sovereign and is in control of all things. We just need to trust Him and keep the faith. He will work everything out in our best interest, as only He can. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
We Are Special Protected And Blessed
"I sought The Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and The Lord heard him; He saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of The Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them. Taste and see that The Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. Fear The Lord, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing." Psalms 34:4-9 (NIV)
David again thanks The Lord for saving him from his enemies. He states that those who encounter The Lord are not the same. And as for protection, Christians have a guardian angel with them. He knows that God is good, and that He blesses believers and supplies all their needs.
Once we meet The Lord, we are never the same After we accept Christ, we are given special status. God hears and answers the prayers of His saints when we call upon His name. We are protected and blessed. He will supply all of our needs if we only believe.
David again thanks The Lord for saving him from his enemies. He states that those who encounter The Lord are not the same. And as for protection, Christians have a guardian angel with them. He knows that God is good, and that He blesses believers and supplies all their needs.
Once we meet The Lord, we are never the same After we accept Christ, we are given special status. God hears and answers the prayers of His saints when we call upon His name. We are protected and blessed. He will supply all of our needs if we only believe.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Press On Don't Turn Back Or Look Back Longingly
"Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?" Galatians 4:8-9 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul is preaching to the Galatians regarding justification by faith, explaining both the theological and the practical ramifications of the doctrine. After reminding them about Abraham, the promise of the covenant, and the purpose of the law, Paul points out the futility of ritualism and worshiping idols. His question to them was, do you really want to go back to being as you were before knew God?
Salvation bring with it a great responsibility, because we are children of a Holy God, we are expected to live holy. We are blessed, and to whom much is given, much is required. (Luke 12:48) Once we have a personal relationship with God, how can we turn our back on Him and reject all that He is and all that He has done. We do not want to be like Lot's wife who looked back longingly towards Sodom and Gomorrah, after being warned not to, and was turned into a pillar of salt. (Genesis 19:17 & 26) Once we accept Christ there is not turning back. Jesus said, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62) One cannot do a good job with the plow and plow straight while looking back behind himself. Where we have been is not as important as where we are going.
The Apostle Paul is preaching to the Galatians regarding justification by faith, explaining both the theological and the practical ramifications of the doctrine. After reminding them about Abraham, the promise of the covenant, and the purpose of the law, Paul points out the futility of ritualism and worshiping idols. His question to them was, do you really want to go back to being as you were before knew God?
Salvation bring with it a great responsibility, because we are children of a Holy God, we are expected to live holy. We are blessed, and to whom much is given, much is required. (Luke 12:48) Once we have a personal relationship with God, how can we turn our back on Him and reject all that He is and all that He has done. We do not want to be like Lot's wife who looked back longingly towards Sodom and Gomorrah, after being warned not to, and was turned into a pillar of salt. (Genesis 19:17 & 26) Once we accept Christ there is not turning back. Jesus said, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62) One cannot do a good job with the plow and plow straight while looking back behind himself. Where we have been is not as important as where we are going.
Monday, April 2, 2012
We Have A Hedge Of Protection Around Us
"Then The Lord said to Satan, 'Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.' 'Does Job fear God for nothing?' Satan replied. 'Have You not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But stretch out Your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face.' " Job 1:6-12 (NIV)
God asked Satan, who roamed the earth seeking whom he may devour, "Have you considered Mys servant Job?" Satan's reply was that God had put a hedge of protection around him. He said that believers only faithful to God as long as the prosper, take away their prosperity and they will reject God. Then God allow Satan to test Job's faith. Initially, Satan was only allowed to mess with Job's possessions, later he would effect Job's health.
Satan could only attack Job because he had God's sovereign permission. He could not penetrate the hedge of protection that God had around Job until God allowed him to do so. That "hedge" is all God does to protect us, and all Godly people have a "hedge" around them. Bad things can happen to Godly people, but it is only a test of our faith. Satan's limited power is under God's
omnipotent and unlimited power and control. So, whatever you are going through, keep the faith, it's only a test.
God asked Satan, who roamed the earth seeking whom he may devour, "Have you considered Mys servant Job?" Satan's reply was that God had put a hedge of protection around him. He said that believers only faithful to God as long as the prosper, take away their prosperity and they will reject God. Then God allow Satan to test Job's faith. Initially, Satan was only allowed to mess with Job's possessions, later he would effect Job's health.
Satan could only attack Job because he had God's sovereign permission. He could not penetrate the hedge of protection that God had around Job until God allowed him to do so. That "hedge" is all God does to protect us, and all Godly people have a "hedge" around them. Bad things can happen to Godly people, but it is only a test of our faith. Satan's limited power is under God's
omnipotent and unlimited power and control. So, whatever you are going through, keep the faith, it's only a test.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Blessings For Obedience
"If you fully obey The Lord your God and carefully follow all His commands ... The Lord your God will set you high ... All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey The Lord your God: You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. The fruit of your womb will be blessed ... You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out. The Lord will send a blessing on ... everything you put your hand to. The LORD your God will bless you in the land he is giving you. Then all the peoples on earth will see that you are called by the name of The Lord, and they will fear you. The Lord will grant you abundant prosperity ... The Lord will make you the head, not the tail ... you will always be at the top, never at the bottom." Deuteronomy 28:1-14 (NIV)
Moses again tells the people of the promise of God's blessings if they keep the covenant with God. He follows this with a warning of the curses that would come with their disobedience.
The Bible clearly states what we are to do and not do, as well as say and not say, as Christians. We just choose not to read it or not to follow The Word of God. Even though it spells out the consequences of being disobedient, we still choose to disobey. Then we wonder why so many things go so wrong in our lives. We receive some blessings in spite of our sinful nature. However, there are many more blessings "with our name on them" that we could receive if we would follow God's Holy Word. Let's change our ways a little each day and enjoy the blessings of obedience.
Moses again tells the people of the promise of God's blessings if they keep the covenant with God. He follows this with a warning of the curses that would come with their disobedience.
The Bible clearly states what we are to do and not do, as well as say and not say, as Christians. We just choose not to read it or not to follow The Word of God. Even though it spells out the consequences of being disobedient, we still choose to disobey. Then we wonder why so many things go so wrong in our lives. We receive some blessings in spite of our sinful nature. However, there are many more blessings "with our name on them" that we could receive if we would follow God's Holy Word. Let's change our ways a little each day and enjoy the blessings of obedience.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)