"For everything in the world, the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does, comes not from The Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." 1 John 2:16-17 (NIV)
The Apostle John told the Christians that all of the things of this world are coming to an end, but he that obeys the will of God will abide with God forever. All of the worldly things are temporary and will vanish. All that which is of God will continue eternally.
When the fullness of time has come, there will be a new heaven and a new earth, for the current ones will have passed away. (Revelation 21:1) The soul of man will still be around and will continue to exist, in one place or another, because the soul comes from God. (Genesis 2:7 & Ezekiel 18:4) Only those who believe in Jesus, The Christ, will spend eternity with God. (John 14:6) Where will your soul spend eternity?
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Blessed With A Long Life
"And if you walk in My ways and obey My statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life." 1 Kings 3:14 (NIV)
The Lord said to King Solomon, after the death of his father King David, that if Solomon walked in His ways and kept His statutes and commandments as David did, then He would bless him with a long life.
King David was said to be a man after God's own heart. David was not perfect, he sinned just like every other man, but he prayed frequently and asked God for forgiveness. David followed and obeyed The Lord. Since God is not a respecter of persons and does not show favoritism, (Acts 10:34), if we were more like David and walked in His ways, and obeyed Him, maybe we would also be blessed with a long life as He promised Solomon.
The Lord said to King Solomon, after the death of his father King David, that if Solomon walked in His ways and kept His statutes and commandments as David did, then He would bless him with a long life.
King David was said to be a man after God's own heart. David was not perfect, he sinned just like every other man, but he prayed frequently and asked God for forgiveness. David followed and obeyed The Lord. Since God is not a respecter of persons and does not show favoritism, (Acts 10:34), if we were more like David and walked in His ways, and obeyed Him, maybe we would also be blessed with a long life as He promised Solomon.
Additional Blessings For Us And Our Children
"Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear Me and keep all My commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!" Deuteronomy 5:29 (NIV)
After the Ten Commandments were reviewed and repeated to the people, they were afraid of God's presence. They told Moses to speak to God and then let him tell them what God had said. (Deuteronomy 5:27) This is The Word of The Lord which was given to Moses for His people. This conditional blessing for the people and for their children, was dependent upon their sincere respect for, and humble obedience to God, and their keeping His commandments.
We would be blessed and things would go well with us, and our children, if we would follow The Words of The Lord, live His way, and keep His commandments. We are His people, but unfortunately we are often hard-headed. We want to do things our way. We are blessed, but we miss out on many more blessings because we do not humbly submit to The Lord. If things are not going well with you, try changing your behavior. Be obedient to God and be abundantly blessed. (John 10:10)
After the Ten Commandments were reviewed and repeated to the people, they were afraid of God's presence. They told Moses to speak to God and then let him tell them what God had said. (Deuteronomy 5:27) This is The Word of The Lord which was given to Moses for His people. This conditional blessing for the people and for their children, was dependent upon their sincere respect for, and humble obedience to God, and their keeping His commandments.
We would be blessed and things would go well with us, and our children, if we would follow The Words of The Lord, live His way, and keep His commandments. We are His people, but unfortunately we are often hard-headed. We want to do things our way. We are blessed, but we miss out on many more blessings because we do not humbly submit to The Lord. If things are not going well with you, try changing your behavior. Be obedient to God and be abundantly blessed. (John 10:10)
Monday, February 25, 2013
Prosperity And Contentment
"If they obey and serve Him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment. But if they do not listen, they will perish by the sword and die without knowledge." Job 36:11-12 (NIV)
This is one of the things that Elihu, one of Job's friends, said to him as he was defending God in light of all of Job's material losses (Job 1:3 & 1:14-19) and his physical suffering. (Job 2:7) Elihu said those who live by God's commands will be blessed with prosperity and peace. Those who do not obey God will be punished.
Job's three friends said that he must have done something wrong for God to punish him so severely. We know now that Job was just being tested. (Job 1:8-12 & 2:3-7) Piety can lead to prosperity and peace. However, occasionally some evil and wicked people will prosper for a while, but they will soon be cut down. (Psalms 37:7-10) If we sincerely seek God, and put Him first in our life, then He will supply all of the other things that we need, (Matthew 6:32-33), and some of the wants that our heart desires. (Psalms 37:4)
This is one of the things that Elihu, one of Job's friends, said to him as he was defending God in light of all of Job's material losses (Job 1:3 & 1:14-19) and his physical suffering. (Job 2:7) Elihu said those who live by God's commands will be blessed with prosperity and peace. Those who do not obey God will be punished.
Job's three friends said that he must have done something wrong for God to punish him so severely. We know now that Job was just being tested. (Job 1:8-12 & 2:3-7) Piety can lead to prosperity and peace. However, occasionally some evil and wicked people will prosper for a while, but they will soon be cut down. (Psalms 37:7-10) If we sincerely seek God, and put Him first in our life, then He will supply all of the other things that we need, (Matthew 6:32-33), and some of the wants that our heart desires. (Psalms 37:4)
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Do Not Incur The Wrath Of God
"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, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." Colossians 3:5-10 (NIV)
In his letter to the believers in Colosse, the Apostle Paul said that the wrath of God is coming. He even listed for them the things which would incur the wrath of God.
We need to pray and ask God for forgiveness for our sins, whether they are on this list or not, including our sinful thoughts and intentions. The wrath of God is coming, and we do not want to incur God's wrath. We should to do our best to imitate Christ and walk in His way. (Ephesians 5:1-2) For that, we need to pray for His help.
In his letter to the believers in Colosse, the Apostle Paul said that the wrath of God is coming. He even listed for them the things which would incur the wrath of God.
We need to pray and ask God for forgiveness for our sins, whether they are on this list or not, including our sinful thoughts and intentions. The wrath of God is coming, and we do not want to incur God's wrath. We should to do our best to imitate Christ and walk in His way. (Ephesians 5:1-2) For that, we need to pray for His help.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
The Lord Is To Be Praised
"From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of The LORD is to be praised." Psalms 113:3 (NIV)
The psalmist states that God is to be praised from sunrise until sunset, literally all day long. This implies that Christians ought to be continually praising God.
We are to praise God all from the first thing in the morning until the last thing at night. Some of us wake up before the sun rises, and most of us stay up long after the sun sets. So, we are to spend every waking moment praising The Lord. We should strive to live in such a way that all we think, say, and do will give God glory. If we could do that, we would live a perfect life. However, due to our sinful nature, such is not humanly possible. But just because that kind of perfection is not possible to attain, does not mean that it is not a goal that is well worth striving for. We should all want to sing the song "Praise Is What I Do" and mean it. Let's praise The Lord everyday, multiple times each day, and not just on Sundays. Praising God is not just an action, it is an attitude, a way of life. We should also sing "Praise Is Who I am" and mean that too.
The psalmist states that God is to be praised from sunrise until sunset, literally all day long. This implies that Christians ought to be continually praising God.
We are to praise God all from the first thing in the morning until the last thing at night. Some of us wake up before the sun rises, and most of us stay up long after the sun sets. So, we are to spend every waking moment praising The Lord. We should strive to live in such a way that all we think, say, and do will give God glory. If we could do that, we would live a perfect life. However, due to our sinful nature, such is not humanly possible. But just because that kind of perfection is not possible to attain, does not mean that it is not a goal that is well worth striving for. We should all want to sing the song "Praise Is What I Do" and mean it. Let's praise The Lord everyday, multiple times each day, and not just on Sundays. Praising God is not just an action, it is an attitude, a way of life. We should also sing "Praise Is Who I am" and mean that too.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Fear The Lord And Be Blessed
"Humility and the fear of The LORD bring wealth and honor and life." Proverbs 22:4 (NIV)
According to King Solomon, the wisest man ever, the way to wealth, honor and long life is by being humble and fearing God.
Fear in this case is complete reverence to God. Fearing God is showing Him reverential awe, admiration, and submissiveness. According to John MacArthur, "The fear of The Lord is a state of mind in which one's own attitudes, will, feelings, deeds, and goals are exchanged for God's." Being humble and reverent to God leads to being blessed. The length of our days is determined by The Lord (Psalms 21:4), and every good and perfect gift comes from The Lord. (James 1:17) These blessings are brought about by walking with God. His favor, blessings, and rewards are poured out on those who reverence Him. (Luke 2:14 & Revelation 11:18) Fear the Lord and be blessed.
According to King Solomon, the wisest man ever, the way to wealth, honor and long life is by being humble and fearing God.
Fear in this case is complete reverence to God. Fearing God is showing Him reverential awe, admiration, and submissiveness. According to John MacArthur, "The fear of The Lord is a state of mind in which one's own attitudes, will, feelings, deeds, and goals are exchanged for God's." Being humble and reverent to God leads to being blessed. The length of our days is determined by The Lord (Psalms 21:4), and every good and perfect gift comes from The Lord. (James 1:17) These blessings are brought about by walking with God. His favor, blessings, and rewards are poured out on those who reverence Him. (Luke 2:14 & Revelation 11:18) Fear the Lord and be blessed.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Ask God For What You Want
"... You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." James 4:2-3 (NIV)
James, the half brother of Jesus, wrote to the scattered believers in Christ and told them that they have not because they ask not. He also said that what they asked for, they did not receive it because they asked for things for the wrong reasons.
We have not because we ask not. We should ask God for what we want. Jesus told His disciples that whatever they asked for in His name, they would receive. (John 14:13, 14:14, 15:16, 16:23, & 16:24) We are disciples of Christ, so that also applies to us today. There are, however, times when we ask for things and do not receive them. That is because we ask for things to increase our worldly pleasures. Jesus said that He would do what we ask in His name so that He could give glory to God, The Father. (John 14:13) If what we ask for is not designed to give God glory, we should not be surprised when we do not receive it. God may choose to bless us with the desires of our heart, things which may not give Him glory, if we delight in Him, in His way, and in His Word. (Psalms 1:2, 37:4, & 112:1) So, ask God for what you want, you just may get it.
James, the half brother of Jesus, wrote to the scattered believers in Christ and told them that they have not because they ask not. He also said that what they asked for, they did not receive it because they asked for things for the wrong reasons.
We have not because we ask not. We should ask God for what we want. Jesus told His disciples that whatever they asked for in His name, they would receive. (John 14:13, 14:14, 15:16, 16:23, & 16:24) We are disciples of Christ, so that also applies to us today. There are, however, times when we ask for things and do not receive them. That is because we ask for things to increase our worldly pleasures. Jesus said that He would do what we ask in His name so that He could give glory to God, The Father. (John 14:13) If what we ask for is not designed to give God glory, we should not be surprised when we do not receive it. God may choose to bless us with the desires of our heart, things which may not give Him glory, if we delight in Him, in His way, and in His Word. (Psalms 1:2, 37:4, & 112:1) So, ask God for what you want, you just may get it.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Worship The Lord
"Jesus answered, 'It is written: Worship The Lord your God and serve Him only.' " Luke 4:8 (NIV)
When Jesus was being tempted by Satan, one of the things that He said was that one should worship and serve only The Lord God.
Worship is an act of ardent love, devotion, adoration, and reverent honor directed toward God. While it can involve a physical act or action, it requires the complete involvement of mind, spirit and soul. (John 4:24) To worship is to give God glory. (Psalms 29:2) To worship we must be humble and prostrate ourselves before God, spiritually, if not also physically. (Psalms 95:6) We need to present ourselves as a living sacrifice to God. (Romans 12:1) We need to take our worship much more seriously.
When Jesus was being tempted by Satan, one of the things that He said was that one should worship and serve only The Lord God.
Worship is an act of ardent love, devotion, adoration, and reverent honor directed toward God. While it can involve a physical act or action, it requires the complete involvement of mind, spirit and soul. (John 4:24) To worship is to give God glory. (Psalms 29:2) To worship we must be humble and prostrate ourselves before God, spiritually, if not also physically. (Psalms 95:6) We need to present ourselves as a living sacrifice to God. (Romans 12:1) We need to take our worship much more seriously.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Serve And Follow Christ
"Whoever serves Me must follow Me; and where I am, My servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves Me." John 12:26 (NIV)
Near the end of His three year earthly ministry, after He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, and after He predicted His death, Jesus then said whoever serves Him must also follow Him, and God will honor them for doing so.
In order to serve The Lord, we must believe in Him and we must follow Him. We must follow His teaching, His principals, His example, and walk as He walked. By doing so, we glorify Him, and for doing so, God, The Father, will confer honor upon us. By serving Him now here on earth, one day we will be with Him in heaven.
Near the end of His three year earthly ministry, after He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, and after He predicted His death, Jesus then said whoever serves Him must also follow Him, and God will honor them for doing so.
In order to serve The Lord, we must believe in Him and we must follow Him. We must follow His teaching, His principals, His example, and walk as He walked. By doing so, we glorify Him, and for doing so, God, The Father, will confer honor upon us. By serving Him now here on earth, one day we will be with Him in heaven.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Christ Will Reward Us For Our Efforts
"For The Son of Man is going to come in His Father's glory with His angels, and then He will reward each person according to what he has done." Matthew 16:27 (NIV)
After predicting His death to the twelve disciples, Jesus said that He was going away, but that He was going to return, and when He returned He was going to reward each person according to their works.
Jesus is coming back to reward us for our works. This statement was repeated by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Christians in Ephesus. (Ephesians 6:8) It was also repeated by the Apostle John in his New Testament book of prophesy. (Revelation 22:12) We need to understand that our salvation is based solely upon our belief in Jesus, The Christ, and not on our works. However, the rewards which we will receive from Him on judgement day, will depend upon what we have done for Him with respect to our kingdom building efforts, and with respect to giving Him glory. Every Christian will not receive the same amount of rewards. As the song says: "Remember, only what we do for Him will be counted in the end."
After predicting His death to the twelve disciples, Jesus said that He was going away, but that He was going to return, and when He returned He was going to reward each person according to their works.
Jesus is coming back to reward us for our works. This statement was repeated by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Christians in Ephesus. (Ephesians 6:8) It was also repeated by the Apostle John in his New Testament book of prophesy. (Revelation 22:12) We need to understand that our salvation is based solely upon our belief in Jesus, The Christ, and not on our works. However, the rewards which we will receive from Him on judgement day, will depend upon what we have done for Him with respect to our kingdom building efforts, and with respect to giving Him glory. Every Christian will not receive the same amount of rewards. As the song says: "Remember, only what we do for Him will be counted in the end."
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Repent The Kingdom Of Heaven Is At Hand
"From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." Matthew 4:17 (NIV)
As He began His earthly ministry, after being baptized by John the baptizer, but before He called His first disciple, Jesus preached. His message was "Repent". Repent because judgement day in coming.
Repentance from sin is very important. It was the message of John, the baptizer. (Matthew 3:1-2) It was also the message in the first sermons of Jesus, The Christ. We need to repent from our sins. This is the gospel, the good news about the coming kingdom. (Matthew 4:23) We need to repent from our sins because judgement day in coming. Not only do we need to confess our sins, but we need to turn away from them. According to the disciple John, by repentance we give honor to God. (Revelation 14:6-7)
As He began His earthly ministry, after being baptized by John the baptizer, but before He called His first disciple, Jesus preached. His message was "Repent". Repent because judgement day in coming.
Repentance from sin is very important. It was the message of John, the baptizer. (Matthew 3:1-2) It was also the message in the first sermons of Jesus, The Christ. We need to repent from our sins. This is the gospel, the good news about the coming kingdom. (Matthew 4:23) We need to repent from our sins because judgement day in coming. Not only do we need to confess our sins, but we need to turn away from them. According to the disciple John, by repentance we give honor to God. (Revelation 14:6-7)
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Hear Him Follow Him And Don't Look Back
"He said to another man, 'Follow me.'' But the man replied, 'Lord, first let me go and bury my father.' Jesus said to him, 'Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.' Still another said, 'I will follow You, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family.' Jesus replied, 'No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.' " Luke 9:59-62 (NIV)
After His transfiguration, Jesus was walking along the road with His disciples and they were approached by several men. The first man said that he would follow Jesus anywhere. Jesus told the second man to follow Him, but he wanted to first go bury his father. The third man said that he would follow Jesus, but first he wanted to say good-bye to his family. Jesus basically said, let the spiritually dead take care of those mundane things. Then He added, if they had the desire to follow Him, and looked back to their worldly life and longed for things in it, then they were not fit for service in the kingdom of God.
Once we have heard The Word of God, it is time right then to take action and follow Him. Delaying action for any reason is just plain procrastination. God does not want to hear our excuses, either we will follow Him or we won't. Longing for anything in the life that is behind us is unacceptable. Remember what happened to Lot's wife when she looked back towards Sodom. (Genesis 19:26) Once we hear The Word of God, nothing in our past life should interfere with our following and obeying Him. Start the walk with Christ immediately, and grow in Christ as you walk with Him. Step out on faith and trust in God. Do not wait until you "get yourself together", that is just procrastination. Putting anything before God makes us unfit to serve Him.
After His transfiguration, Jesus was walking along the road with His disciples and they were approached by several men. The first man said that he would follow Jesus anywhere. Jesus told the second man to follow Him, but he wanted to first go bury his father. The third man said that he would follow Jesus, but first he wanted to say good-bye to his family. Jesus basically said, let the spiritually dead take care of those mundane things. Then He added, if they had the desire to follow Him, and looked back to their worldly life and longed for things in it, then they were not fit for service in the kingdom of God.
Once we have heard The Word of God, it is time right then to take action and follow Him. Delaying action for any reason is just plain procrastination. God does not want to hear our excuses, either we will follow Him or we won't. Longing for anything in the life that is behind us is unacceptable. Remember what happened to Lot's wife when she looked back towards Sodom. (Genesis 19:26) Once we hear The Word of God, nothing in our past life should interfere with our following and obeying Him. Start the walk with Christ immediately, and grow in Christ as you walk with Him. Step out on faith and trust in God. Do not wait until you "get yourself together", that is just procrastination. Putting anything before God makes us unfit to serve Him.
Friday, February 15, 2013
To God Be The Glory
"And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that The Son may bring glory to The Father. You may ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it." John 14:13-14 (NIV)
Jesus, The Christ, told His disciples that He would do whatever they asked in His name. He said that they could ask Him for anything and He would do it. However, the important phrase in what He said was that He would do it so that He could bring glory to God, The Father.
Today a lot of people quote John 14:14, and they use that verse as a bases for asking God for the things that they want for their own benefit. We often pray for things without regard for the glory of God. A lot of our prayers are not answered because what we ask for is outside of the will of God and it would not give Him glory. If we are doing God's will and we pray for things which will bring Him glory, then we will get what we asked for. May we seek to give God glory in what we say, do, and pray for.
Jesus, The Christ, told His disciples that He would do whatever they asked in His name. He said that they could ask Him for anything and He would do it. However, the important phrase in what He said was that He would do it so that He could bring glory to God, The Father.
Today a lot of people quote John 14:14, and they use that verse as a bases for asking God for the things that they want for their own benefit. We often pray for things without regard for the glory of God. A lot of our prayers are not answered because what we ask for is outside of the will of God and it would not give Him glory. If we are doing God's will and we pray for things which will bring Him glory, then we will get what we asked for. May we seek to give God glory in what we say, do, and pray for.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Faith Hope And Love
"And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)
In his letter to the Christians in Corinth, the Apostle Paul stated that having and exercising spiritual gifts did not make them holier than others or more mature in Christ. He said that the most important traits of a mature Christian are faith, hope, and love. The greatest of these is love, because God is love. (1 John 4:8 & 4:16)
In order for us to be more Christ-like, we need to demonstrate more faith, more hope, and more love.
Paul mentions these three again in his letter to the Colossians, (Colossians 1:4-5), and in his letter to the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 1:3). These Christians were demonstrating all three of these traits. We should follow their example. We need to let our work be produced by our faith in God. We need to let all of our actions be promped by love. We need to let our perseverance and our endurance be inspired by our hope in Jesus Christ. Those are the traits of mature Christians.
In his letter to the Christians in Corinth, the Apostle Paul stated that having and exercising spiritual gifts did not make them holier than others or more mature in Christ. He said that the most important traits of a mature Christian are faith, hope, and love. The greatest of these is love, because God is love. (1 John 4:8 & 4:16)
In order for us to be more Christ-like, we need to demonstrate more faith, more hope, and more love.
Paul mentions these three again in his letter to the Colossians, (Colossians 1:4-5), and in his letter to the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 1:3). These Christians were demonstrating all three of these traits. We should follow their example. We need to let our work be produced by our faith in God. We need to let all of our actions be promped by love. We need to let our perseverance and our endurance be inspired by our hope in Jesus Christ. Those are the traits of mature Christians.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Make Sure Your Prayers Are Heard And Answered
"We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does His will." John 9:31 (NIV)
The Apostle John offered this quote as he recounted the story of the man, blind from birth, to whom Jesus gave the ability to see. Defending Jesus, the man said that God does not listen to non-believers, but He listens to men who do His will.
God is all powerful, He knows all, and He is everywhere all at the same time. He hears every word spoken be every person. However, He hears and answers the prayers of the believers, but the "prayers" of non-believers are just words uttered in vain. (Proverbs 15:29) It is only possible to have a relationship with God, The Father, if we believe in Jesus, The Christ. (John 3:16 and John 14:6) There will be those who claim to know God, but He will separate them out from among the righteous. (Matthew 7:23, Matthew 25:41, & Luke 13:27) Make sure that you are counted among the believers.
The Apostle John offered this quote as he recounted the story of the man, blind from birth, to whom Jesus gave the ability to see. Defending Jesus, the man said that God does not listen to non-believers, but He listens to men who do His will.
God is all powerful, He knows all, and He is everywhere all at the same time. He hears every word spoken be every person. However, He hears and answers the prayers of the believers, but the "prayers" of non-believers are just words uttered in vain. (Proverbs 15:29) It is only possible to have a relationship with God, The Father, if we believe in Jesus, The Christ. (John 3:16 and John 14:6) There will be those who claim to know God, but He will separate them out from among the righteous. (Matthew 7:23, Matthew 25:41, & Luke 13:27) Make sure that you are counted among the believers.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Fasting And Praying
"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:16-18 (NIV)
As part of His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said that when men fast, it should be done in secret as a private matter between them and God. One should not look as if one is fasting, but rather one should look normal as though they are not fasting. It should not be done for the praise of men.
Periods of fasting and praying should be a personal matter between the believer and God. Fasting should be spiritual and purposeful. Part of the reason for fasting should be seeking the will of God, to know it, to understand it, and to comply with it. In order to do that we need God's help. The duration and the extent of our fasts may vary, but the spiritual nature of fasting should always be maintained. As we prepare for the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord and Savor, Jesus Christ, a period of fasting and praying would be appropriate as we rededicate ourselves to Him and His Word.
As part of His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said that when men fast, it should be done in secret as a private matter between them and God. One should not look as if one is fasting, but rather one should look normal as though they are not fasting. It should not be done for the praise of men.
Periods of fasting and praying should be a personal matter between the believer and God. Fasting should be spiritual and purposeful. Part of the reason for fasting should be seeking the will of God, to know it, to understand it, and to comply with it. In order to do that we need God's help. The duration and the extent of our fasts may vary, but the spiritual nature of fasting should always be maintained. As we prepare for the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord and Savor, Jesus Christ, a period of fasting and praying would be appropriate as we rededicate ourselves to Him and His Word.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Mercy Mercy Mercy
"But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions, it is by grace you have been saved." Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul told the Christians in Ephesus that they were just like the lost sinners in the world, "... gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts." Ephesians 2:3 But thanks to the love, mercy, and grace of God, Christ saved them from their sins.
Even today, we occasionally give in to our sin-sick nature, just like the people in Biblical times. Thankfully, God has mercy on us and does not give us the punishment that we deserve for our sins. The love of God and the blood of Jesus saves us. We need to thank God for His loving kindness and His mercy. When we pray, we need to thank Him for what He has done, is doing, and will do for us. "God have mercy and help me, believer and sinner that I am." (Author unknown)
Sunday, February 10, 2013
All Good Gifts Come From God
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from The Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17 (NIV)
The Apostle James, the half brother of Jesus, wrote this in a letter to the scattered believers during their period of persecution under King Herod, after the death of Christ. He reminded them that every good and perfect gift comes to them from their heavenly Father, the maker of the sun and the stars.
Everything that is good which happens to us, is a blessing from God. Not just the gifts and presents that we receive, but even the good little things that we take for granted, like each breath and each heart beat. Even the kindness shown to us by a friend is a gift from God. Every random act of kindness that we receive is the result of love, and all love is from God because God is love. (1 John 4:8) So, when we receive a gift, we not only need to the human giver of the gift, but we need to thank God for making that blessing possible. We also need to thank God for the gifts and blessings which we receive that no man can give us.
The Apostle James, the half brother of Jesus, wrote this in a letter to the scattered believers during their period of persecution under King Herod, after the death of Christ. He reminded them that every good and perfect gift comes to them from their heavenly Father, the maker of the sun and the stars.
Everything that is good which happens to us, is a blessing from God. Not just the gifts and presents that we receive, but even the good little things that we take for granted, like each breath and each heart beat. Even the kindness shown to us by a friend is a gift from God. Every random act of kindness that we receive is the result of love, and all love is from God because God is love. (1 John 4:8) So, when we receive a gift, we not only need to the human giver of the gift, but we need to thank God for making that blessing possible. We also need to thank God for the gifts and blessings which we receive that no man can give us.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
God Is Good Seek Him
"The LORD is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him;" Lamentations 3:25 (NIV)
The Prophet Jeremiah is generally thought to be the author of the Book of Lamentations and he is given credit for writing that God is good to those who wait on Him, to those who seek Him. This was written to a people who had just suffered very hard times.
Given those of us today who are dealing with difficulties in life, this is a message that we should take to heart. There is never a good time to turn from God. However, when things are going badly, and when the difficulties seem to be winning, that is the time when we need to seek God. When the storms of life are raging, turn to The One who can calm the storm, Jesus Christ. Seek Him, believe in Him, have faith in Him, and good things will happen. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy is coming in the morning. (Psalms 30:5)
The Prophet Jeremiah is generally thought to be the author of the Book of Lamentations and he is given credit for writing that God is good to those who wait on Him, to those who seek Him. This was written to a people who had just suffered very hard times.
Given those of us today who are dealing with difficulties in life, this is a message that we should take to heart. There is never a good time to turn from God. However, when things are going badly, and when the difficulties seem to be winning, that is the time when we need to seek God. When the storms of life are raging, turn to The One who can calm the storm, Jesus Christ. Seek Him, believe in Him, have faith in Him, and good things will happen. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy is coming in the morning. (Psalms 30:5)
Friday, February 8, 2013
Do Things For The Glory Of God
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)
This was the advice of the Apostle Paul to the Christians in Corinth. In all that they do, it should done to the glory of God.
All Christian conduct and speech should be done so as to give honor to God. In fact, if what we say or do does not give God glory, it is a sin, since all unrighteousness is sin. (1 John 5:17) Even things that we consider to be neutral, neither good or bad, are also probably sinful. On judgement day we will have to give an account even for the idle words that we speak. (Matthew 12:36) Our words reveal the state of, and the issues within, our heart. (Matthew 12:34) God knows our thoughts so He can judge our intentions as well as our actions. (Psalms 94:11) We need to ask ourselves, are we doing this, whatever it is, to give God glory? We need to make a conscience effort every day to do more things which glorify God.
This was the advice of the Apostle Paul to the Christians in Corinth. In all that they do, it should done to the glory of God.
All Christian conduct and speech should be done so as to give honor to God. In fact, if what we say or do does not give God glory, it is a sin, since all unrighteousness is sin. (1 John 5:17) Even things that we consider to be neutral, neither good or bad, are also probably sinful. On judgement day we will have to give an account even for the idle words that we speak. (Matthew 12:36) Our words reveal the state of, and the issues within, our heart. (Matthew 12:34) God knows our thoughts so He can judge our intentions as well as our actions. (Psalms 94:11) We need to ask ourselves, are we doing this, whatever it is, to give God glory? We need to make a conscience effort every day to do more things which glorify God.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
May God Fill You With Joy And Peace
"May The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of The Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Christians in the church in Rome that he was wishing God's blessings upon them. He wished them joy and peace and hope, by the power of The Holy Spirit.
Joy is a gift from God. Jesus said "If you obey My commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have obeyed My Father's commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." (John 15:10-11) Jesus also said "... and no one will take away your joy." (John 16:22) As the song says, "... This joy that I have, the world didn't give it, and the world can't take it away." Also, only with the help of God can we count everything that happens in this life as joy. (James 1:2) And the only real peace is God's perfect peace. (Isaiah 26:3) The only way to be blessed with the gifts of joy and peace, is to believe and obey The Word of God, because both of them are gifts from God through The Holy Spirit.
The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Christians in the church in Rome that he was wishing God's blessings upon them. He wished them joy and peace and hope, by the power of The Holy Spirit.
Joy is a gift from God. Jesus said "If you obey My commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have obeyed My Father's commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." (John 15:10-11) Jesus also said "... and no one will take away your joy." (John 16:22) As the song says, "... This joy that I have, the world didn't give it, and the world can't take it away." Also, only with the help of God can we count everything that happens in this life as joy. (James 1:2) And the only real peace is God's perfect peace. (Isaiah 26:3) The only way to be blessed with the gifts of joy and peace, is to believe and obey The Word of God, because both of them are gifts from God through The Holy Spirit.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Our Sins Have Been Forgiven By Jesus
"I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of His name." 1 John 2:12 (NIV)
The Apostle John, who referred to himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 13:23, 19:26, 21:7, & 21:20), who wrote so that men would believe that Jesus is God, said here that the sins of all believers had been forgiven because of Jesus, The Christ.
Jesus paid the price for the sins of all mankind, past, present, and future, so that we are free from the penalty of sin. (1 John 2:1-2) This does not mean that we are free to sin without paying any consequences. To give no regard to the commands in The Word of God would be to live as if we did not love The Lord. (John 14:15 & 15:10) If we believe and confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
The Apostle John, who referred to himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 13:23, 19:26, 21:7, & 21:20), who wrote so that men would believe that Jesus is God, said here that the sins of all believers had been forgiven because of Jesus, The Christ.
Jesus paid the price for the sins of all mankind, past, present, and future, so that we are free from the penalty of sin. (1 John 2:1-2) This does not mean that we are free to sin without paying any consequences. To give no regard to the commands in The Word of God would be to live as if we did not love The Lord. (John 14:15 & 15:10) If we believe and confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
Jesus Said You Are My Friends
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command." John 15:13-14 (NIV)
Near the end of His earthly ministry, Jesus, The Christ, told His disciples that they were His friends. He also said that to lay down one's life for a friend is the ultimate demonstration of love for him.
Many of us have people in our lives that we call friends. A real friend is someone very special. Webster's dictionary defines a friend as one who is attached to another by affection or esteem; a favored companion. Every one that we go to school with, work with, belong to the same club with, or live near is not our friend. Every one who likes us or follows us on a social network is not really our friend. We have a large number of acquaintances and associates, colleagues and co-workers, in our lives who are not really our friends. A friend is some one who will go out of their way to maintain a relationship with us when there are no outside forces keeping us together. They may not contact us everyday, but when they do there is a genuine love present. There are some friends that stick closer to us than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24) We may have a friend who would be will to die for us. But there is no friend like the friend we have in Jesus. He is indeed truly our friend, and so much more than that. He lived for us, He died for us, He rose for us, and now He intercedes for us. We are His friends if we do what He says, so let us obey The Word of God.
Near the end of His earthly ministry, Jesus, The Christ, told His disciples that they were His friends. He also said that to lay down one's life for a friend is the ultimate demonstration of love for him.
Many of us have people in our lives that we call friends. A real friend is someone very special. Webster's dictionary defines a friend as one who is attached to another by affection or esteem; a favored companion. Every one that we go to school with, work with, belong to the same club with, or live near is not our friend. Every one who likes us or follows us on a social network is not really our friend. We have a large number of acquaintances and associates, colleagues and co-workers, in our lives who are not really our friends. A friend is some one who will go out of their way to maintain a relationship with us when there are no outside forces keeping us together. They may not contact us everyday, but when they do there is a genuine love present. There are some friends that stick closer to us than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24) We may have a friend who would be will to die for us. But there is no friend like the friend we have in Jesus. He is indeed truly our friend, and so much more than that. He lived for us, He died for us, He rose for us, and now He intercedes for us. We are His friends if we do what He says, so let us obey The Word of God.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Do Not Speak Foul Misleading Or Hurtful Words
"Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips." Proverbs 4:24 (NIV)
King Solomon said that men should not speak perverse or corrupt language. This included dishonest speech, foul language, and lies, as well as words without proper content, context, or purpose which would be displeasing to The Lord.
We really need to be very careful in choosing the words that we use when we speak. All of our conversations should be pleasing to God's ears. Intentionally taking words out of context, is to intentionally misrepresent the truth. If the purpose of our conversation is anything other than to be truthful and helpful, then it should remain unspoken, and we should ask God to forgive us for our corrupt thoughts. Remember, we will have to give an account for every word that we speak. (Matthew 12:36) Our conversations should also be Christ-like.
King Solomon said that men should not speak perverse or corrupt language. This included dishonest speech, foul language, and lies, as well as words without proper content, context, or purpose which would be displeasing to The Lord.
We really need to be very careful in choosing the words that we use when we speak. All of our conversations should be pleasing to God's ears. Intentionally taking words out of context, is to intentionally misrepresent the truth. If the purpose of our conversation is anything other than to be truthful and helpful, then it should remain unspoken, and we should ask God to forgive us for our corrupt thoughts. Remember, we will have to give an account for every word that we speak. (Matthew 12:36) Our conversations should also be Christ-like.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
We Need To Demonstrate Acts Of Faith
"I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, 'The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to Him, but His great anger is against all who forsake Him.' " Ezra 8:22 (N IV)
This what the prophet Ezra told the king when he led the people to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall. Because he feared they would encounter enemies along the way, he led the people in fasting and praying for God's protection. He did not want to confuse the king regarding his faith in God, so he did not ask for solders to accompany them.
Our faith is frequently tested, to see if we put more faith in man, or in our own resources, than we put in God. We tell people that we have faith in God, and sometimes we are tested to see if we really do have faith in Him. We know about faith and we talk about it, but we need to follow the FACTS of faith with ACTS of faith.
This what the prophet Ezra told the king when he led the people to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall. Because he feared they would encounter enemies along the way, he led the people in fasting and praying for God's protection. He did not want to confuse the king regarding his faith in God, so he did not ask for solders to accompany them.
Our faith is frequently tested, to see if we put more faith in man, or in our own resources, than we put in God. We tell people that we have faith in God, and sometimes we are tested to see if we really do have faith in Him. We know about faith and we talk about it, but we need to follow the FACTS of faith with ACTS of faith.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
God Hears And Answers Prayers
"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have what we asked of Him." 1 John 5:14-15 (NIV)
The Apostle John stated that Christians know that they can approach the throne of grace and that they can ask for anything that they want as long as it is according to the will of God. They know that God hears them and will grant what ever they ask for, as long as the request is within His will.
We are to pray (Luke 18:1), ask for what we want (Matthew 7:7; Luke 11:9; & John 15:7), and know that if we follow His will that He will hear and answer us (2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalms 17:6; & Isaiah 65:24:). If what we ask for gives God glory, it will be granted.
The Apostle John stated that Christians know that they can approach the throne of grace and that they can ask for anything that they want as long as it is according to the will of God. They know that God hears them and will grant what ever they ask for, as long as the request is within His will.
We are to pray (Luke 18:1), ask for what we want (Matthew 7:7; Luke 11:9; & John 15:7), and know that if we follow His will that He will hear and answer us (2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalms 17:6; & Isaiah 65:24:). If what we ask for gives God glory, it will be granted.
Friday, February 1, 2013
How Often Do We Praise God?
"Seven times a day I praise You for Your righteous laws." Psalms 119:164 (NIV)
In one of the "utterances" of prayer recorded by King David in this psalm, he said that he praised God seven times each day.
There is some debate among the Bible scholars as to whether David actually praised God seven times a day, or whether the phrase "seven times" was a reference to perfection and completeness, suggesting an attitude of continual praise. (John MacArthur) Whether it is literal or figurative, such a term expresses great gratitude to God for His Word. (Finis Dake) The number "seven" may have been, or probably was a figure representing "many times." (C John Collins) The phrase "seven times" clearly meant "very frequently." (Matthew Henry) Most of us pray, at most, five times a day, before meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), when we wake up, and just before bedtime. Is five times each day enough praise? Maybe our lives would be better off if we spent more time praising God. Maybe we should make it a point to praise God at least seven times each day, and not just on Sunday.
In one of the "utterances" of prayer recorded by King David in this psalm, he said that he praised God seven times each day.
There is some debate among the Bible scholars as to whether David actually praised God seven times a day, or whether the phrase "seven times" was a reference to perfection and completeness, suggesting an attitude of continual praise. (John MacArthur) Whether it is literal or figurative, such a term expresses great gratitude to God for His Word. (Finis Dake) The number "seven" may have been, or probably was a figure representing "many times." (C John Collins) The phrase "seven times" clearly meant "very frequently." (Matthew Henry) Most of us pray, at most, five times a day, before meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), when we wake up, and just before bedtime. Is five times each day enough praise? Maybe our lives would be better off if we spent more time praising God. Maybe we should make it a point to praise God at least seven times each day, and not just on Sunday.
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