"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," Colossians 1:10 (NIV)
This is the prayer that the Apostle Paul prayed for the Christian believers in the church at Colossi. His prayer was that they would, one, live in such a way so as to be worthy of being named after The Lord; and two, so that what they did would be pleasing to The Lord; and three, that they would be productive and bear good fruit of good works; and four, that they would continue to grow in the knowledge of God.
This is a prayer that we should pray for someone that we love with an agape kind of love. We should be able to pray this prayer for all of our Christian brothers and sisters, and really mean it when we say it. We should pray that all of us would hear The Word of God, then believe it and live it. In all that we do, we should endeavor to please The Lord. Since the world will know a tree by the fruit that it bears, likewise shall we be known. (Matthew 7:15-20) Good people will produce good fruit. We should also pray that each of us will grow daily in the knowledge and holiness of God. (1 Peter 2:2 and 2 Peter 3:18)
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
We Can't Please Man And Please God
"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10 (NIV)
In his letter to the Galatian Christians, the Apostle Paul said that if he were trying to win the approval of men, he would not be a servant of Christ. Paul knew that he could not please God and man at the same time.
Today, we need to know and understand that we cannot please God and please man at the same time. Paul said the same thing to the Christians in Thessalonica. (1 Thessalonians 2:4) We can only please, follow, and serve only one or the other. No man can serve two masters. (Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13) We must choose who we will serve and try to please. (Joshua 24:15) The carnal mind of man is at enmity with God (Romans 8:7), and anyone who wants to be friends with the world, and please man, is an enemy of God. (James 4:4) Unless a man submits to God, he is controlled by his sinful nature, and those controlled by their sinful nature cannot please God. (Romans 8:8)
In his letter to the Galatian Christians, the Apostle Paul said that if he were trying to win the approval of men, he would not be a servant of Christ. Paul knew that he could not please God and man at the same time.
Today, we need to know and understand that we cannot please God and please man at the same time. Paul said the same thing to the Christians in Thessalonica. (1 Thessalonians 2:4) We can only please, follow, and serve only one or the other. No man can serve two masters. (Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13) We must choose who we will serve and try to please. (Joshua 24:15) The carnal mind of man is at enmity with God (Romans 8:7), and anyone who wants to be friends with the world, and please man, is an enemy of God. (James 4:4) Unless a man submits to God, he is controlled by his sinful nature, and those controlled by their sinful nature cannot please God. (Romans 8:8)
Sunday, April 28, 2013
God Is Compassionate And Merciful
"Whenever God slew them, they would seek Him; they eagerly turned to Him again. They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer. But then they would flatter Him with their mouths, lying to Him with their tongues; their hearts were not loyal to Him, they were not faithful to His covenant. Yet He was merciful; He forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them. Time after time He restrained His anger and did not stir up His full wrath. He remembered that they were but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return." Psalms 78:34-39 (NIV)
After reminding the people of their days in bondage in Egypt, and what God did to bring them out, and how He provided for them in the wilderness, this psalmist told them that God was compassionate and merciful. For, even after they turned against Him again and again, God forgave them and He did not turn His full anger and wrath against them.
We need to be reminded today that as often as we sin against God (Psalm 51:4), He has offered us forgiveness of our sins. He has shown us His compassion, mercy, and grace. We have not gotten what we deserve (Roman 6:23), and He has blessed us with blessings that we did not deserve. (John 1:16) God remembers that we are but flesh with a sinful human nature, and while we are alive, with a chance to repent, He holds back on His anger and wrath. (Romans 8:8 and Galatians 5:17) If we confess and repent of our sins, He will forgive us of our sins. (1 John 1:9) If we do not, then judgement day is coming. (Revelation 20:15
After reminding the people of their days in bondage in Egypt, and what God did to bring them out, and how He provided for them in the wilderness, this psalmist told them that God was compassionate and merciful. For, even after they turned against Him again and again, God forgave them and He did not turn His full anger and wrath against them.
We need to be reminded today that as often as we sin against God (Psalm 51:4), He has offered us forgiveness of our sins. He has shown us His compassion, mercy, and grace. We have not gotten what we deserve (Roman 6:23), and He has blessed us with blessings that we did not deserve. (John 1:16) God remembers that we are but flesh with a sinful human nature, and while we are alive, with a chance to repent, He holds back on His anger and wrath. (Romans 8:8 and Galatians 5:17) If we confess and repent of our sins, He will forgive us of our sins. (1 John 1:9) If we do not, then judgement day is coming. (Revelation 20:15
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Enter The Door That God Opens
"I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name." Revelation 3:8 (NIV)
In a vision, the Apostle John was told to write these words to the leader of the church in Philadelphia. God knew that they had kept His word and had not denied Him, so He was giving them an opportunity that he was not giving to anyone else.
God opens doors for His Church, and for the individuals within His Church. An open door is an opportunity to enter into a place or an opportunity for service. Some doors only God can open for us. He provides us with the opportunity to use our talents in new places, to serve in new ways, to speak to people that we know in new ways, or to speak to people that we haven't spoken to before. He gives us the chance to share The Word of God, by word or by example, in ways or places like never before. Once God opens a door for us, no man can close that door. However, we must walk through the door that He opens. We are never forced to enter it, we must choose to enter it. There are also some doors that He closes, that we were not meant to go through, and no man can open them. (Revelation 3:7) Some things we just should avoid, and He helps us to avoid making some big mistakes. We should thank God for the doors which He opens for us, and for the doors which He closes.
In a vision, the Apostle John was told to write these words to the leader of the church in Philadelphia. God knew that they had kept His word and had not denied Him, so He was giving them an opportunity that he was not giving to anyone else.
God opens doors for His Church, and for the individuals within His Church. An open door is an opportunity to enter into a place or an opportunity for service. Some doors only God can open for us. He provides us with the opportunity to use our talents in new places, to serve in new ways, to speak to people that we know in new ways, or to speak to people that we haven't spoken to before. He gives us the chance to share The Word of God, by word or by example, in ways or places like never before. Once God opens a door for us, no man can close that door. However, we must walk through the door that He opens. We are never forced to enter it, we must choose to enter it. There are also some doors that He closes, that we were not meant to go through, and no man can open them. (Revelation 3:7) Some things we just should avoid, and He helps us to avoid making some big mistakes. We should thank God for the doors which He opens for us, and for the doors which He closes.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Don't Argue With A Fool Or A Non-believer
"Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself." Proverbs 26:4 (NIV)
King Solomon said do not agree with a fool, or engage him at his level, rebuke him, correct him, or leave him alone. Speak to him, tell him the truth and point out the error in his ways. Do not argue with him or you will be perceived as being just like him.
To paraphrase an old saying, when you see a fool and a genius arguing, it is difficult to tell which one is which. Do not argue with a fool, do not go down to his level. If he bashes you and your friends, for whatever reason, do not bash him and his friends. Do not try to out point him in his game. A wise man must be taught how to deal with fools. This applies to the believer dealing with non-believers. Believers need to know when to speak, what to say, and when to be silent. (Colossians 4:6) When confronted by a non-believer, one should speak the truth, tell him what the Bible says on that matter, give him book, chapter, and verse, if possible, and then end the conversation politely, agreeing to disagree if he persists. To quote the Bible and apply it correctly to people, we need to study it. (2 Timothy 2:15) It is our job to share The Word of God with people. (Mark 16:15) It is The Holy Spirit's job to convict, convince, convert, and consecrate, and to add to the Church as He sees fit. (Acts 2:47) Sometimes we just need to "shake the dust off" our shoes and move on, as Jesus told His disciples to do when they meet non-receptive non-believers. (Matthew 10:14, Mark 6:11, and Luke 9:5)
King Solomon said do not agree with a fool, or engage him at his level, rebuke him, correct him, or leave him alone. Speak to him, tell him the truth and point out the error in his ways. Do not argue with him or you will be perceived as being just like him.
To paraphrase an old saying, when you see a fool and a genius arguing, it is difficult to tell which one is which. Do not argue with a fool, do not go down to his level. If he bashes you and your friends, for whatever reason, do not bash him and his friends. Do not try to out point him in his game. A wise man must be taught how to deal with fools. This applies to the believer dealing with non-believers. Believers need to know when to speak, what to say, and when to be silent. (Colossians 4:6) When confronted by a non-believer, one should speak the truth, tell him what the Bible says on that matter, give him book, chapter, and verse, if possible, and then end the conversation politely, agreeing to disagree if he persists. To quote the Bible and apply it correctly to people, we need to study it. (2 Timothy 2:15) It is our job to share The Word of God with people. (Mark 16:15) It is The Holy Spirit's job to convict, convince, convert, and consecrate, and to add to the Church as He sees fit. (Acts 2:47) Sometimes we just need to "shake the dust off" our shoes and move on, as Jesus told His disciples to do when they meet non-receptive non-believers. (Matthew 10:14, Mark 6:11, and Luke 9:5)
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Better To Be Invited Up Than To Be Asked Down
"Do not exalt yourself in the king's presence, and do not claim a place among great men; it is better for him to say to you, 'Come up here,' than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman." Proverbs 25:6-7 (NIV)
The wise man, King Solomon, taught that it is good to be humble. It is better to be invited up to a seat of honor, than it is to take a seat among honored guests and to be humiliated by being asked to move and step down and give the seat that you took to another.
We should not assume that there is a seat of honor reserved for us. We should not take a seat of honor without being told to sit there. It does not matter whether that seat is on the podium, on the stage, at the head table, at the head of the table, or in the reserved seating section, we should not assume that we are being so honored. We should humble ourselves and sit in an unassuming place until we are invited to sit in a seat of honor. It can be a very humiliating and embarrassing experience to be asked to give up a seat which you chose that was reserved for some one else. Being humble can spare us a lot of hurt feelings. It is better to be invited up, than to be asked down. Honor is better bestowed upon us than wrongly presumed by us. Jesus, The Christ, taught a similar lesson in a parable about the narrow door. (Luke 13:22-30) His point was "those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last." He taught a similar lesson in the parable about a wedding. (Luke 14:7-11) His point was "for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." This can also be applied to other situations. Do not exalt yourself to The King of Kings, do not falsely include yourself among the righteous. There will be those who will show up to the judgement seat at the entrance to heaven, and they will be asked to leave.
The wise man, King Solomon, taught that it is good to be humble. It is better to be invited up to a seat of honor, than it is to take a seat among honored guests and to be humiliated by being asked to move and step down and give the seat that you took to another.
We should not assume that there is a seat of honor reserved for us. We should not take a seat of honor without being told to sit there. It does not matter whether that seat is on the podium, on the stage, at the head table, at the head of the table, or in the reserved seating section, we should not assume that we are being so honored. We should humble ourselves and sit in an unassuming place until we are invited to sit in a seat of honor. It can be a very humiliating and embarrassing experience to be asked to give up a seat which you chose that was reserved for some one else. Being humble can spare us a lot of hurt feelings. It is better to be invited up, than to be asked down. Honor is better bestowed upon us than wrongly presumed by us. Jesus, The Christ, taught a similar lesson in a parable about the narrow door. (Luke 13:22-30) His point was "those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last." He taught a similar lesson in the parable about a wedding. (Luke 14:7-11) His point was "for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." This can also be applied to other situations. Do not exalt yourself to The King of Kings, do not falsely include yourself among the righteous. There will be those who will show up to the judgement seat at the entrance to heaven, and they will be asked to leave.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
God Is My Everything
"He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me." Psalms 144:2 (NIV)
After he begins by praising God, King David then begins to list the things that God is to him. He says that God is his loving God, his fortress, his stronghold, his deliverer, his shield, his refuge, and his subduer of people. God did a lot for David.
David begins this psalm by saying that God is his strength and his teacher (Psalm 144:1), and he ends it by saying the God is his salvation (Psalm 144:10). He lists ten things that God is to him. What would we say that God is to us, if we had to list them as David did? When we think about all of the roles that God fulfills in our lives, we should just want to thank Him and praise Him. As the song says, "God is my everything!" David had a right to praise God, and so do we. God has done a lot for us.
After he begins by praising God, King David then begins to list the things that God is to him. He says that God is his loving God, his fortress, his stronghold, his deliverer, his shield, his refuge, and his subduer of people. God did a lot for David.
David begins this psalm by saying that God is his strength and his teacher (Psalm 144:1), and he ends it by saying the God is his salvation (Psalm 144:10). He lists ten things that God is to him. What would we say that God is to us, if we had to list them as David did? When we think about all of the roles that God fulfills in our lives, we should just want to thank Him and praise Him. As the song says, "God is my everything!" David had a right to praise God, and so do we. God has done a lot for us.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Praise God From Sunrise To Sunset
"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)
This psalm of praise was sung was normally sung before the Passover meal. The author is unknown. The message, however, is quite clear, The Lord God is to be praised from the beginning of each day until the end of each day.
This verse literally says that we should praise God from sunrise to sunset. However, some Bible scholars would say that it means that all who enjoy the benefit of a sunrise or a sunset should praise God. (Matthew Henry) While other Bible scholars say that it means that we should praise God continually. (William MacDonald) Still others say that we should praise God "from the first moment of consciousness in the morning to the last waking moment before sleep." (John MacArthur) It is clear that we should praise God, and we should praise Him multiple times during each day, and not just during the daylight hours.
This psalm of praise was sung was normally sung before the Passover meal. The author is unknown. The message, however, is quite clear, The Lord God is to be praised from the beginning of each day until the end of each day.
This verse literally says that we should praise God from sunrise to sunset. However, some Bible scholars would say that it means that all who enjoy the benefit of a sunrise or a sunset should praise God. (Matthew Henry) While other Bible scholars say that it means that we should praise God continually. (William MacDonald) Still others say that we should praise God "from the first moment of consciousness in the morning to the last waking moment before sleep." (John MacArthur) It is clear that we should praise God, and we should praise Him multiple times during each day, and not just during the daylight hours.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Saved By The Love Of God
"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 8:38-39 (NIV)
In his letter to the Christians in Rome, the Apostle Paul wrote that he was convinced that nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from the love of God that is in our Lord, Jesus, The Christ.
Paul said that Christ proved His love for us when He died for us, then He rose from the dead for us, and now He sit at the right hand of God and pleads our case as He makes intercession for us. (Romans 8:34) With the omnipotent, omniscience, and omnipresent God standing for us, who can stand against us? (Romans 8:31) We are winners, we have the victory no matter what we face or go through because we have the love of God. (Romans 8:37) Once we accept Christ as our personal Savior, nothing can come between us and the love of God.
In his letter to the Christians in Rome, the Apostle Paul wrote that he was convinced that nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from the love of God that is in our Lord, Jesus, The Christ.
Paul said that Christ proved His love for us when He died for us, then He rose from the dead for us, and now He sit at the right hand of God and pleads our case as He makes intercession for us. (Romans 8:34) With the omnipotent, omniscience, and omnipresent God standing for us, who can stand against us? (Romans 8:31) We are winners, we have the victory no matter what we face or go through because we have the love of God. (Romans 8:37) Once we accept Christ as our personal Savior, nothing can come between us and the love of God.
Watch Your Tongue
"He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity." Proverbs 21:23 (NIV)
This another wise saying from a very wise man, King Solomon, who said that the man who is careful about what he says, will avoid getting into trouble.
All too often we engage our mouth before we engage our brain. We should process and screen the thoughts that we have before we speak. Some of our thoughts should never be verbalized. (Proverbs 20:19) According to Finis Dake, guarding the tongue is the secret to peace and contentment. John MacArthur says that guarding the mouth and tongue keeps the soul from troubles. By watching our words, we can prevent a lot of the trouble that we would otherwise find ourselves ensnared. We talk too much and we say the wrong things. (James 3:5-8) We need to pray and ask God to guide our tongue and help us with our choice of words. (Psalms 34:13 and Psalms 139:4)
This another wise saying from a very wise man, King Solomon, who said that the man who is careful about what he says, will avoid getting into trouble.
All too often we engage our mouth before we engage our brain. We should process and screen the thoughts that we have before we speak. Some of our thoughts should never be verbalized. (Proverbs 20:19) According to Finis Dake, guarding the tongue is the secret to peace and contentment. John MacArthur says that guarding the mouth and tongue keeps the soul from troubles. By watching our words, we can prevent a lot of the trouble that we would otherwise find ourselves ensnared. We talk too much and we say the wrong things. (James 3:5-8) We need to pray and ask God to guide our tongue and help us with our choice of words. (Psalms 34:13 and Psalms 139:4)
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Only God Knows The Path We Will Take
"A man's steps are directed by The LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?" Proverbs 20:24 (NIV)
The wise man, King Solomon, said that a man's path is directed by The Lord. Then he asked the question, how can anyone really know where they are going?
According to John MacArthur, since we cannot comprehend the purposes of God in our life, we must walk by faith. God is divinely sovereign and is in control of everything, He even controls the heart and the mind of the unbelievers, (Exodus 9:12, 10:1, 10:20, 10:27, 11:10, and Romans 1:28) as well as believers (Psalms 31:23) We will all be used for God's purpose, one way or another. We may be a blessing, or part of a test for someone. We do not know what the future holds for us, and we do not know what our next step will be. We have the freedom of choice, and frequently we choose to do wrong. (Joshua 24:15) We need to be taught to choose rightly, and we need God's help to teach us to choose correctly the right way. (Psalms 25:9 & 12, and Matthew 7:13-14) Since we do not know the future, we should commit our way to God's way, submit to Him, and follow His guidance. (Proverbs 1:1-7)
The wise man, King Solomon, said that a man's path is directed by The Lord. Then he asked the question, how can anyone really know where they are going?
According to John MacArthur, since we cannot comprehend the purposes of God in our life, we must walk by faith. God is divinely sovereign and is in control of everything, He even controls the heart and the mind of the unbelievers, (Exodus 9:12, 10:1, 10:20, 10:27, 11:10, and Romans 1:28) as well as believers (Psalms 31:23) We will all be used for God's purpose, one way or another. We may be a blessing, or part of a test for someone. We do not know what the future holds for us, and we do not know what our next step will be. We have the freedom of choice, and frequently we choose to do wrong. (Joshua 24:15) We need to be taught to choose rightly, and we need God's help to teach us to choose correctly the right way. (Psalms 25:9 & 12, and Matthew 7:13-14) Since we do not know the future, we should commit our way to God's way, submit to Him, and follow His guidance. (Proverbs 1:1-7)
Friday, April 19, 2013
God Can Use Us Where We Are
"Nevertheless, each one should retain the place in life that The Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. ... Each one should remain in the situation which he was in when God called him." 1 Corinthians 7:17 & 20 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul began this chapter to the believers in Corinth with a discussion on being married versus being single. However, he also discussed being circumcised versus uncircumcised, and being a slave versus being free. His point was, with respect to God's call on their life, they should stay in the situation that they were in when God called them, and focus on what God has for them to do and not focus on their situation.
God can use us, wherever we are in life, regardless of our status, station, or situation. What is important to God is our focus being on Him and our behavior, not our employment status, marital status, our health status, or economic status. God has a purpose for each of us, and it is important that we bloom where He has planted us. (2 Corinthians 5:5 and Philippians 2:13) God has blessed us to be in whatever situation we find ourselves in, and He will work it for our good. (Roman 8:28) We need to appreciate wherever we are planted and count it all as joy. (James 1:2) Whatever we do, we should do it to the best of our ability. (Ecclesiastes 9:10) For whatever it is that we do, it should be done to the glory of God, because it is for Him that we are working. (1 Corinthians 10:31 and Colossians 3:23)
The Apostle Paul began this chapter to the believers in Corinth with a discussion on being married versus being single. However, he also discussed being circumcised versus uncircumcised, and being a slave versus being free. His point was, with respect to God's call on their life, they should stay in the situation that they were in when God called them, and focus on what God has for them to do and not focus on their situation.
God can use us, wherever we are in life, regardless of our status, station, or situation. What is important to God is our focus being on Him and our behavior, not our employment status, marital status, our health status, or economic status. God has a purpose for each of us, and it is important that we bloom where He has planted us. (2 Corinthians 5:5 and Philippians 2:13) God has blessed us to be in whatever situation we find ourselves in, and He will work it for our good. (Roman 8:28) We need to appreciate wherever we are planted and count it all as joy. (James 1:2) Whatever we do, we should do it to the best of our ability. (Ecclesiastes 9:10) For whatever it is that we do, it should be done to the glory of God, because it is for Him that we are working. (1 Corinthians 10:31 and Colossians 3:23)
Thursday, April 18, 2013
God The Father God The Son And God The Holy Spirit These Three Are One
"For there are three that bear witness in heaven: The Father, The Word, and The Holy Spirit; and these three are one." 1 John 5:7 (NKJV)
The Apostle John, who wrote so that all would believe that Jesus, The Christ, is God, states here that there are three witnesses in heaven who attest to the fact that Jesus is God. God, The Father, spoke from heaven and said that Jesus was His beloved Son. (Matthew 3:17, Matthew 17:5, Mark 9:7, Luke 9:35, and 2 Peter 1:17) Jesus, The Son of God, is The Word of God (John 1:1 and 1:14), and He said "I and My Father are one." (John 10:30, John 10:38, John 14:10, John 17:11, and John 17:22) Jesus, The Word, also said, he that has seen Him, has seen God, The Father. (John 14:9) God, The Holy Spirit, descended from heaven and came to rest upon Him. (Matthew 1:32, Mark 1:10, and Luke 1:32) The Holy Spirit came, at the request of Jesus, and gave power to the disciples of Jesus. (John 14:26, John 15:26, and John 16:7)
We speak about God The Father, and God The Son, and God The Holy Spirit, as if They were three separate beings, but They are not separate. There is one "triune" God, The Holy Trinity. One God with three functions. Jesus mentions all three and delineates Their role in accomplishing something. (John 14:26 and John 15:26) In the beginning, God said let Us make man in Our image. (Genesis 1:26) In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth and The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. (Genesis 1:1-2) The Apostle John said in the beginning was The Word, The Word was with God, and The Word was God. (John 1:1) The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14) Jesus was God in flesh, which He put on for our salvation. A believer believes that Jesus is The Son of God and believes that Jesus is God. Jesus said, "I do not pray for these alone (referring to His disciples), but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me."
The Apostle John, who wrote so that all would believe that Jesus, The Christ, is God, states here that there are three witnesses in heaven who attest to the fact that Jesus is God. God, The Father, spoke from heaven and said that Jesus was His beloved Son. (Matthew 3:17, Matthew 17:5, Mark 9:7, Luke 9:35, and 2 Peter 1:17) Jesus, The Son of God, is The Word of God (John 1:1 and 1:14), and He said "I and My Father are one." (John 10:30, John 10:38, John 14:10, John 17:11, and John 17:22) Jesus, The Word, also said, he that has seen Him, has seen God, The Father. (John 14:9) God, The Holy Spirit, descended from heaven and came to rest upon Him. (Matthew 1:32, Mark 1:10, and Luke 1:32) The Holy Spirit came, at the request of Jesus, and gave power to the disciples of Jesus. (John 14:26, John 15:26, and John 16:7)
We speak about God The Father, and God The Son, and God The Holy Spirit, as if They were three separate beings, but They are not separate. There is one "triune" God, The Holy Trinity. One God with three functions. Jesus mentions all three and delineates Their role in accomplishing something. (John 14:26 and John 15:26) In the beginning, God said let Us make man in Our image. (Genesis 1:26) In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth and The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. (Genesis 1:1-2) The Apostle John said in the beginning was The Word, The Word was with God, and The Word was God. (John 1:1) The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14) Jesus was God in flesh, which He put on for our salvation. A believer believes that Jesus is The Son of God and believes that Jesus is God. Jesus said, "I do not pray for these alone (referring to His disciples), but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me."
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
I AM The Vine
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing." John 15:5 (NIV)
This is the seventh and final of the great "I AM" statements recorded by the Apostle John, which Jesus, The Christ, spoke to His disciples. Here Jesus said "I AM The Vine." He said that only those who believe in Him, are connected to Him, and they will be productive and bear good fruit.
We know that only branches which are connected to the main vine will continue to thrive and bear fruit. Those branches which are cut off from the main vine will perish. Jesus is The main vine, without our connection to Him, we are powerless, and unable to do or produce anything. Belief in Jesus and abiding in Him is proof of our salvation. To abide in Him means to have a continuing and ongoing daily personal relationship with Him that involves faith, trust, prayer, obedience, and joy. (John 15:10-11) If we abide in Him, then we will be productive and do a good work. (Ephesians 2:10 & Hebrews 13:16) We will bear much fruit and glorify God if, and only if, The Word of God is within us. (John 15:8) As believers, we need to read and study The Word of God. (2 Timothy 2:15) The more that we do this, the more good fruit we will bear.
This is the seventh and final of the great "I AM" statements recorded by the Apostle John, which Jesus, The Christ, spoke to His disciples. Here Jesus said "I AM The Vine." He said that only those who believe in Him, are connected to Him, and they will be productive and bear good fruit.
We know that only branches which are connected to the main vine will continue to thrive and bear fruit. Those branches which are cut off from the main vine will perish. Jesus is The main vine, without our connection to Him, we are powerless, and unable to do or produce anything. Belief in Jesus and abiding in Him is proof of our salvation. To abide in Him means to have a continuing and ongoing daily personal relationship with Him that involves faith, trust, prayer, obedience, and joy. (John 15:10-11) If we abide in Him, then we will be productive and do a good work. (Ephesians 2:10 & Hebrews 13:16) We will bear much fruit and glorify God if, and only if, The Word of God is within us. (John 15:8) As believers, we need to read and study The Word of God. (2 Timothy 2:15) The more that we do this, the more good fruit we will bear.
The Way The Truth And The Life
"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to The Father except through Me.' " John 14:6 (NIV)
This verse is the sixth of the seven great "I AM" statements which was spoken by Christ, and recorded by the Apostle John. Here Jesus was answering a question posed by the Apostle Thomas. Although He was speaking directly to Thomas, He was in the process of speaking comfort to His disciples regarding His impending departure, and also speaking indirectly to us, and all who read and hear The Word of God. Jesus said, "I AM The Way and The Truth and The Life." He is "the only way" to salvation. He is "the whole truth" and nothing but the truth. His is life and "the giver of life".
We need to believe, understand, and tell people that Jesus, The Christ, is The Way. He is the way to God (John 10:9), the way to escape temptation (1 Corinthian 10:13), the way to holiness (Hebrews 9:12), the way to a new and living way (Hebrews 10:19-20), the way of truth (2 Peter 2:2), the way to the right way (2 Peter 10:15), and the way of righteousness (2 Peter 2:21). Jesus, The Christ is The Truth. He is the truth of God. (John 1:14) Jesus, The Christ is The Life. He is the life of God. (John 1:4 & 11:25) Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He is the only way to salvation and eternal life with God in heaven. (Acts 4:12) Only by believing, seeking, and following Him can we find the way, the truth, and the life.
This verse is the sixth of the seven great "I AM" statements which was spoken by Christ, and recorded by the Apostle John. Here Jesus was answering a question posed by the Apostle Thomas. Although He was speaking directly to Thomas, He was in the process of speaking comfort to His disciples regarding His impending departure, and also speaking indirectly to us, and all who read and hear The Word of God. Jesus said, "I AM The Way and The Truth and The Life." He is "the only way" to salvation. He is "the whole truth" and nothing but the truth. His is life and "the giver of life".
We need to believe, understand, and tell people that Jesus, The Christ, is The Way. He is the way to God (John 10:9), the way to escape temptation (1 Corinthian 10:13), the way to holiness (Hebrews 9:12), the way to a new and living way (Hebrews 10:19-20), the way of truth (2 Peter 2:2), the way to the right way (2 Peter 10:15), and the way of righteousness (2 Peter 2:21). Jesus, The Christ is The Truth. He is the truth of God. (John 1:14) Jesus, The Christ is The Life. He is the life of God. (John 1:4 & 11:25) Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He is the only way to salvation and eternal life with God in heaven. (Acts 4:12) Only by believing, seeking, and following Him can we find the way, the truth, and the life.
Monday, April 15, 2013
The Resurrection And The Life
"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies;" John 11:25 (NIV)
The Apostle John captured the words of Jesus, The Christ, as He spoke to Martha after the death of her brother Lazarus. This is the fifth of the seven great "I AM" statements which Jesus spoke. He said "I AM the resurrection and the life". Jesus basically said that He is life, He is the giver of life, and He has the power of life over death. He said that all who have faith in Him will have eternal life after the physical death.
Like Martha and her sister Mary, most Christians today believe in spiritual life after physical death on judgement day. However, what we do not recognize is that The Lord God is the power of life. The breath of life is His, it came from Him (Genesis 2:7), it belongs to Him, and it will return to Him. Many have died for short periods of time and come back to life, none were dead as long as Lazarus, but they were miracles of God none the less. It was not modern medicine, if it were, then no one who could afford health care would die. Each night we sleep in the very image of death, and it is God that wakes us up each day. But, the power of the resurrection is unique unto Christ. Lazarus did not get up from the dead on his own, it was the power of God that raised him from the dead. (John 11:42-44) When Jesus died, He laid down His life and He picked it back up again as He said that He would. (John 10:17) Jesus said "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth." (Matthew 28:18) That included the power of life and the power over death. All who believe in Him, although we may die, we will live again.
The Apostle John captured the words of Jesus, The Christ, as He spoke to Martha after the death of her brother Lazarus. This is the fifth of the seven great "I AM" statements which Jesus spoke. He said "I AM the resurrection and the life". Jesus basically said that He is life, He is the giver of life, and He has the power of life over death. He said that all who have faith in Him will have eternal life after the physical death.
Like Martha and her sister Mary, most Christians today believe in spiritual life after physical death on judgement day. However, what we do not recognize is that The Lord God is the power of life. The breath of life is His, it came from Him (Genesis 2:7), it belongs to Him, and it will return to Him. Many have died for short periods of time and come back to life, none were dead as long as Lazarus, but they were miracles of God none the less. It was not modern medicine, if it were, then no one who could afford health care would die. Each night we sleep in the very image of death, and it is God that wakes us up each day. But, the power of the resurrection is unique unto Christ. Lazarus did not get up from the dead on his own, it was the power of God that raised him from the dead. (John 11:42-44) When Jesus died, He laid down His life and He picked it back up again as He said that He would. (John 10:17) Jesus said "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth." (Matthew 28:18) That included the power of life and the power over death. All who believe in Him, although we may die, we will live again.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
The Good Shepherd
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." John 10:11 (NIV)
As Jesus continues His discourse about the sheep and the shepherd, the Apostle John records these words. This is the fourth of the seven great "I AM" statements spoken by Jesus, The Christ, as He addressed the crowd. He said "I AM the good shepherd". Because He cares for His sheep, "the good shepherd" will die to save the sheep. This is a reference to His death on the cross at Calvary.
Jesus could have been referring to Himself as "good" in comparison to the "bad" and "evil" leadership of His chosen people, who were seeking personal gain. However, in keeping with the parable of the shepherd and the sheep, a good shepherd leads, guides, directs, protects, provides for, cares for, fights for, and will die for his sheep. Jesus, "The Good Shepherd", did all of that and He was willing to, and did, lay down His life in order to save us, His sheep. He later repeats the statement, "I AM the good shepherd" (John 10:14), and adds that He knows His sheep and they know Him. He knows His sheep by name (John 10:3), and they know the sound of His voice (John 10:4-5). This phrase can also mean that Jesus is THE Good Shepherd, the Great Shepherd, the Chief Shepherd, the Supreme Shepherd. He is The Head of the Church, and The Head of all principalities, the ultimate leader, The King of kings and The Lord of lords. Believers can say, The Lord in my Shepherd. (Psalms 23:1-6)
As Jesus continues His discourse about the sheep and the shepherd, the Apostle John records these words. This is the fourth of the seven great "I AM" statements spoken by Jesus, The Christ, as He addressed the crowd. He said "I AM the good shepherd". Because He cares for His sheep, "the good shepherd" will die to save the sheep. This is a reference to His death on the cross at Calvary.
Jesus could have been referring to Himself as "good" in comparison to the "bad" and "evil" leadership of His chosen people, who were seeking personal gain. However, in keeping with the parable of the shepherd and the sheep, a good shepherd leads, guides, directs, protects, provides for, cares for, fights for, and will die for his sheep. Jesus, "The Good Shepherd", did all of that and He was willing to, and did, lay down His life in order to save us, His sheep. He later repeats the statement, "I AM the good shepherd" (John 10:14), and adds that He knows His sheep and they know Him. He knows His sheep by name (John 10:3), and they know the sound of His voice (John 10:4-5). This phrase can also mean that Jesus is THE Good Shepherd, the Great Shepherd, the Chief Shepherd, the Supreme Shepherd. He is The Head of the Church, and The Head of all principalities, the ultimate leader, The King of kings and The Lord of lords. Believers can say, The Lord in my Shepherd. (Psalms 23:1-6)
Saturday, April 13, 2013
"I AM The Gate"
"Therefore Jesus said again, 'I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before Me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.' " John 10:7-9 (NIV)
Here the Apostle John records the third of the great "I AM" statements spoken by Jesus, The Christ, as He addressed the crowd. After He had given sight to the man who was born blind (John 9:1-7), Jesus told them a parable about the shepherd and the sheep. Then He said "I AM the gate for the sheep." He repeated and clarified what He meant when He said "I AM the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved." He clearly stated that He is the entry way to salvation.
We are His sheep, and He is "the gate", the entry way to safety, security, protection, and salvation. Gates block the entry of the undesirable and allow only chosen ones to enter. Jesus said that He is the way to salvation and spiritual eternal life. The only way to enter the kingdom of God is through Him. (Matthew 25:34) It is only by belief in Him, that through Him, we can be saved. Through Him we will be blessed as we come and go, and His "pasture" will supply all of our needs. Through Him we have salvation, and we can enjoy God's presence, God's protection, and God's provisions. Jesus said that He came that we might have life, eternal life, and have it more abundantly, better than we have it now. (John 10:10)
Here the Apostle John records the third of the great "I AM" statements spoken by Jesus, The Christ, as He addressed the crowd. After He had given sight to the man who was born blind (John 9:1-7), Jesus told them a parable about the shepherd and the sheep. Then He said "I AM the gate for the sheep." He repeated and clarified what He meant when He said "I AM the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved." He clearly stated that He is the entry way to salvation.
We are His sheep, and He is "the gate", the entry way to safety, security, protection, and salvation. Gates block the entry of the undesirable and allow only chosen ones to enter. Jesus said that He is the way to salvation and spiritual eternal life. The only way to enter the kingdom of God is through Him. (Matthew 25:34) It is only by belief in Him, that through Him, we can be saved. Through Him we will be blessed as we come and go, and His "pasture" will supply all of our needs. Through Him we have salvation, and we can enjoy God's presence, God's protection, and God's provisions. Jesus said that He came that we might have life, eternal life, and have it more abundantly, better than we have it now. (John 10:10)
Friday, April 12, 2013
The Light Of The World
"When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.' " John 8:12 (NIV)
The Apostle John again records the words of Jesus, The Christ, as He spoke to the people gathered in the courts of the temple. Here Jesus spoke the second of the great "I AM" statements and said "I AM the light of the world". In this metaphor Jesus said that He eluminates and enlightens the way for those who believe so that they will not be lost in the darkness of ignorance or lack understanding. The scriptures also refer to The Messiah as a light. (Isaiah 9:2, Isaiah 49:6, and Isaiah 60:1-3 & 19-20)
In this second "I AM" statement, Jesus declared that He is "the light" to show the way for the world so that we would not have to continue to be lost in darkness. (John 1:4-5 & 1 John 1:5) Jesus is the "light" of salvation and the "light" of God. He not only lights the way to salvation, (Psalms 27:1), He also enlightens us and gives us "the light of life" which is wisdom and understanding. (Luke 2:32) He indwells those who believe, and it is His light that shines forth from us when we obey Him and do His will. (Matthew 5:16) Because He is in us, and we are in Him, we should seek to do that which pleases Him, to follow Him, to walk with Him, and to avoid that which is darkness and sinful. (Ephesians 5:8-14) We need to pray that He will help us to walk in His light.
The Apostle John again records the words of Jesus, The Christ, as He spoke to the people gathered in the courts of the temple. Here Jesus spoke the second of the great "I AM" statements and said "I AM the light of the world". In this metaphor Jesus said that He eluminates and enlightens the way for those who believe so that they will not be lost in the darkness of ignorance or lack understanding. The scriptures also refer to The Messiah as a light. (Isaiah 9:2, Isaiah 49:6, and Isaiah 60:1-3 & 19-20)
In this second "I AM" statement, Jesus declared that He is "the light" to show the way for the world so that we would not have to continue to be lost in darkness. (John 1:4-5 & 1 John 1:5) Jesus is the "light" of salvation and the "light" of God. He not only lights the way to salvation, (Psalms 27:1), He also enlightens us and gives us "the light of life" which is wisdom and understanding. (Luke 2:32) He indwells those who believe, and it is His light that shines forth from us when we obey Him and do His will. (Matthew 5:16) Because He is in us, and we are in Him, we should seek to do that which pleases Him, to follow Him, to walk with Him, and to avoid that which is darkness and sinful. (Ephesians 5:8-14) We need to pray that He will help us to walk in His light.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
The Bread Of Life
"Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me will never go hungry, and he who believes in Me will never be thirsty.' " John 6:35 (NIV)
The Apostle John recorded these words of Jesus as He spoke to the crowd. This is the first of the seven great "I AM's" which Jesus spoke referring to Himself and His purpose. Jesus is "the bread of life", The Living Word of God. Jesus was using a metaphor and He was speaking of a spiritual implication, while the people could comprehend Him literally and physically. Remember, "I AM" is how God referred to Himself when He spoke to Moses through the burning bush. (Genesis 3:14)
When Jesus taught His disciples and the people, He frequently used parables and metaphors. He knew that those who did not believe would not understand. (Matthew 13:13, Mark 4:12, & Luke 8:10) We know that wisdom and understanding come from God. (Psalms 111:10, Proverbs 2:6 & Proverbs 9:10)
As we come to Jesus, and accept Him as our Savior, we take of Him, we consume Him, we begin to digest His Word, and His Holy Spirit indwells us and we become a part of Him. When three times He told the Apostle Peter to "feed My sheep", He meant for Peter to share The Word of God with the people of God. (John 21:15-17) We need to be fed "the bread of life", and we need it on a regular basis. That will sustain us and The Lord will provide all that we need. We need to eat "the living bread" (John 6:51) and drink "the living water (John 4:10-11) as part of a healthy diet for our soul.
The Apostle John recorded these words of Jesus as He spoke to the crowd. This is the first of the seven great "I AM's" which Jesus spoke referring to Himself and His purpose. Jesus is "the bread of life", The Living Word of God. Jesus was using a metaphor and He was speaking of a spiritual implication, while the people could comprehend Him literally and physically. Remember, "I AM" is how God referred to Himself when He spoke to Moses through the burning bush. (Genesis 3:14)
When Jesus taught His disciples and the people, He frequently used parables and metaphors. He knew that those who did not believe would not understand. (Matthew 13:13, Mark 4:12, & Luke 8:10) We know that wisdom and understanding come from God. (Psalms 111:10, Proverbs 2:6 & Proverbs 9:10)
As we come to Jesus, and accept Him as our Savior, we take of Him, we consume Him, we begin to digest His Word, and His Holy Spirit indwells us and we become a part of Him. When three times He told the Apostle Peter to "feed My sheep", He meant for Peter to share The Word of God with the people of God. (John 21:15-17) We need to be fed "the bread of life", and we need it on a regular basis. That will sustain us and The Lord will provide all that we need. We need to eat "the living bread" (John 6:51) and drink "the living water (John 4:10-11) as part of a healthy diet for our soul.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
From Him Who Sent Me
"Jesus answered, 'My teaching is not My own. It comes from Him who sent Me." John 7:16 (NIV)
The Apostle John, who addressed the gospel to all believers so that they would know that Jesus is God, here records the words of Christ when He was teaching in the temple during the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles. Jesus was answering a question by one of the non-believing Jews who wanted to know how Jesus knew so much about the scriptures without going to school and receiving formal training. His answer was that what He taught came from God, The Father, who sent Him.
Jesus said that the man who speaks his own thoughts "... does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth..." (John 7:18) He was not putting forth His own thoughts, ideas, and opinions to call attention to Himself. Whatever He said and taught came from our Heavenly Father. Jesus did not come to earth to seek glory and honor for Himself, He came give glory and honor to God, The Father. The lesson that we can learn from the example which Jesus demonstrated is that we are not to seek to gain honor for ourselves. We are to speak, act, and live in such a way as to give glory and honor to God. We can deliver the message that God told us to spread throughout the world by the way we live. (Matthew 28:20) We can "teach" by example by letting the world see us living a good Christian life, exhibiting good Christian behavior, and hearing us engaged in good Christian conversation. We may be the only "Bible" that some people "read" or hear. Remember, "It's not about us, it's all about Jesus." (Unknown)
The Apostle John, who addressed the gospel to all believers so that they would know that Jesus is God, here records the words of Christ when He was teaching in the temple during the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles. Jesus was answering a question by one of the non-believing Jews who wanted to know how Jesus knew so much about the scriptures without going to school and receiving formal training. His answer was that what He taught came from God, The Father, who sent Him.
Jesus said that the man who speaks his own thoughts "... does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth..." (John 7:18) He was not putting forth His own thoughts, ideas, and opinions to call attention to Himself. Whatever He said and taught came from our Heavenly Father. Jesus did not come to earth to seek glory and honor for Himself, He came give glory and honor to God, The Father. The lesson that we can learn from the example which Jesus demonstrated is that we are not to seek to gain honor for ourselves. We are to speak, act, and live in such a way as to give glory and honor to God. We can deliver the message that God told us to spread throughout the world by the way we live. (Matthew 28:20) We can "teach" by example by letting the world see us living a good Christian life, exhibiting good Christian behavior, and hearing us engaged in good Christian conversation. We may be the only "Bible" that some people "read" or hear. Remember, "It's not about us, it's all about Jesus." (Unknown)
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
God Is Merciful And Kind To Us
"Praise The LORD, all you nations; extol Him, all you peoples. For great is His love toward us, and the faithfulness of The LORD endures forever. Praise The LORD." Psalms 117:1-2 (NIV) "O praise The LORD, all ye nations: praise Him, all ye people. For His merciful kindness is great toward us; and the truth of The LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye The LORD." Psalms 117:1-2 (KJV)
The unknown author of this psalm packed a lot of power into this, the shortest of all the psalms. This global invitation to praise The Lord is followed by a truthful explanation and justification for doing so. He says that God is merciful and kind to His people, and that His Truth and His Word is eternal.
The Lord, our God, is worthy of all praise, honor, and glory. He is so great, so good, and so awesome that we ought praise Him continuously. (Psalms 134:1) The only time that we should not be praising Him is when we are thanking Him. In more than 42 verses, the Bible encourages us to thank God, and the most frequent justification for giving God thanks is that He is good, and His love endures forever. (Psalms 136:1 & 2 & 3) God shows His loving merciful kindness to us everyday, multiple times each day. (Romans 6:23)
The unknown author of this psalm packed a lot of power into this, the shortest of all the psalms. This global invitation to praise The Lord is followed by a truthful explanation and justification for doing so. He says that God is merciful and kind to His people, and that His Truth and His Word is eternal.
The Lord, our God, is worthy of all praise, honor, and glory. He is so great, so good, and so awesome that we ought praise Him continuously. (Psalms 134:1) The only time that we should not be praising Him is when we are thanking Him. In more than 42 verses, the Bible encourages us to thank God, and the most frequent justification for giving God thanks is that He is good, and His love endures forever. (Psalms 136:1 & 2 & 3) God shows His loving merciful kindness to us everyday, multiple times each day. (Romans 6:23)
Monday, April 8, 2013
God's Strength And God's Peace Are God's Blessings
"The LORD gives strength to His people; The LORD blesses His people with peace." Psalms 29:11 (NIV)
After telling the people of God to give God what is due to Him (Psalms 29:1-2), and then justifying why they should, King David, the man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22), declares that The Lord strengthens His people and He blesses them with His peace.
God gives strength to His people in their hour of need, He shares some of His strength with us. Those who believe in, and are mindful of His way, will be blessed with His perfect peace. (Isaiah 26:3) It does not matter whatever comes our way, we should be comforted by the fact that the love of God and His peace shall always be with us. (2 Corinthians 13:11) He said that He would never leave us or forsake us, that means that He is always with us. (Hebrews 13:5) His strength is made perfect in our weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9) However, only believers can receive the power of God and be blessed with His perfect peace. All believers have to do in order to receive it is to ask God for it, we have not because we ask not. (John 15:16 & James 4:2)
After telling the people of God to give God what is due to Him (Psalms 29:1-2), and then justifying why they should, King David, the man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22), declares that The Lord strengthens His people and He blesses them with His peace.
God gives strength to His people in their hour of need, He shares some of His strength with us. Those who believe in, and are mindful of His way, will be blessed with His perfect peace. (Isaiah 26:3) It does not matter whatever comes our way, we should be comforted by the fact that the love of God and His peace shall always be with us. (2 Corinthians 13:11) He said that He would never leave us or forsake us, that means that He is always with us. (Hebrews 13:5) His strength is made perfect in our weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9) However, only believers can receive the power of God and be blessed with His perfect peace. All believers have to do in order to receive it is to ask God for it, we have not because we ask not. (John 15:16 & James 4:2)
Sunday, April 7, 2013
The Love Of God And The Perseverance Of Christ
"May The Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance." 2 Thessalonians 3:5 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul prayed this short prayer for the believers in Thessalonica. He prayed for them to be blessed spiritually. He prayed that God would bring their hearts in line with His love, and that He would give them the continued faith in, and the steadfastness of Christ.
As we contend with the evil people in this world, and with the attacks of the devil, it is easy for us to lose focus and forget our purpose. Because we are so easily distracted by sin and evil, we need to be protected and delivered from certain situations. (2 Thessalonians 3:2-3) We need the love of God in our heart in order to help us love some people. We also need God's help and strength in order to maintain our Christian composure when our faith and patience is being tested. I believe that Paul's prayer applied to us today as well as to the Thessalonians. However, just in case it doesn't, we should all pray that prayer, "May The Lord direct our hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance."
The Apostle Paul prayed this short prayer for the believers in Thessalonica. He prayed for them to be blessed spiritually. He prayed that God would bring their hearts in line with His love, and that He would give them the continued faith in, and the steadfastness of Christ.
As we contend with the evil people in this world, and with the attacks of the devil, it is easy for us to lose focus and forget our purpose. Because we are so easily distracted by sin and evil, we need to be protected and delivered from certain situations. (2 Thessalonians 3:2-3) We need the love of God in our heart in order to help us love some people. We also need God's help and strength in order to maintain our Christian composure when our faith and patience is being tested. I believe that Paul's prayer applied to us today as well as to the Thessalonians. However, just in case it doesn't, we should all pray that prayer, "May The Lord direct our hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance."
Saturday, April 6, 2013
He Has Done Great Things For Us
"The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." Psalms 126:3 (NIV)
The unknown author of this psalm recorded this statement, which was made by the children of Israel, after The Lord brought them out of Babylonian captivity and returned them to Zion.
This statement was true for them and it is true for us today. The people around them noticed that they had been delivered and they commented that God had done great things for them. (Psalms 3:2) The people around us can tell when we have the favor of God upon us and when we enjoy His blessings. When we share the events of our lives with others, they can see that God has His hand on us. It is sometimes hard to appreciate the rain during the storm, until we see the plants bloom afterwards, or unless we have just gone through a long drought. All things work together for good, for those of us who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) So, no matter what happens, we are to count it all as joy because God is in control. (James 1:2) From our formation in our mother's womb (Psalms 139:13-14), God has performed miracle after miracle in our lives. In fact, in light of all the things that He has done for us, we ought to be grateful and we ought to be filled with joy. Just think of what He has done for you.
The unknown author of this psalm recorded this statement, which was made by the children of Israel, after The Lord brought them out of Babylonian captivity and returned them to Zion.
This statement was true for them and it is true for us today. The people around them noticed that they had been delivered and they commented that God had done great things for them. (Psalms 3:2) The people around us can tell when we have the favor of God upon us and when we enjoy His blessings. When we share the events of our lives with others, they can see that God has His hand on us. It is sometimes hard to appreciate the rain during the storm, until we see the plants bloom afterwards, or unless we have just gone through a long drought. All things work together for good, for those of us who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) So, no matter what happens, we are to count it all as joy because God is in control. (James 1:2) From our formation in our mother's womb (Psalms 139:13-14), God has performed miracle after miracle in our lives. In fact, in light of all the things that He has done for us, we ought to be grateful and we ought to be filled with joy. Just think of what He has done for you.
Friday, April 5, 2013
We Are To Be God's Witnesses
"Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what He has done for me." Psalms 66:16 (NIV)
After telling the people to shout for joy, and to sing praises unto The Lord, King David tells them to listen as he tells them what The Lord has done for him.
God has blessed all of us and He has blessed us in different ways. Each of us is unique and each of us has been blessed in a unique series of ways. No one can tell our individual story about what The Lord has done for us, the way we can tell it. There are things that God has done for us that no one knows but us and God Himself. Each of us has been called by God to be a witness for Him, and to tell people about the good things that He has done. Just as called His disciples to witness and spread the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20 & Luke 24:48), and just as He called the Apostle Paul to be a witness (Acts 22:14-15), The Lord has called others, and He has called each one of us for this purpose. (Acts 26:16) We are to be His witnesses to the world, telling them about Jesus and the good things that He has done for us.
After telling the people to shout for joy, and to sing praises unto The Lord, King David tells them to listen as he tells them what The Lord has done for him.
God has blessed all of us and He has blessed us in different ways. Each of us is unique and each of us has been blessed in a unique series of ways. No one can tell our individual story about what The Lord has done for us, the way we can tell it. There are things that God has done for us that no one knows but us and God Himself. Each of us has been called by God to be a witness for Him, and to tell people about the good things that He has done. Just as called His disciples to witness and spread the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20 & Luke 24:48), and just as He called the Apostle Paul to be a witness (Acts 22:14-15), The Lord has called others, and He has called each one of us for this purpose. (Acts 26:16) We are to be His witnesses to the world, telling them about Jesus and the good things that He has done for us.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Time Spent With The Lord Is Good
"Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to Him those He wanted, and they came to Him. He appointed twelve, designating them apostles, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons." Mark 3:13-15 (NIV)
John, whose surname was Mark, a companion of the Apostle Paul, addressed the gospel according to Mark to the Gentiles in Rome. He depicted Jesus as a suffering servant of God, demonstrating the humanity of Christ. Here John Mark records that Jesus called the twelve apostles, or disciples, another name for students. He wanted them to be with Him, close to Him, in fellowship. He wanted to give them authority, to share His power with them and to send them out into the world to preach and teach. Jesus wanted companions that He could teach, and that would do His will.
We would all benefit if we spent more time with The Lord. The disciples clearly benefited from the time that they spent with Jesus. Today, we are His disciples. We need to spend more time with His Word and in fellowship with Him. As His disciples we are His students, and by our study of The Word of God, He can teach and train us. Afterwards, He can bless us and share some of His power with us. Then He can use us to spread His Word to others and be a blessing to them. So let us make a commitment to spend a little more time each day in fellowship with, and learning from The Lord. Let Him bless us and use us as He sees fit, according to His purpose.
John, whose surname was Mark, a companion of the Apostle Paul, addressed the gospel according to Mark to the Gentiles in Rome. He depicted Jesus as a suffering servant of God, demonstrating the humanity of Christ. Here John Mark records that Jesus called the twelve apostles, or disciples, another name for students. He wanted them to be with Him, close to Him, in fellowship. He wanted to give them authority, to share His power with them and to send them out into the world to preach and teach. Jesus wanted companions that He could teach, and that would do His will.
We would all benefit if we spent more time with The Lord. The disciples clearly benefited from the time that they spent with Jesus. Today, we are His disciples. We need to spend more time with His Word and in fellowship with Him. As His disciples we are His students, and by our study of The Word of God, He can teach and train us. Afterwards, He can bless us and share some of His power with us. Then He can use us to spread His Word to others and be a blessing to them. So let us make a commitment to spend a little more time each day in fellowship with, and learning from The Lord. Let Him bless us and use us as He sees fit, according to His purpose.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Trust In The Lord
"Trust in The LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
King Solomon, the wisest man ever, said that we should not trust in our own limited understanding of things. We should trust in The Lord, give Him credit for who He is and for what He has done. If we do that, then He will direct our paths.
We need to rely on, and depend on God instead of on our instincts, our senses, our limited knowledge, or on ourselves. We are so prone to errors, mistakes, poor decisions, bad judgement, and to sin that we should never trust ourselves. We need to have an intimate and personal relationship with The Lord. We need to recognize that His hand is involved in all that is going on around us and with us. We need to have a total reliance upon Him, total confidence in His care, and total commitment to His Word. We need to let Him direct the course of our life. We need to understand and be secure in the fact that His way, really is the only right way. We need to begin, continue, and end every effort, purpose, and plan in our life with God.
King Solomon, the wisest man ever, said that we should not trust in our own limited understanding of things. We should trust in The Lord, give Him credit for who He is and for what He has done. If we do that, then He will direct our paths.
We need to rely on, and depend on God instead of on our instincts, our senses, our limited knowledge, or on ourselves. We are so prone to errors, mistakes, poor decisions, bad judgement, and to sin that we should never trust ourselves. We need to have an intimate and personal relationship with The Lord. We need to recognize that His hand is involved in all that is going on around us and with us. We need to have a total reliance upon Him, total confidence in His care, and total commitment to His Word. We need to let Him direct the course of our life. We need to understand and be secure in the fact that His way, really is the only right way. We need to begin, continue, and end every effort, purpose, and plan in our life with God.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Jesus Paid It All
"But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and The LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:5-6 (NIV)
The Prophet Isaiah, wrote to the people of God, first, to warn them about their sinful behavior, and second to tell them about the coming Messiah, Jesus, The Christ. Here Isaiah states that Jesus took upon Himself all of our iniquities, and by His physical injuries we were healed. His punishment paid for our peace.
Jesus, who never sinned, paid the price for all of our sins. (Romans 6:23) He was the sacrificial lamb who shed His blood for the remission of our sins. (Hebrews 9:22) Jesus, The Son of God, endured the wrath of God, The Father, for our sins as our substitute. (John 1:29 & Revelation 14:10) We have gone our own sinful way instead of following His way. In fact, He is the way. (John 14:6) Because He was hurt, we can be healed. Because He was pierced, we can be protected. Because He was crushed, we can be cured. Because He was flogged, we can be forgiven. Because He was punished, we can have peace. Because He was wounded, we can be washed in His blood. Because He took our sins, we can be saved.
The Prophet Isaiah, wrote to the people of God, first, to warn them about their sinful behavior, and second to tell them about the coming Messiah, Jesus, The Christ. Here Isaiah states that Jesus took upon Himself all of our iniquities, and by His physical injuries we were healed. His punishment paid for our peace.
Jesus, who never sinned, paid the price for all of our sins. (Romans 6:23) He was the sacrificial lamb who shed His blood for the remission of our sins. (Hebrews 9:22) Jesus, The Son of God, endured the wrath of God, The Father, for our sins as our substitute. (John 1:29 & Revelation 14:10) We have gone our own sinful way instead of following His way. In fact, He is the way. (John 14:6) Because He was hurt, we can be healed. Because He was pierced, we can be protected. Because He was crushed, we can be cured. Because He was flogged, we can be forgiven. Because He was punished, we can have peace. Because He was wounded, we can be washed in His blood. Because He took our sins, we can be saved.
Monday, April 1, 2013
After We Suffer God Will Restore Us
"And The God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." 1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)
The Apostle Peter, part of the inner circle of the disciples of Jesus, wrote to young men and the elders telling them to resist their enemy, the devil, and stand firm in the faith. (1 Peter 5:9) All will suffer, but after they had suffered for a little while, God will comfort, heal, restore and strengthen them.
This is an important lesson for all of us to learn and remember. The devil is after us, he will tempt us, and he will cause us to suffer. However, we are not to give in to him, even in the midst of our suffering. If we stand firm and keep the faith, God will comfort us (Jeremiah 31:13 & 2 Corinthians 1:3-5), heal us (Deuteronomy 32:39 & Job 5:18), restore us (Psalms 41:3 & Isaiah 57:18), and strengthen us (Isaiah 41:10 & 2 Thessalonians 3:3). No matter what the devil does to us, or what storms we go through in life, we know that all things work together for good for them who love The Lord and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
The Apostle Peter, part of the inner circle of the disciples of Jesus, wrote to young men and the elders telling them to resist their enemy, the devil, and stand firm in the faith. (1 Peter 5:9) All will suffer, but after they had suffered for a little while, God will comfort, heal, restore and strengthen them.
This is an important lesson for all of us to learn and remember. The devil is after us, he will tempt us, and he will cause us to suffer. However, we are not to give in to him, even in the midst of our suffering. If we stand firm and keep the faith, God will comfort us (Jeremiah 31:13 & 2 Corinthians 1:3-5), heal us (Deuteronomy 32:39 & Job 5:18), restore us (Psalms 41:3 & Isaiah 57:18), and strengthen us (Isaiah 41:10 & 2 Thessalonians 3:3). No matter what the devil does to us, or what storms we go through in life, we know that all things work together for good for them who love The Lord and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
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