"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, which He spoke during His Sermon on The Mount, as recorded by the Apostle Matthew. Jesus was speaking to His disciples, and indirectly to the believers in the crowd which had gathered around them. He told them that they were "the light of the world." Jesus is The Light of the world. (John 9:5) The Light came into the world, but mankind preferred the darkness because they were evil and sinful. (John 3:19) Because the disciples were believers, He was within them, and they were to let the light of Christ that was within them shine forth so that men could see their good works and glorify God. (John 17:21 and 23)
As believers we have the charge and the responsibility to behave and speak in a Christ-like manner so that the light of Christ within us can shine and men can see The Christ in us. Not only are we to obey His Holy Word, to do good works, and to avoid that which is evil, we are to avoid even the things which have the appearance of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:22) That which we say and do should give God glory, and those who see our good works should also glorify God and not us.
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Sunday, October 5, 2014
When Trouble Strikes
"Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, 'This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.' But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god." Acts 28:1-6 (NIV)
Under the guidance of The Holy Spirit of God, Luke, the physician and frequent travelling companion of the Apostle Paul, recorded this event which occurred after the ship wrecked during a severe storm on their way to Rome. Paul was a prisoner on the ship. He was being transported to Rome to be heard by Cesar because he had appealed the results of an earlier trial. When the poisonous snake bit Paul, he did not panic. He shook it off, and kept on doing what he was doing.
When trouble strikes, don't panic, shake it off, and keep on working for The Lord. Don't panic, when we panic, we tend to get emotional, which clouds our judgment, and we tend to make bad decisions, which make our situation worse. Shake it off, grabbing the head of a snake or trying to pull it off will do more damage to us. Most of our troublesome situations will not be solved by force or the use of our strength. We need to treat most of our problems like water on a duck's back. Trouble, like most storms, won't last very long. (Psalms 30:5) Keep on working for The Lord. All of us are part of God's plan, and He has something for us to do. The Church is the body of Christ, and all believers have a function to perform. (1 Corinthians 12:12 and 12:27) So, keep on working, or get busy and start working for The Lord. If we are doing His will, all things will work out for our good. (Romans 8:28)
Under the guidance of The Holy Spirit of God, Luke, the physician and frequent travelling companion of the Apostle Paul, recorded this event which occurred after the ship wrecked during a severe storm on their way to Rome. Paul was a prisoner on the ship. He was being transported to Rome to be heard by Cesar because he had appealed the results of an earlier trial. When the poisonous snake bit Paul, he did not panic. He shook it off, and kept on doing what he was doing.
When trouble strikes, don't panic, shake it off, and keep on working for The Lord. Don't panic, when we panic, we tend to get emotional, which clouds our judgment, and we tend to make bad decisions, which make our situation worse. Shake it off, grabbing the head of a snake or trying to pull it off will do more damage to us. Most of our troublesome situations will not be solved by force or the use of our strength. We need to treat most of our problems like water on a duck's back. Trouble, like most storms, won't last very long. (Psalms 30:5) Keep on working for The Lord. All of us are part of God's plan, and He has something for us to do. The Church is the body of Christ, and all believers have a function to perform. (1 Corinthians 12:12 and 12:27) So, keep on working, or get busy and start working for The Lord. If we are doing His will, all things will work out for our good. (Romans 8:28)
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Be Like The Salt Of The Earth
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men." Matthew 5:13 (NIV)
These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, which He spoke to His disciples, and to the crowd that surrounded them, in His Sermon on The Mount, as recorded by the Apostle Matthew. Jesus told His disciples that they were "the salt of the earth." Salt has a unique flavor. Because of its chemical properties, it has a purifying and a preserving influence. Jesus said, if they lose their "saltiness", then they were no longer good for anything.
As students of Christ, and of His Word, believers today are to be like salt. We bring a unique "Christ-like" "flavor" to the world. Just as salt prevents most germs from growing or surviving, we should inhibit the spreading of sin, evil, and wrong-doing by our presence, principals, and our practices. Just as salt can purify and preserve meat, we should be able to help purify, correct and redirect, and preserve, encourage good works, in the people that we come into contact with. Our words should be "seasoned with salt" so that we speak appropriately to people, and answer their questions correctly. (Colossians 4:6) If we lose that ability to help people, then we would be good for nothing. So, let us be like salt, and be a Christ-like purifying influence in a sin sick world.
These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, which He spoke to His disciples, and to the crowd that surrounded them, in His Sermon on The Mount, as recorded by the Apostle Matthew. Jesus told His disciples that they were "the salt of the earth." Salt has a unique flavor. Because of its chemical properties, it has a purifying and a preserving influence. Jesus said, if they lose their "saltiness", then they were no longer good for anything.
As students of Christ, and of His Word, believers today are to be like salt. We bring a unique "Christ-like" "flavor" to the world. Just as salt prevents most germs from growing or surviving, we should inhibit the spreading of sin, evil, and wrong-doing by our presence, principals, and our practices. Just as salt can purify and preserve meat, we should be able to help purify, correct and redirect, and preserve, encourage good works, in the people that we come into contact with. Our words should be "seasoned with salt" so that we speak appropriately to people, and answer their questions correctly. (Colossians 4:6) If we lose that ability to help people, then we would be good for nothing. So, let us be like salt, and be a Christ-like purifying influence in a sin sick world.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Believe And Become A New Person
"What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!" 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
Under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, the Apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth and told them that once they became followers of Christ, they became new people. Their old life had passed away, and a new life had begun.
Becoming a Christian means that one has been born again and taken on a new life. (John 3:3) It means that one believes in the finished work of Christ, His death, burial, and resurrection. (Romans 10:9) Believing does not make one perfect, even though that is what we are striving for. (Matthew 5:48) It also does not cause one to completely stop committing sins. (Romans 7:18-21) Believing gives one the desire to please God. That means doing that which is right and pleasing to God, and not doing that which is wrong and sinful and displeasing to God. Believers love The Lord and want to please Him by obeying His Word.(John 14:15) When we fall short and sin, we feel bad, and remorseful, and the sinful activity is no longer as enjoyable as it used to be. (John 15:11) Once we are saved, we no longer think, talk, or act the same way that we did before we were saved. (Ezekiel 36:27) People who knew us beforehand, can see a difference in us. Our old values, priorities, beliefs, loves, and plans are changed. We still sin but our view of it takes on a new perspective. Our main focus shifts from temporal to eternal.
Under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, the Apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth and told them that once they became followers of Christ, they became new people. Their old life had passed away, and a new life had begun.
Becoming a Christian means that one has been born again and taken on a new life. (John 3:3) It means that one believes in the finished work of Christ, His death, burial, and resurrection. (Romans 10:9) Believing does not make one perfect, even though that is what we are striving for. (Matthew 5:48) It also does not cause one to completely stop committing sins. (Romans 7:18-21) Believing gives one the desire to please God. That means doing that which is right and pleasing to God, and not doing that which is wrong and sinful and displeasing to God. Believers love The Lord and want to please Him by obeying His Word.(John 14:15) When we fall short and sin, we feel bad, and remorseful, and the sinful activity is no longer as enjoyable as it used to be. (John 15:11) Once we are saved, we no longer think, talk, or act the same way that we did before we were saved. (Ezekiel 36:27) People who knew us beforehand, can see a difference in us. Our old values, priorities, beliefs, loves, and plans are changed. We still sin but our view of it takes on a new perspective. Our main focus shifts from temporal to eternal.
Monday, September 22, 2014
Don't Praise Yourself
"Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips." Proverbs 27:2 (NIV)
These words were written by King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live. Under the guidance and direction of The Holy Spirit of God, he told the people not to praise themselves. Let others praise them.
Pride and boasting are different forms of the same root word in Hebrew. A proud and boastful person is not pleasing to The Lord God. Self praise is a sin. (Proverbs 21:4) As believers, we are to praise God, and not to praise ourselves. (Psalms 34:1) It is okay for someone else to praise us and life us up. (James 4:10) However, it is better for us to give all praise, honor, and glory to The Lord.
These words were written by King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live. Under the guidance and direction of The Holy Spirit of God, he told the people not to praise themselves. Let others praise them.
Pride and boasting are different forms of the same root word in Hebrew. A proud and boastful person is not pleasing to The Lord God. Self praise is a sin. (Proverbs 21:4) As believers, we are to praise God, and not to praise ourselves. (Psalms 34:1) It is okay for someone else to praise us and life us up. (James 4:10) However, it is better for us to give all praise, honor, and glory to The Lord.
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Pray Seek Him And Be Persistent
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV)
These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, as recorded by the Apostle Matthew from The Sermon on The Mount. Jesus told His disciples that they would receive what they asked for, they would find that which they seek, and if they knock on the door, it will be opened for them.
Jesus spoke these words directly to His disciples, and indirectly to all believers. As believers we should humbly pray and ask God for that which is according to our needs. (John 14:13) We should act in a responsible manner and seek to follow His way, and obey His Word. (John 12:26) When we knock on the door, we may have to knock more than once. This suggests persistence in our efforts, knowing that He will hear us, and He will see us, and He will reward our efforts. He will open doors for us which no man can close. (Revelation 3:8) We just need to pray, to seek His way, and to be persistent.
These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, as recorded by the Apostle Matthew from The Sermon on The Mount. Jesus told His disciples that they would receive what they asked for, they would find that which they seek, and if they knock on the door, it will be opened for them.
Jesus spoke these words directly to His disciples, and indirectly to all believers. As believers we should humbly pray and ask God for that which is according to our needs. (John 14:13) We should act in a responsible manner and seek to follow His way, and obey His Word. (John 12:26) When we knock on the door, we may have to knock more than once. This suggests persistence in our efforts, knowing that He will hear us, and He will see us, and He will reward our efforts. He will open doors for us which no man can close. (Revelation 3:8) We just need to pray, to seek His way, and to be persistent.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
May The Lord Give You Peace
"Now may The Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you." 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul wrote these words as he closed his second letter to the believers in Thessaloniki. He wanted the peace of The Lord God to be with each of them at all times.
There can be no peace without God, for He is The God of peace. (Hebrews 13:20) Paul knew that the believers in Thessaloniki were being persecuted and they were troubled by the spiritual battles which were taking place around them. (2 Thessalonians 1:6-8) He wanted them to be at peace, in spite of their situation. This also verse applies to the believers today, we are undergoing tribulations, trials, troubles, and spiritual battles. (2 Thessalonians 1:4 and Ephesians 6:12) However, if we could see the angels which The Lord has surrounding us, and surrounding our enemies, ready to protect us and to do battle for us, then we would know the peace of God in troubling times. (2 Kings 6:15-17) Thanks to The Lord God, we are able to relax and replace our troubled mind with an inner peace. The storms in our lives occur for a reason, so don't pray for the storms to end, it is better to pray for God's protection and peace, as we go through the storms.
The Apostle Paul wrote these words as he closed his second letter to the believers in Thessaloniki. He wanted the peace of The Lord God to be with each of them at all times.
There can be no peace without God, for He is The God of peace. (Hebrews 13:20) Paul knew that the believers in Thessaloniki were being persecuted and they were troubled by the spiritual battles which were taking place around them. (2 Thessalonians 1:6-8) He wanted them to be at peace, in spite of their situation. This also verse applies to the believers today, we are undergoing tribulations, trials, troubles, and spiritual battles. (2 Thessalonians 1:4 and Ephesians 6:12) However, if we could see the angels which The Lord has surrounding us, and surrounding our enemies, ready to protect us and to do battle for us, then we would know the peace of God in troubling times. (2 Kings 6:15-17) Thanks to The Lord God, we are able to relax and replace our troubled mind with an inner peace. The storms in our lives occur for a reason, so don't pray for the storms to end, it is better to pray for God's protection and peace, as we go through the storms.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Love One Another
"Through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, and so your faith and hope are in God. Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart." 1 Peter 1:21-22 (NIV)
Under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, the Apostle Peter wrote to the believers and told them now that they were followers of Christ, and have their faith and hope in God, they should sincerely love one another.
Today, believers in Jesus, The Christ, know that we must obey The Word of God. (John 14:15) Jesus said that we must love one another as He loved us. (John 15:12) In fact, the only way that we know that we are saved, is by the fact that we love our fellow believers. (1 John 3:14) The world will know that we are believers in Christ by the way in which we show love to one another. (John 13:35) Jesus said, how can we love one whom we have not seen if we cannot love our brothers whom we see daily. (1 John 4:20) If we truly believe, then we must love one another.
Under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, the Apostle Peter wrote to the believers and told them now that they were followers of Christ, and have their faith and hope in God, they should sincerely love one another.
Today, believers in Jesus, The Christ, know that we must obey The Word of God. (John 14:15) Jesus said that we must love one another as He loved us. (John 15:12) In fact, the only way that we know that we are saved, is by the fact that we love our fellow believers. (1 John 3:14) The world will know that we are believers in Christ by the way in which we show love to one another. (John 13:35) Jesus said, how can we love one whom we have not seen if we cannot love our brothers whom we see daily. (1 John 4:20) If we truly believe, then we must love one another.
Long Life And Prosperity
"My son, do not forget My teaching, but keep My commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity." Proverbs 3:1-2 (NIV)
In this parental appeal, King Solomon wrote the commands and principals which The Lord God gave to the people through him. Addressing the young people, these "teachings" here refer to the law of God. The Word of God was to be remembered, and obeyed. Those who did so would enjoy a long life and prosperity.
Here we are taught to live a life in constant communion with The Lord God. His law should guide our every thought, word, and action. In order to encourage us to submit to His law, He assured that if we do so, we would enjoy a long and prosperous life. This long life refers not only to the length of our days here on earth, but also to the length of our days for ever and ever. (Psalms 21:4)
In this parental appeal, King Solomon wrote the commands and principals which The Lord God gave to the people through him. Addressing the young people, these "teachings" here refer to the law of God. The Word of God was to be remembered, and obeyed. Those who did so would enjoy a long life and prosperity.
Here we are taught to live a life in constant communion with The Lord God. His law should guide our every thought, word, and action. In order to encourage us to submit to His law, He assured that if we do so, we would enjoy a long and prosperous life. This long life refers not only to the length of our days here on earth, but also to the length of our days for ever and ever. (Psalms 21:4)
Monday, September 15, 2014
Fear The Lord And Hope In His Unfailing Love
"The LORD delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love." Psalms 147:11 (NIV)
The human author of this psalm of praise and thanksgiving is unknown, but the psalmist clearly expresses thanks to God for His blessings. After praising God for all of the wonderful things that He has done, including caring for the plants and animals, the psalmist states two things that The Lord does not delight in. (Psalms 147:10) Then he states two things which The Lord does delight in, those who fear Him, and those who put their hope in Him.
To fear The Lord is to adore His majesty, to acknowledge His authority, to stand in awe of His power, and to dread His wrath. The Lord God delights in those who fear Him. To hope in The Lord is to believe in Him, to have faith in Him, to trust in Him, and to know that His love is eternal. The Lord delights in those who put their hope in Him and His unfailing love. So, let us please The Lord our God. Let us fear The Lord, and put our hope in Him and in His unfailing love. Good things are sure to come to us if God is pleased with us.
The human author of this psalm of praise and thanksgiving is unknown, but the psalmist clearly expresses thanks to God for His blessings. After praising God for all of the wonderful things that He has done, including caring for the plants and animals, the psalmist states two things that The Lord does not delight in. (Psalms 147:10) Then he states two things which The Lord does delight in, those who fear Him, and those who put their hope in Him.
To fear The Lord is to adore His majesty, to acknowledge His authority, to stand in awe of His power, and to dread His wrath. The Lord God delights in those who fear Him. To hope in The Lord is to believe in Him, to have faith in Him, to trust in Him, and to know that His love is eternal. The Lord delights in those who put their hope in Him and His unfailing love. So, let us please The Lord our God. Let us fear The Lord, and put our hope in Him and in His unfailing love. Good things are sure to come to us if God is pleased with us.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Be Christ-like And Tell The Truth
"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 3:9-10 (NIV)
While under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, the Apostle Paul wrote these words in a letter to the believers in Colosse. As part of his encouragement to them to live a holy life, Paul told them not to lie to each other. He said that lying was part of their old nature, which they had given up when they were transformed into new creators by their acceptance of Christ as their personal Savior. He also said that they should be renewing themselves daily in the image of The Lord God.
As believers, when we speak we should tell the truth. The Ten Commandments state that we should not bear false witness. (Exodus 20:16) Even though today we are not under the law, we are under grace, we should note that Jesus told the rich young man that he should keep the commandments. (Matthew 19:18-19) We should always tell the truth. We should probably talk less than we do, because the more we speak, the more likely we are to lie. (Matthew 5:37) Lying is an abomination to The Lord. (Proverbs 12:22) There is a special place in hell for liars. (Revelation 21:8) Since believers are not to act or talk like non-believers, we are to transform our behavior and renew our mind each day, in order that we might become more like Christ. (Romans 12:2) Let us hold our tongue, and when we speak, let us speak in a Christ-like manner. Let us be truthful and kind.
While under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, the Apostle Paul wrote these words in a letter to the believers in Colosse. As part of his encouragement to them to live a holy life, Paul told them not to lie to each other. He said that lying was part of their old nature, which they had given up when they were transformed into new creators by their acceptance of Christ as their personal Savior. He also said that they should be renewing themselves daily in the image of The Lord God.
As believers, when we speak we should tell the truth. The Ten Commandments state that we should not bear false witness. (Exodus 20:16) Even though today we are not under the law, we are under grace, we should note that Jesus told the rich young man that he should keep the commandments. (Matthew 19:18-19) We should always tell the truth. We should probably talk less than we do, because the more we speak, the more likely we are to lie. (Matthew 5:37) Lying is an abomination to The Lord. (Proverbs 12:22) There is a special place in hell for liars. (Revelation 21:8) Since believers are not to act or talk like non-believers, we are to transform our behavior and renew our mind each day, in order that we might become more like Christ. (Romans 12:2) Let us hold our tongue, and when we speak, let us speak in a Christ-like manner. Let us be truthful and kind.
Friday, September 12, 2014
We Need To Grow In Christ
"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:3-8 (NIV)
The Apostle Peter wrote these words, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to encourage the believers to increase their faith and to grow spiritually. He said that God had given them everything that they needed, but it was up to them to use it. The fruit of The Holy Spirit was within them, but it was up to them to exercise it. He told them that the more they used their godly qualities, the stronger they would become, and the more effective and productive they would become.
Everything that is alive is growing. The question is, in which way are they growing? Believers need to grow in Christ, we need to grow in our Christ-likeness. God has given us all that we need to live godly lives. However, our God given gifts are like our muscles, if we don't use them, they become weak and ineffective. The Holy Spirit of God resides within all believers, so we all have the gift of the fruit of The Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23 and 1 John 3:24) Just having it is not enough, we must exercise our God given gifts in order to live godly lives, so that we can be effective and productive in our work for The Lord. Knowing The Word of God is not enough, we must live it and share it with others. (James 1:22)
The Apostle Peter wrote these words, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to encourage the believers to increase their faith and to grow spiritually. He said that God had given them everything that they needed, but it was up to them to use it. The fruit of The Holy Spirit was within them, but it was up to them to exercise it. He told them that the more they used their godly qualities, the stronger they would become, and the more effective and productive they would become.
Everything that is alive is growing. The question is, in which way are they growing? Believers need to grow in Christ, we need to grow in our Christ-likeness. God has given us all that we need to live godly lives. However, our God given gifts are like our muscles, if we don't use them, they become weak and ineffective. The Holy Spirit of God resides within all believers, so we all have the gift of the fruit of The Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23 and 1 John 3:24) Just having it is not enough, we must exercise our God given gifts in order to live godly lives, so that we can be effective and productive in our work for The Lord. Knowing The Word of God is not enough, we must live it and share it with others. (James 1:22)
Thursday, September 11, 2014
In All Thy Ways Acknowledge Him
"In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:6 (KJV)
This is one of the sayings of King Solomon, who was blessed to be the wisest man to ever live. (2 Chronicles 1:11-12) He told the believers that they should acknowledge The Lord God in all that they do, and He would give them guidance and direction as they go through life.
It has been said that everything that happens to us is either a blessing or a lesson; and it provides us with a test or a testimony. God is in control, and all that happens is part of His permissive will. (Job 1:6-12) Our trials and tribulations should strengthen us, and increase our faith in The Lord. (Romans 5:3-4) His hand is in everything, so we should thank Him, and give Him praise, honor, and glory for everything. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) If we acknowledge Him for who He is, and for all that He has done, He will guide and direct us through this life. (Psalms 48:14) Remember, the steps of a good man are ordered by The Lord. (Psalms 37:23)
This is one of the sayings of King Solomon, who was blessed to be the wisest man to ever live. (2 Chronicles 1:11-12) He told the believers that they should acknowledge The Lord God in all that they do, and He would give them guidance and direction as they go through life.
It has been said that everything that happens to us is either a blessing or a lesson; and it provides us with a test or a testimony. God is in control, and all that happens is part of His permissive will. (Job 1:6-12) Our trials and tribulations should strengthen us, and increase our faith in The Lord. (Romans 5:3-4) His hand is in everything, so we should thank Him, and give Him praise, honor, and glory for everything. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) If we acknowledge Him for who He is, and for all that He has done, He will guide and direct us through this life. (Psalms 48:14) Remember, the steps of a good man are ordered by The Lord. (Psalms 37:23)
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Study The Word Of God
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
These words were written by the Apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, in a letter to his young protege, Timothy, to encourage him to study The Word of God. A believer should not be ashamed of God's Word. He said that study was necessary to correctly interpret The Word of God.
Reading The Word of God is good. Studying The Word of God is even better, because it improves one's understanding and, when it is done prayerfully, it increases one's knowledge and wisdom. When we know more about The Lord God, and what He intended for us to do, we would be much more likely to live by His Word. We should not be ashamed to be seen reading and studying The Word of God, and we ought to do both much more often than we do.
These words were written by the Apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, in a letter to his young protege, Timothy, to encourage him to study The Word of God. A believer should not be ashamed of God's Word. He said that study was necessary to correctly interpret The Word of God.
Reading The Word of God is good. Studying The Word of God is even better, because it improves one's understanding and, when it is done prayerfully, it increases one's knowledge and wisdom. When we know more about The Lord God, and what He intended for us to do, we would be much more likely to live by His Word. We should not be ashamed to be seen reading and studying The Word of God, and we ought to do both much more often than we do.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
We Must Believe That God Exists
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
Under the divine influence of The Holy Spirit of God, the unknown human author of The Bible Book of Hebrews wrote words of encouragement to the scattered believers, after the crucifixion of Christ. He told them to keep the faith, because without faith it is not possible to please God. He also told them that they must believe that The Lord God exists, and that He will reward all those who diligently and sincerely seek to follow Him.
Those of us who believe and have faith in Jesus, The Christ, without having had the pleasure of seeing Him, will be blessed. (John 20:29) Jesus said that we should "Have faith in God." (Mark 11:22) We must have faith in that which we cannot see, but believe that it will be. (Hebrews 11:1) We also must believe that we will be rewarded for following The Lord and doing that which pleases Him. (2 Chronicles 15:7)
Under the divine influence of The Holy Spirit of God, the unknown human author of The Bible Book of Hebrews wrote words of encouragement to the scattered believers, after the crucifixion of Christ. He told them to keep the faith, because without faith it is not possible to please God. He also told them that they must believe that The Lord God exists, and that He will reward all those who diligently and sincerely seek to follow Him.
Those of us who believe and have faith in Jesus, The Christ, without having had the pleasure of seeing Him, will be blessed. (John 20:29) Jesus said that we should "Have faith in God." (Mark 11:22) We must have faith in that which we cannot see, but believe that it will be. (Hebrews 11:1) We also must believe that we will be rewarded for following The Lord and doing that which pleases Him. (2 Chronicles 15:7)
Monday, September 8, 2014
Be Content With What We Have
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that."
1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NIV)
While under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, the Apostle Paul wrote these words in a letter to his protege, Timothy, the young preacher. Paul told him that it is good to be godly and content. He said, if they have food and clothing, they should be content with that.
There are people who have a closet full of clothes, and yet they say that they have nothing to wear. It does not seem to matter how much we have, we still want more of it. Most of us have not learned to be content with that which we already have. The desire for material things can cloud our judgment, and negatively impact our priorities. We need to be thankful and grateful for that which we have, and we need to learn godliness with contentment. (Philippians 4:11) If we were good stewards over that which The Lord has blessed us with, maybe He would bless us with more without us having to ask for it. (Matthew 25:15-23) We ought to be content with having the basic necessities of life, or with whatever we have. There is nothing wrong with having lots of possessions, as long as the desire for them, or the desire for money to acquire them, does not rule us. (1 Timothy 6:10) The problem is not the things, the problem is our desire for them. Being self-indulgent can be problematic, if we place it above seeking The Lord God. (Matthew 6:33) Do not put the creations above, or before, The Creator. (Romans 1:25)
1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NIV)
While under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, the Apostle Paul wrote these words in a letter to his protege, Timothy, the young preacher. Paul told him that it is good to be godly and content. He said, if they have food and clothing, they should be content with that.
There are people who have a closet full of clothes, and yet they say that they have nothing to wear. It does not seem to matter how much we have, we still want more of it. Most of us have not learned to be content with that which we already have. The desire for material things can cloud our judgment, and negatively impact our priorities. We need to be thankful and grateful for that which we have, and we need to learn godliness with contentment. (Philippians 4:11) If we were good stewards over that which The Lord has blessed us with, maybe He would bless us with more without us having to ask for it. (Matthew 25:15-23) We ought to be content with having the basic necessities of life, or with whatever we have. There is nothing wrong with having lots of possessions, as long as the desire for them, or the desire for money to acquire them, does not rule us. (1 Timothy 6:10) The problem is not the things, the problem is our desire for them. Being self-indulgent can be problematic, if we place it above seeking The Lord God. (Matthew 6:33) Do not put the creations above, or before, The Creator. (Romans 1:25)
Sunday, September 7, 2014
God Is Our Help And Strength
"The salvation of the righteous comes from The LORD; He is their stronghold in time of trouble." Psalms 37:39 (NIV) The King James Version of this Bible verse reads: " But the salvation of the righteous is of The LORD; He is their strength in the time of trouble."
This verse is taken from one of the psalms of King David, a man after God's own heart. (Acts 13:22) David's point is that The Lord God is the source of salvation, it is His to give, and He chooses to give it to the righteous believers. Those are the people with whom He also shares His strength during their time of trouble. (Psalms 46:1)
Believers know that it is only by the grace of God that we are saved. (Ephesians 2:8) We also know that our strength and help come from The Lord. (Psalms 121:1) We know that we need help and protection from evil people and evil forces. (Ephesians 6:11-13) It is only with the help of The Lord that we are able to stand and survive all that comes up against us in this life. (Psalms 37:40) If we get knocked down, or fall down, it is with His help that we are able to get back up, and continue on. (Psalms 37:34)
This verse is taken from one of the psalms of King David, a man after God's own heart. (Acts 13:22) David's point is that The Lord God is the source of salvation, it is His to give, and He chooses to give it to the righteous believers. Those are the people with whom He also shares His strength during their time of trouble. (Psalms 46:1)
Believers know that it is only by the grace of God that we are saved. (Ephesians 2:8) We also know that our strength and help come from The Lord. (Psalms 121:1) We know that we need help and protection from evil people and evil forces. (Ephesians 6:11-13) It is only with the help of The Lord that we are able to stand and survive all that comes up against us in this life. (Psalms 37:40) If we get knocked down, or fall down, it is with His help that we are able to get back up, and continue on. (Psalms 37:34)
Saturday, September 6, 2014
Believe In Christ And Have Eternal Life
"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 (NIV)
These words were recorded by the Apostle John, as part of The Gospel according to John, which was written so that all people would believe. (John 1:7) Jesus, The Christ, left the splendor of heaven, wrapped Himself in human flesh, and dwelt among us. (John 1:14) Because mankind was lost in sin, He who was without sin, came to earth to die in our place for our sins. (Romans 5:8) The price to be paid for sin was death, and He paid the price for all of us so that we might have a chance at salvation and eternal life. (Romans 6:23)
The Lord God loves us, and it would please Him if all mankind would be saved and that none would be lost. However, man was given the free will to choose to believe as he wants. Only those who choose to believe in Christ will be given the gift of eternal life. Those who choose not to believe have condemned themselves. (John 3:18)
These words were recorded by the Apostle John, as part of The Gospel according to John, which was written so that all people would believe. (John 1:7) Jesus, The Christ, left the splendor of heaven, wrapped Himself in human flesh, and dwelt among us. (John 1:14) Because mankind was lost in sin, He who was without sin, came to earth to die in our place for our sins. (Romans 5:8) The price to be paid for sin was death, and He paid the price for all of us so that we might have a chance at salvation and eternal life. (Romans 6:23)
The Lord God loves us, and it would please Him if all mankind would be saved and that none would be lost. However, man was given the free will to choose to believe as he wants. Only those who choose to believe in Christ will be given the gift of eternal life. Those who choose not to believe have condemned themselves. (John 3:18)
Deny The World And Follow Christ
"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good." Titus 2:11-14 (NIV)
These words were part of a letter written by the Apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, for his protege, Titus, and the people that he pastors. Paul's point was that the people of God practice self-denial. They should deny themselves the worldly pleasures and anything that is ungodly. They should live in a godly manner while they await the return of Christ, who died and paid the price for their sins so they could be with Him.
Salvation brings about a personal transformation, believers are changed and become new creatures. (2 Corinthians 5:17) We are no longer to walk worldly, we are to deny worldly lusts, and take up our cross daily and follow Christ. (Matthew 16:24) We are to do good during our earthly lives, while we await His glorious return. We are to live holy lives because He is within us and He is holy. (1 Peter 1:16) We should be eager to do that which is good because our good works are our way of showing Him that we appreciate His gift of salvation. (James 2:14-26) By our good works we give God glory. (Matthew 5:16)
These words were part of a letter written by the Apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, for his protege, Titus, and the people that he pastors. Paul's point was that the people of God practice self-denial. They should deny themselves the worldly pleasures and anything that is ungodly. They should live in a godly manner while they await the return of Christ, who died and paid the price for their sins so they could be with Him.
Salvation brings about a personal transformation, believers are changed and become new creatures. (2 Corinthians 5:17) We are no longer to walk worldly, we are to deny worldly lusts, and take up our cross daily and follow Christ. (Matthew 16:24) We are to do good during our earthly lives, while we await His glorious return. We are to live holy lives because He is within us and He is holy. (1 Peter 1:16) We should be eager to do that which is good because our good works are our way of showing Him that we appreciate His gift of salvation. (James 2:14-26) By our good works we give God glory. (Matthew 5:16)
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Repent And Turn To God
"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from The Lord ..." Acts 3:19 (NIV)
These are the words of the Apostle Peter, as recorded by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God. After he healed the man by the temple gate who had been born crippled, Peter spoke to the crowd which had gathered. His message was the same as that of John, the baptizer (Matthew 3:2), and the same as the initial messages of Jesus, The Christ, (Matthew 4:17), repent.
If we do not believe and repent, then our sins will not be forgiven, and salvation will not be ours. We need to turn to God instead of continuing to turn away from Him. Only those who pray, and sincerely seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways, will God hear and forgive. (2 Chronicles 7:14) Those who confess their sins and believe will be saved. (Romans 10:9) Heaven rejoices every time one sinner repents. (Luke 15:7) However, those non-believers who do not repent, will endure a second death and then eternal damnation. (Revelation 21:8) Those who think that they can do "good deeds" and be saved without repenting and believing in Jesus, The Christ, will call on Him on judgment day, and will hear Him say, "Depart from me, I know you not." (Luke 13:27) So, repent, the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew 10:7)
These are the words of the Apostle Peter, as recorded by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God. After he healed the man by the temple gate who had been born crippled, Peter spoke to the crowd which had gathered. His message was the same as that of John, the baptizer (Matthew 3:2), and the same as the initial messages of Jesus, The Christ, (Matthew 4:17), repent.
If we do not believe and repent, then our sins will not be forgiven, and salvation will not be ours. We need to turn to God instead of continuing to turn away from Him. Only those who pray, and sincerely seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways, will God hear and forgive. (2 Chronicles 7:14) Those who confess their sins and believe will be saved. (Romans 10:9) Heaven rejoices every time one sinner repents. (Luke 15:7) However, those non-believers who do not repent, will endure a second death and then eternal damnation. (Revelation 21:8) Those who think that they can do "good deeds" and be saved without repenting and believing in Jesus, The Christ, will call on Him on judgment day, and will hear Him say, "Depart from me, I know you not." (Luke 13:27) So, repent, the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew 10:7)
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Rejoice And Praise God All Day Long
"Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your presence, O LORD. They rejoice in Your name all day long; they exult in Your righteousness." Psalms 89:15-16 (NIV)
This psalm, recorded by Ethan under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, is a song of lament and of hope. The psalmist knew that the people of God were suffering, and he knew of God's promise. He also knew that, regardless of their circumstances, the people of God should praise Him. (Psalms 89:5) He stated that the people who had learned to make a joyful noise unto The Lord would be blessed. Those who walk His way, and who praise His name, in spite of their situation, would be exalted.
We must learn to rejoice and be joyful. Joy, like the peace of God, the world cannot give it, and the world cannot take it away. (John 14:27) Joy is a gift from God. (Ecclesiastes 2:26) When we rejoice in The Lord, our soul will be joyful. (Isaiah 61:10) Since God has given us the joy in our spirit, it is up to us to learn to look at every situation as part of His purpose for us, and count all things as joyful. (James 1:2) If we can see God's hand in everything, then it will be easier for us to praise Him and to be joyful all day long.
This psalm, recorded by Ethan under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, is a song of lament and of hope. The psalmist knew that the people of God were suffering, and he knew of God's promise. He also knew that, regardless of their circumstances, the people of God should praise Him. (Psalms 89:5) He stated that the people who had learned to make a joyful noise unto The Lord would be blessed. Those who walk His way, and who praise His name, in spite of their situation, would be exalted.
We must learn to rejoice and be joyful. Joy, like the peace of God, the world cannot give it, and the world cannot take it away. (John 14:27) Joy is a gift from God. (Ecclesiastes 2:26) When we rejoice in The Lord, our soul will be joyful. (Isaiah 61:10) Since God has given us the joy in our spirit, it is up to us to learn to look at every situation as part of His purpose for us, and count all things as joyful. (James 1:2) If we can see God's hand in everything, then it will be easier for us to praise Him and to be joyful all day long.
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
God Gives Grace To The Humble
"... All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time." 1 Peter 5:5-6 (NIV)
These words were recorded by the Apostle Peter, who wrote them under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God. After addressing the elders, and then the young men, Peter addressed all of the believers and told them to be humble. He said that The Lord God did not like the proud person, but He blesses the humble individual. Those who humble themselves before God, will be lifted up by Him in due time.
People who exalt themselves will be put down, and those who humble themselves before God will be exalted. (Matthew 23:12) We should not think more highly of ourselves than we ought to. (Romans 12:3) Too much pride in ones self will lead to destruction. (Proverbs 16:18) The proud shall be brought down low, but the humble shall be upheld. (Proverbs 29:23) Pride is one of the things that comes out of the heart and mouth of man that defiles him. (Mark 7:20-23) Pride is not of God, it is a worldly thing. (1 John 2:16) Believers, therefore, should pray for, and practice humility. We need to humbly submit to The Lord God and obey His Holy Word. He will end our suffering, and He will lift us up and graciously bless us, in due time.
These words were recorded by the Apostle Peter, who wrote them under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God. After addressing the elders, and then the young men, Peter addressed all of the believers and told them to be humble. He said that The Lord God did not like the proud person, but He blesses the humble individual. Those who humble themselves before God, will be lifted up by Him in due time.
People who exalt themselves will be put down, and those who humble themselves before God will be exalted. (Matthew 23:12) We should not think more highly of ourselves than we ought to. (Romans 12:3) Too much pride in ones self will lead to destruction. (Proverbs 16:18) The proud shall be brought down low, but the humble shall be upheld. (Proverbs 29:23) Pride is one of the things that comes out of the heart and mouth of man that defiles him. (Mark 7:20-23) Pride is not of God, it is a worldly thing. (1 John 2:16) Believers, therefore, should pray for, and practice humility. We need to humbly submit to The Lord God and obey His Holy Word. He will end our suffering, and He will lift us up and graciously bless us, in due time.
Monday, September 1, 2014
Our Hope Is In The Lord
"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God." Psalms 42:11 (NIV)
This is one of the psalms which was recorded by the Sons of Korah, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God. The exact occasion and situation which resulted in this psalm are unknown. It is clear that the individual human author was lamenting something intense, which was aggravated by the people around him that were mocking him. (Psalms 42:3 and 10) He rebukes himself for being despondent, and then expresses his hope in The Lord God.
Sometimes, life has a way of getting us down. Some things depress us, or disturb us. And all too often, some of the people around us make the situation worse instead of better. In times like these, we need to turn our attention to The Lord. We need to remember how He helped us in past situations. We need to remember that our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus, His redemptive blood, and His righteousness. We need to pray, and read The Holy Word of God, and then praise Him for who He is, knowing that whatever we need is already done. Be strong and take heart, The Lord preserves all those who place their hope in Him. (Psalm 31:23-24)
This is one of the psalms which was recorded by the Sons of Korah, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God. The exact occasion and situation which resulted in this psalm are unknown. It is clear that the individual human author was lamenting something intense, which was aggravated by the people around him that were mocking him. (Psalms 42:3 and 10) He rebukes himself for being despondent, and then expresses his hope in The Lord God.
Sometimes, life has a way of getting us down. Some things depress us, or disturb us. And all too often, some of the people around us make the situation worse instead of better. In times like these, we need to turn our attention to The Lord. We need to remember how He helped us in past situations. We need to remember that our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus, His redemptive blood, and His righteousness. We need to pray, and read The Holy Word of God, and then praise Him for who He is, knowing that whatever we need is already done. Be strong and take heart, The Lord preserves all those who place their hope in Him. (Psalm 31:23-24)
Sunday, August 31, 2014
The Holy Spirit Reminds Us Of God's Word
"But The Counselor, The Holy Spirit, whom The Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." John 14:26 (NIV)
These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, recorded by the Apostle John, as Jesus spoke with His disciples. He told them that He would go away to prepare a place for them. (John 14:2) Then He told them that He would ask His Father to send them another Comforter, The Holy Spirit, who would be with them forever. (John 14:16) He promised them that The Holy Spirit would remind them of everything which He had said to them.
Today, The Lord God speaks to us through His Holy Word. When we read or hear The Word of God, He is speaking to us. The Holy Spirit can bring His words to our remembrance today. However, we must first have heard or read The Word of God before The Holy Spirit can remind us of what He said. So, in addition to hearing The Word preached on Sunday, we need to read His Holy Word every day of the week. In fact, we should begin and end each day with prayer and then reading The Word of God. (Joshua 1:8)
These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, recorded by the Apostle John, as Jesus spoke with His disciples. He told them that He would go away to prepare a place for them. (John 14:2) Then He told them that He would ask His Father to send them another Comforter, The Holy Spirit, who would be with them forever. (John 14:16) He promised them that The Holy Spirit would remind them of everything which He had said to them.
Today, The Lord God speaks to us through His Holy Word. When we read or hear The Word of God, He is speaking to us. The Holy Spirit can bring His words to our remembrance today. However, we must first have heard or read The Word of God before The Holy Spirit can remind us of what He said. So, in addition to hearing The Word preached on Sunday, we need to read His Holy Word every day of the week. In fact, we should begin and end each day with prayer and then reading The Word of God. (Joshua 1:8)
Saturday, August 30, 2014
When We Know What Is Right We Should Do It
"That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." Luke 12:47-48 (NIV)
Under the influence and guidance of The Holy Spirit of God, Luke, the physician and frequent travelling companion of the Apostle Paul, recorded these words of Jesus, The Christ. Although he was not one of those who walked with Christ, Luke had access to the eye witnesses and to their writings from which to draw upon. Here he wrote that after Jesus had spoken to His disciples the parables of the rich fool who built new barns because he had so much to store, and the faithful and wise manager, He then told them about the servant whom the master left in charge of the other servants. The two main points were, one, those who do wrong knowingly, will be punished more severely. Two, those who are given much material goods or responsibility, more will be required of them than those who are given less or given little.
Those to whom much is given, much will be required. We are blessed in order to be a blessing to others. People in positions of responsibility, especially those who have responsibility for other people, will be held to a higher standard of accountability. Those who know that which is right, and do otherwise, will be punished more severely than those who do wrong in ignorance. When we know what is right, we ought to do it. With the knowledge of The Word of God comes responsibility to share it with others, and with that responsibility comes the greater expectation that we will live by it.
Under the influence and guidance of The Holy Spirit of God, Luke, the physician and frequent travelling companion of the Apostle Paul, recorded these words of Jesus, The Christ. Although he was not one of those who walked with Christ, Luke had access to the eye witnesses and to their writings from which to draw upon. Here he wrote that after Jesus had spoken to His disciples the parables of the rich fool who built new barns because he had so much to store, and the faithful and wise manager, He then told them about the servant whom the master left in charge of the other servants. The two main points were, one, those who do wrong knowingly, will be punished more severely. Two, those who are given much material goods or responsibility, more will be required of them than those who are given less or given little.
Those to whom much is given, much will be required. We are blessed in order to be a blessing to others. People in positions of responsibility, especially those who have responsibility for other people, will be held to a higher standard of accountability. Those who know that which is right, and do otherwise, will be punished more severely than those who do wrong in ignorance. When we know what is right, we ought to do it. With the knowledge of The Word of God comes responsibility to share it with others, and with that responsibility comes the greater expectation that we will live by it.
Friday, August 29, 2014
Blessings After Blessings
"From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another." John 1:16 (NIV) The King James Version of The Bible reads: " And of His fullness have all we received, grace for grace."
In the gospel according to the Apostle John, self described as "the disciple whom Jesus loved", these words were written just after stating that:The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and he was a witness of Him. (John 1:14-15) It is from the fullness of His grace that all of them, and all of us, have been blessed.
The Lord God is an unending well of grace and blessings which is overflowing and spilling unto all of us. (Ephesians 1:23) It is by His grace that we are what we are. (1 Corinthians 15:10) It is by the grace of God that we live, move, and have our very being. (Acts 17:28) We have all received blessing after blessing, and we should forever be giving Him thanks. We should thank Him for that which we have, instead of worrying about that which we don't have.
In the gospel according to the Apostle John, self described as "the disciple whom Jesus loved", these words were written just after stating that:The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and he was a witness of Him. (John 1:14-15) It is from the fullness of His grace that all of them, and all of us, have been blessed.
The Lord God is an unending well of grace and blessings which is overflowing and spilling unto all of us. (Ephesians 1:23) It is by His grace that we are what we are. (1 Corinthians 15:10) It is by the grace of God that we live, move, and have our very being. (Acts 17:28) We have all received blessing after blessing, and we should forever be giving Him thanks. We should thank Him for that which we have, instead of worrying about that which we don't have.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Pray And Believe Without Doubting
"Jesus replied, 'I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, Go, throw yourself into the sea, and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.' " Matthew 21:21-22 (NIV)
These are the words and actions of Jesus, The Christ, as recorded by the Apostle Matthew after He had entered into Jerusalem riding on a donkey, and after He had driven the money changers out of the temple. Jesus, being hungry and seeing a fig tree, went to the tree and found only leaves, no fruit. Then He said to the tree, "May you never bear fruit again." Immediately the fig tree withered. (Matthew 21:19) His disciples were amazed and asked, "How did the tree wither so quickly?" Jesus told them that if they had the faith and did not doubt, they could do even greater things, like move mountains. He said that if they believed, then they would receive whatever they asked for in prayer.
Our problem today, as believers, is that we are so well trained in the laws of science that we doubt the power of God. We believe that God exists, and we pray. We just have so little faith, and are so full of doubt, that we are almost powerless. Much faith and much prayer equals much power. Little faith with little prayer equals little power. On more than one occasion, Jesus said to His disciples, "O ye of little faith." (Matthew 8:26) We are no different than they were. Our faith, in size quantitatively, must be smaller than a grain of mustard seed. (Matthew 17:20) We need to exercise our faith so it can grow. We need to eliminate all doubt in God. We need for our will and His will to be so wrapped up together, that we would only pray for things which are within His will. Thereby, when we pray and ask for something, we will know that it is already done.
These are the words and actions of Jesus, The Christ, as recorded by the Apostle Matthew after He had entered into Jerusalem riding on a donkey, and after He had driven the money changers out of the temple. Jesus, being hungry and seeing a fig tree, went to the tree and found only leaves, no fruit. Then He said to the tree, "May you never bear fruit again." Immediately the fig tree withered. (Matthew 21:19) His disciples were amazed and asked, "How did the tree wither so quickly?" Jesus told them that if they had the faith and did not doubt, they could do even greater things, like move mountains. He said that if they believed, then they would receive whatever they asked for in prayer.
Our problem today, as believers, is that we are so well trained in the laws of science that we doubt the power of God. We believe that God exists, and we pray. We just have so little faith, and are so full of doubt, that we are almost powerless. Much faith and much prayer equals much power. Little faith with little prayer equals little power. On more than one occasion, Jesus said to His disciples, "O ye of little faith." (Matthew 8:26) We are no different than they were. Our faith, in size quantitatively, must be smaller than a grain of mustard seed. (Matthew 17:20) We need to exercise our faith so it can grow. We need to eliminate all doubt in God. We need for our will and His will to be so wrapped up together, that we would only pray for things which are within His will. Thereby, when we pray and ask for something, we will know that it is already done.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
We Should Think Before We Speak
"He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin." Proverbs 13:3 (NIV)
These words of King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, were written to the people of God to share his insights on human behavior and how believers should conduct themselves. His point here was that believers should control their tongue, and not speak everything they think. Those who do not engage their brain before they speak, will end up worse off for doing so.
There is a very familiar and popular quote which says, "Think before you speak." (Unknown) Most of us would be better off it we would practice this. However, there is another quote which says, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." (Thumper, the rabbit, in the Disney animated film entitled "Bambi") (He may not be the original author, but that was the first time that I heard it) Before we speak, we should ask ourselves these three questions. One, is it truthful? Two, is it helpful? Three, is it kind? If what we were going to say is untruthful, we should forget it. If it is not going to help the person, or the situation, we should keep it to ourselves. If it is not kind, or is insensitive, it is better left unsaid. We should always let our speech be filled with the grace of God. (Colossians 4:6) Some things just do not need to be said.
These words of King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, were written to the people of God to share his insights on human behavior and how believers should conduct themselves. His point here was that believers should control their tongue, and not speak everything they think. Those who do not engage their brain before they speak, will end up worse off for doing so.
There is a very familiar and popular quote which says, "Think before you speak." (Unknown) Most of us would be better off it we would practice this. However, there is another quote which says, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." (Thumper, the rabbit, in the Disney animated film entitled "Bambi") (He may not be the original author, but that was the first time that I heard it) Before we speak, we should ask ourselves these three questions. One, is it truthful? Two, is it helpful? Three, is it kind? If what we were going to say is untruthful, we should forget it. If it is not going to help the person, or the situation, we should keep it to ourselves. If it is not kind, or is insensitive, it is better left unsaid. We should always let our speech be filled with the grace of God. (Colossians 4:6) Some things just do not need to be said.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
God Is Always With Us
"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.' So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?' " Hebrews 13:5-6 (NIV)
Under the guidance and direction of The Holy Spirit of God, this unknown human author of The Bible Book of Hebrews recounts the words of God when He says, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." He tells the scattered believers that they can be confident because God is with them. There is no need for them to fear anything or anyone.
It does not matter whatever life throws at us, the loss of a car, the loss of a house, the loss of a job, the loss of our health, or the death of a loved one, God is always with us. He said that He will never leave us, nor forsake us. He is with us through all of our trials and tribulations, through each and every storm, and through our sorrow and pain. He neither slumbers or sleeps, but He watches over us while we do. He puts a hedge of protection around us to keep us safe from dangers seen and unseen. Because of His goodness, He lets His grace and mercy rain down upon us daily. He is our comforter, our provider, our healer, our protector, our refuge, our help, and our strength. He is our God, and He is always with us.
Under the guidance and direction of The Holy Spirit of God, this unknown human author of The Bible Book of Hebrews recounts the words of God when He says, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." He tells the scattered believers that they can be confident because God is with them. There is no need for them to fear anything or anyone.
It does not matter whatever life throws at us, the loss of a car, the loss of a house, the loss of a job, the loss of our health, or the death of a loved one, God is always with us. He said that He will never leave us, nor forsake us. He is with us through all of our trials and tribulations, through each and every storm, and through our sorrow and pain. He neither slumbers or sleeps, but He watches over us while we do. He puts a hedge of protection around us to keep us safe from dangers seen and unseen. Because of His goodness, He lets His grace and mercy rain down upon us daily. He is our comforter, our provider, our healer, our protector, our refuge, our help, and our strength. He is our God, and He is always with us.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Have Compassion For The Needy
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.' " Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, recorded by the Apostle Matthew, the former tax collector, as He spoke to His disciples regarding the parable of the sheep and the goats. (Matthew 25:31-46) He told them that when the time is come, He will separate people one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. (Matthew 25:32-33) He will direct the righteous to His right side, and the non-believers to his left. The righteous He will tell to come and claim their inheritance as their reward for how they treated Him. (Matthew 25:34-36) Then they will ask Him, when did we treat you that way, and His reply will be, as you did it for the least of these, My brothers, you did it for Me. (Matthew 25:37-40)
It is clear that Jesus regards our treatment of the least of the believers as if we had done it to Him. Who are the least of His brothers? They are the hungry, the thirsty, those in need of clothing, the sick, and those who are incarcerated. When we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, give clothing to those in need, care for the sick, and visit the incarcerated, in His eyes we are doing it to Him. We should be very careful in the way that we treat people, especially the down and out. We are blessed in order to be a blessing to others. (Proverbs 11:25) It is possible that we may encounter an angel and not be aware of it. (Hebrews 13:1-3)
These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, recorded by the Apostle Matthew, the former tax collector, as He spoke to His disciples regarding the parable of the sheep and the goats. (Matthew 25:31-46) He told them that when the time is come, He will separate people one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. (Matthew 25:32-33) He will direct the righteous to His right side, and the non-believers to his left. The righteous He will tell to come and claim their inheritance as their reward for how they treated Him. (Matthew 25:34-36) Then they will ask Him, when did we treat you that way, and His reply will be, as you did it for the least of these, My brothers, you did it for Me. (Matthew 25:37-40)
It is clear that Jesus regards our treatment of the least of the believers as if we had done it to Him. Who are the least of His brothers? They are the hungry, the thirsty, those in need of clothing, the sick, and those who are incarcerated. When we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, give clothing to those in need, care for the sick, and visit the incarcerated, in His eyes we are doing it to Him. We should be very careful in the way that we treat people, especially the down and out. We are blessed in order to be a blessing to others. (Proverbs 11:25) It is possible that we may encounter an angel and not be aware of it. (Hebrews 13:1-3)
Sunday, August 24, 2014
The Power Of Prayer And Praise
"After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose." Acts 16:23-26 (NIV)
These words were recorded, under the influence and direction of The Holy Spirit of God, by Luke, the physician and travelling companion of the Apostle Paul. Having been thrown into prison for removing the demon spirit from a slave girl, which allowed her to predict the future. (Acts 16:16) The owners of the slave girl earned a great deal of money because of her unique ability, and they were not happy with Paul and Silas for ending their source of income. They seized Paul and Silas, turned them over to the authorities for conducting unlawful activities. (Acts 16:19-21)
In spite of their situation and circumstances, being falsely accused, in prison, physically beaten, and locked in the stocks and chains, Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God. In their darkest hour, they praised God. Their prayers were heard, things began to shake, and their chains came loose, along with the chains of all who were in prison with them. The jailer was so impressed that he asked them, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Then he led them out of the prison to his house, and all in his household were saved. (Acts 16:30-33) The world is watching to see how believers respond to the events of life. They make judgments about all believers based upon our behavior. We are representatives of The Lord God on earth, and we never know who is watching us, or what effect our behavior will have upon them. Therefore, it behooves us to always act and speak in a Christ-like manner. There is power in prayer and in praising God, chains can be broken and doors can be opened. We ought to do both more often, and we ought to give God the glory for the good things which result from our prayers and praise.
These words were recorded, under the influence and direction of The Holy Spirit of God, by Luke, the physician and travelling companion of the Apostle Paul. Having been thrown into prison for removing the demon spirit from a slave girl, which allowed her to predict the future. (Acts 16:16) The owners of the slave girl earned a great deal of money because of her unique ability, and they were not happy with Paul and Silas for ending their source of income. They seized Paul and Silas, turned them over to the authorities for conducting unlawful activities. (Acts 16:19-21)
In spite of their situation and circumstances, being falsely accused, in prison, physically beaten, and locked in the stocks and chains, Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God. In their darkest hour, they praised God. Their prayers were heard, things began to shake, and their chains came loose, along with the chains of all who were in prison with them. The jailer was so impressed that he asked them, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Then he led them out of the prison to his house, and all in his household were saved. (Acts 16:30-33) The world is watching to see how believers respond to the events of life. They make judgments about all believers based upon our behavior. We are representatives of The Lord God on earth, and we never know who is watching us, or what effect our behavior will have upon them. Therefore, it behooves us to always act and speak in a Christ-like manner. There is power in prayer and in praising God, chains can be broken and doors can be opened. We ought to do both more often, and we ought to give God the glory for the good things which result from our prayers and praise.
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Meeting The Lord God Will Change You
"As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?' 'Who are you, Lord?' Saul asked. 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," He replied.' " Acts 9:3-5 (NIV) (Read Acts 9:1-9)
These words were recorded, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, by Luke, the physician and travelling companion of the Apostle Paul, here called Saul. He had an encounter with The Lord on the road to Damascus, and his life was completely changed. He went from being a persecutor of Christians, to being a preacher of the gospel. Paul became the human author of thirteen of the twenty-seven books in The New Testament of The Bible.
It does not matter how bad we are, or what sins we have committed, an encounter with The Lord will change our life. No one is so bad that The Lord God cannot save him, or use him. Each person's encounter is personal and for them only. The men who were with Paul when this occurred, heard a sound but din not understand it as words. (Acts 9:7) The purpose and plan which The Lord God has for each one of us is unique and special. We just have to believe and be willing to let Him use us as He sees fit to do.
These words were recorded, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, by Luke, the physician and travelling companion of the Apostle Paul, here called Saul. He had an encounter with The Lord on the road to Damascus, and his life was completely changed. He went from being a persecutor of Christians, to being a preacher of the gospel. Paul became the human author of thirteen of the twenty-seven books in The New Testament of The Bible.
It does not matter how bad we are, or what sins we have committed, an encounter with The Lord will change our life. No one is so bad that The Lord God cannot save him, or use him. Each person's encounter is personal and for them only. The men who were with Paul when this occurred, heard a sound but din not understand it as words. (Acts 9:7) The purpose and plan which The Lord God has for each one of us is unique and special. We just have to believe and be willing to let Him use us as He sees fit to do.
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Don't Be Afraid
"While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. 'Your daughter is dead,' they said. "Why bother The Teacher any more?' Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, 'Don't be afraid; just believe.' " Mark 5:35-36 (NIV)
These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, spoken just after the woman with the twelve year long bleeding problem had touched the hem if His garment. Jairus, the synagogue ruler had asked Jesus to come and heal his daughter who was sick and dying. (Mark 5:23) Some of the men from his household came and told him that his daughter was dead. Jesus told him "Don't be afraid, just believe." The Jesus went with him to his home and He brought the dead girl back to life. (Mark 5:41-42)
Here, Jesus said "Don't be afraid." That phrase is stated in The Bible twenty-six times. The phrase "be not afraid" is written twenty-six times, and the phrase "fear not" occurs sixty-three times. God did not give us the spirit of fear. (2 Timothy 1:7) Fear is an emotional response to a situation, or to an anticipated situation. Danger is real, but fear is a choice. The Lord God said that He will always be with us, He will never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) Since God is with us, who or what do we have to be afraid of, or to fear? (Psalms 27:1) Even death is nothing to fear, for He has conquered death. "Don't be afraid, just believe."
These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, spoken just after the woman with the twelve year long bleeding problem had touched the hem if His garment. Jairus, the synagogue ruler had asked Jesus to come and heal his daughter who was sick and dying. (Mark 5:23) Some of the men from his household came and told him that his daughter was dead. Jesus told him "Don't be afraid, just believe." The Jesus went with him to his home and He brought the dead girl back to life. (Mark 5:41-42)
Here, Jesus said "Don't be afraid." That phrase is stated in The Bible twenty-six times. The phrase "be not afraid" is written twenty-six times, and the phrase "fear not" occurs sixty-three times. God did not give us the spirit of fear. (2 Timothy 1:7) Fear is an emotional response to a situation, or to an anticipated situation. Danger is real, but fear is a choice. The Lord God said that He will always be with us, He will never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) Since God is with us, who or what do we have to be afraid of, or to fear? (Psalms 27:1) Even death is nothing to fear, for He has conquered death. "Don't be afraid, just believe."
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