For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. Never once did we try to win you with flattery, as you well know. And God is our witness that we were not pretending to be your friends just to get your money! As for human praise, we have never sought it from you or anyone else. As apostles of Christ we certainly had a right to make some demands of you, but instead we were like children among you. Or we were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children. We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God's Good News but our own lives, too.
(1 Thessalonians 2:4-8 NLT)
The closer I get to the person God intended for me to be the more fierce the enemy becomes but I am not special for you too will taste of the enemy’s vengeance as you move closer to God's purpose for your life. Have you ever wondered if you were on the path God has planned for your life? You will know as the opposition increases, guarantied! It seems odd but the enemy, in this way, is predictable. If you are on a route that is less than what God has called you to do Satan will leave you alone but if you are stepping in the footsteps of Jesus often the enemy will know it sooner than you yourself realize it and he gives it away by his attacks. Many times these attacks will start in your dreams tempting to lead you off course and eventually threatening hopelessness and promising your past will also be your future but don’t take your eyes off of Jesus. On my own I am bound to repeat the same mistakes I have made before, for in me is brokenness but in my Savior is victory and I cannot not lose as long as I am careful to step where Jesus steps.
Image a winter scene where the trees and ground are covered with new snow yet untouched by man or beast and as you look out across the valley to mountains in the distance you marvel at the wonder of it all but you also realize on your own you could never reach your destination except for your guide that has promised to lead you through the wilderness. You trust Him completely because He spoke truth to you and told you of your need, which no one else could have known and even more important for the first time in your heart was born hope and peace like you’ve never known. Your guide instructs you to carefully step where he steps as you listen intently, for you know how easily you will sink in the deep snow, become cold and wet, and possibly freeze to death. If someone looked at where you two have been they would only see one set of tracks because each step you take is purposefully chosen. The enemy has been watching too and he knows if you venture off course you will lose your way, your heart will become cold and your strength will weaken and if you remain off course you will die. Why would he attack if you do his work for him but it is the one who follows the Guide closely whom he fears will reach their destination and therefore he attacks with the intention of distracting, even if only for a moment. At first the distractions will come seemingly innocently tempting but if that doesn’t work the tempting turns to threats so guard your soul because that is where the battleground begins and keep your eyes fixed on your guide – Jesus, for though He cannot be seen with human eye by His Spirit He leads you and it is by His Spirit you must learn to see. For this is the message, awakening all who would set out on the great adventure, come see what the Lord has done!
How precious is Your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of Your wings. You feed them from the abundance of Your own house, letting them drink from Your river of delights. For You are the fountain of life, the light by which we see.
(Psalms 36:7-9 NLT)
Monday, December 30, 2013
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Our legacy
And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere, even beyond Macedonia and Achaia, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God. We don't need to tell them about it, for they keep talking about the wonderful welcome you gave us and how you turned away from idols to serve the living and true God. And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God's Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the One who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment.
(1 Thessalonians 1:8-10 NLT)
When you think about that special person in your life who meant more to you at a particular time than others think about what made them stand out from the crowd. I would be willing to say it was because of one or more of these three things: faith, love, and hope. Not only that they had those things but they took time to share them with you in your time of need because these things mean more than gifts the world can give.
As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(1 Thessalonians 1:3 NLT)
Remember this as we take time to give this Christmas money can bring temporary happiness but these things bring an everlasting joy regardless of our financial situation. You can’t use them up because the more you give away the more you get in return. A thief cannot steal them, for they are given freely, they do not break down after time has gone by because their source is eternal, and it does not matter who you are or what you have done because when Jesus, God’s Son, came to die He died for all, especially those who recognize their need for Him but there is an enemy and this enemy will use the spiritually weak to try and take these gifts of God from you so be on guard by keeping your eyes on your Heavenly Father and being sensitive to the moving of His Holy Spirit. As David was pursued unjustly so will you be as you push back the darkness from people’s lives but like David we have a Protector and Provider who leads us with purpose and light.
I did them no wrong, but they laid a trap for me. I did them no wrong, but they dug a pit to catch me. So let sudden ruin come upon them! Let them be caught in the trap they set for me! Let them be destroyed in the pit they dug for me. Then I will rejoice in the LORD. I will be glad because He rescues me. With every bone in my body I will praise Him: "LORD, who can compare with You? Who else rescues the helpless from the strong? Who else protects the helpless and poor from those who rob them?"
(Psalms 35:7-10 NLT)
Don’t be confused, those who come against you are not as they appear. Those who try to trip you up are not the ones that ordered the attack but merely pawns who for the most part are unaware of what they are doing. No, the enemy is not after you but the one who lives inside of you and through the Holy Spirit you have been given spiritual eyes to see, if you don’t allow your flesh to rule your soul. Why would you not be attacked as you spread the good news of Jesus Christ who defeated the enemy and opened the door for people to return to their Creator so that they could once again have communion with Him? For you are taking back territory that enemy has stolen and he is enraged. Who said being a Christian is for the weak?
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world's rulers, of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
(Ephesians 6:12 MKJV)
So be encouraged, be strong in the Lord Jesus Christ, for He is with you! Give away what you have been given because of the work He has done but be aware there is an enemy who has set himself against the Holy Spirit living within you. Don’t be caught off guard lest you stumble and fall. Above all remember God’s grace is sufficient and He loves you beyond your understanding, think before acting, and listen before speaking and then your life will be a pleasing sacrifice to your Heavenly Father and you will have left a legacy for those lives you have touched.
(1 Thessalonians 1:8-10 NLT)
When you think about that special person in your life who meant more to you at a particular time than others think about what made them stand out from the crowd. I would be willing to say it was because of one or more of these three things: faith, love, and hope. Not only that they had those things but they took time to share them with you in your time of need because these things mean more than gifts the world can give.
As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(1 Thessalonians 1:3 NLT)
Remember this as we take time to give this Christmas money can bring temporary happiness but these things bring an everlasting joy regardless of our financial situation. You can’t use them up because the more you give away the more you get in return. A thief cannot steal them, for they are given freely, they do not break down after time has gone by because their source is eternal, and it does not matter who you are or what you have done because when Jesus, God’s Son, came to die He died for all, especially those who recognize their need for Him but there is an enemy and this enemy will use the spiritually weak to try and take these gifts of God from you so be on guard by keeping your eyes on your Heavenly Father and being sensitive to the moving of His Holy Spirit. As David was pursued unjustly so will you be as you push back the darkness from people’s lives but like David we have a Protector and Provider who leads us with purpose and light.
I did them no wrong, but they laid a trap for me. I did them no wrong, but they dug a pit to catch me. So let sudden ruin come upon them! Let them be caught in the trap they set for me! Let them be destroyed in the pit they dug for me. Then I will rejoice in the LORD. I will be glad because He rescues me. With every bone in my body I will praise Him: "LORD, who can compare with You? Who else rescues the helpless from the strong? Who else protects the helpless and poor from those who rob them?"
(Psalms 35:7-10 NLT)
Don’t be confused, those who come against you are not as they appear. Those who try to trip you up are not the ones that ordered the attack but merely pawns who for the most part are unaware of what they are doing. No, the enemy is not after you but the one who lives inside of you and through the Holy Spirit you have been given spiritual eyes to see, if you don’t allow your flesh to rule your soul. Why would you not be attacked as you spread the good news of Jesus Christ who defeated the enemy and opened the door for people to return to their Creator so that they could once again have communion with Him? For you are taking back territory that enemy has stolen and he is enraged. Who said being a Christian is for the weak?
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world's rulers, of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
(Ephesians 6:12 MKJV)
So be encouraged, be strong in the Lord Jesus Christ, for He is with you! Give away what you have been given because of the work He has done but be aware there is an enemy who has set himself against the Holy Spirit living within you. Don’t be caught off guard lest you stumble and fall. Above all remember God’s grace is sufficient and He loves you beyond your understanding, think before acting, and listen before speaking and then your life will be a pleasing sacrifice to your Heavenly Father and you will have left a legacy for those lives you have touched.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Tell me how you are doing
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about His mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains.
(Colossians 4:2-3 NLT)
All too often Christians take on hardships as if they belong to them and them alone but Paul shared what he went through so brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus may see what God was doing and so they could take part as they offered up prayers for him. It’s hard to imagine but sometimes we go through things not only because we need to learn something but also for the building of faith of our brothers and sisters.
Many times circumstances are kept to ourselves because of pride. We are too concerned about what others might think or say or do but that battle is not yours to own. Instead it only serves as a reminder they have issues too and like you they can either deal with them or they can choose to be blind through their own pride and arrogance but the mature in Christ will speak truth in love for the purpose of helping others to grow as they are growing.
Paul always seemed to have close brothers in the faith near him, a support system of sorts to encourage him and to remind him of the purpose he serves by being obedient to the Lord Jesus Christ even though his body suffers and his mind is troubled. Therefore it is important that we do the same. When I was a teenager God sent those people into my life even though I did not understand how much they were needed, for I would have surely died without them. As an adult I learned to be strong and self-reliant. Partly because my path took me places others could not go but something was lost and until recently I thought gone for good but once again God has given me a support system. Not only do I share my struggles and difficulties but my victories and triumphs and in this way others pray for me and invest in the things Christ is doing through me and as I do the same for them.
We all go through difficulties but not all of us are strong enough to admit we need help. Too often the phrase “I’ve got this” comes up in our vocabulary. Even if we are able to handle it only propels us further down the road to the ideal that “I am strong enough” but there is no such thing as the “self-made man”. What happens when you come upon a real battle, something larger than you are capable of taking care of yourself? Do you have a support system in place? You see there are way too many circumstances in our lives for us to make a large impact on them all by ourselves. It would be like having a line of marbles stretched from the left side of the table to the right and you trying to push them all back with a pencil point. Yeah you might be able to push one or two but the overall impact is very little but the support system allows you to trade your pencil for a 8’ 2x4 laid down the width of the table pushing all those circumstances back at the same time, not because of your abilities or the abilities of your friends but because of prayer and the love of God. Through your circumstances others will know Christ Jesus but it’s through the letting go of pride and having faith enough to trust God with your heart that the circumstances the stand before us are moved back. I am truly amazed, all the effort in all the years of adulthood does not equal what the Lord has done is just moments and it all started in my heart like someone turning on the lights in a dark room with no windows.
I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the LORD's greatness; let us exalt His name together. I prayed to the LORD, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; He saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear Him.
(Psalms 34:2-7 NLT)
But the LORD will redeem those who serve Him. No one who takes refuge in Him will be condemned.
(Psalms 34:22 NLT)
(Colossians 4:2-3 NLT)
All too often Christians take on hardships as if they belong to them and them alone but Paul shared what he went through so brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus may see what God was doing and so they could take part as they offered up prayers for him. It’s hard to imagine but sometimes we go through things not only because we need to learn something but also for the building of faith of our brothers and sisters.
Many times circumstances are kept to ourselves because of pride. We are too concerned about what others might think or say or do but that battle is not yours to own. Instead it only serves as a reminder they have issues too and like you they can either deal with them or they can choose to be blind through their own pride and arrogance but the mature in Christ will speak truth in love for the purpose of helping others to grow as they are growing.
Paul always seemed to have close brothers in the faith near him, a support system of sorts to encourage him and to remind him of the purpose he serves by being obedient to the Lord Jesus Christ even though his body suffers and his mind is troubled. Therefore it is important that we do the same. When I was a teenager God sent those people into my life even though I did not understand how much they were needed, for I would have surely died without them. As an adult I learned to be strong and self-reliant. Partly because my path took me places others could not go but something was lost and until recently I thought gone for good but once again God has given me a support system. Not only do I share my struggles and difficulties but my victories and triumphs and in this way others pray for me and invest in the things Christ is doing through me and as I do the same for them.
We all go through difficulties but not all of us are strong enough to admit we need help. Too often the phrase “I’ve got this” comes up in our vocabulary. Even if we are able to handle it only propels us further down the road to the ideal that “I am strong enough” but there is no such thing as the “self-made man”. What happens when you come upon a real battle, something larger than you are capable of taking care of yourself? Do you have a support system in place? You see there are way too many circumstances in our lives for us to make a large impact on them all by ourselves. It would be like having a line of marbles stretched from the left side of the table to the right and you trying to push them all back with a pencil point. Yeah you might be able to push one or two but the overall impact is very little but the support system allows you to trade your pencil for a 8’ 2x4 laid down the width of the table pushing all those circumstances back at the same time, not because of your abilities or the abilities of your friends but because of prayer and the love of God. Through your circumstances others will know Christ Jesus but it’s through the letting go of pride and having faith enough to trust God with your heart that the circumstances the stand before us are moved back. I am truly amazed, all the effort in all the years of adulthood does not equal what the Lord has done is just moments and it all started in my heart like someone turning on the lights in a dark room with no windows.
I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the LORD's greatness; let us exalt His name together. I prayed to the LORD, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; He saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear Him.
(Psalms 34:2-7 NLT)
But the LORD will redeem those who serve Him. No one who takes refuge in Him will be condemned.
(Psalms 34:22 NLT)
Monday, December 16, 2013
A godly family
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly. Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.
(Colossians 3:18-21 NLT)
Many in the church today are either not willing or not ready to hear this with all the voices making themselves known about “equal rights” which is really a trick, a Trojan horse of sorts, from the enemy to rob people of the rights God has set in place for all mankind and the family has suffered greatly because of their blindness. Colossians 3:18-21 is God’s direction for the family and with each command that is given a stepping stone is placed for the foundation of the one following it and with each new step more responsibility is given. In this way the family works together as one to offer a pleasing sacrifice to the Lord, through obedience as the family humbly submits their will for God’s.
Wives often don’t realize it but their devotion to the Lord is the foundation of the family. Their attitude either creates a place for the family to grow so that freedom in the Lord is known by her family or turmoil takes over to bind and blind the lives in her household. It is the wife’s decision that either builds up the husband so he can focus on Christ or tears him down so his soul is consumed with trouble and so God says to submit so that He may lead the husband by God’s Holy Spirit and verse seventeen says whatever we do or say do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
Next in the same way husbands are to love their wives and never treat her harshly. This command is given so that it does not depend on what the wife does or does not do. Yes it would be easier and greater things would be accomplished if she was obedient to the Lord but it is not a prerequisite for the husband to be obedient to the Lord, for this command was given to him by God and it is to God that he will answer. Furthermore the husband has the greater responsibility whether the wife wants to partake in God’s blessings or not, it is the responsibility of the husband to love her and treat her right and through his obedience he provides testimony to the love Christ Jesus has for the church, not only to her but to his children and those who know the family.
Next are the children, again in the same way the wife and husband are to be obedient to the Lord so are the children to be obedient, for when they choose not to obey their parents it is not only the parents they have to answer to but ultimately to God! Once again obedience to God is not dependent upon the steps before it. Regardless of what the child thinks of his or her parents or parent God expects for all children to obey their parents always. If the parent is wrong it is through the child’s obedience that God will grip the heart of the parent and move them towards making things right but if the child is disobedient that child distracts the parent and tempts them to take their eyes off of God’s leading.
Once again the father has the greater responsibility and this time he is told not to aggravate his children and you guessed it the father’s obedience to the Lord does not require the child or children obey the step before. In the same way the father’s disobedience will distract and hinder the children from knowing God because of the turmoil he is causing. In each case the greater responsibility is on the husband and father but he is not an island; by the wife and children being obedient to God’s Word they enable him to be who God has called him to be. So wives do you have a husband who is secluded and seemingly lazy? Children, do you have a father who isn’t living up to your expectations? Then examine your own lives and test yourselves to see if you are being obedient to God’s Word. Fathers, does your family drain you of energy, is your soul filled with trouble when you think about your family and the situations they are in? Then see them for what they are ~ the Lord’s harvest! Witness to them of God’s love, provoke them to be who God is calling them to be not through anger but through God’s love. Treat your wives as Christ Jesus treats the church and plant seeds in your children’s hearts that point to the Big Dream, the vision God is calling them to. Give them something to spend their energy on, encourage and give hope so they may do greater things than you have done. Do you want to see your children succeed? Then prepare them and send them on their way through your obedience.
All these things can and will be accomplished by and through obedience to the Lord. What do we take God for, does He or does He not know what He is doing? A better question is this… do we trust Him with our lives? The Lord says test Him in this. Be obedient, whole heartedly and see if He does not bless you, see if you don’t become the family you always wanted and hoped for.
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in My Temple. If you do," says the LORD of Heaven's Armies, "I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put Me to the test!
(Malachi 3:10 NLT)
(Colossians 3:18-21 NLT)
Many in the church today are either not willing or not ready to hear this with all the voices making themselves known about “equal rights” which is really a trick, a Trojan horse of sorts, from the enemy to rob people of the rights God has set in place for all mankind and the family has suffered greatly because of their blindness. Colossians 3:18-21 is God’s direction for the family and with each command that is given a stepping stone is placed for the foundation of the one following it and with each new step more responsibility is given. In this way the family works together as one to offer a pleasing sacrifice to the Lord, through obedience as the family humbly submits their will for God’s.
Wives often don’t realize it but their devotion to the Lord is the foundation of the family. Their attitude either creates a place for the family to grow so that freedom in the Lord is known by her family or turmoil takes over to bind and blind the lives in her household. It is the wife’s decision that either builds up the husband so he can focus on Christ or tears him down so his soul is consumed with trouble and so God says to submit so that He may lead the husband by God’s Holy Spirit and verse seventeen says whatever we do or say do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
Next in the same way husbands are to love their wives and never treat her harshly. This command is given so that it does not depend on what the wife does or does not do. Yes it would be easier and greater things would be accomplished if she was obedient to the Lord but it is not a prerequisite for the husband to be obedient to the Lord, for this command was given to him by God and it is to God that he will answer. Furthermore the husband has the greater responsibility whether the wife wants to partake in God’s blessings or not, it is the responsibility of the husband to love her and treat her right and through his obedience he provides testimony to the love Christ Jesus has for the church, not only to her but to his children and those who know the family.
Next are the children, again in the same way the wife and husband are to be obedient to the Lord so are the children to be obedient, for when they choose not to obey their parents it is not only the parents they have to answer to but ultimately to God! Once again obedience to God is not dependent upon the steps before it. Regardless of what the child thinks of his or her parents or parent God expects for all children to obey their parents always. If the parent is wrong it is through the child’s obedience that God will grip the heart of the parent and move them towards making things right but if the child is disobedient that child distracts the parent and tempts them to take their eyes off of God’s leading.
Once again the father has the greater responsibility and this time he is told not to aggravate his children and you guessed it the father’s obedience to the Lord does not require the child or children obey the step before. In the same way the father’s disobedience will distract and hinder the children from knowing God because of the turmoil he is causing. In each case the greater responsibility is on the husband and father but he is not an island; by the wife and children being obedient to God’s Word they enable him to be who God has called him to be. So wives do you have a husband who is secluded and seemingly lazy? Children, do you have a father who isn’t living up to your expectations? Then examine your own lives and test yourselves to see if you are being obedient to God’s Word. Fathers, does your family drain you of energy, is your soul filled with trouble when you think about your family and the situations they are in? Then see them for what they are ~ the Lord’s harvest! Witness to them of God’s love, provoke them to be who God is calling them to be not through anger but through God’s love. Treat your wives as Christ Jesus treats the church and plant seeds in your children’s hearts that point to the Big Dream, the vision God is calling them to. Give them something to spend their energy on, encourage and give hope so they may do greater things than you have done. Do you want to see your children succeed? Then prepare them and send them on their way through your obedience.
All these things can and will be accomplished by and through obedience to the Lord. What do we take God for, does He or does He not know what He is doing? A better question is this… do we trust Him with our lives? The Lord says test Him in this. Be obedient, whole heartedly and see if He does not bless you, see if you don’t become the family you always wanted and hoped for.
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in My Temple. If you do," says the LORD of Heaven's Armies, "I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put Me to the test!
(Malachi 3:10 NLT)
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
And this is the secret
For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing His glory.
(Colossians 1:27 NLT)
We belong to Christ Jesus, though this world can be cold and often a mist obscures our view in this we can be sure; the very purpose of God has been placed within our own hearts and Christ Jesus himself has walked before us and yet He stands with us even now as we face the unknown. The very thing the world searches for is hidden from them within this pilgrim’s heart. The world is busy with many things yet lacks direction, things are accomplished yet nothing gained but the value they seek is within the heart of those who have abandoned the world for the sake of seeking the things of God and one day this secret will be revealed and the world will know what they have been looking for was in their midst all along, over looked and disregarded as simple and weak. Was it not God that explained through Paul, “Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And He chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.” (1 Corinthians 1:27 NLT)
God will not share His glory with one who is foreign to His ways, His thoughts, His very character but instead calls all who are broken, who are discouraged, and without hope to seek His Son through the moving of His Holy Spirit so that they may gain new life and return back to the place God originally intended, to Himself and it is because of Jesus, God’s Son who lives in us, that we have this assurance of sharing His glory – the hope of mankind.
A psalm of David. Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night Your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Interlude Finally, I confessed all my sins to You and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the LORD." And You forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Interlude Therefore, let all the godly pray to You while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment. For You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. Interlude The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control." Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD. So rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey Him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!
(Psalms 32:1-11 NLT)
(Colossians 1:27 NLT)
We belong to Christ Jesus, though this world can be cold and often a mist obscures our view in this we can be sure; the very purpose of God has been placed within our own hearts and Christ Jesus himself has walked before us and yet He stands with us even now as we face the unknown. The very thing the world searches for is hidden from them within this pilgrim’s heart. The world is busy with many things yet lacks direction, things are accomplished yet nothing gained but the value they seek is within the heart of those who have abandoned the world for the sake of seeking the things of God and one day this secret will be revealed and the world will know what they have been looking for was in their midst all along, over looked and disregarded as simple and weak. Was it not God that explained through Paul, “Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And He chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.” (1 Corinthians 1:27 NLT)
God will not share His glory with one who is foreign to His ways, His thoughts, His very character but instead calls all who are broken, who are discouraged, and without hope to seek His Son through the moving of His Holy Spirit so that they may gain new life and return back to the place God originally intended, to Himself and it is because of Jesus, God’s Son who lives in us, that we have this assurance of sharing His glory – the hope of mankind.
A psalm of David. Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night Your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Interlude Finally, I confessed all my sins to You and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the LORD." And You forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Interlude Therefore, let all the godly pray to You while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment. For You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. Interlude The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control." Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD. So rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey Him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!
(Psalms 32:1-11 NLT)
Monday, December 9, 2013
Burgandy and Isaac
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 4:4-7 NLT)
Lord help me cause my children’s eyes to see the things you have been trying to show them. Burgandy and Isaac in spite of all that you have gone through, are going through right now, and will go through in the future you are loved by your Father in heaven. You both have had some tough roads to walk and you both would do yourselves a great service by understanding that you don’t understand all the other one has endured. Though this is not the place to have discussions of great depth I am not blind to the fact that I am responsible for a great many things but maybe what neither of you have been able to see or understand is that there is purpose in everything that you have faced. You cannot run from God’s love and because of His love you are both blessed whether it seems that way or not and one day you both will look back and see it. You both are free agents and make decisions that mold who you are and when things get tough it is difficult to see God is carrying you. We all make mistakes and we all can learn from them but in the middle of our busy lives God takes our offerings whether broken or scarred and turns them into something beautiful. Do you both remember the names I gave you in 2004? They were names I felt that were from God that described something about you both which pointed to who He made you to be. Burgandy the name I felt God gave me to give you was “Freedom”. You have been living life based on decisions you have made, sometimes the choices weren’t very good but you made the decision that worked best for you. God gave you this freedom because He has been wanting you to see something, something that could not be told but only experienced and mom and I pray for you as decisions continue to come your way but with each decision that is made your life is molded a little more and with each choice a piece of freedom is taken away. God is your source and He replenishes every time you come into His presence and your purpose is to tell others about the freedom you found in Christ Jesus. That’s why it is so important to make decisions based on God’s Word. Isaac, I gave you a name at the same time, do you remember? You are “Warrior” look at your life in just that last few years have you not fought many battles? Is there not a fire inside of you? Do you not protect those whom you love? But you too have responsibility. You are responsible for learning where your strength, this fire, comes from. It is not anything you have done but it is God’s hand upon your life. Your purpose is to lift up the weak and protect those who cannot protect themselves. You both have come through these things unaware that you have been in training to be what God has called you to be and to accuse each other is only evidence that you do not understand yet what God has planned. Mom and I love you both very much and pray for you often. Be encouraged you both are blessed and God is present in your lives but your strength comes from recognizing He is with you and not from yourselves.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
(Philippians 4:8-9 NLT)
Love the LORD, all you godly ones! For the LORD protects those who are loyal to Him, but He harshly punishes the arrogant. So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the LORD!
(Psalms 31:23-24 NLT)
(Philippians 4:4-7 NLT)
Lord help me cause my children’s eyes to see the things you have been trying to show them. Burgandy and Isaac in spite of all that you have gone through, are going through right now, and will go through in the future you are loved by your Father in heaven. You both have had some tough roads to walk and you both would do yourselves a great service by understanding that you don’t understand all the other one has endured. Though this is not the place to have discussions of great depth I am not blind to the fact that I am responsible for a great many things but maybe what neither of you have been able to see or understand is that there is purpose in everything that you have faced. You cannot run from God’s love and because of His love you are both blessed whether it seems that way or not and one day you both will look back and see it. You both are free agents and make decisions that mold who you are and when things get tough it is difficult to see God is carrying you. We all make mistakes and we all can learn from them but in the middle of our busy lives God takes our offerings whether broken or scarred and turns them into something beautiful. Do you both remember the names I gave you in 2004? They were names I felt that were from God that described something about you both which pointed to who He made you to be. Burgandy the name I felt God gave me to give you was “Freedom”. You have been living life based on decisions you have made, sometimes the choices weren’t very good but you made the decision that worked best for you. God gave you this freedom because He has been wanting you to see something, something that could not be told but only experienced and mom and I pray for you as decisions continue to come your way but with each decision that is made your life is molded a little more and with each choice a piece of freedom is taken away. God is your source and He replenishes every time you come into His presence and your purpose is to tell others about the freedom you found in Christ Jesus. That’s why it is so important to make decisions based on God’s Word. Isaac, I gave you a name at the same time, do you remember? You are “Warrior” look at your life in just that last few years have you not fought many battles? Is there not a fire inside of you? Do you not protect those whom you love? But you too have responsibility. You are responsible for learning where your strength, this fire, comes from. It is not anything you have done but it is God’s hand upon your life. Your purpose is to lift up the weak and protect those who cannot protect themselves. You both have come through these things unaware that you have been in training to be what God has called you to be and to accuse each other is only evidence that you do not understand yet what God has planned. Mom and I love you both very much and pray for you often. Be encouraged you both are blessed and God is present in your lives but your strength comes from recognizing He is with you and not from yourselves.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
(Philippians 4:8-9 NLT)
Love the LORD, all you godly ones! For the LORD protects those who are loyal to Him, but He harshly punishes the arrogant. So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the LORD!
(Psalms 31:23-24 NLT)
Friday, December 6, 2013
Don't look down now
I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.
(Philippians 3:14-16 NLT)
At some point in each one’s life a threshold is crossed, which becomes the point of no return. Though things don’t get easier by faith you know your future is in what lies ahead not behind so you press on toward the mark. I cannot say where that point is in another one’s life but in my own life it came as my spirit hungered for more of Christ Jesus yet my flesh would not let go of things that brought comfort. It was a grand collision and the result of it was finding myself in a place where there was no hope but for God, my flesh surrendered, and my spirit strengthened, and by faith I walked through the rubbish holding Jesus’ hand.
Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with Him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with Himself depends on faith.
(Philippians 3:8-9 NLT)
I no longer concern myself with my own ability to keep the law, for when I did condemnation was my companion and eventually hopelessness overtook me but with each new day I draw closer to Jesus; Paul said, “I become righteous through faith in Christ.” My eyes have been taken off of self and fixed on Christ, forgetting what is behind and focus on what lies ahead.
I’ve heard of Christian leaders, some pastors, some evangelist, and others who after proclaiming Christ’s name fell away but with each case these spiritual leaders took their eyes off of Christ, which opened the door to doubt, and faith was let lose, almost as if faith was never present in their lives. For these struggle with faith more so than those who never believed.
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.
(Hebrews 11:6 NLT)
It’s as if they walked a spiritual tight rope and in doubt looked down, for the fear in that individual is greater than the fear in the person that never left the ground. We cannot walk that tight rope on our own, it takes more than we can give. Jesus gave all so that we might follow Him but we can only do that by faith in Him. Knowing that God is love and if God calls out to us to come then He will make a way but we must forsake all else, for we cannot go where He is calling us while holding onto the things that used to bring us comfort.
A psalm of David. A song for the dedication of the Temple. I will exalt You, LORD, for You rescued me. You refused to let my enemies triumph over me. O LORD my God, I cried to You for help, and You restored my health. You brought me up from the grave, O LORD. You kept me from falling into the pit of death.
(Psalms 30:1-3 NLT)
(Philippians 3:14-16 NLT)
At some point in each one’s life a threshold is crossed, which becomes the point of no return. Though things don’t get easier by faith you know your future is in what lies ahead not behind so you press on toward the mark. I cannot say where that point is in another one’s life but in my own life it came as my spirit hungered for more of Christ Jesus yet my flesh would not let go of things that brought comfort. It was a grand collision and the result of it was finding myself in a place where there was no hope but for God, my flesh surrendered, and my spirit strengthened, and by faith I walked through the rubbish holding Jesus’ hand.
Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with Him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with Himself depends on faith.
(Philippians 3:8-9 NLT)
I no longer concern myself with my own ability to keep the law, for when I did condemnation was my companion and eventually hopelessness overtook me but with each new day I draw closer to Jesus; Paul said, “I become righteous through faith in Christ.” My eyes have been taken off of self and fixed on Christ, forgetting what is behind and focus on what lies ahead.
I’ve heard of Christian leaders, some pastors, some evangelist, and others who after proclaiming Christ’s name fell away but with each case these spiritual leaders took their eyes off of Christ, which opened the door to doubt, and faith was let lose, almost as if faith was never present in their lives. For these struggle with faith more so than those who never believed.
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.
(Hebrews 11:6 NLT)
It’s as if they walked a spiritual tight rope and in doubt looked down, for the fear in that individual is greater than the fear in the person that never left the ground. We cannot walk that tight rope on our own, it takes more than we can give. Jesus gave all so that we might follow Him but we can only do that by faith in Him. Knowing that God is love and if God calls out to us to come then He will make a way but we must forsake all else, for we cannot go where He is calling us while holding onto the things that used to bring us comfort.
A psalm of David. A song for the dedication of the Temple. I will exalt You, LORD, for You rescued me. You refused to let my enemies triumph over me. O LORD my God, I cried to You for help, and You restored my health. You brought me up from the grave, O LORD. You kept me from falling into the pit of death.
(Psalms 30:1-3 NLT)
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Unity and selflessness
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
(Philippians 2:3-4 TNIV)
When we do things to satisfy our own wants and turn a blind eye to the needs of others we remove ourselves from God’s blessings, even more so we are at odds with the very heart of God! Matthew 25 Jesus tells us about the King (God) separating the people like a shepherd would separate sheep from goats on judgment day. Speaking first to the sheep the King surprised them when He said, “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Then speaking to the goats He surprised them as well when He said, “whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”
Selfishness can be seen in everything we do, oh we disguise it with the pretense of helping others, so much so sometimes we even believe the lie and walk away feeling good about what we’ve done but regardless of what we believe it will not change our motivation. It is our motivation locked away deep down that continues to push us towards selfish actions. No selfishness does not tuck its tail and run so easily but must be pried out as we set our faces northward and our eyes trained on Jesus Christ, in whom all hope is turned to trust as we watch Him change our hearts to be like His own as we, with discipline, obey His Word. Christ gave His life, even unto death, while we still hated Him so that we might live and now Christ Jesus is exalted at the right hand of our Heavenly Father. He is a trail blazer and we, like Him, are to give away that which we have been given. Why then do we struggle with hoarding stuff? I’m not pointing fingers, for I have many possessions myself. No, my intent is to wake up the spirit that sleeps inside of us. Not to be perfect but to do my best and allow God to fill in the holes.
Discipline can be difficult to wrap your mind around for it is not I that touches the broken and down cast but God; however if I don’t get up every morning and plan to bless someone it won’t get done. You can say you are waiting for God but the truth is He is waiting for you, for He has already provided. He has provided the means for you to choose to be a blessing but you must take the first step, in faith! I’m learning things don’t always just fall in place – if I want to be healthy I must get up early and exercise and then again before going to bed. I must eat right, not just once or twice each day but every time I put food in my mouth. If I want to be closer to God I must make time to read His Word and pray. If I want to be the person God purposed for me to be I must make an effort to learn how to do that, again not just once or twice a day but 24/7/365.
2 Thessalonians 3:13 tells us to never tire of doing what is good. If we truly are soldiers in the Lord’s army then we must understand what a soldier does. For discipline will either make or break them. The disciplined soldier does not count on circumstances turning out in his/her favor but follows the leading of the commander and depends on the training received to help them decide what to do when things get tough. Always press forward in doing what is right, even when you don’t feel like it. Though the opposition seems impassable the Lord will make the way but you are the one who puts one boot in front of the other. A good place to start is being in unity with your brothers and sisters and giving of yourself. Do this and see if God doesn’t reveal Himself to you but keep your heart sensitive to the moving of the Holy Spirit, go where He leads, step out of your comfort zone, which shows God you trust Him.
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
(Malachi 3:10 TNIV)
The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic.
(Psalms 29:4 TNIV)
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
(Psalms 29:11 TNIV)
(Philippians 2:3-4 TNIV)
When we do things to satisfy our own wants and turn a blind eye to the needs of others we remove ourselves from God’s blessings, even more so we are at odds with the very heart of God! Matthew 25 Jesus tells us about the King (God) separating the people like a shepherd would separate sheep from goats on judgment day. Speaking first to the sheep the King surprised them when He said, “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Then speaking to the goats He surprised them as well when He said, “whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”
Selfishness can be seen in everything we do, oh we disguise it with the pretense of helping others, so much so sometimes we even believe the lie and walk away feeling good about what we’ve done but regardless of what we believe it will not change our motivation. It is our motivation locked away deep down that continues to push us towards selfish actions. No selfishness does not tuck its tail and run so easily but must be pried out as we set our faces northward and our eyes trained on Jesus Christ, in whom all hope is turned to trust as we watch Him change our hearts to be like His own as we, with discipline, obey His Word. Christ gave His life, even unto death, while we still hated Him so that we might live and now Christ Jesus is exalted at the right hand of our Heavenly Father. He is a trail blazer and we, like Him, are to give away that which we have been given. Why then do we struggle with hoarding stuff? I’m not pointing fingers, for I have many possessions myself. No, my intent is to wake up the spirit that sleeps inside of us. Not to be perfect but to do my best and allow God to fill in the holes.
Discipline can be difficult to wrap your mind around for it is not I that touches the broken and down cast but God; however if I don’t get up every morning and plan to bless someone it won’t get done. You can say you are waiting for God but the truth is He is waiting for you, for He has already provided. He has provided the means for you to choose to be a blessing but you must take the first step, in faith! I’m learning things don’t always just fall in place – if I want to be healthy I must get up early and exercise and then again before going to bed. I must eat right, not just once or twice each day but every time I put food in my mouth. If I want to be closer to God I must make time to read His Word and pray. If I want to be the person God purposed for me to be I must make an effort to learn how to do that, again not just once or twice a day but 24/7/365.
2 Thessalonians 3:13 tells us to never tire of doing what is good. If we truly are soldiers in the Lord’s army then we must understand what a soldier does. For discipline will either make or break them. The disciplined soldier does not count on circumstances turning out in his/her favor but follows the leading of the commander and depends on the training received to help them decide what to do when things get tough. Always press forward in doing what is right, even when you don’t feel like it. Though the opposition seems impassable the Lord will make the way but you are the one who puts one boot in front of the other. A good place to start is being in unity with your brothers and sisters and giving of yourself. Do this and see if God doesn’t reveal Himself to you but keep your heart sensitive to the moving of the Holy Spirit, go where He leads, step out of your comfort zone, which shows God you trust Him.
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
(Malachi 3:10 TNIV)
The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic.
(Psalms 29:4 TNIV)
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
(Psalms 29:11 TNIV)
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
With eager expectation
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
(Philippians 1:20-21 TNIV)
To be so saturated with Christ Jesus that your expectations are of Christ being glorified regardless of what happens to your own person, for this is the place where we are headed if we love Him who has set us free. Paul was totally sold out and his only concern was that the glory of Christ Jesus be known through his life, whether in life or death because he knew to die was to be with the one he loved but he chose to stay present so that more people may also know Christ as he did. The evidence of Paul’s life being a vessel for the Lord’s purpose became more visible as his persecution grew. For in persecution there are two paths, one requires that you willingly let go of your beliefs in an attempt to return to your Egypt. Those who liked the movie The Matrix will remember the scene where Cypher (the traitor) was sitting in a fancy restaurant savoring a thick, juicy steak as he gave away information that would destroy his friends. Even though he knew the steak wasn’t real and selling out would mean his imprisonment he no longer had the strength or desire to fight for what was right, the truth. The other option is to dig in knowing the nearer you get to the Truth the more dangerous you become and therefore the more fierce the forces of the enemy.
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.
(Psalms 28:7-9 TNIV)
(Philippians 1:20-21 TNIV)
To be so saturated with Christ Jesus that your expectations are of Christ being glorified regardless of what happens to your own person, for this is the place where we are headed if we love Him who has set us free. Paul was totally sold out and his only concern was that the glory of Christ Jesus be known through his life, whether in life or death because he knew to die was to be with the one he loved but he chose to stay present so that more people may also know Christ as he did. The evidence of Paul’s life being a vessel for the Lord’s purpose became more visible as his persecution grew. For in persecution there are two paths, one requires that you willingly let go of your beliefs in an attempt to return to your Egypt. Those who liked the movie The Matrix will remember the scene where Cypher (the traitor) was sitting in a fancy restaurant savoring a thick, juicy steak as he gave away information that would destroy his friends. Even though he knew the steak wasn’t real and selling out would mean his imprisonment he no longer had the strength or desire to fight for what was right, the truth. The other option is to dig in knowing the nearer you get to the Truth the more dangerous you become and therefore the more fierce the forces of the enemy.
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.
(Psalms 28:7-9 TNIV)
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Honor your parents
Ephesians 6
You want to live a long life so you watch your diet and exercise regularly but have you honored your parents for Paul told the Ephesians do this “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” and fathers have you exasperated your children? If so stop and instead bring them up with training and instruction in the Lord. Do you dream about being a missionary in a foreign land then first work hard for your boss, just as you would for Christ Jesus. You can serve God’s will for your life by serving wholeheartedly those you work for because you are not working for them but for Christ. Employers, do you want to grow your business, do you spend money and resources on seminars and training but don’t treat those who work for you in a way that is honoring to Christ? You might as well throw your money out the window, for at least then it might bless someone on the sidewalk below your high-rise office building.
All people, all walks of life, the key to a successful life is honoring Christ Jesus through obedience to His Word. We search and search for things that will advance our careers or things that will help us live longer or healthier but we refuse to humble ourselves before our Creator and live according to His principles. Knowing the Bible isn’t an option or something to pass time but it is essential to living a full life. God has given us life and it is ours to do with as we please but if we want to experience it to the brim then we simply must know the One who created us!
For those who do seek Him God has given you tools to use so that you may face all the enemy sends your way. The “Belt of Truth”, the “Breastplate of Righteousness”, your feet fitted with the “Gospel of Peace”, the “Shield of Faith”, the “Helmet of Salvation” and the “Sword of the Spirit” and do this while praying in the Spirit on all occasions. Learn to wear these and carry them and use them so that when the day comes and you are called to battle you can walk out onto the battlefield knowing you have been prepared not by man but by God, that it is not your strength but the Lord’s and you have not your own desires but the mind of Christ, for it is not your will but that of your Heavenly Father’s.
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
(Psalms 27:1-4 TNIV)
You want to live a long life so you watch your diet and exercise regularly but have you honored your parents for Paul told the Ephesians do this “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” and fathers have you exasperated your children? If so stop and instead bring them up with training and instruction in the Lord. Do you dream about being a missionary in a foreign land then first work hard for your boss, just as you would for Christ Jesus. You can serve God’s will for your life by serving wholeheartedly those you work for because you are not working for them but for Christ. Employers, do you want to grow your business, do you spend money and resources on seminars and training but don’t treat those who work for you in a way that is honoring to Christ? You might as well throw your money out the window, for at least then it might bless someone on the sidewalk below your high-rise office building.
All people, all walks of life, the key to a successful life is honoring Christ Jesus through obedience to His Word. We search and search for things that will advance our careers or things that will help us live longer or healthier but we refuse to humble ourselves before our Creator and live according to His principles. Knowing the Bible isn’t an option or something to pass time but it is essential to living a full life. God has given us life and it is ours to do with as we please but if we want to experience it to the brim then we simply must know the One who created us!
For those who do seek Him God has given you tools to use so that you may face all the enemy sends your way. The “Belt of Truth”, the “Breastplate of Righteousness”, your feet fitted with the “Gospel of Peace”, the “Shield of Faith”, the “Helmet of Salvation” and the “Sword of the Spirit” and do this while praying in the Spirit on all occasions. Learn to wear these and carry them and use them so that when the day comes and you are called to battle you can walk out onto the battlefield knowing you have been prepared not by man but by God, that it is not your strength but the Lord’s and you have not your own desires but the mind of Christ, for it is not your will but that of your Heavenly Father’s.
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
(Psalms 27:1-4 TNIV)
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Come out from the shadows
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
(Ephesians 5:6-14 NIV)
Oh brother of mine, you have made known my deeds which were distasteful to you so that you might gain support of others. You have drug my name through the mud and muck but now that you have freedom you are doing more shameful things than I. Warning signs have gone unnoticed as you plunge deeper into the shadows. Your hatred for me seems to drive you blindly towards this dead end road somehow unaware that the hole you must climb out of is slippery and dark but when you hit bottom you will be reminded that my words are true. Obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22) and the work before you is great but will be greater still if you don’t turn from your wicked ways this day. Come back to the Lord now while you can still see the light for if you fall down this slippery slope the day will come when you will wish to be back where you are today, even though this is not where you want to be now. You are a child of the light, therefore live as you have been taught, loving righteousness and truth. Confess your sins to those who are trust worthy for if you do not expose them yourself one day they will be revealed against your will and those who joined you in the beginning will turn on you as well for they are as a pack of wild dogs turning on the weak and unsuspecting.
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
(Ephesians 5:15-17 NIV)
Cause yourself therefore to be thankful in all things, even when you don’t feel like it. Do not allow bitterness and strife to take root in your heart. Seek out that which gives life to your spirit but be careful of that which indulges the flesh. For spirit life comes as you position yourself, through obedience, to receive God’s blessings and then those blessings overflow so much that you can’t help but give them away so others might also taste and see the blessings of the Lord.
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Ephesians 5:18-20 NIV)
I love the house where you live, O LORD, the place where your glory dwells. Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with bloodthirsty men, in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes. But I lead a blameless life; redeem me and be merciful to me. My feet stand on level ground; in the great assembly I will praise the LORD.
(Psalms 26:8-12 NIV)
(Ephesians 5:6-14 NIV)
Oh brother of mine, you have made known my deeds which were distasteful to you so that you might gain support of others. You have drug my name through the mud and muck but now that you have freedom you are doing more shameful things than I. Warning signs have gone unnoticed as you plunge deeper into the shadows. Your hatred for me seems to drive you blindly towards this dead end road somehow unaware that the hole you must climb out of is slippery and dark but when you hit bottom you will be reminded that my words are true. Obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22) and the work before you is great but will be greater still if you don’t turn from your wicked ways this day. Come back to the Lord now while you can still see the light for if you fall down this slippery slope the day will come when you will wish to be back where you are today, even though this is not where you want to be now. You are a child of the light, therefore live as you have been taught, loving righteousness and truth. Confess your sins to those who are trust worthy for if you do not expose them yourself one day they will be revealed against your will and those who joined you in the beginning will turn on you as well for they are as a pack of wild dogs turning on the weak and unsuspecting.
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
(Ephesians 5:15-17 NIV)
Cause yourself therefore to be thankful in all things, even when you don’t feel like it. Do not allow bitterness and strife to take root in your heart. Seek out that which gives life to your spirit but be careful of that which indulges the flesh. For spirit life comes as you position yourself, through obedience, to receive God’s blessings and then those blessings overflow so much that you can’t help but give them away so others might also taste and see the blessings of the Lord.
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Ephesians 5:18-20 NIV)
I love the house where you live, O LORD, the place where your glory dwells. Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with bloodthirsty men, in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes. But I lead a blameless life; redeem me and be merciful to me. My feet stand on level ground; in the great assembly I will praise the LORD.
(Psalms 26:8-12 NIV)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)