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)
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Friday, November 29, 2013
The inner war
So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.
(Ephesians 4:17-18 NIV)
We once lived for selfish desires but the law given to us by God pointed out to us our own short comings and God’s Holy Spirit then led us to Jesus Christ who died for our sakes so that we might be saved and once again fellowship with God the Father. Being made new creatures in Christ Jesus our spirits which was once dead came to life as Christ arose from the grave. This caused a division between our newly born spirit and our flesh which once ruled supreme over our action, thoughts, and words and the battle ground is our souls.
For here in verses seventeen and eighteen we find Paul describes what this battle of the soul looks like. Without knowing it our flesh followed the ways of this world and the ruler of the kingdom of the air (read Eph. 2:2). But now that our spirits have been awakened and God has shown His light on the dark corners of our hearts the war has begun and you have been called to be courageous as you are faithful to follow Christ. I am thankful that God, through Paul, also tells us how to combat the flesh.
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.
(Ephesians 4:15 NIV)
Now that we know the truth we must always speak the truth and in doing that we will become the body of Christ, for which He is the head. We will stumble and we will fall but Christ has appointed His grace unto us (read Eph. 4:7). Paul again repeats the importance of telling the truth.
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.
(Ephesians 4:25 NIV)
Secondly, we are directed to not sin when we become angry but if you do make it right before you lay down at night lest you open the door to the devil (read Eph. 4:26-27). I reminded looking back on my own life the times when I was the most angry not being honest was at the core of the matter. I don’t have trouble telling the truth and disciplined myself so the telling the truth is my first reaction. I have learned as a child telling the truth is the better way but just because I don’t lie doesn’t mean I am always honest. When someone does something selfish and it affects me I should make them aware of what they have done and how it has impacted me and others around them but I usually don’t, not wanting confrontation but that’s not being honest! The issue is not resolved and becomes like an infected wound, as it will not heal and usually grows more painful the more you try to ignore it. For me the lesson to be learned, is telling the truth in love and therefore avoid the confrontation and at the same time win my brother or sister. Once again this is a war and as enlisted soldiers of Christ we have been given spiritual sight so we may see these things. We are no longer blind for the truth has set us free!
Paul directs us in a few other things as well. Do not steal and the second part of that is work! Everyone can contribute, everyone has something to give. Volunteer to help feed the poor, serve the church or your community. You and I have been given so much how is it that we don’t feel the need to give back? Next, watch your mouth. The words that come out of it are they the same wherever you go or do they change based on your current location? Do you talk differently at work than you do at church? Do you tell dirty jokes with one group and not another? You do realize the words that come out of your mouth indicate what is in your heart, right?
All these things grieve the Holy Spirit of God, the very One that brought you to salvation and the One that keeps you until such time you are called home! I don’t want any regrets on that terrible day for the Lord of Hosts is holy and righteous. But all of Christ is more than enough for all of me and in Him alone do I trust. Loving God I desire that my body be obedient. Paul ends this chapter by telling us this…
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
(Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV)
Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him. He will spend his days in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land. The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.
(Psalms 25:12-14 NIV)
(Ephesians 4:17-18 NIV)
We once lived for selfish desires but the law given to us by God pointed out to us our own short comings and God’s Holy Spirit then led us to Jesus Christ who died for our sakes so that we might be saved and once again fellowship with God the Father. Being made new creatures in Christ Jesus our spirits which was once dead came to life as Christ arose from the grave. This caused a division between our newly born spirit and our flesh which once ruled supreme over our action, thoughts, and words and the battle ground is our souls.
For here in verses seventeen and eighteen we find Paul describes what this battle of the soul looks like. Without knowing it our flesh followed the ways of this world and the ruler of the kingdom of the air (read Eph. 2:2). But now that our spirits have been awakened and God has shown His light on the dark corners of our hearts the war has begun and you have been called to be courageous as you are faithful to follow Christ. I am thankful that God, through Paul, also tells us how to combat the flesh.
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.
(Ephesians 4:15 NIV)
Now that we know the truth we must always speak the truth and in doing that we will become the body of Christ, for which He is the head. We will stumble and we will fall but Christ has appointed His grace unto us (read Eph. 4:7). Paul again repeats the importance of telling the truth.
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.
(Ephesians 4:25 NIV)
Secondly, we are directed to not sin when we become angry but if you do make it right before you lay down at night lest you open the door to the devil (read Eph. 4:26-27). I reminded looking back on my own life the times when I was the most angry not being honest was at the core of the matter. I don’t have trouble telling the truth and disciplined myself so the telling the truth is my first reaction. I have learned as a child telling the truth is the better way but just because I don’t lie doesn’t mean I am always honest. When someone does something selfish and it affects me I should make them aware of what they have done and how it has impacted me and others around them but I usually don’t, not wanting confrontation but that’s not being honest! The issue is not resolved and becomes like an infected wound, as it will not heal and usually grows more painful the more you try to ignore it. For me the lesson to be learned, is telling the truth in love and therefore avoid the confrontation and at the same time win my brother or sister. Once again this is a war and as enlisted soldiers of Christ we have been given spiritual sight so we may see these things. We are no longer blind for the truth has set us free!
Paul directs us in a few other things as well. Do not steal and the second part of that is work! Everyone can contribute, everyone has something to give. Volunteer to help feed the poor, serve the church or your community. You and I have been given so much how is it that we don’t feel the need to give back? Next, watch your mouth. The words that come out of it are they the same wherever you go or do they change based on your current location? Do you talk differently at work than you do at church? Do you tell dirty jokes with one group and not another? You do realize the words that come out of your mouth indicate what is in your heart, right?
All these things grieve the Holy Spirit of God, the very One that brought you to salvation and the One that keeps you until such time you are called home! I don’t want any regrets on that terrible day for the Lord of Hosts is holy and righteous. But all of Christ is more than enough for all of me and in Him alone do I trust. Loving God I desire that my body be obedient. Paul ends this chapter by telling us this…
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
(Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV)
Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him. He will spend his days in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land. The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.
(Psalms 25:12-14 NIV)
Thursday, November 28, 2013
He's waiting for you to ask
Heaven and earth has been moved so that you may know the love and mercy of the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus himself came to earth to live among us, died, and arose so that we might believe and know there is a better way still in the abundance of all this we must humble ourselves, come before the Heavenly Father, and ask – it is about the condition of our hearts and the preparation there of. The door to a new world has been opened to us, it is a door that we could not move yet if we allow ourselves to see by faith all that awaits us our hearts would be overwhelmed. The question is this, are we merely spectators or have we been given purpose that is beyond our abilities and if that is true then the reason for the unmovable door being opened to us becomes abundantly clear. Jesus said that we would do even greater works than He.
(John 14:12 MKJV) Truly, truly, I say to you, He who believes on Me, the works that I do he shall do also, and greater works than these he shall do, because I go to My Father.
Jesus spent His life for us to show us how to live, even unto death, not for the healthy but the sick and those who did not know Him did He die. Now if His only purpose was to die for us so we might go to heaven then why not open a window to heaven and allow us to see the sacrifice that He made from a far? Our purpose can be found in His life, it was not only the destination but the journey, for He pointed the way so that we might know how to live; not only that but all the saints that have lived before us have shown us we can mimic Christ’s work and now they watch with anticipation a people compelled and directed by God so that His glory might be known by all the earth and this is done to prepare the world for His second coming. One day the race will be ran and we will stand with Him victorious in battle and we will have won crowns because of the life that we lived but we know Jesus is the reason and so we willingly lay our crowns at His feet. All of this will happen as the Bible tells us and Jesus provided the way but we must begin by asking for His help, His help to live the way He lived and to selflessly lay down our lives for those who do not yet know Him.
so that now to the rulers and powers in the heavenlies might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord; in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through His faith.
(Ephesians 3:10-12 MKJV)
Who is this King of glory? Jehovah strong and mighty, Jehovah mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O gates; even lift up, O everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? Jehovah of Hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah.
(Psalms 24:8-10 MKJV)
(John 14:12 MKJV) Truly, truly, I say to you, He who believes on Me, the works that I do he shall do also, and greater works than these he shall do, because I go to My Father.
Jesus spent His life for us to show us how to live, even unto death, not for the healthy but the sick and those who did not know Him did He die. Now if His only purpose was to die for us so we might go to heaven then why not open a window to heaven and allow us to see the sacrifice that He made from a far? Our purpose can be found in His life, it was not only the destination but the journey, for He pointed the way so that we might know how to live; not only that but all the saints that have lived before us have shown us we can mimic Christ’s work and now they watch with anticipation a people compelled and directed by God so that His glory might be known by all the earth and this is done to prepare the world for His second coming. One day the race will be ran and we will stand with Him victorious in battle and we will have won crowns because of the life that we lived but we know Jesus is the reason and so we willingly lay our crowns at His feet. All of this will happen as the Bible tells us and Jesus provided the way but we must begin by asking for His help, His help to live the way He lived and to selflessly lay down our lives for those who do not yet know Him.
so that now to the rulers and powers in the heavenlies might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord; in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through His faith.
(Ephesians 3:10-12 MKJV)
Who is this King of glory? Jehovah strong and mighty, Jehovah mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O gates; even lift up, O everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? Jehovah of Hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah.
(Psalms 24:8-10 MKJV)
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Salvation is not a reward
(Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT) God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
Have you ever seen a child that boasts to others the amount or types of toys he has? The ideal that “my dad is better than your dad” is for some reason a common boast among children. Did you ever have someone say that to you? Do you remember how it made you feel? If you are honest with yourself it immediately put you on the defensive regardless of who had the better gifts. When we boast of our gift of salvation what do you think that breeds in the heart of others? Have you made friends or enemies? Have you turned their heart towards or away from God?
(Ephesians 2:2 NLT) You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.
Remember from where you came and the hollow desperation inside that called out for help, now remember was there someone there leading you to God or pushing you towards the ledge? Salvation is not given so we can play games or form cliques or to wrap ourselves in exclusivity, how short-sighted is that! If this is what we are about then one day we will awake to find we are the ones standing outside in the cold and we will hear God say, “Depart from me for I never knew you” (Mat. 7:23). But God’s mercy is great and while it is still day we can return to the calling that has been placed on us to love others, including those who have never known God’s love and those who have just alike.
(Psalms 23:1-6 MKJV) A Psalm of David. Jehovah is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of Jehovah forever.
Have you ever seen a child that boasts to others the amount or types of toys he has? The ideal that “my dad is better than your dad” is for some reason a common boast among children. Did you ever have someone say that to you? Do you remember how it made you feel? If you are honest with yourself it immediately put you on the defensive regardless of who had the better gifts. When we boast of our gift of salvation what do you think that breeds in the heart of others? Have you made friends or enemies? Have you turned their heart towards or away from God?
(Ephesians 2:2 NLT) You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.
Remember from where you came and the hollow desperation inside that called out for help, now remember was there someone there leading you to God or pushing you towards the ledge? Salvation is not given so we can play games or form cliques or to wrap ourselves in exclusivity, how short-sighted is that! If this is what we are about then one day we will awake to find we are the ones standing outside in the cold and we will hear God say, “Depart from me for I never knew you” (Mat. 7:23). But God’s mercy is great and while it is still day we can return to the calling that has been placed on us to love others, including those who have never known God’s love and those who have just alike.
(Psalms 23:1-6 MKJV) A Psalm of David. Jehovah is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of Jehovah forever.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Chosen in advance
(Ephesians 1:5 NLT) God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure.
I’ve known many people that struggle with the ideal of God knowing in advance which ones would be called His. Surely, this means we are predestined to heaven or hell and therefore it doesn’t matter what we do in this life because our fate has already been determined. This is a lie straight from the enemy ultimately meant to destroy the very souls Jesus came to save. Within this lie is the ability to separate those who find it hard to believe God would love someone such as themselves from those who have not come to terms with their own sin and cannot see why God would deny them anything. Not only does this lie keep the broken hearted at bay but it also gives the self-righteous an excuse to continue in their decadence. How is it with one arrow the enemy can keep both camps from knowing God but the truth reveals God’s glory that cannot be hidden from view of those seeking it. For it is the self-centeredness of mankind to think he can know the mind of God or compare God’s ways to man’s own reasoning, it is utterly ridiculous! It would be the same as asking a toddler to explain the theory of relativity – it can’t be done. If we know anything of God it is only because His Holy Spirit has revealed it to us and not because of our own abilities.
(Job 38:1-21 NLT) Then the LORD answered Job from the whirlwind: "Who is this that questions My wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them. "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you know so much. Who determined its dimensions and stretched out the surveying line? What supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone as the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? "Who kept the sea inside its boundaries as it burst from the womb, and as I clothed it with clouds and wrapped it in thick darkness? For I locked it behind barred gates, limiting its shores. I said, 'This far and no farther will you come. Here your proud waves must stop!' "Have you ever commanded the morning to appear and caused the dawn to rise in the east? Have you made daylight spread to the ends of the earth, to bring an end to the night's wickedness? As the light approaches, the earth takes shape like clay pressed beneath a seal; it is robed in brilliant colors. The light disturbs the wicked and stops the arm that is raised in violence. "Have you explored the springs from which the seas come? Have you explored their depths? Do you know where the gates of death are located? Have you seen the gates of utter gloom? Do you realize the extent of the earth? Tell Me about it if you know! "Where does light come from, and where does darkness go? Can you take each to its home? Do you know how to get there? But of course you know all this! For you were born before it was all created, and you are so very experienced!
So where does that leave us? Does God know our future? Yes! Will that cause us to doubt His present involvement in our lives? It shouldn’t! This life is a race, a test for something we know not of in the future, does that cause us to run with any less zeal? It should make us run all the more knowing the God holds our future and it rest not on our own ability to get where we are going.
(Psalms 22:24-26 NLT) For He has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy. He has not turned His back on them, but has listened to their cries for help. I will praise You in the great assembly. I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who worship You. The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the LORD will praise Him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy.
I’ve known many people that struggle with the ideal of God knowing in advance which ones would be called His. Surely, this means we are predestined to heaven or hell and therefore it doesn’t matter what we do in this life because our fate has already been determined. This is a lie straight from the enemy ultimately meant to destroy the very souls Jesus came to save. Within this lie is the ability to separate those who find it hard to believe God would love someone such as themselves from those who have not come to terms with their own sin and cannot see why God would deny them anything. Not only does this lie keep the broken hearted at bay but it also gives the self-righteous an excuse to continue in their decadence. How is it with one arrow the enemy can keep both camps from knowing God but the truth reveals God’s glory that cannot be hidden from view of those seeking it. For it is the self-centeredness of mankind to think he can know the mind of God or compare God’s ways to man’s own reasoning, it is utterly ridiculous! It would be the same as asking a toddler to explain the theory of relativity – it can’t be done. If we know anything of God it is only because His Holy Spirit has revealed it to us and not because of our own abilities.
(Job 38:1-21 NLT) Then the LORD answered Job from the whirlwind: "Who is this that questions My wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them. "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you know so much. Who determined its dimensions and stretched out the surveying line? What supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone as the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? "Who kept the sea inside its boundaries as it burst from the womb, and as I clothed it with clouds and wrapped it in thick darkness? For I locked it behind barred gates, limiting its shores. I said, 'This far and no farther will you come. Here your proud waves must stop!' "Have you ever commanded the morning to appear and caused the dawn to rise in the east? Have you made daylight spread to the ends of the earth, to bring an end to the night's wickedness? As the light approaches, the earth takes shape like clay pressed beneath a seal; it is robed in brilliant colors. The light disturbs the wicked and stops the arm that is raised in violence. "Have you explored the springs from which the seas come? Have you explored their depths? Do you know where the gates of death are located? Have you seen the gates of utter gloom? Do you realize the extent of the earth? Tell Me about it if you know! "Where does light come from, and where does darkness go? Can you take each to its home? Do you know how to get there? But of course you know all this! For you were born before it was all created, and you are so very experienced!
So where does that leave us? Does God know our future? Yes! Will that cause us to doubt His present involvement in our lives? It shouldn’t! This life is a race, a test for something we know not of in the future, does that cause us to run with any less zeal? It should make us run all the more knowing the God holds our future and it rest not on our own ability to get where we are going.
(Psalms 22:24-26 NLT) For He has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy. He has not turned His back on them, but has listened to their cries for help. I will praise You in the great assembly. I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who worship You. The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the LORD will praise Him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy.
Friday, November 22, 2013
God directs us to a choice
Those who follow Christ Jesus do so by the spirit, it is by the spirit that we are led to a choice. If the spirit is strong we will choose to remain in the spirit but if the spirit is weak the flesh will overcome. In the spirit we care for each other, lift up the needs of others to the Father but in the flesh we are selfish, putting ourselves before others. Paul instructs us to not be deceived for God cannot be mocked, you will reap what you sow.
(Galatians 6:8 TNIV) Those who sow to please their sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; those who sow to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
It is right to go to church and support those whom God has placed in our lives to help us walk out this journey, so that our faith might be increased. There we will have opportunity to show others what we have learned as we help the needy, pray for each other, and put our faith into action. The Holy Spirit of God leads us to choices but it is our decision which choice we make. If you think you are something because you were led to this place by God’s Holy Spirit you should know on your own you are nothing and if you are not careful you will allow yourself to be deceived but if you choose righteousness your spirit man will grow and your spiritual territory will increase. Joshua saw this choice and told the people under his care this,
(Joshua 24:14-15 TNIV) "Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."
For he knew what was right and what led to life and nothing was going to get in his way of serving God. If we do not have the same resolve slowly, bit by bit, our convictions will erode until we are no longer led by God’s Holy Spirit and even the choices we once had will be taken from us because of our own sinful nature.
King David was beside himself in amazement when he spoke of what the Lord had done on his behalf.
(Psalms 21:6 TNIV) Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence.
David made many mistakes but not lose sight of God’s leading and it was because of that he was blessed by God.
(Galatians 6:8 TNIV) Those who sow to please their sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; those who sow to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
It is right to go to church and support those whom God has placed in our lives to help us walk out this journey, so that our faith might be increased. There we will have opportunity to show others what we have learned as we help the needy, pray for each other, and put our faith into action. The Holy Spirit of God leads us to choices but it is our decision which choice we make. If you think you are something because you were led to this place by God’s Holy Spirit you should know on your own you are nothing and if you are not careful you will allow yourself to be deceived but if you choose righteousness your spirit man will grow and your spiritual territory will increase. Joshua saw this choice and told the people under his care this,
(Joshua 24:14-15 TNIV) "Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."
For he knew what was right and what led to life and nothing was going to get in his way of serving God. If we do not have the same resolve slowly, bit by bit, our convictions will erode until we are no longer led by God’s Holy Spirit and even the choices we once had will be taken from us because of our own sinful nature.
King David was beside himself in amazement when he spoke of what the Lord had done on his behalf.
(Psalms 21:6 TNIV) Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence.
David made many mistakes but not lose sight of God’s leading and it was because of that he was blessed by God.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
All or nothing
Paul told the Galatians that if they choose the law over the leading of God’s Holy Spirit then they would have to obey the law completely!
(Galatians 5:3 GNB) Once more I warn any man who allows himself to be circumcised that he is obliged to obey the whole Law.
But Paul knew that was a dead end and therefore urged them to follow as God led them. He told them a little yeast makes the whole batch of dough rise and the part-truth that they could please God by works spread throughout their ranks and took their eyes off of the truth very quickly. As people our nature is to go to extremes, which is not all bad except within us is also the nature to be selfish. If we obey the law then we do so blinded to the leading of the Holy Spirit and if we set out to obey God’s leading we abandon the law but do so selfishly, hurting others and ourselves and once again blinded to the ways of God. The truth is that when we obey God He leads us into things that the law has no rule against. If our flesh truly died with Christ then the rights we once held that demanded we be treated fairly are done away with as well, for it is no long I that lives but Christ that lives in me. We no longer spend time or energy protecting our own flesh but through loving others as Christ loves us neither are we door mats. As a father I could demand respect of my children because I provide for them in every way and I do so faithfully. I could demand that they do what is right but it creates resentment and rebellion. However, if I did not demand this respect and obedience then they would become unruly and selfish and I would become as a door mat but with Christ’s love I give up the right to demand respect but it’s a love that goes so deep that they cannot run from it, wherever they go they are reminded of it and whatever they do it is there reminding them of what is right. When my children are disrespectful they are no longer disrespecting me but Christ, if I remain in Him and so it is with us as we interact with family, friends, co-workers, church, and wherever we go and whomever we meet. Only when we follow Christ's leading completely is He glorified completely.
(Galatians 5:19--26 GNB) What human nature does is quite plain. It shows itself in immoral, filthy, and indecent actions; in worship of idols and witchcraft. People become enemies and they fight; they become jealous, angry, and ambitious. They separate into parties and groups; they are envious, get drunk, have orgies, and do other things like these. I warn you now as I have before: those who do these things will not possess the Kingdom of God. But the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control. There is no law against such things as these. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have put to death their human nature with all its passions and desires. The Spirit has given us life; he must also control our lives. We must not be proud or irritate one another or be jealous of one another.
(Psalms 20:1-9 MSG) A David psalm. GOD answer you on the day you crash, The name God-of-Jacob put you out of harm's reach, Send reinforcements from Holy Hill, Dispatch from Zion fresh supplies, Exclaim over your offerings, Celebrate your sacrifices, Give you what your heart desires, Accomplish your plans. When you win, we plan to raise the roof and lead the parade with our banners. May all your wishes come true! That clinches it--help's coming, an answer's on the way, everything's going to work out. See those people polishing their chariots, and those others grooming their horses? But we're making garlands for GOD our God. The chariots will rust, those horses pull up lame-- and we'll be on our feet, standing tall. Make the king a winner, GOD; the day we call, give us your answer.
(Galatians 5:3 GNB) Once more I warn any man who allows himself to be circumcised that he is obliged to obey the whole Law.
But Paul knew that was a dead end and therefore urged them to follow as God led them. He told them a little yeast makes the whole batch of dough rise and the part-truth that they could please God by works spread throughout their ranks and took their eyes off of the truth very quickly. As people our nature is to go to extremes, which is not all bad except within us is also the nature to be selfish. If we obey the law then we do so blinded to the leading of the Holy Spirit and if we set out to obey God’s leading we abandon the law but do so selfishly, hurting others and ourselves and once again blinded to the ways of God. The truth is that when we obey God He leads us into things that the law has no rule against. If our flesh truly died with Christ then the rights we once held that demanded we be treated fairly are done away with as well, for it is no long I that lives but Christ that lives in me. We no longer spend time or energy protecting our own flesh but through loving others as Christ loves us neither are we door mats. As a father I could demand respect of my children because I provide for them in every way and I do so faithfully. I could demand that they do what is right but it creates resentment and rebellion. However, if I did not demand this respect and obedience then they would become unruly and selfish and I would become as a door mat but with Christ’s love I give up the right to demand respect but it’s a love that goes so deep that they cannot run from it, wherever they go they are reminded of it and whatever they do it is there reminding them of what is right. When my children are disrespectful they are no longer disrespecting me but Christ, if I remain in Him and so it is with us as we interact with family, friends, co-workers, church, and wherever we go and whomever we meet. Only when we follow Christ's leading completely is He glorified completely.
(Galatians 5:19--26 GNB) What human nature does is quite plain. It shows itself in immoral, filthy, and indecent actions; in worship of idols and witchcraft. People become enemies and they fight; they become jealous, angry, and ambitious. They separate into parties and groups; they are envious, get drunk, have orgies, and do other things like these. I warn you now as I have before: those who do these things will not possess the Kingdom of God. But the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control. There is no law against such things as these. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have put to death their human nature with all its passions and desires. The Spirit has given us life; he must also control our lives. We must not be proud or irritate one another or be jealous of one another.
(Psalms 20:1-9 MSG) A David psalm. GOD answer you on the day you crash, The name God-of-Jacob put you out of harm's reach, Send reinforcements from Holy Hill, Dispatch from Zion fresh supplies, Exclaim over your offerings, Celebrate your sacrifices, Give you what your heart desires, Accomplish your plans. When you win, we plan to raise the roof and lead the parade with our banners. May all your wishes come true! That clinches it--help's coming, an answer's on the way, everything's going to work out. See those people polishing their chariots, and those others grooming their horses? But we're making garlands for GOD our God. The chariots will rust, those horses pull up lame-- and we'll be on our feet, standing tall. Make the king a winner, GOD; the day we call, give us your answer.
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