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)
Monday, December 9, 2013
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)
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)
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