In Romans 12:1-2, the Apostle Paul issues a clear call for commitment when he says,
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. (2) And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Why do you suppose that there are close to 100 million church members in America yet they are not making more of a moral and spiritual impact?
Why is it that on Sunday morning thousands of churches have more empty pews than full?
If Christians really believe in a real heaven and a real Hell, how can we be so silent? The answer to all of these questions is tragically simple! God’s people have made a decision about Jesus….but have never made a commitment to Him.”
There is of course a difference between a decision and a commitment. Perhaps this cannot be seen any clearer than it is in the failure rate of marriages in America.
The same is true in the church. The reason that the church is not making more of an impact in our society is that many church members made a decision about Christ, but have not made a commitment to Christ.
When the pilot of a giant airline is speeding down the runway, there is a certain point where it staying on the ground is no longer an option.
When he crosses that line, he is committed to the air, he will take off or a disastrous crash is forthcoming. The pilot can no longer change his mind he is committed.
I want to challenge you to “get off the ground.” And become more committed to Christ and the church.
Verse 1 says that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
Paul says the motivation is to be, remembering “the mercies of God.”
Close your eyes for just a moment think of all that God has done in your life.
Think of the “mercies of God” based on what you have received can you really say that you owe him nothing. “Think about that.”
When we reflect on the goodness of God how can we be anything other than committed.
It is impossible to be “sort of committed.” You are either committed or you are not committed.
“There is a story told about a pig and a chicken walking down the road together. As they walked along they read a sign advertising a breakfast to benefit the poor. The chicken said to the pig, “You and I should donate a ham and egg breakfast.”
The pig replied, “Not so fast, for you it would just be a contribution, but for me it would be a total commitment.” The pig at least understood that it is not possible to offer a partial sacrifice; neither is possible to offer a partial commitment.
To commit ourselves to God means that we are to yield ourselves to him, surrender to him, abandon ourselves to him, entrust ourselves to him and place ourselves at his disposal.
Verse two says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed…”
Paul is saying, “Do not allow yourself to adopt the fashion of this world, to be forced into its mold.
This is a work of the Holy Spirit but it requires cooperation on the part of the believer.
The end result is that you will discover what the will of God is. It all begins with commitment.
Commitment to Personal Growth
We are called to commit ourselves as disciples. Disciples are learners.
We should never reach a point in life at which we are no longer learners.
We never reach a point in life at which we have arrived.
Even Paul said about himself in Phil 3:12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.
We are called to commit ourselves as disciples. Disciples are learners.
Make a commitment to continue to grow spiritually.
Take positive steps to do so.
Start a Bible reading plan.
Set aside time each day to pray.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
The Key to Inner Security
Objective: To find inner security in obedience to Christ.
Obedience to our Lord in every facet of our lives is the key to inner security and experiencing the presence of Christ.
The following is touching and a true story - author unknown. I recall one wealthy and influential businessman in California who sacrificed everything he had to care for his dying wife. Eventually he spent his fortune seeking to find a cure for her disease. By the time I learned of their situation, they had lost their entire fortune including their palatial home. They were living in modest circumstances in a little trailer on a parking lot in Hollywood. I went to see them with fear and trembling. How in the world could I, a healthy, young Christian businessman, identify with this poverty-stricken husband? He had already lost his large fortune and was about to lose his most precious friend and mate of nearly forty years. The trailer was neat as a pin. When I stepped into their humble home, it was as though I were entering a corner of heaven. There, sitting beside his dying wife, was this man holding her hand. Both of them had radiant faces. The joy of the Lord filled the place.
I had come to minister to them, but they ministered to me instead. They were trusting God with their lives. Like Job, they were saying of their Lord, "Though he slays me, yet will I hope (trust) in him..." (Job 13:15). I will always remember the peace of heart and mind that this couple enjoyed because they had learned to trust and obey the will and ways of God even in the midst of tragedy.
Many people hope to find security in their possessions when only a right relationship with God can bring abundant life. Through the years, I have become increasingly convinced that there are no unhappy obedient Christians. Furthermore, I have never met a person living a disobedient life who can honestly say that he is happy. I have observed many Christians, who have found peace and blessing in tough times because they were walking with God in faith and obedience.
We can find no lasting security in a life apart from God as the Lord of our lives. God alone is the owner of all that we possess and the total source of our supply. Are you experiencing the joy of Christ in your life? His love? His peace? The sense of His direction? If not, could it be that you are not obeying His commands? When you withhold the resources that God has entrusted to you for His work, He has little with which to bless you, and your life becomes unfruitful and unhappy.
1 Peter 1:18-20 - For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. 19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 20
God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but he has now revealed him to you in these last days.
Giving Him control of our time, talents, and treasure is our way of expressing gratitude to our great and glorious God and Father for all that He has done to fill us with His presence.
Christ Himself
II Corinthians 9:7-8. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
Because of what Jesus Christ has done for us, we should be willing to invest part of our income in His work. When we give toward His work, that should our attitude be?
PJ
Obedience to our Lord in every facet of our lives is the key to inner security and experiencing the presence of Christ.
The following is touching and a true story - author unknown. I recall one wealthy and influential businessman in California who sacrificed everything he had to care for his dying wife. Eventually he spent his fortune seeking to find a cure for her disease. By the time I learned of their situation, they had lost their entire fortune including their palatial home. They were living in modest circumstances in a little trailer on a parking lot in Hollywood. I went to see them with fear and trembling. How in the world could I, a healthy, young Christian businessman, identify with this poverty-stricken husband? He had already lost his large fortune and was about to lose his most precious friend and mate of nearly forty years. The trailer was neat as a pin. When I stepped into their humble home, it was as though I were entering a corner of heaven. There, sitting beside his dying wife, was this man holding her hand. Both of them had radiant faces. The joy of the Lord filled the place.
I had come to minister to them, but they ministered to me instead. They were trusting God with their lives. Like Job, they were saying of their Lord, "Though he slays me, yet will I hope (trust) in him..." (Job 13:15). I will always remember the peace of heart and mind that this couple enjoyed because they had learned to trust and obey the will and ways of God even in the midst of tragedy.
Many people hope to find security in their possessions when only a right relationship with God can bring abundant life. Through the years, I have become increasingly convinced that there are no unhappy obedient Christians. Furthermore, I have never met a person living a disobedient life who can honestly say that he is happy. I have observed many Christians, who have found peace and blessing in tough times because they were walking with God in faith and obedience.
We can find no lasting security in a life apart from God as the Lord of our lives. God alone is the owner of all that we possess and the total source of our supply. Are you experiencing the joy of Christ in your life? His love? His peace? The sense of His direction? If not, could it be that you are not obeying His commands? When you withhold the resources that God has entrusted to you for His work, He has little with which to bless you, and your life becomes unfruitful and unhappy.
1 Peter 1:18-20 - For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. 19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 20
God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but he has now revealed him to you in these last days.
Giving Him control of our time, talents, and treasure is our way of expressing gratitude to our great and glorious God and Father for all that He has done to fill us with His presence.
Christ Himself
II Corinthians 9:7-8. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
Because of what Jesus Christ has done for us, we should be willing to invest part of our income in His work. When we give toward His work, that should our attitude be?
PJ
Christian Certainty
1-What must one do to become a Christian?
John 1:12 - But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.
2-To be a son of God is to be born of whom? John 1:13 - They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.
3-To believe in Jesus Christ is to possess and be free from what?
John 5:24 - I tell you the truth; those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.
4-What did Christ do with our sins? How should this affect our lives?
I Peter 2:24-25 - He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. 25 Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.
5-What three things characterize Jesus' sheep?
John 10:27 - My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
6. What is your relationship with Christ, as He Himself states in John 10:18-30?
18 No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.”19 When he said these things, the people were again divided in their opinions about him. 20 Some said, “He’s demon possessed and out of his mind. Why listen to a man like that?” 21 Others said, “This doesn’t sound like a man possessed by a demon! Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” Jesus Claims to Be the Son of God 22 It was now winter, and Jesus was in Jerusalem at the time of Hanukkah, the Festival of Dedication. 23 He was in the Temple, walking through the section known as Solomon’s Colonnade. 24 The people surrounded him and asked, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus replied, “I have already told you, and you don’t believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name. 26 But you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, 29 for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.”
7. What are the implications of failing to believe the testimony that God has given regarding His Son?
I John 5:10-11- All who believe in the Son of God know in their hearts that this testimony is true. Those who don’t believe this are actually calling God a liar because they don’t believe what God has testified about his Son. 11 And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
8. The resurrection of Jesus is history's most revolutionary event. How does it prove Christ's claim to be God?
Romans 1:4 - and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord.
9. Why is the resurrection so essential to our faith?
I Corinthians 15:17 - And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins.
Ephesians 2:4-10 - But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
PJ
John 1:12 - But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.
2-To be a son of God is to be born of whom? John 1:13 - They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.
3-To believe in Jesus Christ is to possess and be free from what?
John 5:24 - I tell you the truth; those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.
4-What did Christ do with our sins? How should this affect our lives?
I Peter 2:24-25 - He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. 25 Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.
5-What three things characterize Jesus' sheep?
John 10:27 - My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
6. What is your relationship with Christ, as He Himself states in John 10:18-30?
18 No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.”19 When he said these things, the people were again divided in their opinions about him. 20 Some said, “He’s demon possessed and out of his mind. Why listen to a man like that?” 21 Others said, “This doesn’t sound like a man possessed by a demon! Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” Jesus Claims to Be the Son of God 22 It was now winter, and Jesus was in Jerusalem at the time of Hanukkah, the Festival of Dedication. 23 He was in the Temple, walking through the section known as Solomon’s Colonnade. 24 The people surrounded him and asked, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus replied, “I have already told you, and you don’t believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name. 26 But you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, 29 for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.”
7. What are the implications of failing to believe the testimony that God has given regarding His Son?
I John 5:10-11- All who believe in the Son of God know in their hearts that this testimony is true. Those who don’t believe this are actually calling God a liar because they don’t believe what God has testified about his Son. 11 And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
8. The resurrection of Jesus is history's most revolutionary event. How does it prove Christ's claim to be God?
Romans 1:4 - and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord.
9. Why is the resurrection so essential to our faith?
I Corinthians 15:17 - And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins.
Ephesians 2:4-10 - But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
PJ
Monday, May 17, 2010
How can Joy become Characteristic of our life?
First Joy grows out of real worship.
Worship involves both celebration and confession. The God of the Bible encourages joy! God does not intend for religion to be only meditation and the examination of your own feelings, thoughts, and motives. He also wants us to celebrate. Serious reflection and immediate confession of sin are essential, of course. But these should be balanced by celebrating who God is and what he has done for his people.
Second Joy comes from being in God’s presence.
David says in Psalm 16:8-9 I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.
David’s heart was glad-he had found the secret to joy. True joy is far deeper than happiness; we can feel joy in spite of our deepest troubles. Happiness is temporary because it is based on external circumstances, but joy is lasting because it is based on God’s presence within us. As we contemplate his daily presence, we will find contentment. As we understand the future he has for us, we will experience joy. Don’t base your life on circumstances, but on God.
Third Joy comes from the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
The fruit of the Spirit is the spontaneous work of the Holy Spirit in us. The Spirit produces these character traits that are found in Christ. They are the by-products of Christ’s control-we can’t obtain them by trying to get them without his help. If we want the fruit of the Spirit to grow in us, we must join our life to his. We must know him, love him, remember him, and imitate him. As a result, we will fulfill the intended purpose of the law-to love God and our neighbors. Which of these qualities do you want the Spirit to produce in you?
We can be Joyful in spite of our circumstances.
Paul says in Philippians 4:1- 8; 1 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work. 2 Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. 3 And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life. 4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again; rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 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. 8 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. 9 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.
It seems strange that a man in prison would be telling a church to rejoice. But Paul’s attitude teaches us an important lesson: our inner attitudes do not have to reflect our outward circumstances. Paul was full of joy because he knew that no matter what happened to him, Jesus Christ was with him. Several times in this letter, Paul urged the Philippians to be joyful, probably because they needed to hear this. It’s easy to get discouraged about unpleasant circumstances or to take unimportant events too seriously. If you haven’t been joyful lately, you may not be looking at life from the right perspective. Ultimate joy comes from Christ dwelling within us. Christ is near, and at his second coming we will fully realize this ultimate joy. He who lives within us will fulfill his final purposes for us.
PJ
Worship involves both celebration and confession. The God of the Bible encourages joy! God does not intend for religion to be only meditation and the examination of your own feelings, thoughts, and motives. He also wants us to celebrate. Serious reflection and immediate confession of sin are essential, of course. But these should be balanced by celebrating who God is and what he has done for his people.
Second Joy comes from being in God’s presence.
David says in Psalm 16:8-9 I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.
David’s heart was glad-he had found the secret to joy. True joy is far deeper than happiness; we can feel joy in spite of our deepest troubles. Happiness is temporary because it is based on external circumstances, but joy is lasting because it is based on God’s presence within us. As we contemplate his daily presence, we will find contentment. As we understand the future he has for us, we will experience joy. Don’t base your life on circumstances, but on God.
Third Joy comes from the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
The fruit of the Spirit is the spontaneous work of the Holy Spirit in us. The Spirit produces these character traits that are found in Christ. They are the by-products of Christ’s control-we can’t obtain them by trying to get them without his help. If we want the fruit of the Spirit to grow in us, we must join our life to his. We must know him, love him, remember him, and imitate him. As a result, we will fulfill the intended purpose of the law-to love God and our neighbors. Which of these qualities do you want the Spirit to produce in you?
We can be Joyful in spite of our circumstances.
Paul says in Philippians 4:1- 8; 1 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work. 2 Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. 3 And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life. 4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again; rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 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. 8 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. 9 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.
It seems strange that a man in prison would be telling a church to rejoice. But Paul’s attitude teaches us an important lesson: our inner attitudes do not have to reflect our outward circumstances. Paul was full of joy because he knew that no matter what happened to him, Jesus Christ was with him. Several times in this letter, Paul urged the Philippians to be joyful, probably because they needed to hear this. It’s easy to get discouraged about unpleasant circumstances or to take unimportant events too seriously. If you haven’t been joyful lately, you may not be looking at life from the right perspective. Ultimate joy comes from Christ dwelling within us. Christ is near, and at his second coming we will fully realize this ultimate joy. He who lives within us will fulfill his final purposes for us.
PJ
Monday, May 10, 2010
Insincere Obedience
Objective: To recognize obedience that is external only, and become obedient from the Heart.
At a high school graduation recently, one student was heard to make these remarks: "Yeah, I finally made it. It's a good thing, too. If I had blown it, my parents would have killed me!"
In contrast, during the ceremony one of the student speakers, an oriental girl who was a foreign exchange student declared through her tears, "I want to express my deepest appreciation to my parents for loving me and for giving me the opportunity to get an education in this great land. I want to do everything I can to show them how much I love them and to make them proud of me."
What a difference in motivation between these students. The first obviously lived in fear of his parents, while the second understood and appreciated what her parents had done for her.
Obedience involves attitude, not merely outward actions. What is your motivation when you obey Christ? Do you serve Christ out of fear and self-serving ambition? Or obey Him from a loyal heart because you understand and appreciate God's love and what He has done for you?
An Example of Insincere Obedience Read Acts 4:32-5:11 - At one time, Jerusalem Christians held goods as common property. Each Christian put his funds into a common treasury, which then supplied the needs of the Christian community. What made them willing to give up personal possessions? Acts 4:32 - All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.
One writer has said that many today view the local church as if it were a restaurant where all kinds of people meet for a short time, sit down together in the same room, then part, not knowing or caring anything about each other.
What is your estimation of the fellowship in our churches today compared with the fellowship of the Jerusalem Christians? What kind of attitude did the early Christians display?
Do you think this is true in your church? What can you do to improve the obedience in your church?
When Barnabas sold his land, which was probably valuable, and gave the money to the church, no doubt other Christians praised his devotion. How do you think Barnabas' action might have influenced Ananias and Sapphira?
What do you suppose motivated Ananias and Sapphira to sell their possessions and give money to the church? How did their motive differ from Barnabas' motive?
Importance of our Christian Testimony How can it be possible to study the Bible, share Christ with others, or attend Christian meetings, and yet be committing sin when you think you are pleasing God?
Why is your heart attitude just as important to God as your outward action?
Attitude in Giving and Prayer Each of us has a tendency to do things for the approval of our friends. When this desire becomes our sole motivation, our attitude is wrong.
Public prayer is not wrong in itself. When you pray aloud with others, to whom are you talking?
How can you make your public prayers a testimony to how much you love God?
PJ
At a high school graduation recently, one student was heard to make these remarks: "Yeah, I finally made it. It's a good thing, too. If I had blown it, my parents would have killed me!"
In contrast, during the ceremony one of the student speakers, an oriental girl who was a foreign exchange student declared through her tears, "I want to express my deepest appreciation to my parents for loving me and for giving me the opportunity to get an education in this great land. I want to do everything I can to show them how much I love them and to make them proud of me."
What a difference in motivation between these students. The first obviously lived in fear of his parents, while the second understood and appreciated what her parents had done for her.
Obedience involves attitude, not merely outward actions. What is your motivation when you obey Christ? Do you serve Christ out of fear and self-serving ambition? Or obey Him from a loyal heart because you understand and appreciate God's love and what He has done for you?
An Example of Insincere Obedience Read Acts 4:32-5:11 - At one time, Jerusalem Christians held goods as common property. Each Christian put his funds into a common treasury, which then supplied the needs of the Christian community. What made them willing to give up personal possessions? Acts 4:32 - All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.
One writer has said that many today view the local church as if it were a restaurant where all kinds of people meet for a short time, sit down together in the same room, then part, not knowing or caring anything about each other.
What is your estimation of the fellowship in our churches today compared with the fellowship of the Jerusalem Christians? What kind of attitude did the early Christians display?
Do you think this is true in your church? What can you do to improve the obedience in your church?
When Barnabas sold his land, which was probably valuable, and gave the money to the church, no doubt other Christians praised his devotion. How do you think Barnabas' action might have influenced Ananias and Sapphira?
What do you suppose motivated Ananias and Sapphira to sell their possessions and give money to the church? How did their motive differ from Barnabas' motive?
Importance of our Christian Testimony How can it be possible to study the Bible, share Christ with others, or attend Christian meetings, and yet be committing sin when you think you are pleasing God?
Why is your heart attitude just as important to God as your outward action?
Attitude in Giving and Prayer Each of us has a tendency to do things for the approval of our friends. When this desire becomes our sole motivation, our attitude is wrong.
Public prayer is not wrong in itself. When you pray aloud with others, to whom are you talking?
How can you make your public prayers a testimony to how much you love God?
PJ
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
The identity of the Holy Spirit - Part Two
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS PRESENT IN TIMES OF HARDSHIP.
Jesus told the disciples that when arrested for preaching the gospel, they should not worry about what to say in their defense-God’s Spirit would speak through them. This promise was fulfilled in Acts 4:8-14 and elsewhere. Some mistakenly think this means we don’t have to prepare to present the gospel because God will take care of everything. Scripture teaches, however, that we are to make carefully prepared thoughtful statements (Colossians 4:6). Jesus is not telling us to stop preparing, but to stop worrying.
John 4:23-24 The time is coming and is already here when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for anyone who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.
THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS US WORSHIP GOD.
"God is spirit” means he is not a physical being limited to one place. He is present everywhere, and he can be worshiped anywhere, at any time. It is not where we worship that counts, but how we worship. Is your worship genuine and true? Do you have the Holy Spirit’s help? How does the Holy Spirit help us worship? The Holy Spirit prays for us (Romans 8:26), teaches us the words of Christ (14:26), and tells us we are loved (Romans 5:5).
John 14:15-17 If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you do, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.
THE HOLY SPIRIT TRANSFORMS US FROM WITHIN.
Jesus was soon going to leave the disciples, but he would remain with them. How could this be? The Counselor-the Spirit of God himself-would come after Jesus was gone to care for and guide the disciples. The regenerating power of the Spirit came on the disciples just before his ascension and the Spirit was poured out on all the believers at Pentecost (Acts 2), shortly after Jesus ascended to heaven. The Holy Spirit is the very presence of God within us and all believers, helping us live as God wants and building Christ’s church on earth. By faith we can appropriate the Spirit’s power each day.
THE HOLY SPIRIT WORKS IN EVERY PART OF OUR LIFE.
The following chapters teach these truths about the Holy Spirit: he will be with us forever (14:16); the world at large cannot accept him (14:17); he lives with us and in us (14:17); he teaches us (14:26); he reminds us of Jesus’ words (14:26; 15:26); he convicts us of sin, shows us God’s righteousness, and announces God’s judgment on evil (16:8); he guides into truth and gives insight into future events (16:13); he brings glory to Christ (16:14). The Holy Spirit has been active among people from the beginning of time, but after Pentecost (Acts 2) he came to live in all believers. Many people are unaware of the Holy Spirit’s activities, but to those who hear Christ’s words and understand the Spirit’s power, the Spirit gives a whole new way to look at life.
THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS US UNDERSTAND AND REMEMBER THE BIBLE.
Jesus promised the disciples that the Holy Spirit would help them remember what he had been teaching them. This promise ensures the validity of the New Testament. The disciples were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ life and teachings, and the Holy Spirit helped them remember without taking away their individual perspectives. We can be confident that the Gospels are accurate records of what Jesus taught and did (see 1 Corinthians 2:10-14). The Holy Spirit can help us in the same way. As we study the Bible, we can trust him to plant truth in our mind, convince us of God’s will, and remind us when we stray from it.
THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES US PEACE
The end result of the Holy Spirit’s work in our life is deep and lasting peace. Unlike worldly peace, which is usually defined as the absence of conflict, this peace is confident assurance in any circumstance; with Christ’s peace, we have no need to fear the present or the future. If your life is full of stress, allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with Christ’s peace (see Philippians 4:6-7 for more on experiencing God’s peace).
PJ
Jesus told the disciples that when arrested for preaching the gospel, they should not worry about what to say in their defense-God’s Spirit would speak through them. This promise was fulfilled in Acts 4:8-14 and elsewhere. Some mistakenly think this means we don’t have to prepare to present the gospel because God will take care of everything. Scripture teaches, however, that we are to make carefully prepared thoughtful statements (Colossians 4:6). Jesus is not telling us to stop preparing, but to stop worrying.
John 4:23-24 The time is coming and is already here when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for anyone who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.
THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS US WORSHIP GOD.
"God is spirit” means he is not a physical being limited to one place. He is present everywhere, and he can be worshiped anywhere, at any time. It is not where we worship that counts, but how we worship. Is your worship genuine and true? Do you have the Holy Spirit’s help? How does the Holy Spirit help us worship? The Holy Spirit prays for us (Romans 8:26), teaches us the words of Christ (14:26), and tells us we are loved (Romans 5:5).
John 14:15-17 If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you do, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.
THE HOLY SPIRIT TRANSFORMS US FROM WITHIN.
Jesus was soon going to leave the disciples, but he would remain with them. How could this be? The Counselor-the Spirit of God himself-would come after Jesus was gone to care for and guide the disciples. The regenerating power of the Spirit came on the disciples just before his ascension and the Spirit was poured out on all the believers at Pentecost (Acts 2), shortly after Jesus ascended to heaven. The Holy Spirit is the very presence of God within us and all believers, helping us live as God wants and building Christ’s church on earth. By faith we can appropriate the Spirit’s power each day.
THE HOLY SPIRIT WORKS IN EVERY PART OF OUR LIFE.
The following chapters teach these truths about the Holy Spirit: he will be with us forever (14:16); the world at large cannot accept him (14:17); he lives with us and in us (14:17); he teaches us (14:26); he reminds us of Jesus’ words (14:26; 15:26); he convicts us of sin, shows us God’s righteousness, and announces God’s judgment on evil (16:8); he guides into truth and gives insight into future events (16:13); he brings glory to Christ (16:14). The Holy Spirit has been active among people from the beginning of time, but after Pentecost (Acts 2) he came to live in all believers. Many people are unaware of the Holy Spirit’s activities, but to those who hear Christ’s words and understand the Spirit’s power, the Spirit gives a whole new way to look at life.
THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS US UNDERSTAND AND REMEMBER THE BIBLE.
Jesus promised the disciples that the Holy Spirit would help them remember what he had been teaching them. This promise ensures the validity of the New Testament. The disciples were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ life and teachings, and the Holy Spirit helped them remember without taking away their individual perspectives. We can be confident that the Gospels are accurate records of what Jesus taught and did (see 1 Corinthians 2:10-14). The Holy Spirit can help us in the same way. As we study the Bible, we can trust him to plant truth in our mind, convince us of God’s will, and remind us when we stray from it.
THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES US PEACE
The end result of the Holy Spirit’s work in our life is deep and lasting peace. Unlike worldly peace, which is usually defined as the absence of conflict, this peace is confident assurance in any circumstance; with Christ’s peace, we have no need to fear the present or the future. If your life is full of stress, allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with Christ’s peace (see Philippians 4:6-7 for more on experiencing God’s peace).
PJ
The Identity of the Holy Spirit - Part One
The Holy Spirit is a member of the Trinity.
Mark 1:10-11; As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.” As Jesus was baptized, the Spirit descended like a dove on Jesus, and the voice from heaven proclaimed the Father’s approval of Jesus as his divine Son. That Jesus is God’s divine Son is the foundation for all we read about Jesus in the Gospels.
The Holy Spirit is God living in and among those who believe.
Matthew 18:19-20; “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. 20 For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” In the body of believers (the church), the sincere agreement of two people is more powerful than the superficial agreement of thousands, because Christ’s Holy Spirit is with them. Two or more believers, filled with the Holy Spirit, will pray according to God’s will, not their own.
The Holy Spirit is God at work in believers.
John 3:5-7; The truth is, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven. So don’t be surprised at my statement that you must be born again.
Who is the Holy Spirit? God is three persons in one-the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God became a man in Jesus so that Jesus could die for our sins. Jesus rose from the dead to offer salvation to all people through spiritual renewal and rebirth. When Jesus ascended into heaven, his physical presence left the earth, but he promised to send the Holy Spirit so that his spiritual presence would still be among humankind.
The Holy Spirit empowers believers
Matthew 10:19-20 When you are arrested don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. 20 For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Holly Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
PJ
Mark 1:10-11; As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.” As Jesus was baptized, the Spirit descended like a dove on Jesus, and the voice from heaven proclaimed the Father’s approval of Jesus as his divine Son. That Jesus is God’s divine Son is the foundation for all we read about Jesus in the Gospels.
The Holy Spirit is God living in and among those who believe.
Matthew 18:19-20; “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. 20 For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” In the body of believers (the church), the sincere agreement of two people is more powerful than the superficial agreement of thousands, because Christ’s Holy Spirit is with them. Two or more believers, filled with the Holy Spirit, will pray according to God’s will, not their own.
The Holy Spirit is God at work in believers.
John 3:5-7; The truth is, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven. So don’t be surprised at my statement that you must be born again.
Who is the Holy Spirit? God is three persons in one-the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God became a man in Jesus so that Jesus could die for our sins. Jesus rose from the dead to offer salvation to all people through spiritual renewal and rebirth. When Jesus ascended into heaven, his physical presence left the earth, but he promised to send the Holy Spirit so that his spiritual presence would still be among humankind.
The Holy Spirit empowers believers
Matthew 10:19-20 When you are arrested don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. 20 For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Holly Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
PJ
Friday, April 9, 2010
Please pass me a biscuit
When I was a kid, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work.
On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite!
When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said: "Honey, I love burned biscuits."
Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and Said, "Your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides - a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!"
You know, life is full of imperfect things and imperfect people. I'm not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else.
What I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each other’s faults - and choosing to celebrate each other’s differences - is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.
And that's my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burnt biscuit isn't a deal-breaker!
We could extend this to any relationship. In fact, understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship!
"Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket - keep it in your own."
God Bless You.
So please pass me a biscuit, and yes, the burnt one will do.
PJ
On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite!
When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said: "Honey, I love burned biscuits."
Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and Said, "Your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides - a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!"
You know, life is full of imperfect things and imperfect people. I'm not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else.
What I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each other’s faults - and choosing to celebrate each other’s differences - is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.
And that's my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burnt biscuit isn't a deal-breaker!
We could extend this to any relationship. In fact, understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship!
"Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket - keep it in your own."
God Bless You.
So please pass me a biscuit, and yes, the burnt one will do.
PJ
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Change Your Life Part III Build Your Life
Romans 12:1-2.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. - 2 Peter 3:18.
To be healthy physically it is well known that you cannot just stop eating bad foods and start eating good foods. No, something else is needed. There are many in our church who are blessed to live long lives while still remaining very active. How have they been able to do that? One part is that they have had a lot of physical exercise over the course of their lives. No, they haven’t been going to a gym and working out. No, the exercise that they have received for the most part has been in the form of good old hard work. They have worked hard all of their lives and that physical exercise has paid off for them by helping keep their bodies running well and active even into their older years.
Physical exercise is vital to obtaining and maintaining physical well-being. “Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon General,” gives the following benefits of exercise: reduce the risk of premature death; reduce the risk of developing and/or dying from heart disease; reduce high blood pressure or the risk of developing high blood pressure; reduce high cholesterol or the risk of developing high cholesterol; reduce the risk of developing colon cancer and breast cancer; reduce the risk of developing diabetes; reduce depression and anxiety, and there are many more benefits of exercise listed in the report.
Although it is possible to misuse your body usually hard work and exercise results in your body becoming stronger. Your body is a machine designed to be used and if you do not use it then it will grow weak. Without use, your body will grow weak even if you are not eating or drinking things that are harmful and it will grow weak even if you are eating and drinking those things that are good for it.
Your spiritual self is much like your physical body. You can be avoiding sin and having an intake of prayer, the Word, and church and still grow spiritually weak. Why? Because you need exercise, you need to put into practice those things that you have learned and are learning - to grow strong spiritually. So, I want to share with you how you can change your life by building your life, exercising your life.
One thing that you should already be doing is spending time in prayer, talking to your Lord. However, many Christians never go beyond praying about their own needs, what is going on in their own lives. To build our lives we need to go beyond ourselves and begin to pray for others. The apostle Paul says in 1 Timothy 2:1-2a, “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority….” If we want to change our lives, build our lives then we must become prayer warriors and surely it is a sin (1 Samuel 12:23) for us not to be prayer warriors.
Another spiritual exercise that needs to be an active part of our lives is servant hood. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).” Surely, we are to follow the example of Jesus and be servants. If we want to change our lives, build our lives then we must become servants. As we become servants, we will find that we are not only changing and building our lives but we are changing and building the lives of those around us as well.
Witnessing is also a spiritual exercise that we need. “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8).” We are witnesses. If you are a Christian, a child of God, you are a witness - there is not an opt out provision in this verse. But you do have the option of being a bad witness or of being a good witness. Being a good witness will build your life giving you fulfillment and joy. There is nothing like joy of sharing Christ with someone that is lost. Being a good witness will also give you empowerment to live the Christian life, to enable you to witness as you should. “But you shall receive power….”
One last spiritual exercise that we need is discipleship. “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ (Matthew 28:18-20).” The Great Commission tells us that we are to go beyond witnessing. We are not to just lead people to Jesus but to make disciples. Then we are to teach those disciples, train those disciples. In the teaching and the training, we will find that we ourselves are growing and our lives are being built up as well.
The year is 2007 and isn’t it time to change your life for the better? You can do that if you stop pouring the spiritual trans-fat of sin into your life. You can do that by instead having an intake of the spiritual foods of prayer, the Word of God, and faithful attendance in church. And you can do that; change your life for the better by exercising your spiritual life through becoming a prayer warrior, a servant, a witness, and a disciple.
PJ
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. - 2 Peter 3:18.
To be healthy physically it is well known that you cannot just stop eating bad foods and start eating good foods. No, something else is needed. There are many in our church who are blessed to live long lives while still remaining very active. How have they been able to do that? One part is that they have had a lot of physical exercise over the course of their lives. No, they haven’t been going to a gym and working out. No, the exercise that they have received for the most part has been in the form of good old hard work. They have worked hard all of their lives and that physical exercise has paid off for them by helping keep their bodies running well and active even into their older years.
Physical exercise is vital to obtaining and maintaining physical well-being. “Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon General,” gives the following benefits of exercise: reduce the risk of premature death; reduce the risk of developing and/or dying from heart disease; reduce high blood pressure or the risk of developing high blood pressure; reduce high cholesterol or the risk of developing high cholesterol; reduce the risk of developing colon cancer and breast cancer; reduce the risk of developing diabetes; reduce depression and anxiety, and there are many more benefits of exercise listed in the report.
Although it is possible to misuse your body usually hard work and exercise results in your body becoming stronger. Your body is a machine designed to be used and if you do not use it then it will grow weak. Without use, your body will grow weak even if you are not eating or drinking things that are harmful and it will grow weak even if you are eating and drinking those things that are good for it.
Your spiritual self is much like your physical body. You can be avoiding sin and having an intake of prayer, the Word, and church and still grow spiritually weak. Why? Because you need exercise, you need to put into practice those things that you have learned and are learning - to grow strong spiritually. So, I want to share with you how you can change your life by building your life, exercising your life.
One thing that you should already be doing is spending time in prayer, talking to your Lord. However, many Christians never go beyond praying about their own needs, what is going on in their own lives. To build our lives we need to go beyond ourselves and begin to pray for others. The apostle Paul says in 1 Timothy 2:1-2a, “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority….” If we want to change our lives, build our lives then we must become prayer warriors and surely it is a sin (1 Samuel 12:23) for us not to be prayer warriors.
Another spiritual exercise that needs to be an active part of our lives is servant hood. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).” Surely, we are to follow the example of Jesus and be servants. If we want to change our lives, build our lives then we must become servants. As we become servants, we will find that we are not only changing and building our lives but we are changing and building the lives of those around us as well.
Witnessing is also a spiritual exercise that we need. “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8).” We are witnesses. If you are a Christian, a child of God, you are a witness - there is not an opt out provision in this verse. But you do have the option of being a bad witness or of being a good witness. Being a good witness will build your life giving you fulfillment and joy. There is nothing like joy of sharing Christ with someone that is lost. Being a good witness will also give you empowerment to live the Christian life, to enable you to witness as you should. “But you shall receive power….”
One last spiritual exercise that we need is discipleship. “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ (Matthew 28:18-20).” The Great Commission tells us that we are to go beyond witnessing. We are not to just lead people to Jesus but to make disciples. Then we are to teach those disciples, train those disciples. In the teaching and the training, we will find that we ourselves are growing and our lives are being built up as well.
The year is 2007 and isn’t it time to change your life for the better? You can do that if you stop pouring the spiritual trans-fat of sin into your life. You can do that by instead having an intake of the spiritual foods of prayer, the Word of God, and faithful attendance in church. And you can do that; change your life for the better by exercising your spiritual life through becoming a prayer warrior, a servant, a witness, and a disciple.
PJ
Change You’re Life - Part II - Improve Your Life
Romans 12:1-2.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
In order to improve our physical health we not only need to eliminate those foods which our bad for us but we also need to eat foods that are good for us. To change your physical health for the better you need to stop the bad foods like Trans fats and add in the good foods that contain antioxidants like fruits and vegetables.
Spiritually it is much the same we need to add in the spiritual antioxidants that will protect us from the damaging attacks of the world, the flesh, and the devil. There are three spiritual antioxidants that need to be added to the life, to be a part of the life of every Christian if they want their spiritual life to be changed and improved. The spiritual antioxidants are Prayer, the Word of God, and the Church. This is nothing new and yet only a small minority of those professing to be Christians actually take advantage of all three of these spiritual antioxidants.
First, consider prayer, the Bible says about prayer in 1 John 15:14-15,
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” The one concern of the Satan is to keep Christians from praying. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray. How can you talk to the living God without His having an effect upon your life? Prayer will change, transform and improve your life.
Second, is the spiritual antioxidant of the Word of God. Jesus says in Matthew 4:4 quoting the Old Testament, “It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” And in Hebrews 4:12 we are told, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Read the Word, study the Word, memorize the Word, meditate upon the Word and your life will be changed, improved, and transformed.
The third spiritual antioxidant I want us to consider is the church. Christ loved the church. Christ died for the church. In Hebrews 10:24-25 we are told very plainly, very bluntly, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Transform your life; improve your life by no longer being conformed to the pattern of this world. Instead, have a regular intake of Prayer, Bible and Church. It will change your life forever.
PJ
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
In order to improve our physical health we not only need to eliminate those foods which our bad for us but we also need to eat foods that are good for us. To change your physical health for the better you need to stop the bad foods like Trans fats and add in the good foods that contain antioxidants like fruits and vegetables.
Spiritually it is much the same we need to add in the spiritual antioxidants that will protect us from the damaging attacks of the world, the flesh, and the devil. There are three spiritual antioxidants that need to be added to the life, to be a part of the life of every Christian if they want their spiritual life to be changed and improved. The spiritual antioxidants are Prayer, the Word of God, and the Church. This is nothing new and yet only a small minority of those professing to be Christians actually take advantage of all three of these spiritual antioxidants.
First, consider prayer, the Bible says about prayer in 1 John 15:14-15,
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” The one concern of the Satan is to keep Christians from praying. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray. How can you talk to the living God without His having an effect upon your life? Prayer will change, transform and improve your life.
Second, is the spiritual antioxidant of the Word of God. Jesus says in Matthew 4:4 quoting the Old Testament, “It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” And in Hebrews 4:12 we are told, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Read the Word, study the Word, memorize the Word, meditate upon the Word and your life will be changed, improved, and transformed.
The third spiritual antioxidant I want us to consider is the church. Christ loved the church. Christ died for the church. In Hebrews 10:24-25 we are told very plainly, very bluntly, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Transform your life; improve your life by no longer being conformed to the pattern of this world. Instead, have a regular intake of Prayer, Bible and Church. It will change your life forever.
PJ
Change Your Life - Part I
Romans 12:1-2
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Are you happy with your life? It may be that if you are unhappy with your life or even if you are happy with your life that you need a change. You are probably thinking that would I need to change if I am happy with my life? Because you are not the only one involved. The rest of us are involved as well. What you do and what I do affects everyone else. But the most important reason to change our lives is - if God wants you to change. Have you asked God recently if He is happy with the way that you are living your life? If you were to ask God if He is happy with your life - what would He say?
What is it that is slowing you down spiritually? What is it that is ruining your fellowship with your Lord? What is it that makes you care more about the things of this world than the things of God? If we are honest with ourselves, we all have some sin in our lives. As the apostle John writes in 1 John, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us (1 John 1:8; 10).”
Isn’t it time to pray as the Psalmist prayed “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24).”
Do you want to change your life? The good news is that you can change if you have a desire in your heart to change. Just after the apostle John says, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us (1 John 1:8).” He then gives us the good news, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).”
I think what the apostle Paul says in Romans 12:1-2 fits in well here as he says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
To change our lives we must present our bodies, our lives, all that we are to the Lord as living sacrifices. To change our lives we must no longer be conformed to this world, doing what this world wants, thinking what this world wants, living what this world wants - instead we must be transformed as Paul puts it “…by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
PJ
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Are you happy with your life? It may be that if you are unhappy with your life or even if you are happy with your life that you need a change. You are probably thinking that would I need to change if I am happy with my life? Because you are not the only one involved. The rest of us are involved as well. What you do and what I do affects everyone else. But the most important reason to change our lives is - if God wants you to change. Have you asked God recently if He is happy with the way that you are living your life? If you were to ask God if He is happy with your life - what would He say?
What is it that is slowing you down spiritually? What is it that is ruining your fellowship with your Lord? What is it that makes you care more about the things of this world than the things of God? If we are honest with ourselves, we all have some sin in our lives. As the apostle John writes in 1 John, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us (1 John 1:8; 10).”
Isn’t it time to pray as the Psalmist prayed “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24).”
Do you want to change your life? The good news is that you can change if you have a desire in your heart to change. Just after the apostle John says, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us (1 John 1:8).” He then gives us the good news, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).”
I think what the apostle Paul says in Romans 12:1-2 fits in well here as he says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
To change our lives we must present our bodies, our lives, all that we are to the Lord as living sacrifices. To change our lives we must no longer be conformed to this world, doing what this world wants, thinking what this world wants, living what this world wants - instead we must be transformed as Paul puts it “…by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
PJ
We Are to Proclaim
As Christian by our walk and talk we should always “Proclaim” our faithfulness and love for the Lord.
The Psalmist say in Psalm 22:22 I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people. (God may deliver us in the quiet moments when we are hurting, and we must be prepared to offer public praise for his care.)
The Psalmist says in Psalm 71:15; I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I am not skilled with words. (God will give us what we need to do His work even if we are not skilled with words)
Colossians 1:23 Paul says in this verse: But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it.
Colossians4:4 pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. (Paul asked for prayer that he could proclaim the Good News about Christ clearly and we can request prayer to do the same. We should never obscure the message of the Good News.)
PJ
The Psalmist say in Psalm 22:22 I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people. (God may deliver us in the quiet moments when we are hurting, and we must be prepared to offer public praise for his care.)
The Psalmist says in Psalm 71:15; I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I am not skilled with words. (God will give us what we need to do His work even if we are not skilled with words)
Colossians 1:23 Paul says in this verse: But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it.
Colossians4:4 pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. (Paul asked for prayer that he could proclaim the Good News about Christ clearly and we can request prayer to do the same. We should never obscure the message of the Good News.)
PJ
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Commitment
In Matthew 10:34-39 Jesus say’s; don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. I have come to set a man against his father a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Your enemies will be right in your own household! If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.
Jesus was not encouraging disobedience to parents or conflict at home or neglect of the church. Rather, he was showing that his presence demands a decision. Because some will follow Christ and some won’t, conflict will certainly arise. As we take up our cross and follow him, our different values, morals, and goals will set us apart from others. Don’t neglect your family or the church, but remember that your commitment to God is even more important than your family is. God should be your first priority in all aspects of your life.
Hebrews 10:22 “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” “Let us draw near to God.”
We all need a greater commitment to Christ in our worship and this includes Bible reading and study. Not a day should go by that we don’t read a portion of God’s
Word, at least a small portion.
The Word of God is powerful! It can do for us what we cannot do for ourselves! It can shape our lives and fill our hearts like nothing else can do! It is the living, eternal Word of God!
Heb. 10:25 “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another —and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
The young man poured out his heart’s devotion on paper as he wrote to the girl of his dreams: “Darling: I would climb the highest mountain, swim the widest stream, cross the burning desert, and die at the stake for you. P.S. I will see you on Saturday—if it doesn’t rain.”
That sounds like some people when it comes to going to church. If it rains or if there is any kind of bad weather let’s just stay home. Or if there is something else we’d rather do, let’s go do the other thing. “I love you, Lord, but not that much.”
Commitment to worship should also include public worship with the church - the Lord’s Day worship at His table.
President Garfield said that he had something to do at that time. The cabinet member insisted that the President break his previous engagement. Garfield refused. The cabinet member said, "I would be interested to know with whom you could have an engagement so important that it cannot be broken."
Garfield replied, “I will be as frank as you are. My engagement is with the Lord to meet Him at His House and at His Table at 10:30 tomorrow and I will be there.” Garfield was there and the crisis passed and the nation survived.
That’s the kind of commitment that we all should have when it comes to worship of the Lord!
PJ
Jesus was not encouraging disobedience to parents or conflict at home or neglect of the church. Rather, he was showing that his presence demands a decision. Because some will follow Christ and some won’t, conflict will certainly arise. As we take up our cross and follow him, our different values, morals, and goals will set us apart from others. Don’t neglect your family or the church, but remember that your commitment to God is even more important than your family is. God should be your first priority in all aspects of your life.
Hebrews 10:22 “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” “Let us draw near to God.”
We all need a greater commitment to Christ in our worship and this includes Bible reading and study. Not a day should go by that we don’t read a portion of God’s
Word, at least a small portion.
The Word of God is powerful! It can do for us what we cannot do for ourselves! It can shape our lives and fill our hearts like nothing else can do! It is the living, eternal Word of God!
Heb. 10:25 “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another —and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
The young man poured out his heart’s devotion on paper as he wrote to the girl of his dreams: “Darling: I would climb the highest mountain, swim the widest stream, cross the burning desert, and die at the stake for you. P.S. I will see you on Saturday—if it doesn’t rain.”
That sounds like some people when it comes to going to church. If it rains or if there is any kind of bad weather let’s just stay home. Or if there is something else we’d rather do, let’s go do the other thing. “I love you, Lord, but not that much.”
Commitment to worship should also include public worship with the church - the Lord’s Day worship at His table.
President Garfield said that he had something to do at that time. The cabinet member insisted that the President break his previous engagement. Garfield refused. The cabinet member said, "I would be interested to know with whom you could have an engagement so important that it cannot be broken."
Garfield replied, “I will be as frank as you are. My engagement is with the Lord to meet Him at His House and at His Table at 10:30 tomorrow and I will be there.” Garfield was there and the crisis passed and the nation survived.
That’s the kind of commitment that we all should have when it comes to worship of the Lord!
PJ
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Bible Study - Philippians 2:1-11
1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Paul pointed to Christ as a perfect model of unselfishness.
Paul’s challenge to believers is to imitate Christ’s steadfast obedience to God in becoming a lowly servant to us all. Jesus was willing to give up the glory of heaven to become a man, who endured all the vicissitudes of life and then suffered the agony of the cross for all of humanity’s sins. That kind of sacrifice, that kind of service, is what Jesus expects Christians to imitate.
Questions:
1. Do you believe people are basically good or people are basically evil?
2. What does Paul warn believers not to do? (2:3)
3. How are believers supposed to relate to other people? (2:3-4)
4. What rights did Christ forfeit by becoming a human being? (2:6-8)
5. What reward did Christ gain through his unselfish actions? (2:9-11)
6. What is your definition of selfishness?
7. What is most difficult about putting others’ needs before your own?
8. What opportunities would a servant-hearted believer seek throughout the day?
9. How does Christ’s example inspire you in your pursuit of becoming a servant in your home? In your workplace? In your church?
10. In what specific way will you attempt to be a servant to a family member, friend, or coworker today?
PJ
Paul pointed to Christ as a perfect model of unselfishness.
Paul’s challenge to believers is to imitate Christ’s steadfast obedience to God in becoming a lowly servant to us all. Jesus was willing to give up the glory of heaven to become a man, who endured all the vicissitudes of life and then suffered the agony of the cross for all of humanity’s sins. That kind of sacrifice, that kind of service, is what Jesus expects Christians to imitate.
Questions:
1. Do you believe people are basically good or people are basically evil?
2. What does Paul warn believers not to do? (2:3)
3. How are believers supposed to relate to other people? (2:3-4)
4. What rights did Christ forfeit by becoming a human being? (2:6-8)
5. What reward did Christ gain through his unselfish actions? (2:9-11)
6. What is your definition of selfishness?
7. What is most difficult about putting others’ needs before your own?
8. What opportunities would a servant-hearted believer seek throughout the day?
9. How does Christ’s example inspire you in your pursuit of becoming a servant in your home? In your workplace? In your church?
10. In what specific way will you attempt to be a servant to a family member, friend, or coworker today?
PJ
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Matthew 4:3-11 – Bible Study
The Temptation of Jesus
Matthew 4:3-11 - 1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. 2 For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. 3 During that time the devil came and said to him, If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread. 4 But Jesus told him, No! The Scriptures say, People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, 6 and said, If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. 7 Jesus responded, The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God. 8 Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him the kingdoms of the world and all their glory. 9 I will give it all to you he said, if you will kneel down and worship me. 10 “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, you must worship the Lord your God and serve only him. 11 Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.
Jesus was tempted by the devil when he was most vulnerable; he had fasted in the desert for forty days. But Jesus did not allow his physical hunger to weaken his resolve to resist temptation. Jesus’ strategy was simple: He used the Word of God to protect himself against Satan’s attacks. God’s Word is always the best defense against temptation.
As you answer the following question contemplate your relationship with Christ in His fasting and temptation in comparison with your view of Christianity.
1. What are some ways different you try to deal with temptation?
2. Who arranged this confrontation between Jesus and Satan? (1)
3. What three human desires did the devil tempt Jesus to fulfill? (3, 6, 9)
4. How did Satan twist Scripture in his attempt to make Jesus sin? (6)
5. How did Jesus overcome temptation? (4, 7, 10)
6. What tactics does Satan use to tempt us?
7. How do we rationalize giving in to temptation?
8. How does it help you to know that Jesus was tempted?
9. What temptations are most difficult for you to resist?
10. How can you utilize God’s Word to overcome temptation during this Lenten Season?
PJ
Matthew 4:3-11 - 1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. 2 For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. 3 During that time the devil came and said to him, If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread. 4 But Jesus told him, No! The Scriptures say, People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, 6 and said, If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. 7 Jesus responded, The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God. 8 Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him the kingdoms of the world and all their glory. 9 I will give it all to you he said, if you will kneel down and worship me. 10 “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, you must worship the Lord your God and serve only him. 11 Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.
Jesus was tempted by the devil when he was most vulnerable; he had fasted in the desert for forty days. But Jesus did not allow his physical hunger to weaken his resolve to resist temptation. Jesus’ strategy was simple: He used the Word of God to protect himself against Satan’s attacks. God’s Word is always the best defense against temptation.
As you answer the following question contemplate your relationship with Christ in His fasting and temptation in comparison with your view of Christianity.
1. What are some ways different you try to deal with temptation?
2. Who arranged this confrontation between Jesus and Satan? (1)
3. What three human desires did the devil tempt Jesus to fulfill? (3, 6, 9)
4. How did Satan twist Scripture in his attempt to make Jesus sin? (6)
5. How did Jesus overcome temptation? (4, 7, 10)
6. What tactics does Satan use to tempt us?
7. How do we rationalize giving in to temptation?
8. How does it help you to know that Jesus was tempted?
9. What temptations are most difficult for you to resist?
10. How can you utilize God’s Word to overcome temptation during this Lenten Season?
PJ
What about this time of reflection during Lent?
Lent is the period of penitence and fasting before Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday. Lent lasts for forty days, not counting Sundays.
Many Christians observe Lent by giving up some daily food or activity to help them remember Christ’s suffering. If this is part of your observance – you need to make sure that you do it for the right reason. If you give up rich foods such as candy, etc or some activity and not replace it with meaningful time or activity that helps you in your spiritual journey then I feel you need to look at the reason you are giving something up for Lent.
We don’t know a lot about the forty days Jesus spent in the desert before His temptation. We know it was a time of fasting and probably of prayer. When the devil came to Him, the conquering words of Scripture were quick on Jesus’ tongue, so it may have been a time of meditation, a time of special communion with his Father.
Look at the comparison between Jesus’ forty days in the desert and the forty days of Lent. Traditionally, the Lenten season is a time of fasting. People “give up” something for Lent. The idea is not to punish ourselves, but to put aside something that may distract us from our communion with God. It is a time for special devotion to God, a time when He may “abide with us” in a special way. Lent is a time to refocus on our relationship with Christ.
When Jesus was tempted He was probably in the Judean desert—a cruel, hot, barren place with craggy canyons. In biblical times, wild jackals and other beasts may have roamed the area. Day in and day out, it must have been very uncomfortable. Yet Jesus had a greater purpose; comfort was not important. He was preparing for a crucial showdown with the devil that would set the tone for his whole ministry. The Bible says that we can count on Jesus because He “has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). His strength to overcome temptation is available to us as we face temptations. He has been there before us and has won the battle. That assurance can help us not to “faint nor fail.”
During this Lenten season, pray about ways that you can come closer to Christ in your Spiritual Journey.
Matthew 4:17; “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”
Matthew 4:4; “People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
PJ
Many Christians observe Lent by giving up some daily food or activity to help them remember Christ’s suffering. If this is part of your observance – you need to make sure that you do it for the right reason. If you give up rich foods such as candy, etc or some activity and not replace it with meaningful time or activity that helps you in your spiritual journey then I feel you need to look at the reason you are giving something up for Lent.
We don’t know a lot about the forty days Jesus spent in the desert before His temptation. We know it was a time of fasting and probably of prayer. When the devil came to Him, the conquering words of Scripture were quick on Jesus’ tongue, so it may have been a time of meditation, a time of special communion with his Father.
Look at the comparison between Jesus’ forty days in the desert and the forty days of Lent. Traditionally, the Lenten season is a time of fasting. People “give up” something for Lent. The idea is not to punish ourselves, but to put aside something that may distract us from our communion with God. It is a time for special devotion to God, a time when He may “abide with us” in a special way. Lent is a time to refocus on our relationship with Christ.
When Jesus was tempted He was probably in the Judean desert—a cruel, hot, barren place with craggy canyons. In biblical times, wild jackals and other beasts may have roamed the area. Day in and day out, it must have been very uncomfortable. Yet Jesus had a greater purpose; comfort was not important. He was preparing for a crucial showdown with the devil that would set the tone for his whole ministry. The Bible says that we can count on Jesus because He “has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). His strength to overcome temptation is available to us as we face temptations. He has been there before us and has won the battle. That assurance can help us not to “faint nor fail.”
During this Lenten season, pray about ways that you can come closer to Christ in your Spiritual Journey.
Matthew 4:17; “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”
Matthew 4:4; “People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
PJ
Thursday, February 18, 2010
The Smell of Rain
A cold March wind danced around the dead of night in Dallas as the doctor walked into the small hospital room of Diana Blessing. She was still groggy from surgery. Her husband, David, held her hand as they braced themselves for the latest news.
That afternoon of March 10, 1991, complications had forced Diana, only 24-weeks
pregnant, to undergo an emergency Cesarean to deliver couple's new daughter, Dana Lu Blessing. At 12 inches long and weighing only one pound nine ounces, they already knew she was perilously premature Still, the doctor's soft words dropped like bombs.
'I don't think she's going to make it,' he said, as kindly as he could. 'There's only a 10-percent chance she will live through the night, and even then, if by some slim chance she does make it, her future could be a very cruel one'
Numb with disbelief, David and Diana listened as the doctor described the devastating problems Dana would likely face if she survived.
She would never walk, she would never talk, she would probably be blind, and she would certainly be prone to other catastrophic conditions from cerebral palsy to complete mental retardation, and on and on.
'No! No!' was all Diana could say. She and David, with their 5-year-old son Dustin, had long dreamed of the day they would have a daughter to become a family of four.
Now, within a matter of hours, that dream was slipping away.
But as those first days passed, a new agony set in for David and Diana. Because Dana 's underdeveloped nervous system was essentially 'raw', the lightest kiss or caress only intensified her discomfort, so they couldn't even cradle their tiny baby girl against their chests to offer the strength of their love. All they could do, as Dana struggled alone beneath the ultraviolet light in the tangle of tubes and wires, was to pray that God would stay close to their precious little girl.
There was never a moment when Dana suddenly grew stronger.
But as the weeks went by, she did slowly gain an ounce of weight here and an ounce of strength there.
At last, when Dana turned two months old. her parents were able to hold her in their arms for the very first time. And two months later, though doctors continued to gently but grimly warn that her chances of surviving, much less living any kind of normal life, were next to zero, Dana went home from the hospital, just as her mother had predicted.
Five years later, when Dana was a petite but feisty young girl with glittering gray eyes and an unquenchable zest for life.
She showed no signs whatsoever of any mental or physical impairment. Simply, she was everything a little girl can be and more. But that happy ending is far from the end of her story.
One blistering afternoon in the summer of 1996 near her home in Irving , Texas , Dana was sitting in her mother's lap in the bleachers of a local ball park where her brother Dustin's baseball team was practicing.
As always, Dana was chattering nonstop with her mother and several other adults sitting nearby, when she suddenly fell silent. Hugging her arms across her chest, little Dana asked, 'Do you smell that?'
Smelling the air and detecting the approach of a thunderstorm, Diana replied, 'Yes, it smells like rain.'
Dana closed her eyes and again asked, 'Do you smell that?'
Once again, her mother replied, 'Yes, I think we're about to get wet. It smells like rain.'
Still caught in the moment, Dana shook her head, patted her thin shoulders with her small hands and loudly announced, 'No, it smells like Him. It smells like God when you lay your head on His chest.'
Tears blurred Diana's eyes as Dana happily hopped down to play with the other children.
Before the rains came, her daughter's words confirmed what Diana and all the members of the extended Blessing family had known, at least in their hearts, all along.
During those long days and nights of her first two months of her life, when her nerves were too sensitive for them to touch her, God was holding Dana on His chest and it is His loving scent that she remembers so well.
That afternoon of March 10, 1991, complications had forced Diana, only 24-weeks
pregnant, to undergo an emergency Cesarean to deliver couple's new daughter, Dana Lu Blessing. At 12 inches long and weighing only one pound nine ounces, they already knew she was perilously premature Still, the doctor's soft words dropped like bombs.
'I don't think she's going to make it,' he said, as kindly as he could. 'There's only a 10-percent chance she will live through the night, and even then, if by some slim chance she does make it, her future could be a very cruel one'
Numb with disbelief, David and Diana listened as the doctor described the devastating problems Dana would likely face if she survived.
She would never walk, she would never talk, she would probably be blind, and she would certainly be prone to other catastrophic conditions from cerebral palsy to complete mental retardation, and on and on.
'No! No!' was all Diana could say. She and David, with their 5-year-old son Dustin, had long dreamed of the day they would have a daughter to become a family of four.
Now, within a matter of hours, that dream was slipping away.
But as those first days passed, a new agony set in for David and Diana. Because Dana 's underdeveloped nervous system was essentially 'raw', the lightest kiss or caress only intensified her discomfort, so they couldn't even cradle their tiny baby girl against their chests to offer the strength of their love. All they could do, as Dana struggled alone beneath the ultraviolet light in the tangle of tubes and wires, was to pray that God would stay close to their precious little girl.
There was never a moment when Dana suddenly grew stronger.
But as the weeks went by, she did slowly gain an ounce of weight here and an ounce of strength there.
At last, when Dana turned two months old. her parents were able to hold her in their arms for the very first time. And two months later, though doctors continued to gently but grimly warn that her chances of surviving, much less living any kind of normal life, were next to zero, Dana went home from the hospital, just as her mother had predicted.
Five years later, when Dana was a petite but feisty young girl with glittering gray eyes and an unquenchable zest for life.
She showed no signs whatsoever of any mental or physical impairment. Simply, she was everything a little girl can be and more. But that happy ending is far from the end of her story.
One blistering afternoon in the summer of 1996 near her home in Irving , Texas , Dana was sitting in her mother's lap in the bleachers of a local ball park where her brother Dustin's baseball team was practicing.
As always, Dana was chattering nonstop with her mother and several other adults sitting nearby, when she suddenly fell silent. Hugging her arms across her chest, little Dana asked, 'Do you smell that?'
Smelling the air and detecting the approach of a thunderstorm, Diana replied, 'Yes, it smells like rain.'
Dana closed her eyes and again asked, 'Do you smell that?'
Once again, her mother replied, 'Yes, I think we're about to get wet. It smells like rain.'
Still caught in the moment, Dana shook her head, patted her thin shoulders with her small hands and loudly announced, 'No, it smells like Him. It smells like God when you lay your head on His chest.'
Tears blurred Diana's eyes as Dana happily hopped down to play with the other children.
Before the rains came, her daughter's words confirmed what Diana and all the members of the extended Blessing family had known, at least in their hearts, all along.
During those long days and nights of her first two months of her life, when her nerves were too sensitive for them to touch her, God was holding Dana on His chest and it is His loving scent that she remembers so well.
The Living Bible:
His name is Tim. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans, and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college.
He is brilliant, kind of profound and very, very bright. He became a Christian while attending college.
Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the students but are not sure how to go about it.
One day Tim decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and so Tim starts down the aisle looking for a seat.
The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now, people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything.
Tim gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit, and when he realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet.
By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick.
About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Tim.
Now the deacon is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit. A godly man, very elegant very dignified and very courtly. He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do.
How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor? It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy.
The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane. All eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The minister can't even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do. And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great difficulty, he lowers himself and sits down next to Tim and worships with him so he won't be alone. Everyone chokes up with emotion.
When the minister gains control, he says, 'what I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget.'
'Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read!'
Are you a living bible?
He is brilliant, kind of profound and very, very bright. He became a Christian while attending college.
Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the students but are not sure how to go about it.
One day Tim decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and so Tim starts down the aisle looking for a seat.
The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now, people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything.
Tim gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit, and when he realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet.
By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick.
About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Tim.
Now the deacon is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit. A godly man, very elegant very dignified and very courtly. He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do.
How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor? It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy.
The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane. All eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The minister can't even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do. And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great difficulty, he lowers himself and sits down next to Tim and worships with him so he won't be alone. Everyone chokes up with emotion.
When the minister gains control, he says, 'what I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget.'
'Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read!'
Are you a living bible?
Monday, February 1, 2010
Bible Study - Luke 14:15-35 Commitment
This Bible Study is about following through on our accepting Christ and commitment.
15 Hearing this, a man sitting at the table with Jesus exclaimed, “What a blessing it will be to attend a banquet in the Kingdom of God!” 16 Jesus replied with this story: “A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. 17 When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come, the banquet is ready.’ 18 But they all began making excuses. One said, ‘I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me.’ 19 Another said, ‘I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to try them out. Please excuse me.’ 20 Another said, ‘I now have a wife, so I can’t come.’ 21 “The servant returned and told his master what they had said. His master was furious and said, ‘Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ 22 After the servant had done this, he reported, ‘There is still room for more.’ 23 So his master said, ‘Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full. 24 For none of those I first invited will get even the smallest taste of my banquet.’”25 A large crowd was following Jesus. He turned around and said to them, 26 “If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. 27 And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. 28 “But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? 29 Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. 30 They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’ 31 “Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? 32 And if he can’t, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. 33 So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own. 34 “Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? 35 Flavorless salt is good neither for the soil nor for the manure pile. It is thrown away. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!”
Questions and thoughts:
Jesus told a story that makes it clear that, amazingly, not everyone who is invited to celebrate a feast with God in heaven accepts the invitation. When the banquet is all prepared, the master sends his servant to tell the guests to come. But they all make excuses. For each one, something else has taken precedence over the only thing that really matters in life: being in God’s wonderful presence. The master quickly replaces these guests with others, who know they need God’s care and understand the great honor of the invitation.
1. When have you accepted an invitation and later wished you could get out of the obligation?
2. What invitation did the master give to his guests? (14:16-17)
3. What had come to preoccupy the guests so that they declined the invitation?
(14:18-20)
4. Whom did the servant invite in order to fill the master’s house? (14:21-23)
5. What was the master’s attitude toward those who made excuses? (14:24)
6. What are some of your distractions from the kingdom of God?
7. What are some of the thoughts behind your not filling your obligations?
PJ
15 Hearing this, a man sitting at the table with Jesus exclaimed, “What a blessing it will be to attend a banquet in the Kingdom of God!” 16 Jesus replied with this story: “A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. 17 When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come, the banquet is ready.’ 18 But they all began making excuses. One said, ‘I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me.’ 19 Another said, ‘I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to try them out. Please excuse me.’ 20 Another said, ‘I now have a wife, so I can’t come.’ 21 “The servant returned and told his master what they had said. His master was furious and said, ‘Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ 22 After the servant had done this, he reported, ‘There is still room for more.’ 23 So his master said, ‘Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full. 24 For none of those I first invited will get even the smallest taste of my banquet.’”25 A large crowd was following Jesus. He turned around and said to them, 26 “If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. 27 And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. 28 “But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? 29 Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. 30 They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’ 31 “Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? 32 And if he can’t, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. 33 So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own. 34 “Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? 35 Flavorless salt is good neither for the soil nor for the manure pile. It is thrown away. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!”
Questions and thoughts:
Jesus told a story that makes it clear that, amazingly, not everyone who is invited to celebrate a feast with God in heaven accepts the invitation. When the banquet is all prepared, the master sends his servant to tell the guests to come. But they all make excuses. For each one, something else has taken precedence over the only thing that really matters in life: being in God’s wonderful presence. The master quickly replaces these guests with others, who know they need God’s care and understand the great honor of the invitation.
1. When have you accepted an invitation and later wished you could get out of the obligation?
2. What invitation did the master give to his guests? (14:16-17)
3. What had come to preoccupy the guests so that they declined the invitation?
(14:18-20)
4. Whom did the servant invite in order to fill the master’s house? (14:21-23)
5. What was the master’s attitude toward those who made excuses? (14:24)
6. What are some of your distractions from the kingdom of God?
7. What are some of the thoughts behind your not filling your obligations?
PJ
STRENGTH FOR THE DAY
OUR STRENGTHS OFTEN GET IN THE WAY OF TRUSTING GOD. Genesis 49:1-28 - In the middle of his prophecy to Dan, Jacob exclaimed, “I trust in you for salvation, O Lord.” He was emphasizing to Dan that he would be a strong leader only if his trust was in God, not in his natural strength or ability. Those who are strong, attractive, or talented often find it easier to trust in themselves than in God who gave them their gifts. Remember to thank God for what you are and have so that your trust does not become misplaced.
GOD WANTS US TO APPRECIATE STRENGTH WITHOUT BECOMING SELF-SUFFICIENT. Judges 7:1-25 - Self-sufficiency is an enemy when it causes us to believe we can always do what needs to be done in our own strength. To prevent this attitude among Gideon’s soldiers, God reduced their number from thirty-two thousand to three hundred. With an army this small, there could be no doubt that victory was from God. The men could not take the credit. Like Gideon, we must recognize the danger of fighting in our own strength. We can be confident of victory only if we put our confidence in God and not our self.
WE CAN DEPEND ON GOD AS OUR SOURCE OF STRENGTH. Isaiah 40:25-31 - Even the strongest people get tired at times, but God’s power and strength never diminish. He is never too tired or too busy to help and listen. When you feel all of life crushing you, and you cannot go another step, remember that you can call upon God to renew your strength. Hoping in the Lord means expecting that his promise of strength will help us to rise above life’s distractions and difficulties. It also means trusting God to fulfill this promise found in his Word.
OUR STRENGTHS ARE ACTUALLY A POINT OF SPIRITUAL VULNERABILITY. Luke 4:1-13 - Often we are tempted not through our weaknesses, but through our strengths. The devil tempted Jesus where he was strong. Jesus had power over stones, the kingdoms of the world, and even angels, and Satan wanted him to use that power without regard to his mission. When we give in to the devil and wrongly use our strengths, we become proud and self-reliant. Trusting in our own powers, we feel little need of God. To avoid this trap, we must realize that all our strengths are God’s gifts to us, and we must dedicate those strengths to his service.
STRENGTH FOR DAY WITH GOD’S WORD:
A weightlifter’s strength is defined by the number of pounds lifted. The strength of a building is measured by its resistance to external forces exerted by wind or earthquake. The strength of a corporation is often defined by its net assets. But what is spiritual strength? The Bible teaches that spiritual strength involves the power to lift burdens, a foundation deep enough to resist external pressure, and the security of unlimited resources. A life transformed by the gospel of Christ is evidence of God’s power.
HOW CAN I EXPERIENCE THE STRENGTH OF GOD IN MY LIFE? Isaiah 40:29-31 - Those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. God promises to renew our strength as we depend on him in trusting expectation. The power of the Resurrection is experienced by all who trust Christ for salvation.
HOW CAN I BECOME STRONGER IN MY FAITH? Jude 1:20 - Continue to build your lives on the foundation of your holy faith. And continue to pray as you are directed by the Holy Spirit.
Nehemiah 8:10 - The joy of the Lord is your strength!
Isaiah 40:29, 31 - He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. . .But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. God supplies power to the weak.
When we step out in faith we begin to experience God’s power. We grow stronger through the mutual encouragement and accountability of other believers.
Philippians 4:13 - I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need. God gives you the strength to mature.
PJ
GOD WANTS US TO APPRECIATE STRENGTH WITHOUT BECOMING SELF-SUFFICIENT. Judges 7:1-25 - Self-sufficiency is an enemy when it causes us to believe we can always do what needs to be done in our own strength. To prevent this attitude among Gideon’s soldiers, God reduced their number from thirty-two thousand to three hundred. With an army this small, there could be no doubt that victory was from God. The men could not take the credit. Like Gideon, we must recognize the danger of fighting in our own strength. We can be confident of victory only if we put our confidence in God and not our self.
WE CAN DEPEND ON GOD AS OUR SOURCE OF STRENGTH. Isaiah 40:25-31 - Even the strongest people get tired at times, but God’s power and strength never diminish. He is never too tired or too busy to help and listen. When you feel all of life crushing you, and you cannot go another step, remember that you can call upon God to renew your strength. Hoping in the Lord means expecting that his promise of strength will help us to rise above life’s distractions and difficulties. It also means trusting God to fulfill this promise found in his Word.
OUR STRENGTHS ARE ACTUALLY A POINT OF SPIRITUAL VULNERABILITY. Luke 4:1-13 - Often we are tempted not through our weaknesses, but through our strengths. The devil tempted Jesus where he was strong. Jesus had power over stones, the kingdoms of the world, and even angels, and Satan wanted him to use that power without regard to his mission. When we give in to the devil and wrongly use our strengths, we become proud and self-reliant. Trusting in our own powers, we feel little need of God. To avoid this trap, we must realize that all our strengths are God’s gifts to us, and we must dedicate those strengths to his service.
STRENGTH FOR DAY WITH GOD’S WORD:
A weightlifter’s strength is defined by the number of pounds lifted. The strength of a building is measured by its resistance to external forces exerted by wind or earthquake. The strength of a corporation is often defined by its net assets. But what is spiritual strength? The Bible teaches that spiritual strength involves the power to lift burdens, a foundation deep enough to resist external pressure, and the security of unlimited resources. A life transformed by the gospel of Christ is evidence of God’s power.
HOW CAN I EXPERIENCE THE STRENGTH OF GOD IN MY LIFE? Isaiah 40:29-31 - Those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. God promises to renew our strength as we depend on him in trusting expectation. The power of the Resurrection is experienced by all who trust Christ for salvation.
HOW CAN I BECOME STRONGER IN MY FAITH? Jude 1:20 - Continue to build your lives on the foundation of your holy faith. And continue to pray as you are directed by the Holy Spirit.
Nehemiah 8:10 - The joy of the Lord is your strength!
Isaiah 40:29, 31 - He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. . .But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. God supplies power to the weak.
When we step out in faith we begin to experience God’s power. We grow stronger through the mutual encouragement and accountability of other believers.
Philippians 4:13 - I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need. God gives you the strength to mature.
PJ
ASSURANCE FOR THE DAY
HOW DO WE KNOW WHEN WE ARE BASING OUR SECURITY ON THE WRONG THINGS?
Luke 18:18-30; verse 24 - Jesus watched him go and then said to his disciples, “How hard it is for rich people to get into the Kingdom of God!”
This man’s wealth smoothed his life and gave him power and prestige. When Jesus told him to sell everything he owned, he was touching the man’s very basis for security and identity. The man did not understand that he would be even more secure if he followed Jesus than he was with all his wealth. Jesus does not ask all believers to sell everything they have, although this may be his will for some. He does ask us all, however, to get rid of anything that has become more important to us than God. If your basis for security has shifted from God to what you own, it would be better for you to get rid of those possessions.
FIRM ASSURANCE IS DEPENDENCE ON GOD’S PROMISES. Exodus 4:1-17 - Moses clung tightly to the shepherd’s staff as he left for Egypt to face the greatest challenge of his life. The staff was his assurance of God’s presence and power. When feeling uncertain, some people need something to stabilize and reassure them. For assurance when facing great trials, God has given promises from his Word and examples from great heroes of faith. Any Christian may cling tightly to these.
FIRM ASSURANCE IS BASED ON GOD’S WORD. Exodus 13:17-22 - God gave the Hebrews a pillar of cloud and a pillar of fire so they would know day and night that God was with them on their journey to the Promised Land. What has he given us so that we can have the same assurance? The Bible-something the Israelites did not have. Look to God’s Word for reassurance of his presence. As the Hebrews looked to the pillars of cloud and fire, we can look to God’s Word day and night to know he is with us, helping us on our journey.
FIRM ASSURANCE IS BASED ON GOD’S CARE FOR US. Luke 21:5-19 - Jesus warned his followers of coming persecutions in which they would be betrayed by their family members and friends. Christians of every age have had to face this possibility. It is reassuring to know that even when we feel completely abandoned, the Holy Spirit stays with us. He will comfort us, protect us, and give us the words we need. This assurance can give us the courage and hope to stand firm for Christ no matter how difficult the situation.
FIRM ASSURANCE IS BASED ON CHRIST’S RESURRECTION. Romans 6:1-14 - Because of Christ’s death and resurrection, his followers need never fear death. This frees us to fellowship with him and do his will. This will affect all our activities-work and worship, play and Bible study, quiet times and times of caring for others. When you know you need not fear death, you will experience renewed vigor in life.
IN WHOM SHOULD WE PLACE OUR ASSURANCE? Jeremiah 17:5-8 - This is what the Lord says: “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans and turn their hearts away from the Lord. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, on the salty flats where no one lives. But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit.”
1 Peter 1:21 - Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And because God raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory, your faith and hope can be placed confidently in God. While it is good and necessary to trust others, God is the only one in whom we can completely trust. We can have complete assurance that what he says is true and what he does is reliable. That’s because people, who are not perfect, will sometimes fail you, but God, who is perfect, will never fail you.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF PLACING OUR ASSURANCE IN GOD? We can approach God knowing that he gladly welcomes us and will never reject us because of Jesus Christ. God will never say, “Sorry, I don’t have time for you,” or “Sorry, don’t bother me.” He always listens, always hears, always loves, is always there.
Philippians 4:7 - If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Placing our assurance in God gives us inner peace regardless of our life circumstances. The God of peace is the only reliable source of true peace.
Because of our assurance in God and his promises, we have confidence to face the challenges of our lives.
We can sing praises to God because we have rightly placed our confidence in him. When it finally dawns on us that God is who he says he is and will never fail us, it’s time to burst into praise and thanksgiving.
HOW CAN WE BE SURE OF GOD’S LOVE FOR US? John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. Romans 8:35, 38-39 - Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or are hungry or cold or in danger or threatened with death? . . . And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels can’t, and the demons can’t. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
We can have full assurance in God’s love because God is love. His love is woven into his character. Love is not merely something God does, but love is who he is.
PJ
Luke 18:18-30; verse 24 - Jesus watched him go and then said to his disciples, “How hard it is for rich people to get into the Kingdom of God!”
This man’s wealth smoothed his life and gave him power and prestige. When Jesus told him to sell everything he owned, he was touching the man’s very basis for security and identity. The man did not understand that he would be even more secure if he followed Jesus than he was with all his wealth. Jesus does not ask all believers to sell everything they have, although this may be his will for some. He does ask us all, however, to get rid of anything that has become more important to us than God. If your basis for security has shifted from God to what you own, it would be better for you to get rid of those possessions.
FIRM ASSURANCE IS DEPENDENCE ON GOD’S PROMISES. Exodus 4:1-17 - Moses clung tightly to the shepherd’s staff as he left for Egypt to face the greatest challenge of his life. The staff was his assurance of God’s presence and power. When feeling uncertain, some people need something to stabilize and reassure them. For assurance when facing great trials, God has given promises from his Word and examples from great heroes of faith. Any Christian may cling tightly to these.
FIRM ASSURANCE IS BASED ON GOD’S WORD. Exodus 13:17-22 - God gave the Hebrews a pillar of cloud and a pillar of fire so they would know day and night that God was with them on their journey to the Promised Land. What has he given us so that we can have the same assurance? The Bible-something the Israelites did not have. Look to God’s Word for reassurance of his presence. As the Hebrews looked to the pillars of cloud and fire, we can look to God’s Word day and night to know he is with us, helping us on our journey.
FIRM ASSURANCE IS BASED ON GOD’S CARE FOR US. Luke 21:5-19 - Jesus warned his followers of coming persecutions in which they would be betrayed by their family members and friends. Christians of every age have had to face this possibility. It is reassuring to know that even when we feel completely abandoned, the Holy Spirit stays with us. He will comfort us, protect us, and give us the words we need. This assurance can give us the courage and hope to stand firm for Christ no matter how difficult the situation.
FIRM ASSURANCE IS BASED ON CHRIST’S RESURRECTION. Romans 6:1-14 - Because of Christ’s death and resurrection, his followers need never fear death. This frees us to fellowship with him and do his will. This will affect all our activities-work and worship, play and Bible study, quiet times and times of caring for others. When you know you need not fear death, you will experience renewed vigor in life.
IN WHOM SHOULD WE PLACE OUR ASSURANCE? Jeremiah 17:5-8 - This is what the Lord says: “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans and turn their hearts away from the Lord. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, on the salty flats where no one lives. But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit.”
1 Peter 1:21 - Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And because God raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory, your faith and hope can be placed confidently in God. While it is good and necessary to trust others, God is the only one in whom we can completely trust. We can have complete assurance that what he says is true and what he does is reliable. That’s because people, who are not perfect, will sometimes fail you, but God, who is perfect, will never fail you.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF PLACING OUR ASSURANCE IN GOD? We can approach God knowing that he gladly welcomes us and will never reject us because of Jesus Christ. God will never say, “Sorry, I don’t have time for you,” or “Sorry, don’t bother me.” He always listens, always hears, always loves, is always there.
Philippians 4:7 - If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Placing our assurance in God gives us inner peace regardless of our life circumstances. The God of peace is the only reliable source of true peace.
Because of our assurance in God and his promises, we have confidence to face the challenges of our lives.
We can sing praises to God because we have rightly placed our confidence in him. When it finally dawns on us that God is who he says he is and will never fail us, it’s time to burst into praise and thanksgiving.
HOW CAN WE BE SURE OF GOD’S LOVE FOR US? John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. Romans 8:35, 38-39 - Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or are hungry or cold or in danger or threatened with death? . . . And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels can’t, and the demons can’t. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
We can have full assurance in God’s love because God is love. His love is woven into his character. Love is not merely something God does, but love is who he is.
PJ
Friday, January 29, 2010
THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT PART 2
THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS BELIEVERS.
This phrase, “The Spirit of the Lord came upon him,” was also spoken of the judges Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson, among others. It expresses a temporary and spontaneous increase of physical, spiritual, or mental strength. This was an extraordinary and supernatural occurrence to prepare a person for a special task. The Holy Spirit is available to all believers today, but he will come upon believers in an extraordinary way for special tasks. We should ask the Holy Spirit’s help as we face our daily problems as well as life’s major challenges.
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS PRESENT IN TIMES OF HARDSHIP. Matthew 10:19-20 When you are arrested don’t worry about what to say in your defense, because you will be given the right words at the right time. For it won’t be you doing the talking-it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Jesus told the disciples that when arrested for preaching the gospel, they should not worry about what to say in their defense-God’s Spirit would speak through them. This promise was fulfilled in Acts 4:8-14 and elsewhere. Some mistakenly think this means we don’t have to prepare to present the gospel because God will take care of everything. Scripture teaches, however, that we are to make carefully prepared thoughtful statements (Colossians 4:6). Jesus is not telling us to stop preparing, but to stop worrying.
THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS US WORSHIP GOD.
John 4:23-24 The time is coming and is already here when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for anyone who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.)
"God is spirit” means he is not a physical being limited to one place. He is present everywhere, and he can be worshiped anywhere, at any time. It is not where we worship that counts, but how we worship. Is your worship genuine and true? Do you have the Holy Spirit’s help? How does the Holy Spirit help us worship? The Holy Spirit prays for us (Romans 8:26), teaches us the words of Christ (14:26), and tells us we are loved (Romans 5:5).
THE HOLY SPIRIT TRANSFORMS US FROM WITHIN.
John 14:15-17 If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you do, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.)
Jesus was soon going to leave the disciples, but he would remain with them. How could this be? The Counselor-the Spirit of God himself-would come after Jesus was gone to care for and guide the disciples. The regenerating power of the Spirit came on the disciples just before his ascension (20:22), and the Spirit was poured out on all the believers at Pentecost (Acts 2), shortly after Jesus ascended to heaven. The Holy Spirit is the very presence of God within us and all believers, helping us live as God wants and building Christ’s church on earth. By faith we can appropriate the Spirit’s power each day.
THE HOLY SPIRIT WORKS IN EVERY PART OF OUR LIFE.
The following chapters teach these truths about the Holy Spirit: he will be with us forever (14:16); the world at large cannot accept him (14:17); he lives with us and in us (14:17); he teaches us (14:26); he reminds us of Jesus’ words (14:26; 15:26); he convicts us of sin, shows us God’s righteousness, and announces God’s judgment on evil (16:8); he guides into truth and gives insight into future events (16:13); he brings glory to Christ (16:14). The Holy Spirit has been active among people from the beginning of time, but after Pentecost (Acts 2) he came to live in all believers. Many people are unaware of the Holy Spirit’s activities, but to those who hear Christ’s words and understand the Spirit’s power, the Spirit gives a whole new way to look at life.
THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS US UNDERSTAND AND REMEMBER THE BIBLE.
Jesus promised the disciples that the Holy Spirit would help them remember what he had been teaching them. This promise ensures the validity of the New Testament. The disciples were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ life and teachings, and the Holy Spirit helped them remember without taking away their individual perspectives. We can be confident that the Gospels are accurate records of what Jesus taught and did (see 1 Corinthians 2:10-14). The Holy Spirit can help us in the same way. As we study the Bible, we can trust him to plant truth in our mind, convince us of God’s will, and remind us when we stray from it.
THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES US PEACE.
The end result of the Holy Spirit’s work in our life is deep and lasting peace. Unlike worldly peace, which is usually defined as the absence of conflict, this peace is confident assurance in any circumstance; with Christ’s peace, we have no need to fear the present or the future. If your life is full of stress, allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with Christ’s peace (see Philippians 4:6-7 for more on experiencing God’s peace).
PJ
This phrase, “The Spirit of the Lord came upon him,” was also spoken of the judges Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson, among others. It expresses a temporary and spontaneous increase of physical, spiritual, or mental strength. This was an extraordinary and supernatural occurrence to prepare a person for a special task. The Holy Spirit is available to all believers today, but he will come upon believers in an extraordinary way for special tasks. We should ask the Holy Spirit’s help as we face our daily problems as well as life’s major challenges.
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS PRESENT IN TIMES OF HARDSHIP. Matthew 10:19-20 When you are arrested don’t worry about what to say in your defense, because you will be given the right words at the right time. For it won’t be you doing the talking-it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Jesus told the disciples that when arrested for preaching the gospel, they should not worry about what to say in their defense-God’s Spirit would speak through them. This promise was fulfilled in Acts 4:8-14 and elsewhere. Some mistakenly think this means we don’t have to prepare to present the gospel because God will take care of everything. Scripture teaches, however, that we are to make carefully prepared thoughtful statements (Colossians 4:6). Jesus is not telling us to stop preparing, but to stop worrying.
THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS US WORSHIP GOD.
John 4:23-24 The time is coming and is already here when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for anyone who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.)
"God is spirit” means he is not a physical being limited to one place. He is present everywhere, and he can be worshiped anywhere, at any time. It is not where we worship that counts, but how we worship. Is your worship genuine and true? Do you have the Holy Spirit’s help? How does the Holy Spirit help us worship? The Holy Spirit prays for us (Romans 8:26), teaches us the words of Christ (14:26), and tells us we are loved (Romans 5:5).
THE HOLY SPIRIT TRANSFORMS US FROM WITHIN.
John 14:15-17 If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you do, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.)
Jesus was soon going to leave the disciples, but he would remain with them. How could this be? The Counselor-the Spirit of God himself-would come after Jesus was gone to care for and guide the disciples. The regenerating power of the Spirit came on the disciples just before his ascension (20:22), and the Spirit was poured out on all the believers at Pentecost (Acts 2), shortly after Jesus ascended to heaven. The Holy Spirit is the very presence of God within us and all believers, helping us live as God wants and building Christ’s church on earth. By faith we can appropriate the Spirit’s power each day.
THE HOLY SPIRIT WORKS IN EVERY PART OF OUR LIFE.
The following chapters teach these truths about the Holy Spirit: he will be with us forever (14:16); the world at large cannot accept him (14:17); he lives with us and in us (14:17); he teaches us (14:26); he reminds us of Jesus’ words (14:26; 15:26); he convicts us of sin, shows us God’s righteousness, and announces God’s judgment on evil (16:8); he guides into truth and gives insight into future events (16:13); he brings glory to Christ (16:14). The Holy Spirit has been active among people from the beginning of time, but after Pentecost (Acts 2) he came to live in all believers. Many people are unaware of the Holy Spirit’s activities, but to those who hear Christ’s words and understand the Spirit’s power, the Spirit gives a whole new way to look at life.
THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS US UNDERSTAND AND REMEMBER THE BIBLE.
Jesus promised the disciples that the Holy Spirit would help them remember what he had been teaching them. This promise ensures the validity of the New Testament. The disciples were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ life and teachings, and the Holy Spirit helped them remember without taking away their individual perspectives. We can be confident that the Gospels are accurate records of what Jesus taught and did (see 1 Corinthians 2:10-14). The Holy Spirit can help us in the same way. As we study the Bible, we can trust him to plant truth in our mind, convince us of God’s will, and remind us when we stray from it.
THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES US PEACE.
The end result of the Holy Spirit’s work in our life is deep and lasting peace. Unlike worldly peace, which is usually defined as the absence of conflict, this peace is confident assurance in any circumstance; with Christ’s peace, we have no need to fear the present or the future. If your life is full of stress, allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with Christ’s peace (see Philippians 4:6-7 for more on experiencing God’s peace).
PJ
WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT? PART 1
Mark 1:10-11And when Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens split open and the Holy Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven saying, “You are my beloved Son, and I am fully pleased with you.”
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS A MEMBER OF THE TRINITY.
As Jesus was baptized, a revelation of God was given. The Spirit descended like a dove on Jesus, and the voice from heaven proclaimed the Father’s approval of Jesus as his divine Son. That Jesus is God’s divine Son is the foundation for all we read about Jesus in the Gospels. Here we see all three members of the Trinity together-God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GOD LIVING IN AND AMONG THOSE WHO BELIEVE.
Jesus looked ahead to a new day when he would be present with his followers not in body, but through his Holy Spirit. In the body of believers (the church), the sincere agreement of two people is more powerful than the superficial agreement of thousands, because Christ’s Holy Spirit is with them. Two or more believers, filled with the Holy Spirit, will pray according to God’s will, not their own, thus their requests will be granted.
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GOD AT WORK IN BELIEVERS.
John 3:5-7 The truth is, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven. So don’t be surprised at my statement that you must be born again.
Who is the Holy Spirit? God is three persons in one-the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God became a man in Jesus so that Jesus could die for our sins. Jesus rose from the dead to offer salvation to all people through spiritual renewal and rebirth. When Jesus ascended into heaven, his physical presence left the earth, but he promised to send the Holy Spirit so that his spiritual presence would still be among humankind (see Luke 24:49). The Holy Spirit first became available to all believers at Pentecost (Acts 2). Whereas in Old Testament days the Holy Spirit empowered specific individuals for specific purposes, now all believers have the power of the Holy Spirit available to them. (For more on the Holy Spirit, read John 14:16-28; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:13; and 2 Corinthians 1:22.)
PJ
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS A MEMBER OF THE TRINITY.
As Jesus was baptized, a revelation of God was given. The Spirit descended like a dove on Jesus, and the voice from heaven proclaimed the Father’s approval of Jesus as his divine Son. That Jesus is God’s divine Son is the foundation for all we read about Jesus in the Gospels. Here we see all three members of the Trinity together-God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GOD LIVING IN AND AMONG THOSE WHO BELIEVE.
Jesus looked ahead to a new day when he would be present with his followers not in body, but through his Holy Spirit. In the body of believers (the church), the sincere agreement of two people is more powerful than the superficial agreement of thousands, because Christ’s Holy Spirit is with them. Two or more believers, filled with the Holy Spirit, will pray according to God’s will, not their own, thus their requests will be granted.
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GOD AT WORK IN BELIEVERS.
John 3:5-7 The truth is, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven. So don’t be surprised at my statement that you must be born again.
Who is the Holy Spirit? God is three persons in one-the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God became a man in Jesus so that Jesus could die for our sins. Jesus rose from the dead to offer salvation to all people through spiritual renewal and rebirth. When Jesus ascended into heaven, his physical presence left the earth, but he promised to send the Holy Spirit so that his spiritual presence would still be among humankind (see Luke 24:49). The Holy Spirit first became available to all believers at Pentecost (Acts 2). Whereas in Old Testament days the Holy Spirit empowered specific individuals for specific purposes, now all believers have the power of the Holy Spirit available to them. (For more on the Holy Spirit, read John 14:16-28; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:13; and 2 Corinthians 1:22.)
PJ
Thursday, January 28, 2010
FOOD FOR THOUGHT #1
A father wanted to read a magazine but was being bothered by his little girl. She wanted to know what the United States looked like. Finally, he tore a sheet out of his new magazine on which was printed the map of the country. Tearing it into small pieces, he gave it to her and said, 'Go into the other room and see if you can put this together. This will show you our whole country today.
After a few minutes, she returned and handed him the map, correctly fitted and taped together. The father was surprised and asked how she had finished so quickly. 'Oh,' she said, 'on the other side of the paper is a picture of Jesus. When I got all of Jesus back where He belonged, then our country just came together.
So when we get Jesus back where He belonged, then our country will come together.
So – is Jesus in your life where He belongs?
PJ
After a few minutes, she returned and handed him the map, correctly fitted and taped together. The father was surprised and asked how she had finished so quickly. 'Oh,' she said, 'on the other side of the paper is a picture of Jesus. When I got all of Jesus back where He belonged, then our country just came together.
So when we get Jesus back where He belonged, then our country will come together.
So – is Jesus in your life where He belongs?
PJ
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
What Does God Say When Disappoint and Frustration Come Your Way?
Disappointment and frustration have many faces and you may feel baffled, canceled, crippled, defeated, disappointed, dissatisfied, intercepted, neutralized, undermined, or inhibited. You feel empty, confused, undercut and makes you feel like you were so close and yet so far away. The Bible says that disappointment and frustrations are a part of living in this sinful world. And one of the biggest is the way sin and evil seem so often to frustrate good. But God offers us the bigger picture: Disappointment and Frustrations are temporary obstacles that can be overcome, not by eliminating them, but by persevering through them.
We get disappointed and frustrated with ourselves and or with others when we let things overshadow the Lord in our lives. Let’s look at Gods Word for encouragement when we feel let down.
Romans 8:28 We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Accept God’s ability to bring good.)
Psalm 34:2 I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are discouraged take heart. (Put your faith, trust, and expectations in the Lord.)
Galatians 6:9 Don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. (Maintain the joy of doing God’s good work.)
Ecclesiastes 10:8-9 When you dig a well, you may fall in. When you demolish an old wall, you could be bitten by a snake. When you work in a quarry, stones might fall and crush you! When you chop wood, there is danger with each stroke of your ax! Such are the risks of life. (To live the great adventure of life, you must accept the risks that come with the adventure.)
Psalm 55:22 Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you.
Proverbs 21:2 People may think they are doing what is right, but the Lord examines the heart. (Examining the source of our disappointment and frustration helps us know how to deal with it. There is a big difference between our quest to do good or because we are not getting our way. Each must be dealt with differently.)
Joshua 1:9 Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Don’t be discouraged. You have a source of strength and courage to see you through.)
Joshua 1:9 I command you-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
We are disappointed and frustrated when we fail to let God be God, or when we try to understand the reasons for everything that happens. When we let go and let God work out what is best for us, we will relieve much of our frustration. Pray is the most powerful means we have to reach out for encouragement and direction.
The godly are those who are faithful and devoted to God. David knew that God would hear him when he called and would answer him. We too can be confident that God listens to our prayers and answers when we call on him. Sometimes we think that God will not hear us because we have fallen short of his high standards for holy living. But if we have trusted Christ for salvation, God has forgiven us, and he will listen to us. When you feel as though your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling, remember that as a believer, you have been set apart by God-and he loves you. He hears and answers, although his answers may not be what you expect. Look at your problems in the light of God’s power instead of looking at God in the shadow of your problems.
Hebrews 4:14-16 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testing’s we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Now go and do the right thing, “Let God be God.”
PJ
We get disappointed and frustrated with ourselves and or with others when we let things overshadow the Lord in our lives. Let’s look at Gods Word for encouragement when we feel let down.
Romans 8:28 We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Accept God’s ability to bring good.)
Psalm 34:2 I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are discouraged take heart. (Put your faith, trust, and expectations in the Lord.)
Galatians 6:9 Don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. (Maintain the joy of doing God’s good work.)
Ecclesiastes 10:8-9 When you dig a well, you may fall in. When you demolish an old wall, you could be bitten by a snake. When you work in a quarry, stones might fall and crush you! When you chop wood, there is danger with each stroke of your ax! Such are the risks of life. (To live the great adventure of life, you must accept the risks that come with the adventure.)
Psalm 55:22 Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you.
Proverbs 21:2 People may think they are doing what is right, but the Lord examines the heart. (Examining the source of our disappointment and frustration helps us know how to deal with it. There is a big difference between our quest to do good or because we are not getting our way. Each must be dealt with differently.)
Joshua 1:9 Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Don’t be discouraged. You have a source of strength and courage to see you through.)
Joshua 1:9 I command you-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
We are disappointed and frustrated when we fail to let God be God, or when we try to understand the reasons for everything that happens. When we let go and let God work out what is best for us, we will relieve much of our frustration. Pray is the most powerful means we have to reach out for encouragement and direction.
The godly are those who are faithful and devoted to God. David knew that God would hear him when he called and would answer him. We too can be confident that God listens to our prayers and answers when we call on him. Sometimes we think that God will not hear us because we have fallen short of his high standards for holy living. But if we have trusted Christ for salvation, God has forgiven us, and he will listen to us. When you feel as though your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling, remember that as a believer, you have been set apart by God-and he loves you. He hears and answers, although his answers may not be what you expect. Look at your problems in the light of God’s power instead of looking at God in the shadow of your problems.
Hebrews 4:14-16 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testing’s we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Now go and do the right thing, “Let God be God.”
PJ
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
A JOURNEY TO JESUS COMMITMENT PART #4
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH US ABOUT COMMITMENTS?
Matthew 8:18-22 18 When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he instructed his disciples to cross to the other side of the lake. 19 Then one of the teachers of religious law said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”20 But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.” 21 Another of his disciples said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.” 22 But Jesus told him, “Follow me now. Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead.” Key Bible Verse 8:22 But Jesus told him, “Follow me now! Let those who are spiritually dead care for their own dead.”
OUR COMMITMENT TO CHRIST MUST BE COMPLETE.
It is possible that this disciple was not asking permission to go to his father’s funeral, but rather to put off following Jesus until his elderly father died. Perhaps he was the firstborn son and wanted to be sure to claim his inheritance. Perhaps he didn’t want to face his father’s wrath if he left the family business to follow an itinerant preacher. Whether his concern was financial security, family approval, or something else, he did not want to commit himself to Jesus just yet. Jesus, however, would not accept his excuse. Jesus was always direct with those who wanted to follow him. He made sure they counted the cost and set aside any conditions they might have for following him. As God’s Son, Jesus did not hesitate to demand complete loyalty. Even family loyalty was not to take priority over the demands of obedience. His direct challenge forces us to ask ourselves about our own priorities in following him. The decision to follow Jesus should not be put off, even though other loyalties compete for our attention. Nothing should be placed above a total commitment to living for him.
BIBLE READING: Joshua 24:14-27
Key Bible Verse: 22 15 But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”
OUR COMMITMENT TO GOD MUST BE CONSISTENT.
The people had to decide whether they would obey the Lord, who had proven his trustworthiness, or obey the local gods, which were only man-made idols. It’s easy to slip into a quiet rebellion-going about life in your own way. But the time comes when you have to choose who or what will control you. In taking a definite stand for the Lord, Joshua again displayed his spiritual leadership. Regardless of what others decided, Joshua had made a commitment to God, and he was willing to set the example of living by that decision. The way we live shows others the strength of our commitment to serving God.
BIBLE READING: Romans 5:1-11
Key Bible Verse: 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
CHRIST COMMITTED HIMSELF TO US FIRST. While we were still sinners God sent Jesus Christ to die for us, because He loved us that much. Whenever you feel uncertain about God’s love for you remember that He loved you even before you turned to Him.
COMMITMENT IS THE BEGINNING OF TRUSTING GOD.
Psalm 37:5 Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. David calls us to take delight in the Lord and to commit everything we have and do to him. But how do we do this? To be delighted in someone means to experience great pleasure and joy in his or her presence. This happens only when we know that person well. Thus, to delight in the Lord, we must know him better. Knowledge of God’s great love for us will indeed give us delight. To commit everything to the Lord means entrusting our life, family, job, and possessions to his control and guidance. To commit ourselves to the Lord means to trust in him (37:5), believing that he can care for us better than we can ourselves. We should be willing to wait patiently (37:7) “Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act”, and for him to work out what is best for us.
PJ
Matthew 8:18-22 18 When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he instructed his disciples to cross to the other side of the lake. 19 Then one of the teachers of religious law said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”20 But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.” 21 Another of his disciples said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.” 22 But Jesus told him, “Follow me now. Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead.” Key Bible Verse 8:22 But Jesus told him, “Follow me now! Let those who are spiritually dead care for their own dead.”
OUR COMMITMENT TO CHRIST MUST BE COMPLETE.
It is possible that this disciple was not asking permission to go to his father’s funeral, but rather to put off following Jesus until his elderly father died. Perhaps he was the firstborn son and wanted to be sure to claim his inheritance. Perhaps he didn’t want to face his father’s wrath if he left the family business to follow an itinerant preacher. Whether his concern was financial security, family approval, or something else, he did not want to commit himself to Jesus just yet. Jesus, however, would not accept his excuse. Jesus was always direct with those who wanted to follow him. He made sure they counted the cost and set aside any conditions they might have for following him. As God’s Son, Jesus did not hesitate to demand complete loyalty. Even family loyalty was not to take priority over the demands of obedience. His direct challenge forces us to ask ourselves about our own priorities in following him. The decision to follow Jesus should not be put off, even though other loyalties compete for our attention. Nothing should be placed above a total commitment to living for him.
BIBLE READING: Joshua 24:14-27
Key Bible Verse: 22 15 But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”
OUR COMMITMENT TO GOD MUST BE CONSISTENT.
The people had to decide whether they would obey the Lord, who had proven his trustworthiness, or obey the local gods, which were only man-made idols. It’s easy to slip into a quiet rebellion-going about life in your own way. But the time comes when you have to choose who or what will control you. In taking a definite stand for the Lord, Joshua again displayed his spiritual leadership. Regardless of what others decided, Joshua had made a commitment to God, and he was willing to set the example of living by that decision. The way we live shows others the strength of our commitment to serving God.
BIBLE READING: Romans 5:1-11
Key Bible Verse: 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
CHRIST COMMITTED HIMSELF TO US FIRST. While we were still sinners God sent Jesus Christ to die for us, because He loved us that much. Whenever you feel uncertain about God’s love for you remember that He loved you even before you turned to Him.
COMMITMENT IS THE BEGINNING OF TRUSTING GOD.
Psalm 37:5 Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. David calls us to take delight in the Lord and to commit everything we have and do to him. But how do we do this? To be delighted in someone means to experience great pleasure and joy in his or her presence. This happens only when we know that person well. Thus, to delight in the Lord, we must know him better. Knowledge of God’s great love for us will indeed give us delight. To commit everything to the Lord means entrusting our life, family, job, and possessions to his control and guidance. To commit ourselves to the Lord means to trust in him (37:5), believing that he can care for us better than we can ourselves. We should be willing to wait patiently (37:7) “Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act”, and for him to work out what is best for us.
PJ
Monday, January 25, 2010
WHAT ARE SOME ASPECTS OF GOD’S GRACE & MERCY?
GOD’S GRACE IS OUR ONLY HOPE!
God puts no limit on the number of times we can come to him to obtain mercy, but we must come in order to obtain it, recognizing our need and asking him for help. This miracle of grace should inspire us to say, “What a gracious and merciful God you are!” If there is a recurring problem or difficulty in your life, continue to ask God for help, and be willing and ready to make changes in your attitude and behavior that will correct that situation.
Ephesians 1:7-8: He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.
GOD’S GRACE MAKES OUR SALVATION POSSIBLE.
Grace is God’s voluntary and loving favor given to those he saves. We can’t earn salvation, nor do we deserve it. Without God’s grace, no person can be saved. To receive it, we must acknowledge that we cannot save our self, that only God can save us, and that our only way to receive this loving favor is by faith in Christ.
GOD’S GRACE SHOULD LEAD US TO SERVE OTHERS WITH LOVE. We become Christians through God’s unmerited grace, not as the result of any effort, ability, intelligent choice, or act of service on our part. However, out of gratitude for this free gift, we will seek to help and serve others with kindness, charity, and goodness, and not merely to please our self. While no action or work we do can help us obtain salvation, God’s intention is that our salvation will result in works of service.
Ephesians 4:12: A Christian’s responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.
GOD’S GRACE Grace is God’s voluntary and loving favor given to those he saves. We can’t earn salvation, nor do we deserve it. No religious, intellectual, or moral effort can gain it, because it comes only from God’s mercy and love. Without God’s grace, no person can be saved. To receive it, we must acknowledge that we cannot save our self, that only God can save us, and that our only way to receive this loving favor is by faith in Christ.
Grace is getting what you don’t deserve.
IN TIMES OF DISOBEDIENCE WE EXPERIENCE GOD’S MERCY.
David accepted God’s punishment, but he begged God not to discipline him in anger. Jeremiah also asked God to correct him gently and not in anger (Jeremiah 10:24). David recognized that if God treated him with justice alone and not with mercy, he would be wiped out by God’s wrath. Often we want God to show mercy to us and justice to everyone else. God, in his kindness, forgives us instead of giving us what we deserve.
Mercy is not getting what you deserve.
GOD’S MERCY DOES NOT COME AS A RESULT OF OUR WORTH.
We do nothing ourselves. God removes our filthy clothes (sins) and then provides us with new, clean, rich garments - the righteousness and holiness of God. All we need to do is repent and ask God to forgive us. When Satan tries to make you feel dirty and unworthy, remember that the clean clothes of Christ’s righteousness make you worthy to draw near to God.
PJ
God puts no limit on the number of times we can come to him to obtain mercy, but we must come in order to obtain it, recognizing our need and asking him for help. This miracle of grace should inspire us to say, “What a gracious and merciful God you are!” If there is a recurring problem or difficulty in your life, continue to ask God for help, and be willing and ready to make changes in your attitude and behavior that will correct that situation.
Ephesians 1:7-8: He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.
GOD’S GRACE MAKES OUR SALVATION POSSIBLE.
Grace is God’s voluntary and loving favor given to those he saves. We can’t earn salvation, nor do we deserve it. Without God’s grace, no person can be saved. To receive it, we must acknowledge that we cannot save our self, that only God can save us, and that our only way to receive this loving favor is by faith in Christ.
GOD’S GRACE SHOULD LEAD US TO SERVE OTHERS WITH LOVE. We become Christians through God’s unmerited grace, not as the result of any effort, ability, intelligent choice, or act of service on our part. However, out of gratitude for this free gift, we will seek to help and serve others with kindness, charity, and goodness, and not merely to please our self. While no action or work we do can help us obtain salvation, God’s intention is that our salvation will result in works of service.
Ephesians 4:12: A Christian’s responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.
GOD’S GRACE Grace is God’s voluntary and loving favor given to those he saves. We can’t earn salvation, nor do we deserve it. No religious, intellectual, or moral effort can gain it, because it comes only from God’s mercy and love. Without God’s grace, no person can be saved. To receive it, we must acknowledge that we cannot save our self, that only God can save us, and that our only way to receive this loving favor is by faith in Christ.
Grace is getting what you don’t deserve.
IN TIMES OF DISOBEDIENCE WE EXPERIENCE GOD’S MERCY.
David accepted God’s punishment, but he begged God not to discipline him in anger. Jeremiah also asked God to correct him gently and not in anger (Jeremiah 10:24). David recognized that if God treated him with justice alone and not with mercy, he would be wiped out by God’s wrath. Often we want God to show mercy to us and justice to everyone else. God, in his kindness, forgives us instead of giving us what we deserve.
Mercy is not getting what you deserve.
GOD’S MERCY DOES NOT COME AS A RESULT OF OUR WORTH.
We do nothing ourselves. God removes our filthy clothes (sins) and then provides us with new, clean, rich garments - the righteousness and holiness of God. All we need to do is repent and ask God to forgive us. When Satan tries to make you feel dirty and unworthy, remember that the clean clothes of Christ’s righteousness make you worthy to draw near to God.
PJ
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
A JOURNEY TO JESUS PART 3
In the start of our journey to Jesus we look at the reason we are going on our journey – it is out of love for Jesus. Now we look at where that love comes from and that is God.
HOW DOES THE BIBLE DESCRIBE GOD’S LOVE?
Luke 15:1-7 1Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. 2 This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them! 3 So Jesus told them this story: 4 “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. 6 When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!
The key verse is verse 7: In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!
GOD’S LOVE IS FORGIVING.
We may be able to understand a God who would forgive sinners who come to him for mercy. But a God who tenderly searches for sinners and then joyfully forgives them must possess an extraordinary love! This is the kind of love that prompted Jesus to come to earth to search for lost people and save them. This is the kind of extraordinary love that God has for you. If you feel far from God, don’t despair. He is searching for you.
Romans 8:38-39 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
GOD’S LOVE IS BEYOND MEASURE.
These words were written to a church that would soon undergo terrible persecution. In just a few years, Paul’s supposed situations would turn into painful realities. This passage reaffirms God’s profound love for his people. No matter what happens to us, no matter where we are, we can never be lost to his love. Suffering should not drive us away from God; it should help us to identify with him further and allow his love to reach us and heal us.
GOD’S LOVE IS ETERNAL.
These verses contain one of the most comforting promises in all Scripture. Believers have always had to face hardships in many forms: persecution, illness, imprisonment, even death. These could cause them to fear that they have been abandoned by Christ. But Paul exclaims that it is impossible to be separated from Christ. His death for us is proof of his unconquerable love. Nothing can stop Christ’s constant presence with us. God tells us how great his love is so that we will feel totally secure in him. If we believe these overwhelming assurances, we will not be afraid.
John 3:16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
GOD’S LOVE IS SACRIFICIAL.
The entire gospel comes to a focus in this verse. God’s love is not static or self-centered; it reaches out and draws others in. Here God sets the pattern of true love, the basis for all love relationships-when you love someone dearly; you are willing to pay dearly for that person’s responsive love. God paid dearly with the life of his Son, the highest price he could pay. Jesus accepted our punishment, paid the price for our sins, and then offered us the new life that he had bought for us. When we share the gospel with others, our love must be like Jesus’. We must be willing to give up our own comfort and security so that others might join us in receiving God’s love. Psalm 136:1-Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
GOD’S LOVE IS INEXHAUSTIBLE.
Repeated throughout this psalm is the phrase, “His faithful love endures forever.” This psalm may have been a responsive reading, with the congregation saying these words in unison after each sentence. The repetition made this important lesson sink in. God’s love includes the aspects of love, kindness, mercy and faithfulness. We never have to worry that God will run out of love, because it flows from a well that will never run dry.
PJ
HOW DOES THE BIBLE DESCRIBE GOD’S LOVE?
Luke 15:1-7 1Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. 2 This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them! 3 So Jesus told them this story: 4 “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. 6 When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!
The key verse is verse 7: In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!
GOD’S LOVE IS FORGIVING.
We may be able to understand a God who would forgive sinners who come to him for mercy. But a God who tenderly searches for sinners and then joyfully forgives them must possess an extraordinary love! This is the kind of love that prompted Jesus to come to earth to search for lost people and save them. This is the kind of extraordinary love that God has for you. If you feel far from God, don’t despair. He is searching for you.
Romans 8:38-39 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
GOD’S LOVE IS BEYOND MEASURE.
These words were written to a church that would soon undergo terrible persecution. In just a few years, Paul’s supposed situations would turn into painful realities. This passage reaffirms God’s profound love for his people. No matter what happens to us, no matter where we are, we can never be lost to his love. Suffering should not drive us away from God; it should help us to identify with him further and allow his love to reach us and heal us.
GOD’S LOVE IS ETERNAL.
These verses contain one of the most comforting promises in all Scripture. Believers have always had to face hardships in many forms: persecution, illness, imprisonment, even death. These could cause them to fear that they have been abandoned by Christ. But Paul exclaims that it is impossible to be separated from Christ. His death for us is proof of his unconquerable love. Nothing can stop Christ’s constant presence with us. God tells us how great his love is so that we will feel totally secure in him. If we believe these overwhelming assurances, we will not be afraid.
John 3:16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
GOD’S LOVE IS SACRIFICIAL.
The entire gospel comes to a focus in this verse. God’s love is not static or self-centered; it reaches out and draws others in. Here God sets the pattern of true love, the basis for all love relationships-when you love someone dearly; you are willing to pay dearly for that person’s responsive love. God paid dearly with the life of his Son, the highest price he could pay. Jesus accepted our punishment, paid the price for our sins, and then offered us the new life that he had bought for us. When we share the gospel with others, our love must be like Jesus’. We must be willing to give up our own comfort and security so that others might join us in receiving God’s love. Psalm 136:1-Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
GOD’S LOVE IS INEXHAUSTIBLE.
Repeated throughout this psalm is the phrase, “His faithful love endures forever.” This psalm may have been a responsive reading, with the congregation saying these words in unison after each sentence. The repetition made this important lesson sink in. God’s love includes the aspects of love, kindness, mercy and faithfulness. We never have to worry that God will run out of love, because it flows from a well that will never run dry.
PJ
Bible Study #2 Walk the Talk James 1:22
James 1:19-27 - 22 Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
God wants us to do more than listen to his Word; he requires that we obey it. It is not enough to say that we are Christians; our speech must reflect Christ’s love and humility. It is not enough to study God’s Word; we must live it out by caring for the needy and keeping ourselves free from worldly influences. Our walk must match our talk.
Simply reading, even studying, God’s word does not profit us if we do not obey what it says. We listen to God’s message not just to know it, but also to do it. We would be fooling ourselves to congratulate ourselves about knowledge of Scripture if that’s all there is to it. Worthwhile knowledge is a prelude to action; God’s word can only grow in the soil of obedience. In order for a lesson to make a difference in a student’s life, it must enter the heart and mind, affecting his or her life. It is important to hear God’s word, but it is much more important to obey it. We can measure the effectiveness of our Bible study time by the effect it has on our behavior and attitudes. Do we put into action what we have studied?
To be a Christian may not always seem easy. First we are to be doers not listeners only.
So many of us Christians are listeners. We focus on hearing, reading and learning the word rather than doing the word. We give Sunday school awards to those who memorize the word rather than those live according to it. We come to church to hear God’s word but do we go home to live the word? Someone said that "many Christians want to enjoy the thrill of feeling right but are not willing to endure the inconvenience of being right."
1. He first tells us what a listener does that stops him from being a doer and then he tells us what a doer does that makes him a doer. He uses the metaphor of a mirror.
2. A listener looks at his face in the mirror but then walks away and then immediately forgets what he looks like. This may seem strange but it happens everybody. Each morning I stand before the mirror and I wash my face, shave and brush my teeth. I see my face but either I am preoccupied and look but don’t see. Or else I am so familiar with my face I really don’t take a close look.
We can look in the Bible the same way. We can read or hear it but we are preoccupied and thinking about something else.
Or sometimes we think we know God’s word so well we don’t take a close look. "I know what it says, I’ve heard it before". Or perhaps we think we know ourselves very well and we don’t need to use the Bible as a mirror.
For the Bible makes us look at ourselves by comparing us to God’s holiness. It makes us see ourselves as God sees us. And in His perfect light we can’t hide any blemishes. So when we hear word we don’t apply it to ourselves. We don’t think of what it means for us and what it expects of us. And so I easily forget what it says. And so we would rather only hear and forget. It’s easier that way, so we think.
Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
PJ
God wants us to do more than listen to his Word; he requires that we obey it. It is not enough to say that we are Christians; our speech must reflect Christ’s love and humility. It is not enough to study God’s Word; we must live it out by caring for the needy and keeping ourselves free from worldly influences. Our walk must match our talk.
Simply reading, even studying, God’s word does not profit us if we do not obey what it says. We listen to God’s message not just to know it, but also to do it. We would be fooling ourselves to congratulate ourselves about knowledge of Scripture if that’s all there is to it. Worthwhile knowledge is a prelude to action; God’s word can only grow in the soil of obedience. In order for a lesson to make a difference in a student’s life, it must enter the heart and mind, affecting his or her life. It is important to hear God’s word, but it is much more important to obey it. We can measure the effectiveness of our Bible study time by the effect it has on our behavior and attitudes. Do we put into action what we have studied?
To be a Christian may not always seem easy. First we are to be doers not listeners only.
So many of us Christians are listeners. We focus on hearing, reading and learning the word rather than doing the word. We give Sunday school awards to those who memorize the word rather than those live according to it. We come to church to hear God’s word but do we go home to live the word? Someone said that "many Christians want to enjoy the thrill of feeling right but are not willing to endure the inconvenience of being right."
1. He first tells us what a listener does that stops him from being a doer and then he tells us what a doer does that makes him a doer. He uses the metaphor of a mirror.
2. A listener looks at his face in the mirror but then walks away and then immediately forgets what he looks like. This may seem strange but it happens everybody. Each morning I stand before the mirror and I wash my face, shave and brush my teeth. I see my face but either I am preoccupied and look but don’t see. Or else I am so familiar with my face I really don’t take a close look.
We can look in the Bible the same way. We can read or hear it but we are preoccupied and thinking about something else.
Or sometimes we think we know God’s word so well we don’t take a close look. "I know what it says, I’ve heard it before". Or perhaps we think we know ourselves very well and we don’t need to use the Bible as a mirror.
For the Bible makes us look at ourselves by comparing us to God’s holiness. It makes us see ourselves as God sees us. And in His perfect light we can’t hide any blemishes. So when we hear word we don’t apply it to ourselves. We don’t think of what it means for us and what it expects of us. And so I easily forget what it says. And so we would rather only hear and forget. It’s easier that way, so we think.
Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
PJ
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