Never judge a book by its cover and never judge a person by their outward appearance. The Pharisees were known to obey every little nuance of the Law but were filled with self importance, power seeking and desiring the adulation of the masses. Beware of those who in the light of the public eye live one way and their private lives are filled with darkness. The pure truth of the word of God is filled with a servant’s attitude and putting the needs of others ahead of your own.
Leaven here represents the presence of corruption. Unleavened bread is what the Jews ate at Passover. The corruption in view here is hypocrisy. Practicing hypocrisy is senseless because eventually all deeds—both good and evil—will be exposed.
Luke 12:1
In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.”
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Acts 24:24-26
God can and does place others into our lives to allow the truth of the Scriptures to be heard. It is up to us to accept or reject the salvation that He offers in Christ Jesus. A great respecter of free choice He allow us to determine our own futures and then to live with those choices. The time is now and the choice is ours.
Felix had taken Drusilla from her former husband, the king of Emesa in Syria. She was Felix’s third wife. His first wife was the granddaughter of Mark Antony and Cleopatra. His second wife was a princess whom he also divorced. When Paul talked about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix must have been reminded of his immoral life. He refused to talk any more about the Way because of the guilt he felt.
Acts 24:24
24 And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25 Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” 26 Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him.
Felix had taken Drusilla from her former husband, the king of Emesa in Syria. She was Felix’s third wife. His first wife was the granddaughter of Mark Antony and Cleopatra. His second wife was a princess whom he also divorced. When Paul talked about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix must have been reminded of his immoral life. He refused to talk any more about the Way because of the guilt he felt.
Acts 24:24
24 And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25 Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” 26 Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
John 15:7-11
If it says it in God’s Word then you can pray knowing that your prayers will be answered. Praying for someone’s eyes to be opened to the truth of salvation given in Christ Jesus is always in God’s will because He wants that no one perish but for all to have everlasting life. Praying that our families, our church, our city, our state, our nation, our world becomes a more loving, caring place is in God’s will because His greatest command is to love Him and each other because by this the world sees Him. Laying hands on the sick results in healing because by this they will be healed and the prayers of the righteous are powerful for good. The rewards of abiding in Him is the fruit of the Spirit grown in you to serve others. Love, peace, mercy, persistence and kindness will abound in us through the power of the Holy Spirit. His joy will permeate our life and that joy in the Lord is our strength.
The text has come full circle in showing how strategic it is for disciples to love each other, as Christ’s method of evangelizing the lost. “They shall know” becomes so you will be Christ’s disciples. Where there is good fruit, there are also seeds for propagation. The love of God the Father for God the Son is the measure of the love of the Son for believers. Christ loves believers unconditionally. But as believers obey Christ’s Word and abide in His love, they come to experience and understand His love for them more and more.
John 15:7-11
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.
11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.
The text has come full circle in showing how strategic it is for disciples to love each other, as Christ’s method of evangelizing the lost. “They shall know” becomes so you will be Christ’s disciples. Where there is good fruit, there are also seeds for propagation. The love of God the Father for God the Son is the measure of the love of the Son for believers. Christ loves believers unconditionally. But as believers obey Christ’s Word and abide in His love, they come to experience and understand His love for them more and more.
John 15:7-11
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.
11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
1 Corinthians 6:11
We are cleansed by the precious blood of Jesus at a great cost to the Father. We are changed precept upon precept into the character of His Son by the power of the Holy Spirit. We become a member of His Church Body by the mind of the Father, the body of Jesus and the power of Holy Spirit. We are brought into union with the mind, the body and the heart of the Trinity and made whole.
In this verse, Paul uses three terms to describe the conversion of the Corinthians. The tense of all three verbs indicates an action in the past that is complete. Washed means spiritually cleansed by God. Sanctified means set apart as God’s people. Justified means declared righteous by God because of Christ’s work on the Cross.
1 Corinthians 6:11
11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
In this verse, Paul uses three terms to describe the conversion of the Corinthians. The tense of all three verbs indicates an action in the past that is complete. Washed means spiritually cleansed by God. Sanctified means set apart as God’s people. Justified means declared righteous by God because of Christ’s work on the Cross.
1 Corinthians 6:11
11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Luke 11:42-44
Doing what is right just so that others can see you and sing your praises is wrong, dead wrong! The most important change of heart comes when you truly love God above anything or anyone else and your neighbor as much as you love yourself. Putting others needs above your own is the way that Jesus lived His life here on earth. Actions done in pretense are worse than doing nothing at all.
Pharisees worried about tithing ten percent, even down to the smallest herbs, which were tithed according to the dictates of tradition, not the Law of Moses . Some Pharisees took the strictest interpretation and counted almost anything, including spices. However, they neglected two basic things that the prophets also had warned about: love and justice.
Luke 11:42-44
42 “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. 43 Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. 44 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!
Pharisees worried about tithing ten percent, even down to the smallest herbs, which were tithed according to the dictates of tradition, not the Law of Moses . Some Pharisees took the strictest interpretation and counted almost anything, including spices. However, they neglected two basic things that the prophets also had warned about: love and justice.
Luke 11:42-44
42 “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. 43 Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. 44 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Acts 7:30-34
We are never too old to be used by God. Moses was 80 when he was sent by God and if we listen to His calling we can accomplish what He wants for our life at any age.
In relating the burning bush incident, Stephen once again underscored the fact that God is free to reveal Himself wherever He pleases. Wherever God does so, that ground becomes holy ground.
Acts 7:30-34
30 “And when forty years had passed, an Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire in a bush, in the wilderness of Mount Sinai. 31 When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight; and as he drew near to observe, the voice of the Lord came to him, 32 saying, ‘I am the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ And Moses trembled and dared not look. 33 ‘Then the Lord said to him, “Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. 34 I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt; I have heard their groaning and have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.” ’
In relating the burning bush incident, Stephen once again underscored the fact that God is free to reveal Himself wherever He pleases. Wherever God does so, that ground becomes holy ground.
Acts 7:30-34
30 “And when forty years had passed, an Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire in a bush, in the wilderness of Mount Sinai. 31 When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight; and as he drew near to observe, the voice of the Lord came to him, 32 saying, ‘I am the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ And Moses trembled and dared not look. 33 ‘Then the Lord said to him, “Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. 34 I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt; I have heard their groaning and have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.” ’
Friday, February 18, 2011
Romans 15:1-5
We shouldn’t let our faith be a stumbling block for another’s faith. If my freedom offends someone then I choose to keep those thoughts or actions to myself. Doctrines vary among Churches but we must not allow them to pit us against one another and destroy the unity of the Holy Spirit to glorify God. We need to lift each other up not tear each other down!
Christ is the ultimate model for the strong believer. He renounced self-gratification so that He could clearly represent God and His cause. Through patience (endurance) and the comfort (or encouragement) of Scripture, believers learn that they have hope. In this case, if strong believers are patient with the scruples of the weak, they have hope of being rewarded. Attributing to God the same virtues just ascribed to the Scriptures, Paul prays for the unity of all believers.
Romans 15:1-5
We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” 4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. 5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Christ is the ultimate model for the strong believer. He renounced self-gratification so that He could clearly represent God and His cause. Through patience (endurance) and the comfort (or encouragement) of Scripture, believers learn that they have hope. In this case, if strong believers are patient with the scruples of the weak, they have hope of being rewarded. Attributing to God the same virtues just ascribed to the Scriptures, Paul prays for the unity of all believers.
Romans 15:1-5
We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” 4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. 5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
1 Corinthians 5:12-13
Believers are to be held accountable to higher morals than the morals of society that is why society has laws. Representatives of the power of God to change and mold those who place their lives into His hands should show signs of being changed, precept upon precept, into the image of the One who saved them with His own blood. Living epistles to the power of the Holy Spirit should show outwardly the inward changes that take place in a believer’s life. The world will be judged by God but we shall be judged by a much higher standard and in the measure that we treat each other is the manner that we will be judged. A good deal of the time Christians show less compassion and caring for each other than the unbeliever on the street shows. Do you steal, cheat or abuse others in your family or in the church…..beware you shall be judged by your treatment of them.
The church’s responsibility is to discipline its members while trusting the Lord to judge the world.
1 Corinthians 5:12-13
12 For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? 13 But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.”
The church’s responsibility is to discipline its members while trusting the Lord to judge the world.
1 Corinthians 5:12-13
12 For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? 13 But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.”
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Leviticus 16:32-34
The animal sacrifices in the Old Testament foreshadowed the Holy Lamb of God who sacrificed His life for all who would accept this gift of God. What in the Old Covenant had to be repeated yearly in the New Covenant was brought to finality. From the beginning of time the Godhead knowing that Adam would fall made a way where there seemed to be no way to bring man back into union. God loves His creation with an unending love and wants that no man perish but that all be saved. The Son of God anointed by the Holy Spirit made atonement for the sins of man once and for all.
Levitcus 16:32-34
And the priest, who is anointed and consecrated to minister as priest in his father’s place, shall make atonement, and put on the linen clothes, the holy garments; 33 then he shall make atonement for the Holy Sanctuary, and he shall make atonement for the tabernacle of meeting and for the altar, and he shall make atonement for the priests and for all the people of the assembly. 34 This shall be an everlasting statute for you, to make atonement for the children of Israel, for all their sins, once a year.” And he did as the Lord commanded Moses.
Levitcus 16:32-34
And the priest, who is anointed and consecrated to minister as priest in his father’s place, shall make atonement, and put on the linen clothes, the holy garments; 33 then he shall make atonement for the Holy Sanctuary, and he shall make atonement for the tabernacle of meeting and for the altar, and he shall make atonement for the priests and for all the people of the assembly. 34 This shall be an everlasting statute for you, to make atonement for the children of Israel, for all their sins, once a year.” And he did as the Lord commanded Moses.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
2 Timothy 1:3-6
Faith, a gift of God, is passed from generation to generation. I had such a faithful grandmother and father and I am convinced that God listens to the prayers of the faithful for their families and does everything to woo our children and grandchildren into a loving relationship with Him. Our part is to keep our faith open for all to see even if it comes with ridicule for we are not to be afraid of the present or future but to embrace it to use for God’s glory. There is power in the blood of Jesus!
Paul rejoices when he recalls Timothy’s faithful grandmother Lois and mother Eunice, whose name means “Good Victory.” The prayers, witness, and faith of his godly mother and grandmother were central factors in the spiritual development of Timothy.
The desire to discover, develop, and deploy our specific spiritual gifts should be like a fire blazing within us. The constant struggle of Christians is to be diligent about our work for God and not to slacken our pace in this spiritual race. We need to make a conscious effort to exercise our gift for the common good of the body of Christ.
2 Timothy 1:3-7
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. 6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Paul rejoices when he recalls Timothy’s faithful grandmother Lois and mother Eunice, whose name means “Good Victory.” The prayers, witness, and faith of his godly mother and grandmother were central factors in the spiritual development of Timothy.
The desire to discover, develop, and deploy our specific spiritual gifts should be like a fire blazing within us. The constant struggle of Christians is to be diligent about our work for God and not to slacken our pace in this spiritual race. We need to make a conscious effort to exercise our gift for the common good of the body of Christ.
2 Timothy 1:3-7
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. 6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Acts 1:4-8
Our job as Christians is not to know the day of Christ’s return, it is to know His will and accomplish it here on earth. Without the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and His power, we can do nothing but sit idly by and watch the ruler of this world destroy everyone in his path. We must be the bearers of the Good News of Jesus Christ and the truth of the salvation He provides. The only way to do God’s will is through the power and unity of the Holy Spirit. We need to pray for God’s will to be done through our lives.
As predicted by John the Baptist and reiterated by Jesus Himself, the Promise of the Father was the promise of baptism in the Holy Spirit. There are seven references in Scripture to baptism in the Spirit. The passive tense of the verb indicates that baptism does not depend upon our efforts to obtain the promise, but upon the Lord’s will. The simple future tense demonstrates that there is no uncertainty or doubt in the promise. Spirit baptism means we have been placed in spiritual union with one another in the body of Jesus Christ, the church. The popular expectation and hope was that Christ would establish His kingdom immediately. Instead of being concerned about the date of Christ’s return, the disciples’ job was to carry His message throughout the world. This was power for a new task—namely, to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. Be witnesses is Christ’s command to His disciples to tell others about Him regardless of the consequences.
Acts 1:4-8
4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 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.”
As predicted by John the Baptist and reiterated by Jesus Himself, the Promise of the Father was the promise of baptism in the Holy Spirit. There are seven references in Scripture to baptism in the Spirit. The passive tense of the verb indicates that baptism does not depend upon our efforts to obtain the promise, but upon the Lord’s will. The simple future tense demonstrates that there is no uncertainty or doubt in the promise. Spirit baptism means we have been placed in spiritual union with one another in the body of Jesus Christ, the church. The popular expectation and hope was that Christ would establish His kingdom immediately. Instead of being concerned about the date of Christ’s return, the disciples’ job was to carry His message throughout the world. This was power for a new task—namely, to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. Be witnesses is Christ’s command to His disciples to tell others about Him regardless of the consequences.
Acts 1:4-8
4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 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.”
Friday, February 11, 2011
Phillipians 4:4-6
Joy in the Lord is my strength….the first thought that came into my mind this morning. Without this we are lost and struggling with doubt about the future and even the happenings of a day. Be kind and gentle with others who share your same thoughts and concerns. Let each day be His and turn it over to Him in prayer for His guidance and direction knowing all things work for good to those who place their trust in Him and He will give you peace. Be content don’t worry about today or tomorrow and don’t forget to thank Him!!
In the midst of difficulties, in the midst of all situations, Christians are to rejoice. The joy of Christians is not based on agreeable circumstances, instead it is based on their relationship to God. Christians will face trouble in this world, but they should rejoice in the trials they face because they know God is using those situations to improve their character. A person who is gentle is willing to sacrifice his or her own personal rights to show consideration to others. He prohibits the Philippians from worrying about their own problems. Instead they are to commit their problems to God in prayer, trusting that He will provide deliverance.
Philippians 4:4-6
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
In the midst of difficulties, in the midst of all situations, Christians are to rejoice. The joy of Christians is not based on agreeable circumstances, instead it is based on their relationship to God. Christians will face trouble in this world, but they should rejoice in the trials they face because they know God is using those situations to improve their character. A person who is gentle is willing to sacrifice his or her own personal rights to show consideration to others. He prohibits the Philippians from worrying about their own problems. Instead they are to commit their problems to God in prayer, trusting that He will provide deliverance.
Philippians 4:4-6
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Galatians 4:28-31
Faith alone pleases God……let that sink deep into your spirit. FAITH in God’s abilities and not our own! Faith that He provided a way where there was no way to eternal life with Him. The perfect Lamb was given in sacrifice to do that which the Law could never do….His body given up for us so that we could have life and that abundantly! All glory belongs where it should, squarely on the mind, body and spirit of God. We will never be able to earn through our works that which only comes by faith.
This portion of Paul’s allegory is based on Gen. 21:9, 10. Isaac was continually persecuted by his older half brother Ishmael. Eventually, Ishmael and his mother Hagar were expelled because Ishmael had no standing in God’s eyes as heir of Abraham. In creating a parallel between the story from Genesis and the Galatians’ situation, Paul points out that (1) the persecution by the Jewish legalists of his day was not unexpected, and (2) it would not go on indefinitely because the legalists would soon be cast out.
To be children of the bondwoman is to be enslaved to the covenant from Mount Sinai, the Law of Moses. To be of the free is to follow Abraham’s example of faith, to be “born according to the Spirit, and to be destined for the “Jerusalem above . Understanding such realities, the believer in Christ must continually stand fast in the liberty of not having to keep the Law of Moses in order to be saved. The Galatians were on the verge of becoming enslaved to the law again.
Galatians 4:28-31
28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise. 29 But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now. 30 Nevertheless what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.” 31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free.
This portion of Paul’s allegory is based on Gen. 21:9, 10. Isaac was continually persecuted by his older half brother Ishmael. Eventually, Ishmael and his mother Hagar were expelled because Ishmael had no standing in God’s eyes as heir of Abraham. In creating a parallel between the story from Genesis and the Galatians’ situation, Paul points out that (1) the persecution by the Jewish legalists of his day was not unexpected, and (2) it would not go on indefinitely because the legalists would soon be cast out.
To be children of the bondwoman is to be enslaved to the covenant from Mount Sinai, the Law of Moses. To be of the free is to follow Abraham’s example of faith, to be “born according to the Spirit, and to be destined for the “Jerusalem above . Understanding such realities, the believer in Christ must continually stand fast in the liberty of not having to keep the Law of Moses in order to be saved. The Galatians were on the verge of becoming enslaved to the law again.
Galatians 4:28-31
28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise. 29 But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now. 30 Nevertheless what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.” 31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Ruth 2:10
This verse sums up how I feel about my relationship with God, why in the world would the Holy One care about someone like me, a nobody, who offers nothing more than faith in Him, His power and His glory. We serve a merciful God full of loving kindness who cares for all His creation but who will move mountains for those who place their heart into His hands. I am humbled beyond measure by the love He gives. Faith alone pleases God.
Ruth 2:10
10 So she fell on her face, bowed down to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?”
Ruth 2:10
10 So she fell on her face, bowed down to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?”
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Ephesians 4:30-31
Every time we hurt another through our words or actions we hurt the very heart of God. Every act of kindness, forgiveness or hand we extend to another emulates the Holy Spirit and reveals a little piece of His agape love for His creation. Perhaps we even make Him smile!
The Holy Spirit of God should never be pushed away, ignored, or rejected. If we would remember that the One who lives in us is God’s own Spirit, we would be much more selective about what we think, read, watch, say, and do. Note that Paul acknowledges that evil thoughts and actions are temptations even for those who are sealed by the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 4:30-31
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
The Holy Spirit of God should never be pushed away, ignored, or rejected. If we would remember that the One who lives in us is God’s own Spirit, we would be much more selective about what we think, read, watch, say, and do. Note that Paul acknowledges that evil thoughts and actions are temptations even for those who are sealed by the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 4:30-31
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Monday, February 7, 2011
1 Peter 1:22-25
Through grace we have been saved and in obeying the truth of the Scriptures we will love each other as He loved us. Nothing in this world will last but the agape love of God made flesh, Jesus Christ, will live forever. And these two commands He gave us: Love God above any person, place or thing and love others as much as we love ourselves. If we obey His words we will fulfill all of the commandments of God. Loving each other is fellowship and loving others is brotherly love.....through our fellowship we should let the world see His love for all of His creation.
Peter does not say that we purify our own souls but that we accomplish the purification of our souls by obedience to God’s truth. Peter reminds his readers of our transitory nature with an OT quote, comparing us to the temporary things of this world—a direct contrast to God’s permanent work and His eternal word.
1 Peter 1:22-25
22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, 24 because
“All flesh is as grass,
And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass.
The grass withers,
And its flower falls away,
25 But the word of the Lord endures forever.”
Peter does not say that we purify our own souls but that we accomplish the purification of our souls by obedience to God’s truth. Peter reminds his readers of our transitory nature with an OT quote, comparing us to the temporary things of this world—a direct contrast to God’s permanent work and His eternal word.
1 Peter 1:22-25
22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, 24 because
“All flesh is as grass,
And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass.
The grass withers,
And its flower falls away,
25 But the word of the Lord endures forever.”
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Mark 6:4-6
In the measure that we believe it is given back to us and without that faith it is impossible to please God. Spiritually dead churches produce spiritually dead people without hope and without joy in their salvation which is the strength and right of those who place their trust in Him. The power of the Holy Spirit was given to us to bring about God’s will on earth. Without faith in His power we can accomplish nothing.
A prophet is not without honor except in his own country is a maxim still repeated and still true today. Perhaps others were jealous of Jesus’ popularity and huge following. Their envy even took the form of violence against Christ.
Mark 6:4-6
4 But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” 5 Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.
A prophet is not without honor except in his own country is a maxim still repeated and still true today. Perhaps others were jealous of Jesus’ popularity and huge following. Their envy even took the form of violence against Christ.
Mark 6:4-6
4 But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” 5 Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Luke 21:14-19
Oh, if only it was easy to silence our mind and to hear that small voice inside us and follow it. Patience, waiting for Him to speak before we speak, is the key to understanding and doing the will of God not only for me but for all of us who believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to teach us and lead us into the will of God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Jesus promises the disciples that the Holy Spirit will assist them in giving testimony. The persecution of the disciples would be painful and severe. Identifying with Jesus often means risking the rejection and denunciation of family, and in some cases martyrdom. Patient allegiance to Jesus leads to eternal life.
Luke 21:14-19
14 Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head shall be lost. 19 By your patience possess your souls.
Jesus promises the disciples that the Holy Spirit will assist them in giving testimony. The persecution of the disciples would be painful and severe. Identifying with Jesus often means risking the rejection and denunciation of family, and in some cases martyrdom. Patient allegiance to Jesus leads to eternal life.
Luke 21:14-19
14 Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head shall be lost. 19 By your patience possess your souls.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
2 Thessalonians 1:3-8
Fellowship is the encouragement and support of those closest to you, family and your brothers and sisters in Christ. Brotherly love is the encouragement and support of those closest to God, all of His creation, so that every person be given the chance to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ and the opportunity to choose His redeeming agape love.
Fellowship and brotherly love should be as natural to us as walking, talking and breathing. Fellowship comes easily to us. Brotherly love is much harder to attain and requires completely relying on the Holy Spirit to love those different than ourselves. It is not a guideline to have fellowship and brotherly love, it is a command. May God help us to attain that which He commands!
The faithfulness of the Thessalonian church in persecution gave Paul reason to praise God. Satan persecutes Christians in order to discourage and defeat them. The Thessalonians’ steadfast faith not only strengthened them to withstand difficult circumstances, it also motivated them to express genuine love for others. A Christian’s faith in Christ should always culminate in true love for others.
2 Thessalonians 1:3-8
3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, 4 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and 1tribulations that you endure, 5 which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; 6 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Fellowship and brotherly love should be as natural to us as walking, talking and breathing. Fellowship comes easily to us. Brotherly love is much harder to attain and requires completely relying on the Holy Spirit to love those different than ourselves. It is not a guideline to have fellowship and brotherly love, it is a command. May God help us to attain that which He commands!
The faithfulness of the Thessalonian church in persecution gave Paul reason to praise God. Satan persecutes Christians in order to discourage and defeat them. The Thessalonians’ steadfast faith not only strengthened them to withstand difficult circumstances, it also motivated them to express genuine love for others. A Christian’s faith in Christ should always culminate in true love for others.
2 Thessalonians 1:3-8
3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, 4 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and 1tribulations that you endure, 5 which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; 6 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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