In a world that shows favoritism to the wealthy and money is our god it is hard to fathom that we can be so far off track to the teaching of Jesus Christ and yet call ourselves Christians. It is perplexing and if you believe this you are opening yourself to all manner of rejection and persecution. Sadly, we must choose who we will follow, it is God’s way or no way, and the road to destruction is broad and many follow it. The measure of a Christian nation is not in its military power but how well it provides for those who cannot provide for themselves.
Acts 20:33-35
33 I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. 34 Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. 35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Luke 8
Faith alone pleases God and faith is a gift from the Father so that no man can boast. All the blessings of believing in Him and in His power to save result in being changed, precept upon precept, into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ, through the work of the Holy Spirit within us. The mind, body and heart of God are manifested in us through faith. In the measure that you believe you can receive.
The delay caused by the woman with the blood disorder appeared to have been fatal for Jairus’s daughter. Jairus was the main elder of the synagogue. As such, he conducted the service and kept order. This miracle highlights not only the authority of Jesus, but also the response of faith that God honors.
Luke 8:46-48
46 But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.” 47 Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately.
48 And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”
Luke 8:49-50
49 While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, “Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.”
50 But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.”
The delay caused by the woman with the blood disorder appeared to have been fatal for Jairus’s daughter. Jairus was the main elder of the synagogue. As such, he conducted the service and kept order. This miracle highlights not only the authority of Jesus, but also the response of faith that God honors.
Luke 8:46-48
46 But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.” 47 Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately.
48 And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”
Luke 8:49-50
49 While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, “Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.”
50 But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.”
Monday, March 28, 2011
Philippians 4:6-9
In times such as these when the world seems out of control it is good to remember that God alone gives peace and He alone has the power to guard our hearts from brokenness and our minds from depression. Never tire of doing good and concentrate on the good things in your life and give the rest to God in prayer! If we love God above everything and love everyone else as much as we love ourselves we will fulfill the commands of God and He will give us peace!
Paul exhorts the Philippians to pray about their circumstances instead of worrying over them. 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 4:6-9
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.
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Paul exhorts the Philippians to pray about their circumstances instead of worrying over them. 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 4:6-9
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.
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Luke 24:1-7
Look around you and know that Israel is special to the Lord and there is where the beginnings of eternity with Christ took place. Oh death where is your sting? Alleluia He is risen….
Angels announced that Jesus was alive. Anointing Him would not be necessary. The women were reminded that Jesus had predicted His resurrection as far back as Galilee.
Luke 24:1-7
24 Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. 2 But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. 5 Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, 7 saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ ”
Angels announced that Jesus was alive. Anointing Him would not be necessary. The women were reminded that Jesus had predicted His resurrection as far back as Galilee.
Luke 24:1-7
24 Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. 2 But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. 5 Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, 7 saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ ”
Thursday, March 24, 2011
2 Timothy 1:8-12
We are saved by grace, not works, through the birth, death and resurrection of Christ Jesus so that no one can boast of themselves but only in the mercy given by God. Shout it from the rooftops. We do good works because of the good, the Holy Spirit, within us…Christ within the hope of glory.
Timothy is encouraged not to be ashamed or shrink back from the testimony of our Lord. Testimony is the witness of the Lord; the Greek term is the source of the English word martyr. Church tradition says that most of the apostles died as martyrs. Paul is concerned that in the face of vehement opposition Timothy might be afraid to witness.
It is impossible for people to earn their way into heaven. Salvation is according to God’s own purpose or sovereign plan. Grace is God’s unearned favor. The Lord called us and saved us in Christ Jesus before time began. The manifestation of God’s plan and grace has been revealed, or brought to light, in the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ. Through their faith in Christ, believers have inherited eternal life. We have nothing to fear, not even death. Therefore we can proclaim with boldness our trust in Christ.
2 Timothy 1:8-12
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, 10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.
Timothy is encouraged not to be ashamed or shrink back from the testimony of our Lord. Testimony is the witness of the Lord; the Greek term is the source of the English word martyr. Church tradition says that most of the apostles died as martyrs. Paul is concerned that in the face of vehement opposition Timothy might be afraid to witness.
It is impossible for people to earn their way into heaven. Salvation is according to God’s own purpose or sovereign plan. Grace is God’s unearned favor. The Lord called us and saved us in Christ Jesus before time began. The manifestation of God’s plan and grace has been revealed, or brought to light, in the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ. Through their faith in Christ, believers have inherited eternal life. We have nothing to fear, not even death. Therefore we can proclaim with boldness our trust in Christ.
2 Timothy 1:8-12
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, 10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Ezra 10:10
Christians are to be different than the rest of society. We are to be more kind, more loving and hold ourselves to a higher standard. Do we? I seriously doubt that most of us could be seen as different from any of our neighbors. Does that mean that we should leave our unbelieving spouses, no, we are all gentiles in a foreign land since Christ died once and for all of us who believe. Does it mean that we need to act differently than the normal me, me, me person in this day and age…….a resounding yes!
Ezra 10:10
10 Then Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, “You have transgressed and have taken pagan wives, adding to the guilt of Israel. 11 Now therefore, make confession to the Lord God of your fathers, and do His will; separate yourselves from the peoples of the land, and from the pagan wives.”
Ezra 10:10
10 Then Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, “You have transgressed and have taken pagan wives, adding to the guilt of Israel. 11 Now therefore, make confession to the Lord God of your fathers, and do His will; separate yourselves from the peoples of the land, and from the pagan wives.”
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
2 Corinthians 12:8-10
When we depend upon our own or other people’s strength to supply our needs we ultimately fail. When we depend upon God for everything, every little thing, realizing that we do not know the answer or the way to proceed we let God direct our lives and reflect His glory. In ourselves we can do nothing but with God all things are possible to those who believe!
When believers are without strength and look to the Lord, He provides power by His grace. In Paul’s weaknesses, Christ’s power was made more apparent to others. It would bring praise to the only One who deserved it.
2 Corinthians 12:8
8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore l take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
When believers are without strength and look to the Lord, He provides power by His grace. In Paul’s weaknesses, Christ’s power was made more apparent to others. It would bring praise to the only One who deserved it.
2 Corinthians 12:8
8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore l take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Monday, March 21, 2011
1 Thessalonians 1:3-8
Jesus gave us a new command that we love others as much as we love ourselves. As we grow in love we grow in the likeness of Jesus and manifest to others the love of God for mankind. God never promised us a rose garden on earth but when we remain faithful in both the good and the bad times in our lives we show others how strong our God is and how He alone gives peace beyond human understanding in those times. God uses the adversity in our lives to shape and mold us into the image of His Son.
The faithfulness of the Thessalonian church in persecution gave Paul reason to praise God. Satan persecutes Christians in order to discourage and defeat them. These Christians had experienced persecution but continued to grow in Christ. 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. Persecution not only tests faith but reveals it and causes it to grow. Continued faith and endurance through persecutions provide a testimony for Christ, of which Paul was boasting to the other churches.
1 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 tribulations 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.
The faithfulness of the Thessalonian church in persecution gave Paul reason to praise God. Satan persecutes Christians in order to discourage and defeat them. These Christians had experienced persecution but continued to grow in Christ. 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. Persecution not only tests faith but reveals it and causes it to grow. Continued faith and endurance through persecutions provide a testimony for Christ, of which Paul was boasting to the other churches.
1 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 tribulations 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.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
3 John 1:11
No matter how many times we read the Scriptures it always comes down to two commands, we must love God above anything or anyone and love others as much as we love ourselves. If we love God and others we will not do anything that places them in jeopardy or that does not provide what they cannot provide for themselves. If we do this we will fulfill all the commandments of God. God is love and without love we have nothing.
The proof of our commitment to God is that we personally reject evil and embrace a life patterned after that which is good. The lifestyle that we exhibit is a direct reflection of the extent to which we have seen God. If we were to see God perfectly, we would never sin. Our sin is a result of a faulty vision of God. Therefore, the Scriptures encourage us to look at Christ, for the day when we see Him perfectly will be the day that we will be like Him.
3 John 1:11
11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.
The proof of our commitment to God is that we personally reject evil and embrace a life patterned after that which is good. The lifestyle that we exhibit is a direct reflection of the extent to which we have seen God. If we were to see God perfectly, we would never sin. Our sin is a result of a faulty vision of God. Therefore, the Scriptures encourage us to look at Christ, for the day when we see Him perfectly will be the day that we will be like Him.
3 John 1:11
11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Acts 7:30-34
You are never too old to be used by God. Moses was 80 when God called him. The only thing that can stop us from God’s will for our life is ourselves. We only need to position our hearts to hear Him and then allow Him to work through us.
God will not always tolerate mans’ oppression of others and He will use His people to defend justice and equality. God cares about the common everyday man. The rich give of their surplus but the poor of their need….remember the widow’s gift!
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.
Political change can often lead to changed perspectives on history. The destruction of Jerusalem and its temple by the Romans in 70 a.d. forced the Hebrews to radically rethink the significance of Jerusalem and its institutions. Stephen and his fellow Christians had already departed from the earlier Jewish view that the world revolved around Israel, which in turn revolved around the temple and the Law. They still saw Jerusalem as more than just a city, but they made it into a new symbol of a higher ideal. Stephen’s view of history brought the conflict between the new movement and the city fathers to a boil. Outraged, the council stoned Stephen to death and allowed Saul to start persecuting believers. Stephen’s perspective on Jerusalem challenges us as modern Christians to reflect on our loyalty to beloved institutions. Our highest allegiance must be to Christ.
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.” ’
God will not always tolerate mans’ oppression of others and He will use His people to defend justice and equality. God cares about the common everyday man. The rich give of their surplus but the poor of their need….remember the widow’s gift!
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.
Political change can often lead to changed perspectives on history. The destruction of Jerusalem and its temple by the Romans in 70 a.d. forced the Hebrews to radically rethink the significance of Jerusalem and its institutions. Stephen and his fellow Christians had already departed from the earlier Jewish view that the world revolved around Israel, which in turn revolved around the temple and the Law. They still saw Jerusalem as more than just a city, but they made it into a new symbol of a higher ideal. Stephen’s view of history brought the conflict between the new movement and the city fathers to a boil. Outraged, the council stoned Stephen to death and allowed Saul to start persecuting believers. Stephen’s perspective on Jerusalem challenges us as modern Christians to reflect on our loyalty to beloved institutions. Our highest allegiance must be to Christ.
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.” ’
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Philippians 1:9-11
The more knowledge that we acquire the more humble we become, realizing that only by the agape love of the Trinity do we have hope. The more that we succumb to His love the more we want to show that love to others that they may come to know Him and the salvation that He provides in Christ Jesus. To God be all glory!
The love that Paul sought for the believers is the highest form of Christian love, based on a lasting, unconditional commitment, not on an unstable emotion. The first of two terms on which a directed love is built, knowledge suggests an intimate understanding based on a relationship with the person. Here the focus of this knowledge is God. The purpose of increasing in love, controlled by knowledge, is to be able to evaluate people and situations correctly.
Philippians 1:9-11
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
The love that Paul sought for the believers is the highest form of Christian love, based on a lasting, unconditional commitment, not on an unstable emotion. The first of two terms on which a directed love is built, knowledge suggests an intimate understanding based on a relationship with the person. Here the focus of this knowledge is God. The purpose of increasing in love, controlled by knowledge, is to be able to evaluate people and situations correctly.
Philippians 1:9-11
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Luke 11:52
Knowledge is the beginning of wisdom and without wisdom we are doomed to repeat the failures of the past. If we know the truth the truth will set us free from the hypocrisy of the world and the truth found only in Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 2:5-6
Then you will understand the fear of the LORD,
And find the knowledge of God.
For the LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
Proverbs 22:17-19
Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise,
And apply your heart to my knowledge;
For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you;
Let them all be fixed upon your lips,
So that your trust may be in the LORD;
Jesus charged the lawyers with doing the opposite of what they claimed their calling to be. Rather than bringing people nearer to God, they had removed the possibility of their entering into that knowledge, and had prevented others from understanding as well.
Luke 11:52
52 “Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered.”
Proverbs 2:5-6
Then you will understand the fear of the LORD,
And find the knowledge of God.
For the LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
Proverbs 22:17-19
Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise,
And apply your heart to my knowledge;
For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you;
Let them all be fixed upon your lips,
So that your trust may be in the LORD;
Jesus charged the lawyers with doing the opposite of what they claimed their calling to be. Rather than bringing people nearer to God, they had removed the possibility of their entering into that knowledge, and had prevented others from understanding as well.
Luke 11:52
52 “Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered.”
Friday, March 11, 2011
1 Corinthians 15:3-8
Jesus was all God and all man. He was born on this earth, He was crucified on a cross and He died. He literally rose from the dead and was seen by hundreds after His death. Can you imagine being in attendance at the deathbed of someone you knew personally, attending their funeral and then seeing them again? This was a life changing event that happened and was witnessed by hundreds of people, they were so blown away by this event that they spent the remainder of their lives telling others of the truth of the Scriptures and the fulfillment of the Old Testament. This was mind shattering information that changed the whole concept of life and death to the Jews in attendance and to the billions of mankind born after them.
Paul did not originate the proclamation of Jesus that he delivered to the Corinthians; he simply gave the Corinthians what he himself had received. He viewed himself as a link in a long chain of witnesses to the truth of the death and resurrection of Christ. Christ’s death dealt decisively with our sins. He suffered in our place to endure the just wrath of God against us. Christ lived and died in accordance with the prophecies about Him in the OT.
The Resurrection verifies the fact that Christ’s death paid the full price for sin. The Greek term translated rose here is in the perfect tense, emphasizing the ongoing effects of this historical event. Christ is a risen Savior today. At the time of Paul’s writing, a person could have verified the truthfulness of the apostle’s statements. The majority of the five hundred people who saw the risen Christ, as well as all the apostles and James (the half brother of Jesus), were still living.
1 Corinthians 15:3
3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.
Paul did not originate the proclamation of Jesus that he delivered to the Corinthians; he simply gave the Corinthians what he himself had received. He viewed himself as a link in a long chain of witnesses to the truth of the death and resurrection of Christ. Christ’s death dealt decisively with our sins. He suffered in our place to endure the just wrath of God against us. Christ lived and died in accordance with the prophecies about Him in the OT.
The Resurrection verifies the fact that Christ’s death paid the full price for sin. The Greek term translated rose here is in the perfect tense, emphasizing the ongoing effects of this historical event. Christ is a risen Savior today. At the time of Paul’s writing, a person could have verified the truthfulness of the apostle’s statements. The majority of the five hundred people who saw the risen Christ, as well as all the apostles and James (the half brother of Jesus), were still living.
1 Corinthians 15:3
3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
John 20:29
Faith alone pleases God. Blessed are we who by faith believe.
Those who have not seen includes all who have believed in Christ since His ascension to the Father.
John 20:29
29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Those who have not seen includes all who have believed in Christ since His ascension to the Father.
John 20:29
29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Ezekiel 21:24
Forget the past and move forward. Don’t use your past mistakes as an excuse for not doing God’s will in the future. The birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is sufficient to cover us once and for all who accept Him.
The Judeans in their pride and false sense of security in the treaties (sworn oaths) would conclude that the king received a false divination. However, the verdict had been pronounced: Jerusalem would be taken. Nebuchadnezzar would be God’s instrument to punish the people’s rebellion.
Ezekiel 21:24
24 “Therefore thus says the Lord God: ‘Because you have made your iniquity to be remembered, in that your transgressions are uncovered, so that in all your doings your sins appear—because you have come to remembrance, you shall be taken in hand.
The Judeans in their pride and false sense of security in the treaties (sworn oaths) would conclude that the king received a false divination. However, the verdict had been pronounced: Jerusalem would be taken. Nebuchadnezzar would be God’s instrument to punish the people’s rebellion.
Ezekiel 21:24
24 “Therefore thus says the Lord God: ‘Because you have made your iniquity to be remembered, in that your transgressions are uncovered, so that in all your doings your sins appear—because you have come to remembrance, you shall be taken in hand.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Romans 8:37-39
God’s love for us is so great, so powerful that nothing…NOTHING…can stop us from His love. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that anyone who accepts Him will not perish but have everlasting life. He loves us so much that He will not violate our free will to accept or reject His gift of redemption in Christ Jesus. We can die with Him loving us but never choosing to love Him in return…..choose life, choose love!
Absolutely nothing can separate believers from God’s love. The apostle struggles for words to describe the absolute certainty of God’s love. Nothing hard or dangerous, neither death nor life, can separate us. If God, the uncreated One, is for us, and no created thing can separate us, then our security in Him is absolute.
Romans 8:37
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Absolutely nothing can separate believers from God’s love. The apostle struggles for words to describe the absolute certainty of God’s love. Nothing hard or dangerous, neither death nor life, can separate us. If God, the uncreated One, is for us, and no created thing can separate us, then our security in Him is absolute.
Romans 8:37
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Psalm 19:7-11
Father help and direct my life that it brings You glory and honor. Make my thoughts, words and deeds have You written on them that others may know You and see Your power to change and mold those who put everything into Your hands.
The law is the Torah, which means “instruction” or “direction.” This passage presents six words for the law of God—law, testimony, statutes, commandment, fear, and judgments; six evaluations of the law—perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, and true; and six results—converting the soul, making wise the simple, rejoicing the heart, enlightening the eyes, enduring forever, and righteous altogether. The value of the Scripture cannot be compared with any other desirable thing—even gold. It provides the key to wisdom, joy, and most importantly, eternal life.
Psalm 19:7-11
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.
The law is the Torah, which means “instruction” or “direction.” This passage presents six words for the law of God—law, testimony, statutes, commandment, fear, and judgments; six evaluations of the law—perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, and true; and six results—converting the soul, making wise the simple, rejoicing the heart, enlightening the eyes, enduring forever, and righteous altogether. The value of the Scripture cannot be compared with any other desirable thing—even gold. It provides the key to wisdom, joy, and most importantly, eternal life.
Psalm 19:7-11
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.
Friday, March 4, 2011
1 Corinthians 15:1-8
My daily prayer is that the eyes of my children and grandchildren be opened to the reality of the Trinity that they may know the truth of the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the word of God made flesh, and the power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish His will in our lives.
Paul’s gospel to the Corinthians centered on the physical death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God who became human yet never sinned. Paul did not originate the proclamation of Jesus that he delivered to the Corinthians; he simply gave the Corinthians what he himself had received. He viewed himself as a link in a long chain of witnesses to the truth of the death and resurrection of Christ. Christ’s death dealt decisively with our sins. He suffered in our place to endure the just wrath of God against us. The Resurrection verifies the fact that Christ’s death paid the full price for sin. The Greek term translated rose here is in the perfect tense, emphasizing the ongoing effects of this historical event. Christ is a risen Savior today.
At the time of Paul’s writing, a person could have verified the truthfulness of the apostle’s statements. The majority of the five hundred people who saw the risen Christ, as well as all the apostles and James (the half brother of Jesus), were still living.
1 Corinthians 15:1-8
Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.
Paul’s gospel to the Corinthians centered on the physical death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God who became human yet never sinned. Paul did not originate the proclamation of Jesus that he delivered to the Corinthians; he simply gave the Corinthians what he himself had received. He viewed himself as a link in a long chain of witnesses to the truth of the death and resurrection of Christ. Christ’s death dealt decisively with our sins. He suffered in our place to endure the just wrath of God against us. The Resurrection verifies the fact that Christ’s death paid the full price for sin. The Greek term translated rose here is in the perfect tense, emphasizing the ongoing effects of this historical event. Christ is a risen Savior today.
At the time of Paul’s writing, a person could have verified the truthfulness of the apostle’s statements. The majority of the five hundred people who saw the risen Christ, as well as all the apostles and James (the half brother of Jesus), were still living.
1 Corinthians 15:1-8
Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
John 12:27-28
Our existence is not an accident. Our life was known by the Father from its inception and has purpose. We were made to bring God glory and all that we do, we ask or we think reflects on the ongoing changes He brings about by the power of the Holy Spirit. This life is not easy and it would have you serve yourself without thought to others but if we allow the Trinity to accomplish their perfect work in and through us, one day we will be made whole in the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. To God is all glory!
Jesus’ agony over His impending death was not confined to Gethsemane, where He prayed, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me “. He felt the agony and expressed it almost a week before Gethsemane.
John 12:27-28
27 “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name.”
Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.”
Jesus’ agony over His impending death was not confined to Gethsemane, where He prayed, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me “. He felt the agony and expressed it almost a week before Gethsemane.
John 12:27-28
27 “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name.”
Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.”
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Daniel 10:12
If we seek to know God and the Truth of His Scriptures with a meek and open heart He is faithful to answer us. Our prayers are powerful for good.
[Luke 11:9]
unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened
[Zephaniah 2:3]
day of the LORD’S anger come upon you. 3 Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth,
Daniel 10:12
12 Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.
[Luke 11:9]
unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened
[Zephaniah 2:3]
day of the LORD’S anger come upon you. 3 Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth,
Daniel 10:12
12 Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
1 Samuel 30:21-25
All good things come from God and belong to Him. Who are we to deny others of the gifts that only He can give? There are those who think that they are makers of their own wealth and destiny and they deny God’s ownership….they are wrong. Our efforts blessed by God are meant to share with others whether money or talents.
These men insisted that the spoil captured from the Amalekites should not be divided with the men who stayed at the Brook Besor with the supplies. David pointed out that the booty captured from the Amalekites was actually a gift from God, who had given them the victory. David questioned whether the men who waited at the Brook Besor would accept the proposal of the warriors who wanted to exclude them from any part in the spoil. David’s band of warriors were one, although they had different strengths and abilities. They would share equally in the fruits of victory.David also shared the booty taken from the Amalekites with the elders of Judah. This goodwill gesture helped David reestablish his relationships among the leaders of Judah after his stay in Philistine territory.
1 Samuel 30:21-25
21 Now David came to the two hundred men who had been so weary that they could not follow David, whom they also had made to stay at the Brook Besor. So they went out to meet David and to meet the people who were with him. And when David came near the people, he greeted them. 22 Then all the wicked and worthless men of those who went with David answered and said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered, except for every man’s wife and children, that they may lead them away and depart.”
23 But David said, “My brethren, you shall not do so with what the Lord has given us, who has preserved us and delivered into our hand the troop that came against us. 24 For who will heed you in this matter? But as his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the supplies; they shall share alike.” 25 So it was, from that day forward; he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel to this day.
These men insisted that the spoil captured from the Amalekites should not be divided with the men who stayed at the Brook Besor with the supplies. David pointed out that the booty captured from the Amalekites was actually a gift from God, who had given them the victory. David questioned whether the men who waited at the Brook Besor would accept the proposal of the warriors who wanted to exclude them from any part in the spoil. David’s band of warriors were one, although they had different strengths and abilities. They would share equally in the fruits of victory.David also shared the booty taken from the Amalekites with the elders of Judah. This goodwill gesture helped David reestablish his relationships among the leaders of Judah after his stay in Philistine territory.
1 Samuel 30:21-25
21 Now David came to the two hundred men who had been so weary that they could not follow David, whom they also had made to stay at the Brook Besor. So they went out to meet David and to meet the people who were with him. And when David came near the people, he greeted them. 22 Then all the wicked and worthless men of those who went with David answered and said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered, except for every man’s wife and children, that they may lead them away and depart.”
23 But David said, “My brethren, you shall not do so with what the Lord has given us, who has preserved us and delivered into our hand the troop that came against us. 24 For who will heed you in this matter? But as his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the supplies; they shall share alike.” 25 So it was, from that day forward; he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel to this day.
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