Psalm 133 is only 3 verses long and begins with... "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments ; As the dew of Hermon, as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, life forever."
We strive to maintain the unity of the body of Christ and dwell together in unity and harmony with our brothers. That's not always an easy thing to do. I've always said, "when you have more than one person in a room, you ALWAYS have more than one opinion" and that sometimes creates difficulty in unity. But here we have a Psalm telling us about the Excellency of Brotherly Love.
So, how does brotherly unity relate to the anointing with oil? Anointing with oil in the Old Testament as they did with Aaron was a kind of "sanctifying the call of God in his life. So is the Psalmist saying to us that we should "soak" ourselves in brotherly unity? Not a theological dissertation but just a thought! So when James writes in 5:14... "Is there any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord" maybe along with the healing power of the anointing there is also a sense of healing power in the love we show one another. Sometimes I think that if we anointed the sick like they did in Bible days, we would drown most of them. Verse 2 talks about the oil running down the beard of Aaron and falling onto the "skirts of his garments."
So what does it mean? Three small verses filled with love and compassion for unity among the brotherhood of man. Sort of like a picture of men dwelling together in peace and harmony. It sure beats the alternative of fighting, arguing, complaining and not getting along. I experience first hand what is like to be in "disharmony" with brothers and it is really hurtful and lonely sometimes.
However, I see that we are all just one part of a big family. Bigger than our own individual families. The Psalmist here is extending this family a good bit further than just our brothers and sisters. And in that "brotherly unity" God offers His blessing -- "Life forever."
Dave
Crazy Papa
I'll make 'um an offer
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Are You Thankful For The Holy Spirit?
John 14:16 says... "And I will ask the Father; and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever". Another helper in this life? Isn't it a good feeling to know that you have a helper here? A Helper who lives within you and talks to you? One who convicts and convinces you concerning daily life?
This is a tough life to live without any help. Especially as a Christian. We are constantly being challenged by Satan to "break fellowship" with the Father, and we have the Holy Spirit who resides within us to help us overcome the schemes of the devil.
Verse 17 explains that the world cannot receive this Holy spirit because it does not behold Him or know Him. But,! We know Him and he abides in us. Praise God for His wonderful gift.
Finally, in verse 19 it says... "After a little while the world will behold Me no more, but you will behold Me; because I live, you shall live also". Does that sound anything like what America is facing today? Curious to see what is happening in America today as it relates to Christianity and it seem to fit perfectly within this verse.
Cherish the Holy Spirit within you and allow Him to be your daily Helper.
Dave
This is a tough life to live without any help. Especially as a Christian. We are constantly being challenged by Satan to "break fellowship" with the Father, and we have the Holy Spirit who resides within us to help us overcome the schemes of the devil.
Verse 17 explains that the world cannot receive this Holy spirit because it does not behold Him or know Him. But,! We know Him and he abides in us. Praise God for His wonderful gift.
Finally, in verse 19 it says... "After a little while the world will behold Me no more, but you will behold Me; because I live, you shall live also". Does that sound anything like what America is facing today? Curious to see what is happening in America today as it relates to Christianity and it seem to fit perfectly within this verse.
Cherish the Holy Spirit within you and allow Him to be your daily Helper.
Dave
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Dying to live!
About a week before Passover, Jesus finds His way to Bethany and here Mary anoints the feet of Jesus. Then the next day Jesus makes His triumphal entry, fulfilling the prophesy of Zechariah 9 of Him riding into town on a donkey's colt.
People began to accumulate to worship Him and Jesus said in John 12:23 "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified." So many times Jesus had said to his Disciples that His hour had not yet come, but here begins His glorification. And the truth He shared with them at this time was truly magnificent.
People began to accumulate to worship Him and Jesus said in John 12:23 "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified." So many times Jesus had said to his Disciples that His hour had not yet come, but here begins His glorification. And the truth He shared with them at this time was truly magnificent.
Verse 24: "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit."
He uses an analogy here that the people could understand because they knew that seed had to be planted into the earth in order for it to produce its fruit. And throughout all of His ministry He had been explaining this process and they just didn't get it. Even though they understood the seed analogy, they could not see past their own physical death.
Verse 25: "He who loves his life loses it; and he who hates his life in this world shall keep it to life eternal."
Now this is where it gets interesting as Jesus shares with them that lovers of this world will eventually lose their lives (here He references their souls and eternity), whereas those who hate this world and do not conform to its deeds really have something to gain. If we are lovers of this world and conform to its ways, we will not achieve the place in eternity that God had planned for us. However, understanding that we are not of this world and do NOT conform to its ways is our "ticket to heaven" and eternal life with Jesus Christ our Lord. Paul reminds us in Romans 14:9 "For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living." Just as the wheat falls into the earth and dies (in order to bear fruit), we too, will someday experience this death in order to experience eternal life. It's really not difficult to understand at all. Jesus is saying that you must love Him more than this world to experience life with Christ.
Verse 26: And here He makes this promise to us and that is, "If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall My servant also be; if anyone serves Me, the father will honor him."
Jesus says you follow me, serve me, love me, and I will see that your place is with me and the Father with honor. Again in John 14:3 He tells His disciples that His purpose in all of this is to go prepare a place for them and if He goes, He will come again and receive them so that where He is, there they may be also (paraphrased).
So, if you are a child of the King, if you know Jesus as your Lord, as your Savior; If your salvation is secure, then this analogy fits into your life. A grain of wheat must fall into the earth and die in order to live. So we're really NOT living until we die. We are DYING TO LIVE!
Dave
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
"Rooted and Grounded in Love"
Tonight as I sat and watched "The Biggest Loser" on TV their actions made me think of a scripture passage in Ephesians 3:17-19. I made reference to some of these verses last week, but while watching this show it made me think of the commitment they made to lose weight and I thought about the commitment we made to trust Christ. The passage begins by saying "...so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God."
I thought about how they all seemed "rooted and grounded" in their mission to lose weight (several of them to help save their lives). And then I thought about we as Christians and our responsibility to be "rooted and grounded" in our faith. I thought about the changes in my health over the last 4 years and how many times I may have slipped on the treadmill. But as I deal with the good and bad things that happen to me in my life, I am reminded of that part of the verse that says "...that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God."
In July of this year I will have dealt with the diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma which was found in Stage 4, meaning if it had not been for the decision to have the back surgery, we NEVER would have known. So I feel very "rooted and grounded" in my faith in Jesus Christ and am confident that He has been directing my footsteps all this time. My commitment level is greater than ever before and my desire in life is to share my thoughts about God's Word, with anyone who will take the time to read or listen to them. I was informed when we found out about the cancer what the statistical timeframe was but I firmly believe that God has different plans.
So as you look forward into the year 2009 and beyond, make sure you find yourself "rooted and grounded" for our God is an awesome God, able to move mountains as needed. And oh, by the way, I am never without the feeling of "all the fullness of God."
Dave
I thought about how they all seemed "rooted and grounded" in their mission to lose weight (several of them to help save their lives). And then I thought about we as Christians and our responsibility to be "rooted and grounded" in our faith. I thought about the changes in my health over the last 4 years and how many times I may have slipped on the treadmill. But as I deal with the good and bad things that happen to me in my life, I am reminded of that part of the verse that says "...that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God."
In July of this year I will have dealt with the diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma which was found in Stage 4, meaning if it had not been for the decision to have the back surgery, we NEVER would have known. So I feel very "rooted and grounded" in my faith in Jesus Christ and am confident that He has been directing my footsteps all this time. My commitment level is greater than ever before and my desire in life is to share my thoughts about God's Word, with anyone who will take the time to read or listen to them. I was informed when we found out about the cancer what the statistical timeframe was but I firmly believe that God has different plans.
So as you look forward into the year 2009 and beyond, make sure you find yourself "rooted and grounded" for our God is an awesome God, able to move mountains as needed. And oh, by the way, I am never without the feeling of "all the fullness of God."
Dave
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Your Foundation: Rock or Sand!
The text tonight is from Matthew 7:24-27 and verses 24 & 25 say (Jesus speaking) "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts upon them, may be compared to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded upon the rock." Of course, most of you can recognize the analogy here being the "building of our faith in Christ."
There are some very strong Christians who literally live in a "hell" on earth. At the very end of an extreme trial in their lives, along comes another; more wind, rain and floods. But even though it looks bleak, they look up, and release their will to the Father with a strength impossible to maintain in human form. My own children and family have experienced this seemingly "unending" cloud in their lives. My middle child mentioned that bothersome "hanging cloud" in her families life just the other day.
Then in verses 26 & 27 He says "And everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does not act upon them, will be like a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and it fell, and great was its fall." And naturally, we all know people like this. "Everything is wrong with everything. Nothing is ever going to go right. My life is a mess and always will be." We have trouble ministering to these people because they have no hope. We realize that apart from the 70 plus years we have here on earth, HOPE is all that we have. And our HOPE is in Christ Jesus. We try to help physically and spiritually, but they always seem to have a negative response.
Christ has given us the answer right up front. He has told us to "tie our ship to His dock" and even though we will experience the rain, floods and winds of life, we do not experience them alone. Again, our HOPE is in Christ Jesus, not anything that this world can provide for us.
Finally in verses 28 & 29, the people marveled at His teaching, "as one having authority, and not as their scribes." Kind of like the story of the Three Little Pigs we were told as children only this story has the strength and love of a Creator behind it.
When life looks like something you just cannot "do" anymore, you can take comfort in knowing that, even though you don't feel it, someone is leaning against you, encouraging you to stand tall. Give your Whole Heart and Life to Jesus and let Him shelter you from these storms.
Dave
There are some very strong Christians who literally live in a "hell" on earth. At the very end of an extreme trial in their lives, along comes another; more wind, rain and floods. But even though it looks bleak, they look up, and release their will to the Father with a strength impossible to maintain in human form. My own children and family have experienced this seemingly "unending" cloud in their lives. My middle child mentioned that bothersome "hanging cloud" in her families life just the other day.
Then in verses 26 & 27 He says "And everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does not act upon them, will be like a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and it fell, and great was its fall." And naturally, we all know people like this. "Everything is wrong with everything. Nothing is ever going to go right. My life is a mess and always will be." We have trouble ministering to these people because they have no hope. We realize that apart from the 70 plus years we have here on earth, HOPE is all that we have. And our HOPE is in Christ Jesus. We try to help physically and spiritually, but they always seem to have a negative response.
Christ has given us the answer right up front. He has told us to "tie our ship to His dock" and even though we will experience the rain, floods and winds of life, we do not experience them alone. Again, our HOPE is in Christ Jesus, not anything that this world can provide for us.
Finally in verses 28 & 29, the people marveled at His teaching, "as one having authority, and not as their scribes." Kind of like the story of the Three Little Pigs we were told as children only this story has the strength and love of a Creator behind it.
When life looks like something you just cannot "do" anymore, you can take comfort in knowing that, even though you don't feel it, someone is leaning against you, encouraging you to stand tall. Give your Whole Heart and Life to Jesus and let Him shelter you from these storms.
Dave
Monday, January 26, 2009
Are You Really Attached To The Vine?
John 15: 1,15 "I AM the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser...I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him. he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing."
The verses in John 15: 1-6 basically describe the "pruning" process of a Christian man or woman. Jesus is the "trunk" and we are its branches. You all know the process of pruning plants. It becomes necessary to "cut off" the old dead branches from the vine in order for it to grow stronger. A lot of us explain going through trials as the "pruning" process with God.
This does not mean, of course, that God cuts us off from Jesus, but rather the pruning stage is a process of the "cutting away" of things in our life that get in he way of His will for us. And this process is, for the most part, painful. Over the years I have experienced my share of "being pruned" and it is not always a pleasant event in life. But it becomes necessary for our spiritual growth. I am a different man today than before I was given the news about the cancer. Any family can attest to the difficulty of that kind of pruning, but it has literally changed my attitude, my spirit, my walk, my family relationship and my desire for God.
So I can truly say that some of the pruning process that God has taken me through over the years has not only helped to create more fruit in my life, but it has brought me much, much closer to God.
Most of you are experiencing trials of some nature today. And so as to NOT sugar coat it, those trials could get much worse. He says in verse 2 that every branch that does not bear fruit is taken away but "...every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit."
So as we go through some of these trials it is important that we remember that God is walking through the garden, cleaning out the "clutter" in our lives and creating healthy "branches" in order for us to be fruitful.
Is it your hearts desire to share Christ with someone today. It's a brand new work week. Why not get started off on the right foot. He is waiting for you to brag about His Son. Not absolutely sure where to start. Click here!
Dave
The verses in John 15: 1-6 basically describe the "pruning" process of a Christian man or woman. Jesus is the "trunk" and we are its branches. You all know the process of pruning plants. It becomes necessary to "cut off" the old dead branches from the vine in order for it to grow stronger. A lot of us explain going through trials as the "pruning" process with God.
This does not mean, of course, that God cuts us off from Jesus, but rather the pruning stage is a process of the "cutting away" of things in our life that get in he way of His will for us. And this process is, for the most part, painful. Over the years I have experienced my share of "being pruned" and it is not always a pleasant event in life. But it becomes necessary for our spiritual growth. I am a different man today than before I was given the news about the cancer. Any family can attest to the difficulty of that kind of pruning, but it has literally changed my attitude, my spirit, my walk, my family relationship and my desire for God.
So I can truly say that some of the pruning process that God has taken me through over the years has not only helped to create more fruit in my life, but it has brought me much, much closer to God.
Most of you are experiencing trials of some nature today. And so as to NOT sugar coat it, those trials could get much worse. He says in verse 2 that every branch that does not bear fruit is taken away but "...every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit."
So as we go through some of these trials it is important that we remember that God is walking through the garden, cleaning out the "clutter" in our lives and creating healthy "branches" in order for us to be fruitful.
Is it your hearts desire to share Christ with someone today. It's a brand new work week. Why not get started off on the right foot. He is waiting for you to brag about His Son. Not absolutely sure where to start. Click here!
Dave
Sunday, January 25, 2009
To Him Be The Glory
In Ephesians 3:20,21 Paul makes a very poetic statement about God and His glory. He says... "Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen."
Does it ever come to mind how powerful our God is? Do you ever just stop on the sidewalk on a bright sunny day an look at the awesomeness of His creation. Paul is so impressed with His greatness that he uses the phrase "exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask OR THINK! Paul cannot just use one word to describe God's power but two words, side by side, almost like he was ready to make a list of superlatives for God and His power and love for us.
But look at the previous verses and see how Paul gets "all wound up" with praise for the Father. He starts in verse 14 by saying "...I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man; so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God."
I made BOLD all the words that I believe Paul would have emphasized if he were preaching this message today. Do we feel this way about God? Do we have this kind of "undying" love and devotion for our Creator? Are we trying to see that others get the opportunity to have this passion?
We have a God who could make a mountain out of a mustard seed, give sight to the blind, bring the dead back to life, part the sea. I want to feel this passion in my heart for God. I pray every day that God creates more and more love and passion (for Him) in my life. Don't you?
Dave
Does it ever come to mind how powerful our God is? Do you ever just stop on the sidewalk on a bright sunny day an look at the awesomeness of His creation. Paul is so impressed with His greatness that he uses the phrase "exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask OR THINK! Paul cannot just use one word to describe God's power but two words, side by side, almost like he was ready to make a list of superlatives for God and His power and love for us.
But look at the previous verses and see how Paul gets "all wound up" with praise for the Father. He starts in verse 14 by saying "...I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man; so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God."
I made BOLD all the words that I believe Paul would have emphasized if he were preaching this message today. Do we feel this way about God? Do we have this kind of "undying" love and devotion for our Creator? Are we trying to see that others get the opportunity to have this passion?
We have a God who could make a mountain out of a mustard seed, give sight to the blind, bring the dead back to life, part the sea. I want to feel this passion in my heart for God. I pray every day that God creates more and more love and passion (for Him) in my life. Don't you?
Dave
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Eternal Life!
"And this is the promise which He Himself made to us; eternal life". And this is what we all look forward to (eternal life), at least those of us who believe in Christ Jesus.
Just a few verses earlier the Apostle John explains: "Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have arisen; from this we know that it is the last hour." Here is one of the most purifying influences in the church today. John believed that he was in the last days. I believe that God is waiting for us to start living like WE believe we are living in the last days (which I strongly believe, myself).
So getting back to the promise given to us by God Himself "Eternal Life", this is why we strive to serve him. This is why we continue to minister; this is why we help others in need.
Christian or Non-Christian, eternal life is the destiny of every person living and who has ever lived (or course your relationship with Christ determines the location of your eternity). Our hope is in Christ Jesus and considering the condition of the world today, we should all be "looking up" expecting to see Christ return in His glory. Search the Word of God and understand the scriptures and the promise God has made to us.
Dave
Just a few verses earlier the Apostle John explains: "Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have arisen; from this we know that it is the last hour." Here is one of the most purifying influences in the church today. John believed that he was in the last days. I believe that God is waiting for us to start living like WE believe we are living in the last days (which I strongly believe, myself).
So getting back to the promise given to us by God Himself "Eternal Life", this is why we strive to serve him. This is why we continue to minister; this is why we help others in need.
Christian or Non-Christian, eternal life is the destiny of every person living and who has ever lived (or course your relationship with Christ determines the location of your eternity). Our hope is in Christ Jesus and considering the condition of the world today, we should all be "looking up" expecting to see Christ return in His glory. Search the Word of God and understand the scriptures and the promise God has made to us.
Dave
Friday, January 23, 2009
Contrasting the Upright and the Wicked
Did you know that there are 31 chapters in the book of Proverbs? This is a good place to do some disciplined Bible reading. You can start reading a chapter a day and by the end of the month you will have read the entire book of Proverbs. Then you can start over the next month. You know it only takes a couple of weeks of doing something to create a habit.
Proverbs 11: 17,18 are precious words of promise to all of us and plenty of wisdom as well. "The merciful man does himself good, But the cruel man does himself harm. The wicked earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness gets a true reward."
Here we can see God's simple explanation of the only two forces that are present in our lives. Those forces are "good & evil." The wisdom of these verses is obvious but the "act" of this wisdom would, of necessity, require a heart for God. Simply put, you are either for God or against God. "Ouch"! That's a tough one. But it is the truth. God has given us a choice to either follow His Son and enjoy eternal life in His glory or go our own way and find ourselves living an unbearable eternity in Hell.
Good/Evil --- God/No God. You can choose to live mercifully and in righteousness or you can live life any way you see fit, helping yourself to all the evils of this world. But remember that this world has been given over to the "prince of the power of the air". In case your not paying attention, that's Satan. This world is not "home" to a true believer in Christ Jesus!
Choose God and live your life in righteousness. You won't like the alternative.
Dave
Proverbs 11: 17,18 are precious words of promise to all of us and plenty of wisdom as well. "The merciful man does himself good, But the cruel man does himself harm. The wicked earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness gets a true reward."
Here we can see God's simple explanation of the only two forces that are present in our lives. Those forces are "good & evil." The wisdom of these verses is obvious but the "act" of this wisdom would, of necessity, require a heart for God. Simply put, you are either for God or against God. "Ouch"! That's a tough one. But it is the truth. God has given us a choice to either follow His Son and enjoy eternal life in His glory or go our own way and find ourselves living an unbearable eternity in Hell.
Good/Evil --- God/No God. You can choose to live mercifully and in righteousness or you can live life any way you see fit, helping yourself to all the evils of this world. But remember that this world has been given over to the "prince of the power of the air". In case your not paying attention, that's Satan. This world is not "home" to a true believer in Christ Jesus!
Choose God and live your life in righteousness. You won't like the alternative.
Dave
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Reconciled To Him
Today's scripture verses are from Colossians 1:21,22 and they say... "And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach---"
This is a very important passage of scripture and one that we would all do well in memorizing because it, once again, speaks of the "sealing" of our faith in Christ. In Romans 5:10 Paul says... "For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life."
And again in Ephesians 2:1-3 says... "And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest" (read on through verse 7).
And finally 2 Corinthians 5:18,19 says... "NOW all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation." (emphasis added)
This is the church in its broadest sense. You cannot join this church. The only way to become a member of His body is to be spiritually born and baptized into it by the Holy Spirit. The least and the greatest member is necessary for the proper function of the whole body. Are you reconciled to God. Find a way to get there and then begin your ministry of reconciliation.
Dave
This is a very important passage of scripture and one that we would all do well in memorizing because it, once again, speaks of the "sealing" of our faith in Christ. In Romans 5:10 Paul says... "For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life."
And again in Ephesians 2:1-3 says... "And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest" (read on through verse 7).
And finally 2 Corinthians 5:18,19 says... "NOW all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation." (emphasis added)
This is the church in its broadest sense. You cannot join this church. The only way to become a member of His body is to be spiritually born and baptized into it by the Holy Spirit. The least and the greatest member is necessary for the proper function of the whole body. Are you reconciled to God. Find a way to get there and then begin your ministry of reconciliation.
Dave
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Who's Will Are You Doing, Anyway?
To understand the key verse in this devotion, it is important that you read the complete passage to get the context of the scripture. The key verse is John 7:17 which says... "If any man is willing to do His will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak from Myself." Now, take a moment and read John 7:14-18 so this devotion will be clear.
There are those who stand in pulpits today and teach from their own motivation and, whether educated or uneducated, they are not doing the will of the Father (that is not to say that there is no Godly teaching taking place, for sure). Jesus was saying that the person who speaks from his own understanding is seeking his own glory (Jn 7:18); sort of like I said before, receiving his reward now instead of in heaven (the glory and amazement of mankind).
In this passage, the Jews marveled at the teaching of Jesus having never been educated. But Jesus said to them that a man will be discovered by his teaching whether speaking from himself or from the Spirit of God (thus the amazement of the Jews at Jesus' teaching).
Jesus let's them know right up front that His teaching is "not His own" (vs.16) but coming from the Father in Heaven. If your heart has a desire to teach from the Word of God, that is an admirable ambition but, by all means, make sure your motivation comes from God or you are simply another charlatan, teaching your own will in God's name. A very dangerous position to be in.
Given the implications within this devotion I believe it is important to quote verse 18... "He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who is seeking the glory of the one who sent Him, He is true, and there is no unrighteousness in Him" (by the way, in this verse, as you can see from the capital "H's" that His reference is to Himself). A very convincing argument for "bathing" yourself in God's Word.
Dave
There are those who stand in pulpits today and teach from their own motivation and, whether educated or uneducated, they are not doing the will of the Father (that is not to say that there is no Godly teaching taking place, for sure). Jesus was saying that the person who speaks from his own understanding is seeking his own glory (Jn 7:18); sort of like I said before, receiving his reward now instead of in heaven (the glory and amazement of mankind).
In this passage, the Jews marveled at the teaching of Jesus having never been educated. But Jesus said to them that a man will be discovered by his teaching whether speaking from himself or from the Spirit of God (thus the amazement of the Jews at Jesus' teaching).
Jesus let's them know right up front that His teaching is "not His own" (vs.16) but coming from the Father in Heaven. If your heart has a desire to teach from the Word of God, that is an admirable ambition but, by all means, make sure your motivation comes from God or you are simply another charlatan, teaching your own will in God's name. A very dangerous position to be in.
Given the implications within this devotion I believe it is important to quote verse 18... "He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who is seeking the glory of the one who sent Him, He is true, and there is no unrighteousness in Him" (by the way, in this verse, as you can see from the capital "H's" that His reference is to Himself). A very convincing argument for "bathing" yourself in God's Word.
Dave
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Their Sin I Will Remember No More
There are always little snippets and jewels that help us gain better understanding into the Love of God in the Old testament and it would do us all good to go there from time to time and review some of them. I was reading in Jeremiah 31: 33 & 34 the following: "I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people...for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more."
Reminds me of the time when Moses went up to the mountain and returned with the tablets of stone with God's Commandments written on them. Except here God promises to write His law in our hearts where it can never be broken or chipped or forgotten. This is an important covenant because with it, God literally invades our hearts with His promise when He says "I will be their God...and their sin I will remember no more." None of us could have brokered a better deal than that which God has given to us.
It also reminds me of a song I have long admired by Morgan Cryar called "What Sin" and if you click on the link below, it will take you to the song so you can listen to it yourself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEqR2zlaDTs
When you are weighed down with the past sin in your life and cannot seem to get up off the floor, remember this promise that God gave to his people, hundreds of years before Christ would climb that hill to Calvary. I will remember their sins no more. Praise the Lord. Hope you can listen to the song. You'll enjoy it, I am sure.
Dave
Reminds me of the time when Moses went up to the mountain and returned with the tablets of stone with God's Commandments written on them. Except here God promises to write His law in our hearts where it can never be broken or chipped or forgotten. This is an important covenant because with it, God literally invades our hearts with His promise when He says "I will be their God...and their sin I will remember no more." None of us could have brokered a better deal than that which God has given to us.
It also reminds me of a song I have long admired by Morgan Cryar called "What Sin" and if you click on the link below, it will take you to the song so you can listen to it yourself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEqR2zlaDTs
When you are weighed down with the past sin in your life and cannot seem to get up off the floor, remember this promise that God gave to his people, hundreds of years before Christ would climb that hill to Calvary. I will remember their sins no more. Praise the Lord. Hope you can listen to the song. You'll enjoy it, I am sure.
Dave
Monday, January 19, 2009
Eccles. 3:1-8
Click on the scripture verse above and it should take you to a very moving and emotional video. It is about 2 1/2 minutes long and worth every second.
Dave
Dave
The Helper, Holy Spirit, Comforter
There is a very small sentence in John 14:16 that says ..."I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper; that He may be with you forever."
John 14 has long been my favorite "comfort" in the Bible and it starts out by saying ..."Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going."
Now I promise you if you receive a diagnosis of cancer, one that the doctors will say is "treatable" but not curable, it will cause your mind to go off in a thousand different directions. So upon receiving that news, I immediately went back to this passage of scripture to be reminded, time and time again, that My God is greater than any diagnosis this doctor could possibly give me.
My Father, in Heaven, is preparing a place for me (and you, too). And when He has finished pounding the final nail, I will get to see it. Knowing that this 70 plus/minus years we are granted on earth is not the end, brings great joy to my heart. And it is the simple sentence in verse 16 where Jesus gives me the strength to continue day by day because He promised (even asking the Father) to send me a comforter, a helper, a Holy Spirit that would reside within me and give me strength and solitude for the days, weeks, months, and possibly, years to come.
I am truly grateful for my salvation and the promise that God has made to me. I have learned over the years that when you CANNOT trust anyone or anything else in life, YOU CAN TRUST GOD!
He continues in verse 17 to say that it ..."is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive..." You see, Jesus made that promise only to you and me. The world, short of salvation cannot receive this gift, it is reserved for those of us who have invited Christ to live in our hearts and lives.
Have you made that decision today? You can! And you can understand it. At the link www.nowwhut.org/4spiritual laws.htm there is a very easy to understand explanation of God's Plan for you. If you haven't read it, you might want to take a minute to do so.
Dave
John 14 has long been my favorite "comfort" in the Bible and it starts out by saying ..."Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going."
Now I promise you if you receive a diagnosis of cancer, one that the doctors will say is "treatable" but not curable, it will cause your mind to go off in a thousand different directions. So upon receiving that news, I immediately went back to this passage of scripture to be reminded, time and time again, that My God is greater than any diagnosis this doctor could possibly give me.
My Father, in Heaven, is preparing a place for me (and you, too). And when He has finished pounding the final nail, I will get to see it. Knowing that this 70 plus/minus years we are granted on earth is not the end, brings great joy to my heart. And it is the simple sentence in verse 16 where Jesus gives me the strength to continue day by day because He promised (even asking the Father) to send me a comforter, a helper, a Holy Spirit that would reside within me and give me strength and solitude for the days, weeks, months, and possibly, years to come.
I am truly grateful for my salvation and the promise that God has made to me. I have learned over the years that when you CANNOT trust anyone or anything else in life, YOU CAN TRUST GOD!
He continues in verse 17 to say that it ..."is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive..." You see, Jesus made that promise only to you and me. The world, short of salvation cannot receive this gift, it is reserved for those of us who have invited Christ to live in our hearts and lives.
Have you made that decision today? You can! And you can understand it. At the link www.nowwhut.org/4spiritual laws.htm there is a very easy to understand explanation of God's Plan for you. If you haven't read it, you might want to take a minute to do so.
Dave
Where Has "Humility" Gone?
Sunday, January 18, 2009
In today's society, with things like the "Obama" phenomenon have really taken some of the humility out of today's world. "We are the one" we hear often, never giving way to humility in the eyes of God. We should be careful to consider 1 Peter 5:5 where it says..."You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting your cares upon Him, for He cares for you" (vss. 6 & 7). Remember this is where we find the classic passage of scripture warning in verse 8 that ..."Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
Of course, our reward in verse 4 ..."And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory." Is your lack of humility "showing" today? Is your life exposed to the world yet protected by the Creator? I've heard it said "it's hard to be humble when your me!"
Over the past several years I have had the opportunity to learn about humility as I continue to grow closer and closer to God. Someday, and possibly very soon, we shall all stand before Him to give an account. Satan cannot touch me while I am humbled before the Lord.
Dave
In today's society, with things like the "Obama" phenomenon have really taken some of the humility out of today's world. "We are the one" we hear often, never giving way to humility in the eyes of God. We should be careful to consider 1 Peter 5:5 where it says..."You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting your cares upon Him, for He cares for you" (vss. 6 & 7). Remember this is where we find the classic passage of scripture warning in verse 8 that ..."Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
Of course, our reward in verse 4 ..."And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory." Is your lack of humility "showing" today? Is your life exposed to the world yet protected by the Creator? I've heard it said "it's hard to be humble when your me!"
Over the past several years I have had the opportunity to learn about humility as I continue to grow closer and closer to God. Someday, and possibly very soon, we shall all stand before Him to give an account. Satan cannot touch me while I am humbled before the Lord.
Dave
What Should We Say?
Saturday, January 17, 2009
John 12:11,12 brings the following encouragement: "And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not become anxious about how or what you should speak in your defense, or what you should say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say." The more we spend time "bathing" in the Word of God, the more the Holy Spirit can teach us. Today's world is so dangerous and "ripe" for action from our Lord and we need to be ready to speak the Truth of God at the "drop of a hat."
In the passage preceding this one, Jesus has used the analogy of the the five sparrows being sold for two cents, yet the Father's love is greater for us than for those five sparrows. He says that "...everyone who confesses Me before men, the Son of Man shall confess him also before the angels of God; but he who denies Me before men shall be denied before the angels of God" (Jn. 12:8,9).
Thus His advise in verses 11 & 12. And we know that our knowledge of God comes from the Holy Spirit and He teaches us more and more as we engulf ourselves in His Word.
That "prompting" you feel when you know you should say something to the person you are having a conversation with about God; that is the Holy Spirit, giving you knowledge and courage to speak out in His Name for the witness of Christ Jesus. The next time you feel it, just "blurt" it out. You don't become good at sharing your faith by "NOT" sharing your faith.
I remember them saying in Acts 4:20, "for we cannot stop speaking of what we have seen and heard" even facing the threat of losing their lives.
Say something to someone about Christ. It will do your heart good, not to mention being obedient to God Himself.
Dave
John 12:11,12 brings the following encouragement: "And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not become anxious about how or what you should speak in your defense, or what you should say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say." The more we spend time "bathing" in the Word of God, the more the Holy Spirit can teach us. Today's world is so dangerous and "ripe" for action from our Lord and we need to be ready to speak the Truth of God at the "drop of a hat."
In the passage preceding this one, Jesus has used the analogy of the the five sparrows being sold for two cents, yet the Father's love is greater for us than for those five sparrows. He says that "...everyone who confesses Me before men, the Son of Man shall confess him also before the angels of God; but he who denies Me before men shall be denied before the angels of God" (Jn. 12:8,9).
Thus His advise in verses 11 & 12. And we know that our knowledge of God comes from the Holy Spirit and He teaches us more and more as we engulf ourselves in His Word.
That "prompting" you feel when you know you should say something to the person you are having a conversation with about God; that is the Holy Spirit, giving you knowledge and courage to speak out in His Name for the witness of Christ Jesus. The next time you feel it, just "blurt" it out. You don't become good at sharing your faith by "NOT" sharing your faith.
I remember them saying in Acts 4:20, "for we cannot stop speaking of what we have seen and heard" even facing the threat of losing their lives.
Say something to someone about Christ. It will do your heart good, not to mention being obedient to God Himself.
Dave
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Strength and Peace
Friday, January 16, 2009
"The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace" (Psalm 29.11). Remember the trials we talked about a few days ago? Those are the things that God wants to give us the strength to survive. Some are difficult and some are ABSOLUTELY IMPOSSIBLE! Don't forget that He promised you the "strength to survive." Think about it. Some of the ordeals in your life have been really "rough" but you have indeed survived.
And then once you have used that strength to survive, He grants you "peace" so that you understand His love and His desire to "hover" over you. I appreciate being "hovered" over, don't you?
Dave
"The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace" (Psalm 29.11). Remember the trials we talked about a few days ago? Those are the things that God wants to give us the strength to survive. Some are difficult and some are ABSOLUTELY IMPOSSIBLE! Don't forget that He promised you the "strength to survive." Think about it. Some of the ordeals in your life have been really "rough" but you have indeed survived.
And then once you have used that strength to survive, He grants you "peace" so that you understand His love and His desire to "hover" over you. I appreciate being "hovered" over, don't you?
Dave
We Have Passed Out Of Death Into Life
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Here we have 5 specific passages of scripture to help someone understand the depth of their salvation. I heard someone once say, "How do you know, that you know, that you know, that you are saved." These were just a handful of scriptures that he shared:
1 John 3:9..."No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God" (we all have "shortcomings" but do we continue them after conviction; it needs to be dealt with).
1 John 3:14..."We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death" (John's entire emphasis on Christ is based on His love for us and our love for one another).
1 John 4:13..."By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit" (do you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life? If you trust Christ, His Spirit dwells in you).
1 John 4:14..."And we have beheld and bear witness that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world (this is the message that has been preached for centuries, that Jesus came into the world to save sinners).
1 John 5:4..."For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world -- our faith" (I am most thankful for this promise. From the day I was told about my cancer up to this moment in time, I have been confident in my health because I AM BORN OF GOD and He has overcome the world, just for me).
Dave
Here we have 5 specific passages of scripture to help someone understand the depth of their salvation. I heard someone once say, "How do you know, that you know, that you know, that you are saved." These were just a handful of scriptures that he shared:
1 John 3:9..."No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God" (we all have "shortcomings" but do we continue them after conviction; it needs to be dealt with).
1 John 3:14..."We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death" (John's entire emphasis on Christ is based on His love for us and our love for one another).
1 John 4:13..."By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit" (do you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life? If you trust Christ, His Spirit dwells in you).
1 John 4:14..."And we have beheld and bear witness that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world (this is the message that has been preached for centuries, that Jesus came into the world to save sinners).
1 John 5:4..."For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world -- our faith" (I am most thankful for this promise. From the day I was told about my cancer up to this moment in time, I have been confident in my health because I AM BORN OF GOD and He has overcome the world, just for me).
Dave
The Lord Hears And Delivers
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
As you can see, I am trying to write something daily about God and you probably won't even read this for a few days. It's because Barb and I took our "home on wheels" to Cardiff by the sea for a few days of "sand surfing." As soon as we find internet service, I will post these devotions.
We all need some time away so as soon as you get a chance, even if its hard to afford, take a vacation. Get some rest. The coming battle the Lord has planned for us will be exhausting and you will need your strength.
Today the scripture passage is Psalm 34:17-19 and it says..."The righteous cry and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, And saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous; But the Lord delivers him out of them all."
There are a couple of very good promises here to see and appreciate. First of all the Lord hears the righteous cry. Who are the righteous? Do you have Jesus in your heart? Then you are the righteous! And because you are righteous, He delivers you out of all your troubles. I know. Sometimes we don't recognize the activities in our lives as deliverance but it is just the same. Don't mix words or try to make it more difficult to understand than it is. The Lord delivers us our of our troubles and it is not always easy to see the results (sometimes it is not noticed for years).
Secondly, we get "crushed in spirit" almost daily. Something happens to us and suddenly we feel like someone just crushed us into the pavement like a finished cigarette. But the Lord, your God is watching over your brokenheartedness, and He knows just exactly what you need. He gave up His Son for you; He knows a little bit about broken hearts.
Finally, He delivers us out of all the afflictions. Now look closely at the key word in this sentence..."ALL". He restores our hearts from some afflictions before we even know we have been affected.
Keep in mind that you may not always like the method of deliverance; I remember the children of God complaining to Moses in the wilderness about not having enough to eat and they had just been "snatched" out of Pharaoh's wrath. God loves you with a love that is incomprehensible. Accept that love and spend an eternity in heaven. I'd be happy to tell you how.
Dave
As you can see, I am trying to write something daily about God and you probably won't even read this for a few days. It's because Barb and I took our "home on wheels" to Cardiff by the sea for a few days of "sand surfing." As soon as we find internet service, I will post these devotions.
We all need some time away so as soon as you get a chance, even if its hard to afford, take a vacation. Get some rest. The coming battle the Lord has planned for us will be exhausting and you will need your strength.
Today the scripture passage is Psalm 34:17-19 and it says..."The righteous cry and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, And saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous; But the Lord delivers him out of them all."
There are a couple of very good promises here to see and appreciate. First of all the Lord hears the righteous cry. Who are the righteous? Do you have Jesus in your heart? Then you are the righteous! And because you are righteous, He delivers you out of all your troubles. I know. Sometimes we don't recognize the activities in our lives as deliverance but it is just the same. Don't mix words or try to make it more difficult to understand than it is. The Lord delivers us our of our troubles and it is not always easy to see the results (sometimes it is not noticed for years).
Secondly, we get "crushed in spirit" almost daily. Something happens to us and suddenly we feel like someone just crushed us into the pavement like a finished cigarette. But the Lord, your God is watching over your brokenheartedness, and He knows just exactly what you need. He gave up His Son for you; He knows a little bit about broken hearts.
Finally, He delivers us out of all the afflictions. Now look closely at the key word in this sentence..."ALL". He restores our hearts from some afflictions before we even know we have been affected.
Keep in mind that you may not always like the method of deliverance; I remember the children of God complaining to Moses in the wilderness about not having enough to eat and they had just been "snatched" out of Pharaoh's wrath. God loves you with a love that is incomprehensible. Accept that love and spend an eternity in heaven. I'd be happy to tell you how.
Dave
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
"For They Shall See God"
In the Sermon on the Mount there stands out, such a precious line, One little sentence. Eleven little words that create the greatest possible joy in the life of a Christian man or woman. It simply says..."Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." For years I have cried out to see God. I love God. I want to fellowship with God. I want to be with God. I want to kneel before Him and offer Him the worship He deserves for the salvation He purchased for me.
Focusing on the "key" thought in this verse, I look at it as being the phrase "pure in heart" even though we all are in a continual state of sin and disappointment for God. Am I "pure in heart?" I don't believe so for a minute. Just like the Apostle Paul, (the things I should be doing I do not do and those things I shouldn't be doing are always at the top of my "to do" list ((paraphrased)).
Seems like every other step, is a step in the WRONG direction where God is concerned. However, God made this one thing very clear to me and it became the greatest reality upon being diagnosed with cancer. "I sent my Son to die for you so you would be pure in heart." God sacrificed Jesus so I would be pure in heart. I am, indeed, A CHILD OF THE KING, pure in heart with a love for God that is unending. And every time I fall down He reaches down and picks me up and says to me, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see Me!"
What a precious promise. If your reading this devotion, I'd like to know if you can say the same. I AM A CHILD OF THE KING! Looking for your feedback!
Dave
Focusing on the "key" thought in this verse, I look at it as being the phrase "pure in heart" even though we all are in a continual state of sin and disappointment for God. Am I "pure in heart?" I don't believe so for a minute. Just like the Apostle Paul, (the things I should be doing I do not do and those things I shouldn't be doing are always at the top of my "to do" list ((paraphrased)).
Seems like every other step, is a step in the WRONG direction where God is concerned. However, God made this one thing very clear to me and it became the greatest reality upon being diagnosed with cancer. "I sent my Son to die for you so you would be pure in heart." God sacrificed Jesus so I would be pure in heart. I am, indeed, A CHILD OF THE KING, pure in heart with a love for God that is unending. And every time I fall down He reaches down and picks me up and says to me, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see Me!"
What a precious promise. If your reading this devotion, I'd like to know if you can say the same. I AM A CHILD OF THE KING! Looking for your feedback!
Dave
Monday, January 12, 2009
Your Word Is Your Bond!
In Matthew 12:37, Jesus speaking says..."For by your words you shall be justified and by your words you shall be condemned." Is this true in your life? If you tell someone that you will do something, can they depend on you to see that it is done? So many times in our lives we make promises we cannot keep, not because that is our desire but rather because we "over-extend" ourselves. Most of the time when someone asks me to pray for them, I try my best to do it at that very moment because our lives are SO FULL OF EVERYTHING that anything can be forgotten and when our brothers and sisters need prayer, most times they need it NOW!
Jesus wants to help develop character in our lives so He encourages us to let our word be our bond. If you make a commitment, make every effort to see it through. I read a great book a few years back by Bill Hybels and it was "Who You Are When No One Is Looking." I enjoyed and learned a great deal from this writing.
Just one verse earlier Jesus makes a very hard statement. "And I say to you, that every careless word that men shall speak, they shall render account for it in the day of judgment."
Let your "Yes" be Yes and your "No" be no. Is your word your bond? As you speak, you are developing character. Thanks for listening.
Maranatha Lord Jesus,
Dave
Jesus wants to help develop character in our lives so He encourages us to let our word be our bond. If you make a commitment, make every effort to see it through. I read a great book a few years back by Bill Hybels and it was "Who You Are When No One Is Looking." I enjoyed and learned a great deal from this writing.
Just one verse earlier Jesus makes a very hard statement. "And I say to you, that every careless word that men shall speak, they shall render account for it in the day of judgment."
Let your "Yes" be Yes and your "No" be no. Is your word your bond? As you speak, you are developing character. Thanks for listening.
Maranatha Lord Jesus,
Dave
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The Day Of Christ
I was very glad to come to this passage of scripture tonight. It is Philippians 1:6 and it says..."For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."
Philippians is the most personal of Paul's writings. You can feel it "breathe" confidence and strong personal attachment. What is dominant in this letter is Paul's joy. It reveals the apostle Paul as being radiant in the midst of the storms and stresses of life. And this is what he wishes for us.
He is confident of the "good work began in us" and feels strongly that it will continue to grow until Christ comes for us. And with his teachings, he believes that no matter what trial we face, with the Love of Christ in our hearts, we can overcome.
Some of us, as we grow, get sick, have financial problems, and face a multitude of other difficulties in life that "throw us for a loop" from time to time. But Paul says, "I have confidence...in Christ's work in you." Sometimes I "yearn" for Christ to return. Sometimes I actually ask Him to come and take us to our reward and away from these tribulations, but it is the good work that is being perfected in us that keeps us going.
In just a couple verses down he says "For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus" (Phil 1:8). It is the "good works He began in us" that gives us the love that Paul expresses here. What is important to you today? I am trying, always, to make that most important thing in my life, my love for Christ.
God's Peace...Dave
Philippians is the most personal of Paul's writings. You can feel it "breathe" confidence and strong personal attachment. What is dominant in this letter is Paul's joy. It reveals the apostle Paul as being radiant in the midst of the storms and stresses of life. And this is what he wishes for us.
He is confident of the "good work began in us" and feels strongly that it will continue to grow until Christ comes for us. And with his teachings, he believes that no matter what trial we face, with the Love of Christ in our hearts, we can overcome.
Some of us, as we grow, get sick, have financial problems, and face a multitude of other difficulties in life that "throw us for a loop" from time to time. But Paul says, "I have confidence...in Christ's work in you." Sometimes I "yearn" for Christ to return. Sometimes I actually ask Him to come and take us to our reward and away from these tribulations, but it is the good work that is being perfected in us that keeps us going.
In just a couple verses down he says "For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus" (Phil 1:8). It is the "good works He began in us" that gives us the love that Paul expresses here. What is important to you today? I am trying, always, to make that most important thing in my life, my love for Christ.
God's Peace...Dave
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Seek Him With All Your Heart
Did you know that Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible? It has a lot to say and 176 verses to say it in. But what I noticed tonight was the first two verses that say..."How blessed are those whose way is blameless, Who walk in the law of the Lord. How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, Who seek Him with all their heart" (Psalm 119:1,2).
It was the phrase "Who seek Him with all their heart" that caught my eye. As believers is Christ we all try our best to remain blameless, even if it is just moment by moment. And when we are trying, we are loving walking in the law "with" the Lord. What a special time in our lives when we are one with our Creator. And it is this walk with God, that will eventually bring us to our reward from the Lord. Heaven and our reward awaits us when we arrive.
But do you ever see those who are seeking their reward here or earth? Sorry to sound negative but there are some Christians (true Christians) who are seriously and constantly seeking the approval of man and looking for their reward from mankind. Jesus Himself says that they have "indeed" received their reward (Matt. 6:2,6,16).
As you seek God, seek Him "with all your heart" and when you finally arrive home to your eternity, I assure you that you will NOT be sorry that you did.
Dave
It was the phrase "Who seek Him with all their heart" that caught my eye. As believers is Christ we all try our best to remain blameless, even if it is just moment by moment. And when we are trying, we are loving walking in the law "with" the Lord. What a special time in our lives when we are one with our Creator. And it is this walk with God, that will eventually bring us to our reward from the Lord. Heaven and our reward awaits us when we arrive.
But do you ever see those who are seeking their reward here or earth? Sorry to sound negative but there are some Christians (true Christians) who are seriously and constantly seeking the approval of man and looking for their reward from mankind. Jesus Himself says that they have "indeed" received their reward (Matt. 6:2,6,16).
As you seek God, seek Him "with all your heart" and when you finally arrive home to your eternity, I assure you that you will NOT be sorry that you did.
Dave
Friday, January 9, 2009
Freedom In Christ
In 2 Corinthians 3:17, the Word of God says..."Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." What a precious statement of fact. You know where the Spirit is? In our hearts! What does that mean? It means we have "liberty" in Christ Jesus! "Praise The Lord." We have liberty in Christ.
I looked up the word liberty in the dictionary tonight and one of the definitions is "freedom from captivity, confinement, or physical restraint" and an example of the use of liberty is "The prisoner regained his liberty." That's what we gained when we accepted Christ. Our liberty!
What gift can be more precious to each one of us? Thank God and rejoice in the "Liberty" you have in Christ Jesus. That is the best indicator that the Spirit dwells within you.
Hope your day is great. Mine will be.
Dave
I looked up the word liberty in the dictionary tonight and one of the definitions is "freedom from captivity, confinement, or physical restraint" and an example of the use of liberty is "The prisoner regained his liberty." That's what we gained when we accepted Christ. Our liberty!
What gift can be more precious to each one of us? Thank God and rejoice in the "Liberty" you have in Christ Jesus. That is the best indicator that the Spirit dwells within you.
Hope your day is great. Mine will be.
Dave
Thursday, January 8, 2009
"Do you know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you" (1 Corinthians 3:16)? How do we wrap our heads around that passage of scripture? Is it true? Is it possible for our bodies to be the temple of God? WITHOUT A DOUBT! When a person recognizes his or her sin, repents of it, the next step is to invite Christ to dwell within our hearts; and wouldn't you want it that way?
The God of the Universe resides within my heart. He prompts me to minister to those in need. He leads me toward righteousness, and He CONVICTS me when I find myself knee deep in sin. Isn't that what we want? A presence that will watch out for our every need and immediately supply solutions for those needs?
You (if you truly know Christ as your Savior and Lord) are a dwelling place (sanctuary) for Jesus Christ to be the centerpiece of your life. This should bring you great joy. And of course it should drastically affect the way you lead your life. And if you are not a true believer, you should be very concerned. Because in life there is only "Good & Evil" which naturally backs the theory of a "Heaven & Hell."
Consider these comments very carefully because they could mean the difference between Heaven & Hell for you. This is very serious business. And if you believe there is nothing waiting for you after your death, all I can say is you better hope your right. Otherwise your eternity might just get a "little warm".
Dave
The God of the Universe resides within my heart. He prompts me to minister to those in need. He leads me toward righteousness, and He CONVICTS me when I find myself knee deep in sin. Isn't that what we want? A presence that will watch out for our every need and immediately supply solutions for those needs?
You (if you truly know Christ as your Savior and Lord) are a dwelling place (sanctuary) for Jesus Christ to be the centerpiece of your life. This should bring you great joy. And of course it should drastically affect the way you lead your life. And if you are not a true believer, you should be very concerned. Because in life there is only "Good & Evil" which naturally backs the theory of a "Heaven & Hell."
Consider these comments very carefully because they could mean the difference between Heaven & Hell for you. This is very serious business. And if you believe there is nothing waiting for you after your death, all I can say is you better hope your right. Otherwise your eternity might just get a "little warm".
Dave
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Look Toward The Heavens
Hebrews 10:37 says..."FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE, HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME AND WILL NOT DELAY." Isn't it ironic that this verse would come before us at just such a time as this. Look at the world today. Look at the mess. Look at the "thinkers" in our government who are trying desperately to figure out what to do.
Way back when John the Baptist was spending his time in prison he sent word to the Lord asking "Are you the Expected One, or should we be looking for someone else?" So many of the prophetic words have been fulfilled and here we sit, waiting for the Lord's return.
Keep looking up, my Christian brothers and sisters because Jesus promised that the day would come when He would return for His church. We may be so much closer to the return of Christ than we realize. Turn your attention toward the things of God and be at peace.
You have neighbors and friends, loved ones and those you don't love so much that still need to here a Word from God that only you can deliver. Romans 10: 9 & 10 is another good scripture to share as you go throughout your day.
Dave
Way back when John the Baptist was spending his time in prison he sent word to the Lord asking "Are you the Expected One, or should we be looking for someone else?" So many of the prophetic words have been fulfilled and here we sit, waiting for the Lord's return.
Keep looking up, my Christian brothers and sisters because Jesus promised that the day would come when He would return for His church. We may be so much closer to the return of Christ than we realize. Turn your attention toward the things of God and be at peace.
You have neighbors and friends, loved ones and those you don't love so much that still need to here a Word from God that only you can deliver. Romans 10: 9 & 10 is another good scripture to share as you go throughout your day.
Dave
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Set Your Mind On God
Romans 8:6 says..."For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the spirit is life and peace." The writer continues to say that the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God because it is not subject to the laws of God so it is impossible to please God.
You know it really is not difficult to live in this world and keep a Godly perspective about life. According to the scripture, simply set your mind on the spirit and allow His direction for each step of the day. We try not to sin each day and the best way is to continually be mindful of the Spirit that resides within you.
I just joined a group of people who believe that they can find 10 million Christians on Facebook. Let's not lose sight of the fact that we are looking for those who's lives have been COMPLETELY turned over to God. Most of America considers itself Christian but what if they had a gun to their head. Would they feel and truly confess the same. These are the 10 million that are being searched for. Harsh words for today's society but God's not looking for "quitters" when times get really tough (and they will).
Is your mind set on the flesh or the spirit? It cannot be both!
Dave
You know it really is not difficult to live in this world and keep a Godly perspective about life. According to the scripture, simply set your mind on the spirit and allow His direction for each step of the day. We try not to sin each day and the best way is to continually be mindful of the Spirit that resides within you.
I just joined a group of people who believe that they can find 10 million Christians on Facebook. Let's not lose sight of the fact that we are looking for those who's lives have been COMPLETELY turned over to God. Most of America considers itself Christian but what if they had a gun to their head. Would they feel and truly confess the same. These are the 10 million that are being searched for. Harsh words for today's society but God's not looking for "quitters" when times get really tough (and they will).
Is your mind set on the flesh or the spirit? It cannot be both!
Dave
Monday, January 5, 2009
Show Us the Father!
In John 14:8 Philip says to Jesus..." Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us." Where is his faith. Jesus say..." Have you been with me so long and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father..." We seem to want to see one proof after another about the existence of Jesus Christ.
Remember when the Lord was in the wilderness for 40 days and nights? Satan came to Christ and says to throw Himself down upon the rocks and God's Angels in heaven would surely "swoop" down and save Him from imminent destruction? So what if Jesus said, Okay, Satan, here I go. Watch closely now! Always looking for that little glimpse of a miraculous scenery that will seal our faith? Well somewhere down the road Jesus would have had to jump off a HIGHER cliff just to prove He is who He says He is!
Jesus went on to say in John 14...Believe in Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me; otherwise believe on account of the works themselves. "Truly truly I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he shall do also; AND GREATER WORKS THAN THESE HE SHALL DO (emphasized); because I go to the Father."
Jesus has given us the power to move mountains and we cannot even believe ourselves out of a witnessing situation. We shared with a server at dinner last night and later he came back to say thanks for the information. He was a believer in the Lord and it was refreshing to see someone "stretch" their faith without having to "jump of a cliff."
Don't miss the opportunity.
Dave
Remember when the Lord was in the wilderness for 40 days and nights? Satan came to Christ and says to throw Himself down upon the rocks and God's Angels in heaven would surely "swoop" down and save Him from imminent destruction? So what if Jesus said, Okay, Satan, here I go. Watch closely now! Always looking for that little glimpse of a miraculous scenery that will seal our faith? Well somewhere down the road Jesus would have had to jump off a HIGHER cliff just to prove He is who He says He is!
Jesus went on to say in John 14...Believe in Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me; otherwise believe on account of the works themselves. "Truly truly I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he shall do also; AND GREATER WORKS THAN THESE HE SHALL DO (emphasized); because I go to the Father."
Jesus has given us the power to move mountains and we cannot even believe ourselves out of a witnessing situation. We shared with a server at dinner last night and later he came back to say thanks for the information. He was a believer in the Lord and it was refreshing to see someone "stretch" their faith without having to "jump of a cliff."
Don't miss the opportunity.
Dave
Sunday, January 4, 2009
A Blessing From Paul
In 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Paul says..."Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, wthout blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." In retrospect, looking into what Paul was saying here as he closes out his letter to Thessalonica he adds a line that causes one to think about his or her relationship to Christ.
He devotes all of his time to sharing all of the reasons why we should become Christians and then ends his letter by asking God to "bless and sanctify your entirely" sounding a little like he is taking some liberty here and suggesting that some of those he spoke to asked Jesus to reside in their heart.
And he follows it up with..."faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass." In my way of thinking, Paul must be rejoicing in the souls who surrendered to Christ. What a joy that is. I have been in the presence of some who have given their heart to Christ and it is truely Majestic and always gives me "chills" just to see people as the meet Jesus.
Truely a magical moment in your life. Try it sometime, you'll like it. It only take a few memorized verses to lead one of Christ's "little ones" home.
Dave
He devotes all of his time to sharing all of the reasons why we should become Christians and then ends his letter by asking God to "bless and sanctify your entirely" sounding a little like he is taking some liberty here and suggesting that some of those he spoke to asked Jesus to reside in their heart.
And he follows it up with..."faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass." In my way of thinking, Paul must be rejoicing in the souls who surrendered to Christ. What a joy that is. I have been in the presence of some who have given their heart to Christ and it is truely Majestic and always gives me "chills" just to see people as the meet Jesus.
Truely a magical moment in your life. Try it sometime, you'll like it. It only take a few memorized verses to lead one of Christ's "little ones" home.
Dave
Saturday, January 3, 2009
"Come to Me"
Matthew 11:28 says..."Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Here we find one of the more simple invitations to come to salvation in Jesus Christ. A genuine call to repentance and a new life with Christ from the Savior Himself.
Is there someone who does not need to respond to this invitation. Only if that person has already decided he wishes Hell as his final place (where I am sure there will be no resting). You and I walk past and even brush shoulders with people who have yet to accept this invitation.
Jesus says..."Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and YOU SHALL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOUL." Can we truly just walk by these poor lost souls and say absolutely nothing? I suggest that we cannot if we choose to be obedient to God's Word.
Jesus came into the world to allow us to take His yoke upon ourselves and He says..."For My yoke is easy, and My load is light." Life is tough. How's your "Yoke" hanging today. Take His and then go tell someone.
Dave
Is there someone who does not need to respond to this invitation. Only if that person has already decided he wishes Hell as his final place (where I am sure there will be no resting). You and I walk past and even brush shoulders with people who have yet to accept this invitation.
Jesus says..."Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and YOU SHALL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOUL." Can we truly just walk by these poor lost souls and say absolutely nothing? I suggest that we cannot if we choose to be obedient to God's Word.
Jesus came into the world to allow us to take His yoke upon ourselves and He says..."For My yoke is easy, and My load is light." Life is tough. How's your "Yoke" hanging today. Take His and then go tell someone.
Dave
Friday, January 2, 2009
Shining Brightly like the brightness of the Expanse of Heaven!
Daniel 12:3 says..."And those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever."
Are you one of those who know God's plan and don't bother to share it with others? Or do you "shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven?" God has commanded us to "Go" and to "Share" His plan with others. It is very possible that the person you are standing/sitting next to is clueless about the things of God and the only way he or she has a chance for heaven is in your hands.
You know the truth, so open your mouth an "let it fly". Even the blind man said..."I don't know anything. I only know that once I was blind, and now I see"(paraphrased). This may be your chance to "shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven."
Take courage and share your faith today. Look around you and see how the world is falling apart . Your chances may become fewer and fewer.
Dave
Are you one of those who know God's plan and don't bother to share it with others? Or do you "shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven?" God has commanded us to "Go" and to "Share" His plan with others. It is very possible that the person you are standing/sitting next to is clueless about the things of God and the only way he or she has a chance for heaven is in your hands.
You know the truth, so open your mouth an "let it fly". Even the blind man said..."I don't know anything. I only know that once I was blind, and now I see"(paraphrased). This may be your chance to "shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven."
Take courage and share your faith today. Look around you and see how the world is falling apart . Your chances may become fewer and fewer.
Dave
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Face to Face
In 2 John 12, the Apostle John wrote..."Having many things to write to you, I do not want to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that your joy may be made full." Even back then, the Apostle knew the joy of sharing the Gospel "face to face".
Find someone to share your faith with today. What great joy it will bring to your heart. As the time of Christ draws near to us, draw your strength from Him. Jesus is the only road to salvation. Do not be decieved.
Dave
Find someone to share your faith with today. What great joy it will bring to your heart. As the time of Christ draws near to us, draw your strength from Him. Jesus is the only road to salvation. Do not be decieved.
Dave
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