Bible Names For Jesus Christ: "Hope of Glory"

"To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27).  I am a Gentile.  And I, for one, am grateful that God's main purpose for the Apostle Paul was to reach out to those of us that are not descended from the Jews.  Otherwise, I may not be sitting here writing to you this morning.  I am grateful for the Salvation that was so richly bestowed upon me, regardless of my worthiness.  I feel as though I am one of those people who could never find enough words, or efforts, or praise, for the one who died in my place.

As the Apostle Paul wrote his letters that eventually made their way into the written word, his "flavor" was that of this title "The Hope Of Glory" because as he "bobbed a day and night in the sea", as he was "beat with rods",  as he was "shipwrecked", as he was "let down in a basket" to escape, as he experienced life as an enemy of the religious establishment, he continued to share the "Hope of Glory" with all his churches and people he ran across throughout his ministry in life.  I would be grateful for an accolade such as that.

Knowing Christ as our Savior is an assurance of living eternity with "The Hope Of Glory" which is what Paul referred to Christ as here in Colossians 1: 27.  When we "Hope" for something it means that we look forward to, with great expectation, to that very fulfillment.  Paul actually says in this verse, "Christ in you" is your Hope of Glory. 

You can be certain that heaven awaits you if you have this constant presence of Jesus Christ in your life.

Here are a couple of other scripture verses to reflect on related to Jesus Christ as our "Hope of Glory":

• "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope" (Ro. 15:13)
• "Be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard" (Col. 1: 23)
• "Being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life" (Titus 3: 7)

Dave

Bible Names For Jesus Christ: "God With Us"

When I think of the phrase "God with us" I think of the Christmas season because during this time of year, this name for Jesus Christ is one of the most popular.  It is actually the word "Immanuel" or "Emmanuel" and the name is foretold in Luke 1:31 where it is said: "And behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus."  And of course, the name Jesus is referrenced back to Isaiah 7:14 which says, "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel."

Centuries before Joseph and Mary would even arrive on the scene, the prophet Isaiah would be proclaiming the name of Christ as Immanuel, God with us!  Matthew 1:23 actually gives us the literal translation "God with us."  What a celebration of a Savior arriving, "God with us!"  Are there times in your Christian walk when you feel so alone that you can hear absolutely nothing?  Remember "God with us"!  Immanuel/Emmanuel was the gift given to mankind with the reassurance that God is with us.  Kind of hard to overlook as a Christian brother or sister, huh?

Listen to this promise quoted from Psalm 139: 9,10 where David says, "If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me".  A couple of months ago a niece of mine wrote me an email asking me about "Eternal Security".  I wish I would have referred her to such a passage as this as it is so simply illustrated.

Naturally these promises of God were realized in His Son Jesus Christ, arriving as a little "babe in a manger" a normal human being, born of normal human parents to grow up around His people and hurt, bleed and cry with them, only to find His way, eventually to an old dirty rugged cross, to pay the ultimate sacrifice in order to be known as "God with us."  Can you close your eyes and see these truths?

And it is very fitting that the Gospel of Matthew begins with the confirmation that we have "God with us" (Immanuel/Emmanuel) and also fitting that the same Gospel should end with these words: "And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age"  (Matt. 2820).

I found this very fitting fourth century expression by Saint Patrick:  "Christ be beside me, Christ be before me, Christ be behind me, King of my heart;  Christ be within me, Christ be below me, Christ be above me, never to part.  Christ on my right hand, Christ on my left hand, Christ all around me, shield in the strife;  Christ in my sleeping, Christ in my sitting, Christ in my rising, light of my life."

Are you experiencing some difficulties tonight that you do not know how to work through?  Remember this promise from "God with us":  "I am with you and will rescue you" (Jeremiah 1:8)

Dave

Bible Names For Jesus Christ: "Friend of Publicans and Sinners"

One would think that here would be a good place to use the word "Flesh" as Jesus Christ was referred to as "Flesh" however, I believe that more appropriately is the phrase "Friend of Publicans and Sinners."

Jesus Christ said in Mark 2:17, "They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick; I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.)  Now here is an action verse that we can sink our teeth into.  After all, at the end of Christ's earthly ministry, His call to us was to lead the way of a sinful world to a loving Savior.

Jesus took it on the chin, so to speak because He was constantly found with the Publicians and Sinners of the world.  But Jesus Christ took the criticism of those who would throw rocks at Him, as a compliment.  These are the people He came to pour out His love for (so if you find yourself taking on "rocks" for Christ, consider it a compliment)!

In some of His final thoughts in the Gospel of John, Jesus says to them, "Henceforth I call you not servants...but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my father I have made known unto you" (John 15:15).

Be sure to check out Matthew 11:19.

Dave

Bible Names For Jesus Christ: "Everlasting Light"

As you look into the following verse you can see the prophet Isaiah looking ahead to the end time, when Christ will dwell with His people in heaven:  "The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee; but the Lord shall be unto the an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory" (Isaiah 60:19).  It is the Apostle John who picks up on this prophecy of Isaiah's in Revelation 21:23 and in 22:5).

You may recall back on the second day of creation that God echoed these words: "Let there be light, and there was light" however there was no sun or moon yet created.  It is Jesus Christ who will provide the life-giving, luminous body for the light we will have in eternity.  Scientists predict that the sun will burn out in about five billion years, however the light of Jesus Christ will be from everlasting to everlasting.

When the sun finally drys up, grows dark and eventually disappears it will be the reign of Jesus that will continue to be our "light".

Dave

Bible Names For Jesus Christ: "Deliverer"

"and thus all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob."" (Romans 11:26 NASB).  Here Paul is referring back to Psalm 14:7 which is a messianic psalm written many years before.  The salvation of God's people would come from Zion, or Jerusalem.  Jesus being born in Bethlehem and not Jerusalem makes this an unusual reference to the Messiah, however Jesus was crucified and resurrected in Jerusalem. 

Another reference to this passage and the name of "Deliverer" was that this is where the day of Pentecost was born which can be seen in Acts 2:1-41).

As "The Deliverer" He is the finished work performing the rescue of us from our sin.  His action is what set us free from the guilt that associates us with our sin and separates us from God.  He constantly delivers us from that evil one, Satan, who continues to tempt us to fall back into our old life (Eph. 6:11-13).  And of course, Galatians 1:4 helps us to see that when He comes for His church, He will deliver us from a world of sin and claim us as His own.

God Himself is referred to as "The Deliverer" in the Old Testament but His work continues in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Dave

Bible Names For Jesus Christ: "Carpenter"

Of all the names we read about Jesus in the Bible, I believe that "Carpenter" is one of the most recognizable ones.  We know that Jesus learned His skill from His father, Joseph (His earthly father).  The name used here was mostly used in a negative way but actually the name showed His honor and dignity.  I can envision that Jesus probably worked side-by-side with His father in the carpentry shop and He probably kept this profession for fifteen to twenty years until His public ministry began as we can see in Luke 3:23 where it says, "And when He began His ministry, Jesus Himself was about thirty years of age..."

Jesus gave dignity to labor as one working with His hands and along side the common man.  It is no wonder that the "common people enjoyed listening to him gladly" in Mark 12:37.  Jesus Christ spoke in a language they understood and used parables in everyday life to teach.

Jesus Christ was called "The Carpenter from Nazareth" because His teachings could reach the common man.  He was also referred to as "The Carpenter's Son."

Dave

Bible Names For Jesus Christ. "Bread

Back in antiquity, bread was a main source of sustenance for life and therefore a very important part of everyday life.  You may remember that back in Exodus the Lord kept His people alive by supplying them with "manna from heaven" a bread substitute, so that they would not starve.  Once again, providing the very "essentials" of life to His children.

You might want to read up on the Feast of Unleavened Bread in Exodus 13:3-10).  The bread was "unleavened" because they didn't have the time to allow the bread to rise, therefore "unleavened" or yeast-less bread.  Another passage discussing unleavened bread is found in Numbers 1:6-9).  And of course, just as Jesus provided food for them in the wilderness, He also provides spiritual sustenance for His people today.  God's Word is referred to as "The Bread of life".  Jesus Christ continues to provide this life giving substance to those claiming Him as their Savior and declares in John 6:58, "Not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead:  he that eats of this bread shall live for ever".  The emphasis is on living on the Word of God.

Jesus used four different names for Himself that involve the imagery of bread in John 6.  He refers to the "Bread of Heaven" and "the bread of God.  He also mentions "the bread of life and "living bread".

However mentioned, it is important that Jesus Christ was the supplier and sustainer of life for those who wandered in the desert and He is still providing that support in His Holy Word today.  Pick up the book and see if you don't feel fed from His spiritual inspiration.

And of course we would be unwise if we failed to mention the "miracle of the five loaves and two small fish", which Jesus turned into a feast for over 5,000 people in John 6.  What an important name for our Lord as He daily feeds us from His Holy Word.  Wanna bite?  Open God's word and have a snack.

Dave

Bible Names For Jesus Christ! "Advocate"

For more years than I can remember, I have been impressed with the many names given in God's Word for, not only God, but for Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit as well. I thought it might be nice to write a little about some of the names given to our God.

In our legal system, when you find yourself in trouble with the law, you acquire an attorney and you tell your attorney the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. It is important, no matter what the situation, that your attorney know what is the "absolute" truth of your case. This way, and this way only can the defendants attorney adequately represent his client.

That brings me to one of the names given to our Lord, Jesus Christ which is an "Advocate". I looked up the word Advocate in the dictionary and these are the main definitions I found: 1. a person who speaks or writes in support or defense of a person or cause; an advocate of peace. 2. a person who pleads for or in behalf of another; intercessor. 3. a person who pleads the cause of another in a court of law.

John the Apostle, in his very first epistle wrote "If we confess our sins, His is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9 NIV). This is why, Christians MUST be honest with the Lord when we encounter sin, if it is our intention to have Him as our "Advocate.  Just one more thought:  Here is another scriptural truth about our heavenly "defense attorney" which says, "My little children, these things write I unto you, that you may not sin.  And if anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." (1 John 2:1 NASB)

Dave

A Moment Of Weakness!

It appears that I need to apologize and explain a previous "rant" in which (being a stronger Christian than that), I allowed Satan to get a "foothold" to my emotions concerning my extended family (siblings) and I got carried away.

I know that with Christ, I am a much stronger person.  In fact, I had just set up a system of future devotions to display for our Lord, and in a time of weakness, "I fell".  That's about the only way I can express it.  I took God's responsibility out of His hands and decided for myself what their punishment would be.  I know that those of you who follow my blog know what kind of person I am and can understand the lapse in emotional stamina.  Please let me say how sorry I am that I "vomited" all over such a beautiful work of God because I was upset and literally devastated by other's behavior.  I had no right.  Please forgive me. 

I am placing this word of apology right over that blog so that it is completely gone from my work.  In my lapse of strength, this is all I should have said:

I know that Jesus Christ, stepped down from His throne in Heaven, and came to earth as a helpless little child.  He lived among us for some 33 sinless years.  He freely gave His life to die for our sins.  Was crucified, buried and His body lay in a borrowed tomb for 3 days while His spirit went to "hell" and freed those captive and then at the right moment, He rose from the grave (a feat no other human being has been able to do).  Presently He sits at the right hand of the Father making intersession for you and me.  Someday,  and probably very soon, He's coming back for those of us who have surrendered our hearts to Him. 

If you haven't taken that step yet, I would consider it soon as it looks very close now.  I love God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  I hope you do t

If you can find it in your heart to forgive me, I am working on several devotions about the "Names Of Jesus Christ"  This will be a Hugh undertaking and I want and request your prayers of support.

Once again, having made peace with God over the situation, I would simply ask you to remember I am human and sometimes my emotions are stronger than my "fingers" and I didn't mean to offend anyone.

I love you all,

Dave

Fellowship

Finally we come to "Fellowship".  Fellowship with the saints of God.  Where would we be or where could we go without the fellowship and encouragement of other Christian men and women?  I think, "Nowhere!"

We are constantly encourage to join into fellowship with other believers.  After all, isn't that where we develop our Christian walk and learn how to speak to God and how to hear from Him?  The Bible says "do not forsake the assembling of the saints" (paraphrased).

The Christian that is Spirit directed enjoys the fellowship with God's people all over the world.  He enjoys a great love for the Church (body of believers) and he involves himself in it.  With this involvement he succeeds in helping to spread the Great Commission throughout the planet.

If you are not in fellowship with other believers, I believe that you are probably "out of your work area" so to speak.  This is the stuff that tough saints are made of i.e: Fellowship--this is what energizes you to "go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."  Matt. 28:19,20.

Here are some additional verses to review:  2 Cor. 13:11; Eph. 5:18-21; Phil. 2:1-4; 1 Thess. 2:8-12.

So we have taken the time to review eleven attributes or characteristics of the Christian man and woman and they are Faith, Stewardship, Power, Prayer, Obedience, Direction, Action, Love, Vision, Leadership, and Fellowship.  Naturally there can be others but these are of "Natural Growth Experience". 

As the great Wizard of Oz once said, "NOW GO!"

Love ya,

Dave

As a point of reference, all of the information I submitted in these 11 devotions came directly from my New American Standard Bible.

Leadership

What is your view of Leadership?  For the Christian, we view leadership based on the gift or gifts that the Lord has given us to use here on earth.  Some have the gift of "helps" so they lead out in that direction.  Another may have the gift of teaching and so they lead in the area of teaching and the discipleship of other Christian men and women.  And as such, the Christian is consistent in his encouragement and action by the leadership of the Holy Spirit to work and mobilize others in an ongoing movement to help fulfill the Great Commission. 

Very simple.  If you have the gift of "evangelism" you will most likely lead out in instructing other the skill of sharing Christ with others along with your own witnessing skills being used everyday.  When we go out for dinner I like to ask our server, "if you die before you get home tonight, do you know you are going to heaven?"  You can imagine how "good" and sometimes how "bad" questions like that can be.  Nobody has ever hit me, though! 

But seriously.  Think about your leadership role.  If you don't ask that question, who's to say anyone in this world will every get the opportunity to ask that person?  Try praying on your knees on a cold chemotherapy room floor with shorts on.  Sometimes those witnessing experiences get rather long (sore knees...ha ha).

Look at Mark 12: 42-44 where it says, "...Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in our of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, and she had to live on."   Boy, I guess this poor widow "lead" all the others right into shame.

Read some of these scriptures:  Luke 6:12, 13; Phil. 3:17; 1 Thess. 2:8-12; 1 Tim. 2:2; 1 Pet. 5:2,3.

Until tomorrow,

Dave

Vision

What can be said about our "vision"?  As Christians we view the world, its problems, its needs, and the opportunities of life from God's eyes, from His perspective.  As we pray for "vision" I think our prayer should sound something like this:  "Lord, if You were me, what would You be doing and planning in the Holy Spirit?"  We acknowledge that our abilities, talents, and dreams are gifts from the Father in heaven and so we should offer them back to the Lord Jesus, as we trust Him for the fulfillment of each.

The last part of Joel 2:28 says "Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions."  May we never lose our dreams or see our visions.  God depends on us to hear Him as He instructs our hearts toward His vision for us.

More verses!  Isn't this great?  Ps. 2:8; Luke 19:10; Eph. 1:18, 19; 3:20, 21.

God help me see your will today.  Amen!

Dave

Love

Ever think of the word "unconditional"?   How about the word "supernatural"?  As we live our lives as Christian men and women, we experience the unconditional, supernatural love of Christ.  Remember in John 18:22  where they "punched Jesus in the face" and when He hung on the cross without putting up a fight.  You know its been said "He could have called ten thousand angels, but He died alone for you and me"!

That's unconditional!  That's supernatural!  That's the kind of love that only God could provide for us.  And we as Christians experience that unconditional, supernatural love in our everyday lives as we walk with the Lord.  And we are taught that we need to express that same quality of love (agape) in meaningful ways to family, friends and acquaintances, believers and nonbelievers alike.  That's tough, I know.  Some of us can't even get along with our own families let alone extending that love toward others.  But this is the "Love" that Jesus Christ, our Lord and Master, has taught us through His word and His commands.

Luke 10:27 says, "...You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself."  Boy, that's a tough one, huh?  Here's a few other verses to review:  Eph. 5:12; Phil. 1:9-11; 1 Tim. 1:5; 1 Pet. 4:8.

"Love is a many splendid thing"...and so much more.

Dave

Action

We as Christian men and women view our lives as an opportunity to serve the Lord in an active manner.  Even though out salvation is not based on our "works" we strive to be consistently trying to win others to Christ and build the kingdom of God.  As we do our "normal traffic pattern" of life, we strive to help others in building their faith in God and then sending them out as spiritual multipliers to win even more.  In this manner we are consistently winning and building others for the cause of Christ.  This is the "action" which Jesus Christ called us to when He commanded us to "go into all the world..." helping to fulfill the Great Commission and help to change the world.

In Luke 19:10 Jesus says "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."  Here are some other verses that talk about "action.  Acts 26:18; Col. 1:10, 3:23.  And what about Philippians 1:27 which says: "Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ; so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel..."  Paul was obviously very serious here in his dissertation about our need to "act" upon our faith.

If you follow Christ then you are of "one mind" with all the others who strive to take "action" toward the spread of the gospel of Christ.

See ya,

Dave

Direction

I don't know about you, but I can't find my way out of the Mall if I've been inside there more than 10 minutes.  That's why I only go when my wife makes me go.  I'd never find my truck without her.

With all the road blocks and things in my life, I NEED direction.  And so the Spirit-directed Christian depends on the Word of God for direction and guidance in every circumstance.  He accepts the Bible as his final authority; his source of knowledge about God, others, and himself.  I know I do.  My Bible has become, although very "tattered", the most valuable GPS system for my life.

Look at Joshua 1:8 & 9; "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.  Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous!  Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."  What an appropriate verse for my "Mall" illustration.  It's like, I am strong and courageous and I do not tremble and am not dismayed at the Mall, as long as Barb is there with me...LOL.

Let me offer you additional study verses:  [Ps. 119:5 & 6;  Matt. 4:4;  Col. 1:9;  1 Thess. 5:15;  2 Tim. 2:15].

Okay everyone, grab your Bible.  We're going to the Mall.  You know I've had the opportunity to walk through a few malls presenting the Gospel of God as I went.  What a great time.

Dave

Obedience

Do you find yourself strongly desiring to obey God daily?  Yeah, I know.  It is difficult for me, too.  However, as the Christian understands the commands and desires of God, he is willing to submit to them and make them his own desires.  You've heard the old saying "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything"?  Yeah we're on the same page here!  The Christian realizes that obedience to his heavenly Father involves submission to those who are placed in authority over him.  Proverbs 3:5 & 6 says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight" (good memory verse...of course they all are).   Kind of like golf.  I can drive a golf ball a long way, but I have a wicked "slice".  However when someone shows me how to stand just right, nice and straight, right down the fairway.

How about a couple more verses to bring this point home:  [Matt. 26:39;  John 4:34;  8:29;  Phil. 2:5-8;  Heb. 5:8].

See you tomorrow,

Dave

Prayer

The fourth characteristic of the Man or Woman of God is "Prayer".  Probably one of our most usable and defensible tools in the quest to become "more like Christ".  The Spirit filled Christian, following the example of our Lord, the disciples, and Christian leaders throughout the centuries, places a special priority on prayer and on his daily communication with God.  I remember long ago a friend of mine, Denny Scott, said "Well David!  If you are driving down the road and you, by faith, recognize that the Lord is with you always, you don't want to ignore Him now, do you?  So we talk...EVERYWHERE!

The Christian realizes that God delights in his fellowship, desires his worship, and welcomes his requests.  Well, what the heck.  You've got a powerful God who can grant you all of your wishes according to His will...it would be a terrible waste to not confide in Him.  Right?

Matthew 26:41 says,  "Keep watching and praying, that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."  Ain't that the truth.  You know, I've heard it said that for the average Christian man, the devil continues to stride down the street wearing very "tight" jeans.  You talk about not entering into temptation...What a great time to strike up a conversation with God, huh? 

Here's a few more scripture verses to study:  [Acts 5:4;  Eph. 6:18;  Phil. 4:4-7;  Col. 4:2].

Your well on your way to developing solid Christians characteristics.

Dave

Power

In using the word "Power" here, the Christian allows the Holy Spirit, who indwells him, to control his daily life.  That includes EVERY aspect of life, i.e; Job, Family, Church, Relationships, Money, Possessions, etc.  So he becomes more and more in character like our Lord Jesus Christ.  Second Corinthians 12:9 says, And He has said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness."  Wow, that's a pretty bold statement.  We experience a weak moment in life, ask Jesus to handle it, and His power is perfected in us, THROUGH OUR WEAKNESSES!  What a gift!   He gives us power to allow the Holy Spirit to control all of these areas of our life and then Jesus tells us that "His grace is sufficient...". 

Here are some additional verses to review concerning the "Power" in a Christian life:  [Eph. 3:14-21;  Phil. 4:13;  Col. 1:29).

Are you starting to get the picture of how much the Holy Spirit directs us?

Later,

Dave

Stewardship

The Spirit-directed Christian allows Christ to be Lord in EVERY area of his life--his mind/body relationships, talents, and material possessions.   He recognizes that all he has is ultimately a gift of God, and he considers himself a responsible steward of these blessings.  Romans 12: 2 says, And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."

The use if the word here "transformed" is similar to the cocoon and the butterfly.  You see the caterpillar knows that there is a far better life in store for him/her and so as an act of obedience and of course it's nature, he wraps himself up in a cocoon and waits patiently on the Lord to "transform" him into the beautiful creature that his original creation was designed to turn out to be.  The same thing applies to us as Christians.  By "Faith" we wrap ourselves in the Holy Spirit of God and it is He who "transforms" our minds and spirits as we follow Him.

Here are some other verses that will help to better understand: [1 Cor. 2:16; 6:20;  Phil. 4:8;  1 Peter 4:10;  2 Peter 1:5-8]  (and everyone always believes that stewardship is "forevermore" the discussion of money, Ha, Ha!)

Dave

Character Traits of the Man or Woman of God (Part 1)

Tonight I want to do something constructive and give new Christians and "seasoned" Christians more "food for thought" as they walk through this life with Christ as their Lord. I'm going to list 11 attributes or characteristics of the individual Christian and hopefully it will produce more study and desire to learn more about their walk. Hope this is useful.
From the very second you became a Christian you begin a life-long adventure of becoming conformed to the image of Christ Jesus. Each day, as you surrender moment by moment to the lordship of Christ and give Him full access of your life and allow the fullness of His Holy Spirit to live through you, he helps to manifest the character qualities of Himself in you. Make no mistake! This is a difficult task and takes dedication and endurance with the desire to please Him in our every day lives.

Over the next 11 nights, I will try to list some of these attributes and give references where this study can be brought to life in you. In Phil. 1:6 Paul said, "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".

I. FAITH: The Spirit-directed Christian is consistently aware of the character of the Triune God (three in one), on God manifest in three persons--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit He draws upon the infinite resources of God by faith in order to live the Christian life (very difficult to live "Christlike" without faith). You understand that faith is your response to all that God is and all that He promises to those who trust and obey Him. Look up and review these scripture verses for affirmation: [Rom. 10:17, Gal. 2:20, Phil. 3:7-11, Heb. 11:6; 12:1 & 2]

See you tomorrow night!

Dave

PS. Your comments welcome.