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
Crazy Papa
I'll make 'um an offer
Sunday, January 18, 2009
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)