Colossians 1:15-18
He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the
beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that
in everything He might have the supremacy.
~ Colossians 1:17-18
This is Christ. He was from the beginning, and He is now. Everything that was and is, He created, and He holds it all together. Did you catch that? He holds the universe together. John 1 also shows God made nothing without Christ and that Christ was from the beginning. He was the Word; He was with God, and He was God.
The Word is important because God spoke the universe into being (words). And His Son was there with Him (Col 1:16). Jesus is the very Word and power that created everything. God tells us the same thing in the Old Testament (God created everything by his word – Psalm 33:6). A few verses later comes that part that is really exciting for us:
“But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever/ the purposes of His heart through all generations.”
Psalm 33:11
Is that not wonderful? God’s plan will be. He is supreme (Col 1:18). One of the amazing things about His plan is that it stands firm forever, showing us that God has had the same plan since the very beginning of time. And his plan has always worked and will always work. From the beginning of time God has known everything about you and your life. Even more than that, His very words have power and will “achieve the purpose for which” He speaks them (Isaiah 55:10-11). What God says to be true is true. What He says is, is. From the beginning, up to now, and in the future.
So why is that important? What does it mean to us? God is supreme. He created everything and rules everything. His plan has been set from the beginning. It is unchanging and unmoving. Even so, God, in His infinite wisdom, knew everything in order to create a plan before time began that would, until the end of time, “work all things for the good of those who love Him” (Romans 8:28).
Wow.
I know He is my God. Do you know that He is your God, too? Do you personally know our God? If not, now is the perfect time for you to go before the Lord:
That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in
your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For
it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with
your mouth that you confess and are saved.
~ Romans 10:9-10
Here is my prayer:
God, what You says is, is. What you say isn’t, isn’t. I will embrace the things You tell me to do, but reject the things You tell me to not do. Thank You, God.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Isaiah 1:10-17
Wash and make yourselves clean.
Take your evil deeds out of my sight!
~ Isaiah 10:16
Sin or simple religious acts are lifeless. Have nothing to do with them. All of your outward show means nothing if your heart doesn’t lead. If your heart is far from God, you are far from God. In life, you have two choices on how to act – evil or good. If you are far from God, you’re probably doing evil. When you set aside your sin and those evil actions, what you have left is to do what is right.
Doing what is right should then need no further justification beyond the knowledge that evil acts go hand in hand with separation from God, while closeness with God goes together with right acts. As Paul says in Romans 6:16, you are either “slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness.” More simply, if you’re not doing good, you’re doing evil. If you’re not building God’s Kingdom, you’re trying to tear it down. That may seem harsh, but God doesn’t have a middle ground. I have areas and times in my life where I know I’m not building God’s Kingdom, but I never thought I was working against Him. But I am, and God makes very clear that I must stop and turn the other way.
Have you rationalized anything you do because it was “harmless” or neutral? I’m telling you now, it’s not.
Take your evil deeds out of my sight!
~ Isaiah 10:16
Sin or simple religious acts are lifeless. Have nothing to do with them. All of your outward show means nothing if your heart doesn’t lead. If your heart is far from God, you are far from God. In life, you have two choices on how to act – evil or good. If you are far from God, you’re probably doing evil. When you set aside your sin and those evil actions, what you have left is to do what is right.
Doing what is right should then need no further justification beyond the knowledge that evil acts go hand in hand with separation from God, while closeness with God goes together with right acts. As Paul says in Romans 6:16, you are either “slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness.” More simply, if you’re not doing good, you’re doing evil. If you’re not building God’s Kingdom, you’re trying to tear it down. That may seem harsh, but God doesn’t have a middle ground. I have areas and times in my life where I know I’m not building God’s Kingdom, but I never thought I was working against Him. But I am, and God makes very clear that I must stop and turn the other way.
Have you rationalized anything you do because it was “harmless” or neutral? I’m telling you now, it’s not.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Listen
Much dreaming and many words are meaningless.
Therefore stand in awe of God.
~ Ecclesiastes 5:7
Do you talk too much? Not just to other people. Do you talk at God too much? Something that could indicate that you’re talking too much is that you never hear God speak. When you pray, do you say your piece and not wait for a response? What person would go to his good friend, talk for five minutes – share feelings, ask some questions, make some requests – then walk away?
Don’t do that with God.
When Elijah met with the prophets of Baal on top of Mount Carmel, the prophets of Baal thought more words and more volume would get their god’s attention (1 Kings 18:26-29). But God answered Elijah’s prayer, and Elijah humbly knelt in the presence of God (1 Kings 18:42). God doesn’t want many words; He wants a broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17). That’s the kind of heart Elijah had, and God listened to him.
In Matthew 6:5-7, Jesus described two kinds of talking a lot. Hypocrites do it loudly to earn the praise of men. Pagans do it because they think that’s how they will be heard by their god. Jesus said to instead go privately, humbly before God. You don’t need pomp and frills to talk to God, nor do you need to read Him a novel. Have an honest heart and pure intentions.
In this verse, Solomon was talking about more than just praying. Paul expanded on this when he told Timothy to “turn away from godless chatter” (1 Tim 6:20, 2 Tim 2:1). Paul says this ‘godless chatter’ separates you from God. He mentioned this in both letters to Timothy, so it’s probably pretty common and probably very important. Instead of always talking, God wants you to listen – stand in awe of God. He does amazing things with time spent in quiet with Him.
If you’re just going to babble or daydream, you’re doing nothing of value. You would do much better to simply stand in awe of God. Sometimes we need to just… stop. and listen to God (Ecc 5:2-3). Go humbly before Him with honest prayers and listen to what He has to say. The point of prayer is not to change God; it’s to change you.
When you pray, are you talking with God or at God?
Are you willing to spend time before God simply to hear Him speak?
Therefore stand in awe of God.
~ Ecclesiastes 5:7
Do you talk too much? Not just to other people. Do you talk at God too much? Something that could indicate that you’re talking too much is that you never hear God speak. When you pray, do you say your piece and not wait for a response? What person would go to his good friend, talk for five minutes – share feelings, ask some questions, make some requests – then walk away?
Don’t do that with God.
When Elijah met with the prophets of Baal on top of Mount Carmel, the prophets of Baal thought more words and more volume would get their god’s attention (1 Kings 18:26-29). But God answered Elijah’s prayer, and Elijah humbly knelt in the presence of God (1 Kings 18:42). God doesn’t want many words; He wants a broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17). That’s the kind of heart Elijah had, and God listened to him.
In Matthew 6:5-7, Jesus described two kinds of talking a lot. Hypocrites do it loudly to earn the praise of men. Pagans do it because they think that’s how they will be heard by their god. Jesus said to instead go privately, humbly before God. You don’t need pomp and frills to talk to God, nor do you need to read Him a novel. Have an honest heart and pure intentions.
In this verse, Solomon was talking about more than just praying. Paul expanded on this when he told Timothy to “turn away from godless chatter” (1 Tim 6:20, 2 Tim 2:1). Paul says this ‘godless chatter’ separates you from God. He mentioned this in both letters to Timothy, so it’s probably pretty common and probably very important. Instead of always talking, God wants you to listen – stand in awe of God. He does amazing things with time spent in quiet with Him.
If you’re just going to babble or daydream, you’re doing nothing of value. You would do much better to simply stand in awe of God. Sometimes we need to just… stop. and listen to God (Ecc 5:2-3). Go humbly before Him with honest prayers and listen to what He has to say. The point of prayer is not to change God; it’s to change you.
When you pray, are you talking with God or at God?
Are you willing to spend time before God simply to hear Him speak?
Sunday, June 19, 2011
“Now see what I will do"
“O Lord, why have you brought trouble upon this
people? Is this why you sent me? Ever since I went
to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought
trouble upon this people, and you have not rescued
your people at all.”
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Now you will see
what I will do to Pharaoh: Because of My mighty
hand he will let them go; because of My mighty
hand he will drive them out of his country.”
~ Exodus 5:22-6:1
At this point in Exodus, Moses had told Pharaoh to let the Israelites go into the desert to worship God. Instead of letting them go, Pharaoh made the Israelites’ work more difficult. Moses went before God and asked Him why he did this (Ex 5:22-23). This was the point where God said “Now see what I will do.” To show His power to Moses, the Israelites, Pharaoh and the Egyptians, God didn’t just go into Egypt and free His people. God went into Egypt and made an already bad situation worse to show what He could do. He revealed all His power to everyone involved. At a time when Moses thought things were not going to change, God revealed His power.
During Beast (cadet basic training) last summer, my company spent a night out in the field. And that night the rain fell very hard. Pretty much everyone was all wet. Where I laid down to sleep I was half protected from the rain, but my clothes were still soaked through. It was miserable. I think I prayed, but I don’t remember what I prayed. God showed me what He could do. He gave me peace and let me fall asleep even in my discomfort. And then He showed me what a blessing the rain was. The rain in my uniform had acted as a wet suit and kept me warm when I otherwise would have been quite cold. He had also kept my pack and the fresh set of clothes inside perfectly dry. Hallelujah, LORD!
Have you had a “now see what I can do” experience? God does not completely condemn doubts. He does, however, say that instead of being led by your doubts, you should follow your faith. Paul didn’t say “We live by faith without doubts”; he said “We live by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7). God says to live by faith even though you have doubts. God wants you to choose to live by faith in spite of what you see. Faith is so much more powerful if the world says one thing, but you choose to follow God anyway.
Give yourself and your problems to God. Then see what He will do.
Do you believe God will answer your prayer even though the world says He won’t? Have you stepped aside to see what God will do?
What does the story of Moses leading God’s people out of Egypt (Exodus 1-14) teach us about having faith and following God in the face of doubt and opposition?
people? Is this why you sent me? Ever since I went
to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought
trouble upon this people, and you have not rescued
your people at all.”
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Now you will see
what I will do to Pharaoh: Because of My mighty
hand he will let them go; because of My mighty
hand he will drive them out of his country.”
~ Exodus 5:22-6:1
At this point in Exodus, Moses had told Pharaoh to let the Israelites go into the desert to worship God. Instead of letting them go, Pharaoh made the Israelites’ work more difficult. Moses went before God and asked Him why he did this (Ex 5:22-23). This was the point where God said “Now see what I will do.” To show His power to Moses, the Israelites, Pharaoh and the Egyptians, God didn’t just go into Egypt and free His people. God went into Egypt and made an already bad situation worse to show what He could do. He revealed all His power to everyone involved. At a time when Moses thought things were not going to change, God revealed His power.
During Beast (cadet basic training) last summer, my company spent a night out in the field. And that night the rain fell very hard. Pretty much everyone was all wet. Where I laid down to sleep I was half protected from the rain, but my clothes were still soaked through. It was miserable. I think I prayed, but I don’t remember what I prayed. God showed me what He could do. He gave me peace and let me fall asleep even in my discomfort. And then He showed me what a blessing the rain was. The rain in my uniform had acted as a wet suit and kept me warm when I otherwise would have been quite cold. He had also kept my pack and the fresh set of clothes inside perfectly dry. Hallelujah, LORD!
Have you had a “now see what I can do” experience? God does not completely condemn doubts. He does, however, say that instead of being led by your doubts, you should follow your faith. Paul didn’t say “We live by faith without doubts”; he said “We live by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7). God says to live by faith even though you have doubts. God wants you to choose to live by faith in spite of what you see. Faith is so much more powerful if the world says one thing, but you choose to follow God anyway.
Give yourself and your problems to God. Then see what He will do.
Do you believe God will answer your prayer even though the world says He won’t? Have you stepped aside to see what God will do?
What does the story of Moses leading God’s people out of Egypt (Exodus 1-14) teach us about having faith and following God in the face of doubt and opposition?
Sunday, June 12, 2011
No Fear in Death
When calamity comes, the wicked are brought
down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge.
~ Proverbs 14:32
The wicked need to be afraid, but you do not need to be afraid.
The righteous are secure in God. You don’t need to be afraid in life or death because nothing can separate you from God’s love (Rom 8:38-9) and you can only gain from dying (Phil 1:21).
Be confident in God. Don’t fear doing His will, obeying Him, or living for Him because, no matter what happens, God will still be with you, and that’s all that matters. “You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength” (Phil 4:13). Nothing can change that.
Are you afraid? Do you know that you are secure?
If you don’t have a relationship with Christ, there is no better time than now to start.
Read further:
Proverbs 14:32; Romans 8:38-39; Philippians 1:21; 4:13
down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge.
~ Proverbs 14:32
The wicked need to be afraid, but you do not need to be afraid.
The righteous are secure in God. You don’t need to be afraid in life or death because nothing can separate you from God’s love (Rom 8:38-9) and you can only gain from dying (Phil 1:21).
Be confident in God. Don’t fear doing His will, obeying Him, or living for Him because, no matter what happens, God will still be with you, and that’s all that matters. “You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength” (Phil 4:13). Nothing can change that.
Are you afraid? Do you know that you are secure?
If you don’t have a relationship with Christ, there is no better time than now to start.
Read further:
Proverbs 14:32; Romans 8:38-39; Philippians 1:21; 4:13
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Listening and Doing
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive
yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens
to the word but does not do what it says is like
a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after
looking at himself, goes away and immediately
forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks
intently into the perfect law that gives freedom,
and continues to do this, not forgetting what he
has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what
he does.
~ James 1:22-25
Sometimes when I read the Bible, I get to the end of a chapter and realize I don’t know at all what I just read. I need to more than remember what I just read. After reading God’s perfect Word, He wants us to apply His teaching to our lives. God’s “perfect law… gives freedom”!(v25) Reading and applying the Scriptures brings blessings to you life.
What do you do when you spend time with God? How do you read your Bible? Do you have a regular time or area for your “quiet time”?
Leave a comment below.
yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens
to the word but does not do what it says is like
a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after
looking at himself, goes away and immediately
forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks
intently into the perfect law that gives freedom,
and continues to do this, not forgetting what he
has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what
he does.
~ James 1:22-25
Sometimes when I read the Bible, I get to the end of a chapter and realize I don’t know at all what I just read. I need to more than remember what I just read. After reading God’s perfect Word, He wants us to apply His teaching to our lives. God’s “perfect law… gives freedom”!(v25) Reading and applying the Scriptures brings blessings to you life.
What do you do when you spend time with God? How do you read your Bible? Do you have a regular time or area for your “quiet time”?
Leave a comment below.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Daily Devotional Text
If you'd like to receive my daily devotional text message,
send a text (not an email) from your cell phone to
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OR
send an email to ephesians112text@gmail.com with your
cell phone number and which cell phone company you use
I will send you a confirmation and welcome message as soon as possible.
If you have any questions, leave a comment below.
send a text (not an email) from your cell phone to
ephesians112text@gmail.com asking to be added
OR
send an email to ephesians112text@gmail.com with your
cell phone number and which cell phone company you use
I will send you a confirmation and welcome message as soon as possible.
If you have any questions, leave a comment below.
Perimeters
Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.
Put away perversity from your mouth;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Let your eyes look straight ahead,
fix your gaze directly before you.
Make level paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm.
Do not swerve to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.
~ Proverbs 4:23-27
Walking with God is a narrow road. If you step off, you’ll fall into the pit. But when you follow exactly where God leads, you’ll stay on the path. Where else would you go? This passage talks about several perimeters that help keep you away from sin and on God’s path.
At the center is your heart. It’s the “wellspring of life” (v23). Protect it at all costs. It’s vulnerable on its own. That’s why you need the defensive perimeters.
The first perimeter is the mouth. “Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Mt 12:34). Your heart affects what comes out of your mouth, but what you communicate can also have an effect on your heart. Make the conscious decision to “not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth” (Eph 4:29). Control what you communicate by both your words and your actions.
The next perimeter is the eyes. Look straight ahead. This reminds me of a stretch of highway in Dallas with a lot of billboards for strip clubs. Whenever I drive through there, I look straight ahead so there’s not even a chance of me looking at something I know I shouldn’t. Similarly, Satan throws up distractions in your life trying to lead you astray, even if only in your heart. Don’t be distracted. I’ve heard guys say “it’s okay if I look, I just won’t touch.” I say don’t even look. That goes for any sin. Don’t look longingly at the sewage and filth that is sin.
The final perimeter is the feet. Don’t go near sin. When you’re trying to save money, you don’t go to your favorite store to “just look”; you’ll probably end up buying something. “Be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left” (Deut 5:32). An alcoholic shouldn’t go to a bar and expect not to be tempted to drink. Don’t go near sin – physically or mentally – especially whatever particularly tempts you.
I don’t like writing a list of things not to do and certainly not without telling what to do. So here are your actions, your takeaway:
“Hate what is evil; cling to what is good” so that you will “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rom 12:9,3).
Read further:
Proverbs 4:23-27; Matthew 12:34-35; Ephesians 4:29; Deuteronomy 5:32; Romans 12:3, 9
for it is the wellspring of life.
Put away perversity from your mouth;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Let your eyes look straight ahead,
fix your gaze directly before you.
Make level paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm.
Do not swerve to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.
~ Proverbs 4:23-27
Walking with God is a narrow road. If you step off, you’ll fall into the pit. But when you follow exactly where God leads, you’ll stay on the path. Where else would you go? This passage talks about several perimeters that help keep you away from sin and on God’s path.
At the center is your heart. It’s the “wellspring of life” (v23). Protect it at all costs. It’s vulnerable on its own. That’s why you need the defensive perimeters.
The first perimeter is the mouth. “Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Mt 12:34). Your heart affects what comes out of your mouth, but what you communicate can also have an effect on your heart. Make the conscious decision to “not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth” (Eph 4:29). Control what you communicate by both your words and your actions.
The next perimeter is the eyes. Look straight ahead. This reminds me of a stretch of highway in Dallas with a lot of billboards for strip clubs. Whenever I drive through there, I look straight ahead so there’s not even a chance of me looking at something I know I shouldn’t. Similarly, Satan throws up distractions in your life trying to lead you astray, even if only in your heart. Don’t be distracted. I’ve heard guys say “it’s okay if I look, I just won’t touch.” I say don’t even look. That goes for any sin. Don’t look longingly at the sewage and filth that is sin.
The final perimeter is the feet. Don’t go near sin. When you’re trying to save money, you don’t go to your favorite store to “just look”; you’ll probably end up buying something. “Be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left” (Deut 5:32). An alcoholic shouldn’t go to a bar and expect not to be tempted to drink. Don’t go near sin – physically or mentally – especially whatever particularly tempts you.
I don’t like writing a list of things not to do and certainly not without telling what to do. So here are your actions, your takeaway:
- Stay away from sin with your body and your mind.
- Keep your eyes from looking at sinful things so you won’t desire them.
- Keep your lips pure from anything unwholesome.
“Hate what is evil; cling to what is good” so that you will “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rom 12:9,3).
Read further:
Proverbs 4:23-27; Matthew 12:34-35; Ephesians 4:29; Deuteronomy 5:32; Romans 12:3, 9
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Be generous
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it,
when it is in your power to act.
Do not say to your neighbor,
“Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow”—
when you now have it with you.
~ Proverbs 3:27-28
Love your neighbor as yourself (Lev 19:18). Do unto others as you would have them do unto you (Mt 7:12). The Golden Rule. I’ve been taught this since I was young. So many people have. But do we really live it out in our lives?
I feel like a lot of people these days are just out for themselves. They don’t want to do something if they can’t see any extrinsic value. They’re loathe to make a sacrifice for someone else, especially if doing so means the other person gets the upper hand.
Do we need to go around giving away everything? Not necessarily, but have a little love, have some compassion. Not everything has to make your life better. Helping someone has intrinsic value. If you have a heart of love, taking the intrinsic over the extrinsic really isn’t a sacrifice.
This isn’t just about giving stuff to people. It’s about love (1 Cor 13:3-7). It’s the lady who pays for the person in line behind her at Starbucks. It’s the man who holds the door open for a woman. It’s the person who stops to help someone change a flat tire. Sometimes it’s called chivalry or common courtesy or being a lady or gentleman. God calls it love.
Be generous (more than simply “don’t be stingy”). Help out a brother. Spot your friend some cash. Give someone a ride. Don’t miss an opportunity to give something to someone, even if that means you do without it. Who cares if you’ll never be repaid, reimbursed, or recognized (Lk 6:35)? Go out and help somebody.
What can you do today to bless someone and show them love?
Read further:
Proverbs 3:27-28; Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 7:12; 1 Corinthians 13:3-7; Luke 6:35
when it is in your power to act.
Do not say to your neighbor,
“Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow”—
when you now have it with you.
~ Proverbs 3:27-28
Love your neighbor as yourself (Lev 19:18). Do unto others as you would have them do unto you (Mt 7:12). The Golden Rule. I’ve been taught this since I was young. So many people have. But do we really live it out in our lives?
I feel like a lot of people these days are just out for themselves. They don’t want to do something if they can’t see any extrinsic value. They’re loathe to make a sacrifice for someone else, especially if doing so means the other person gets the upper hand.
Do we need to go around giving away everything? Not necessarily, but have a little love, have some compassion. Not everything has to make your life better. Helping someone has intrinsic value. If you have a heart of love, taking the intrinsic over the extrinsic really isn’t a sacrifice.
This isn’t just about giving stuff to people. It’s about love (1 Cor 13:3-7). It’s the lady who pays for the person in line behind her at Starbucks. It’s the man who holds the door open for a woman. It’s the person who stops to help someone change a flat tire. Sometimes it’s called chivalry or common courtesy or being a lady or gentleman. God calls it love.
Be generous (more than simply “don’t be stingy”). Help out a brother. Spot your friend some cash. Give someone a ride. Don’t miss an opportunity to give something to someone, even if that means you do without it. Who cares if you’ll never be repaid, reimbursed, or recognized (Lk 6:35)? Go out and help somebody.
What can you do today to bless someone and show them love?
Read further:
Proverbs 3:27-28; Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 7:12; 1 Corinthians 13:3-7; Luke 6:35
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
A Daily Walk
See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful,
unbelieving heart that turns away from the living
God. But encourage one another daily, as long as
it is called Today, so that none of you may be
hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.
~ Hebrews 3:12-13
Your daily walk with God is important. If you turn away from Him for even a day, sin gets a foothold – sin’s deceitfulness begins to harden you.
When I don’t read my Bible one day, or I don’t pray, or I remain distant from God, everything I do that day is affected negatively. I may be grumpy, tired, sad, tempted, or feeling God’s conviction. If I don’t make a change, the next day and on, I begin to feel separation from God. God wants me to be close to Him, but when I fill my life with all these distractions, I push Him out. Then I may “fit God in”, but God doesn’t want to be just another distraction. He wants to be part of your life. Trust God with your whole heart (Proverbs 3:5), not just part of it.
Do you “walk humbly with your God” every day (Micah 6:8)? What are you holding back from God? Why? Are you letting sin’s deceitfulness harden you?
Make a daily habit of reading your Bible, praying, and talking to God. Make an investment; plant a seed. God will make it grow (1 Cor 3:7).
Read further:
Hebrews 3:12-13; Proverbs 3:5; Micah 6:8; 1 Corinthians 3:7
unbelieving heart that turns away from the living
God. But encourage one another daily, as long as
it is called Today, so that none of you may be
hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.
~ Hebrews 3:12-13
Your daily walk with God is important. If you turn away from Him for even a day, sin gets a foothold – sin’s deceitfulness begins to harden you.
When I don’t read my Bible one day, or I don’t pray, or I remain distant from God, everything I do that day is affected negatively. I may be grumpy, tired, sad, tempted, or feeling God’s conviction. If I don’t make a change, the next day and on, I begin to feel separation from God. God wants me to be close to Him, but when I fill my life with all these distractions, I push Him out. Then I may “fit God in”, but God doesn’t want to be just another distraction. He wants to be part of your life. Trust God with your whole heart (Proverbs 3:5), not just part of it.
Do you “walk humbly with your God” every day (Micah 6:8)? What are you holding back from God? Why? Are you letting sin’s deceitfulness harden you?
Make a daily habit of reading your Bible, praying, and talking to God. Make an investment; plant a seed. God will make it grow (1 Cor 3:7).
Read further:
Hebrews 3:12-13; Proverbs 3:5; Micah 6:8; 1 Corinthians 3:7
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Slaves of Depravity
Now the Bereans were of more noble character
than the Thessalonians, for they received the
message with great eagerness and examined the
Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said
was true.
~ Acts 17:11
Test even what the preacher says. God’s Word is infallible, but not every word about God or claiming to be from God is true. The world is full of false prophets. People will claim to follow God, but really be children of the devil.
Don’t be satisfied with less than the truth. Test what you hear. False prophets are wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15-16). They will say one thing, but their lives and actions will prove their heart. Their goals are destruction (7:15) and deception (24:24). Stay away from teaching that does not agree with the Scripture. Even what the pastor or the Bible study leader or the blog author says could be lies. Look up what they say in the Bible. Talk to God. If the Scripture doesn’t back it up, and certainly if God doesn’t back it up, it is from the Enemy (Matthew 12:30).
Don’t be satisfied with the fluff. If you’re not convicted by what you hear, you’re either perfect or not listening to something that will challenge you. Paul talked about that kind of person (2 Timothy 4:3-5). He said a time would come when people would stop listening to sound doctrine. To appease themselves, they would only listen to whatever made them feel good. Avoiding conviction is the same thing. Paul tells us not to be like them, but to remain grounded in the Scripture. You won’t grow closer to God if you’re never challenged.
2 Peter 2 tells all about false prophets and what will happen to them and their followers. By their actions, they bring destruction on themselves and those they deceive (v1). Don’t be deceived. The false prophets will promise freedom but “themselves are slaves of depravity” (v19). Don’t let yourself be dragged away and destroyed by the deception.
Are you being taught the truth? Look in the Bible and discover for yourself. Are you grounded in the Scripture? Are you convicted by what you hear, or are you satisfied with only hearing what makes you feel good?
Read further:
Acts 17:11; Matthew 7:15-16; 12:30; 24:24; 2 Timothy 4:3-5; 2 Peter 2
than the Thessalonians, for they received the
message with great eagerness and examined the
Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said
was true.
~ Acts 17:11
Test even what the preacher says. God’s Word is infallible, but not every word about God or claiming to be from God is true. The world is full of false prophets. People will claim to follow God, but really be children of the devil.
Don’t be satisfied with less than the truth. Test what you hear. False prophets are wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15-16). They will say one thing, but their lives and actions will prove their heart. Their goals are destruction (7:15) and deception (24:24). Stay away from teaching that does not agree with the Scripture. Even what the pastor or the Bible study leader or the blog author says could be lies. Look up what they say in the Bible. Talk to God. If the Scripture doesn’t back it up, and certainly if God doesn’t back it up, it is from the Enemy (Matthew 12:30).
Don’t be satisfied with the fluff. If you’re not convicted by what you hear, you’re either perfect or not listening to something that will challenge you. Paul talked about that kind of person (2 Timothy 4:3-5). He said a time would come when people would stop listening to sound doctrine. To appease themselves, they would only listen to whatever made them feel good. Avoiding conviction is the same thing. Paul tells us not to be like them, but to remain grounded in the Scripture. You won’t grow closer to God if you’re never challenged.
2 Peter 2 tells all about false prophets and what will happen to them and their followers. By their actions, they bring destruction on themselves and those they deceive (v1). Don’t be deceived. The false prophets will promise freedom but “themselves are slaves of depravity” (v19). Don’t let yourself be dragged away and destroyed by the deception.
Are you being taught the truth? Look in the Bible and discover for yourself. Are you grounded in the Scripture? Are you convicted by what you hear, or are you satisfied with only hearing what makes you feel good?
Read further:
Acts 17:11; Matthew 7:15-16; 12:30; 24:24; 2 Timothy 4:3-5; 2 Peter 2
Monday, June 6, 2011
Default
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and
singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners
were listening to them.
~ Acts 16:25
What is your default setting? When you’re in trouble, what do you do? When you’re in abundance, do you praise God? Maybe you will eventually. Maybe that’s your first instinct. I want turning to God to be my first instinct. I also want to follow the Holy Spirit to God.
Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison for doing God’s work, and yet they stayed up into the night praying and singing hymns to God. They didn’t sleep or curse God or beg that He would let them out. They focused their strength on God, trusting that He would work this for good (Romans 8:28).
Seek God first just as Paul and Silas did (Matthew 6:33). You don’t need to know exactly what to do in every situation you encounter. You don’t even need to know every situation. All you need to know is that God is in control and He has promised to work in your situation for the good of those who love Him. Seek God. He will tell you what to do. He will provide for you both in your essentials and in your abundance. So turn to God.
The next time you’re faced with a tough circumstance or you’re tempted or you don’t know what is going on, see what you do. Ask God to bring this post back to your mind then. Is your first thought or action to rely on your strength and training? Is it to ask for help? Is it to turn to God? What do you end up doing? Ask God to bring your focus to Him so you will act according to His will, whatever that means in your situation.
Read further:
Acts 16:16-40; Romans 8:28; Matthew 6:33
singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners
were listening to them.
~ Acts 16:25
What is your default setting? When you’re in trouble, what do you do? When you’re in abundance, do you praise God? Maybe you will eventually. Maybe that’s your first instinct. I want turning to God to be my first instinct. I also want to follow the Holy Spirit to God.
Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison for doing God’s work, and yet they stayed up into the night praying and singing hymns to God. They didn’t sleep or curse God or beg that He would let them out. They focused their strength on God, trusting that He would work this for good (Romans 8:28).
Seek God first just as Paul and Silas did (Matthew 6:33). You don’t need to know exactly what to do in every situation you encounter. You don’t even need to know every situation. All you need to know is that God is in control and He has promised to work in your situation for the good of those who love Him. Seek God. He will tell you what to do. He will provide for you both in your essentials and in your abundance. So turn to God.
The next time you’re faced with a tough circumstance or you’re tempted or you don’t know what is going on, see what you do. Ask God to bring this post back to your mind then. Is your first thought or action to rely on your strength and training? Is it to ask for help? Is it to turn to God? What do you end up doing? Ask God to bring your focus to Him so you will act according to His will, whatever that means in your situation.
Read further:
Acts 16:16-40; Romans 8:28; Matthew 6:33
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Armor of God: Sword of the Spirit
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of
the Spirit, which is the word of God.
~ Ephesians 6:17
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper
than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to
dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it
judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.
Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the
eyes of him to whom we must give account.
~ Hebrews 4:12-13
The Word is alive. It’s useful, active, and powerful (1 Tim 3:16-17). God’s Word has power to change lives and cut deep into the heart. God’s Word is every bit as applicable now as it was when it was written. Don’t be afraid to use the Word as a sword. Paul calls it the Sword of the Spirit for a reason.
The Word comes from God (Heb 4:12, John 1:1). God created everything, controls everything, and holds the universe together. Anything He says must be valuable; listen to and believe His Word. Trust Him to give His Word to you and to make it work. The Holy Spirit will bring the Word to mind at times. Trust the Holy Spirit for it will have people hear and understand what they need to hear regardless of how you say it (Acts 2:4-11, Mt 10:19-20). Don’t give your own failings so much credit; God is the One at work.
Do you believe God’s Word? It has the power to change lives; let it change yours. Do you trust that God will work according to His purpose through you? Are you ready to let Him use you to make a difference in the world? What is holding you back from proclaiming the God-breathed Scripture to the world?
Read further:
Ephesians 6; Hebrews 4:12-13; 1 Timothy 3:16—17; John 1:1; Acts 2:4-11; Matthew 10:19-20
the Spirit, which is the word of God.
~ Ephesians 6:17
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper
than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to
dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it
judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.
Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the
eyes of him to whom we must give account.
~ Hebrews 4:12-13
The Word is alive. It’s useful, active, and powerful (1 Tim 3:16-17). God’s Word has power to change lives and cut deep into the heart. God’s Word is every bit as applicable now as it was when it was written. Don’t be afraid to use the Word as a sword. Paul calls it the Sword of the Spirit for a reason.
The Word comes from God (Heb 4:12, John 1:1). God created everything, controls everything, and holds the universe together. Anything He says must be valuable; listen to and believe His Word. Trust Him to give His Word to you and to make it work. The Holy Spirit will bring the Word to mind at times. Trust the Holy Spirit for it will have people hear and understand what they need to hear regardless of how you say it (Acts 2:4-11, Mt 10:19-20). Don’t give your own failings so much credit; God is the One at work.
Do you believe God’s Word? It has the power to change lives; let it change yours. Do you trust that God will work according to His purpose through you? Are you ready to let Him use you to make a difference in the world? What is holding you back from proclaiming the God-breathed Scripture to the world?
Read further:
Ephesians 6; Hebrews 4:12-13; 1 Timothy 3:16—17; John 1:1; Acts 2:4-11; Matthew 10:19-20
Monday, May 30, 2011
Armor of God: Helmet of Salvation
Take the helmet of salvation
~ Ephesians 6:17
Salvation is not a one-time thing. You can’t pray a prayer and just move on. Paul says we must continue to work out our salvation (Philippians 2:12). Salvation is on-going. Where repentance is like getting off the highway, turning around, and driving the other direction, salvation is the entire process of getting onto the right path and continuing on that path – it means following Christ.
Jesus told a parable about a king who had a wedding feast for his son. He invited many but they made excuses for not coming, so the king invited everyone from the streets. A man came in without wearing wedding clothes, so the king had him tied hand and foot and thrown outside. The king invited the man, but he did not want to change. God invites everyone to live in His kingdom, but not everyone is chosen.
In Acts, Luke tells of a time the apostles preached in a city and many believed and were baptized including a sorcerer named Simon. When Peter and John came later, they found that even though Simon believed and was baptized, his heart was still not right before God. Simon was no longer defined by sin but by what Jesus had done in his life. He needed to stop acting and thinking as a sinner and begin thinking and acting as Christ.
Salvation is not one single prayer or one altar call; it’s a life-long commitment to following God. You can’t earn salvation, but you also can’t be the same person you were before God entered your heart and still follow Christ.
Are you defined by your sin, or are you defined by the transformation Christ has made in you? Have you been living your life however you want hoping a prayer from years ago was enough? Are you ready for Christ to daily transform you and bring you closer to Him?
Read further:
Ephesians 6; Philippians 2:12; Matthew 22:1-14; Acts 8:9-25
~ Ephesians 6:17
Salvation is not a one-time thing. You can’t pray a prayer and just move on. Paul says we must continue to work out our salvation (Philippians 2:12). Salvation is on-going. Where repentance is like getting off the highway, turning around, and driving the other direction, salvation is the entire process of getting onto the right path and continuing on that path – it means following Christ.
Jesus told a parable about a king who had a wedding feast for his son. He invited many but they made excuses for not coming, so the king invited everyone from the streets. A man came in without wearing wedding clothes, so the king had him tied hand and foot and thrown outside. The king invited the man, but he did not want to change. God invites everyone to live in His kingdom, but not everyone is chosen.
In Acts, Luke tells of a time the apostles preached in a city and many believed and were baptized including a sorcerer named Simon. When Peter and John came later, they found that even though Simon believed and was baptized, his heart was still not right before God. Simon was no longer defined by sin but by what Jesus had done in his life. He needed to stop acting and thinking as a sinner and begin thinking and acting as Christ.
Salvation is not one single prayer or one altar call; it’s a life-long commitment to following God. You can’t earn salvation, but you also can’t be the same person you were before God entered your heart and still follow Christ.
Are you defined by your sin, or are you defined by the transformation Christ has made in you? Have you been living your life however you want hoping a prayer from years ago was enough? Are you ready for Christ to daily transform you and bring you closer to Him?
Read further:
Ephesians 6; Philippians 2:12; Matthew 22:1-14; Acts 8:9-25
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Armor of God: Shield of Faith
In addition to all this, take up the shield of
faith, with which you can extinguish all the
flaming arrows of the evil one.
~ Ephesians 6:14
The enemy is real. “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Believe it. Satan is trying to snatch away the good God has planted in your heart. Don’t think you are immune from attack or that you are strong enough to stand on your own. But do believe that you can stand.
When the enemy comes, “resist him, standing firm in the faith” (1 Pet 5:9). Take action and take up the shield of faith. Faith is an action. Lay down your defense and trust God to defend you. We overcome the world and its sins, pleasures, and pitfalls in victory through faith. God gives us the victory, so stand firm; be immoveable.
When you are tempted, where do you turn? Are you dragged away by the temptation and the sin, or do you stand firm in your faith in God?
Read further
Ephesians 6; Matthew 13:9; 1 John 5:4; 1 Corinthians 15:57-58; James 1:13-15
faith, with which you can extinguish all the
flaming arrows of the evil one.
~ Ephesians 6:14
The enemy is real. “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Believe it. Satan is trying to snatch away the good God has planted in your heart. Don’t think you are immune from attack or that you are strong enough to stand on your own. But do believe that you can stand.
When the enemy comes, “resist him, standing firm in the faith” (1 Pet 5:9). Take action and take up the shield of faith. Faith is an action. Lay down your defense and trust God to defend you. We overcome the world and its sins, pleasures, and pitfalls in victory through faith. God gives us the victory, so stand firm; be immoveable.
When you are tempted, where do you turn? Are you dragged away by the temptation and the sin, or do you stand firm in your faith in God?
Read further
Ephesians 6; Matthew 13:9; 1 John 5:4; 1 Corinthians 15:57-58; James 1:13-15
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Armor of God: Readiness from the Gospel of Peace
and with your feet fitted with the readiness
that comes from the gospel of peace.
~ Ephesians 6:15
Read and study your Bible daily. Meditate on God’s Word day and night*. Prepare!
Why on the feet? The feet take the body wherever it goes. God’s Word will guide you to the spiritual place in which He wants you to be. The burden of spiritual growth is on God* read His Word, and let Him bring you to Himself.
You’re a messenger. You need to know the message that you will impart, and you need to be able to get to wherever you will deliver the message. So prepare, and then go!
And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" ~ Romans 10:15* (Isaiah 52:7)*
Do you daily spend time studying the Bible? Are you prepared to share the reason for the hope in your life?*
Read Ephesians 6
that comes from the gospel of peace.
~ Ephesians 6:15
Read and study your Bible daily. Meditate on God’s Word day and night*. Prepare!
Why on the feet? The feet take the body wherever it goes. God’s Word will guide you to the spiritual place in which He wants you to be. The burden of spiritual growth is on God* read His Word, and let Him bring you to Himself.
You’re a messenger. You need to know the message that you will impart, and you need to be able to get to wherever you will deliver the message. So prepare, and then go!
And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" ~ Romans 10:15* (Isaiah 52:7)*
Do you daily spend time studying the Bible? Are you prepared to share the reason for the hope in your life?*
Read Ephesians 6
Monday, May 23, 2011
Armor of God: Breastplate of Righteousness
Stand firm then, with the breastplate of righteousness in place
~ Ephesians 6:14
Righteousness comes from God. “Abram believed the LORD, and He credited it to him as righteousness.”1 Righteousness can’t be attained by works or by fulfilling the law. This is yet another example of God’s grace because we are not good enough or worthy enough to be righteous on our own.
Righteousness has spiritual power for spiritual protection.2 The Armor of God is not physical, but it also not for physical protection. Prepare physically and wear corporeal armor to protect you from attack in the body; prepare spiritually by reading the Bible, praying, and having a personal relationship with God and put on the Armor of God to protect yourself from spiritual attack.
Do you believe the LORD? Do you trust that God will protect3 you spiritually? Have you put on the full Armor of God?
1 Gen 15:6, See also Isaiah 61:10, 2 2 Corinthians 6:7, 3 Genesis 15:1 “Do not be afraid, Abram/ I am your shield”
Read Ephesians 6
~ Ephesians 6:14
Righteousness comes from God. “Abram believed the LORD, and He credited it to him as righteousness.”1 Righteousness can’t be attained by works or by fulfilling the law. This is yet another example of God’s grace because we are not good enough or worthy enough to be righteous on our own.
Righteousness has spiritual power for spiritual protection.2 The Armor of God is not physical, but it also not for physical protection. Prepare physically and wear corporeal armor to protect you from attack in the body; prepare spiritually by reading the Bible, praying, and having a personal relationship with God and put on the Armor of God to protect yourself from spiritual attack.
Do you believe the LORD? Do you trust that God will protect3 you spiritually? Have you put on the full Armor of God?
1 Gen 15:6, See also Isaiah 61:10, 2 2 Corinthians 6:7, 3 Genesis 15:1 “Do not be afraid, Abram/ I am your shield”
Read Ephesians 6
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Armor of God: Belt of Truth
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth
buckled around your waist
~ Ephesians 6:14
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, the Life (John 14:6). I often hear “this is right” or “this I know” or “this is proven”. That’s all well and good, but it’s not always true.
Jesus is the Truth.
In any situation, what Jesus speaks is the Truth. No matter how a situation appears, what Jesus speaks into the situation is the Truth. When a man was blind, Jesus spoke the Truth that he could see. When a man was crippled, Jesus spoke the Truth in his life that made him well. When you sin then confess*, Jesus speaks the truth that you are already forgiven and saved.
Buckle this belt of Truth firmly around your waist to remind you that God’s Truth is what you need to believe amidst all the doubt and disbelief and false knowledge. You can trust in God; you can trust God.
Is there an area of your life that needs to hear God’s Truth? Do you accept His Truth, or is the comfort of the normal and the “proven” more appealing?
Read Ephesians 6
buckled around your waist
~ Ephesians 6:14
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, the Life (John 14:6). I often hear “this is right” or “this I know” or “this is proven”. That’s all well and good, but it’s not always true.
Jesus is the Truth.
In any situation, what Jesus speaks is the Truth. No matter how a situation appears, what Jesus speaks into the situation is the Truth. When a man was blind, Jesus spoke the Truth that he could see. When a man was crippled, Jesus spoke the Truth in his life that made him well. When you sin then confess*, Jesus speaks the truth that you are already forgiven and saved.
Buckle this belt of Truth firmly around your waist to remind you that God’s Truth is what you need to believe amidst all the doubt and disbelief and false knowledge. You can trust in God; you can trust God.
Is there an area of your life that needs to hear God’s Truth? Do you accept His Truth, or is the comfort of the normal and the “proven” more appealing?
Read Ephesians 6
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Armor of God
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty
power. Put on the full armor of God so that you
can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,
but against the rulers, against the authorities,
against the powers of this dark world and against
the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly
realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God,
so that when the day of evil comes, you may be
able to stand your ground, and after you have
done everything, to stand.
~ Ephesians 6:10-13
The enemy is very real and very capable. “Sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” (Genesis 4:7)
God is also real. He is more powerful and more able. You have already lost the battle if you try to master sin on your own. That is why you must “be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Eph 6:10). You can’t stand by your power because the battle is spiritual, not physical. Trust the Master of all – spiritual and physical – to protect you so that you may be able to stand.
Are you feeling the burden of trying to stand on your own? What can you do in your life to stand closer to the Lord?
This is the first in a series about the Armor of God. Check back for more.
Read Ephesians 6
power. Put on the full armor of God so that you
can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,
but against the rulers, against the authorities,
against the powers of this dark world and against
the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly
realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God,
so that when the day of evil comes, you may be
able to stand your ground, and after you have
done everything, to stand.
~ Ephesians 6:10-13
The enemy is very real and very capable. “Sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” (Genesis 4:7)
God is also real. He is more powerful and more able. You have already lost the battle if you try to master sin on your own. That is why you must “be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Eph 6:10). You can’t stand by your power because the battle is spiritual, not physical. Trust the Master of all – spiritual and physical – to protect you so that you may be able to stand.
Are you feeling the burden of trying to stand on your own? What can you do in your life to stand closer to the Lord?
This is the first in a series about the Armor of God. Check back for more.
Read Ephesians 6
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Jesus Way
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul;
in you I trust, O my God.
Do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
No one whose hope is in you
will ever be put to shame,
but they will be put to shame
who are treacherous without excuse.
Show me your ways, O Lord,
teach me your paths;
guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
~ Psalm 25:1-5
What way do you follow?
Follow the Jesus Way. Let Jesus be your role model. When reading the Gospels, what aspects or actions of Jesus Christ stand out to you, and what is God telling you in this? God has shown me Jesus’ love, His servant nature, and that He lived to bring glory to God’s Name. Where am I showing love? Am I being a servant as Christ was a servant? How am I glorifying God’s Name? Am I even glorifying His Name? God may speak to you about the same issues or different ones entirely. Read the Bible and engage God. Ask Him to show you how He wants you to change.
When you do this, don’t get caught up in a to-do list where you simply check off items to feel satisfied. Doing that could be a burden or a stumbling block, or both. Who you are in Christ is a matter of the heart.
Read Psalm 25
in you I trust, O my God.
Do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
No one whose hope is in you
will ever be put to shame,
but they will be put to shame
who are treacherous without excuse.
Show me your ways, O Lord,
teach me your paths;
guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
~ Psalm 25:1-5
What way do you follow?
Follow the Jesus Way. Let Jesus be your role model. When reading the Gospels, what aspects or actions of Jesus Christ stand out to you, and what is God telling you in this? God has shown me Jesus’ love, His servant nature, and that He lived to bring glory to God’s Name. Where am I showing love? Am I being a servant as Christ was a servant? How am I glorifying God’s Name? Am I even glorifying His Name? God may speak to you about the same issues or different ones entirely. Read the Bible and engage God. Ask Him to show you how He wants you to change.
When you do this, don’t get caught up in a to-do list where you simply check off items to feel satisfied. Doing that could be a burden or a stumbling block, or both. Who you are in Christ is a matter of the heart.
Read Psalm 25
Monday, May 16, 2011
I shall not be in want
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
~ Psalm 23:1
A shepherd takes care of all the needs of his herd of sheep. If they need anything, the shepherd will get it for them. The sheep trust the shepherd to provide and protect. God is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). How much more will He provide and protect?
God takes care of you. If you’re worried, give your worries up to Him. If you are afraid, run to Him for comfort. If you are in need, trust that He will provide. When everything is going well, know that God is the cause. He is holding on to you and will never let you go.
Read Psalm 23
~ Psalm 23:1
A shepherd takes care of all the needs of his herd of sheep. If they need anything, the shepherd will get it for them. The sheep trust the shepherd to provide and protect. God is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). How much more will He provide and protect?
God takes care of you. If you’re worried, give your worries up to Him. If you are afraid, run to Him for comfort. If you are in need, trust that He will provide. When everything is going well, know that God is the cause. He is holding on to you and will never let you go.
Read Psalm 23
Sunday, May 15, 2011
God's Voice
"The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd
of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him,
and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his
own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has
brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them,
and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.
But they will never follow a stranger; in fact,
they will run away from him because they do not
recognize a stranger’s voice."
~ John 10:2-5
God calls you and knows you by name. Do you know His voice? When He speaks to you, do you listen and follow Him? Sometimes it seems really easy to ignore God’s voice and say you didn’t know it was Him. But you know and God knows that that’s not true. Obeying God is not always easy, but the Good Shepherd will never lead you astray.
The enemy will lead you astray, though. Don’t listen to a voice that isn’t God’s. Don’t listen to advice that is contradictory to God’s teaching. Be active in not listening; run away from the enemy and his lies.
+Read John 10
of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him,
and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his
own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has
brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them,
and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.
But they will never follow a stranger; in fact,
they will run away from him because they do not
recognize a stranger’s voice."
~ John 10:2-5
God calls you and knows you by name. Do you know His voice? When He speaks to you, do you listen and follow Him? Sometimes it seems really easy to ignore God’s voice and say you didn’t know it was Him. But you know and God knows that that’s not true. Obeying God is not always easy, but the Good Shepherd will never lead you astray.
The enemy will lead you astray, though. Don’t listen to a voice that isn’t God’s. Don’t listen to advice that is contradictory to God’s teaching. Be active in not listening; run away from the enemy and his lies.
+Read John 10
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
God and you
Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself;
the Lord will hear when I call to him.
~ Psalm 4:3
You’re not just another tool in God’s workshop or another crate in His warehouse. Everyone of you is special to God. He loves you and hears you. He won’t just ignore you or leave you. He knows and wants what’s best for you, and He’s in a position to do something about it! Talk to God, knowing He will hear you, then listen and apply what He says in response.
Read Psalm 4
the Lord will hear when I call to him.
~ Psalm 4:3
You’re not just another tool in God’s workshop or another crate in His warehouse. Everyone of you is special to God. He loves you and hears you. He won’t just ignore you or leave you. He knows and wants what’s best for you, and He’s in a position to do something about it! Talk to God, knowing He will hear you, then listen and apply what He says in response.
Read Psalm 4
Miracles
When evening came, his disciples went down to the
lake, where they got into a boat and set off across
the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and
Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was
blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had
rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw
Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water;
and they were terrified. But he said to them, “It is I;
don’t be afraid.” Then they were willing to take him
into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the
shore where they were heading.
~ John 6:16-21
When God is at work, when He does something amazing, when He does a miracle, are you afraid? Jesus' disciples were afraid when they saw Him walking across the water. But you don't have to be afraid. Stand in awe of God, and join Him! Be aware and ready to act. Watch for signs of God at work and then respond.
Read John 6
lake, where they got into a boat and set off across
the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and
Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was
blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had
rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw
Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water;
and they were terrified. But he said to them, “It is I;
don’t be afraid.” Then they were willing to take him
into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the
shore where they were heading.
~ John 6:16-21
When God is at work, when He does something amazing, when He does a miracle, are you afraid? Jesus' disciples were afraid when they saw Him walking across the water. But you don't have to be afraid. Stand in awe of God, and join Him! Be aware and ready to act. Watch for signs of God at work and then respond.
Read John 6
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Do you want to get well?
One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight
years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that
he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked
him, "Do you want to get well?"
~ John 5:5-6
Jesus asked a man who had been an invalid for 38 years if he wanted to be well. He asks you the same thing:
Do you want to be well? Do you want to be free of sin? Do you want to be well in your soul?
“Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me
into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am
trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.”
Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and
walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat
and walked.
~ John 5:7-9
The invalid wanted to be well, but he thought he needed someone to help him. The man thought his sick condition defined him. Jesus told him the truth: he could leave his sickness behind and be cured.
You don't need someone to make you well; Jesus already has! You are not defined by your sinful condition. Leave it behind and be free!
Read John 5
years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that
he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked
him, "Do you want to get well?"
~ John 5:5-6
Jesus asked a man who had been an invalid for 38 years if he wanted to be well. He asks you the same thing:
Do you want to be well? Do you want to be free of sin? Do you want to be well in your soul?
“Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me
into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am
trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.”
Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and
walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat
and walked.
~ John 5:7-9
The invalid wanted to be well, but he thought he needed someone to help him. The man thought his sick condition defined him. Jesus told him the truth: he could leave his sickness behind and be cured.
You don't need someone to make you well; Jesus already has! You are not defined by your sinful condition. Leave it behind and be free!
Read John 5
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Do Work
"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling."
~ Philippians 2:12
You need to work not to earn your salvation, but to work out your salvation. When God saved you, He didn't make you a perfect Christian, but He gave you the tools to follow Him and the promise that He would always be with you.
~ Philippians 2:12
You need to work not to earn your salvation, but to work out your salvation. When God saved you, He didn't make you a perfect Christian, but He gave you the tools to follow Him and the promise that He would always be with you.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Hard Questions
"In the dark, men break into houses,
but by day they shut themselves in;
they want nothing to do with the light.
For all of them, deep darkness is their morning;
they make friends with the terrors of darkness."
~ Job 24:16-17
Bringing wickedness and sin to light is not comfortable. Asking yourself and other people hard questions about where you are spiritually is not easy. Fear, shame, and guilt may cause you to shut the sin away, but it will come out in the dark times. Ask yourself and your friends where your heart is, and have them ask you, too. If you are uncomfortable talking about your heart and your spiritual state with the people close to you, you need to do it all the more! It is just like shining a light into the darkness: the light reveals the hidden things
but by day they shut themselves in;
they want nothing to do with the light.
For all of them, deep darkness is their morning;
they make friends with the terrors of darkness."
~ Job 24:16-17
Bringing wickedness and sin to light is not comfortable. Asking yourself and other people hard questions about where you are spiritually is not easy. Fear, shame, and guilt may cause you to shut the sin away, but it will come out in the dark times. Ask yourself and your friends where your heart is, and have them ask you, too. If you are uncomfortable talking about your heart and your spiritual state with the people close to you, you need to do it all the more! It is just like shining a light into the darkness: the light reveals the hidden things
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Supernatural
"Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures."
~ Luke 24:25
You can't naturally understand the Bible because it is supernatural wisdom. Pray that God will open your mind so you can understand His wisdom.
~ Luke 24:25
You can't naturally understand the Bible because it is supernatural wisdom. Pray that God will open your mind so you can understand His wisdom.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Supreme
"To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are His.
What He tears down cannot be rebuilt; the man He imprisons cannot be released.
If He holds back the waters, there is drought; if He lets them loose, they devastate the land.
To Him belong strength and victory; both deceived and deceiver are His."
~ Job 12:13-16
God is Supreme. He is bigger than any of your problems. When trouble comes, run to God even when you don't know why everything is happening. You have no hope of success outside of God. If He wants you to fail, you will fail; if He wants you to succeed, you will succeed. God is more powerful than anything, and He always has the victory.
What He tears down cannot be rebuilt; the man He imprisons cannot be released.
If He holds back the waters, there is drought; if He lets them loose, they devastate the land.
To Him belong strength and victory; both deceived and deceiver are His."
~ Job 12:13-16
God is Supreme. He is bigger than any of your problems. When trouble comes, run to God even when you don't know why everything is happening. You have no hope of success outside of God. If He wants you to fail, you will fail; if He wants you to succeed, you will succeed. God is more powerful than anything, and He always has the victory.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Assumptions
"Surely God does not reject a blameless man
or strengthen the hands of evildoers."
~ Job 8:20
Sometimes your assumptions about God are wrong. Bildad's assumption was wrong. God did reject a blameless man. Job was blameless, but God let Satan try to make him fall. God rejected His own perfect Son. A common assumption is that God never lets harm befall His children. But He does. He has a plan in all of this, though.
And we know that in all things God
works for the good of those who love
Him and are called according to His
purpose. ~ Romans 8:28
I don't always know what is best for me, but I frequently think I do. I am often goal focused; I think that God wants a certain thing for me and that He will take the most direct route possible to get there. But the journey is every bit as important as the prize. The direct path may not be what is best for me.
If you feel like God has let you down, question your assumptions and be aware that God's plan may not be what you think it is.
or strengthen the hands of evildoers."
~ Job 8:20
Sometimes your assumptions about God are wrong. Bildad's assumption was wrong. God did reject a blameless man. Job was blameless, but God let Satan try to make him fall. God rejected His own perfect Son. A common assumption is that God never lets harm befall His children. But He does. He has a plan in all of this, though.
And we know that in all things God
works for the good of those who love
Him and are called according to His
purpose. ~ Romans 8:28
I don't always know what is best for me, but I frequently think I do. I am often goal focused; I think that God wants a certain thing for me and that He will take the most direct route possible to get there. But the journey is every bit as important as the prize. The direct path may not be what is best for me.
If you feel like God has let you down, question your assumptions and be aware that God's plan may not be what you think it is.
Monday, May 2, 2011
You are more
"Naked I came from my mother's womb,
and naked I will depart.
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
may the name of the Lord be praised."
Job 1:21
You're more than what you have done. You're more than what's been done to You. You are a child of God.
You are more than the choices that you make
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes
You are more than the problems you create
You've been remade
(From "You Are More" by Tenth Avenue North)
and naked I will depart.
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
may the name of the Lord be praised."
Job 1:21
You're more than what you have done. You're more than what's been done to You. You are a child of God.
You are more than the choices that you make
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes
You are more than the problems you create
You've been remade
(From "You Are More" by Tenth Avenue North)
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Will you not follow Him?
When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!"
"I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."
Luke 19:37-40
Your sole purpose is to glorify God and to follow Him. If you don't, all creation will.
"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!"
"I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."
Luke 19:37-40
Your sole purpose is to glorify God and to follow Him. If you don't, all creation will.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Lead Me Not Into Temptation
Jesus said to His disciples: "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come."
Luke 17:1
Temptations and stumbling blocks will come; take care that you don't bring them. Lead people away from sin and toward Christ.
Luke 17:1
Temptations and stumbling blocks will come; take care that you don't bring them. Lead people away from sin and toward Christ.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Enough
"And God is able to make all grace abound in you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
2 Corinthians 9:8
God's grace is enough. He will provide you whatever you need. God has prepared you, so go out and do what He has sent you to do.
2 Corinthians 9:8
God's grace is enough. He will provide you whatever you need. God has prepared you, so go out and do what He has sent you to do.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Walls and the Mission
Nehemiah 4:16-23
From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me.
Then I said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!”
So we continued the work with half the men holding spears, from the first light of dawn till the stars came out. At that time I also said to the people, “Have every man and his helper stay inside Jerusalem at night, so they can serve us as guards by night and workmen by day.” Neither I nor my brothers nor my men nor the guards with me took off our clothes; each had his weapon, even when he went for water.
1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
Andy's part:
God wants you to be ready and willing to obey Him at any time. Some missions from God come more often, so be prepared for them.
Catherine's part:
Rebuilding the broken down walls (this can be anything, our relationship with God or others, learning to trust Him, etc.) in our is not a fun nor an easy task. It can only be done with God's strength and through His power. If we trust Him and listen to Him, and are always on alert, the walls will be rebuilt stronger than before.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Rely on God
2 Chronicles 13:10-12
“As for us, the Lord is our God, and we have not forsaken him. The priests who serve the Lord are sons of Aaron, and the Levites assist them. Every morning and evening they present burnt offerings and fragrant incense to the Lord. They set out the bread on the ceremonially clean table and light the lamps on the gold lampstand every evening. We are observing the requirements of the Lord our God. But you have forsaken him. God is with us; he is our leader. His priests with their trumpets will sound the battle cry against you. Men of Israel, do not fight against the Lord, the God of your fathers, for you will not succeed.”
Andy's part:
Serve God; don't forsake Him. Turn to Him; rely on Him; set Him as your leader. You will not succeed otherwise. You will succeed with Him.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Consecration and Purification
2 Chronicles 29:15-16
When they had assembled their brothers and consecrated themselves, they went in to purify the temple of the Lord, as the king had ordered, following the word of the Lord. The priests went into the sanctuary of the Lord to purify it. They brought out to the courtyard of the Lord's temple everything unclean that they found in the temple of the Lord. The Levites took it and carried it out to the Kidron Valley.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
Andy's part:
The Levites consecrated and sanctified the temple of the LORD by removing everything wicked and filling it with tools to honor God. Your body is a temple to God, and you need to do the same to it.
Catherine's part:
The natural reaction and next step after purification is to worship God, and give Him glory and thanks: (2 Chronicles 29:29-30)
When the offerings were finished, the king and everyone present with him knelt down and worshiped. King Hezekiah and his officials ordered the Levites to praise the Lord with the words of David and of Asaph the seer. So they sang praises with gladness and bowed their heads and worshiped.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Do You Have Your Own Faith?
2 Chronicles 24:2,17-19
Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years of Jehoiada the priest...After the death of Jehoiada, the officials of Judah came and paid homage to the king, and he listened to them. They abandoned the temple of the Lord, the God of their fathers, and worshiped Asherah poles and idols. Because of their guilt, God's anger came upon Judah and Jerusalem. Although the Lord sent prophets to the people to bring them back to him, and though they testified against them, they would not listen.
Andy's part:
Are you living someone else's faith? If you are, once that person leaves, so will your faith. That's a dangerous place to be.
Catherine's part:
If you have a weak faith, you will be easily swayed by whoever is close to you, and woe unto you if that person has evil intent! The best way to avoid such a path is to read God's word daily, and draw close to Him.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
'Don't be Afraid, Just Believe!'
2 Chronicles 20:15-21
He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’ ”
Jehoshaphat bowed with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the Lord. Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the Lord, the God of Israel, with very loud voice.
Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:
“Give thanks to the Lord,
for his love endures forever.”
Mark 5:36
Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don't be afraid; just believe.”
Andy's part:
Trust God and give up your fear, doubt, and worry. Nothing is too big for God to handle. Will you give your challenges up to Him?
Catherine's part:
It seems to me that we have a hard time trusting God with our problems. It's not that we don't believe that He can handle it, or anything. It's just such a human reaction to want to be in control of every situation. Sometimes I think 95% of the battle is learning to trust God and place every situation into His hands. After that, it's amazing what He can and will do!
Do you have any stories about when you trusted God, and how He did things you never could've imagined in that situation?
Repetition
2 Chronicles 18:7
'The king of Israel answered Jehoshaphat, “There is still one man through whom we can inquire of the Lord, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.”
“The king should not say that,” Jehoshaphat replied.'
Andy's part:
If you keep getting the same message from God wherever you go, definitely heed it. If He consistently tells you you're not right, you're wrong.
Catherine's part:
Don't be so quick to assume that what someone else has to say about you is proof of their bad character. If they are a man or woman of God their reprimand could be from Him. The King of Israel decided to hate Micaiah for prophesying against him, instead of looking to God to help him correct his ways.
Later in the chapter we read more about Micaiah the prophet of the Lord. He is the only prophet who speaks the truth, and is punished for it. Following God can be hard. Sometimes we are reprimanded for doing wrong, like Andy said, and some are punished for doing right, like Micaiah. But God is always with us, and that makes the hard times bearable.
What do you think of this verse?
Monday, March 28, 2011
Fool For You
Matthew 26:10-13
Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
Andy's part:
This woman showed Jesus her love and obedience by sacrificing her time, money, and dignity. Are you willing to do the same?
Catherine's part:
This passage makes me think of the Nichole Nordeman song 'Fool For You'. It's about losing our worldy dignity in order to show our love for God.
'Unaware of popularity,
And unconcerned with dignity
You made me free.
That's proof enough for me.
I would be a fool for You,
Only if You asked me to,
A simpleton who's only thinking of
The cause of love.'
Sunday, March 27, 2011
God First
2 Chronicles 13:10-12
“As for us, the Lord is our God, and we have not forsaken him. The priests who serve the Lord are sons of Aaron, and the Levites assist them. Every morning and evening they present burnt offerings and fragrant incense to the Lord. They set out the bread on the ceremonially clean table and light the lamps on the gold lampstand every evening. We are observing the requirements of the Lord our God. But you have forsaken him. God is with us; he is our leader. His priests with their trumpets will sound the battle cry against you. Men of Israel, do not fight against the Lord, the God of your fathers, for you will not succeed.”
Andy's part:
Turn to God, rely on Him, put Him as your leader, & follow His commands. With God, you'll succeed in whatever is His will. Without Him you won't.
Catherine's part:
Always remember to put God first in your life. Give Him honor and glory and praise, for He is our Leader. If you forget God, and turn to other things, He will oppose you. It is always best to do God's will, and honor Him above all.
Whitewashed Tombs
Matthew 23:25-26
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean."
Andy's part:
If you are stuck in sin, simply stopping the action is not enough. To fix the problem, address the problem. You need to change your heart.
Catherine's part:
The entire 23rd chapter of Matthew is interesting. Jesus' speech to the Pharisees about being legalistic hypocrites (which is the modern day definition of a Pharisee, interestingly enough), makes them sound like the type of people we would all hate to meet. And yet we all have it within us to become this type of person. How do we avoid it? Like Andy said, address the root of the problem, what's in our hearts. Only God can change our hearts, and He wants to! Look at His words at the very end of this chapter:
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” (vs 37-39)
I really reflected on those verses. What an interesting chapter!
I'd love to hear your thoughts on any or all of Matthew 23!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Double Header
Sorry for not posting the verse yesterday, guys! I'm posting both yesterday's and today's verse together to make up for it.
Blessings!
Catherine
2 Chronicles 6:4
Then he [Soloman] said:
“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, who with his hands has fulfilled what he promised with his mouth to my father David...
Andy's part:
God does not make empty promises. He follows through on what He says He will do. You can trust God & hold onto the hopes and promises He gives you.
Catherine's part:
Isn't it great how God fulfills His promises? We don't necessarily know how He will do it, or when, but when He has promised something we can trust that He will do it. It doesn't matter who or what is in opposition, God is stronger than men and demons, and He will always win!
Romans 13:3, 7
For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Andy's part:
Do right. Even if you are not commended by your ruler, God will commend you. Do wrong and you will be punished now or in eternity.
Catherine's part:
Doing the right thing can be one of he hardest things to do, especially if we don't like the person or people in charge of us. God can change our hearts so we want to do right. When we love God doing right comes easier, and in pleasing Him we will be free from fear of those in authority.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Faith, Not Works
Matthew 19:16-22
Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”
“Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.”
“Which ones?” the man inquired.
Jesus replied, “ ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’”
“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Andy's part:
You can never justify yourself through works. Only through Christ can you be made righteous.
Catherine's part:
We have to love and trust God more than things. We can ask Him to help us make Him the center of our life. There's no way we can do this on our own merit. We need to love the Creator above the created. Like Andy said, only through Christ is this possible.
Monday, March 21, 2011
God's Plan
1 Chronicles 28:2-3
King David rose to his feet and said: “Listen to me, my brothers and my people. I had it in my heart to build a house as a place of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, for the footstool of our God, and I made plans to build it. But God said to me, ‘You are not to build a house for my Name, because you are a warrior and have shed blood.’
Andy's part:
David essentially said: "This was my plan, but God's was different."
God doesn't always do what you want Him to do, but He has a reason. Trust and rely on Him and His plan even when you don't know His reasons.
Catherine's part:
Even though God didn't use David for the actual building of the temple, He revealed the plans to him. God can use many people to achieve one goal. And God had other plans for David. David set a great example by following God's plan instead of His own.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Following God
Matthew 15:3, 8-9
Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?
" 'These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
They worship me in vain;
their teachings are but rules taught by men.' "
Andy's part:
Following God isn't about religion, it's about a relationship. Religion is no substitute for knowing God. Draw close to God and get to know Him.
Catherine's part:
'All religion ever made of me with a stone tied to my feet.' (Jason Gray, More Like Falling in Love)
God wants to be our friend. He loves us enough to have that personal relationship, which is pretty incredible. Religion just ties us to rules and regulations, and takes us farther from God.
Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?
" 'These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
They worship me in vain;
their teachings are but rules taught by men.' "
Andy's part:
Following God isn't about religion, it's about a relationship. Religion is no substitute for knowing God. Draw close to God and get to know Him.
Catherine's part:
'All religion ever made of me with a stone tied to my feet.' (Jason Gray, More Like Falling in Love)
God wants to be our friend. He loves us enough to have that personal relationship, which is pretty incredible. Religion just ties us to rules and regulations, and takes us farther from God.
Impossible
Matthew 14:16-17, 21
"We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered.
... The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Don’t avoid the impossible; embrace it! “Impossible” is the perfect opportunity for God to display His power, and for You to be part of it.
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