Friday, June 26, 2015
Standard for Living
2 Timothy 3:12-17 (NKJV)
12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,
15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Isaiah 40:7-8 (NKJV)
7 The grass withers, the flower fades,
Because the breath of the LORD blows upon it;
Surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers, the flower fades,
But the Word of our God stands forever"
++++++++++++++++++++++++
What is your Standard for Living? What controls your life?
For those of us who are followers of Jesus Christ, the Word of God must be our standard! There are those who are supposedly "enlightened" and say that the Word of God does not really mean what it says, but I think you can see from Isaiah 40:7 where those will end up. When God has spoken, no man can change the meaning.
This week we have heard decrees from our court system in reference to current social issues. They site their interpretation of the constitution for their stand.
For those of us who follow Jesus, neither the court nor the constitution serves as our guide. We must have a standard. The Word of God lasts forever. The court will change things in a few more years, and society is in constant flux, but the Word of God lasts forever.
Therein do I stand! Followers of Jesus may have to pay a price, but the the victor is GOD! He has spoken! I trust Him!
12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,
15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Isaiah 40:7-8 (NKJV)
7 The grass withers, the flower fades,
Because the breath of the LORD blows upon it;
Surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers, the flower fades,
But the Word of our God stands forever"
++++++++++++++++++++++++
What is your Standard for Living? What controls your life?
For those of us who are followers of Jesus Christ, the Word of God must be our standard! There are those who are supposedly "enlightened" and say that the Word of God does not really mean what it says, but I think you can see from Isaiah 40:7 where those will end up. When God has spoken, no man can change the meaning.
This week we have heard decrees from our court system in reference to current social issues. They site their interpretation of the constitution for their stand.
For those of us who follow Jesus, neither the court nor the constitution serves as our guide. We must have a standard. The Word of God lasts forever. The court will change things in a few more years, and society is in constant flux, but the Word of God lasts forever.
Therein do I stand! Followers of Jesus may have to pay a price, but the the victor is GOD! He has spoken! I trust Him!
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Holy Ground
Exodus 3:2-5 (NASB)
2 The angel of the LORD appeared to him (Moses) in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed.
3 So Moses said, "I must turn aside now and see this marvelous sight, why the bush is not burned up."
4 When the LORD saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, "Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here I am."
5 Then He said, "Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground."
+++++++++++++++++++++
At this Holy Ground experience, God called Moses to the mission he was to do in delivering his people from Egyptian bondage. We can find several such experiences. For Elijah, it was in a cave when he was running for his life. For Isaiah, it was in the temple. For Saul, it was on the road to Damascus while he was on his mission to destroy the Christians.
+++If Holy ground is where you can meet God, each of us need a place/time where we meet Him daily. Where is your "Holy Ground?"
+++On the other hand, we might see "Holy Ground" as that special place where we have a special experience of God's revelation. Where was yours?
+++As I think on this, I think that if we find a "daily Holy Ground" we will be prepared for an unexpected experience in the routine of your daily life. Are you looking for that "holy ground?"
+++Of the 4 mentioned above, only Isaiah seems to be seeking an audience with God in the temple. The other 3 were going about their business. God interrupted their routine and created a "holy ground" experience. Are you prepared for such? A daily time, will prepare you for that unexpected revelation.
2 The angel of the LORD appeared to him (Moses) in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed.
3 So Moses said, "I must turn aside now and see this marvelous sight, why the bush is not burned up."
4 When the LORD saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, "Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here I am."
5 Then He said, "Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground."
+++++++++++++++++++++
At this Holy Ground experience, God called Moses to the mission he was to do in delivering his people from Egyptian bondage. We can find several such experiences. For Elijah, it was in a cave when he was running for his life. For Isaiah, it was in the temple. For Saul, it was on the road to Damascus while he was on his mission to destroy the Christians.
+++If Holy ground is where you can meet God, each of us need a place/time where we meet Him daily. Where is your "Holy Ground?"
+++On the other hand, we might see "Holy Ground" as that special place where we have a special experience of God's revelation. Where was yours?
+++As I think on this, I think that if we find a "daily Holy Ground" we will be prepared for an unexpected experience in the routine of your daily life. Are you looking for that "holy ground?"
+++Of the 4 mentioned above, only Isaiah seems to be seeking an audience with God in the temple. The other 3 were going about their business. God interrupted their routine and created a "holy ground" experience. Are you prepared for such? A daily time, will prepare you for that unexpected revelation.
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Trusting God!
Matthew 10:29-31 (NASB)
29 "Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.
30 "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
31 "So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows."
+++++++++++++++++++++
You are worth more than many sparrows! Did you ever meditate on this verse? The common sparrow in our culture is worth less now than then! But God provides for them. How much more will he provide for us!
Reminds me of a cartoon I saw somewhere. Two sparrows were sitting on a power line, watching humans run here and there. One sparrow said to the other, "I think they do not have a heavenly Father watching over them like we do!"
What do our lives reflect about our trust in God? We need to live in full dependence on Him! Therefore, FEAR NOT, trust Him in any situation!
If you are a follower of Jesus, you are a child of the King. Depend on Him and live like it!
29 "Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.
30 "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
31 "So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows."
+++++++++++++++++++++
You are worth more than many sparrows! Did you ever meditate on this verse? The common sparrow in our culture is worth less now than then! But God provides for them. How much more will he provide for us!
Reminds me of a cartoon I saw somewhere. Two sparrows were sitting on a power line, watching humans run here and there. One sparrow said to the other, "I think they do not have a heavenly Father watching over them like we do!"
What do our lives reflect about our trust in God? We need to live in full dependence on Him! Therefore, FEAR NOT, trust Him in any situation!
If you are a follower of Jesus, you are a child of the King. Depend on Him and live like it!
Saturday, June 20, 2015
A Strange Plan!
Joshua 6:14-16, 20 (NASB)
14 Thus the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp; they did so for six days.
15 Then on the seventh day they rose early at the dawning of the day and marched around the city in the same manner seven times; only on that day they marched around the city seven times.
16 At the seventh time, when the priest blew the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, "Shout! For the LORD has given you the city.
...
20 So the people shouted, and priest blew the trumpets; and when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted with a great shout and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight ahead, and they took the city.
+++++++++++++++++
The 13th time! That is when it happened. The battle plan God gave Joshua for capturing Jericho was very unique! Rather illogical as far as battles go! God said to march around the city once a day for 6 days, and 7 times on the 7th day. Only on the 7th time were the people to make a sound. For 7 days the people marched around the city.
I got to thinking! What if they had quit after 6 times on the 7th day? Surely they were tired by then. And nothing was happening! But God had said to go a 7th time and then to shout! A shout of victory! And then it happened! The walls of the city fell down flat and the people were able to go in and take the town.
=== The point? How many times do we stop short of claiming the victory God has promised. He tells us to proceed in some way that seems strange, and we decide we have a better way! God does sometimes give us some strange plans! If we are to experience the victory He wants, we just have to follow His plans. If we stop short, we lose!
---- Whats happening in your life? Has God given you some direction that seems strange? We probably will never need to capture a city, but there are obstacles that God will give us victory over, if we just keep up in His direction!
DON'T GROW WEARY OF DOING GOOD! (2 Thessalonians 3:13)
14 Thus the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp; they did so for six days.
15 Then on the seventh day they rose early at the dawning of the day and marched around the city in the same manner seven times; only on that day they marched around the city seven times.
16 At the seventh time, when the priest blew the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, "Shout! For the LORD has given you the city.
...
20 So the people shouted, and priest blew the trumpets; and when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted with a great shout and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight ahead, and they took the city.
+++++++++++++++++
The 13th time! That is when it happened. The battle plan God gave Joshua for capturing Jericho was very unique! Rather illogical as far as battles go! God said to march around the city once a day for 6 days, and 7 times on the 7th day. Only on the 7th time were the people to make a sound. For 7 days the people marched around the city.
I got to thinking! What if they had quit after 6 times on the 7th day? Surely they were tired by then. And nothing was happening! But God had said to go a 7th time and then to shout! A shout of victory! And then it happened! The walls of the city fell down flat and the people were able to go in and take the town.
=== The point? How many times do we stop short of claiming the victory God has promised. He tells us to proceed in some way that seems strange, and we decide we have a better way! God does sometimes give us some strange plans! If we are to experience the victory He wants, we just have to follow His plans. If we stop short, we lose!
---- Whats happening in your life? Has God given you some direction that seems strange? We probably will never need to capture a city, but there are obstacles that God will give us victory over, if we just keep up in His direction!
DON'T GROW WEARY OF DOING GOOD! (2 Thessalonians 3:13)
Friday, June 19, 2015
The Word of God
I Thessalonians 2:13 (NKJV)
For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.
++++++++++++++++++
Those of us who proclaim the Word of God need to be careful that it is the Word of God and not our own ideas! And when we hear something we need to check it by the Word of God.
I recently heard a popular preacher quoted as saying that he had been "enlightened" to understand that he had been wrong about what God's word said. He had caved into political correctness and therefore rejected the Word of God.
Our goal: Accept God's word and judge everything else by it, not the other way around. God's word is standard! If man's word differs, it is just wrong!
+++ 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
God has spoken! We need to listen and obey!
May God bless you as you seek to know His will in your individual life.
For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.
++++++++++++++++++
Those of us who proclaim the Word of God need to be careful that it is the Word of God and not our own ideas! And when we hear something we need to check it by the Word of God.
I recently heard a popular preacher quoted as saying that he had been "enlightened" to understand that he had been wrong about what God's word said. He had caved into political correctness and therefore rejected the Word of God.
Our goal: Accept God's word and judge everything else by it, not the other way around. God's word is standard! If man's word differs, it is just wrong!
+++ 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
God has spoken! We need to listen and obey!
May God bless you as you seek to know His will in your individual life.
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Church Fellowship
Rejoice, pray, and give thanks! That was the topic yesterday. As I thought on this during the night, I realized that this was written to the church. Paul addresses 'Brethren' in verse 14 and 'one another' in verse 15. While we can do these things on a personal level ( and should) we will not experience the depth of the experience until we join in a church fellowship.
One of the major things we do when we come is together for worship is give thanks to God for His amazing grace and provision in our lives.
So let me challenge you to plan to join together this Sunday and obey these commandments.
To God be the glory!
One of the major things we do when we come is together for worship is give thanks to God for His amazing grace and provision in our lives.
So let me challenge you to plan to join together this Sunday and obey these commandments.
To God be the glory!
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
God's will for all!
I Thessalonians 5:15-18 (NASB)
15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil,
but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.
16 Rejoice always;
17 pray without ceasing;
18 in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
++++++++++++++++++
God's will is that we do good for all and praise Him!
Seems simple enough!?!?
15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil,
but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.
16 Rejoice always;
17 pray without ceasing;
18 in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
++++++++++++++++++
God's will is that we do good for all and praise Him!
Seems simple enough!?!?
Monday, June 15, 2015
Abundant Life
John 10:9-11 (NASB)
Jesus said:
9 "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.
10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
11 "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep."
+++++++++++++++++++++
Jesus came to give life, both now and for eternity. If it was only for eternity after we die, that would be great! But, in Him, eternal life starts when we begin to follow Him as our Savior and Lord!
The good shepherd gave Himself for us, that we might have abundant life both now and forever! Are you experiencing this abundant life???
Jesus said:
9 "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.
10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
11 "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep."
+++++++++++++++++++++
Jesus came to give life, both now and for eternity. If it was only for eternity after we die, that would be great! But, in Him, eternal life starts when we begin to follow Him as our Savior and Lord!
The good shepherd gave Himself for us, that we might have abundant life both now and forever! Are you experiencing this abundant life???
Saturday, June 13, 2015
Do Good, Glorify GOD!
Galatians 6:9-10 (NASB)
9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.
10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.
++++++++++++++++++++++
Repeatedly we are encouraged to do good for one another. Jesus said that when we do good, people will see it and glorify God! So as we minister to the needs of people around us, we will bring glory to God! That should be our primary goal in life! So, DO GOOD, and GLORIFY GOD!
9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.
10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.
++++++++++++++++++++++
Repeatedly we are encouraged to do good for one another. Jesus said that when we do good, people will see it and glorify God! So as we minister to the needs of people around us, we will bring glory to God! That should be our primary goal in life! So, DO GOOD, and GLORIFY GOD!
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Share God's blessings!
Isaiah 12:2-5 (NASB)
2 "Behold, God is my salvation,
I will trust and not be afraid;
For the LORD GOD is my strength and song,
And He has become my salvation."
3 Therefore you will joyously draw water
From the springs of salvation.
4 And in that day you will say,
"Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name.
Make known His deeds among the peoples;
Make them remember that His name is exalted."
5 Praise the LORD in song, for He has done excellent things;
Let this be known throughout the earth.
++++++++++++++++
Reflect on the salvation God has provided. Remember His many blessings. Tell them to others! Praise God! Move ahead with confidence because of His past provisions!
Trust God in every situation!
2 "Behold, God is my salvation,
I will trust and not be afraid;
For the LORD GOD is my strength and song,
And He has become my salvation."
3 Therefore you will joyously draw water
From the springs of salvation.
4 And in that day you will say,
"Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name.
Make known His deeds among the peoples;
Make them remember that His name is exalted."
5 Praise the LORD in song, for He has done excellent things;
Let this be known throughout the earth.
++++++++++++++++
Reflect on the salvation God has provided. Remember His many blessings. Tell them to others! Praise God! Move ahead with confidence because of His past provisions!
Trust God in every situation!
Friday, June 05, 2015
Circumstances??
Philippians 1:12-14 (NASB)
12 Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel,
13 so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else,
14 and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of god without fear.
+++++++++++++++++++
How many times when asked how we were doing, have we said, "Very well, under the circumstances!" Or something like that?
Paul's circumstances was prison. He could look and see good from that. So my challenge is this: Whatever your circumstance, look and see what God is doing? He will be glorified!
12 Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel,
13 so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else,
14 and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of god without fear.
+++++++++++++++++++
How many times when asked how we were doing, have we said, "Very well, under the circumstances!" Or something like that?
Paul's circumstances was prison. He could look and see good from that. So my challenge is this: Whatever your circumstance, look and see what God is doing? He will be glorified!
Thursday, June 04, 2015
Comfort
2 Corinthians 1:2-4 (NASB)
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
+++++++++++++
When was the last time you received comfort? Perhaps it was a hug, a kind work, a phone call, or just the presence of a friend. Did you receive it as from the Lord? He does use His people to comfort and expects each of us to be his comforters as we comfort one another.
May God bless you as you look around to see how you can be a comfort. And when you need comfort, accept it the way God provides. To God be the glory!
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
+++++++++++++
When was the last time you received comfort? Perhaps it was a hug, a kind work, a phone call, or just the presence of a friend. Did you receive it as from the Lord? He does use His people to comfort and expects each of us to be his comforters as we comfort one another.
May God bless you as you look around to see how you can be a comfort. And when you need comfort, accept it the way God provides. To God be the glory!
Wednesday, June 03, 2015
Power to Resist Temptation
HEBREWS 2:17-18 (NASB)
17 Therefore, He (Jesus) had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
18 For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.
++++++++++++++++++++
Jesus was tempted in all things like us (Hebrews 4:15). So He understands temptation!
Temptations are part of life. Victory over temptations is available through Jesus. He understands because He has been there!
So, trust Him, and ask for all the help you need to resist any temptation!
17 Therefore, He (Jesus) had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
18 For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.
++++++++++++++++++++
Jesus was tempted in all things like us (Hebrews 4:15). So He understands temptation!
Temptations are part of life. Victory over temptations is available through Jesus. He understands because He has been there!
So, trust Him, and ask for all the help you need to resist any temptation!
Tuesday, June 02, 2015
Lost in the crowd?
Matthew 8:1-3 (NASB)
1 When Jesus came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him.
2 And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean."
3 Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
++++++++++++++
Here was one man in the crowd. He could have felt lost. But he came in faith that Jesus would heal him. Jesus took time to minister to this one man, in spite of the needs of the crowd.
Have you ever felt lost in the crowd, with a need that no one seemed to be aware? Turn to Jesus. He always has time for the individual who turn to Him.
On the other hand, how many times do we see the needs of the many and feel there is nothing we can do? Perhaps we cannot meet all the needs, but we can do something.
So whatever your place in the crowd, expect Jesus to minister to you, and in turn, look around to see who needs you! God will bless you and He will be glorified.
1 When Jesus came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him.
2 And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean."
3 Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
++++++++++++++
Here was one man in the crowd. He could have felt lost. But he came in faith that Jesus would heal him. Jesus took time to minister to this one man, in spite of the needs of the crowd.
Have you ever felt lost in the crowd, with a need that no one seemed to be aware? Turn to Jesus. He always has time for the individual who turn to Him.
On the other hand, how many times do we see the needs of the many and feel there is nothing we can do? Perhaps we cannot meet all the needs, but we can do something.
So whatever your place in the crowd, expect Jesus to minister to you, and in turn, look around to see who needs you! God will bless you and He will be glorified.
Monday, June 01, 2015
TRUST GOD!
Jeremiah 32:17 (NASB)
'Ah Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You,'
+++++++++++++++++++
In the midst of a prophecy of doom, we find this great truth! "Nothing is too difficult for God!" With that assurance, what issue are you facing? With that assurance, we can face any issue that comes along. As we trust in God and follow Him, He will see us through anything. Not always the way we would want, but always the best way! God knows better than we do!
So today, whatever is coming your way, TRUST GOD!
'Ah Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You,'
+++++++++++++++++++
In the midst of a prophecy of doom, we find this great truth! "Nothing is too difficult for God!" With that assurance, what issue are you facing? With that assurance, we can face any issue that comes along. As we trust in God and follow Him, He will see us through anything. Not always the way we would want, but always the best way! God knows better than we do!
So today, whatever is coming your way, TRUST GOD!
