Galatians 6:1-3 (The Message)
1 -3 Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.
In previous chapters the apostle has encouraged Christians to love and serve one another. Paul talked about how an angry temper would hinder our lives and keep us from showing the appropriate love for others. Paul continues to teach in the verses above about ministering to others. When someone falls into sin it is the duty of the Christian to help restore that person in a forgiving manner. Criticism should be reserved to examine one’s own self. For we are all sinners and we never know when we might need the same forgiveness granted to us. We should never think of ourselves above others; for we are sinners whose best of works to God are like filthy rags.
Imagine being in a restaurant and observing an individual nicely dressed ready for their next business appointment. Then you happen to see them drop some food on their clothes and as they get up to leave they are unaware of the stain. What should you do? The nice thing would be to make them aware of the problem. It would be embarrassing though if you tell them about the food on their clothes and then you find out you there is a glob of potato salad on your pants, which they tell you about. So we need to take care not only what we say to someone, but also how we present a problem someone. We should never think of ourselves as better for we might also have some stains on us called sin. Learn to extend grace, mercy and love to others just as Christ has done for you.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
A valuable treasure
2 Corinthians 5:8 (ESV)
8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
The apostle reminds us to stop to consider our Christian faith and the prospect of a new life with Christ in heaven. It is then we can be comforted from the troubles of this life. While we are here on earth we live to serve the Lord, but when we face our last enemy, “DEATH”, we can take courage in knowing we will be home with the Lord. When it is God’s will one should go home we can rejoice for they have left this painful world to go unto the comfort of Christ.
As Stan Caffy prepared for married life, he and his bride-to-be cleaned out their respective garages and sold everything to Goodwill. Between the two of them, they sold an assortment of clothes, bicycles, tools, computer parts, and a tattered copy of the Declaration of Independence that had been hanging in Stan's garage for the last decade. Stan's trash turned out to be another man's treasure. That particular version of the Declaration of Independence was a rare copy made in 1823. A man named Michael Sparks spotted it, and he purchased the document for $2.48. Sparks later auctioned it for $477,650. Not a bad profit. Caffy, the previous owner, was later quoted as saying, "I'm happy for the Sparks guy. If I still had it, it would still be hanging here in the garage, and I still wouldn't know it was worth all that.” [Associated Press, "Sold! One Declaration of Independence Copy," MSNBC.com (3-23-07)]
The question we should ask ourselves is do we know what the worth of our salvation is? It is a valuable treasure we don’t cash in on until we are at home with the Lord.
8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
The apostle reminds us to stop to consider our Christian faith and the prospect of a new life with Christ in heaven. It is then we can be comforted from the troubles of this life. While we are here on earth we live to serve the Lord, but when we face our last enemy, “DEATH”, we can take courage in knowing we will be home with the Lord. When it is God’s will one should go home we can rejoice for they have left this painful world to go unto the comfort of Christ.
As Stan Caffy prepared for married life, he and his bride-to-be cleaned out their respective garages and sold everything to Goodwill. Between the two of them, they sold an assortment of clothes, bicycles, tools, computer parts, and a tattered copy of the Declaration of Independence that had been hanging in Stan's garage for the last decade. Stan's trash turned out to be another man's treasure. That particular version of the Declaration of Independence was a rare copy made in 1823. A man named Michael Sparks spotted it, and he purchased the document for $2.48. Sparks later auctioned it for $477,650. Not a bad profit. Caffy, the previous owner, was later quoted as saying, "I'm happy for the Sparks guy. If I still had it, it would still be hanging here in the garage, and I still wouldn't know it was worth all that.” [Associated Press, "Sold! One Declaration of Independence Copy," MSNBC.com (3-23-07)]
The question we should ask ourselves is do we know what the worth of our salvation is? It is a valuable treasure we don’t cash in on until we are at home with the Lord.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Build your relationship with the Lord
Revelation 2:14-16 (NLT)
14 “But I have a few complaints against you. You tolerate some among you whose teaching is like that of Balaam, who showed Balak how to trip up the people of Israel. He taught them to sin by eating food offered to idols and by committing sexual sin. 15 In a similar way, you have some Nicolaitans among you who follow the same teaching. 16 Repent of your sin, or I will come to you suddenly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
Jesus reproves the Church of Pergamam in these verses. The Christians there were following in corrupt doctrines leading to corrupt worship and corrupt teachings. They were being drawn into sin just as Balaam had drawn the Israelites into sin. [Though the church, as such, has no power to punish the persons of men, either for heresy or immorality, with corporal penalties, yet it has power to exclude them from its communion; and, if it do not so, Christ, the head and lawgiver of the church, will be displeased with it. ~ Matthew Henry]
Desmond Tutu — the Nobel peace prize winner and Anglican Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, South African — famously said in a 2008 speech that, “There’s nothing more radical, nothing more revolutionary, nothing more subversive against injustice and oppression than the Bible. If you want to keep people subjugated, the last thing you place in their hands is a Bible.” For you see God’s Word is a first step in beginning to understand who God is. In Acts chapter 8 Philip met a man reading scripture and God’s spirit moved him to want to know more. So Philip shared the message of Jesus dying for our sin with this man. The man responded he believed Jesus Christ is the Son of God. The man declared he wanted to be baptized and had the chariots stopped immediately so Philip could so. When God’s Word and Spirit move you there is a desire for an immediate response. As God’s Word speaks you become closer and begin build a relationship with the Lord. This relationship is not based on man’s ideas or how the world tells you to act, but based upon what the Lord would have you do. Yes, let men build a relationship with the Lord and their submission will be to Him and not the world.
14 “But I have a few complaints against you. You tolerate some among you whose teaching is like that of Balaam, who showed Balak how to trip up the people of Israel. He taught them to sin by eating food offered to idols and by committing sexual sin. 15 In a similar way, you have some Nicolaitans among you who follow the same teaching. 16 Repent of your sin, or I will come to you suddenly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
Jesus reproves the Church of Pergamam in these verses. The Christians there were following in corrupt doctrines leading to corrupt worship and corrupt teachings. They were being drawn into sin just as Balaam had drawn the Israelites into sin. [Though the church, as such, has no power to punish the persons of men, either for heresy or immorality, with corporal penalties, yet it has power to exclude them from its communion; and, if it do not so, Christ, the head and lawgiver of the church, will be displeased with it. ~ Matthew Henry]
Desmond Tutu — the Nobel peace prize winner and Anglican Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, South African — famously said in a 2008 speech that, “There’s nothing more radical, nothing more revolutionary, nothing more subversive against injustice and oppression than the Bible. If you want to keep people subjugated, the last thing you place in their hands is a Bible.” For you see God’s Word is a first step in beginning to understand who God is. In Acts chapter 8 Philip met a man reading scripture and God’s spirit moved him to want to know more. So Philip shared the message of Jesus dying for our sin with this man. The man responded he believed Jesus Christ is the Son of God. The man declared he wanted to be baptized and had the chariots stopped immediately so Philip could so. When God’s Word and Spirit move you there is a desire for an immediate response. As God’s Word speaks you become closer and begin build a relationship with the Lord. This relationship is not based on man’s ideas or how the world tells you to act, but based upon what the Lord would have you do. Yes, let men build a relationship with the Lord and their submission will be to Him and not the world.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Wisdom and discernment
Proverbs 14:15 (NLT)
15 Only simpletons believe everything they’re told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.
Solomon tells us it is foolish to believe everything we hear, to trust what seems so probable, to always count on a friend’s recollection, and to give credit to everyone who would make a vow of truth. Wisdom lends itself to caution and discernment. The prudent person will weigh the credibility of what they hear. They will examine who and how something is related to them. They will carefully weigh the facts giving judgment to what is known and to suspend judgment when facts are not present.
Henri J. M. Nouwen in The Inner Voice of Love said, “As a child of God, you need to be prudent. You cannot simply walk around in this world as if nothing and no one can harm you. You remain extremely vulnerable. The same passions that make you love God may be used by the powers of evil.” In life we need to carefully examine everything put before us without jumping to a quick conclusion. Often we look at life through filters created by our own experiences. These filters affect the way we perceive and review facts. The problem is that because of these past experiences the filters we create may cause us to jump from step A to step D without understanding what took place at step B and C. For example if you lived with someone who as soon as they got angry became abusive you might jump to the conclusion that anyone who expresses anger will turn to abusive aggressive, which is not always true. You may have a friend that repeats rumors and 90% of the time they are true. But what happens if there is a negative rumor against someone and it falls into the 10% false category. You will make a false judgment based on false fact. So be prudent and carefully consider all things, asking yourself do you really know or are you basing your information on hearsay, rumor, unsubstantiated facts or your own false beliefs. Pray God would give you the wisdom to live cautiously using discernment as your guide.
15 Only simpletons believe everything they’re told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.
Solomon tells us it is foolish to believe everything we hear, to trust what seems so probable, to always count on a friend’s recollection, and to give credit to everyone who would make a vow of truth. Wisdom lends itself to caution and discernment. The prudent person will weigh the credibility of what they hear. They will examine who and how something is related to them. They will carefully weigh the facts giving judgment to what is known and to suspend judgment when facts are not present.
Henri J. M. Nouwen in The Inner Voice of Love said, “As a child of God, you need to be prudent. You cannot simply walk around in this world as if nothing and no one can harm you. You remain extremely vulnerable. The same passions that make you love God may be used by the powers of evil.” In life we need to carefully examine everything put before us without jumping to a quick conclusion. Often we look at life through filters created by our own experiences. These filters affect the way we perceive and review facts. The problem is that because of these past experiences the filters we create may cause us to jump from step A to step D without understanding what took place at step B and C. For example if you lived with someone who as soon as they got angry became abusive you might jump to the conclusion that anyone who expresses anger will turn to abusive aggressive, which is not always true. You may have a friend that repeats rumors and 90% of the time they are true. But what happens if there is a negative rumor against someone and it falls into the 10% false category. You will make a false judgment based on false fact. So be prudent and carefully consider all things, asking yourself do you really know or are you basing your information on hearsay, rumor, unsubstantiated facts or your own false beliefs. Pray God would give you the wisdom to live cautiously using discernment as your guide.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Contentment
1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NLT)
6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
In this section of 1 Timothy 6, the Apostle Paul speaks to Timothy about false teachings and true riches. His main point is godliness and contentment by itself is a great wealth to be treasured. Paul reminds Timothy we come into this world with nothing and we depart from this world with nothing. So as long as our basic needs are met we should learn to be content with life.
C.H. Spurgeon once said, “You say, 'If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.' You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled. ‘” Our sin nature causes us to always want that little bit more that we don’t have. It often drives us to buy beyond our limits. It will cause use to covet what another may have. If we can’t be happy with what we have, surely we will not be happy when we gain more. Are you content in life? Then you have received that contentment by trusting in God to meet your needs. However, if your heart is filled with covetousness then you are worshiping yourself with the riches you supply with your own greed. Pray God would give you peace and contentment with life. Build heavenly treasures that are lasting and not earthly treasures that will perish.
6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
In this section of 1 Timothy 6, the Apostle Paul speaks to Timothy about false teachings and true riches. His main point is godliness and contentment by itself is a great wealth to be treasured. Paul reminds Timothy we come into this world with nothing and we depart from this world with nothing. So as long as our basic needs are met we should learn to be content with life.
C.H. Spurgeon once said, “You say, 'If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.' You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled. ‘” Our sin nature causes us to always want that little bit more that we don’t have. It often drives us to buy beyond our limits. It will cause use to covet what another may have. If we can’t be happy with what we have, surely we will not be happy when we gain more. Are you content in life? Then you have received that contentment by trusting in God to meet your needs. However, if your heart is filled with covetousness then you are worshiping yourself with the riches you supply with your own greed. Pray God would give you peace and contentment with life. Build heavenly treasures that are lasting and not earthly treasures that will perish.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Care in choosing leaders
Matthew 2:16-20 (The Message)
16-18 Herod, when he realized that the scholars had tricked him, flew into a rage. He commanded the murder of every little boy two years old and under who lived in Bethlehem and its surrounding hills. (He determined that age from information he'd gotten from the scholars.) That's when Jeremiah's sermon was fulfilled: A sound was heard in Ramah, weeping and much lament. Rachel weeping for her children, Rachel refusing all solace, Her children gone, dead and buried. 19-20 Later, when Herod died, God's angel appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt: "Up, take the child and his mother and return to Israel. All those out to murder the child are dead."
King Herod upon hearing about the birth of Jesus had all boys 2 years old and under put to death. For Herod was trying to ensure no other king would take away his position. His fear, jealousy and arrogance brought about the slaughter of innocent children. Yet God had already known this was going to occur and that Jesus would return. Hosea 11.1 said, “Out of Egypt have I called my son. “
Parents once asked their young child where Jesus lives. The response was “in our basement”. They asked further and the 3 year old said that is because we keep the baby Jesus there with the wise men. The basement was where the manger scene was stored each year. The verses above tell the story of what happened after the wise men visited Herod. It was now almost 2 years after the birth of Jesus and Herod learned of this king who would one day lead the people of his nation. Out of arrogance, fear and jealousy he killed the young boys. Some might say God allowed these children to be killed. It could be said a cruel and unjust king killed innocent children. Or it could also be said the people had placed their faith above God in a king who was unjust and they received the consequences of their decision. I believe it was the consequences for allowing an unjust king to rule over them. We need to be careful in our choice of leaders for we never know what rules they may impose upon us.
And as a point of trivia, the Wise Men were never at the manger where Jesus was born, but instead went to the home of Joseph and Mary years later. Only shepherds, the most common of man was there to witness the birth of our Lord and Savior.
16-18 Herod, when he realized that the scholars had tricked him, flew into a rage. He commanded the murder of every little boy two years old and under who lived in Bethlehem and its surrounding hills. (He determined that age from information he'd gotten from the scholars.) That's when Jeremiah's sermon was fulfilled: A sound was heard in Ramah, weeping and much lament. Rachel weeping for her children, Rachel refusing all solace, Her children gone, dead and buried. 19-20 Later, when Herod died, God's angel appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt: "Up, take the child and his mother and return to Israel. All those out to murder the child are dead."
King Herod upon hearing about the birth of Jesus had all boys 2 years old and under put to death. For Herod was trying to ensure no other king would take away his position. His fear, jealousy and arrogance brought about the slaughter of innocent children. Yet God had already known this was going to occur and that Jesus would return. Hosea 11.1 said, “Out of Egypt have I called my son. “
Parents once asked their young child where Jesus lives. The response was “in our basement”. They asked further and the 3 year old said that is because we keep the baby Jesus there with the wise men. The basement was where the manger scene was stored each year. The verses above tell the story of what happened after the wise men visited Herod. It was now almost 2 years after the birth of Jesus and Herod learned of this king who would one day lead the people of his nation. Out of arrogance, fear and jealousy he killed the young boys. Some might say God allowed these children to be killed. It could be said a cruel and unjust king killed innocent children. Or it could also be said the people had placed their faith above God in a king who was unjust and they received the consequences of their decision. I believe it was the consequences for allowing an unjust king to rule over them. We need to be careful in our choice of leaders for we never know what rules they may impose upon us.
And as a point of trivia, the Wise Men were never at the manger where Jesus was born, but instead went to the home of Joseph and Mary years later. Only shepherds, the most common of man was there to witness the birth of our Lord and Savior.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Compassionate heart
Philippians 2:1-4 (NLT)
1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
The apostle starts by asking several rhetorical questions. He wants them to see how Christ has changed their life for the good of one another. Then he encourages them to work together, being humble and taking interest in others. For each believer is a member of the body of Christ and serves a purpose to help others.
The Investigative Discovery Cable Channel launched a new show last night called Hookers: Saved on the strip. This show is about a Christian ministry, Hookers for Jesus, started by Annie Lobert in Las Vegas to help women get out of the adult business that has ensnared them. Her husband Oz Fox of the Christian Heavy Metal Band, Stryper, supports her in this ministry. You see Annie was once in the adult business herself, but Jesus saved her and set her free. Her family thought she would never be able to find a husband who could love her because of her past, but Oz Fox loves her for who she is and accepts her past. Jesus is a big part of their lives. Because of Annie’s past and the love of Jesus she is able to relate to other women in the adult business and love on them with a tender and compassionate heart. She takes on the interest of others by helping them get out of the adult business, providing them housing, food, and other needs as they make the transition away from their previous lifestyle. It is a tough journey for some; jobs are hard to find and the jobs that are available pay a lot lower than what they were earning. God bless those who support this ministry for they partner with Annie in showing compassion to those who are in desperate need of it. Pray God would open your heart to love others, put aside self to serve others, and look out for others who need help.
1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
The apostle starts by asking several rhetorical questions. He wants them to see how Christ has changed their life for the good of one another. Then he encourages them to work together, being humble and taking interest in others. For each believer is a member of the body of Christ and serves a purpose to help others.
The Investigative Discovery Cable Channel launched a new show last night called Hookers: Saved on the strip. This show is about a Christian ministry, Hookers for Jesus, started by Annie Lobert in Las Vegas to help women get out of the adult business that has ensnared them. Her husband Oz Fox of the Christian Heavy Metal Band, Stryper, supports her in this ministry. You see Annie was once in the adult business herself, but Jesus saved her and set her free. Her family thought she would never be able to find a husband who could love her because of her past, but Oz Fox loves her for who she is and accepts her past. Jesus is a big part of their lives. Because of Annie’s past and the love of Jesus she is able to relate to other women in the adult business and love on them with a tender and compassionate heart. She takes on the interest of others by helping them get out of the adult business, providing them housing, food, and other needs as they make the transition away from their previous lifestyle. It is a tough journey for some; jobs are hard to find and the jobs that are available pay a lot lower than what they were earning. God bless those who support this ministry for they partner with Annie in showing compassion to those who are in desperate need of it. Pray God would open your heart to love others, put aside self to serve others, and look out for others who need help.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Dependence upon GOd
Proverbs 8:22-31 (The Message)
22 -31 God sovereignly made me—the first, the basic— before he did anything else. I was brought into being a long time ago, well before Earth got its start. I arrived on the scene before Ocean, yes, even before Springs and Rivers and Lakes. Before Mountains were sculpted and Hills took shape, I was already there, newborn; Long before God stretched out Earth's Horizons, and tended to the minute details of Soil and Weather, And set Sky firmly in place, I was there. When he mapped and gave borders to wild Ocean, built the vast vault of Heaven, and installed the fountains that fed Ocean, When he drew a boundary for Sea, posted a sign that said no trespassing, And then staked out Earth's Foundations, I was right there with him, making sure everything fit. Day after day I was there, with my joyful applause, always enjoying his company, Delighted with the world of things and creatures, happily celebrating the human family.
Wisdom is given personal properties and actions in these verses and is spoken of as in reference to Christ. Jesus was with God from the beginning of creation until He was sovereignly brought into this world as man. Jesus, just as The Father, delighted in the creation of man and He also celebrated mankind.
As parents when our children come into this world we delight in them, want the best for them, and want to protect them. When they are small and dependent upon us they easy give us hugs and eagerly want to be with us. As they grow older the hugs come less frequently and we find they don’t want to be with us as much. Most of this is from the awkwardness of adolescence, but it is also because they are trying to find their independence. The parental rules given out of love to protect and preserve start being viewed as a jail sentence. They want to be free of us and free of these rules forgetting that what we do is because of our love for them. The question is how do we react to God’s delight and love for us? When God places His hand of discipline upon us do we feel comforted or do we want to resist. When God is walking with us do we want to pull away or do we want to pull close? We can be just like a teenager wanting our independence from God, but that independence can and will pull us away from God. Remember God is pursuing you out of love. Remember God delights in you. Instead of looking for independence from God look for dependence upon God.
22 -31 God sovereignly made me—the first, the basic— before he did anything else. I was brought into being a long time ago, well before Earth got its start. I arrived on the scene before Ocean, yes, even before Springs and Rivers and Lakes. Before Mountains were sculpted and Hills took shape, I was already there, newborn; Long before God stretched out Earth's Horizons, and tended to the minute details of Soil and Weather, And set Sky firmly in place, I was there. When he mapped and gave borders to wild Ocean, built the vast vault of Heaven, and installed the fountains that fed Ocean, When he drew a boundary for Sea, posted a sign that said no trespassing, And then staked out Earth's Foundations, I was right there with him, making sure everything fit. Day after day I was there, with my joyful applause, always enjoying his company, Delighted with the world of things and creatures, happily celebrating the human family.
Wisdom is given personal properties and actions in these verses and is spoken of as in reference to Christ. Jesus was with God from the beginning of creation until He was sovereignly brought into this world as man. Jesus, just as The Father, delighted in the creation of man and He also celebrated mankind.
As parents when our children come into this world we delight in them, want the best for them, and want to protect them. When they are small and dependent upon us they easy give us hugs and eagerly want to be with us. As they grow older the hugs come less frequently and we find they don’t want to be with us as much. Most of this is from the awkwardness of adolescence, but it is also because they are trying to find their independence. The parental rules given out of love to protect and preserve start being viewed as a jail sentence. They want to be free of us and free of these rules forgetting that what we do is because of our love for them. The question is how do we react to God’s delight and love for us? When God places His hand of discipline upon us do we feel comforted or do we want to resist. When God is walking with us do we want to pull away or do we want to pull close? We can be just like a teenager wanting our independence from God, but that independence can and will pull us away from God. Remember God is pursuing you out of love. Remember God delights in you. Instead of looking for independence from God look for dependence upon God.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
December 7th
James 4:1-3 (NLT)
1 What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? 2 You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. 3 And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.
The Apostle James gives an explanation for quarrels, fights and wars that break out among people. These wars come from a jealous desire to have what others have which leads to a desire to take it from the person who has it. There are two problems, one they probably have not consulted with God before acting to do so; two their motives are entirely self-motivated without regard for others.
December 7, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt called this day “A day which will live in infamy.” On this day we observe the ultimate sacrifice of many Americans in the Pacific on Dec. 7 and mark the moment that we committed ourselves to fight the good fight. Fighting is never pleasant, never desired, but is necessary to defend against those who attack in war. We pray God will bring peace and that God will deliver this country safely through the battle. The Bible tells us there are many wars yet to be fought so let us not turn from God, but always ask God for the right direction and causes to pursue. Let not our motives for war be out of jealous desire, but rightly justified in God’s eyes. For those who have served this country faithfully, God bless you. For those who have lost loved ones who have served I pray God grant you peace and mercy. And for all other I pray God will watch over this country and we would follow Him.
1 What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? 2 You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. 3 And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.
The Apostle James gives an explanation for quarrels, fights and wars that break out among people. These wars come from a jealous desire to have what others have which leads to a desire to take it from the person who has it. There are two problems, one they probably have not consulted with God before acting to do so; two their motives are entirely self-motivated without regard for others.
December 7, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt called this day “A day which will live in infamy.” On this day we observe the ultimate sacrifice of many Americans in the Pacific on Dec. 7 and mark the moment that we committed ourselves to fight the good fight. Fighting is never pleasant, never desired, but is necessary to defend against those who attack in war. We pray God will bring peace and that God will deliver this country safely through the battle. The Bible tells us there are many wars yet to be fought so let us not turn from God, but always ask God for the right direction and causes to pursue. Let not our motives for war be out of jealous desire, but rightly justified in God’s eyes. For those who have served this country faithfully, God bless you. For those who have lost loved ones who have served I pray God grant you peace and mercy. And for all other I pray God will watch over this country and we would follow Him.
Monday, December 6, 2010
God's peace
Romans 5:1-2 (KJV)
1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
The sacrifice of Jesus brought about justification of our sin, which by our faith in Jesus Christ brings peace with God and reconcilement unto Him. Also with our faith in Christ we have access to the grace of God, and we will be able to stand boldly in front of God to rejoice in the glorious life He has reserved for us.
When we move away from God we lose peace in our lives. I’m not saying we won’t ever have struggles or difficulties when we are close to God. What I am saying is that moving away from God will cause us to miss out on the peace He gives us to handle very difficult situations. When Paul was in jail, bound in chains, sitting in a dark, damp cavern; Paul still found peace because he was close to God. He was able to express joy through song because He understood God was with him. For you see God is peace and without God we lose sight of what peace should look like. Galatians 5:22 tells us that the fruit of the Spirit is joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness and faith. In our relationship with God He provides us with the tools to cope with life even under difficult circumstances. When you find yourself not feeling very peaceful, take a moment to think about what might be moving you away from God. Are you harboring resentment towards another? Are you involved in sinful actions that move you further from God? Whatever it might be God will restore you if you repent and turn back to Him. Rest on God’s peace and find the happiness you need in your life.
1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
The sacrifice of Jesus brought about justification of our sin, which by our faith in Jesus Christ brings peace with God and reconcilement unto Him. Also with our faith in Christ we have access to the grace of God, and we will be able to stand boldly in front of God to rejoice in the glorious life He has reserved for us.
When we move away from God we lose peace in our lives. I’m not saying we won’t ever have struggles or difficulties when we are close to God. What I am saying is that moving away from God will cause us to miss out on the peace He gives us to handle very difficult situations. When Paul was in jail, bound in chains, sitting in a dark, damp cavern; Paul still found peace because he was close to God. He was able to express joy through song because He understood God was with him. For you see God is peace and without God we lose sight of what peace should look like. Galatians 5:22 tells us that the fruit of the Spirit is joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness and faith. In our relationship with God He provides us with the tools to cope with life even under difficult circumstances. When you find yourself not feeling very peaceful, take a moment to think about what might be moving you away from God. Are you harboring resentment towards another? Are you involved in sinful actions that move you further from God? Whatever it might be God will restore you if you repent and turn back to Him. Rest on God’s peace and find the happiness you need in your life.
Friday, December 3, 2010
How do you live
Philippians 2:14 (KJV))
14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
The apostle starts this passage with the thought that all of God’s commands should be done without complaint or argument. This is done so that others may see you as ….(v. 15) blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.
A parrot named Charlie could not fly because its wings had been clipped. The owner would put Charlie out in their garden to enjoy the outdoors, but one day a brisk gust of wind helped Charlie take off. According to the news report Charlie was found a day and a half later. It took 30 people with a boom truck to rescue Charlie from a tree. The reaction of the African Grey parrot as soon as it was rescued was telling everyone to ‘**** off.’ The owner said those were his favorite “swear words”, undoubtedly the owners too. The actor, speaker Will Rogers once said, “Live so that you wouldn't be ashamed to sell the family parrot to the town gossip.” Through Christ God has shown us how to live. In His word we have been told to do so without argument or complaint. What would your family, your parrot, say about the way you live?
14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
The apostle starts this passage with the thought that all of God’s commands should be done without complaint or argument. This is done so that others may see you as ….(v. 15) blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.
A parrot named Charlie could not fly because its wings had been clipped. The owner would put Charlie out in their garden to enjoy the outdoors, but one day a brisk gust of wind helped Charlie take off. According to the news report Charlie was found a day and a half later. It took 30 people with a boom truck to rescue Charlie from a tree. The reaction of the African Grey parrot as soon as it was rescued was telling everyone to ‘**** off.’ The owner said those were his favorite “swear words”, undoubtedly the owners too. The actor, speaker Will Rogers once said, “Live so that you wouldn't be ashamed to sell the family parrot to the town gossip.” Through Christ God has shown us how to live. In His word we have been told to do so without argument or complaint. What would your family, your parrot, say about the way you live?
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Wisdom
Proverbs 2:11 (NLT)
11 Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.
Solomon writes on the virtues of wisdom and in this verse points out wisdom will watch over and preserve those who seek it. Wisdom keeps us from the paths of sin that lead to ruin. God is the originator and provider of wisdom and wisdom should be used to guide our life and arm us against the temptations of the world.
In the Autobiography of George Muller the following quote is given on wisdom. “I need not despair because the living God is my partner. I do not have sufficient wisdom to meet these difficulties, but He is able to direct me. I can pour out my heart to God and ask Him to guide and direct me and to supply me with wisdom. Then I have to believe that He will do so. I can go with good courage to my business and expect help from Him in the next difficulty that may come before me.” On the show Who Wants to be a Millionaire the host of the show will ask the contestant, “Is that your final answer?” It is the contestants last opportunity to get the answer right before making a commitment to it. They have an opportunity to ask a friend for the answer, to ask the audience or narrow the choices down. When we face temptation in life God has given us the wisdom to stop and ponder what we are about to do. If we are uncertain we can ask God, we can ask wise friends, or ask those who are wise in the church for guidance. We have the wisdom to face sin and make the right choices if only we make that choice. Pray for God’s wisdom and put it to use in your life.
11 Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.
Solomon writes on the virtues of wisdom and in this verse points out wisdom will watch over and preserve those who seek it. Wisdom keeps us from the paths of sin that lead to ruin. God is the originator and provider of wisdom and wisdom should be used to guide our life and arm us against the temptations of the world.
In the Autobiography of George Muller the following quote is given on wisdom. “I need not despair because the living God is my partner. I do not have sufficient wisdom to meet these difficulties, but He is able to direct me. I can pour out my heart to God and ask Him to guide and direct me and to supply me with wisdom. Then I have to believe that He will do so. I can go with good courage to my business and expect help from Him in the next difficulty that may come before me.” On the show Who Wants to be a Millionaire the host of the show will ask the contestant, “Is that your final answer?” It is the contestants last opportunity to get the answer right before making a commitment to it. They have an opportunity to ask a friend for the answer, to ask the audience or narrow the choices down. When we face temptation in life God has given us the wisdom to stop and ponder what we are about to do. If we are uncertain we can ask God, we can ask wise friends, or ask those who are wise in the church for guidance. We have the wisdom to face sin and make the right choices if only we make that choice. Pray for God’s wisdom and put it to use in your life.
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