Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. James 1:16-18We often refer to the stuff we possess with possessive personal pronouns. For example, this is my car. Or, my television is a 42" LCD. This passage makes it clear that we are not to make this mistake. Everything that we possess comes from God. I do not have any good thing that didn't come from God. This makes the Christian the care taker of all that is given to him. So, everyday is a gift to be used for the glory of God. All of our income should be used wisely to most benefit the family of God. Our homes are to be considered a haven to anyone in need. Our cars could be the ride for those that have too far to walk. Our cupboards could be the source of food for the hungry. We do err as we refer to our stuff as my or mine. Everything that we have is from God. Let us be good managers of God's stuff.
Day 83
James 1-2
Day 82
Hebrews 12-13
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. Hebrews 13:15I love this verse! It is by or through Jesus that we can even worship God. Here it states, "let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually." And more specically, this praise is our confession of Jesus with our lips. God is pleased when we praise Him with our words on a regular basis. This is more than a Sunday praise and worship session for about thirty minutes before the sermon. It is a continual sacrifice of praise. It's more than just words as well. Our words must match our actions. When others hear our lips sing the same song as our lives, it gets people's attention. It motivates others to do the same. Be more than a 30 minute Sunday worshipper. Praise God through Jesus every minute of the day seven days a week.
Day 81
Hebrews 10-11
Our salvation in Christ is secure. There is no way a person that has received Christ can lose his/her salvation.
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. Hebrews 10:26-27Who is this person that has no more sacrifice for sins. Some people have wrongly interpreted this passage to refer to Christians that have gone astray. Remember the theme of this book: Jesus is much better than everything. Well Jesus' sacrifice for sin, Himself, was better than the old system for atonement for sin. Back in verse 4 it says,
For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.Therefore, the one time sacrifice Jesus made for our sin is more than enough and to never be repeated. There is no more sacrifice for sin. So, who is the person in this verse that has no more sacrifice for sins? It is the person that has heard the gospel message, but has rejected the free gift made available to him. There is no other option or sacrifice for his sins. When you reject Jesus as the atonement for your sin, there is no plan B. The person that rejects Jesus has only judgment to look forward to as verse 27 speaks of.
Our salvation in Christ is secure. There is no way a person that has received Christ can lose his/her salvation.
Day 80
Hebrews 8-9
At first glance you may think that God only calls certain people to receive Jesus and reap the benefit of going to heaven. If that is the case, please take in consideration all of Scripture before coming to this conclusion. One conclusion I can not find in Scripture anywhere is that God creates certain people, which have no shot at receiving Christ, to spend an eternity in hell. No, the exact opposite is found throughout Scripture. God goes to great lengths to draw people to Himself inorder to redeem them from their sin. God brings everyone close enough to Himself to give them a chance to receive the free gift of salvation. Those that reject the gift are the ones that spend eternity in torment. Those that receive the free gift of grace are the ones that spend an eternity with God in heaven. It's rather simple. It is us that makes salvation complicated.
...they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. Hebrews 9:15b
At first glance you may think that God only calls certain people to receive Jesus and reap the benefit of going to heaven. If that is the case, please take in consideration all of Scripture before coming to this conclusion. One conclusion I can not find in Scripture anywhere is that God creates certain people, which have no shot at receiving Christ, to spend an eternity in hell. No, the exact opposite is found throughout Scripture. God goes to great lengths to draw people to Himself inorder to redeem them from their sin. God brings everyone close enough to Himself to give them a chance to receive the free gift of salvation. Those that reject the gift are the ones that spend eternity in torment. Those that receive the free gift of grace are the ones that spend an eternity with God in heaven. It's rather simple. It is us that makes salvation complicated.
Day 77
Hebrews 1-3
In the first three verses of Hebrews God gives us some reasons that Jesus is superior to everyone and everything else in the universe. Sure God has spoken in the past through prophets and angels, but almost two-thousand years ago God sent Jesus in person, who is far more superior in all ways, to speak to us. Here God gives us seven reasons why Jesus is far more superior. The first reason is that Jesus is heir of all things. This places Jesus at the highest possible position of owner of all things in the universe. The second reason Jesus is superior to everyone and everything is that He made the universe. Not only does Jesus own everything, He made everything out of nothing. Many creative people have invented products to make life more interesting. However, there is no one that has produced something from nothing. Thirdly, Jesus reflects God's glory. He never failed to do or say the right thing. The fourth reason is that Jesus is an exact representation of God. When we study Jesus, we discover the character of God. Jesus is superior to all things and everyone because He is God. The fifth reason Jesus is superior is that He sustains or carries along everything in the universe, including the universe, by the power of His word. There is nothing that is excluded from being carried along by the words of Jesus. He spoke the universe into existence and it still obeys all of Jesus' commands. The sixth reason Jesus is far more superior to everyone and everything is the He provided purification for sins. Man's most important answer was given through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. He gives us the one thing we can never do for ourselves. Although some people have and will attempt to atone for their sins, they fall drastically short of paying for even just one. Jesus is superior because He paid for our sins. And lastly, Jesus sits at the right hand of God. Jesus now rests in the highest place of honor. There is no greater honor than to sit at God's right hand. Jesus is the only one worthy of taking this position. He didn't really have to earn this honor. He already possessed it. He left this position to be born as a man in order to redeem man.
What difference does this make to us? By reflecting on the greatness of Jesus, we should understand the honor we have to serve Him. We must never underestimate what a great opportunity we have to live totally for Him in this life. After we die, it will be too late to do anything more for Him that will honor Him as much. We have one chance at our lives. We have seven good reasons to live for Him. Let's do it while we have the chance.
In the first three verses of Hebrews God gives us some reasons that Jesus is superior to everyone and everything else in the universe. Sure God has spoken in the past through prophets and angels, but almost two-thousand years ago God sent Jesus in person, who is far more superior in all ways, to speak to us. Here God gives us seven reasons why Jesus is far more superior. The first reason is that Jesus is heir of all things. This places Jesus at the highest possible position of owner of all things in the universe. The second reason Jesus is superior to everyone and everything is that He made the universe. Not only does Jesus own everything, He made everything out of nothing. Many creative people have invented products to make life more interesting. However, there is no one that has produced something from nothing. Thirdly, Jesus reflects God's glory. He never failed to do or say the right thing. The fourth reason is that Jesus is an exact representation of God. When we study Jesus, we discover the character of God. Jesus is superior to all things and everyone because He is God. The fifth reason Jesus is superior is that He sustains or carries along everything in the universe, including the universe, by the power of His word. There is nothing that is excluded from being carried along by the words of Jesus. He spoke the universe into existence and it still obeys all of Jesus' commands. The sixth reason Jesus is far more superior to everyone and everything is the He provided purification for sins. Man's most important answer was given through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. He gives us the one thing we can never do for ourselves. Although some people have and will attempt to atone for their sins, they fall drastically short of paying for even just one. Jesus is superior because He paid for our sins. And lastly, Jesus sits at the right hand of God. Jesus now rests in the highest place of honor. There is no greater honor than to sit at God's right hand. Jesus is the only one worthy of taking this position. He didn't really have to earn this honor. He already possessed it. He left this position to be born as a man in order to redeem man.
What difference does this make to us? By reflecting on the greatness of Jesus, we should understand the honor we have to serve Him. We must never underestimate what a great opportunity we have to live totally for Him in this life. After we die, it will be too late to do anything more for Him that will honor Him as much. We have one chance at our lives. We have seven good reasons to live for Him. Let's do it while we have the chance.
Day 72
1 Timothy 4-6
If you remember, Timothy was a young guy that God had called into ministry. God had called him to be a preacher. In this letter Paul reminds Timothy of his calling and his responsibility. Paul tells him to train himself into godliness. If you have ever wondered why is it that you can't be holy at times, the answer is simple. Holiness, Godliness, gentleness, are all things that you must practice. It's not magic. They do not come on you just like that, you must practice them in daily basis. God has given everything you need for life and godliness, but it's up to you to get good at it. Although, at first it might seem difficult, trust God and his grace, and with time and dependence on Him you'll get better at it. Remember though, the key is not your will-power, its God's power. You cant do it on your own, you need him and his grace to get you through it.
"I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ"
If you remember, Timothy was a young guy that God had called into ministry. God had called him to be a preacher. In this letter Paul reminds Timothy of his calling and his responsibility. Paul tells him to train himself into godliness. If you have ever wondered why is it that you can't be holy at times, the answer is simple. Holiness, Godliness, gentleness, are all things that you must practice. It's not magic. They do not come on you just like that, you must practice them in daily basis. God has given everything you need for life and godliness, but it's up to you to get good at it. Although, at first it might seem difficult, trust God and his grace, and with time and dependence on Him you'll get better at it. Remember though, the key is not your will-power, its God's power. You cant do it on your own, you need him and his grace to get you through it.
"I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ"
Day 71
1 Timothy 1-3
I was a part of an ordination of a friend recently. We went through an extensive process that assured all involved, his council, family, and the church, that he believed and could defend the Bible on many key doctrines. The process was very reassuring to me. It is very important that any one in the ministry knows how to correctly handle the Word of God. In today's reading Paul warns Timothy of some false teachers that had turned from teaching sound doctrine to empty or vain speaking. These teachers weren't teaching the sound doctrine that saved people from living empty and corrupted lives.
It is essential that the church does two things concerning false teaching. We need men and women that will confidently teach sound doctrine and that will boldly commit to know and practice sound doctrine. The first is a given in our church. The second is the variable. Everyone in the church needs to know and practice sound doctrine. Our level of committment to knowing and practicing the Word will determine the level of real meaning and purpose in our lives. So, how committed are you to knowing and practicing the Word? What you believe about the core doctrines of your faith will directly affect the meaning and purpose of your life. If you want life to be empty or vain, then neglect the Bible. But, please check out in 1 Timothy 1:9-10 to see what your life could be filled with.
Sound doctrine isn't only for the professional ministers or the teachers in the church. It has the power to keep us from living a life completely contrary to what God expects and desires for us. Knowing and practicing the Bible will save us from a lot of unnecessary pain in life.
I was a part of an ordination of a friend recently. We went through an extensive process that assured all involved, his council, family, and the church, that he believed and could defend the Bible on many key doctrines. The process was very reassuring to me. It is very important that any one in the ministry knows how to correctly handle the Word of God. In today's reading Paul warns Timothy of some false teachers that had turned from teaching sound doctrine to empty or vain speaking. These teachers weren't teaching the sound doctrine that saved people from living empty and corrupted lives.
It is essential that the church does two things concerning false teaching. We need men and women that will confidently teach sound doctrine and that will boldly commit to know and practice sound doctrine. The first is a given in our church. The second is the variable. Everyone in the church needs to know and practice sound doctrine. Our level of committment to knowing and practicing the Word will determine the level of real meaning and purpose in our lives. So, how committed are you to knowing and practicing the Word? What you believe about the core doctrines of your faith will directly affect the meaning and purpose of your life. If you want life to be empty or vain, then neglect the Bible. But, please check out in 1 Timothy 1:9-10 to see what your life could be filled with.
Sound doctrine isn't only for the professional ministers or the teachers in the church. It has the power to keep us from living a life completely contrary to what God expects and desires for us. Knowing and practicing the Bible will save us from a lot of unnecessary pain in life.
Day 69
1 Thessalonians 4-5
Although the word rapture doesn't appear in the Bible, the idea that the church will one day be snatched out from the world to ever be with the Lord is very evident in today's passage. Verses 4:16-17 say this, "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." Watch this short video.
Now are you ready for Jesus to come without any notice and take His people from this world? I hope you are. You don't want to be left behind. There is only one way to be ready for this coming event. You must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Have you received Christ as Savior?
Although the word rapture doesn't appear in the Bible, the idea that the church will one day be snatched out from the world to ever be with the Lord is very evident in today's passage. Verses 4:16-17 say this, "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." Watch this short video.
Now are you ready for Jesus to come without any notice and take His people from this world? I hope you are. You don't want to be left behind. There is only one way to be ready for this coming event. You must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Have you received Christ as Savior?
Day 66
Colossians 1-2
In Colossians one there is a list of things to pray for people you love. I remembering praying this for Karen soon after I was saved. A Christian co-worked named Theo showed me this list. That was back in 1990 and I have prayed it for many people over the years. Hear is the list of prayer needs that we all have:
In Colossians one there is a list of things to pray for people you love. I remembering praying this for Karen soon after I was saved. A Christian co-worked named Theo showed me this list. That was back in 1990 and I have prayed it for many people over the years. Hear is the list of prayer needs that we all have:
- Spiritual wisdom - This is a wisdom or spiritual discernment to know God's will for our lives.
- To live a life pleasing to the Lord
- As we serve Christ we bear spiritual fruit
- To grow in the knowledge of God
- That we will be strengthened by the Lord to have:
- endurance
- patience
- joy
- and thankfulness
Day 65
Philippians 3-4
As you probably know by now, this is the chapter for those of us who suffer of anxiety. I guess we dont suffer anxiety, we practice anxiety. But more than focusing on that, I want to draw your attention to 4.5 "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." Thats a hard thing to do at times. Paul is telling us that we need to be known as gentle people. Think of gentleness as something soft and comforting. Not weak, but not rough--like silk, or crystal. Now...are you known as someone who is this gentle? Do people know they can count on your joy and spirit to uplift them. You know something, anybody can be a jerk, it takes no special powers or training to be a jerk. But only a child of God who has been totally renewed from the inside out is able to be gentle in the mist of trouble. It takes the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit to change who we are into who we ought to be in Christ. Is your gentleness known to all. I challenge you today to test your faith by the measure of your gentleness. Ask God to increase your gentleness but be aware that his remedy will be to put you into situations in which you can practice your gentleness. It won't come on you like magic, you must practice it. He has promised to be with you and empower you to do it. Christ is coming, be gentle to all!
As you probably know by now, this is the chapter for those of us who suffer of anxiety. I guess we dont suffer anxiety, we practice anxiety. But more than focusing on that, I want to draw your attention to 4.5 "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." Thats a hard thing to do at times. Paul is telling us that we need to be known as gentle people. Think of gentleness as something soft and comforting. Not weak, but not rough--like silk, or crystal. Now...are you known as someone who is this gentle? Do people know they can count on your joy and spirit to uplift them. You know something, anybody can be a jerk, it takes no special powers or training to be a jerk. But only a child of God who has been totally renewed from the inside out is able to be gentle in the mist of trouble. It takes the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit to change who we are into who we ought to be in Christ. Is your gentleness known to all. I challenge you today to test your faith by the measure of your gentleness. Ask God to increase your gentleness but be aware that his remedy will be to put you into situations in which you can practice your gentleness. It won't come on you like magic, you must practice it. He has promised to be with you and empower you to do it. Christ is coming, be gentle to all!
Day 64
Philippians 1-2
In Philippians 2 we see the amazing attitude of Jesus. He was selfless, humble and obedient to God to the death. In this narcissistic system of life, that attitude can rarely be found. Most people are out to take care of number one, themselves. We have become so consumed with ourselves that it is impossible to see the needs of others. In this chapter after we are presented with the humility of Jesus, we get the "therefore". In verse fourteen it says to do all things without murmurings (complaining) and disputings (arguing).
The next time you are tempted to complain or argue I want you to think of the humility of Christ on the cross. Did He complain or even argue of the horrible mistreatment by His accusers? You know the answer to that. He just willingly lived God's plan for His life. Most of the time we complain, it is because we are consumed with ourselves. Most of the time we argue with others, it is because we want our own way over their way. Let's stop complaining and live out God's plan for our lives. Let's stop arguing with each other and live life together with the humility of Jesus.
In Philippians 2 we see the amazing attitude of Jesus. He was selfless, humble and obedient to God to the death. In this narcissistic system of life, that attitude can rarely be found. Most people are out to take care of number one, themselves. We have become so consumed with ourselves that it is impossible to see the needs of others. In this chapter after we are presented with the humility of Jesus, we get the "therefore". In verse fourteen it says to do all things without murmurings (complaining) and disputings (arguing).
The next time you are tempted to complain or argue I want you to think of the humility of Christ on the cross. Did He complain or even argue of the horrible mistreatment by His accusers? You know the answer to that. He just willingly lived God's plan for His life. Most of the time we complain, it is because we are consumed with ourselves. Most of the time we argue with others, it is because we want our own way over their way. Let's stop complaining and live out God's plan for our lives. Let's stop arguing with each other and live life together with the humility of Jesus.
Day 63
Ephesians 5-6
I want to encourage you to look at these two chapters as one unit. Chapter five begins with the challenge for us to be imitaters of God as little children. Chapter six ends with the armor of God that we need to stand against the lies of the Devil. Everything in between the Devil wants to use against us to trick us to be imitaters of evil. Check it out. There are these topics: behavior issues, yielding to God, and submitting to others (relationships). In all these things, the Devil want us to yeild to his way of living and thinking. The alternative is for us to be controlled by the Holy Spirit and to make a stand dressed for battle with the whole armor of God. Don't give place to the Devil rather stand for Christ. No one want to be manipuataled by Satan. However, that is exactly what we do when we live life outside of yielding to the Holy Spirit. Let's live life out of our control but in the control of the Spirit.
I want to encourage you to look at these two chapters as one unit. Chapter five begins with the challenge for us to be imitaters of God as little children. Chapter six ends with the armor of God that we need to stand against the lies of the Devil. Everything in between the Devil wants to use against us to trick us to be imitaters of evil. Check it out. There are these topics: behavior issues, yielding to God, and submitting to others (relationships). In all these things, the Devil want us to yeild to his way of living and thinking. The alternative is for us to be controlled by the Holy Spirit and to make a stand dressed for battle with the whole armor of God. Don't give place to the Devil rather stand for Christ. No one want to be manipuataled by Satan. However, that is exactly what we do when we live life outside of yielding to the Holy Spirit. Let's live life out of our control but in the control of the Spirit.
Day 58
2 Corinthians 12-13
There are a couple of things that really jump out of the page in this chapter. First I love the example we get in Paul's life concerning his thorn in the flesh. Although, nobody really knows what it was, one thing we do know: God put that thorn on his flesh to remind him of God's mercy and grace, and to keep him humble. I love the fact that one of the greatest Christians of all times struggled with something in his life that kept him humble. Do you struggle with a particular thing or sin? Are you constantly tempted by the same thing over and over again? As frustrating as that might be, do not waist the opportunity that God is giving you to recognize that He's at work in your life. Use this an opportunity to remind yourself of what you would have been if Christ had not saved you. Think of the GRACE you have received in Jesus and how it has changed you. Think on how hopeless we are without Christ.
God told paul, "My grace is sufficient for you." Do you see the power in those words??? God is telling you the same thing, His grace, His gift for you is absolutely all you need. You don't have to go anywhere else to satisfy your thirst, come to Jesus the fountain of living waters and you will never thirst again. Think of how many times we go about our lives being unsatisfied with God's grace. We look for satisfaction in popularity, boys, girls, music, emotions, food,sex, power, etc. But God is saying, all you ever need you have in ME. God is enough for you! Apart from God you do not need anything else, are you satisfied in Him? or are you looking for satisfaction somewhere else?
One last thing, 2 Cor 13:5 tells us a rather hard truth, we have to test ourselves to see if we are saved or not. Have you ever wonder if you are truly saved or not? Paul told the Corinthians to test themselves to see if they were in the faith. Is there evidence of conviction and sanctification in your life? Is Jesus the most precious thing in your life? is there joy, hope, and peace in your soul? Don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying you can loose your salvation. What Paul is saying is that an authentic faith has evidence to go with it. Does your faith have evidence?
There are a couple of things that really jump out of the page in this chapter. First I love the example we get in Paul's life concerning his thorn in the flesh. Although, nobody really knows what it was, one thing we do know: God put that thorn on his flesh to remind him of God's mercy and grace, and to keep him humble. I love the fact that one of the greatest Christians of all times struggled with something in his life that kept him humble. Do you struggle with a particular thing or sin? Are you constantly tempted by the same thing over and over again? As frustrating as that might be, do not waist the opportunity that God is giving you to recognize that He's at work in your life. Use this an opportunity to remind yourself of what you would have been if Christ had not saved you. Think of the GRACE you have received in Jesus and how it has changed you. Think on how hopeless we are without Christ.
God told paul, "My grace is sufficient for you." Do you see the power in those words??? God is telling you the same thing, His grace, His gift for you is absolutely all you need. You don't have to go anywhere else to satisfy your thirst, come to Jesus the fountain of living waters and you will never thirst again. Think of how many times we go about our lives being unsatisfied with God's grace. We look for satisfaction in popularity, boys, girls, music, emotions, food,sex, power, etc. But God is saying, all you ever need you have in ME. God is enough for you! Apart from God you do not need anything else, are you satisfied in Him? or are you looking for satisfaction somewhere else?
One last thing, 2 Cor 13:5 tells us a rather hard truth, we have to test ourselves to see if we are saved or not. Have you ever wonder if you are truly saved or not? Paul told the Corinthians to test themselves to see if they were in the faith. Is there evidence of conviction and sanctification in your life? Is Jesus the most precious thing in your life? is there joy, hope, and peace in your soul? Don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying you can loose your salvation. What Paul is saying is that an authentic faith has evidence to go with it. Does your faith have evidence?
Day 56
2 Corinthians 7-9
Rebuke is rarely well recieved, but all of us need corrected at one time or another. Paul wrote a letter of rebuke that was mostlikely prior to the 1 Corinthians epistle, which was filled with correction. Paul wrote in 7:8, "For though I made you sorry with a letter..." He got their attention with the letter that turned into good for the cause of Christ. "Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance:" We can take correct one of two ways and we can give correction one of two ways. There is a right way and a wrong to both give and take rebuke. It must be recieved and administered with grace and humility. When we are in the state of graciousness and humbleness, correction yields the fruit of conformity to Christ. What is our main motivation to correcting those that are in the wrong? We should examine our selves before we speak. Also, what is our thought process as we are getting corrected? We should examine ourselves before doing anything.
Rebuke is rarely well recieved, but all of us need corrected at one time or another. Paul wrote a letter of rebuke that was mostlikely prior to the 1 Corinthians epistle, which was filled with correction. Paul wrote in 7:8, "For though I made you sorry with a letter..." He got their attention with the letter that turned into good for the cause of Christ. "Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance:" We can take correct one of two ways and we can give correction one of two ways. There is a right way and a wrong to both give and take rebuke. It must be recieved and administered with grace and humility. When we are in the state of graciousness and humbleness, correction yields the fruit of conformity to Christ. What is our main motivation to correcting those that are in the wrong? We should examine our selves before we speak. Also, what is our thought process as we are getting corrected? We should examine ourselves before doing anything.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
