Featured Writer-Ryan Burchett
I was reading over Hebrews 3:1-6 today and I noticed the 'title' of this section...."Jesus Greater than Moses." As I read on through verses 1-6, I came to a particular verse, v. 3, which really stuck out.
Having just graduated from Texas Tech with my Architecture degree, this verse stuck out because it most clearly illustrates the true supremacy of Christ. Well, what do I mean by that? Jesus was always teaching and preaching to the Pharisees, as well as the people of that time, that He was the one and only way. His ways were right and true. His teachings were it. But so many people still worshiped other gods, or they still manipulated Christ's very teachings to fit what THEY BELIEVED or what THEY FELT was right. Then as we look a little closer into that picture, we realize it’s not just a painting illustrating an image of attitudes and beliefs from times past, but rather it is a mirror of how our society is today.
We live in a society that believes in so many things which are foreign to the solid truths which Jesus taught. Society has abandoned what Jesus taught because it doesn't feel or believe that Jesus' teachings are either correct, logical, or relevant today. So how does society, better yet the world, handle this situation? Why, just like they did in Biblical times of course.....my forming a new 'truth' which goes against Christ and His teachings and which states that Christ is NOT the authority and Christ is NOT the truth.
This idea, over time, has slowly begun to creep into our very own churches. Churches which once stood for Christ's teachings are now implementing their own feelings and beliefs because they feel that theirs are right and/or better than the original.
Hebrews 3:3, particularly, suggests otherwise: "Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself."
What does this mean? How does this apply to us today? The answer to that is simple.
Think of famous American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. He is one of the most famous and well-known architects of ALL time and for good reason. His architecture revolutionized the field, no doubt. When we see an old project of Mr. Wright's, even if it's falling apart, we don't call it by a certain name or title, but rather, we identify it and hold it in high regard because it was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Or think of Leonardo da Vinci. Archaeologists could uncover some of my old writings and drawings from past architecture studios and simply toss them aside, never to look at them again, because I am the one who did them. However, if those same writings and drawings were done by Leonardo da Vinci, they'd be worth millions. Why? Not because of the content, but simply because they were done by da Vinci.
The point being for this evening, we can try billions of different ways to re-invent Jesus' teachings. We can re-word them; we can remove things to fit our own agendas, beliefs, or feelings. We can do whatever we please....and God will let us, to a point. But who are we to say that OUR way, OUR feelings, and OUR beliefs are superior to Christ's? We're NOT!
Jesus Christ is the originator and His Word is the original truth and authority. Let's be sure we stick with it.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Believers vs. Professors
Featured Writer-Ryan Burchett
I just recently began reading a small book entitled “Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth” by Dr. C.I. Scofield. In this book, the primary focus is on the passage 2 Timothy 2 which illustrates the traits of believers through 7 different characters. These characters, although diverse in occupation and function, all form together to create the image of what a true believer is supposed to be.
Far too often in our world today, Christians are thought about in a negative light more times than not. Many people refer to Christians as hypocrites, racists, legalists, ‘Bible-thumpers’, and formalists and for the most part, sadly, these accusations could very well be correct, in most cases. Matthew 7:21-23 is quite clear on the subject of people mistakenly thinking they were ‘believers’ but never truly were. They will cry out “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles”, and God will answer them plainly and definitively, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” Scripture is very clear on the fact that there are many people who have been, who are, and who will be sadly mistaken on Judgment Day. So, how can we tell the difference between a true believer and a mere professor? We need not look any further than the Scripture.
First of all, here is a list of example Scriptures which I encourage you to read before moving forward. Each passage helps us to establish the proper image of a ‘true believer.’
Matthew 25:10
Luke 7:50
John 6:37,39, 47
John 10:14
John 10:27-29
John 17:24
Acts 2:42
Philippians 1:6
2 Timothy 2:19
Hebrews 10:39
Revelation 19:7-8
What does each verse mean in terms of ‘believers?’
Matthew 25:10 – ‘Parable of the 10 Virgins’ – illustrates Christ’s 2nd coming – when Christ comes back, believers will join Him in heaven and it will be closed off from ALL unbelievers forever
Luke 7:50 – true believers are saved by true faith; not by obligation, nor by tradition, nor by emotional experience
John 6:37,39, 47 – true believers are guaranteed eternal security and eternal life
John 10:14 – true believers get the pleasure and privilege to have a true relationship with God
John 10:27-29 – true believers have true security
John 17:24 – true believers have a true Savior who truly intercedes on their behalf
Acts 2:42 – true believers will have true devotion
Philippians 1:6 – a true believers’ life is a personal project of Christ’s
2 Timothy 2:19 – true believers are truly known by the one true God
Hebrews 10:39 – true believers are truly apart from the world
Revelation 19:7-8 – true believers are truly blessed
The characteristics and benefits of a believer are clearly stated in Scripture and should not only be what we as believers are striving for, but we should already see evidence of these things in our lives.
What about the other side of the equation? What does Scripture have to say about ‘professors’ and/or unbelievers? In a word….plenty!
Matthew 7:22-23
Matthew 22:11-13
Matthew 22:28,33
Matthew 25:11-12
John 6:64-66
Acts 8:13,21
Hebrews 6:4-6
Hebrews 10:38
James2:14
1 John 2:19
What does each verse mean in reference to ‘professors?’
Matthew 7:22-23 – professors mistakenly believe they are saved
Matthew 22:11-13 – professors will be cast out of God’s presence
Matthew 22:28,33 – professors will have no 2nd chance to come to Christ in the End
Matthew 25:11-12 – professors are not known personally by Christ
John 6:65-66 – professors, when confronted and questioned, disown Christ altogether
Acts 8:13,21 – professors, at times, only seek the blessings and/or ‘fire insurance’ and not a true, saving relationship with Christ
Hebrews 6:4-6 – professors will truly fall away from Christ on ALL fronts, which is contrary and “impossible” (6:4) to what Scripture teaches about true believers
James 2:14 – professors live 2 different lives
1 John 2:19 – again, professors live 2 different lives – they put on an act in church but will live contrary outside the church
The case and point for this study is simple:
Believers – 1. Live like it
2. Are rewarded
Professors - 1. Have no substance to their ‘faith’
2. Are condemned
It is not our job as believers to bring judgment on the ‘professors’ but rather to help bring them to the light. Ultimately, they will answer for their lives like the rest of us and Christ will be the ultimate judge of that. As it says in Matthew 13:28-29, “’An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ “’No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them.”
We are called to be the light in this world. If we try and bring condemnation down to try to ‘help God out’, we could do more harm than good. Let us stick to our beliefs, live like it, and show the light to others.
I just recently began reading a small book entitled “Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth” by Dr. C.I. Scofield. In this book, the primary focus is on the passage 2 Timothy 2 which illustrates the traits of believers through 7 different characters. These characters, although diverse in occupation and function, all form together to create the image of what a true believer is supposed to be.
Far too often in our world today, Christians are thought about in a negative light more times than not. Many people refer to Christians as hypocrites, racists, legalists, ‘Bible-thumpers’, and formalists and for the most part, sadly, these accusations could very well be correct, in most cases. Matthew 7:21-23 is quite clear on the subject of people mistakenly thinking they were ‘believers’ but never truly were. They will cry out “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles”, and God will answer them plainly and definitively, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” Scripture is very clear on the fact that there are many people who have been, who are, and who will be sadly mistaken on Judgment Day. So, how can we tell the difference between a true believer and a mere professor? We need not look any further than the Scripture.
First of all, here is a list of example Scriptures which I encourage you to read before moving forward. Each passage helps us to establish the proper image of a ‘true believer.’
Matthew 25:10
Luke 7:50
John 6:37,39, 47
John 10:14
John 10:27-29
John 17:24
Acts 2:42
Philippians 1:6
2 Timothy 2:19
Hebrews 10:39
Revelation 19:7-8
What does each verse mean in terms of ‘believers?’
Matthew 25:10 – ‘Parable of the 10 Virgins’ – illustrates Christ’s 2nd coming – when Christ comes back, believers will join Him in heaven and it will be closed off from ALL unbelievers forever
Luke 7:50 – true believers are saved by true faith; not by obligation, nor by tradition, nor by emotional experience
John 6:37,39, 47 – true believers are guaranteed eternal security and eternal life
John 10:14 – true believers get the pleasure and privilege to have a true relationship with God
John 10:27-29 – true believers have true security
John 17:24 – true believers have a true Savior who truly intercedes on their behalf
Acts 2:42 – true believers will have true devotion
Philippians 1:6 – a true believers’ life is a personal project of Christ’s
2 Timothy 2:19 – true believers are truly known by the one true God
Hebrews 10:39 – true believers are truly apart from the world
Revelation 19:7-8 – true believers are truly blessed
The characteristics and benefits of a believer are clearly stated in Scripture and should not only be what we as believers are striving for, but we should already see evidence of these things in our lives.
What about the other side of the equation? What does Scripture have to say about ‘professors’ and/or unbelievers? In a word….plenty!
Matthew 7:22-23
Matthew 22:11-13
Matthew 22:28,33
Matthew 25:11-12
John 6:64-66
Acts 8:13,21
Hebrews 6:4-6
Hebrews 10:38
James2:14
1 John 2:19
What does each verse mean in reference to ‘professors?’
Matthew 7:22-23 – professors mistakenly believe they are saved
Matthew 22:11-13 – professors will be cast out of God’s presence
Matthew 22:28,33 – professors will have no 2nd chance to come to Christ in the End
Matthew 25:11-12 – professors are not known personally by Christ
John 6:65-66 – professors, when confronted and questioned, disown Christ altogether
Acts 8:13,21 – professors, at times, only seek the blessings and/or ‘fire insurance’ and not a true, saving relationship with Christ
Hebrews 6:4-6 – professors will truly fall away from Christ on ALL fronts, which is contrary and “impossible” (6:4) to what Scripture teaches about true believers
James 2:14 – professors live 2 different lives
1 John 2:19 – again, professors live 2 different lives – they put on an act in church but will live contrary outside the church
The case and point for this study is simple:
Believers – 1. Live like it
2. Are rewarded
Professors - 1. Have no substance to their ‘faith’
2. Are condemned
It is not our job as believers to bring judgment on the ‘professors’ but rather to help bring them to the light. Ultimately, they will answer for their lives like the rest of us and Christ will be the ultimate judge of that. As it says in Matthew 13:28-29, “’An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ “’No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them.”
We are called to be the light in this world. If we try and bring condemnation down to try to ‘help God out’, we could do more harm than good. Let us stick to our beliefs, live like it, and show the light to others.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Inactive and unfaithful Christians
Featured Writer-Ryan Burchett
Luke 13:6-9
This parable tells a story about inactive & unfaithful Christians.
Let’s identify the characters:
The man who owns the vineyard: God
The man who takes care of the vineyard: Jesus
The vineyard: the world
The fig tree: a Christian
Now let’s take it verse by verse:
v.6 – A man plants a fig tree in the vineyard, he goes to check on it, and finds no fruit.
(Now this man owns a vineyard and he has hired help so he’s probably very rich. The only way for a vineyard owner to make money is if fruit grows so that he can sell it and make a profit. To make his vineyard the most productive and to make sure that all of his crops can be used to take to the market to sell, he has to give all his efforts to work and he has to give all of his time. Without giving his all, the vineyard would be worthless. So, after giving all that he has to the vineyard, he plants a fig tree. He has given everything he had so that this fig tree can grow up big & strong & produce lots of fruit for him. But, when he goes out to check on his precious fig tree, he is disappointed. The fig tree that he worked so hard preparing for, has produced no fruit. As Christians, how does this apply to us? Think of it like this, God created us this wonderful world to live and to worship Him in. Once we sinned, He had to give us the ultimate sacrifice, all He had, His “only begotten Son.” Once He did that, we accepted it and became Christians, thus making us God’s ‘fig tree.’ But sometimes, when God comes out to ‘check on us’, we are fruitless. We lack spiritual maturity. This is very disappointing to God.)
v.7 – The owner tells his servant to cut the fig tree down– all it was doing was wasting soil.
(The owner is very upset when he sees that the fig tree has produced nothing after 3 years of watering it, trimming the weeds, and taking care of it. He feels like his efforts, as well as his servants’ efforts, have been wasted and he finally tells his servant to “cut the fig tree down because it is just using up soil.” The owner has been very generous here, I mean he gave the fig tree 3 whole years with the greatest of care to do something and it did nothing. Imagine trying to grow a plant yourself. You’ve worked your tail off and eventually develop a love for that plant, because you’ve worked so hard on it. You go outside day after day, week by week, month by month, year by year. Every time it’s the same, you see no change and no growth. What emotions would you feel after 3 years of that? Disappointment?.. Tiredness? Anger? Shame? Disgust? Or better yet, how do you think God feels when He’s done all He can for us and has given us chance after chance after chance through His great mercy, and we still bear Him no fruit for His efforts? Just something to think about.)
v.8 – The servant begs the owner to give him just one more year to work with it, so that just maybe it might finally grow some fruit.
(The owner is fed up and he just told the worker to cut down the fig tree. But the worker has developed a bond and a love for the plant that he’s been working on the past 3 years. He has given his life for the fig tree so that if would grow and produce fruit. All of his efforts have been given to get this thing to grow. So, the worker begs the owner to give him just one more year. He promises that he will work even harder and do even more to get the fig tree to grow and produce fruit. Now, let’s flip this back on us. God is a God of love and mercy, but at the same time He is a God of wrath. Jesus constantly works with us and when we anger God, He is right there to plead with God, on our behalf, asking Him to give us one more chance. Jesus asks God if He can have a little more time with us out of the great love that He has for us.)
v.9 – The servant tells the owner that if the fig tree still has no fruit after one more year thencut it down.
(The worker is begging for the owner to give him that extra year. But he sees that the owner is tired of having an unfruitful fig tree. So, the servant makes a deal with the owner. He tells him that if after that extra year, the fig tree still has produced no fruit and still hasn’t grown, then the owner can have it cut down.
Jesus will work with us and love us and guide us forever. But eventually, God’s patience wears thin. God only gives all of us so much time on this earth and as a Christian, if we waste that time by ruining our lives with bad choices or by breaking promises to God or by just doing nothing in your Christian walk, God will eventually call us home. This is why calling yourself a Christian and saying that you love and believe in Christ is not a joke or just something you do. God loves you more than you can imagine and He gives us more chances than we will ever know. But if you waste your Christian life, He eventually will cut you off from this earth, the vineyard, and He will bring you home. God cannot stand fruitless Christians.)
Luke 13:6-9
This parable tells a story about inactive & unfaithful Christians.
Let’s identify the characters:
The man who owns the vineyard: God
The man who takes care of the vineyard: Jesus
The vineyard: the world
The fig tree: a Christian
Now let’s take it verse by verse:
v.6 – A man plants a fig tree in the vineyard, he goes to check on it, and finds no fruit.
(Now this man owns a vineyard and he has hired help so he’s probably very rich. The only way for a vineyard owner to make money is if fruit grows so that he can sell it and make a profit. To make his vineyard the most productive and to make sure that all of his crops can be used to take to the market to sell, he has to give all his efforts to work and he has to give all of his time. Without giving his all, the vineyard would be worthless. So, after giving all that he has to the vineyard, he plants a fig tree. He has given everything he had so that this fig tree can grow up big & strong & produce lots of fruit for him. But, when he goes out to check on his precious fig tree, he is disappointed. The fig tree that he worked so hard preparing for, has produced no fruit. As Christians, how does this apply to us? Think of it like this, God created us this wonderful world to live and to worship Him in. Once we sinned, He had to give us the ultimate sacrifice, all He had, His “only begotten Son.” Once He did that, we accepted it and became Christians, thus making us God’s ‘fig tree.’ But sometimes, when God comes out to ‘check on us’, we are fruitless. We lack spiritual maturity. This is very disappointing to God.)
v.7 – The owner tells his servant to cut the fig tree down– all it was doing was wasting soil.
(The owner is very upset when he sees that the fig tree has produced nothing after 3 years of watering it, trimming the weeds, and taking care of it. He feels like his efforts, as well as his servants’ efforts, have been wasted and he finally tells his servant to “cut the fig tree down because it is just using up soil.” The owner has been very generous here, I mean he gave the fig tree 3 whole years with the greatest of care to do something and it did nothing. Imagine trying to grow a plant yourself. You’ve worked your tail off and eventually develop a love for that plant, because you’ve worked so hard on it. You go outside day after day, week by week, month by month, year by year. Every time it’s the same, you see no change and no growth. What emotions would you feel after 3 years of that? Disappointment?.. Tiredness? Anger? Shame? Disgust? Or better yet, how do you think God feels when He’s done all He can for us and has given us chance after chance after chance through His great mercy, and we still bear Him no fruit for His efforts? Just something to think about.)
v.8 – The servant begs the owner to give him just one more year to work with it, so that just maybe it might finally grow some fruit.
(The owner is fed up and he just told the worker to cut down the fig tree. But the worker has developed a bond and a love for the plant that he’s been working on the past 3 years. He has given his life for the fig tree so that if would grow and produce fruit. All of his efforts have been given to get this thing to grow. So, the worker begs the owner to give him just one more year. He promises that he will work even harder and do even more to get the fig tree to grow and produce fruit. Now, let’s flip this back on us. God is a God of love and mercy, but at the same time He is a God of wrath. Jesus constantly works with us and when we anger God, He is right there to plead with God, on our behalf, asking Him to give us one more chance. Jesus asks God if He can have a little more time with us out of the great love that He has for us.)
v.9 – The servant tells the owner that if the fig tree still has no fruit after one more year thencut it down.
(The worker is begging for the owner to give him that extra year. But he sees that the owner is tired of having an unfruitful fig tree. So, the servant makes a deal with the owner. He tells him that if after that extra year, the fig tree still has produced no fruit and still hasn’t grown, then the owner can have it cut down.
Jesus will work with us and love us and guide us forever. But eventually, God’s patience wears thin. God only gives all of us so much time on this earth and as a Christian, if we waste that time by ruining our lives with bad choices or by breaking promises to God or by just doing nothing in your Christian walk, God will eventually call us home. This is why calling yourself a Christian and saying that you love and believe in Christ is not a joke or just something you do. God loves you more than you can imagine and He gives us more chances than we will ever know. But if you waste your Christian life, He eventually will cut you off from this earth, the vineyard, and He will bring you home. God cannot stand fruitless Christians.)
Thursday, July 15, 2010
How committed are You?
“And now Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires you to fear him, to live according to his will, to love and worship him with all your heart and soul, and to obey the Lords commands and laws that I am giving you today for your own good.”Deuteronomy 10:12-13
Today we finish up with our final requirement, to obey.
God tells us very specifically what we are to obey, and that is all of His commands and laws. The ultimate example of obedience was shown by Abraham when he was told to offer his son Isaac as a living sacrifice.
Listen to how James puts it in chapter 2:21-22 “Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was declared right with God because of what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see, he was trusting God so much that he was willing to do whatever God told him to do. His faith was made complete by what he did-by his actions.”
He was 100 percent obedient to the Lord even when faced with the choice to sacrifice his son. Are you that willing? Are you that obedient?
Are you fulfilling all of your responsibilities as a child of God no matter what the Lord asks of you? It is one thing for us to know what is required of us, and it is another thing to do it. Just like Abraham we too need to be 100 percent committed and obedient. It is a sin to know and not do anything about it.
Ask the Lord to help you listen to His instruction and then to guide you as you fulfill your responsibility.
Prayer: Lord thank you for the example of true obedience that Abraham, Noah, and Moses set for us. Help us to be completely committed and obedient to Your word, no matter the calling, no matter the sacrifice. For we know that when we do whatever You tell us our faith too will be made complete. In Jesus name, Amen.
Today we finish up with our final requirement, to obey.
God tells us very specifically what we are to obey, and that is all of His commands and laws. The ultimate example of obedience was shown by Abraham when he was told to offer his son Isaac as a living sacrifice.
Listen to how James puts it in chapter 2:21-22 “Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was declared right with God because of what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see, he was trusting God so much that he was willing to do whatever God told him to do. His faith was made complete by what he did-by his actions.”
He was 100 percent obedient to the Lord even when faced with the choice to sacrifice his son. Are you that willing? Are you that obedient?
Are you fulfilling all of your responsibilities as a child of God no matter what the Lord asks of you? It is one thing for us to know what is required of us, and it is another thing to do it. Just like Abraham we too need to be 100 percent committed and obedient. It is a sin to know and not do anything about it.
Ask the Lord to help you listen to His instruction and then to guide you as you fulfill your responsibility.
Prayer: Lord thank you for the example of true obedience that Abraham, Noah, and Moses set for us. Help us to be completely committed and obedient to Your word, no matter the calling, no matter the sacrifice. For we know that when we do whatever You tell us our faith too will be made complete. In Jesus name, Amen.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Real or Routine?
“And now Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires you to fear him, to live according to his will, to love and worship him with all your heart and soul, and to obey the Lord’s commands and laws that I am giving you today for your own good.” Deuteronomy 10:12-13
I have always thought that singers were so lucky, especially Christian singers; because they could lift their voices up in harmony with the angels and worship the Lord, and how sweet to His ears it must be.
It was not until just recently that the Lord shared with me that it is not about how good their voices are it is what is in the heart that is so sweet to His ear. It does not matter how off key I sing or if I even sing at all. It is the worship of my heart lifted up to Him that matters.
One of my favorite passages in the bible was written by David when He was worshipping the Lord.
Psalm 145:1-3 “I will praise you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. I will bless you every day, and I will praise you forever. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! His greatness is beyond discovery.”
I encourage you to read the rest of Psalm 145 it is full of God’s love and I know as you read it you will begin to fill the same joy David felt. Use this passage to guide you in your time of worship.
Remember true worship comes from a pure heart. It is real and not routine, and it is our response to who Jesus is.
Prayer: Jesus each day we rise may we lift our hearts to You in worship. Jesus may our worship never become routine. You are more than worthy and one day we will all worship You in one accord. In Jesus name Amen
I have always thought that singers were so lucky, especially Christian singers; because they could lift their voices up in harmony with the angels and worship the Lord, and how sweet to His ears it must be.
It was not until just recently that the Lord shared with me that it is not about how good their voices are it is what is in the heart that is so sweet to His ear. It does not matter how off key I sing or if I even sing at all. It is the worship of my heart lifted up to Him that matters.
One of my favorite passages in the bible was written by David when He was worshipping the Lord.
Psalm 145:1-3 “I will praise you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. I will bless you every day, and I will praise you forever. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! His greatness is beyond discovery.”
I encourage you to read the rest of Psalm 145 it is full of God’s love and I know as you read it you will begin to fill the same joy David felt. Use this passage to guide you in your time of worship.
Remember true worship comes from a pure heart. It is real and not routine, and it is our response to who Jesus is.
Prayer: Jesus each day we rise may we lift our hearts to You in worship. Jesus may our worship never become routine. You are more than worthy and one day we will all worship You in one accord. In Jesus name Amen
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
We love because He first loved us!
“And now Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires you to fear him, to live according to his will, to love and worship him with all your heart and soul, and to obey the Lord’s commands and laws that I am giving you today for your own good.” Deuteronomy 10:12-13
Today we look at our third requirement our third “get to” it is an honor to be able to fear Him, live according to His will and today Love Him.
What is Love-it is the ultimate expression of God’s loyalty, purity, and mercy extended toward His people. God is love-it is what He did for us on the cross.
What are ways we can show God we love Him? Accept His son as our personal Lord and Savior. Spend one on one time with Him in prayer. Read His Word, apply His Word. Go out and share the Great News of Jesus with others.
Loving God is giving Him all of you each and every day. It is dying to yourself daily shouldering your cross and following Him.
Let today be the day you start showing Christ how much you love Him. Accept Him as your Savior, get into His word, and let His word get into you, talk to Him, and share it with the world!
Prayer: Jesus You are the ultimate description of love. May all that we say and all that we do bring glory to Your name. Jesus today we give all of ourselves to You. In Jesus name, Amen
Today we look at our third requirement our third “get to” it is an honor to be able to fear Him, live according to His will and today Love Him.
What is Love-it is the ultimate expression of God’s loyalty, purity, and mercy extended toward His people. God is love-it is what He did for us on the cross.
What are ways we can show God we love Him? Accept His son as our personal Lord and Savior. Spend one on one time with Him in prayer. Read His Word, apply His Word. Go out and share the Great News of Jesus with others.
Loving God is giving Him all of you each and every day. It is dying to yourself daily shouldering your cross and following Him.
Let today be the day you start showing Christ how much you love Him. Accept Him as your Savior, get into His word, and let His word get into you, talk to Him, and share it with the world!
Prayer: Jesus You are the ultimate description of love. May all that we say and all that we do bring glory to Your name. Jesus today we give all of ourselves to You. In Jesus name, Amen
Monday, July 12, 2010
All the proof you need!
“And now Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires you to fear him, to live according to his will, to love and worship him with all your heart and soul, and to obey the Lord’s commands and laws that I am giving you today for your own good.” Deuteronomy 10:12-13
How is it that you know you are in the Lord’s will? I want to share with you an incredible story of how the Israelites knew they were in the Lord’s will.
It is found in the book of Numbers 9:15-23. I encourage you to go back and read the whole passage, today I am just going to paraphrase.
It was visible for all to see, it was a cloud that covered the Tabernacle. It was a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. It was what would guide them through the wilderness with the help of Moses.
Here is how it worked. “But day or night, when the cloud lifted, the people broke camp and followed. Whether the cloud stayed above the Tabernacle for two days, a month, or a year, the people of Israel stayed in camp and did not move on. But as soon as it lifted, they broke camp and moved on. So they camped or traveled at the Lord’s command, and they did whatever the Lord told them through Moses.” Numbers 9:21-23
Now, that is following the will of the Lord. How many of us would love to have such guidance? Man I would and I know that when I seek the Lord and His word He will be that evident in my life.
Guys we serve an unbelievably big God!
Prayer: Jesus we seek Your will for our lives today and ask that you be as evident for us as You were for the Israelites. In Jesus name, Amen
How is it that you know you are in the Lord’s will? I want to share with you an incredible story of how the Israelites knew they were in the Lord’s will.
It is found in the book of Numbers 9:15-23. I encourage you to go back and read the whole passage, today I am just going to paraphrase.
It was visible for all to see, it was a cloud that covered the Tabernacle. It was a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. It was what would guide them through the wilderness with the help of Moses.
Here is how it worked. “But day or night, when the cloud lifted, the people broke camp and followed. Whether the cloud stayed above the Tabernacle for two days, a month, or a year, the people of Israel stayed in camp and did not move on. But as soon as it lifted, they broke camp and moved on. So they camped or traveled at the Lord’s command, and they did whatever the Lord told them through Moses.” Numbers 9:21-23
Now, that is following the will of the Lord. How many of us would love to have such guidance? Man I would and I know that when I seek the Lord and His word He will be that evident in my life.
Guys we serve an unbelievably big God!
Prayer: Jesus we seek Your will for our lives today and ask that you be as evident for us as You were for the Israelites. In Jesus name, Amen
Sunday, July 11, 2010
In the midst of His deepest agony!
“And now Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires you to fear him, to live according to his will, to love and worship him with all your heart and soul, and to obey the Lord’s commands and laws that I am giving you today for your own good.” Deuteronomy 10:12-13
Come with me as we take a look at the example Jesus set for us during His time here on earth. I pray that today the Lord will open the eyes of our hearts and teach us how to live according to His will and not our own.
I want to share a passage that became very real, sensitive, and absolutely humbling. It shows just how much Jesus loves us but how much more He loves His Father.
“Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine.” Luke 22:42
Jesus knew the time was coming when He would be betrayed. He knew the suffering He was about to endure and the separation from God that would have to take place as He took on all of our sin’s. And yet in the midst of His deepest agony, He cried out for it to be the Lord’s will and not His.
There is, and will never be, another greater example of how to live according to the Lord’s will, than what Jesus did for you and me!
Today it is our turn, it is our turn to die to ourselves and live according to His will. Today no matter how bad we think we are suffering we remember the suffering Christ did for us.
Prayer: Jesus no words can express the gratitude we have for what You did for us. Lord we are foolish to think our will is better than Yours. Let Luke 22:42 be a reminder of what it means to truly what our Father’s will. In Your amazing Name Jesus, Amen
“And now Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires you to fear him, to live according to his will, to love and worship him with all your heart and soul, and to obey the Lord’s commands and laws that I am giving you today for your own good.” Deuteronomy 10:12-13
Come with me as we take a look at the example Jesus set for us during His time here on earth. I pray that today the Lord will open the eyes of our hearts and teach us how to live according to His will and not our own.
I want to share a passage that became very real, sensitive, and absolutely humbling. It shows just how much Jesus loves us but how much more He loves His Father.
“Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine.” Luke 22:42
Jesus knew the time was coming when He would be betrayed. He knew the suffering He was about to endure and the separation from God that would have to take place as He took on all of our sin’s. And yet in the midst of His deepest agony, He cried out for it to be the Lord’s will and not His.
There is, and will never be, another greater example of how to live according to the Lord’s will, than what Jesus did for you and me!
Today it is our turn, it is our turn to die to ourselves and live according to His will. Today no matter how bad we think we are suffering we remember the suffering Christ did for us.
Prayer: Jesus no words can express the gratitude we have for what You did for us. Lord we are foolish to think our will is better than Yours. Let Luke 22:42 be a reminder of what it means to truly what our Father’s will. In Your amazing Name Jesus, Amen
Saturday, July 10, 2010
It is so not about You!
“And now Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires you to fear him, to live according to his will, to love and worship him with all your heart and soul, and to obey the Lord’s commands and laws that I am giving you today for your own good.” Deuteronomy 10:12-13
Our second requirement today is to live according to His will.
What is the Lord’s will? It is doing what He wants and NOT what we want. Isn’t it so easy to get caught up in our own desires that we lose sight of God’s? Thankfully we have someone who set the example and showed us that it can and should be done. Jesus!
I want to take you to a couple of places the next few days and show you just how much of an example Christ was.
Let’s start in the book of John-John 6:38 “For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do what I want.”
Guess what? We were created in the image of God called to serve Him so we too are here to do the will of God and not what we want to do. It is about fulfilling His desires and not our own. Man I hope you are getting this. How do we do that, you ask, by putting our eyes on Him every second of everyday. By letting the Word of God take root within us.
Today as you go about your day I want you to ask yourself, is this going to bring glory to God or to myself. Will it bring honor to His name or to me?
It is not easy, but I know it will put things into perspective for you and me, and it will show us just how successful and perfect God’s will is.
Prayer; Jesus help us to remove ourselves and truly comprehend that we are here for You and You alone, help us to live according to Your will and not our own. In Jesus name Amen
Our second requirement today is to live according to His will.
What is the Lord’s will? It is doing what He wants and NOT what we want. Isn’t it so easy to get caught up in our own desires that we lose sight of God’s? Thankfully we have someone who set the example and showed us that it can and should be done. Jesus!
I want to take you to a couple of places the next few days and show you just how much of an example Christ was.
Let’s start in the book of John-John 6:38 “For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do what I want.”
Guess what? We were created in the image of God called to serve Him so we too are here to do the will of God and not what we want to do. It is about fulfilling His desires and not our own. Man I hope you are getting this. How do we do that, you ask, by putting our eyes on Him every second of everyday. By letting the Word of God take root within us.
Today as you go about your day I want you to ask yourself, is this going to bring glory to God or to myself. Will it bring honor to His name or to me?
It is not easy, but I know it will put things into perspective for you and me, and it will show us just how successful and perfect God’s will is.
Prayer; Jesus help us to remove ourselves and truly comprehend that we are here for You and You alone, help us to live according to Your will and not our own. In Jesus name Amen
Friday, July 9, 2010
Stop making it harder than it is!
If I may be completley honest with you today, this weeks devos I had written in December. And as the Lord brought this passage back to my mind, I at first thought perfect, I will be able to catch up on some writing. Well the amazing Father that I serve and love more and more every day had different plans for why He wanted me to use this particular devotional today.
I have been dealing with some struggles and frustrations over this last month and it just seems to have all began when I committed to my S.S.A.L.S (study, store, apply, learn and share). My friends, Satan has delcared a straight up war with me and it has been brutual. And if I could just say if this was a real life war, there would be alot of blood, clawing, hair-pulling, words flying, etc. Of course not to mention alot of tears on my end and alot of laughter on his.
My point to sharing this with you is because I want you to see and hear how amazing our God is. Just this morning as I am writing out this verse on my index card, my mind was full of so much frustration, desperation, and confusion. By the time I finished writing it, it was as though the Lord swooped down, stuck out both arms, and scooped me up. Right then and there God made it all become so clear. Kristi re-read what you just wrote. I make all things simple, "My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those who want to learn." Proverbs 8:9 Let my Son live through you, let the Holy Spirit direct and guide you, and In my name stop making my word so complicating and stop trying so hard to please me. Just concentrate on the requirement I have given you in Deuteronomy let it fill you with peace, and let my Son who is in you give you freedom. "So if the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free. " John 8:36
There is nothing sweeter or more satisfying than being set free! Thank You Jesus! "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32
All He asks is that we repect Hiim (fear), follow Him, (live according to His will), love Him, worship Him, and obey Him. Anything done outside of that can become and is probably man-made laws and regulations.
Are you being held slavery to something? Let Christ and His truth set you free today in Jesus name.
I have been dealing with some struggles and frustrations over this last month and it just seems to have all began when I committed to my S.S.A.L.S (study, store, apply, learn and share). My friends, Satan has delcared a straight up war with me and it has been brutual. And if I could just say if this was a real life war, there would be alot of blood, clawing, hair-pulling, words flying, etc. Of course not to mention alot of tears on my end and alot of laughter on his.
My point to sharing this with you is because I want you to see and hear how amazing our God is. Just this morning as I am writing out this verse on my index card, my mind was full of so much frustration, desperation, and confusion. By the time I finished writing it, it was as though the Lord swooped down, stuck out both arms, and scooped me up. Right then and there God made it all become so clear. Kristi re-read what you just wrote. I make all things simple, "My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those who want to learn." Proverbs 8:9 Let my Son live through you, let the Holy Spirit direct and guide you, and In my name stop making my word so complicating and stop trying so hard to please me. Just concentrate on the requirement I have given you in Deuteronomy let it fill you with peace, and let my Son who is in you give you freedom. "So if the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free. " John 8:36
There is nothing sweeter or more satisfying than being set free! Thank You Jesus! "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32
All He asks is that we repect Hiim (fear), follow Him, (live according to His will), love Him, worship Him, and obey Him. Anything done outside of that can become and is probably man-made laws and regulations.
Are you being held slavery to something? Let Christ and His truth set you free today in Jesus name.
What more could you want?
“And now Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires you to fear him, to live according to his will, to love and worship him with all your heart and soul, and to obey the Lord’s commands and laws that I am giving you today for your own good.” Deuteronomy 10:12-13
The last two days we have looked at what it means to fear the Lord, how we fear the Lord and today we finish with what do we gain from fearing the Lord.
I want to look back at the four scriptures we used over the last two days, because in each of them God shows us exactly what we gain from fearing Him.
Job 28:28 “The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.”
Psalm 34:9 “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and understanding.”
Psalm 34:9 “Let the Lord’s people show him reverence, for those who honor him will have all they need.”
Psalm 34:11-14“Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. Do any of you want to live a life that is long and good? Then watch your tongue! Keep your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others.”
So what do we gain from fearing the Lord?
Job 28:28 - We gain wisdom
Proverbs 1:7- We gain knowledge
Psalm 34:9- We will have all we need
Psalm 34:12- We will have a long good life
Now I don’t know about you but for me that is enough! That is exactly what we all wish for, and our God is saying I will give all of this to you if you just fear Me.
Prayer; Jesus as we begin each new day I pray that we will start it with a whole new understanding of what it means to fear you. And that we will actually apply it to our lives and let it pour out onto those around us. In Jesus name, Amen.
The last two days we have looked at what it means to fear the Lord, how we fear the Lord and today we finish with what do we gain from fearing the Lord.
I want to look back at the four scriptures we used over the last two days, because in each of them God shows us exactly what we gain from fearing Him.
Job 28:28 “The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.”
Psalm 34:9 “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and understanding.”
Psalm 34:9 “Let the Lord’s people show him reverence, for those who honor him will have all they need.”
Psalm 34:11-14“Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. Do any of you want to live a life that is long and good? Then watch your tongue! Keep your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others.”
So what do we gain from fearing the Lord?
Job 28:28 - We gain wisdom
Proverbs 1:7- We gain knowledge
Psalm 34:9- We will have all we need
Psalm 34:12- We will have a long good life
Now I don’t know about you but for me that is enough! That is exactly what we all wish for, and our God is saying I will give all of this to you if you just fear Me.
Prayer; Jesus as we begin each new day I pray that we will start it with a whole new understanding of what it means to fear you. And that we will actually apply it to our lives and let it pour out onto those around us. In Jesus name, Amen.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Five ingredients for fear!
“Let the Lord’s people show him reverence, for those who honor him will have all they need.” Psalm 34:9
Yesterday we looked at what it means to fear the Lord; today we are going to look at how we fear the Lord.
How do we fear the Lord; by showing Him true genuine reverence. Let me put it this way, by showing Him true respect and honor with a humble attitude and genuine worship.
Okay not that hard right; “Umm no, no” as my three year old says. It is hard especially when we are never in the word of God, especially when we have conformed to the ways of the world and our surrounding environment.
Oh, but God is so good and He gives us five very specific ways to fear Him in the book of Psalm 34:11-14 “Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. Do any of you want to live a life that is long and good? Then watch your tongue! Keep your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others.”
1. Listen
2. Watch your tongue
3. Keep your lips from telling lies!
4. Turn away from evil and do good.
5. Work hard at living in peace with others.
Specific enough! Isn’t that great! Store this verse in your heart and ask the Lord to keep it fresh on your mind. The more and more you apply it the more knowledge and wisdom you will gain. Isn’t it just so exciting? What an amazing God we serve!
Prayer; Jesus thank you thank you for making Your word plain to all who want to hear and clear to all who seek to understand. May we write these words deep in our hearts and apply all that we learn. In Jesus name Amen
Yesterday we looked at what it means to fear the Lord; today we are going to look at how we fear the Lord.
How do we fear the Lord; by showing Him true genuine reverence. Let me put it this way, by showing Him true respect and honor with a humble attitude and genuine worship.
Okay not that hard right; “Umm no, no” as my three year old says. It is hard especially when we are never in the word of God, especially when we have conformed to the ways of the world and our surrounding environment.
Oh, but God is so good and He gives us five very specific ways to fear Him in the book of Psalm 34:11-14 “Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. Do any of you want to live a life that is long and good? Then watch your tongue! Keep your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others.”
1. Listen
2. Watch your tongue
3. Keep your lips from telling lies!
4. Turn away from evil and do good.
5. Work hard at living in peace with others.
Specific enough! Isn’t that great! Store this verse in your heart and ask the Lord to keep it fresh on your mind. The more and more you apply it the more knowledge and wisdom you will gain. Isn’t it just so exciting? What an amazing God we serve!
Prayer; Jesus thank you thank you for making Your word plain to all who want to hear and clear to all who seek to understand. May we write these words deep in our hearts and apply all that we learn. In Jesus name Amen
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Have we lost all fear?
“The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.” Job 28:28
Yesterday we learned of five requirements God expects from us. To fear Him, live according to His will, love Him, worship Him and obey Him.
Our first requirement given is to fear the Lord. It is the beginning of all things and I believe it is what is missing in our world today. Here are three questions I want us to look at over the next couple of days.
1. What does it mean to fear the Lord?
2. How do you fear the Lord?
3. What do you gain from fearing the Lord?
When we hear the word fear we immediately think of being afraid. But that is a completely different type of fear. When God says He wants us to fear Him, He is not saying be afraid of Me. He is saying be in awe of Me and My power. Show Me respect with a tender conscience. For when we truly fear the Lord, it will pour over onto others.
Have you ever heard the saying “Someone needs to put the fear of God in that child?” Well guess what, we all need to put the fear of God in ourselves. If we are to be living and breathing examples of Christ then we have to set the first example and fear the Lord. Be in awe of His name, power, and authority. We have to show Him complete respect in our thoughts, words, actions, and motives.
We begin by getting into the word of God and spending one on one time with Jesus. How can we ever truly learn to fear Him if we never read His word?
We need to be seeking wisdom from His word and not from the world. If we want our children to show us and others true respect, then we have to teach them to fear the Lord first. We have to share the word of God with them daily.
Look at what Solomon says in Proverbs 1:7 “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline.”
We gain knowledge from reading His word! We are foolish to look elsewhere.
Prayer: Jesus teach us through Your word to fear You more. Open our minds to realize that we can not gain wisdom on our own and that the wisdom the world offers is fleeting. In Your Mighty name Jesus, Amen.
Yesterday we learned of five requirements God expects from us. To fear Him, live according to His will, love Him, worship Him and obey Him.
Our first requirement given is to fear the Lord. It is the beginning of all things and I believe it is what is missing in our world today. Here are three questions I want us to look at over the next couple of days.
1. What does it mean to fear the Lord?
2. How do you fear the Lord?
3. What do you gain from fearing the Lord?
When we hear the word fear we immediately think of being afraid. But that is a completely different type of fear. When God says He wants us to fear Him, He is not saying be afraid of Me. He is saying be in awe of Me and My power. Show Me respect with a tender conscience. For when we truly fear the Lord, it will pour over onto others.
Have you ever heard the saying “Someone needs to put the fear of God in that child?” Well guess what, we all need to put the fear of God in ourselves. If we are to be living and breathing examples of Christ then we have to set the first example and fear the Lord. Be in awe of His name, power, and authority. We have to show Him complete respect in our thoughts, words, actions, and motives.
We begin by getting into the word of God and spending one on one time with Jesus. How can we ever truly learn to fear Him if we never read His word?
We need to be seeking wisdom from His word and not from the world. If we want our children to show us and others true respect, then we have to teach them to fear the Lord first. We have to share the word of God with them daily.
Look at what Solomon says in Proverbs 1:7 “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline.”
We gain knowledge from reading His word! We are foolish to look elsewhere.
Prayer: Jesus teach us through Your word to fear You more. Open our minds to realize that we can not gain wisdom on our own and that the wisdom the world offers is fleeting. In Your Mighty name Jesus, Amen.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Requirements
“And now Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires you to fear him, to live according to his will, to love and worship him with all your heart and soul, and to obey the Lord’s commands and laws that I am giving you today for your own good.” Deuteronomy 10:12-13
There is so much that is required of us now days that it can become very overwhelming. We even require so many things for ourselves that when not fulfilled we are left disappointed.
I believe it even gets to a point where we try to live up to the world’s requirements and others standards that we lose sight of who we are.
There is only one person whose requirements should matter and that is God! He is the only one who will and can show us exactly who we are to be. And in all His awesomeness He has made it very simple and clear for us to live up to and achieve.
The greatest part about doing what He asks is His promises hold true and are everlasting. And He is there helping us, guiding us and teaching us. He never fails us or deserts us. He gives us all that we need to be successful.
So what exactly does God require of us? He wants us to fear Him, live according to His will, love Him, worship Him, and obey Him. He wants it to be ALL about Him!
Week 6 I hope you will join me as we dig deeper into what God requires of us and let His word transform us.
Prayer: Jesus today we confess that we have tried to live up to the requirements of man. Forgive us and teach us, instruct us and guide us as we seek to live up to Your requirements. Thank you that you have made them available to each of us. In Jesus name, Amen
There is so much that is required of us now days that it can become very overwhelming. We even require so many things for ourselves that when not fulfilled we are left disappointed.
I believe it even gets to a point where we try to live up to the world’s requirements and others standards that we lose sight of who we are.
There is only one person whose requirements should matter and that is God! He is the only one who will and can show us exactly who we are to be. And in all His awesomeness He has made it very simple and clear for us to live up to and achieve.
The greatest part about doing what He asks is His promises hold true and are everlasting. And He is there helping us, guiding us and teaching us. He never fails us or deserts us. He gives us all that we need to be successful.
So what exactly does God require of us? He wants us to fear Him, live according to His will, love Him, worship Him, and obey Him. He wants it to be ALL about Him!
Week 6 I hope you will join me as we dig deeper into what God requires of us and let His word transform us.
Prayer: Jesus today we confess that we have tried to live up to the requirements of man. Forgive us and teach us, instruct us and guide us as we seek to live up to Your requirements. Thank you that you have made them available to each of us. In Jesus name, Amen
Monday, July 5, 2010
Hindered
“God says we must not eat it or even touch it or we will die.” Genesis 3:3
In the midst of my deepest agony I rushed to the place I knew would bring healing to the brokenness and aching that flooded my heart. As I approached the inner temple I cried out, “Father, please may I come in?” I reached out to pull back the curtain and enter the Most Holy Place where my Father dwelled. All to find that there was curtain after curtain each one thicker and heavier than the last. The aching and longing in my heart only became more intense, so intense I began gasping for air and wondering why I could not get into meet with the only one I so desperately needed.
It was then in there the Holy Spirit stopped me. These curtains, they are hindrances. Until they are removed you will continue to pull curtain after curtain. My heart cried out, “how do I remove them, don’t you understand? Can’t you see the brokenness within me?”
Confess, go and make right what has been made wrong. Make peace, turn from your sins, and then when you call upon me I will hear you and make clear the curtain for you to enter the place where I your heavenly Father dwells.
Do you have hindrances; UN confessed sin standing between you and God? Don’t wait until it’s too late or until your sin has driven a wedge that has become so hardened in your heart. Call out to the living God and let Him show you any and all sin that is keeping you from a personal and intimate relationship with Him.
Yes we have unlimited access to the Most Holy Place because of what the Son of God did for us, but before we enter we must daily confess our sins, and understand our true need for God.
Prayer: In Jesus name I ask Lord that You will daily reveal any sin lurking within me, for then I will confess my sins and be able to enter the place I desire to be, the place right where You dwell. Thank You that as I remove my sins you are faithful and just to forgive me of my sins and purify me from all unrighteousness. Amen
In the midst of my deepest agony I rushed to the place I knew would bring healing to the brokenness and aching that flooded my heart. As I approached the inner temple I cried out, “Father, please may I come in?” I reached out to pull back the curtain and enter the Most Holy Place where my Father dwelled. All to find that there was curtain after curtain each one thicker and heavier than the last. The aching and longing in my heart only became more intense, so intense I began gasping for air and wondering why I could not get into meet with the only one I so desperately needed.
It was then in there the Holy Spirit stopped me. These curtains, they are hindrances. Until they are removed you will continue to pull curtain after curtain. My heart cried out, “how do I remove them, don’t you understand? Can’t you see the brokenness within me?”
Confess, go and make right what has been made wrong. Make peace, turn from your sins, and then when you call upon me I will hear you and make clear the curtain for you to enter the place where I your heavenly Father dwells.
Do you have hindrances; UN confessed sin standing between you and God? Don’t wait until it’s too late or until your sin has driven a wedge that has become so hardened in your heart. Call out to the living God and let Him show you any and all sin that is keeping you from a personal and intimate relationship with Him.
Yes we have unlimited access to the Most Holy Place because of what the Son of God did for us, but before we enter we must daily confess our sins, and understand our true need for God.
Prayer: In Jesus name I ask Lord that You will daily reveal any sin lurking within me, for then I will confess my sins and be able to enter the place I desire to be, the place right where You dwell. Thank You that as I remove my sins you are faithful and just to forgive me of my sins and purify me from all unrighteousness. Amen
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Satan we are on to you.
“God says we must not eat from it or even touch it or we will die.” Genesis 3:3
How often have we, like Eve, been standing before our forbidden trees and listened to the voice of Satan convince us that it is okay to reach out and touch it, take it, listen to it, or eat it?
Let me give you some examples that have taken place in my own life. Maybe you can relate, but if not, I hope these examples will help keep you from falling into one of Satan’s traps and believing the lies like I have.
Join in on the conversation Kristi, it won’t hurt anything to throw in a few comments about others.
You know Kristi she is right you are a hypocrite; I mean who are you to hold a sister accountable?
You really think God wants to use you, look at your past.
You will never be good enough or smart enough.
You are better off following in the shadow than standing out on your own.
Don’t you want to know everything God knows about your husband and others?
It’s okay to laugh or smile at others sin; I mean you’re not participating are you?
Whether he has convinced me to compare myself to others, join in on the gossip, fill my thoughts with more doubt than a human could hold, ignite my anger, plant the root of bitterness, or even convince me that I will never be good enough, or able to be used by the Lord, I have at some point listened, grabbed the fruit and ate it.
But the closer I walk with the Lord, the more I seek His word, the more I run to Him when the thoughts arise within me, the more my gracious, loving Father comes to my rescue. The more He opens my eyes to His unending love, mercy and grace, and the more He sets me free from the traps and chains of Satan.
I am free, free in Christ Jesus, I have the living Son of God dwelling within me, who is fighting the battle between good and evil. He fills my thoughts with truth, He reminds me that I am His and He is mine. He shows me His love and tells me of the wonderful gifts that await me. He reassures me daily that I am worthy, wonderful, beautiful, and capable of all things through Him.
“Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven’s lights. Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows. In his goodness he chose to make us his own children by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his choice possession.” James 1:17-18
The next time you are tempted to grab the fruit from the forbidden tree, run to God, lay the nagging lies of Satan at His feet and remember that if it is not true, honorable, or right, pure, lovely or admirable, excellent and/or worthy of praise than it is not from God.
Prayer: Lord thank You for filling with the Holy Spirit who never rests, never lies, and never tries to convince me of anything but living in the truth and the promises of God. Amen
How often have we, like Eve, been standing before our forbidden trees and listened to the voice of Satan convince us that it is okay to reach out and touch it, take it, listen to it, or eat it?
Let me give you some examples that have taken place in my own life. Maybe you can relate, but if not, I hope these examples will help keep you from falling into one of Satan’s traps and believing the lies like I have.
Join in on the conversation Kristi, it won’t hurt anything to throw in a few comments about others.
You know Kristi she is right you are a hypocrite; I mean who are you to hold a sister accountable?
You really think God wants to use you, look at your past.
You will never be good enough or smart enough.
You are better off following in the shadow than standing out on your own.
Don’t you want to know everything God knows about your husband and others?
It’s okay to laugh or smile at others sin; I mean you’re not participating are you?
Whether he has convinced me to compare myself to others, join in on the gossip, fill my thoughts with more doubt than a human could hold, ignite my anger, plant the root of bitterness, or even convince me that I will never be good enough, or able to be used by the Lord, I have at some point listened, grabbed the fruit and ate it.
But the closer I walk with the Lord, the more I seek His word, the more I run to Him when the thoughts arise within me, the more my gracious, loving Father comes to my rescue. The more He opens my eyes to His unending love, mercy and grace, and the more He sets me free from the traps and chains of Satan.
I am free, free in Christ Jesus, I have the living Son of God dwelling within me, who is fighting the battle between good and evil. He fills my thoughts with truth, He reminds me that I am His and He is mine. He shows me His love and tells me of the wonderful gifts that await me. He reassures me daily that I am worthy, wonderful, beautiful, and capable of all things through Him.
“Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven’s lights. Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows. In his goodness he chose to make us his own children by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his choice possession.” James 1:17-18
The next time you are tempted to grab the fruit from the forbidden tree, run to God, lay the nagging lies of Satan at His feet and remember that if it is not true, honorable, or right, pure, lovely or admirable, excellent and/or worthy of praise than it is not from God.
Prayer: Lord thank You for filling with the Holy Spirit who never rests, never lies, and never tries to convince me of anything but living in the truth and the promises of God. Amen
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Freedom of Choice
“God says we must not eat it or even touch it, or we will die.” Genesis 3:3
I believe one of God’s deepest longings, besides for us to be covered in the blood of His Son, is the longing of true obedience and choice.
There is nothing greater than when love is expressed through a person’s choosing to do so. When God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden He could have very easily left the tree of knowledge of good and evil out, but He didn’t. He placed it there and even made them aware of its presence and the importance of not eating from it-death.
I believe the Lord did not do it to set up Adam and Eve for failure but simply for the longing that His first, most precious, valued creations would willfully choose to obey Him. He still to this day gives us the choice to serve Him, to obey Him, to love Him, and to choose the most precious gift- life, through Jesus Christ. Yet even in the midst of His deepest longing, He has given us the choice, the freedom to choose opposite of Him.
How often I wish that God would make the choices for me, for then I would be sure not to fail, or sin, but in doing that I would miss out on the importance of His mercy, grace, and love. I would be less dependent upon my deepest need for a Savior, and I would be stunted in my knowledge and wisdom of the most amazing Creator.
When I willfully choose to obey God, I am choosing to meet the deepest longing of my Father. I am choosing to not eat from the sin and enticement of the world, or even touch what it puts in front of me.
Oh, what great rewards await all those who choose to obey God and what sad consequences maybe even death await those who choose to disobey.
Prayer: Lord forgive me for all the times I have chosen to disobey You. Thank You for bringing Your word to life within me and for daily removing the veil as I search deeper into knowing, pleasing and become more like You. Amen
I believe one of God’s deepest longings, besides for us to be covered in the blood of His Son, is the longing of true obedience and choice.
There is nothing greater than when love is expressed through a person’s choosing to do so. When God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden He could have very easily left the tree of knowledge of good and evil out, but He didn’t. He placed it there and even made them aware of its presence and the importance of not eating from it-death.
I believe the Lord did not do it to set up Adam and Eve for failure but simply for the longing that His first, most precious, valued creations would willfully choose to obey Him. He still to this day gives us the choice to serve Him, to obey Him, to love Him, and to choose the most precious gift- life, through Jesus Christ. Yet even in the midst of His deepest longing, He has given us the choice, the freedom to choose opposite of Him.
How often I wish that God would make the choices for me, for then I would be sure not to fail, or sin, but in doing that I would miss out on the importance of His mercy, grace, and love. I would be less dependent upon my deepest need for a Savior, and I would be stunted in my knowledge and wisdom of the most amazing Creator.
When I willfully choose to obey God, I am choosing to meet the deepest longing of my Father. I am choosing to not eat from the sin and enticement of the world, or even touch what it puts in front of me.
Oh, what great rewards await all those who choose to obey God and what sad consequences maybe even death await those who choose to disobey.
Prayer: Lord forgive me for all the times I have chosen to disobey You. Thank You for bringing Your word to life within me and for daily removing the veil as I search deeper into knowing, pleasing and become more like You. Amen
Friday, July 2, 2010
Ready or Not here we come
“God says we must not eat it or even touch it, or we will die.” Genesis 3:3
Lord reveal to each of us any sins that are lurking in our hearts. Cleanse us from these hidden faults. Keep us from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control us. Then we will be free from guilt and innocent of great sin.
Lord set our eyes to Your vision so that we might see all things as You see. Lord help those today who are lost and in need of Your Son. I pray that through each of Your children who have called on You by name that we Lord will have the opportunity to be a light within the life of one of those who are lost. Lord give us the courage the desire to set out and look for those who are in such need of You. Help us to go beyond our comfort zones today with a boldness that can only come from You and speak in Your name. May we sit back no longer and allow those living in sin to continue.
Lord I praise You for those all over the world who are standing up for You and sharing the Good News. Ignite a fire within each of us to not wait any longer, O Lord You are coming, may we all be in a foot race with You to save as many as we can.
Lord clothe us in Your armor as we set out today, may we stick within our boundaries, and use every piece of armor to combat the enemy. Lord today we come a blazin’ ready for battle.
Satan be prepared because today we will no longer let you win, we come clothed in the armor of Jesus Christ covered in His blood, and you, Satan are our prey!
Lord reveal to each of us any sins that are lurking in our hearts. Cleanse us from these hidden faults. Keep us from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control us. Then we will be free from guilt and innocent of great sin.
Lord set our eyes to Your vision so that we might see all things as You see. Lord help those today who are lost and in need of Your Son. I pray that through each of Your children who have called on You by name that we Lord will have the opportunity to be a light within the life of one of those who are lost. Lord give us the courage the desire to set out and look for those who are in such need of You. Help us to go beyond our comfort zones today with a boldness that can only come from You and speak in Your name. May we sit back no longer and allow those living in sin to continue.
Lord I praise You for those all over the world who are standing up for You and sharing the Good News. Ignite a fire within each of us to not wait any longer, O Lord You are coming, may we all be in a foot race with You to save as many as we can.
Lord clothe us in Your armor as we set out today, may we stick within our boundaries, and use every piece of armor to combat the enemy. Lord today we come a blazin’ ready for battle.
Satan be prepared because today we will no longer let you win, we come clothed in the armor of Jesus Christ covered in His blood, and you, Satan are our prey!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Knowing your boundaries
“God says we must not eat it or even touch it, or we will die.” Genesis 3:3
A dog on a leash knows his boundaries, a basketball player knows the boundaries, a football player knows his boundaries. Do Christians know their boundaries?
In the book of Exodus the Lord calls Moses to prepare his people for the Lord’s arrival and instructs him on all He wants ready for when He comes.
“Be sure they are ready on the third day, for I will come down upon Mount Sinai as all the people watch. Set boundary lines that the people may not pass. Warn them. Be careful! Do not go up on the mountain or even touch its boundaries. Those who do will certainly die!” Exodus 19:11-12
The Israelites had real visual set boundaries and so do we. We have the whole word of God that lays out, defines, and teaches us our boundaries.
We can either dance around and over our God given boundaries or we can stay within in them where there is life, love, comfort, peace, unity, and God’s amazing holiness right in the center.
Even Satan has boundaries, there is nothing that monster can do that doesn’t go through the Lord first! Halleluiah!
I truly believe that if we will study our boundary, which means reading God’s word, and if we know that outside of our boundary Satan awaits we will be able to live and experience freedom in Christ. Let me explain;
Imagine a football field; it has a white line that goes all the way around it, that is the boundary line. If the athletes pass that line they are considered out of bounds.
As Christians (true Christians filled with the Holy fire) we have a spiritual field that has been set up for us and is marked in red, Christ’s blood. As long as we live within the read lines, live in Christ we will live in the place where the milk and honey of God’s love flows. If we step outside of that red line than we are walking on Satan’s turf (out of bounds) and if we have never stepped inside of the red lines, meaning have never received Christ, than we are living prey to Satan.
It is important to know your boundaries. Open God’s word and let Him draw your boundaries out for you. Yes His boundaries require giving up of the flesh and the things of this world but believe me it is worth it.
Prayer: Lord thank You for giving us boundaries, boundaries that only make us better, boundaries that keep us close to You and away from the death trap of Satan. Amen
A dog on a leash knows his boundaries, a basketball player knows the boundaries, a football player knows his boundaries. Do Christians know their boundaries?
In the book of Exodus the Lord calls Moses to prepare his people for the Lord’s arrival and instructs him on all He wants ready for when He comes.
“Be sure they are ready on the third day, for I will come down upon Mount Sinai as all the people watch. Set boundary lines that the people may not pass. Warn them. Be careful! Do not go up on the mountain or even touch its boundaries. Those who do will certainly die!” Exodus 19:11-12
The Israelites had real visual set boundaries and so do we. We have the whole word of God that lays out, defines, and teaches us our boundaries.
We can either dance around and over our God given boundaries or we can stay within in them where there is life, love, comfort, peace, unity, and God’s amazing holiness right in the center.
Even Satan has boundaries, there is nothing that monster can do that doesn’t go through the Lord first! Halleluiah!
I truly believe that if we will study our boundary, which means reading God’s word, and if we know that outside of our boundary Satan awaits we will be able to live and experience freedom in Christ. Let me explain;
Imagine a football field; it has a white line that goes all the way around it, that is the boundary line. If the athletes pass that line they are considered out of bounds.
As Christians (true Christians filled with the Holy fire) we have a spiritual field that has been set up for us and is marked in red, Christ’s blood. As long as we live within the read lines, live in Christ we will live in the place where the milk and honey of God’s love flows. If we step outside of that red line than we are walking on Satan’s turf (out of bounds) and if we have never stepped inside of the red lines, meaning have never received Christ, than we are living prey to Satan.
It is important to know your boundaries. Open God’s word and let Him draw your boundaries out for you. Yes His boundaries require giving up of the flesh and the things of this world but believe me it is worth it.
Prayer: Lord thank You for giving us boundaries, boundaries that only make us better, boundaries that keep us close to You and away from the death trap of Satan. Amen
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
…so why do we?
“God says we must not eat it or even touch it, or we will die.” Genesis 3:3
Did a recovering alcoholic who has been sober for the last five years do it by staying surrounded in the same environment and with the same people he use to drink with?
Did the drug addict become drug free by keeping his drugs close at hand?
Did the family who survived a horrible affair last because they kept in contact with the other person?
How does a liar regain the trust of his friends and family, by only partially telling the truth?
Did the overweight man or woman overcome their addiction to food by keeping their old thought life?
We can never overcome sin or expect to change if we are not willing to remove the sin from our lives. For these people their addictions are big, but so are our addictions to sin. They start out small; the alcoholic never thought there was a problem with having a few drinks until his few became a dozen. The drug addict was only trying to heal from a major surgery, she never wanted to become addicted to the pain medicine but when the bottle was empty she went back for more. He/She never thought they would cheat on their spouse, they thought there was nothing wrong with a few conversations here and there. That is until they found themselves wanting more than a conversation with someone beside their spouse. The liar didn’t realize you could even be addicted to lying until he started receiving attention that made him feel good. The man and women who are now overweight because eating made them feel good, comfortable never thought they would be to the point where they lost control.
It goes on and on and not just with what we think is “big” all sin is big to God. Whether it is anger, disrespect to a spouse, jealousy, greed, etc if we entertain the thought of sin we are only opening the door for Satan to attack.
He wants to remind of us how fun this or that is, or how good that drink tastes, or the feeling we get from this or that. Satan loves to get in our heads and convince us that it’s okay to do what our flesh wants.
But the Lord just as He did with Adam and Eve says don’t eat it and don’t even touch it! We should not only refrain from eating and touching sin, but we should not look at it, or even surround ourselves with it.
Don’t you get it, Satan wants nothing more than to convince you that it is okay to please your flesh. He wants you to think those few drinks won’t hurt nothing, ya until your son or daughter start doing it and become addicted or die from it. He wants you to become angry and harbor bitterness towards people, for then there is less unity and more division. The Lord hates sin, He cannot even look at sin, and the more we try and get away with pleasing our flesh one night or daily and then thinking we can just make up for it on Sunday is a bunch of bologna. All UN repented sin does is drive a wedge between us and God. It hinders our relationship with God and others. All of which Satan loves nothing more.
Who really is the most important to you? If we say God than we need to start living like He is and stop thinking it is okay to do what our flesh wants. God sees through us and straight to the heart.
Prayer: Lord today we need Your sword to go in and remove all the sin that lurks within us. We want to overcome any and all addictions to sin that we have. As You lay them out in front of us may we fall to our face confessing them leaving them at Your feet. I pray that as we confess them to You that we will leave them, not returning to them ever again. Amen
Did a recovering alcoholic who has been sober for the last five years do it by staying surrounded in the same environment and with the same people he use to drink with?
Did the drug addict become drug free by keeping his drugs close at hand?
Did the family who survived a horrible affair last because they kept in contact with the other person?
How does a liar regain the trust of his friends and family, by only partially telling the truth?
Did the overweight man or woman overcome their addiction to food by keeping their old thought life?
We can never overcome sin or expect to change if we are not willing to remove the sin from our lives. For these people their addictions are big, but so are our addictions to sin. They start out small; the alcoholic never thought there was a problem with having a few drinks until his few became a dozen. The drug addict was only trying to heal from a major surgery, she never wanted to become addicted to the pain medicine but when the bottle was empty she went back for more. He/She never thought they would cheat on their spouse, they thought there was nothing wrong with a few conversations here and there. That is until they found themselves wanting more than a conversation with someone beside their spouse. The liar didn’t realize you could even be addicted to lying until he started receiving attention that made him feel good. The man and women who are now overweight because eating made them feel good, comfortable never thought they would be to the point where they lost control.
It goes on and on and not just with what we think is “big” all sin is big to God. Whether it is anger, disrespect to a spouse, jealousy, greed, etc if we entertain the thought of sin we are only opening the door for Satan to attack.
He wants to remind of us how fun this or that is, or how good that drink tastes, or the feeling we get from this or that. Satan loves to get in our heads and convince us that it’s okay to do what our flesh wants.
But the Lord just as He did with Adam and Eve says don’t eat it and don’t even touch it! We should not only refrain from eating and touching sin, but we should not look at it, or even surround ourselves with it.
Don’t you get it, Satan wants nothing more than to convince you that it is okay to please your flesh. He wants you to think those few drinks won’t hurt nothing, ya until your son or daughter start doing it and become addicted or die from it. He wants you to become angry and harbor bitterness towards people, for then there is less unity and more division. The Lord hates sin, He cannot even look at sin, and the more we try and get away with pleasing our flesh one night or daily and then thinking we can just make up for it on Sunday is a bunch of bologna. All UN repented sin does is drive a wedge between us and God. It hinders our relationship with God and others. All of which Satan loves nothing more.
Who really is the most important to you? If we say God than we need to start living like He is and stop thinking it is okay to do what our flesh wants. God sees through us and straight to the heart.
Prayer: Lord today we need Your sword to go in and remove all the sin that lurks within us. We want to overcome any and all addictions to sin that we have. As You lay them out in front of us may we fall to our face confessing them leaving them at Your feet. I pray that as we confess them to You that we will leave them, not returning to them ever again. Amen
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Hook...line...sinker
“God says we must not eat it or even touch it, or we will die.” Genesis 3:3
As she took her daily stroll through the garden, gathering fruit, walking in perfection, beauty, and love, she was approached by a serpent lurking from a tree. And not just any tree, the forbidden tree. Being her lovely, kind self she began to speak with the serpent, for she knew no stranger or even had a clue of his intentions, she had no fear, knew no sin, and felt no shame. All she knew was love, joy, peace, and one important commandment, TO NOT EAT THE FRUIT from the tree in the center of the garden. The very tree he was lurking on.
Oh, this snake (no pun intended) was sneaky and creepy. He knew he could lure her in with his persuasive and twisted words. And he did it by starting off with a question that made him look naive, gullible, and curious. “Really? he asked the woman. Did God really say you must not eat any of the fruit in the garden? Of course we may eat it, the woman told him. It’s only the fruit from the tree at the center of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God says we must not eat it or even touch it, or we will die.” Genesis 3:2-3
So it began...hook, line, and sinker.
His hook- his slimy self and the forbidden tree.
His line- “Did God really say you must not eat any of the fruit in the garden?” Do you notice how he worded his question? He pointed out restriction-must not eat, and he emphasized-any fruit.
And now for the sinker…”You won’t die! the serpent hissed. God knows that your eyes will be opened when you eat it. You will become just like God, knowing everything, both good and evil.” Genesis 3:4-5
“The woman was convinced. The fruit looked so fresh and delicious, and it would make her so wise!” Genesis 3:6 (That’s all it took, really Eve, you could have at least put up a fight) I am speaking for myself when I say this, it is so easy to be convinced, especially when the person speaking puts on an outward appearance like Satan did. He can make things sound so good, look so good, and become so stinkin’ twisted that you begin to believe it and even start convincing yourself it is okay. That is until the amazing Holy Spirit jumps in and quickly reminds you that it is wrong. It is truly a battle between the spirit and the flesh.
Unfortunately for Eve, and for us, we choose to override the tugging of the Holy Spirit and follow the flesh. Just as she did! She was so intrigued at the thought of becoming like God and knowing everything, and if we women are at all wired alike, it burned within her to the point of having to have it. You know like when you find or see something you think you just have to have and it nags and nags at you until you give in. That is what she went through with the beauty of the fruit and the wisdom it would give her. Something new…yet something so deadly that would fall upon all humankind- Sin and the first of many who would fall prey to the tricks, lies, and deception of Satan.
But there is only one who did not fall into his trap, Jesus Christ. When we live as Christ did, know the word of God as Christ did, we too will be able to cut Satan at the core as Christ did, by using Scripture in the correct context as Christ did.
Prayer: Lord thank You for taking me back to the very beginning of where it all began. I am excited to walk with You as You teach me Your word, show me Your unending mercy and grace, prepare me for battle, and clothe me with the armor to be victorious against Satan. Amen
As she took her daily stroll through the garden, gathering fruit, walking in perfection, beauty, and love, she was approached by a serpent lurking from a tree. And not just any tree, the forbidden tree. Being her lovely, kind self she began to speak with the serpent, for she knew no stranger or even had a clue of his intentions, she had no fear, knew no sin, and felt no shame. All she knew was love, joy, peace, and one important commandment, TO NOT EAT THE FRUIT from the tree in the center of the garden. The very tree he was lurking on.
Oh, this snake (no pun intended) was sneaky and creepy. He knew he could lure her in with his persuasive and twisted words. And he did it by starting off with a question that made him look naive, gullible, and curious. “Really? he asked the woman. Did God really say you must not eat any of the fruit in the garden? Of course we may eat it, the woman told him. It’s only the fruit from the tree at the center of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God says we must not eat it or even touch it, or we will die.” Genesis 3:2-3
So it began...hook, line, and sinker.
His hook- his slimy self and the forbidden tree.
His line- “Did God really say you must not eat any of the fruit in the garden?” Do you notice how he worded his question? He pointed out restriction-must not eat, and he emphasized-any fruit.
And now for the sinker…”You won’t die! the serpent hissed. God knows that your eyes will be opened when you eat it. You will become just like God, knowing everything, both good and evil.” Genesis 3:4-5
“The woman was convinced. The fruit looked so fresh and delicious, and it would make her so wise!” Genesis 3:6 (That’s all it took, really Eve, you could have at least put up a fight) I am speaking for myself when I say this, it is so easy to be convinced, especially when the person speaking puts on an outward appearance like Satan did. He can make things sound so good, look so good, and become so stinkin’ twisted that you begin to believe it and even start convincing yourself it is okay. That is until the amazing Holy Spirit jumps in and quickly reminds you that it is wrong. It is truly a battle between the spirit and the flesh.
Unfortunately for Eve, and for us, we choose to override the tugging of the Holy Spirit and follow the flesh. Just as she did! She was so intrigued at the thought of becoming like God and knowing everything, and if we women are at all wired alike, it burned within her to the point of having to have it. You know like when you find or see something you think you just have to have and it nags and nags at you until you give in. That is what she went through with the beauty of the fruit and the wisdom it would give her. Something new…yet something so deadly that would fall upon all humankind- Sin and the first of many who would fall prey to the tricks, lies, and deception of Satan.
But there is only one who did not fall into his trap, Jesus Christ. When we live as Christ did, know the word of God as Christ did, we too will be able to cut Satan at the core as Christ did, by using Scripture in the correct context as Christ did.
Prayer: Lord thank You for taking me back to the very beginning of where it all began. I am excited to walk with You as You teach me Your word, show me Your unending mercy and grace, prepare me for battle, and clothe me with the armor to be victorious against Satan. Amen
Monday, June 28, 2010
Let all God’s people say…
“Remember, the fire must be kept burning on the altar at all times. It must never go out.” Leviticus 6:13
Prayer: Lord my prayer today is that You will fuel into flame revival, restoration, healing, love, forgiveness, mercy and grace. Lord I pray this fire becomes so big within the lives of every brother in sister in Christ around the world that it cannot be contained until You return.
I pray Lord God that we will daily feed our fires the nutrients and oxygen it needs to become so big so bright and so hot that it will burn the impurities out of us and others. Lord I am asking for the Holy Spirit to take complete control, and I am believing with all my heart that with His help lives will begin to be impacted, marked with Your blood, and will become such a rave that the fire will begin to spread.
I am praying for true repentance to take place, for eyes to be opened, veils to be removed, and hearts to be opened. I am praying for this supernatural fire to burn the hearts of those living in sin, to burn those who are lost, to burn all of us to the point that we become purified, cleansed, beautiful and acceptable to You.
Lord I pray that today the aroma of Your son’s blood being covered on the hearts of new believers along with the mixture of true genuine love, worship, and praise will be the sweetest most acceptable, pleasurable smell You have ever breathed in.
Thank You Father God for reminding me, and hopefully others, just how important it is to keep our fires burning. Not just to keep them burning but the significance the fire has in and on our lives. Amen
Prayer: Lord my prayer today is that You will fuel into flame revival, restoration, healing, love, forgiveness, mercy and grace. Lord I pray this fire becomes so big within the lives of every brother in sister in Christ around the world that it cannot be contained until You return.
I pray Lord God that we will daily feed our fires the nutrients and oxygen it needs to become so big so bright and so hot that it will burn the impurities out of us and others. Lord I am asking for the Holy Spirit to take complete control, and I am believing with all my heart that with His help lives will begin to be impacted, marked with Your blood, and will become such a rave that the fire will begin to spread.
I am praying for true repentance to take place, for eyes to be opened, veils to be removed, and hearts to be opened. I am praying for this supernatural fire to burn the hearts of those living in sin, to burn those who are lost, to burn all of us to the point that we become purified, cleansed, beautiful and acceptable to You.
Lord I pray that today the aroma of Your son’s blood being covered on the hearts of new believers along with the mixture of true genuine love, worship, and praise will be the sweetest most acceptable, pleasurable smell You have ever breathed in.
Thank You Father God for reminding me, and hopefully others, just how important it is to keep our fires burning. Not just to keep them burning but the significance the fire has in and on our lives. Amen
Sunday, June 27, 2010
True fire can’t be contained
“Remember, the fire must be kept burning on the altar at all times. It must never go out.” Leviticus 6:13
“And I can’t stop! If I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am weary of holding it in!” Jeremiah 20:9
This verse has never come more to life within me than several years ago when I was called into my principles office and was reprimanded for mentioning the Lord to a group of my basketball players.
I remember walking away shocked, devastated, and questioning how our world has gotten to this point. I was so upset and for the first time in my life I felt that exact same burning inside my bones that Jeremiah felt.
Then just a year ago the same feeling of devastation rushed over me as two people approached me telling me that not everyone wants to hear about God and talk about His word all the time. I once more began to wonder how we have lost sight of what should be on our tongues and in our hearts all the time. It is an amazing opportunity and pleasure to be able to speak with such freedom of our Savior Jesus Christ. Don’t you realize just how lucky we are that He allows us to speak of Him?
It was not until this week that the Lord revealed to me that true "Holy fire" cannot be contained. In other words, when that "Holy fire" is set within us we will not be able to hold in the word of God, we will want to share it, speak of it, and it will be on the forefronts of our minds daily.
I hope to go to my grave with a burning fire within my bones that is only relieved when God’s word is shared and when His name is spoken daily to any and everyone.
I never want to look back and wish I would have spoken up for the Lord when He set the burning in motion.
When is the last time that God’s word burned within you so much you became weary of holding it in?
Prayer: Lord thank You for the privilege of sharing Your word. Thank You for the fire that burns within me to mention Your name to all who are willing to hear. I pray that all of my brothers and sisters in Christ will also have a fire that burns within them to go out and speak in Your name. Amen
“And I can’t stop! If I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am weary of holding it in!” Jeremiah 20:9
This verse has never come more to life within me than several years ago when I was called into my principles office and was reprimanded for mentioning the Lord to a group of my basketball players.
I remember walking away shocked, devastated, and questioning how our world has gotten to this point. I was so upset and for the first time in my life I felt that exact same burning inside my bones that Jeremiah felt.
Then just a year ago the same feeling of devastation rushed over me as two people approached me telling me that not everyone wants to hear about God and talk about His word all the time. I once more began to wonder how we have lost sight of what should be on our tongues and in our hearts all the time. It is an amazing opportunity and pleasure to be able to speak with such freedom of our Savior Jesus Christ. Don’t you realize just how lucky we are that He allows us to speak of Him?
It was not until this week that the Lord revealed to me that true "Holy fire" cannot be contained. In other words, when that "Holy fire" is set within us we will not be able to hold in the word of God, we will want to share it, speak of it, and it will be on the forefronts of our minds daily.
I hope to go to my grave with a burning fire within my bones that is only relieved when God’s word is shared and when His name is spoken daily to any and everyone.
I never want to look back and wish I would have spoken up for the Lord when He set the burning in motion.
When is the last time that God’s word burned within you so much you became weary of holding it in?
Prayer: Lord thank You for the privilege of sharing Your word. Thank You for the fire that burns within me to mention Your name to all who are willing to hear. I pray that all of my brothers and sisters in Christ will also have a fire that burns within them to go out and speak in Your name. Amen
Saturday, June 26, 2010
What is your aroma?
"Remember, the fire must be kept burning on the altar at all times. It must never go out." Leviticus 6:13
Other than the smell of my mama's laundry I love the aroma that fills the air when my husband light’s up the grill and throws on the meat. It has always brought a sense of love and closeness over me. It reminds me of how fun summertime is and how blessed I am. Some of my favorite moments are when our friends and families are together laughing and talking and enjoying one another’s company, and of course eating the amazing food that comes off the grill.
As I study and think about the importance of keeping our fire lit. I had an amazing revelation come over me. The aroma that came off the altar and was lifted up to God was a sweet aroma to Him. It was an aroma of perfection, of cleansing, of pure satisfaction and pleasure. Just as the aroma that comes from our hearts when we accept Christ and He covers us in His blood.
It is the blood first and foremost that is the most pleasing aroma, but it is also the mixture of our sacrifices of praise, love, obedience, and devotion that fills Him with pure satisfaction and pleasure.
We each have an aroma that is lifted up to the Lord and it is either a wonderful satisfying smell to Him, or it is a sick disgusting smell.
What aroma is your fire putting off?
Prayer: Lord each day may I put off an aroma that pleases You. Reveal to me any unwanted scent that fills You with disgust so that I may confess, repent and never place them on the altar again. Amen
Other than the smell of my mama's laundry I love the aroma that fills the air when my husband light’s up the grill and throws on the meat. It has always brought a sense of love and closeness over me. It reminds me of how fun summertime is and how blessed I am. Some of my favorite moments are when our friends and families are together laughing and talking and enjoying one another’s company, and of course eating the amazing food that comes off the grill.
As I study and think about the importance of keeping our fire lit. I had an amazing revelation come over me. The aroma that came off the altar and was lifted up to God was a sweet aroma to Him. It was an aroma of perfection, of cleansing, of pure satisfaction and pleasure. Just as the aroma that comes from our hearts when we accept Christ and He covers us in His blood.
It is the blood first and foremost that is the most pleasing aroma, but it is also the mixture of our sacrifices of praise, love, obedience, and devotion that fills Him with pure satisfaction and pleasure.
We each have an aroma that is lifted up to the Lord and it is either a wonderful satisfying smell to Him, or it is a sick disgusting smell.
What aroma is your fire putting off?
Prayer: Lord each day may I put off an aroma that pleases You. Reveal to me any unwanted scent that fills You with disgust so that I may confess, repent and never place them on the altar again. Amen
Friday, June 25, 2010
Are you being smothered?
"Remember the fire must be kept burning on the altar at all times. It must never go out." Leviticus 6:13
He will do whatever it takes to keep your fire from burning. There is a reason the Lord says he prowls around like a roaring lion waiting for someone he can devour. Not only does he prowl but he is like a thick suffocating blanket just waiting to be spread out and placed over your heart. Making your fire become almost non existent, lacking oxygen.
He will use any method possible, your past, present, and future. He will fill you with doubt, resentment, disappointment, and he will twist and turn your thoughts and others words even God's words around. Making you believe things that are so far from the truth.
He will continue to cover up your heart and the "Holy fire" as long as you let him. Until eventually you are so confused and vulnerable.
As for me he has filled my thoughts with doubt as though I am useless and giftless. He has led me to believe that I have no useful gifts that will benefit the Lord.
But today I can rest assured that I am of great value and full of some gift that does bring glory to my Heavenly Father. Though I am and will never be a Beth Moore I am a Kristi Morgan that only I will be. My Father has made me unique and I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I might not ever truly know my gift but there is one thing I know for sure and that is that I am a true child of God who is passionately in love with her Savior and filled with the "Holy fire" that can never be put out no matter how much Satan tries to smother me.
Prayer: Jesus thank you for reminding me of how valuable I am to You. Thank You for allowing me to be able to see how deceiving and sneaky Satan is. I know with the help of the Holy Spirit we can fuel Your fire to burn Satan so bad he will not just flee but he will flee screaming from the hurt of Your fire. Amen
He will do whatever it takes to keep your fire from burning. There is a reason the Lord says he prowls around like a roaring lion waiting for someone he can devour. Not only does he prowl but he is like a thick suffocating blanket just waiting to be spread out and placed over your heart. Making your fire become almost non existent, lacking oxygen.
He will use any method possible, your past, present, and future. He will fill you with doubt, resentment, disappointment, and he will twist and turn your thoughts and others words even God's words around. Making you believe things that are so far from the truth.
He will continue to cover up your heart and the "Holy fire" as long as you let him. Until eventually you are so confused and vulnerable.
As for me he has filled my thoughts with doubt as though I am useless and giftless. He has led me to believe that I have no useful gifts that will benefit the Lord.
But today I can rest assured that I am of great value and full of some gift that does bring glory to my Heavenly Father. Though I am and will never be a Beth Moore I am a Kristi Morgan that only I will be. My Father has made me unique and I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I might not ever truly know my gift but there is one thing I know for sure and that is that I am a true child of God who is passionately in love with her Savior and filled with the "Holy fire" that can never be put out no matter how much Satan tries to smother me.
Prayer: Jesus thank you for reminding me of how valuable I am to You. Thank You for allowing me to be able to see how deceiving and sneaky Satan is. I know with the help of the Holy Spirit we can fuel Your fire to burn Satan so bad he will not just flee but he will flee screaming from the hurt of Your fire. Amen
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Candle or Forest fire?
“Remember, the fire must be kept burning on the altar at all times. It must never go out.” Leviticus 6:13
There are two levels to this fire, low and high,
When we keep our fire on low we are only keeping our faith and relationship with Christ warm. We do only what is required, nothing more nothing less, we basically never add fuel to the fire we just leave it where it is. The problem with just keeping our fire on low is that we miss out on all the wonderful blessings God wants to give us; we miss opportunities to really be a light for Christ and we miss out on building a deeper, stronger, more intimate relationship with Christ. We are just a dull fire with no motivation to make a difference for His name or kingdom.
When we set our fire to high, we are fueling it with the word of God, prayer, obedience and love daily, it is constantly being tended to. The more we fuel our fire the bigger and bigger it becomes leading to a spiritual forest fire. This forest fire becomes so wide spread that it impacts anyone near it and becomes so bright people can see it for miles and miles. When we work together with the Holy Spirit it is a guarantee that not only will the fire within change and transform us, but it will change and transform the lives of others, which all in all will bring glory to the Lord and save the lives of those who are lost.
Is your fire as big as a candle or a forest fire?
Prayer: Lord may I never let my fire become dull. I want to have the Holy fire within me that burns so bright and so big that it cannot be contained. Amen
There are two levels to this fire, low and high,
When we keep our fire on low we are only keeping our faith and relationship with Christ warm. We do only what is required, nothing more nothing less, we basically never add fuel to the fire we just leave it where it is. The problem with just keeping our fire on low is that we miss out on all the wonderful blessings God wants to give us; we miss opportunities to really be a light for Christ and we miss out on building a deeper, stronger, more intimate relationship with Christ. We are just a dull fire with no motivation to make a difference for His name or kingdom.
When we set our fire to high, we are fueling it with the word of God, prayer, obedience and love daily, it is constantly being tended to. The more we fuel our fire the bigger and bigger it becomes leading to a spiritual forest fire. This forest fire becomes so wide spread that it impacts anyone near it and becomes so bright people can see it for miles and miles. When we work together with the Holy Spirit it is a guarantee that not only will the fire within change and transform us, but it will change and transform the lives of others, which all in all will bring glory to the Lord and save the lives of those who are lost.
Is your fire as big as a candle or a forest fire?
Prayer: Lord may I never let my fire become dull. I want to have the Holy fire within me that burns so bright and so big that it cannot be contained. Amen
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Admit, Repent, Accept
Our featured writer today is Ryan Burchett
"Remember, the fire must be kept burning on the altar at all times. It must never go out." Leviticus 6:13
Matthew 7:21-23 (NIV) says, 21"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
Those are some very powerful words spoken by our Savior, but they are far too often overlooked, I’m afraid. This passage is speaking of false converts, which upon further thought, makes the ‘80% of church-goers’ statistic not as outrageous as it seemed from first glance. This explains why the ‘holy fire’ seems absent in our churches these days.
Our churches have settled for a false teaching of the gospel, which teaches that ‘Jesus is ONLY your Savior and that Jesus’ sole purpose of dying on the cross for your sin was to bring you PEACE, JOY, and COMFORT in a stressful and chaotic world.’ This is not to say that having Jesus as your Savior will not bring you these things, but they are brought about on a spiritual scale, not a physical one.
In the TRUE gospel message, there are 3 things that must happen for true conversion: 1. Admittance of sin,
2. REPENTANCE from sin, and 3. Accepting Jesus as your LORD and Savior. Why are the words REPENTANCE and LORD emphasized there? Because to have the one, true holy fire within you, you must truly be saved. And, to truly be saved, you must admit your sin, TURN AWAY FROM that sin, and then accept Jesus as LORD and Savior. The gospel message today has left out these 2 main ingredients, which explains the high number of false converts and the lack of ‘holy fire’ within our churches. There is an admittance of being a sinner and there is an admittance for needing a Savior but there is no repentance…there is NO TURNING AWAY FROM the old sinful life and if there is no turning away from the old sinful life, then Jesus CANNOT be the LORD of your life.
To obtain the true ‘holy fire’…..to truly be saved…..you must admit that you’re a sinner, REPENT from that sin (turn away from that old life), and ask Jesus to be the LORD of your life (everything in your life is His from this day forward). This is the true gospel message and this is how the true ‘holy fire’ is obtained
"Remember, the fire must be kept burning on the altar at all times. It must never go out." Leviticus 6:13
Matthew 7:21-23 (NIV) says, 21"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
Those are some very powerful words spoken by our Savior, but they are far too often overlooked, I’m afraid. This passage is speaking of false converts, which upon further thought, makes the ‘80% of church-goers’ statistic not as outrageous as it seemed from first glance. This explains why the ‘holy fire’ seems absent in our churches these days.
Our churches have settled for a false teaching of the gospel, which teaches that ‘Jesus is ONLY your Savior and that Jesus’ sole purpose of dying on the cross for your sin was to bring you PEACE, JOY, and COMFORT in a stressful and chaotic world.’ This is not to say that having Jesus as your Savior will not bring you these things, but they are brought about on a spiritual scale, not a physical one.
In the TRUE gospel message, there are 3 things that must happen for true conversion: 1. Admittance of sin,
2. REPENTANCE from sin, and 3. Accepting Jesus as your LORD and Savior. Why are the words REPENTANCE and LORD emphasized there? Because to have the one, true holy fire within you, you must truly be saved. And, to truly be saved, you must admit your sin, TURN AWAY FROM that sin, and then accept Jesus as LORD and Savior. The gospel message today has left out these 2 main ingredients, which explains the high number of false converts and the lack of ‘holy fire’ within our churches. There is an admittance of being a sinner and there is an admittance for needing a Savior but there is no repentance…there is NO TURNING AWAY FROM the old sinful life and if there is no turning away from the old sinful life, then Jesus CANNOT be the LORD of your life.
To obtain the true ‘holy fire’…..to truly be saved…..you must admit that you’re a sinner, REPENT from that sin (turn away from that old life), and ask Jesus to be the LORD of your life (everything in your life is His from this day forward). This is the true gospel message and this is how the true ‘holy fire’ is obtained
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Man-made fire?
“Remember, the fire must be kept burning on the altar at all times. It must never go out.” Leviticus 6:13
The Lord has started a Holy fire within all those who are filled with the Holy Spirit. It is a Holy fire that will always be lit but will only be as big as we allow it to be.
Has the fire been lit within you?
Last night Garrett and I had dinner with an amazing young couple of whom the Lord has called into the ministry. During our conversation Ryan Burchett made a comment about the statistics of those who attend church. He said 80% of people who go to church are not Christians.
Wow, 80% of the people who attend church don’t have a real relationship with Christ, how can that be? How can we get up on Sunday’s and go to church, go into our Father’s house and yet have no relationship with Him?
And then it hit me, because there no Holy fire within, it is man-made fire. When the Holy fire is lit within us, there is no way we can walk through this life without being convicted, tested, pruned, and 100% completely changed. The Holy fire that is lit by Christ is not like any other fire, it is a fire that is constantly purifying us and is always revealing and removing the impurities. Man-made fire burns out, fuels off of self, and has little to no impact for the Lord.
Prayer: Lord I pray that the fire within me will be so big that all who are around can feel Your heat coming off of me. Amen
The Lord has started a Holy fire within all those who are filled with the Holy Spirit. It is a Holy fire that will always be lit but will only be as big as we allow it to be.
Has the fire been lit within you?
Last night Garrett and I had dinner with an amazing young couple of whom the Lord has called into the ministry. During our conversation Ryan Burchett made a comment about the statistics of those who attend church. He said 80% of people who go to church are not Christians.
Wow, 80% of the people who attend church don’t have a real relationship with Christ, how can that be? How can we get up on Sunday’s and go to church, go into our Father’s house and yet have no relationship with Him?
And then it hit me, because there no Holy fire within, it is man-made fire. When the Holy fire is lit within us, there is no way we can walk through this life without being convicted, tested, pruned, and 100% completely changed. The Holy fire that is lit by Christ is not like any other fire, it is a fire that is constantly purifying us and is always revealing and removing the impurities. Man-made fire burns out, fuels off of self, and has little to no impact for the Lord.
Prayer: Lord I pray that the fire within me will be so big that all who are around can feel Your heat coming off of me. Amen
Monday, June 21, 2010
It's all in the obedience
"Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God’s requirements.” Romans 13:9-10
Over this last week I have noticed the more I think on love, the more I focus on showing love the more I realize just how incapable I am of loving without the help of the Holy Spirit. The Lord has revealed so many areas in my life where love has been overshadowed by “me”.
I have been opened up to see how little I have really obeyed the Lord in the area of love. I have also learned that to love is to become completely dependent on Christ and independent of self.
John 15:9 says, “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father and remain in his love.”
When we love little it is because we are obeying little.
Prayer: Lord instill within me the desire to obey you fully. May Your love grow more perfect within me as I fully obey all of Your word. Amen
Over this last week I have noticed the more I think on love, the more I focus on showing love the more I realize just how incapable I am of loving without the help of the Holy Spirit. The Lord has revealed so many areas in my life where love has been overshadowed by “me”.
I have been opened up to see how little I have really obeyed the Lord in the area of love. I have also learned that to love is to become completely dependent on Christ and independent of self.
John 15:9 says, “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father and remain in his love.”
When we love little it is because we are obeying little.
Prayer: Lord instill within me the desire to obey you fully. May Your love grow more perfect within me as I fully obey all of Your word. Amen
Sunday, June 20, 2010
What motivates you?
“Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God’s requirements.” Romans 13:9-10
What motivates you? Does Christ motivate you? Does His love motivate you?
When we are not motivated by love we can easily become negative in our attitudes, in the way we look at others and in our speech. We become self-absorbed, irritable, in patient, and a lot less merciful.
Paul says in Galatians 5:6 “What is important is faith expressing itself in love.” We can evaluate our faith by how much we love Christ and others.
Paul also says in Galatians 5:13-15 “For you have been called to live in freedom-not freedom to satisfy your sinful nature, but freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command. Love your neighbor as yourself. But if instead of showing love among yourselves you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.”
Love finds the positive in all things, love is considerate, love does not speak negatively of others, and it does not point out the flaws and faults of others. Christ does sit on His throne and point out all the negative in us, instead He looks and finds the goodness, the beauty, the positive in each of us. God and Jesus do not sit up in Heaven and talk badly about us, they do not hold grudges, they do not laugh and joke at our imperfections. Why do we? As children of the Most High God we must see all people including ourselves the same way our Heavenly Father sees us. We must think positively with loving thoughts towards all of God’s people just as our Father in Heaven thinks about us.
Next time you are quick to act out in anger, or speak ugly of others, stop and think how it makes you feel when you hear others speaking that way about you. Then stop and pray asking the Father to open your heart and eyes to see others as He does.
So again what motivates you? Fitting in, money, your job, blending in because you don’t want to stand out for Christ, or maybe it is the pleasures of the world which is all of Satan.
You can find out real quick what your motivation is by your lifestyle, speech, and the decisions you make.
Prayer: Lord forgive me for taking this amazing gift of freedom in You for granted. Forgive me for the times I have been motivated by “self.” I ask that You reveal to me any and all areas that are not pleasing to You. Lord I ask for the Holy Spirit to have and take complete control of my heart. Lord I am letting go, stepping aside, giving You full control of my heart, thoughts, and speech. May my motivation be to daily serve You, love You with ALL that I am and love others just as You have loved me. Amen
What motivates you? Does Christ motivate you? Does His love motivate you?
When we are not motivated by love we can easily become negative in our attitudes, in the way we look at others and in our speech. We become self-absorbed, irritable, in patient, and a lot less merciful.
Paul says in Galatians 5:6 “What is important is faith expressing itself in love.” We can evaluate our faith by how much we love Christ and others.
Paul also says in Galatians 5:13-15 “For you have been called to live in freedom-not freedom to satisfy your sinful nature, but freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command. Love your neighbor as yourself. But if instead of showing love among yourselves you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.”
Love finds the positive in all things, love is considerate, love does not speak negatively of others, and it does not point out the flaws and faults of others. Christ does sit on His throne and point out all the negative in us, instead He looks and finds the goodness, the beauty, the positive in each of us. God and Jesus do not sit up in Heaven and talk badly about us, they do not hold grudges, they do not laugh and joke at our imperfections. Why do we? As children of the Most High God we must see all people including ourselves the same way our Heavenly Father sees us. We must think positively with loving thoughts towards all of God’s people just as our Father in Heaven thinks about us.
Next time you are quick to act out in anger, or speak ugly of others, stop and think how it makes you feel when you hear others speaking that way about you. Then stop and pray asking the Father to open your heart and eyes to see others as He does.
So again what motivates you? Fitting in, money, your job, blending in because you don’t want to stand out for Christ, or maybe it is the pleasures of the world which is all of Satan.
You can find out real quick what your motivation is by your lifestyle, speech, and the decisions you make.
Prayer: Lord forgive me for taking this amazing gift of freedom in You for granted. Forgive me for the times I have been motivated by “self.” I ask that You reveal to me any and all areas that are not pleasing to You. Lord I ask for the Holy Spirit to have and take complete control of my heart. Lord I am letting go, stepping aside, giving You full control of my heart, thoughts, and speech. May my motivation be to daily serve You, love You with ALL that I am and love others just as You have loved me. Amen
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Who is your neighbor?
“Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God’s requirements.” Romans 13:9-10
I love the story found in Luke 10:25-37 when an expert in religious law stands up to test Jesus. He asks him the question, “Teacher, what must I do to receive eternal life?” Jesus replies, what does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?
The religious leader replies, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind. And, Love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus said, “Right do it and you will live.” The man goes on to say so who is my neighbor?
Jesus replies with the story of a Jewish man who was traveling to Jerusalem and got attacked. He was stripped of his clothes, robbed, beat up and left for dead. As this man was lying there a Jewish priest comes by sees him and moves to the other side and goes on. Then came a Temple assistant comes by looks at the man and also goes on by.
Then comes a despised Samaritan man, he saw the Jewish man lying there and felt pity for him. He bent down beside him and began to treat his wounds. He then picked him up put him on his donkey and carried him to an inn. Not only did he tend to him at the inn, but he paid for him to stay there until he was better.
Jesus finishes the story by asking, “Now which of these would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus replied, “Yes, now go and do the same.”
How often have I passed by those who were suffering because I didn’t want to take the time to extend mercy, love, and comfort, be a listening ear, or a shoulder for them to cry on? How often have I passed by those who I have been hurt by and have not shown mercy or love to them?
My heavenly Father has shown and given me more love and mercy than my feeble, mortal mind can comprehend. If I desire to posses the character quality of love, than I must show the same mercy that has been shown to me. And I will say it is so much easier said than done, especially when the “me” is in the way.
Our neighbors are not just those who are ill-ridden, battered, and beat and left for dead. They are not just close friends, or our brothers and sisters. Our neighbors include the lost, our enemies, those less fortunate, and any other human being that walks on the face of the earth. Because each of us have been created in the image of God and we each have been given the opportunity to receive the free gift of mercy and love from the Lord.
Prayer: Lord forgive me for getting so caught up in my own day to day living that I fail to extend mercy and love to those who are in need. Thank You for the mercy and love I receive daily from You. Amen
I love the story found in Luke 10:25-37 when an expert in religious law stands up to test Jesus. He asks him the question, “Teacher, what must I do to receive eternal life?” Jesus replies, what does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?
The religious leader replies, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind. And, Love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus said, “Right do it and you will live.” The man goes on to say so who is my neighbor?
Jesus replies with the story of a Jewish man who was traveling to Jerusalem and got attacked. He was stripped of his clothes, robbed, beat up and left for dead. As this man was lying there a Jewish priest comes by sees him and moves to the other side and goes on. Then came a Temple assistant comes by looks at the man and also goes on by.
Then comes a despised Samaritan man, he saw the Jewish man lying there and felt pity for him. He bent down beside him and began to treat his wounds. He then picked him up put him on his donkey and carried him to an inn. Not only did he tend to him at the inn, but he paid for him to stay there until he was better.
Jesus finishes the story by asking, “Now which of these would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus replied, “Yes, now go and do the same.”
How often have I passed by those who were suffering because I didn’t want to take the time to extend mercy, love, and comfort, be a listening ear, or a shoulder for them to cry on? How often have I passed by those who I have been hurt by and have not shown mercy or love to them?
My heavenly Father has shown and given me more love and mercy than my feeble, mortal mind can comprehend. If I desire to posses the character quality of love, than I must show the same mercy that has been shown to me. And I will say it is so much easier said than done, especially when the “me” is in the way.
Our neighbors are not just those who are ill-ridden, battered, and beat and left for dead. They are not just close friends, or our brothers and sisters. Our neighbors include the lost, our enemies, those less fortunate, and any other human being that walks on the face of the earth. Because each of us have been created in the image of God and we each have been given the opportunity to receive the free gift of mercy and love from the Lord.
Prayer: Lord forgive me for getting so caught up in my own day to day living that I fail to extend mercy and love to those who are in need. Thank You for the mercy and love I receive daily from You. Amen
Friday, June 18, 2010
You determine the outcome
“Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God’s requirements.” Romans 13:9-10
Love does no wrong to anyone, including your husband. Yesterday started off great, ended great but the middle…not so great. Somewhere throughout the day I resorted back to the ugly part of me, filled up with selfishness, and demanded my own way. As a result of that I lashed out on my husband over a conversation I overheard. Satan being the ugly thing that he is, jumped all over that opportunity to cause some dissension between Garrett and I, and the worst part is, yes I am admitting, I let him.
I let him convince me of the stupidest things and he does it quite often, whether with my insecurities, Garrett, those who have hurt me, or my past.
So last night out of nowhere the Lord grabbed a hold of me and told me something that has never made more since in my life until last night.
Kristi it is you that makes your home become a place where love, kindness, joy, and peace resides. If you have chaos within you and you let it out it fills your home with chaos. Your kids feel it and so does Garrett. It starts with you! You determine the outcome of your home, your boys, your marriage, and your friendships.
When your life is filled with love and you set out to show that in spite of how bad things are, how others behave, God’s love will overpower it all. Everyone around you will feel that love, not only that but they will feel and see your joy, kindness and peace, because love does no wrong to anyone.
It is so amazing how the Lord always brings everything full circle. Last night it was not by my strength but it was by the strength of the Holy Spirit and the renewing of my heart, mind and thoughts that I put love into action. Remember I said the night ended great, well it did, it ended with peace, love, kindness, and joy all because I changed my attitude, my actions and my speech. I didn’t wait for Garrett to fix it or say what I felt he should say (which he did not even need to say anything) I fixed it, I put on my armor, looked straight in the face of Satan and hit him with the thing he hates the most, God’s word and love. “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
The moment I did that there was calmness that came over our home, my boys (all three) and me.
I am and have always been a visual learner and my amazing Father, my Creator knows that and last night He opened my eyes and gave me the best visual of how true love works and how it overcomes all things.
Prayer: Lord You are the most precious Father! I praise You for showing me firsthand just how powerful love is. Thank You Lord for loving me, thank You for spending countless hours with me teaching me, being patient with me, and showing me Your word in ways that I can understand it. Amen
Love does no wrong to anyone, including your husband. Yesterday started off great, ended great but the middle…not so great. Somewhere throughout the day I resorted back to the ugly part of me, filled up with selfishness, and demanded my own way. As a result of that I lashed out on my husband over a conversation I overheard. Satan being the ugly thing that he is, jumped all over that opportunity to cause some dissension between Garrett and I, and the worst part is, yes I am admitting, I let him.
I let him convince me of the stupidest things and he does it quite often, whether with my insecurities, Garrett, those who have hurt me, or my past.
So last night out of nowhere the Lord grabbed a hold of me and told me something that has never made more since in my life until last night.
Kristi it is you that makes your home become a place where love, kindness, joy, and peace resides. If you have chaos within you and you let it out it fills your home with chaos. Your kids feel it and so does Garrett. It starts with you! You determine the outcome of your home, your boys, your marriage, and your friendships.
When your life is filled with love and you set out to show that in spite of how bad things are, how others behave, God’s love will overpower it all. Everyone around you will feel that love, not only that but they will feel and see your joy, kindness and peace, because love does no wrong to anyone.
It is so amazing how the Lord always brings everything full circle. Last night it was not by my strength but it was by the strength of the Holy Spirit and the renewing of my heart, mind and thoughts that I put love into action. Remember I said the night ended great, well it did, it ended with peace, love, kindness, and joy all because I changed my attitude, my actions and my speech. I didn’t wait for Garrett to fix it or say what I felt he should say (which he did not even need to say anything) I fixed it, I put on my armor, looked straight in the face of Satan and hit him with the thing he hates the most, God’s word and love. “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
The moment I did that there was calmness that came over our home, my boys (all three) and me.
I am and have always been a visual learner and my amazing Father, my Creator knows that and last night He opened my eyes and gave me the best visual of how true love works and how it overcomes all things.
Prayer: Lord You are the most precious Father! I praise You for showing me firsthand just how powerful love is. Thank You Lord for loving me, thank You for spending countless hours with me teaching me, being patient with me, and showing me Your word in ways that I can understand it. Amen
Thursday, June 17, 2010
To see, to smell, to taste, to feel, and to touch!
“Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God’s requirements.” Romans 13:9-10
In order to ever be able to live out this passage I have to be able to understand, be filled with, and choose daily to show love. I want others to see love, smell love, taste love, feel love, and touch love. So what is love and how is love shown?
Love is
1. God
2. Jesus, the sacrifice, the blood, and the resurrection
3. A choice and an action
4. Holy, perfect, just, and pure
5. Patient
6. Kind
7. Not jealous
8. Not boastful
9. Not proud
10. Not rude
11. Does not demand its own way
12. Never loses faith
13. Always hopeful
14. Endures through ever circumstance
15. Not irritable
16. keeps no record of when it has been wronged
17. never glad about injustice
18. rejoices whenever the truth wins out
19. always and forever
To love means to possess all of these qualities not just a few, love means to be born of God who is love. Just as our passage says, “love does no wrong to anyone.” When the Holy Spirit lives within us it gives us the ability to love, it directs us, controls us, and teaches us. It is the Holy Spirit that fills us with love. Remember we have the stitching of Christ that was sown by the Holy Spirit, it is now up to us to do our part and show it, live it, breathe it, and obey it.
Do you understand God’s love for you?
Do you accept God’s love?
Are you returning that love to God and others?
Do you have the stitching of love sown within you?
Prayer: Lord through the power of the Holy Spirit may the love I have for You overflow onto the lives of others. Lord I believe in Your mighty name that I am able to obtain all these qualities of love through the Holy Spirit that lives within me. Lord place your eyes on top of mine so that I might see through Your vision, the vision of love for all things and all people. Amen
In order to ever be able to live out this passage I have to be able to understand, be filled with, and choose daily to show love. I want others to see love, smell love, taste love, feel love, and touch love. So what is love and how is love shown?
Love is
1. God
2. Jesus, the sacrifice, the blood, and the resurrection
3. A choice and an action
4. Holy, perfect, just, and pure
5. Patient
6. Kind
7. Not jealous
8. Not boastful
9. Not proud
10. Not rude
11. Does not demand its own way
12. Never loses faith
13. Always hopeful
14. Endures through ever circumstance
15. Not irritable
16. keeps no record of when it has been wronged
17. never glad about injustice
18. rejoices whenever the truth wins out
19. always and forever
To love means to possess all of these qualities not just a few, love means to be born of God who is love. Just as our passage says, “love does no wrong to anyone.” When the Holy Spirit lives within us it gives us the ability to love, it directs us, controls us, and teaches us. It is the Holy Spirit that fills us with love. Remember we have the stitching of Christ that was sown by the Holy Spirit, it is now up to us to do our part and show it, live it, breathe it, and obey it.
Do you understand God’s love for you?
Do you accept God’s love?
Are you returning that love to God and others?
Do you have the stitching of love sown within you?
Prayer: Lord through the power of the Holy Spirit may the love I have for You overflow onto the lives of others. Lord I believe in Your mighty name that I am able to obtain all these qualities of love through the Holy Spirit that lives within me. Lord place your eyes on top of mine so that I might see through Your vision, the vision of love for all things and all people. Amen
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Sowing’ it in!
“Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God’s requirements.” Romans 13:9-10
Every day I wake up I have the opportunity to love the Lord and others more than I did the day before. I have the opportunity to express love the same way Jesus did because of the power of the Holy Spirit within me. And it is done by making the choice to do so.
When God sent Jesus He sent the needle and thread. When we make the choice to have Christ stitched within us (accepting Him as our personal Lord and Savior) the Holy Spirit who already has His needle threaded jumps in and begins stitching love inside our hearts.
With each stitch comes more love, a few pricks, areas of tugging together to make the layers fit, a little brokenness, lots of piecing together, discipline, and most of all a heart that is covered in the blood of Christ, filled with love.
It is through daily stitching that I; we can even come close to loving as Christ tells us to love. It is choosing daily to look at our own hearts and let the Lord remind us of the love He bestows upon each of us. We must always remember that we ourselves had to be stitched, have to be stitched and that we must help stitch the love of Christ into others by sharing and showing You and what You have sown within us.
Are you daily letting the Holy Spirit stitch the love of Christ within you?
Prayer: Lord remind me daily of the stitches that You have made within me. May I not only share the stitches of love with others but may I show them You the one who sows. Lord I want nothing more than to be stitched inside and out with Your love. Amen
Every day I wake up I have the opportunity to love the Lord and others more than I did the day before. I have the opportunity to express love the same way Jesus did because of the power of the Holy Spirit within me. And it is done by making the choice to do so.
When God sent Jesus He sent the needle and thread. When we make the choice to have Christ stitched within us (accepting Him as our personal Lord and Savior) the Holy Spirit who already has His needle threaded jumps in and begins stitching love inside our hearts.
With each stitch comes more love, a few pricks, areas of tugging together to make the layers fit, a little brokenness, lots of piecing together, discipline, and most of all a heart that is covered in the blood of Christ, filled with love.
It is through daily stitching that I; we can even come close to loving as Christ tells us to love. It is choosing daily to look at our own hearts and let the Lord remind us of the love He bestows upon each of us. We must always remember that we ourselves had to be stitched, have to be stitched and that we must help stitch the love of Christ into others by sharing and showing You and what You have sown within us.
Are you daily letting the Holy Spirit stitch the love of Christ within you?
Prayer: Lord remind me daily of the stitches that You have made within me. May I not only share the stitches of love with others but may I show them You the one who sows. Lord I want nothing more than to be stitched inside and out with Your love. Amen
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Selfish love or Selfless love
“Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God’s requirements.” Romans 13:9-10
Love, love, love one of the hardest most unnatural things to do. There is no way I could ever truly love others let alone myself without Christ. Love is His very character and to me there is no better word to describe God and Jesus than love. The whole Bible revolves around love, everything God did He did because He loved and loves. Everything we do we are to do out of love and with love for Christ.
God does not make us love Him, His Son, or anyone else. He gives us the choice, the choice between living for Him or living for ourselves. But He tells us if you choose me than you must first love me with all that you are and second you must love your neighbor as yourself.
I have often wondered why God said we are to love our neighbors as ourselves, but the closer I grow to the Lord, the more time I spend in His word, the more I understand the meaning of this passage. I am not in love with myself, but I love myself enough to take care of me, when I am sick I do what I need to help my body recover, when I am tired I sleep, when I am hungry I eat. I work to have a roof over my head, a bed to sleep in, clothes to wear, etc.
We all love ourselves and God knew that. Therefore He says you love yourselves enough to take care of your needs and wants then you must go beyond that and love your neighbors the same way. Make sure they are able to be tended to when sick, if they need rest provide a place for them, if they are hungry feed them, if they have no clothes, clothe them. If they need a place to stay open your home. Do for others what you would do for yourself. That is huge!
We would never neglect ourselves so why do we neglect showing love to our neighbors?
Prayer: Lord as I begin this new week I ask that You will continue to open my eyes not only to love but to ways that I can extend and express Your love towards others. Amen
Love, love, love one of the hardest most unnatural things to do. There is no way I could ever truly love others let alone myself without Christ. Love is His very character and to me there is no better word to describe God and Jesus than love. The whole Bible revolves around love, everything God did He did because He loved and loves. Everything we do we are to do out of love and with love for Christ.
God does not make us love Him, His Son, or anyone else. He gives us the choice, the choice between living for Him or living for ourselves. But He tells us if you choose me than you must first love me with all that you are and second you must love your neighbor as yourself.
I have often wondered why God said we are to love our neighbors as ourselves, but the closer I grow to the Lord, the more time I spend in His word, the more I understand the meaning of this passage. I am not in love with myself, but I love myself enough to take care of me, when I am sick I do what I need to help my body recover, when I am tired I sleep, when I am hungry I eat. I work to have a roof over my head, a bed to sleep in, clothes to wear, etc.
We all love ourselves and God knew that. Therefore He says you love yourselves enough to take care of your needs and wants then you must go beyond that and love your neighbors the same way. Make sure they are able to be tended to when sick, if they need rest provide a place for them, if they are hungry feed them, if they have no clothes, clothe them. If they need a place to stay open your home. Do for others what you would do for yourself. That is huge!
We would never neglect ourselves so why do we neglect showing love to our neighbors?
Prayer: Lord as I begin this new week I ask that You will continue to open my eyes not only to love but to ways that I can extend and express Your love towards others. Amen
Monday, June 14, 2010
Lessons learned-lessons learning!
“I said to myself, I will watch what I do and not in sin in what I say. I will curb my tongue when the ungodly are around me.” Psalm 39:1
The Lord has truly taught me so many amazing lessons over this last week. And the biggest one that I want to share with you is one that He has been pounding on my heart for quite some time. I know this will sound familiar to some of you but there is a point the Lord is trying to make.
“And I tell you this, that you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak.” Matthew 12:36
I don’t know about you, but to know that one day I will be held accountable for EVERY word I have spoken and will speak leaves me full of emotions. I just cannot imagine standing before the Lord and hearing those words being repeated back to me. The ugliness, the sadness, the hurt, the devastation overwhelms me. More so, the thought of what those words did to Jesus when I spoke them…
I have to start taking into account that all things said and done will one day be judged. That they all affect, reflect, and impact Christ Jesus.
Prayer: Lord I love You! Forgive me for often failing to remember that You are the one most affected by what I say and do. Amen
The Lord has truly taught me so many amazing lessons over this last week. And the biggest one that I want to share with you is one that He has been pounding on my heart for quite some time. I know this will sound familiar to some of you but there is a point the Lord is trying to make.
“And I tell you this, that you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak.” Matthew 12:36
I don’t know about you, but to know that one day I will be held accountable for EVERY word I have spoken and will speak leaves me full of emotions. I just cannot imagine standing before the Lord and hearing those words being repeated back to me. The ugliness, the sadness, the hurt, the devastation overwhelms me. More so, the thought of what those words did to Jesus when I spoke them…
I have to start taking into account that all things said and done will one day be judged. That they all affect, reflect, and impact Christ Jesus.
Prayer: Lord I love You! Forgive me for often failing to remember that You are the one most affected by what I say and do. Amen
Sunday, June 13, 2010
In EVERYTHING we do!
“I said to myself, I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will curb my tongue when the ungodly are around me.” Psalm 39:1
Have you yourself or anyone you know ever went a whole day without complaining?
“In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them.” Philippians 2:14-15
The Lord tells us in everything we do that we are to stay away from complaining and arguing. And yet for me it is sometimes as though I can find something to complain about in everything I do. As I let those words fill my thoughts I am reminded by the Lord that I have absolutely nothing to even complain about so why do I do it? SELF the very thing I can’t stand to be around.
Noah could have complained building the ark, Moses could have begun complaining along with the Israelites who were very good at complaining. David could have complained to anyone who would listen about his enemies, but instead he chose to go to the Lord. Paul could have complained about all the persecution he faced, the beatings he endured, starving, being tired, etc, and instead he praised God and encouraged all the more. Jesus could have complained about our ignorance, our lack of obedience, the beatings He endured, the mocking He had to listen to, the nails that were driven in His hands and feet, the spit that hit His face, the cross He had to carry, the cross He hung on, the pain and suffering He felt, and He could have complained about putting on the world’s sin, of which includes mine, but He DIDN’T, instead He did the very opposite, He loved, forgave, and covered us in His blood.
No matter what comes in this life, sickness, death, real persecution, beating, mocking, standing alone, and so on, I should still never complain because I have Christ Jesus in me who has promised to be with me always, give me life, rescue me, protect me, and deliver me. He has promised to love me, forgive me, and He shows me mercy and grace every second of my life.
He has left me His word, He has left and filled me with the greatest counselor-the Holy Spirit and for that I should spend every day rejoicing and praising God.
Prayer: Lord may I constantly be reminded of just how amazing my life is, because my life is with You and in You. I want to possess the same qualities and self-control that You possessed during Your time here on earth. Forgive me for complaining and arguing about unnecessary things. Amen
Have you yourself or anyone you know ever went a whole day without complaining?
“In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them.” Philippians 2:14-15
The Lord tells us in everything we do that we are to stay away from complaining and arguing. And yet for me it is sometimes as though I can find something to complain about in everything I do. As I let those words fill my thoughts I am reminded by the Lord that I have absolutely nothing to even complain about so why do I do it? SELF the very thing I can’t stand to be around.
Noah could have complained building the ark, Moses could have begun complaining along with the Israelites who were very good at complaining. David could have complained to anyone who would listen about his enemies, but instead he chose to go to the Lord. Paul could have complained about all the persecution he faced, the beatings he endured, starving, being tired, etc, and instead he praised God and encouraged all the more. Jesus could have complained about our ignorance, our lack of obedience, the beatings He endured, the mocking He had to listen to, the nails that were driven in His hands and feet, the spit that hit His face, the cross He had to carry, the cross He hung on, the pain and suffering He felt, and He could have complained about putting on the world’s sin, of which includes mine, but He DIDN’T, instead He did the very opposite, He loved, forgave, and covered us in His blood.
No matter what comes in this life, sickness, death, real persecution, beating, mocking, standing alone, and so on, I should still never complain because I have Christ Jesus in me who has promised to be with me always, give me life, rescue me, protect me, and deliver me. He has promised to love me, forgive me, and He shows me mercy and grace every second of my life.
He has left me His word, He has left and filled me with the greatest counselor-the Holy Spirit and for that I should spend every day rejoicing and praising God.
Prayer: Lord may I constantly be reminded of just how amazing my life is, because my life is with You and in You. I want to possess the same qualities and self-control that You possessed during Your time here on earth. Forgive me for complaining and arguing about unnecessary things. Amen
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Because I love Him
"I said to myself, ‘I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will curb my tongue when the ungodly are around me.” Psalm 39:1
For no other reason I want to be able to live out this verse because of the love I have for Christ. I want to become more aware of my words and my actions making sure they always display Christ’s love and the love I have for Him.
“Jesus replied, All those who love me will do what I say.” John 14:23
Therefore we will;
“be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” James 1:19
“Avoid all perverse talk; stay far from corrupt speech.” Proverbs 4:24
“Then watch your tongue! Keep your lips from telling lies!” Psalm 34:13
“Those who refuse to slander others or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends.” Psalm 15:3
“The godly think before speaking; the wicked spout evil words.” Proverbs 15:28
“Obscene stories, foolish talk, and course jokes-these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.” Ephesians 5:4
”Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live.” Ephesians 4:29-30
Most of all we will;
“Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:16-17
I don’t want to just say I love God and then not back it up with my actions and speech. I want to truly be able to show, speak and say that I love God with every part of me and others see that love relationship we have for each other.
Prayer: Lord forgive me, I have so often said I loved You and have not showed it through my actions nor my speech. Lord thank You for removing the veil from over my eyes so that today I could truly grasp and see that true love is shown through obedience that is displayed through my actions and words. Lord I want everything I do and say to be a reflection of You, representing You in with the utmost respect and honor. Amen
For no other reason I want to be able to live out this verse because of the love I have for Christ. I want to become more aware of my words and my actions making sure they always display Christ’s love and the love I have for Him.
“Jesus replied, All those who love me will do what I say.” John 14:23
Therefore we will;
“be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” James 1:19
“Avoid all perverse talk; stay far from corrupt speech.” Proverbs 4:24
“Then watch your tongue! Keep your lips from telling lies!” Psalm 34:13
“Those who refuse to slander others or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends.” Psalm 15:3
“The godly think before speaking; the wicked spout evil words.” Proverbs 15:28
“Obscene stories, foolish talk, and course jokes-these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.” Ephesians 5:4
”Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live.” Ephesians 4:29-30
Most of all we will;
“Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:16-17
I don’t want to just say I love God and then not back it up with my actions and speech. I want to truly be able to show, speak and say that I love God with every part of me and others see that love relationship we have for each other.
Prayer: Lord forgive me, I have so often said I loved You and have not showed it through my actions nor my speech. Lord thank You for removing the veil from over my eyes so that today I could truly grasp and see that true love is shown through obedience that is displayed through my actions and words. Lord I want everything I do and say to be a reflection of You, representing You in with the utmost respect and honor. Amen
Friday, June 11, 2010
RED ALERT!
“I said to myself, ‘I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will curb my tongue when the ungodly are around me.” Psalm 39:1
Over these last several days I have noticed something that I have come to greatly appreciate-the accountability I have been receiving from those who read Godly Gossip. Thank you! You have no idea how much being held accountable to the word of God and to you my brothers and sisters, has driven me, encouraged me, and inspired me. I am deeply grateful and I ask that you all will continue to hold me and all our other brothers and sisters accountable to become even more like Christ than the day before.
Do you know how much Scripture there is throughout the whole Bible that talks about speech, our words, our conversations, TONS! And it just goes to show how important it is that we control our tongue and do not sin in what we say. It might just be me, but I have noticed how easy it is to sin in what I say, whether it is complaining, being negative, grumpy, speaking out of anger, or being frustrated or annoyed. I have even noticed that my joking with others can be sinful. Which I must confess I did have a “why did I say that moment” the other night and the minute it came out I knew!
Through the help of my magnificent counselor that lives inside the control center of my heart-the Holy Spirit-Jesus, I am learning and becoming very aware of making wiser decisions in what I say. I like to look at it as though He pushes an aware alert button that shoots up to my brain warning me that He is not pleased with that thought and what so ever do not let it come out of my mouth. Isn’t God good?
He is so good that last night as I was studying He led me to a verse that spoke directly to my heart and reassured me that if I begin to speak in this way He will be pleased and there will be more goodness in my heart and in my words than sinful.
“Listen to me! For I have excellent things to tell you. Everything I say is right, for I speak the truth and hate every kind of deception. My advice is wholesome and good. There is nothing crooked or twisted in it. My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those who want to learn.” Proverbs 8:6-9
When we study, meditate, learn, store, and apply God’s word, when we make His words become our words than our speech, our conversations, our thoughts will also be truthful, wholesome, good, plain, clear, encouraging, kind, loving, peacemaking, helpful, and sweet.
“From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive.” Proverbs 16:23
- In other words if we are not studying the word of God seeking knowledge, wisdom and discernment we are not going to become very wise, therefore our minds and speech will lack wisdom and the things we say will not be persuasive.
“A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.” Proverbs 17:27
-I just love how all these verses flow together. Wisdom my friend is the key to not sinning in what we say and the key to gaining self-control.
Prayer: Lord do You know how awesome You are? Do you know how amazing Your word is? Thank You Father for giving us Your word so that we might know You and become more like You. Lord just as You did for Ezekiel I ask that You do the same for me and put my tongue to my roof until You release it for me to speak. Lord fill me with the wisdom of Your word so that my speech and conversations will bring You honor. Amen
Over these last several days I have noticed something that I have come to greatly appreciate-the accountability I have been receiving from those who read Godly Gossip. Thank you! You have no idea how much being held accountable to the word of God and to you my brothers and sisters, has driven me, encouraged me, and inspired me. I am deeply grateful and I ask that you all will continue to hold me and all our other brothers and sisters accountable to become even more like Christ than the day before.
Do you know how much Scripture there is throughout the whole Bible that talks about speech, our words, our conversations, TONS! And it just goes to show how important it is that we control our tongue and do not sin in what we say. It might just be me, but I have noticed how easy it is to sin in what I say, whether it is complaining, being negative, grumpy, speaking out of anger, or being frustrated or annoyed. I have even noticed that my joking with others can be sinful. Which I must confess I did have a “why did I say that moment” the other night and the minute it came out I knew!
Through the help of my magnificent counselor that lives inside the control center of my heart-the Holy Spirit-Jesus, I am learning and becoming very aware of making wiser decisions in what I say. I like to look at it as though He pushes an aware alert button that shoots up to my brain warning me that He is not pleased with that thought and what so ever do not let it come out of my mouth. Isn’t God good?
He is so good that last night as I was studying He led me to a verse that spoke directly to my heart and reassured me that if I begin to speak in this way He will be pleased and there will be more goodness in my heart and in my words than sinful.
“Listen to me! For I have excellent things to tell you. Everything I say is right, for I speak the truth and hate every kind of deception. My advice is wholesome and good. There is nothing crooked or twisted in it. My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those who want to learn.” Proverbs 8:6-9
When we study, meditate, learn, store, and apply God’s word, when we make His words become our words than our speech, our conversations, our thoughts will also be truthful, wholesome, good, plain, clear, encouraging, kind, loving, peacemaking, helpful, and sweet.
“From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive.” Proverbs 16:23
- In other words if we are not studying the word of God seeking knowledge, wisdom and discernment we are not going to become very wise, therefore our minds and speech will lack wisdom and the things we say will not be persuasive.
“A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.” Proverbs 17:27
-I just love how all these verses flow together. Wisdom my friend is the key to not sinning in what we say and the key to gaining self-control.
Prayer: Lord do You know how awesome You are? Do you know how amazing Your word is? Thank You Father for giving us Your word so that we might know You and become more like You. Lord just as You did for Ezekiel I ask that You do the same for me and put my tongue to my roof until You release it for me to speak. Lord fill me with the wisdom of Your word so that my speech and conversations will bring You honor. Amen
Thursday, June 10, 2010
How much control do you have?
“I said to myself, ‘I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will curb my tongue when the ungodly are around me.” Psalm 39:1
Is it just me or is the second part of this passage crazy hard? David says Lord not only am I going to watch what I do, but I am not going to sin in what I say. I am going to use self-control, and make sure to evaluate my thoughts before I speak. As for Kristi, it will be best to only speak when directed and prompted by the Holy Spirit, otherwise nothing good will come out. Now I am not saying that every time I speak it is just horrible at least I hope not, but I know my fleshly self and I also know that the place I struggle with what I say the most is at home with my husband.
I would also like to use the excuse of just being “woman” for the nonsense that sometimes pours out of my mouth, but the truth is I often lack self-control and I often find myself acting off of my feelings, which we all know for women is a major rollercoaster.
I cannot express the importance of taming the tongue, not in my own life let alone to anyone else, but I can share with you some wonderful powerful passages from the word of God that will be able to express just how important controlling our tongue is.
Importance number 1-“We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way.” James 3:2
-so know when to speak and when not to speak. When the urge to jump into a conversation arises be sure that what is going to come out will be helpful, useful, truthful, kind, and needed.
Importance number 2- “If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are just fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.” James 1:26
-Examples of an uncontrolled tongue consist of; gossip, putting others down, bragging, manipulating, false teaching, exaggerating, complaining, flattering, lying (these were taken from my bible commentary) All of these come from a selfish heart.
For today I want to do two more importance’s that I find to be very useful and two that we should study, store, apply, live, share, and repeat over and over to ourselves.
Importance number 3- “May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14
-If we truly want to please the Lord than we will control our tongues and make sure that what we say and think will be pleasing to Him.
Importance number 4- “Take control of what I say, O Lord, and keep my lips sealed.” Psalm 141:3
-I have found this passage to be one of the most used prayers in my life. Most of the time before I begin a conversation I ask the Lord to take control of what I say only allowing things to be said that will honor and glorify Him. I will admit that I do fail quite often because I try and take control instead of letting the Holy Spirit be in control. But when I do step aside it is amazing just so amazing how much better a conversation is because I walk away knowing God was in control, pleased, and I don’t have a guilty feeling inside wishing and wondering why in the world I said the things I said.
Prayer: Lord today before I even begin to open my mouth I ask that You take complete control of what I say for when You are in control Lord I know that You will be pleased, honored and praised. Lord I ask that You will continue to convict me, teach me, and keep my lips sealed in all situations, through all my frustrations, and over any feeling that arises within me. Lord I want nothing more than to have a tongue that speaks with control, that is encouraging, uplifting, kind, and loving and I can only do that through You. Amen
Is it just me or is the second part of this passage crazy hard? David says Lord not only am I going to watch what I do, but I am not going to sin in what I say. I am going to use self-control, and make sure to evaluate my thoughts before I speak. As for Kristi, it will be best to only speak when directed and prompted by the Holy Spirit, otherwise nothing good will come out. Now I am not saying that every time I speak it is just horrible at least I hope not, but I know my fleshly self and I also know that the place I struggle with what I say the most is at home with my husband.
I would also like to use the excuse of just being “woman” for the nonsense that sometimes pours out of my mouth, but the truth is I often lack self-control and I often find myself acting off of my feelings, which we all know for women is a major rollercoaster.
I cannot express the importance of taming the tongue, not in my own life let alone to anyone else, but I can share with you some wonderful powerful passages from the word of God that will be able to express just how important controlling our tongue is.
Importance number 1-“We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way.” James 3:2
-so know when to speak and when not to speak. When the urge to jump into a conversation arises be sure that what is going to come out will be helpful, useful, truthful, kind, and needed.
Importance number 2- “If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are just fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.” James 1:26
-Examples of an uncontrolled tongue consist of; gossip, putting others down, bragging, manipulating, false teaching, exaggerating, complaining, flattering, lying (these were taken from my bible commentary) All of these come from a selfish heart.
For today I want to do two more importance’s that I find to be very useful and two that we should study, store, apply, live, share, and repeat over and over to ourselves.
Importance number 3- “May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14
-If we truly want to please the Lord than we will control our tongues and make sure that what we say and think will be pleasing to Him.
Importance number 4- “Take control of what I say, O Lord, and keep my lips sealed.” Psalm 141:3
-I have found this passage to be one of the most used prayers in my life. Most of the time before I begin a conversation I ask the Lord to take control of what I say only allowing things to be said that will honor and glorify Him. I will admit that I do fail quite often because I try and take control instead of letting the Holy Spirit be in control. But when I do step aside it is amazing just so amazing how much better a conversation is because I walk away knowing God was in control, pleased, and I don’t have a guilty feeling inside wishing and wondering why in the world I said the things I said.
Prayer: Lord today before I even begin to open my mouth I ask that You take complete control of what I say for when You are in control Lord I know that You will be pleased, honored and praised. Lord I ask that You will continue to convict me, teach me, and keep my lips sealed in all situations, through all my frustrations, and over any feeling that arises within me. Lord I want nothing more than to have a tongue that speaks with control, that is encouraging, uplifting, kind, and loving and I can only do that through You. Amen
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Is my life representing what I claim to advertise?
“I said to myself, ‘I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will curb my tongue when the ungodly are around me.” Psalm 39:1
Do you know what a world of difference it makes when you put forth the effort to watch your actions, think before you speak, and pray during stressful or frustrating times? A HUGE DIFFERENCE!
Yesterday was a good day, I did stumble in my speech one time and just as I had asked the Lord yesterday to convict me, He did exactly that. I am so thankful for the discipline and love my Heavenly Father shows and has for me. I could not imagine being hardened to the convictions of the Holy Spirit, could you?
I also could not imagine leading others to believe that God is okay with me complaining or arguing, speaking wrongly of others, or having perverse speech. Not only that but I could not imagine causing others to stumble because I chose to take part in worldly things.
All of this leads me to this one question, is my life representing what I claim to advertise-which is being a follower of Christ?
David said, “I will watch what I do.” Why was it so important for David to watch what he did, why is it so important for me to watch what I do? “We try to live in such a way that no one will be hindered from finding the Lord by the way we act, and so no one can find fault with our ministry. In everything we do we try to show that we are true ministers of God.” 2 Corinthians 6:3-4 good enough reason? I thought so too.
We have to watch what we do because we are constantly being watched and our actions and words could be just enough excuse to cause someone to reject Christ. And I in no way want anyone to miss entering the Kingdom of Heaven nor do I want to be held accountable for causing them to stumble because I chose to please my flesh and ignore what effect my actions and words might have on others.
For me, I will watch what I do making sure that my actions, choices, and the places I am in, will reflect Christ and not myself or the world.
Prayer: Jesus thank You for teaching me just how important it is that I watch what I do. Show me all the areas in my life where my actions could cause others to stumble or cause them to reject You. May my actions be completely guided by the Holy Spirit. Amen
Do you know what a world of difference it makes when you put forth the effort to watch your actions, think before you speak, and pray during stressful or frustrating times? A HUGE DIFFERENCE!
Yesterday was a good day, I did stumble in my speech one time and just as I had asked the Lord yesterday to convict me, He did exactly that. I am so thankful for the discipline and love my Heavenly Father shows and has for me. I could not imagine being hardened to the convictions of the Holy Spirit, could you?
I also could not imagine leading others to believe that God is okay with me complaining or arguing, speaking wrongly of others, or having perverse speech. Not only that but I could not imagine causing others to stumble because I chose to take part in worldly things.
All of this leads me to this one question, is my life representing what I claim to advertise-which is being a follower of Christ?
David said, “I will watch what I do.” Why was it so important for David to watch what he did, why is it so important for me to watch what I do? “We try to live in such a way that no one will be hindered from finding the Lord by the way we act, and so no one can find fault with our ministry. In everything we do we try to show that we are true ministers of God.” 2 Corinthians 6:3-4 good enough reason? I thought so too.
We have to watch what we do because we are constantly being watched and our actions and words could be just enough excuse to cause someone to reject Christ. And I in no way want anyone to miss entering the Kingdom of Heaven nor do I want to be held accountable for causing them to stumble because I chose to please my flesh and ignore what effect my actions and words might have on others.
For me, I will watch what I do making sure that my actions, choices, and the places I am in, will reflect Christ and not myself or the world.
Prayer: Jesus thank You for teaching me just how important it is that I watch what I do. Show me all the areas in my life where my actions could cause others to stumble or cause them to reject You. May my actions be completely guided by the Holy Spirit. Amen
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Curb it!
Week 2 June 8-14
“I said to myself, ‘I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will curb my tongue when the ungodly are around me.” Psalm 39:1
As I begin a new week I begin it with a heavy heart. A heart that is full of shame and sadness because of the lack of control I have with my tongue, especially in the area of complaining and arguing. I find it so amazing how quickly I can open my mouth and allow just ugliness to come out. I know this is going to be an extremely eye opening week for me, but one that I look forward to. I so desperately want to change in the area of my speech and I want to reach the point David did in this Psalm. He took all his complaints, his anger, his hurt, frustration directly to the Lord first, not man. And oh how I have failed in that area, there is no reason I can and should not vent to the Creator the one and only one who can bring calmness, reasoning and true Godly understanding to my heart and mind. He is even great about teaching me areas I need changing.
I also know that in order for me to not sin in what I say and do I have to clean up my heart first. “Whatever is in your heart determines what you say.” Luke 6:45 If I have a complaining, negative, angry heart my speech will reflect that, of which it has so much lately.
There are three words that stand out in this passage, watch, not, and curb. These three words will become the application part this week. I will watch my actions and my body language, I will NOT allow complaining or ugliness to come out in my speech, and I will curb my tongue, which to me means I will park it under my teeth where if need be they will use a little tough love towards my tongue if ugliness tries to seep out.
Prayer: Lord forgive me for having a heart that is full of selfishness. I know that all my speech comes from within. I ask that you cleanse me from the core of my soul. Lord may the Holy Spirit take complete control of my life especially in the area of my weakness. I ask that by the power of the Holy Spirit I will be under such conviction if I even think or murmur a word or thought that will be displeasing to You. Lord I want my words to be a reflection of You! Amen
“I said to myself, ‘I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will curb my tongue when the ungodly are around me.” Psalm 39:1
As I begin a new week I begin it with a heavy heart. A heart that is full of shame and sadness because of the lack of control I have with my tongue, especially in the area of complaining and arguing. I find it so amazing how quickly I can open my mouth and allow just ugliness to come out. I know this is going to be an extremely eye opening week for me, but one that I look forward to. I so desperately want to change in the area of my speech and I want to reach the point David did in this Psalm. He took all his complaints, his anger, his hurt, frustration directly to the Lord first, not man. And oh how I have failed in that area, there is no reason I can and should not vent to the Creator the one and only one who can bring calmness, reasoning and true Godly understanding to my heart and mind. He is even great about teaching me areas I need changing.
I also know that in order for me to not sin in what I say and do I have to clean up my heart first. “Whatever is in your heart determines what you say.” Luke 6:45 If I have a complaining, negative, angry heart my speech will reflect that, of which it has so much lately.
There are three words that stand out in this passage, watch, not, and curb. These three words will become the application part this week. I will watch my actions and my body language, I will NOT allow complaining or ugliness to come out in my speech, and I will curb my tongue, which to me means I will park it under my teeth where if need be they will use a little tough love towards my tongue if ugliness tries to seep out.
Prayer: Lord forgive me for having a heart that is full of selfishness. I know that all my speech comes from within. I ask that you cleanse me from the core of my soul. Lord may the Holy Spirit take complete control of my life especially in the area of my weakness. I ask that by the power of the Holy Spirit I will be under such conviction if I even think or murmur a word or thought that will be displeasing to You. Lord I want my words to be a reflection of You! Amen
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