"Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life." John 3:6
In our human effort to love, we find we are incapable of doing so.
In our human effort to be merciful, we find we are unable too.
In our human effort to be forgiving we find that we can't.
In our human effort to know more about Christ, we realize we hit a wall.
In our human effort to study God's Word, we realize we lack desire.
In our human effort to parent, we find ourselves frustrated.
In our human effort to succeed, we realize how much worldliness we partake in.
In our human effort to be joyful, we find just how joyless we really are.
In our human effort to please God, we realize we always come up short.
In our human effort to obey the law, we realize just how sinful we are.
In our human effort to be peace loving, gentle, kind, humble, and yield to others, we notice just how opposite of all that we really are.
Until we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we fail to realize how much our thoughts are filled with doubt, negativity, condemnation, and constant guilt.
Maybe Jesus has taken residency within you, yet you realize that these are your thoughts and struggles.
If so, relinquish control today. Lay your self, and all that you try to be and do by human effort, at the foot of the Cross.
Let the Holy Spirit lead you, teach you, guide you, and consume you with God's amazing love and grace.
"The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life." John 6:63
Jesus we so often try to accomplish and do things ourselves, always to come up short and frustrated. Fill us with Your Spirit who leads us into all truth. Amen
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Same Blessing Through Faith
S-One Name
S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1
A-God's Grace
L-Promised the Good News
"What's more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would accept the Gentiles, too, on the basis of their faith. God promised this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, 'All nations will be blessed through you.' And so it is: all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith." Galatians 3:8-9
God did not bless Abraham because he obeyed the law. he blessed him because he believed God was who He said He was, and He would do what He said He would do.
Did Abraham have a few questions, concerns and even some doubts along the way? YES!
But Abraham remained faithful, he pushed through and trusted God. And so should we.
When we have questions, we should seek God and His Word.
When we have concerns, we should take it to God in prayer.
When we have doubts, we should run to the Cross and be reminded of what Christ did for us.
Before anything existed, God had a plan. A plan to point us to His Son. Through His Son we ALL are accepted through faith. Because of Abraham's faith we too get to share in the same blessings God promised Abraham.
That is a wonderful thing!
What I love about this particular passage, is how Paul was able to point back to Abraham and remind the Gentiles, that although you are hearing all these false teachers tell you, "Law, law, law. Circumcision, etc" Let me remind you again, it is your faith in Christ that saves you, sets you free, and allows you to share the same blessing Abraham received because of his FAITH!
Let me close with this. "There is salvation in no one else! There is no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them." Acts 4:12
The law can't save you. Your good works alone can't save you. Your religion can't save you. Being a regular attender at Church can't save you. Your spouse can't. Your family can't. Your Bible Study can't.
One Name-Jesus!
The more you seek Him, the more you will know Him, and the stronger and deeper your faith will become.
S-Share with Jesus today, who and what you have been putting your faith in. Let Him be your life line. Your strength. May He be the first one you run to.
S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1
A-God's Grace
L-Promised the Good News
"What's more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would accept the Gentiles, too, on the basis of their faith. God promised this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, 'All nations will be blessed through you.' And so it is: all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith." Galatians 3:8-9
God did not bless Abraham because he obeyed the law. he blessed him because he believed God was who He said He was, and He would do what He said He would do.
Did Abraham have a few questions, concerns and even some doubts along the way? YES!
But Abraham remained faithful, he pushed through and trusted God. And so should we.
When we have questions, we should seek God and His Word.
When we have concerns, we should take it to God in prayer.
When we have doubts, we should run to the Cross and be reminded of what Christ did for us.
Before anything existed, God had a plan. A plan to point us to His Son. Through His Son we ALL are accepted through faith. Because of Abraham's faith we too get to share in the same blessings God promised Abraham.
That is a wonderful thing!
What I love about this particular passage, is how Paul was able to point back to Abraham and remind the Gentiles, that although you are hearing all these false teachers tell you, "Law, law, law. Circumcision, etc" Let me remind you again, it is your faith in Christ that saves you, sets you free, and allows you to share the same blessing Abraham received because of his FAITH!
Let me close with this. "There is salvation in no one else! There is no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them." Acts 4:12
The law can't save you. Your good works alone can't save you. Your religion can't save you. Being a regular attender at Church can't save you. Your spouse can't. Your family can't. Your Bible Study can't.
One Name-Jesus!
The more you seek Him, the more you will know Him, and the stronger and deeper your faith will become.
S-Share with Jesus today, who and what you have been putting your faith in. Let Him be your life line. Your strength. May He be the first one you run to.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Two Forms of Freedom...but the one that matters most.
Earthly Freedom
True-Life Giving Freedom
"God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins." Colossians 1:14
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Altar Sunday
Before you even enter the Church, prepare your heart. I mean, actually take the time to get on your face before the Lord and get your heart ready to hear and receive the Words He wants to speak to you today.
Leave it all at His feet. Take nothing into His house with you.
Let Him remove any distractions, bitterness, anger, hurt, doubt, fear...so you can experience all of Him.
Leave it all at His feet. Take nothing into His house with you.
Let Him remove any distractions, bitterness, anger, hurt, doubt, fear...so you can experience all of Him.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Greatest Gift Ever
"We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are." Romans 3:22
Christ made a way for each and every one of us to come to Him and receive everlasting life. He made it so easy, that even a child can do it.
Place your faith in Christ today and receive the greatest gift ever to be given.
Salavation
Life with Him forever.
Christ gave His life so you and I could have life.
Christ made a way for each and every one of us to come to Him and receive everlasting life. He made it so easy, that even a child can do it.
Place your faith in Christ today and receive the greatest gift ever to be given.
Salavation
Life with Him forever.
Christ gave His life so you and I could have life.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Restore Me
"Restore to me again the joy of your salvation and make me willing to obey you." Psalm 51:12
Have you found yourself feeling joyless and stuck? Do you have sin in your life that you have failed to confess to the Lord?
If so, confess it today and let God restore you and bring you the joy of your salvation.
Have you found yourself feeling joyless and stuck? Do you have sin in your life that you have failed to confess to the Lord?
If so, confess it today and let God restore you and bring you the joy of your salvation.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Not Always
"As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm." 1 Timothy 1:3-7
Sometimes a good thing is not always a God thing!
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Real "Abraham" Faith
S-Real "Abraham" Faith
S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1
A-Freedom through Faith in Christ
L-Real Faith
"In the same way, Abraham believed God, so God declared him righteous because of his faith. The real children of Abraham, then, are all those who put their faith in God." Galatians 3:6-7
He was 75 years old when the Lord called him, "Leave your country, your relatives, and your father's house, and go to the land that I will show you." Genesis 12:1
Faith and obedience is what was required. It's what is required from all of us.
What made Abraham's faith so real?
He trusted God and went. He packed up his family and left the place and things he had known and had for years, and at 75 years old.
Today most 75 year old's, let alone 50 plus year old's, wouldn't even consider leaving. I don't mean that harshly, even though it sounds that way, it's the truth. Though there are some who would and do, most don't. We can even see this in our younger generations today.
We have become a people, that believe when we retire or reach a certain age in life, that we can stop serving, stop going, and that leaving our country, our relatives, and our father's house is no longer an option.
But how wrong is that mindset. God never says, "At this age you can stop serving Me." Let's not set that poor example for our younger generations.
Abraham is a testament to what real faith looks like.
Let's look at what real "Abraham" faith looks like.
1. At 75 Abraham left everything and went where God told him to. (Genesis 12)
2. At 99 years old, Abraham fulfilled is part of the agreement with God and was circumcised. (Genesis 17:9)
3. At 100 years old, after walking in faith and trusting that God would give him a child, Abraham became a father. (Genesis 21)
4. One of the biggest testaments to real faith, is when God told Abraham to take his only son-Isaac and sacrifice him as a burnt offering. (Genesis 22)
What happened in return to Abraham's faith? God blessed him richly. He became the father of a great nation. He became famous, and was a blessing to others. And, 'All the families of the earth will be blessed through you." Genesis 12:3
How are we blessed through Abraham?
Jesus! (Matthew 1:1-17)
Why was it so important for Paul to bring up Abraham?
Because it was Abraham's faith that saved him, not the law. "Look up into the heavens and count the stars if you can. Your descendants will be like that-too many to count! And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord declared him righteous because of his faith." Genesis 15:5-6
Therefore Paul was saying, "Don't you see that what these Judaizers are telling you is false? They are trying to persuade you and deceive you into believing that the only way you will ever be saved is by becoming like them, a Jew, who is in slavery to the law. And that is wrong. I have proof of that. Abraham was saved by faith. And you are saved today by your faith in Christ."
Brethren, do you have real "Abraham" faith?
Would you be willing, no matter what age, no matter what the call, to get up in faith and go?
Do you live by that faith or are you still trying to earn favor with God through your works?
S-Ask the Lord to reveal your true state of faith today. Share with someone where your faith is weak and ask them to pray and help encourage and hold you accountable.
S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1
A-Freedom through Faith in Christ
L-Real Faith
"In the same way, Abraham believed God, so God declared him righteous because of his faith. The real children of Abraham, then, are all those who put their faith in God." Galatians 3:6-7
He was 75 years old when the Lord called him, "Leave your country, your relatives, and your father's house, and go to the land that I will show you." Genesis 12:1
Faith and obedience is what was required. It's what is required from all of us.
What made Abraham's faith so real?
He trusted God and went. He packed up his family and left the place and things he had known and had for years, and at 75 years old.
Today most 75 year old's, let alone 50 plus year old's, wouldn't even consider leaving. I don't mean that harshly, even though it sounds that way, it's the truth. Though there are some who would and do, most don't. We can even see this in our younger generations today.
We have become a people, that believe when we retire or reach a certain age in life, that we can stop serving, stop going, and that leaving our country, our relatives, and our father's house is no longer an option.
But how wrong is that mindset. God never says, "At this age you can stop serving Me." Let's not set that poor example for our younger generations.
Abraham is a testament to what real faith looks like.
Let's look at what real "Abraham" faith looks like.
1. At 75 Abraham left everything and went where God told him to. (Genesis 12)
2. At 99 years old, Abraham fulfilled is part of the agreement with God and was circumcised. (Genesis 17:9)
3. At 100 years old, after walking in faith and trusting that God would give him a child, Abraham became a father. (Genesis 21)
4. One of the biggest testaments to real faith, is when God told Abraham to take his only son-Isaac and sacrifice him as a burnt offering. (Genesis 22)
What happened in return to Abraham's faith? God blessed him richly. He became the father of a great nation. He became famous, and was a blessing to others. And, 'All the families of the earth will be blessed through you." Genesis 12:3
How are we blessed through Abraham?
Jesus! (Matthew 1:1-17)
Why was it so important for Paul to bring up Abraham?
Because it was Abraham's faith that saved him, not the law. "Look up into the heavens and count the stars if you can. Your descendants will be like that-too many to count! And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord declared him righteous because of his faith." Genesis 15:5-6
Therefore Paul was saying, "Don't you see that what these Judaizers are telling you is false? They are trying to persuade you and deceive you into believing that the only way you will ever be saved is by becoming like them, a Jew, who is in slavery to the law. And that is wrong. I have proof of that. Abraham was saved by faith. And you are saved today by your faith in Christ."
Brethren, do you have real "Abraham" faith?
Would you be willing, no matter what age, no matter what the call, to get up in faith and go?
Do you live by that faith or are you still trying to earn favor with God through your works?
S-Ask the Lord to reveal your true state of faith today. Share with someone where your faith is weak and ask them to pray and help encourage and hold you accountable.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
He Is Present
"Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going." John 14:1-4
May your hearts find comfort and peace in God's Word as you endure this devastating devastation Oklahoma.
He is present, cling to Him for comfort.
Your precious babies are not alone, He has been right beside them the entire time. Find peace in that sweet one.
May your hearts find comfort and peace in God's Word as you endure this devastating devastation Oklahoma.
He is present, cling to Him for comfort.
Your precious babies are not alone, He has been right beside them the entire time. Find peace in that sweet one.
Monday, May 20, 2013
The Work of The Spirit
S-You received the Holy Spirit because you believed
S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1
A-The Power and Work of the Holy Spirit
L-The Purpose and Role of the Holy Spirit
"I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the Law of Moses? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ." Galatians 3:5
Don't forget when you put your faith in Christ; He filled you with the Holy Spirit, whom works in you. It is your faith and the work of the Holy Spirit that sets you free. The Law does none of that for you. Rather, the law shows you, your sinfulness and need for faith in Christ.
Therefore, if you would allow the Holy Spirit to take back control, He will show you how foolish you are being by getting caught back up in slavery to the law.
What role does the Holy Spirit play in our lives?
- “If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them." John 14:15-21
1. He leads us into all truth
2. He lives with us and in us.
3. He will never abandon us.
4. He reveals Christ to us.
Do you have the Holy Spirit living in you? Have you put your faith in Christ? Does your life and fruit reflect the two?
S-Tell Christ how thankful you are for the Holy Spirit, and ask Him to help you relinquish control so that He may have all of it.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Altar Sunday
As you enter the House of the Lord, be One. Worship as One. Serve as One. Be One voice.
AND
Encourage others in their functioning part, because we all have a part.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
One Life
You have been given one life.
What are you doing with it?
Have you given it to Christ or are you keeping it for yourself?
"Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it." Luke 9:23-24
"Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it." Luke 9:23-24
Friday, May 17, 2013
Have You Lost Your Mind?
S-Can you Answer me this...
S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1
A-Christ to your life and be set free
L-Why Go Back
"Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by keeping the law? Of course not, for the Holy Spirit came upon you only after you believed the message you heard about Christ. Have you lost your senses? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? You have suffered so much for the Good News. Surely it was not in vain, was it? Are you now going to just throw it all away?" Galatians 3:2-4
-Oh mercy brethren, we need to be asking ourselves these same questions. We need to be called out as well.
I say that with the sincerest intentions. I say that in hopes it will tug at our hearts, open our eyes, and bring us to reality. A real, oh my goodness, type of reality that shakes us out of these messes we put ourselves in.
Paul had a way with his words that grabbed your attention. He had a way to hit areas within people that would wake them up.
And he still does that today. As we study and read these words spoken from God through Paul we need to take them in and let the Spirit work.
There might be times where you feel that a particular passage does not apply to you, but it does. Every single word in the Word applies to you and me. It has purpose.
These passages above have a purpose. A purpose to teach us and remind us that faith is greater and without it everything is meaningless.
Let me ask you some questions, and I pray the Holy Spirit will begin a tornado within you that stirs up a desire to search deeper.
1. Is your faith in Christ real? If you answered yes, does your life reflect it?
2. Who is in control, you are the Holy Spirit?
3. Are you trying to please God by your own good deeds?
4. Do you read your Bible and go to Church and pray in hopes of earning a mark or reward for showing up?
5. Do you serve and work hard out of self-determination and the desire to be noticed, or are you allowing the Holy Spirit to work in you and help you do good for the Kingdom of God?
6. Do you constantly feel guilty, depressed, like a failure, not good enough, and have a desire for approval?
7. Did you receive the Holy Spirit by keeping the law? Are you even aware of the difference between the two?
Sweet one, I have no idea if you are saved or not. But Christ knows. He also knows whether or not you are living your Christian life in the Spirit or trying to be perfect and right by your own human effort.
If you have answered these questions with honesty, you will know whether or not you are living by real faith, that understands and knows the meaning of the Cross. Or whether you are living like the Jews and Pharisees did. A life that relies on human effort and the law. That life reflects a life absent from Christ. It produces zero fruit, zero joy, worldly living, worldly actions, worldly thoughts, and constant guilt and failure because you can never obey the law perfectly. And no matter how hard you try, the approval you are searching for will always leave come up short and only satisfy for a little while.
We grow spiritually by the work the Spirit does within us, not by following rituals and rules.
S-Ask someone close to you, who walks in the ways of the Lord, to help you walk by faith and not by human effort alone. And if you really want accountability ask them these questions and what they see in you. A true friend and brother will answer them honestly.
S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1
A-Christ to your life and be set free
L-Why Go Back
"Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by keeping the law? Of course not, for the Holy Spirit came upon you only after you believed the message you heard about Christ. Have you lost your senses? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? You have suffered so much for the Good News. Surely it was not in vain, was it? Are you now going to just throw it all away?" Galatians 3:2-4
-Oh mercy brethren, we need to be asking ourselves these same questions. We need to be called out as well.
I say that with the sincerest intentions. I say that in hopes it will tug at our hearts, open our eyes, and bring us to reality. A real, oh my goodness, type of reality that shakes us out of these messes we put ourselves in.
Paul had a way with his words that grabbed your attention. He had a way to hit areas within people that would wake them up.
And he still does that today. As we study and read these words spoken from God through Paul we need to take them in and let the Spirit work.
There might be times where you feel that a particular passage does not apply to you, but it does. Every single word in the Word applies to you and me. It has purpose.
These passages above have a purpose. A purpose to teach us and remind us that faith is greater and without it everything is meaningless.
Let me ask you some questions, and I pray the Holy Spirit will begin a tornado within you that stirs up a desire to search deeper.
1. Is your faith in Christ real? If you answered yes, does your life reflect it?
2. Who is in control, you are the Holy Spirit?
3. Are you trying to please God by your own good deeds?
4. Do you read your Bible and go to Church and pray in hopes of earning a mark or reward for showing up?
5. Do you serve and work hard out of self-determination and the desire to be noticed, or are you allowing the Holy Spirit to work in you and help you do good for the Kingdom of God?
6. Do you constantly feel guilty, depressed, like a failure, not good enough, and have a desire for approval?
7. Did you receive the Holy Spirit by keeping the law? Are you even aware of the difference between the two?
Sweet one, I have no idea if you are saved or not. But Christ knows. He also knows whether or not you are living your Christian life in the Spirit or trying to be perfect and right by your own human effort.
If you have answered these questions with honesty, you will know whether or not you are living by real faith, that understands and knows the meaning of the Cross. Or whether you are living like the Jews and Pharisees did. A life that relies on human effort and the law. That life reflects a life absent from Christ. It produces zero fruit, zero joy, worldly living, worldly actions, worldly thoughts, and constant guilt and failure because you can never obey the law perfectly. And no matter how hard you try, the approval you are searching for will always leave come up short and only satisfy for a little while.
We grow spiritually by the work the Spirit does within us, not by following rituals and rules.
S-Ask someone close to you, who walks in the ways of the Lord, to help you walk by faith and not by human effort alone. And if you really want accountability ask them these questions and what they see in you. A true friend and brother will answer them honestly.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Remember the Meaning
S-Don't Forget the Meaning
S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure you stay free and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1
A-Your new freedom in Christ
L-The Meaning
"For you used to see the meaning of Jesus Christ's death as clearly as though I had shown you a signboard with a picture of Christ dying on the cross." Galatians 3:1
What has happened? You went from seeing the meaning of Christ's death to going back to the law. Why are you even entertaining these false teachers?
We too, have seen the meaning of Jesus Christ's death as clearly as though we were there. Yet we entertain false teachers by listening to them, even believing their lies and turning back to slavery to the flesh.
You can't lose sight of what Christ has done. Don't let anyone twist the truth of the Good News to fit their man-made rules and rituals. "So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it." Hebrews 2:1
And what ever you do. Don't lose sight or the meaning of the Cross. Keep it on the fore-front of your minds at all times.
S-Tell someone what Christ did on the Cross for them.
S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure you stay free and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1
A-Your new freedom in Christ
L-The Meaning
"For you used to see the meaning of Jesus Christ's death as clearly as though I had shown you a signboard with a picture of Christ dying on the cross." Galatians 3:1
What has happened? You went from seeing the meaning of Christ's death to going back to the law. Why are you even entertaining these false teachers?
We too, have seen the meaning of Jesus Christ's death as clearly as though we were there. Yet we entertain false teachers by listening to them, even believing their lies and turning back to slavery to the flesh.
You can't lose sight of what Christ has done. Don't let anyone twist the truth of the Good News to fit their man-made rules and rituals. "So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it." Hebrews 2:1
And what ever you do. Don't lose sight or the meaning of the Cross. Keep it on the fore-front of your minds at all times.
S-Tell someone what Christ did on the Cross for them.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Find Comfort Here
She fights for her life.
He fights to overcome the brokenness, from the loss of his wife.
They have lost words to describe the pain from losing their child.
He searches for acceptance
She searches for a place to belong
She goes to any extent to be noticed
They just want to be loved
He wants out, but the addiction is to strong
May you each find what your heart is longing for in Jesus. He is Your healer, protector, redeemer, lover, and comfort.
He fights to overcome the brokenness, from the loss of his wife.
They have lost words to describe the pain from losing their child.
He searches for acceptance
She searches for a place to belong
She goes to any extent to be noticed
They just want to be loved
He wants out, but the addiction is to strong
"I look up to the mountains-does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth! He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps. the Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not hurt you by day, nor the moon at night. the Lord keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever." Psalm 121:1-8
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
A Life for a Life
S-The Meaning of Death
S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1
A-God's grace and freedom in Christ
L-The Significance of Death
"So I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ. I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:19-20
-How does one "die" to the law?
- In order to understand the significance of this type of death we need to understand,
1. The meaning of death physically and spiritually
2. What Christ's death did
3. Why death is important
4. How death takes place in our lives
5. What happens when Christ takes up residency within us
1. The meaning of death physically and spiritually.
-When death occurs, one becomes unresponsive, there is a stop, an end to life. This happens both physically and spiritually.
-Death entered the world, when Adam and Eve ate the fruit.
"The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and care for it. But the Lord God gave him this warning: "You may freely eat any fruit in the garden except fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat of its fruit, you will surely die." Genesis 2:15-17
-This death signifies both spiritual and physical. It translates, "A death you shall die" or "Dying you shall die."
**Basically this can mean you will lose your protective covering of Paradise and begin to age (dying), and then ultimately die physically. However, it also speaks on spiritual death, because up until that point they walked and talked with God, but now the relationship would die as a result of the separation that sin brought into their lives.
-Fast forward to the Book of Leviticus. Here, God gives us an outline in detail (Beginning in Chapter 1) on the rules and purpose of all five offerings. The two required were the Sin Offering and Guilt Offering. Both of which require death of an animal of God's choice.
**Why is death so important to God?
-It served two purposes.
1. Worship
2. Forgiveness of sins
-In the Old Testament-an animal took the place of man. It was man's way of giving him/herself to God by means of the life of an animal.
-In the New Testament-Christ came and gave His life for us.
-God's system says a life must be given for a life.
So when Paul says, "So I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ." Galatians 2:19
He is saying, when I became a follower of Christ, my old way of living died with Christ. It came to an end. It stopped. "You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ. He forgave all our sins. He canceled the record that contained the charges against us. He took it and destroyed it by nailing it to Christ's cross." Colossians 2:13-14
S-Tell someone what Christ did for them, and why His death was so important.
S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1
A-God's grace and freedom in Christ
L-The Significance of Death
"So I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ. I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:19-20
-How does one "die" to the law?
- In order to understand the significance of this type of death we need to understand,
1. The meaning of death physically and spiritually
2. What Christ's death did
3. Why death is important
4. How death takes place in our lives
5. What happens when Christ takes up residency within us
1. The meaning of death physically and spiritually.
-When death occurs, one becomes unresponsive, there is a stop, an end to life. This happens both physically and spiritually.
-Death entered the world, when Adam and Eve ate the fruit.
"The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and care for it. But the Lord God gave him this warning: "You may freely eat any fruit in the garden except fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat of its fruit, you will surely die." Genesis 2:15-17
-This death signifies both spiritual and physical. It translates, "A death you shall die" or "Dying you shall die."
**Basically this can mean you will lose your protective covering of Paradise and begin to age (dying), and then ultimately die physically. However, it also speaks on spiritual death, because up until that point they walked and talked with God, but now the relationship would die as a result of the separation that sin brought into their lives.
-Fast forward to the Book of Leviticus. Here, God gives us an outline in detail (Beginning in Chapter 1) on the rules and purpose of all five offerings. The two required were the Sin Offering and Guilt Offering. Both of which require death of an animal of God's choice.
**Why is death so important to God?
-It served two purposes.
1. Worship
2. Forgiveness of sins
-In the Old Testament-an animal took the place of man. It was man's way of giving him/herself to God by means of the life of an animal.
-In the New Testament-Christ came and gave His life for us.
-God's system says a life must be given for a life.
So when Paul says, "So I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ." Galatians 2:19
He is saying, when I became a follower of Christ, my old way of living died with Christ. It came to an end. It stopped. "You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ. He forgave all our sins. He canceled the record that contained the charges against us. He took it and destroyed it by nailing it to Christ's cross." Colossians 2:13-14
S-Tell someone what Christ did for them, and why His death was so important.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Not For...RATHER...For...
I don't want to just skim the surface of God's Word and act as though it is good enough. I don't do well wading in shallow water. I want to go deeper. I want to take you deeper into His Word. This is what I have been called to do. To teach God's Word in depth with conviction, power, and boldness.
Therefore, as I sit at the feet of Jesus and soak up His teaching, know, that on those days when you don't receive a devo, it's because I am going deeper so I can take you deeper.
This is not for the weary, or for those who want to hear what appeals to their flesh. Nor is it for those who are okay staying in the shallow end of the water.
RATHER...
It is for the thirsty. It is for the one who knows their daily bread comes from the very Word of God and is desperate for it. It is for those who have counted the cost of following Christ and have left and given up everything to follow Him. It is for those who have stepped out of the boat and are walking in the deep end with their eyes on Christ.
I hope that's you!!
If so, stick around and let's go deeper in the Word of God and be lavished by His love, filled with His Wisdom, and clothed in His righteousness.
Therefore, as I sit at the feet of Jesus and soak up His teaching, know, that on those days when you don't receive a devo, it's because I am going deeper so I can take you deeper.
This is not for the weary, or for those who want to hear what appeals to their flesh. Nor is it for those who are okay staying in the shallow end of the water.
RATHER...
It is for the thirsty. It is for the one who knows their daily bread comes from the very Word of God and is desperate for it. It is for those who have counted the cost of following Christ and have left and given up everything to follow Him. It is for those who have stepped out of the boat and are walking in the deep end with their eyes on Christ.
I hope that's you!!
If so, stick around and let's go deeper in the Word of God and be lavished by His love, filled with His Wisdom, and clothed in His righteousness.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Altar Sunday
Encourage a precious mommy today. Grab her hand and pray for her. Tell her God loves her, is with her, and wants to walk with her.
Then if you can, take your mommies hand, pray with her, tell her how thankful you are for all God has done and is doing in her life. Tell her you love her, and ask her how you can spend the next year praying for her.
Then spend time thanking Jesus for your mom, even if your relationship is broken, and even if she is gone. Praise Him!
"Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her; There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!" Proverbs 31:28-29
Then if you can, take your mommies hand, pray with her, tell her how thankful you are for all God has done and is doing in her life. Tell her you love her, and ask her how you can spend the next year praying for her.
Then spend time thanking Jesus for your mom, even if your relationship is broken, and even if she is gone. Praise Him!
"Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her; There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!" Proverbs 31:28-29
Saturday, May 11, 2013
It Should Have Been Us
It should have been us nailed to the Cross. It should have been our life given.
But instead Christ gave His life in our place.
He took our sin upon Himself. He suffered on our behalf.
Christ died for you and me. He died to give us life.
This perfect and loving Son of God, left His place in glory, came down to Earth to die.
Yet, we question His love. We question His forgiveness. We doubt His existence.
We live for ourselves, when He died for us.
We focus on self, when He focused on us.
Let us not forget what Christ endured for us.
"There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected-a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way when he went by. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God for his own sins! But he was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed! All of us have strayed away like sheep. We have left God's path to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the guilt and sins of us all." Isaiah 53:2-6
Stop searching, questioning and doubting, sweet one, you are loved, adored and wanted. Christ gave His life for you. Give your life to Him and let Him clothe you in His love, mercy and grace.
But instead Christ gave His life in our place.
He took our sin upon Himself. He suffered on our behalf.
Christ died for you and me. He died to give us life.
This perfect and loving Son of God, left His place in glory, came down to Earth to die.
Yet, we question His love. We question His forgiveness. We doubt His existence.
We live for ourselves, when He died for us.
We focus on self, when He focused on us.
Let us not forget what Christ endured for us.
"There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected-a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way when he went by. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God for his own sins! But he was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed! All of us have strayed away like sheep. We have left God's path to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the guilt and sins of us all." Isaiah 53:2-6
Stop searching, questioning and doubting, sweet one, you are loved, adored and wanted. Christ gave His life for you. Give your life to Him and let Him clothe you in His love, mercy and grace.
Friday, May 10, 2013
What Are You Being Taught?
Baptist
Church of Christ
Catholic
Methodist
Lutheran
Jewish
Mormon
Jehovah's Witness
Non-Demontional
Do you know what all of these religions have in common?
They all have a set of rules for their members.
So how can we be sure we don't get tied up in slavery to the law within our Church?
1. Believe in Christ Jesus (Romans 10)
2. Understand you will never be saved by obeying the law. (Galatians 2:16)
3. Know you can never "earn" God's approval through good works alone. (Galatians 2:18; James 2:14-24)
4. Get to know Christ through His Word
5. Don't become enslaved to rituals
6. Understand the significance of God's grace.
-"I am not one of those who treats the grace of God as meaningless. For if we could be saved by keeping the law, then there was no need for Christ to die." Galatians 2:21
Make sure you know what you are being taught, and ALWAYS place it under the scope of God's Word.
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