Paul's Conversion-Your Conversion

Sometimes I get so caught up in reading and sharing that it comes across as though I am all over the place. And though I am, I don't want to be.  I never want God's Word to be confusing, or seem as though it all runs together, thus leaving everyone walking away going, "What in the world did she just say."

 As always, the Lord has told me to slow it down and take it one chapter at a time. I know we are studying Romans and Galatians and we will continue to do so, but from this point on we will focus on one whole chapter at a time.  We have to stay in context!!

So, today, we will finish up all of chapter 1 in Galatians. Then tomorrow we will jump back over to Romans chapter 1. Some chapters are longer therefore they will take us longer to get through, but as long as we are staying the course and soaking up all that God is teaching us, we will come out even more blessed and transformed. And that is my deepest prayer.

Also as a reminder I use what is called S.S.A.L.S (Study, Store, Apply, Learn, and Share)

S-Galatians 1:17-24

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-In Christ we have freedom

L-Paul's Message from Christ

       *Verse 16-18 (latter part of 16) "When all this happened to me, I did not rush out to consult with anyone else; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to consult with those who were apostles before I was. No, I went away into Arabia and later returned to the city of Damascus. It was not until three years later that I finally went to Jerusalem for a visit with Peter and stayed there with him for fifteen days."

        -I find it so interesting that Paul didn't tell anyone. That would be so hard, but then again the more I think about it and re-read this verse, the more I realize how big Paul's conversion was.

        -Think about it. Paul was on his way to persecute Christians and then all of a sudden he changed, he himself converted. What in the world, how could this be. His people probably would have tried to kill him and they probably would have mocked him.

       -God had a different plan, a plan to send Paul off for THREE years. For three years Paul spent time with the Lord, learning, listening, changing, and coming to know Christ in the most personal way possible.

   -If something like that happened to us we would immediately feel the need to consult with someone. When you have a big decision to make or something life changing happens don't you usually tell someone? I know I do.

   -Well Paul didn't, he spent his time with the Lord first. Goodness I wish I knew what those three years were like for him. What all did the Lord say to him, what was it like, how were those first few days? Oh the questions that I would love to ask in Heaven, but probably won't because at that point all I will be doing is praising and God on my face!!

  -Finally after 3 years Paul leaves and goes to Jerusalem to visit with Peter. How did the Lord set up that meeting? What was it like? What all did Paul tell Peter?

       *Verse 19-24-"And the only other apostle I met at that time was James, our Lord's brother. You must believe what I am saying, for I declare before God that I am not lying. Then after this visit, I went north into the provinces of Syria and Cilicia. And still the Christians in the churches in Judea didn't know me personally. All they knew was that people were saying, 'The one who used to persecute us now preaches the very faith he tried to destroy! And they gave glory to God because of me." 

   -Paul wanted it to be known that all of his wisdom and knowledge came directly from the Lord himself.  In verse 19 Paul says, "You must believe what I am saying for I declare before God I am not lying." There is no other way Paul could have done a complete 180 on his own. It was all God and that was what needed to be known and said.

   -This is the part I love-how God brought glory to Himself.

                -verse 22-23-"And still the Christians in the churches in Judea didn't know me personally. All they knew was that people were saying, 'The one who used to persecute us now preaches the very faith he tried to destroy! And they gave glory to God because of me." 

                       -When God gets a hold of us and we put Christ in us, our lives take on a completely different appearance, so much so, everyone notices. Believers and non-believers.

Do our lives show the changes Christ has made in us? Do they see Him at work within us?

Has our appearance changed to be that of Christ's? Paul's did.

"Since you have heard all about him and have learned the truth that is in Jesus, throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through full of lust and deception. Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God's likeness-righteous, holy and true." Ephesians 4:21-24

    This my brethren is conversion!

S-Share your conversion with someone today. You never know the impact it can make, nor the opportunity you could have to lead someone to Christ.

Who Would Come?

If God stripped everything away, the Bible Studies from various Authors and worship, and you only came to learn strictly from His Word. How many of you would come?

I think this says a lot about where we are in our relationship. Does God's Word alone satisfy you?

There are two things God's Word does that will bring us closer to Him and bring Him glory.

1. "You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have give you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do." 2 Timothy 3:15-17

2. "For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are. Nothing in all creation can hide from him. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes. This is the God to whom we must explain all that we have done." Hebrews 4:12-13

We either want the absolute truth or the watered down truth.

Are We Growing in Faith?

S-Romans 1:17 Faith

S-"Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us." Romans 5:1

A-peace that comes from God

L-The Meaning of Faith

       "It is through faith that a righteous person has life." Romans 1:17

       **Faith-reliance, loyalty, or complete trust in God. Faith is also the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see.

Faith is stepping out of our comfort zones and trusting God, even when it doesn't make sense.

You know I was recently asked why God allows bad things to happen to good people, and the truth is I don't know the answer to that. All I know is that all things work for the good of those who love God. All I know is that faith is trusting God in situations such as those and clinging to Him.  He has a purpose for all things and even though we don't always understand, we know that it is for His glory and our benefit. All He asks is that we trust Him.

Faith is believing in the existence of Jesus Christ, His death, burial and resurrection.

Faith is trusting God no matter the outcome, no matter the pain, no matter the suffering, no matter the hurt, no matter the fear, and no matter how crazy it might sound. (Noah and the Ark, Abraham and Isaac, Moses and the Israelites)

So, how do we strengthen our faith?
       -By spending more time with the Lord, in His Word and in prayer. The more we depend on God, the more He will grow our faith. The more we know about Him, the more we will see how constant, faithful, committed, loving, and merciful He is.

The more faith we have the less doubts we have.

I also believe that faith is more than just being able to say it. It is being able to show it. Faith is more than just mere acknowledgement. Faith requires us to die to ourselves, put our wants and desires aside, and to not depend on our own human efforts. It requires us to humble ourselves and realize our need for Him.

God wants us to be faithful and trust in Him at all times and in all circumstances.

Faith is not about how we feel nor should it ever be based off of our emotions. Faith is complete trust lived through complete obedience.

Brethren, are we growing in faith? Let's strengthen one another in faith, today, tomorrow, and forever!

"And a righteous person will live by faith. But I will have no pleasure in anyone who turns away." Hebrews 10:38

"So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him." Hebrews 11:6

Could This Be Said of Me?

"Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord, and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who lend money without charging interest,
and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever." Psalm 15

Altar Sunday

Today I pray for families.

Broken families
Suffering families
Lost families

And

Families destroyed by selfishness, jealousy, greed, anger, and bitterness.

Jesus come into these homes and do a huge renovation.

God or Money

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Timothy 6:10

Wouldn't it be so sad to think that our attitudes and behaviors are determined by money?

Many lives and even families are destroyed because of greed, selfishness, and hunger for more.

"Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless." Ecclesiastes 5:10

Has money become your master?

"No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Matthew 6:24

Who will you choose to serve today? God or money?

Do It So You Have No Regrets

"If you keep yourself pure you will be a utensil God can use for his purpose. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work." 2 Timothy 2:21

Do you know someone who is lost? Maybe you have a family member, or members that don't know Jesus. Maybe you have a friend or friends that don't know Jesus.

How are you showing them Jesus? Are you talking with them about Him, or are you waiting for the right time?

Jesus says, "Preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not." 2 Timothy 4:2

I believe that sharing Christ with others goes way beyond just our actions and examples. We have to tell them. Talk to them about it. Share our story of how God saved and rescued us. No matter how nasty our past!

BUT, just as our passage says, we must keep ourselves pure, seek the Counsel of Christ, and listen to the Holy Spirit. We must seek to live pure and Holy lives that are pleasing to Christ, and not follow the customs and behaviors of this world.

We must also allow the Lord to reveal to us why we need to live each day sharing His name with as many as we can. Hell is real, and if we wait for the right time to share the Good News, they will experience the reality of Hell and it will be to late.

I don't want to live with that regret. The regret that I ignored the prompting of the Lord to share His Good News. The regret of knowing that I chose to be comfortable rather than uncomfortable. The regret of knowing that I lived in fear of my inadequacies to share, rather than the confidence and faith that Christ would speak through me. Nor do I want to regret desiring acceptance of man rather than God.

Like Paul says, "Obviously, I'm not trying to be a people pleaser! No, I am trying to please God. If I were still trying to please people, I would not be Christ's servant." Galatians 1:10

Jesus use us to share the Good News. You equip us with the words, all you ask is that we make ourselves available for You to use us. Cleanse us and purify us so that we can be Your utensil. Amen

Teach Me To Listen

Today. Dax and I were in the car. and out of nowhere he said, "Mommy, I just need someone to teach me how to listen. I just can't do it. I don't know how. I need you to teach me how to listen mommy, it is so hard."

After I laughed, I quickly realized,one. he was really serious, and two, brethren that is so many of us today. Especially me. I need Jesus to teach me to listen. To listen to His voice, for His voice, and for His truths. I am really very similar in the fact that I too, like my precious four year old need to be taught often and reminded to listen.

"Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise." Proverbs 1:23

"My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands." Proverbs 2:1

"Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline; don’t sulk under his loving correction. It’s the child he loves that God corrects; a father’s delight is behind all this." Proverbs 3:5-12

"My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life." Proverbs 4:10

"My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words." Proverbs 4:20

"A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline; a mocker refuses to listen to correction." Proverbs 13:1

"My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." James 1:19

The Lord gives us passage after passage on the importance of listening and the benefits that come to those who do. 

Jesus help me to be a better listener  Help me to show my boys the importance of listening and rewards that come from being obedient to You. Thank You for teaching me through Dax. Show me how to teach him to be a better listener through Your Word. Amen

Have No Shame

S-Romans 1:16-17

S-"Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us." Romans 5:1

A-God's Grace

L-Have No Shame

         "For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes-Jews first and also Gentiles. The Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, 'It is through faith that a righteous person has life.'" Romans 1:16-17

 These two verses are packed full of depth.

Paul clearly states that he has absolutely NO shame in the Good News, nor is he afraid to shout it from the rooftops.

Do we have that same passion and love for the Good News that Paul did? Are we proud to proclaim this extraordinary news to the world?

My heart throughout this study has begun to change so much. God is showing me that it is His power at work, saving those who believe, and it is up to you and me to help Him. No, He doesn't need our help. He can do it all by Himself, but He wants us to be involved in His work. What an honor!

God is strengthening my faith and He is changing my doubtful heart.

S-Share your faith with someone, tell them how God saved you.



   

It's Really Happening.

"Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God's curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: if anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God's curse!" Galatians 1:7-9

I have to come back to this particular verse because God opened my eyes to see exactly what Paul was talking about. This verse literally came alive this week. This is really happening and I got to experience it and hear it firsthand.

We often forget that many Churches today take God's Word and turn it into their own religion. Therefore, leading others to believe things about Christ and His Word that are false.

To see and hear this false Gospel was devastating for me, but it allowed me to be able to share God's truth, His Word and who and why Christ is the most important thing ever.

I never want to waste opportunities like this. These are God given opportunities to see God's Word come alive and to share the truth of the Good News. This is exactly what God has called us to do.

It is my prayer that the seed has now been planted and that God will begin to stir things within the hearts of these who are in need of Him.

Brethren we need to be praying for the lost more. We need to be reaching out to them more. We need to have open arms and open doors for them to enter in and not be afraid to ask questions or feel judged.

We need to let our lights shine and stop hiding them or dimming them.

People are drawn to the light, and when they come, we need to be prepared to share the Good News with them.

"Jesus told them, 'Don't let anyone mislead you. For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Messiah.' They will lead many astray."...And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will lead many people astray."

Matthew 24:4-5;10-11

That We Wouldn't Be Able to Contain Ourselves

"Let each generation tell its children of your might acts. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy of your righteousness." Psalm 145:4-7

When something good or exciting happens to you, what is the first thing you do? You tell friends and family, right? What is the first thing you do when you hear something about someone else, you go and tell a friend or family member, right?

We are not afraid to share with others the good things we receive or do, nor are we afraid to share gossip about others with others. I would dare to say we don't even hesitate.

So, I have to ask. Why do we not want to tell friends, family and others the Good News about Christ?

Why do we not hurry to spread the Good News when a lost person is saved? Why do we not hurry to tell of the great things God has done for the sick, the Church, the broken, etc?

We don't hesitate to tell them the good news about things that happen here on earth, let's not hesitate to tell them about the Good News of Christ and Heaven and the amazing Grace that covers us.

Brethren it is my prayer we take on this passage above and proclaim God's greatness. 

Jesus help us to put all this in the right order. Help us to remember that the good things that happen are because of You and Your love for us. Let us not hold back or refrain from telling others the Good News about You. Let us spread worldly news less, and Your Word and love more. Amen

Altar Sunday

It is my deepest prayer that the lost become so exposed to the Light of Christ that they can't help but to come to Him.

A Sense of Urgency

"Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20

Are you prepared to share the Good News or are you caught off guard when asked?

Rather, do you look for God given opportunities to share the Good News?

Brethren we can't be afraid to share the Good News. It truly is life or death for many. We should rush at the chance to tell others about Christ and what He has done.

If you are afraid or feel you don't know enough, spend more time in the Word and with Christ, allowing Him to teach you. Then trust that when you have the opportunity or are asked that He will give you the exacts words He wants spoken.

Jesus use us. You tells us to go, may we be obedient and go. Equip us with the words, thoughts, and attitudes that will represent, reflect and show others how wonderful You are and how amazing Your grace is. Jesus help us see the urgency. Amen

Conversations

What do our conversations reveal to others?

Self or Christ?

What do your conversations revolve around? 

Self or Christ

What do our conversations say about our relationship with Christ?

How many times is Jesus and His Word brought up and discussed in a conversation?

What do our conversations say about our thoughts? 

Your Transformation

S-Galatians 1:15-16

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 the law." Galatians 5:1

A-freedom in Christ

L- God's Kindness

     "But then something happened! For it pleased God in his kindness to choose me and call me, even before I was born! What undeserved mercy! Then he revealed his Son to me so that I could proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles." Galatians 1:15-16

          I love how this passage relates to us today. Read this passage again, but read it as though you are telling someone else what God has done for you.

         Brethren, it pleased God in His kindness to choose us. It pleased Him to call us before we were born to be His, and to share the Good News.

Not only did He do all of that, but He went above and beyond and revealed His Son Jesus to each of us in a very real and personal way.

Do others see the transformation that has taken place in your life?

Are you sharing this powerful testimony with others?

S-tell someone what Jesus how Jesus has changed you.

FREE

S-Galatians 1:13-14

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 in Christ

L-Paul's Testimony

"You know what I was like when I followed the Jewish religion-how I violently persecuted the Christians. I did my best to get rid of them. I was one of the most religious Jews of my own age, and I tried as hard as possible to follow all the old traditions of my religion." Galatians 1:13-14

Lets break this passage down

1. Vs 13 Paul persecuted the Christians. He said, "I tried my best to get rid of them." Paul would soon find out he wasn't just persecuting Christians he was persecuting Christ.

*According to the law Paul felt as though anyone or anything that went against it was wrong. It's what Paul knew, until Christ revealed Himself to him and showed him he had it all wrong. It wasn't about the law, it was about Jesus.

2. Vs 14-Paul was the most religious Jews of his age. He tried hard to follow all the old traditions of his religion.

Paul put everything he had into his religion. He never did anything half heartedly.

It is here in these two verses we see Paul, someone who use to be a huge law follower and enforcer, come to know Jesus and learn that it's not about the law, its about Gods grace.

Jesus taught Paul that the law doesn't save you, Jesus does.

So not only did Christ save Paul-He set him free from the bondage and slavery of the law.

Christ also set us free from the slavery to the law. We are free in Christ.

Are you living in freedom today?

From Jesus Himself

S-Galatians 1:11-12

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 in Christ through the Good News

L-Paul's Direct Revelation

"Dear brothers and sisters, I want you to understand that the gospel message I preach is not based on mere human reasoning. I received my message from no human source, and no one taught me. Instead, I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ."

If I may ask, when was the last time you sat with Jesus with His Word wide open, and learned directly from Him?

No one else around but you two?

If its been awhile, start back today. If you never have, start today and watch as Jesus changes your life and teaches you things only He can.

There is no human that can teach you or speak to you like Jesus.

S-Today let Jesus share with you and soak it up.

Even the Smallest Amount Will Spread

"Your boasting about this is terrible. Don’t you realize that this sin is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough?" 1 Corinthians 5:6

Have you been exposed to yeast or are you the yeast?

Which ever you may be, ask The Lord to rid you of it. For the damage it does can be greater than you expected.

What is yeast?

Gossip
Bitterness
Anger
Selfishness
Jealousy
Greed
Envy
Pride
Lying
Deceit

If any of these are apart of you then...

"Get rid of the old “yeast” by removing this wicked person from among you. Then you will be like a fresh batch of dough made without yeast, which is what you really are. Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us." 1 Corinthians 5:7

If you are the "yeast" I pray God opens your eyes to see it so you can confess and repent and be free of it.

Beware brethren Satan loves to add Yeast because he knows how quickly it will spread.

Altar Sunday

"The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:17-18

Today I pray for the complacent.
             
The Lost.
   
The Broken.
     
The Women who are Living in Bondage.

Those in Slavery.

Today I pray for those living with Addiction.

Today I will flood the Throne Room on their behalf.

Will you join me?

Personal Invitation

S-Personal Invite-Romans 1:6-7

S-"Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us." Romans 5:1

A-God's Grace

L-Among the Called

            "You are among those who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ, dear friends in Rome. God loves you dearly, and he has called you to be his very won people. May grace and peace be yours from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 1:6-7

 Brethren, because of our faith in Jesus Christ we need to walk with complete confidence, joy, and peace knowing that we belong, we are loved, and we are His very own.

If you walk away with anything today, I pray you walk away knowing these three truths.

1. You belong to Jesus
2. You are dearly loved
3. You are God's very own.

     (It is worth repeating, memorizing, and holding on to)

It is my deepest prayer that all those who were ever abandoned, who ever walked or are walking through life searching for love, or are desperately trying to belong, that You will place your faith in Jesus and search no more.

S-Share Jesus with someone so they can experience a place of belonging and love.