Luke 17:8 Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’? (ESV)
Our servant master relationship we hold with Christ is a little different then one of what we perceive in our mind to be true. The image of the master driving the slave with a whip into the ground until the task is complete is not the relationship we hold with our heavenly father. There are many representations of this throughout the new testament. Although the example of Jesus washing the disciples feet in John 13 is a very clear picture of the character of God. In verse 14 he says, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.” Our master can sympathize with us and the tasks he places before. God would not ask of us something he is not willing to do himself. So as I think about this, I am also reminded of a different aspect to this same relationship we hold. The very presence of God living within us. Just as Jesus was lead by the Holy Spirit, so we also live the same way. Our relationship is simply letting God do the work through us, Philippians 2:13 “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Taking this into account, coming back to this verse, I look at it now in a spiritual and physical sense. We are to prepare supper for our master, or in our case feed the Holy Spirit within us. We see in Deuteronomy 8:3, “that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” We need to be in the word, devoting the first fruits of our day, feeding our spirit before we think about feeding our physical bodies. We need to clothe our spirit before we worry about what we will clothe ourselves in for the day. What does this look like, well we have all read it, put on the whole armor of God is what Paul tells us in Ephesians 6. This leaves one last thing, how do we serve while doing all of this. We praise and worship God through our thanksgiving, I Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” I am not being legalistic, and saying this is the formula to salvation. Although God has given us a light burden to carry, and we should view our time of devotion to him of more importance then what our flesh desires. I think if we simply took a second to grasp the fact that it is God living in us. It is him who does the work, then we would see the importance to take that time to line our will up with his will for us.
Application:Tomorrow I will set aside an hour in the morning for my devotions.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Bond Slave
Luke 17:7 Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? (ESV)
If we take this verse in the context of verses seven through ten, we see Jesus introducing the servant master relationship. He concludes the relationship with the statement that we are unworthy servants, we have only done what was our duty. At first read this does not make much sense, yeah we understand that we are unworthy of Gods mercy and grace but there is more to it then that. The word servant in the Greek actually means bond slave. In order for my point to hold credibility I am going to take you into the life of a bond slave for a moment. In Exodus 21 we see the bond slave introduced. If you borrowed money and couldn’t pay it back, you gave six years of your life to serve them. It becomes a true servant master relationship. At the end of the sixth year the slave was free. If the slave decides he loves his master, the master can take him before the judge and have him declare his wish. So I ask why would a slave ever come to the conclusion he loves his master. Lets look a little deeper into this. If you become a slave in the first place because you owe money, your habits in life are probably not the best. One could assume you have run into a number of different troubles. Then the master takes you in and gives your life a meaning. He teaches you how to manage day to day living and provides all the necessities in the process. We can relate our relationship to Christ with this illustration. For example I was not able to manage my life, I wound up addicted to heroine and was living a fast paced lifestyle of self destruction. Christ reached out and saved me and gave me purpose to my life. Now I fast forward to this section of scripture and it takes on a whole new meaning. All of a sudden the master taking this approach does not seem out of line.
Application:
I do not give God enough credit were it should be given. I know I do not see myself completely as an unworthy servant. I know if I took on the approach of being unworthy I would actually be offering more to God. By the end of the week I will memorize verse ten of this passage to remind me of this relationship.
If we take this verse in the context of verses seven through ten, we see Jesus introducing the servant master relationship. He concludes the relationship with the statement that we are unworthy servants, we have only done what was our duty. At first read this does not make much sense, yeah we understand that we are unworthy of Gods mercy and grace but there is more to it then that. The word servant in the Greek actually means bond slave. In order for my point to hold credibility I am going to take you into the life of a bond slave for a moment. In Exodus 21 we see the bond slave introduced. If you borrowed money and couldn’t pay it back, you gave six years of your life to serve them. It becomes a true servant master relationship. At the end of the sixth year the slave was free. If the slave decides he loves his master, the master can take him before the judge and have him declare his wish. So I ask why would a slave ever come to the conclusion he loves his master. Lets look a little deeper into this. If you become a slave in the first place because you owe money, your habits in life are probably not the best. One could assume you have run into a number of different troubles. Then the master takes you in and gives your life a meaning. He teaches you how to manage day to day living and provides all the necessities in the process. We can relate our relationship to Christ with this illustration. For example I was not able to manage my life, I wound up addicted to heroine and was living a fast paced lifestyle of self destruction. Christ reached out and saved me and gave me purpose to my life. Now I fast forward to this section of scripture and it takes on a whole new meaning. All of a sudden the master taking this approach does not seem out of line.
Application:
I do not give God enough credit were it should be given. I know I do not see myself completely as an unworthy servant. I know if I took on the approach of being unworthy I would actually be offering more to God. By the end of the week I will memorize verse ten of this passage to remind me of this relationship.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Stagnant Faith...
Luke 17:6 And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”
In verse five “the apostles said the lord, ‘increase our faith!’” He then goes on to tell them if only they had the faith of a mustard seed. We have all herd that the mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds there is. And yet, the Lord is saying if only we had the littlest of faith, then we could say to a mulberry tree, be uprooted and planted in the sea, and it would obey you. The mulberry tree takes deep root into the ground and grows best in a warm, well drained soil. So to uproot one of these trees would not be an easy task, and to plant it in water would be contrary to its very nature. So as I wonder why the mulberry tree for the illustration, I think its plain to see. This would be a highly unlikely situation, one that would require much faith and trust in God to do a work that on a human level would seem to defy logic. I think often times we limit God, instead of bringing what little we do have to him, we pick out what we don’t have and use it to justify our stagnant faith. God is telling us to have a faith that represents his character. Do not limit God into the confines of what we see on the horizontal scale. Rather act in faith, offer up the tangible and trust he will do to it what our unbelief has made impossible.
Application:
Often times I have faith until I think a situation is logically impossible. My faith usually does not go beyond what I already know to be true. This is a limiting faith, today I will ask God to remove my blinders and go into situations without pre-conceived notions.
In verse five “the apostles said the lord, ‘increase our faith!’” He then goes on to tell them if only they had the faith of a mustard seed. We have all herd that the mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds there is. And yet, the Lord is saying if only we had the littlest of faith, then we could say to a mulberry tree, be uprooted and planted in the sea, and it would obey you. The mulberry tree takes deep root into the ground and grows best in a warm, well drained soil. So to uproot one of these trees would not be an easy task, and to plant it in water would be contrary to its very nature. So as I wonder why the mulberry tree for the illustration, I think its plain to see. This would be a highly unlikely situation, one that would require much faith and trust in God to do a work that on a human level would seem to defy logic. I think often times we limit God, instead of bringing what little we do have to him, we pick out what we don’t have and use it to justify our stagnant faith. God is telling us to have a faith that represents his character. Do not limit God into the confines of what we see on the horizontal scale. Rather act in faith, offer up the tangible and trust he will do to it what our unbelief has made impossible.
Application:
Often times I have faith until I think a situation is logically impossible. My faith usually does not go beyond what I already know to be true. This is a limiting faith, today I will ask God to remove my blinders and go into situations without pre-conceived notions.
Speak for the Mute
Proverbs 31:8 Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute (ESV)
At this point, we are told what we should be doing in our clear judgment. We are to stay of sober mind in order to speak to those who are not able to speak themselves. I don’t think this means literally for the mute, although it could. The way I see it is for those who are not of clear judgment. That do not have a true identity in Christ and can not identify with who they are and what there purpose here on this earth is. The ones who seem to feel as though they don’t fit in. They want what they see but do not see themselves capable of getting there. They need someone to encourage them, not to offer them a drink to forget their misery and remember their pain no more. They need a savior, they need what we as believers have. And through Christ have been given the ability to freely distribute as he wills, and don’t worry it is his will. 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” If we give those who are needy for a better life a drink, we are only feeding the lie that they are not worthy of Gods mercy and grace. Yet we see a prayer of one afflicted, when he is faint and pours out his complaint before the Lord in Psalm 102:17, he says “he regards the prayer of the destitute and does not despise their prayer.” As sanctified believers we need to walk in that calling, to be holy. But not so that we may boast of our holiness, but that we would encourage, come alongside the afflicted. And cry out to God on their behalf, that they might hear and believe their prayer is herd and coveted by our God.
Application:
Today I will pray for unsaved loved ones.
At this point, we are told what we should be doing in our clear judgment. We are to stay of sober mind in order to speak to those who are not able to speak themselves. I don’t think this means literally for the mute, although it could. The way I see it is for those who are not of clear judgment. That do not have a true identity in Christ and can not identify with who they are and what there purpose here on this earth is. The ones who seem to feel as though they don’t fit in. They want what they see but do not see themselves capable of getting there. They need someone to encourage them, not to offer them a drink to forget their misery and remember their pain no more. They need a savior, they need what we as believers have. And through Christ have been given the ability to freely distribute as he wills, and don’t worry it is his will. 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” If we give those who are needy for a better life a drink, we are only feeding the lie that they are not worthy of Gods mercy and grace. Yet we see a prayer of one afflicted, when he is faint and pours out his complaint before the Lord in Psalm 102:17, he says “he regards the prayer of the destitute and does not despise their prayer.” As sanctified believers we need to walk in that calling, to be holy. But not so that we may boast of our holiness, but that we would encourage, come alongside the afflicted. And cry out to God on their behalf, that they might hear and believe their prayer is herd and coveted by our God.
Application:
Today I will pray for unsaved loved ones.
Misery into Ministry
Proverbs 31:7 let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more (ESV)
Ain’t that the truth. Actually no it’s is not. I can tell you I tried with all that was in me to get as high as I could in hopes it would eliminate the fact of my current state. At one point homeless, but no matter how high I got, one thing still remained. I was homeless. Sure for a moment the numbness of emotion and mind would take over, but deep down I always knew the painful reality of my condition. Alone, afraid, mentally and physically tired with no where to go. No drink or drug was ever going to change that. I want to share about one of my first times ever drinking. I was fourteen, it was around thanksgiving weekend and I was at my first party. The doctors said I drank the equivalent of 27 shots in a little under a time period of 45 minutes. I remember feeling a little buzzed and I liked it. Then all I remember is not being able to see anything, I just wanted out of what I was experiencing. I did not know what was going on. Around four that morning I woke up in the emergency room, the first thing I tried to do was pull out the catheter, no amount of alcohol would have taken that pain away. I was also in a heat blanket. The nurse informed me that I had gone unconscious after drinking 2 cups of straight vodka. My friends were scared and did not know what to do, so one of them had the bright idea to stick me in the bath tub and run cold water on me. After a few slaps and still nothing they decided to stick me outside cause I was throwing up everywhere. That night it was in the high thirties, later I find out that was the cause of the hypothermia. Once everyone realized I was in bad shape they called 911. I was picked up and taken by ambulance to the emergency room. The paramedics said if they had come twenty minutes later I would have been dead. That night once I woke up and found this out I took it as a joke, I was smirk and remarked that at least I still had a good buzz. I let pride take over, I knew my limit from that day. Instead of remembering the misery of that night and the pain in the days to follow, I laughed it off. I continued to flirt with death until 19. The drugs weren’t working anymore, no longer could I blur out the misery, it was all to real. Under the influence of several drugs and yet I saw my life so clear, I could not hide from the extreme pain and unhappiness within. I called on the Lord in my despair and he meet me there, a broken man. No drink will let you forget your poverty, but the Lord will let your misery turn into your ministry.
Application:
I have never thanked God for sparing my life in this situation. Honestly until now it has not held much emphasis in my life. I will take time today to thank God for what he has saved me from.
Ain’t that the truth. Actually no it’s is not. I can tell you I tried with all that was in me to get as high as I could in hopes it would eliminate the fact of my current state. At one point homeless, but no matter how high I got, one thing still remained. I was homeless. Sure for a moment the numbness of emotion and mind would take over, but deep down I always knew the painful reality of my condition. Alone, afraid, mentally and physically tired with no where to go. No drink or drug was ever going to change that. I want to share about one of my first times ever drinking. I was fourteen, it was around thanksgiving weekend and I was at my first party. The doctors said I drank the equivalent of 27 shots in a little under a time period of 45 minutes. I remember feeling a little buzzed and I liked it. Then all I remember is not being able to see anything, I just wanted out of what I was experiencing. I did not know what was going on. Around four that morning I woke up in the emergency room, the first thing I tried to do was pull out the catheter, no amount of alcohol would have taken that pain away. I was also in a heat blanket. The nurse informed me that I had gone unconscious after drinking 2 cups of straight vodka. My friends were scared and did not know what to do, so one of them had the bright idea to stick me in the bath tub and run cold water on me. After a few slaps and still nothing they decided to stick me outside cause I was throwing up everywhere. That night it was in the high thirties, later I find out that was the cause of the hypothermia. Once everyone realized I was in bad shape they called 911. I was picked up and taken by ambulance to the emergency room. The paramedics said if they had come twenty minutes later I would have been dead. That night once I woke up and found this out I took it as a joke, I was smirk and remarked that at least I still had a good buzz. I let pride take over, I knew my limit from that day. Instead of remembering the misery of that night and the pain in the days to follow, I laughed it off. I continued to flirt with death until 19. The drugs weren’t working anymore, no longer could I blur out the misery, it was all to real. Under the influence of several drugs and yet I saw my life so clear, I could not hide from the extreme pain and unhappiness within. I called on the Lord in my despair and he meet me there, a broken man. No drink will let you forget your poverty, but the Lord will let your misery turn into your ministry.
Application:
I have never thanked God for sparing my life in this situation. Honestly until now it has not held much emphasis in my life. I will take time today to thank God for what he has saved me from.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
a King for God
Proverbs 31:6 Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress
This verse in context holds much greater meaning then if it were to be pulled and thrown at someone. Honestly this verse alone could very easily be misrepresented. A little background, we know that King Lemuel is actually what some say a “poetic” name for King Solomon. The Solomon we see all throughout scripture, the son of King David. So Solomon would have first herd this proverb from his mother Bathsheba. I wonder why they would use the name Lemuel in this verse instead of Solomon. As we know, names in the bible hold a greater meaning then face value, God is constantly changing the names of characters in the bible, usually holding different meanings. The name Lemuel actually means “for God”, therefore we could read verse one as “The words of a King for God. An oracle that his mother taught him.” These words were spoken to Solomon in his earlier years, he had not yet walked out his life as a King and experienced all that the Lord would bring him through. But with this in mind, knowing that Solomon would become the wisest man on earth, the Lord used his mother to speak into his life. If we fast forward to the later years in his life, we see he treasured this teaching for what it was, “The words of a King for God”. I also think of the words of Solomon in Ecclesiastes 2:11 “Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after the wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.” If we look at the life of Solomon even in the previous verses of chapter 2 we see that he drank, and drank in excess. But in his striving after a meaning to life, he realizes outside of God, there is nothing that can fill that God shaped void. After looking at Solomon’s life, the validity of what his mother is telling him in these verse takes on all the more meaning to me. He understood that the wisdom of a mother was to be treated with a reverential fear. How do I know this, he says it with confidence in Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” The life of Solomon is one that no other man has or will ever live to the fullness he lived it. Everything he did he did it greater than anyone will ever be able to do. So taking all this into consideration I would encourage you to take the gems proverbs has to offer.
Application:
I will commit to going daily through the proverbs for the next month, reading the chapter that correlates with the days date.
This verse in context holds much greater meaning then if it were to be pulled and thrown at someone. Honestly this verse alone could very easily be misrepresented. A little background, we know that King Lemuel is actually what some say a “poetic” name for King Solomon. The Solomon we see all throughout scripture, the son of King David. So Solomon would have first herd this proverb from his mother Bathsheba. I wonder why they would use the name Lemuel in this verse instead of Solomon. As we know, names in the bible hold a greater meaning then face value, God is constantly changing the names of characters in the bible, usually holding different meanings. The name Lemuel actually means “for God”, therefore we could read verse one as “The words of a King for God. An oracle that his mother taught him.” These words were spoken to Solomon in his earlier years, he had not yet walked out his life as a King and experienced all that the Lord would bring him through. But with this in mind, knowing that Solomon would become the wisest man on earth, the Lord used his mother to speak into his life. If we fast forward to the later years in his life, we see he treasured this teaching for what it was, “The words of a King for God”. I also think of the words of Solomon in Ecclesiastes 2:11 “Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after the wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.” If we look at the life of Solomon even in the previous verses of chapter 2 we see that he drank, and drank in excess. But in his striving after a meaning to life, he realizes outside of God, there is nothing that can fill that God shaped void. After looking at Solomon’s life, the validity of what his mother is telling him in these verse takes on all the more meaning to me. He understood that the wisdom of a mother was to be treated with a reverential fear. How do I know this, he says it with confidence in Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” The life of Solomon is one that no other man has or will ever live to the fullness he lived it. Everything he did he did it greater than anyone will ever be able to do. So taking all this into consideration I would encourage you to take the gems proverbs has to offer.
Application:
I will commit to going daily through the proverbs for the next month, reading the chapter that correlates with the days date.
What's Clouding Your Judgement?
Proverbs 31:5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted (ESV)
What the Lord is saying to me is, drink aside, what else am I allowing to alter my mind, distort my thinking or cloud my judgment. I know there is a lot of things I allow to influence my thoughts and actions, although they may not be as obvious as the act of drinking, nonetheless they are very much so present in my life. I can handle this fact, but what really gets to me about this verse is what’s said next. That these very things I am allowing to creep in are causing perversion toward others. This means I am leading those around me astray from the truth. The worst part is doing this to the afflicted. The very ones who need the truth in their life to set them free. That are held in bondage to the persistent suffering and anguish in their life.
Application:
I know the Lord wants to reveal to me the things I have allowed to creep in and distort my thinking. Today I will ask that he reveal this lie that besets me and in that give me a truth to conqueror it.
What the Lord is saying to me is, drink aside, what else am I allowing to alter my mind, distort my thinking or cloud my judgment. I know there is a lot of things I allow to influence my thoughts and actions, although they may not be as obvious as the act of drinking, nonetheless they are very much so present in my life. I can handle this fact, but what really gets to me about this verse is what’s said next. That these very things I am allowing to creep in are causing perversion toward others. This means I am leading those around me astray from the truth. The worst part is doing this to the afflicted. The very ones who need the truth in their life to set them free. That are held in bondage to the persistent suffering and anguish in their life.
Application:
I know the Lord wants to reveal to me the things I have allowed to creep in and distort my thinking. Today I will ask that he reveal this lie that besets me and in that give me a truth to conqueror it.
Addiction Unpacked
Proverbs 31:4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink (ESV)
King Lemuel’s mother tells him, in verse three “do not give your ways to those who destroy kings.” In America today alcohol is socially accepted, consumed with excess, abused, misused and has taken the lives of many. So we ask, why are so many people turning to alcohol when then consequences of drinking are devastating. This is nothing new, if we look at what King Solomon said in Proverbs 23:29-35, “ Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who tarry over wine; those who go to try mixed wine. Do not look at whine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder. Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart utter perverse things. You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, like one who lies on top of a mast. “They struck me,” you will say, “but I was not hurt; they beat me but I did not feel it. When shall I awake? I must have another drink.” And still yet what concludes this statement, “I must have another drink.” I am not even going to being to unload what Solomon says in these verses, because there is a lot to be said. Although what I will say is here we see addiction unpacked, the sorrow of it, the deception within, then denial and ultimately the loss of a clear sense of reality, leaving you entangled and enslaved to the very thing causing you the hurt. I know the grips addiction can hold in your life, I also know alcohol in excess has no place in the life of a Godly man. If we are not of sound judgment, then what impact are we leaving on those around us? Titus 2:12 says, “training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.”
Application:
Today I will pray for my brother who struggles with addiction.
King Lemuel’s mother tells him, in verse three “do not give your ways to those who destroy kings.” In America today alcohol is socially accepted, consumed with excess, abused, misused and has taken the lives of many. So we ask, why are so many people turning to alcohol when then consequences of drinking are devastating. This is nothing new, if we look at what King Solomon said in Proverbs 23:29-35, “ Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who tarry over wine; those who go to try mixed wine. Do not look at whine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder. Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart utter perverse things. You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, like one who lies on top of a mast. “They struck me,” you will say, “but I was not hurt; they beat me but I did not feel it. When shall I awake? I must have another drink.” And still yet what concludes this statement, “I must have another drink.” I am not even going to being to unload what Solomon says in these verses, because there is a lot to be said. Although what I will say is here we see addiction unpacked, the sorrow of it, the deception within, then denial and ultimately the loss of a clear sense of reality, leaving you entangled and enslaved to the very thing causing you the hurt. I know the grips addiction can hold in your life, I also know alcohol in excess has no place in the life of a Godly man. If we are not of sound judgment, then what impact are we leaving on those around us? Titus 2:12 says, “training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.”
Application:
Today I will pray for my brother who struggles with addiction.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
True Love
I Corinthians 13:7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (ESV)
How quick am I to fight for this kind of love. When it comes to my own interests, the answer is so plain its convicting. I will be quick to strive after this love as long as I am of benefit. But as said in verse 5, love “does not insist on its own way.” I know if it came down to looking at the interests of another I could not say the same. I need to show this love in a selfless manner. Webster’s 1828 says to bear is “to support; to sustain; as, to bear a weight or burden. Matthew 23:4 Jesus says, “they tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on peoples shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.” So often am I holding those around me to a standard I am not walking in or willing to hold true to my life. But this selfless love says we are to support our brothers and not lay burdens on their shoulders, rather we are to bear their weight. Literally in a sense to bear them upon our shoulders. Webster’s says to believe is to “to expect or hope with confidence; to trust.” Psalm 27:13 says, “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” If we do not believe in Gods goodness on this earth, and are not asking him to help us see people as he sees them, the King James says we will literally faint, or be dejected; depressed; dispirited. That’s funny, sound awfully familiar to a majority of the world? The more we focus on ourselves the more insecure we grow. Satan’s way of destroying our ability to bond in spirit with one another. Webster’s 1828 says hope is to have, “confidence in a future event; the highest degree of well founded expectation of good; as a hope founded on God's gracious promises; a scriptural sense.” Paul says in Philippians 1:6, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Paul had an incredible capacity to see a work to completion. He knew if someone would let God start the work, He is faithful to carry it out. We need to ask God to give us this same mind, one who can look at others regardless of their outside appearance, and see the work of Christ completed in their life. Lastly Webster’s 1828 says to endure is to “last; to continue in the same state without perishing; to remain; to abide.” Paul in II Corinthians 2:6-7 says “If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.” We need to allow God to do things in us. Often times in ministry our deepest wounds that were healed, are our greatest authority. From one life filled with pain, God can take that and heal many others. Are we enduring the trails God has placed before us, or are we allowing them to drive us to exhaustion?
Application:
I know God ministered greatly to me on this verse. I feel him telling me to take what he has given to me and put it into the form of a sermon. Adding some background and a bigger picture in context of Paul’s writing in I Corinthians 13 on Love. Also I will add some personal experience to things mentioned then drive it home with strong application. I will do this by Friday the 24th.
How quick am I to fight for this kind of love. When it comes to my own interests, the answer is so plain its convicting. I will be quick to strive after this love as long as I am of benefit. But as said in verse 5, love “does not insist on its own way.” I know if it came down to looking at the interests of another I could not say the same. I need to show this love in a selfless manner. Webster’s 1828 says to bear is “to support; to sustain; as, to bear a weight or burden. Matthew 23:4 Jesus says, “they tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on peoples shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.” So often am I holding those around me to a standard I am not walking in or willing to hold true to my life. But this selfless love says we are to support our brothers and not lay burdens on their shoulders, rather we are to bear their weight. Literally in a sense to bear them upon our shoulders. Webster’s says to believe is to “to expect or hope with confidence; to trust.” Psalm 27:13 says, “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” If we do not believe in Gods goodness on this earth, and are not asking him to help us see people as he sees them, the King James says we will literally faint, or be dejected; depressed; dispirited. That’s funny, sound awfully familiar to a majority of the world? The more we focus on ourselves the more insecure we grow. Satan’s way of destroying our ability to bond in spirit with one another. Webster’s 1828 says hope is to have, “confidence in a future event; the highest degree of well founded expectation of good; as a hope founded on God's gracious promises; a scriptural sense.” Paul says in Philippians 1:6, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Paul had an incredible capacity to see a work to completion. He knew if someone would let God start the work, He is faithful to carry it out. We need to ask God to give us this same mind, one who can look at others regardless of their outside appearance, and see the work of Christ completed in their life. Lastly Webster’s 1828 says to endure is to “last; to continue in the same state without perishing; to remain; to abide.” Paul in II Corinthians 2:6-7 says “If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.” We need to allow God to do things in us. Often times in ministry our deepest wounds that were healed, are our greatest authority. From one life filled with pain, God can take that and heal many others. Are we enduring the trails God has placed before us, or are we allowing them to drive us to exhaustion?
Application:
I know God ministered greatly to me on this verse. I feel him telling me to take what he has given to me and put it into the form of a sermon. Adding some background and a bigger picture in context of Paul’s writing in I Corinthians 13 on Love. Also I will add some personal experience to things mentioned then drive it home with strong application. I will do this by Friday the 24th.
Rejoice in the Truth
I Corinthians 13:6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth (ESV)
How many times am I guilty of not doing this. The first time I read this verse I knew right away how this was something I don’t do. One would think to see another brother succeed would bring joy to the heart. This is true, although I hardly ever walk in that truth. Usually when I see someone succeed in something automatically I turn to jealousy. Although as soon as they stumble automatically deep inside I find myself rejoicing. Why is this? I don’t know why I just know that is how I operate. What I do know is God has called me to walk in his love, free from the chains that have so many bound. This is a deep rooted sin, something that I have entertained way to long. God has already revealed this to me and I am in the process of learning how to walk in the freedom he has called me to live by. God is showing me how to love my brothers and sisters in a whole new, I have daily asked him to help me see people as he sees them. Daily he is answering that prayer. I am seeing God using the successes in others to draw me closer to them. The very thing before that irked me deep down. He is teaching me how to rejoice when they do succeed, and show genuine compassion when things are not working out for them.
Application:
I have been blessed and ministered to by each one of you since I have got here. By Friday I will write a letter to each intern here telling the different ways you have impacted my life since I have been here.
How many times am I guilty of not doing this. The first time I read this verse I knew right away how this was something I don’t do. One would think to see another brother succeed would bring joy to the heart. This is true, although I hardly ever walk in that truth. Usually when I see someone succeed in something automatically I turn to jealousy. Although as soon as they stumble automatically deep inside I find myself rejoicing. Why is this? I don’t know why I just know that is how I operate. What I do know is God has called me to walk in his love, free from the chains that have so many bound. This is a deep rooted sin, something that I have entertained way to long. God has already revealed this to me and I am in the process of learning how to walk in the freedom he has called me to live by. God is showing me how to love my brothers and sisters in a whole new, I have daily asked him to help me see people as he sees them. Daily he is answering that prayer. I am seeing God using the successes in others to draw me closer to them. The very thing before that irked me deep down. He is teaching me how to rejoice when they do succeed, and show genuine compassion when things are not working out for them.
Application:
I have been blessed and ministered to by each one of you since I have got here. By Friday I will write a letter to each intern here telling the different ways you have impacted my life since I have been here.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
A True Examination
I Corinthians 13:5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful (ESV)
As I read this verse, I knew right away what it was that God was speaking to me on. “It does not insist on its own way”, how true are these words to me, they pierce my heart. There are times when I will be going throughout my day and I will have almost an out of self experience. It is as if God replays to me what I just said, as if to place me in the shoes of the person I was just conversing with. When this happens I find my self in disgust. How selfish can one person be? How narrow minded, arrogant, and heartless am I. And still I go on unfazed of the harm I just inflicted upon a fellow brother. Yet, God still loves me? Wrap your mind around that. I wonder what kind of change would occur in my life if God replayed to me all the selfish thoughts I had in the previous week. Just a little insight into my heart and I am in utter disgust, but a whole week unloaded at once. I think there is a reason God doesn’t do that. I wonder, could it be because if he did, I would shut down, so overwhelmed with regret I would have no hope of continuing on. A true examination of the things I do and no doubt, the motive behind most all of it would be because that’s how I wanted it done. No consideration of what someone else has in mind. God is opening my eyes to things in my life that are not lining up with his word, and this is one of them. Not everyone thinks the way I think, and I know my way is not always the best way. And still I shut down any suggestions, I manipulate those around me to do things the way I want to do them or I just choose not to participate at all. Where is the love in that? Its hard to even admit this is how I think, but I know its true. I have allowed this behavior to take deep root in my life. Later on in chapter 13 Paul says, “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” I don’t need to sum this thought up because Paul just said it all. Its time for me to walk as the man God sent his son to die for.
Application: Today I will not imply on the way to do something then ask how it should be done, but I will sit back and allow other people to speak into my life. I know this will only be possible through the empowerment of the Spirit, so my day will start off with a genuine time of Spirit lead prayer.
As I read this verse, I knew right away what it was that God was speaking to me on. “It does not insist on its own way”, how true are these words to me, they pierce my heart. There are times when I will be going throughout my day and I will have almost an out of self experience. It is as if God replays to me what I just said, as if to place me in the shoes of the person I was just conversing with. When this happens I find my self in disgust. How selfish can one person be? How narrow minded, arrogant, and heartless am I. And still I go on unfazed of the harm I just inflicted upon a fellow brother. Yet, God still loves me? Wrap your mind around that. I wonder what kind of change would occur in my life if God replayed to me all the selfish thoughts I had in the previous week. Just a little insight into my heart and I am in utter disgust, but a whole week unloaded at once. I think there is a reason God doesn’t do that. I wonder, could it be because if he did, I would shut down, so overwhelmed with regret I would have no hope of continuing on. A true examination of the things I do and no doubt, the motive behind most all of it would be because that’s how I wanted it done. No consideration of what someone else has in mind. God is opening my eyes to things in my life that are not lining up with his word, and this is one of them. Not everyone thinks the way I think, and I know my way is not always the best way. And still I shut down any suggestions, I manipulate those around me to do things the way I want to do them or I just choose not to participate at all. Where is the love in that? Its hard to even admit this is how I think, but I know its true. I have allowed this behavior to take deep root in my life. Later on in chapter 13 Paul says, “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” I don’t need to sum this thought up because Paul just said it all. Its time for me to walk as the man God sent his son to die for.
Application: Today I will not imply on the way to do something then ask how it should be done, but I will sit back and allow other people to speak into my life. I know this will only be possible through the empowerment of the Spirit, so my day will start off with a genuine time of Spirit lead prayer.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Walk in Love
I Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant (ESV)
I can assure you if you read this verse in context, these words would not be taken lightly. In the first three verses of chapter 13, Paul is addressing the Corinthians, saying without love all their works are of no meaning. As I read over this section a few times what stuck out to me was how Paul addressed them in first person. As if to note he is not excluded from this. I think often times it is easy to discredit someone’s teaching, when they lay a burden on you that they are not willing to carry out themselves. I think the fact that Paul is willing to include himself in this and actually explain matters as applies to his own life, shows the sincerity and genuineness of what he is trying to reveal to them. This is the same Paul who writes in Romans 12:9 “Let love be genuine.” We should also note that his main motive for addressing this issue is in the misuse of spiritual gifts among this body of believers. He is telling them to examine their motive because without love all work is in vain. I can testify for myself that at first this verse seemed like a simple definition, which is easy to check off as read and mark into the knowledge category of the brain. But as I read the preceding words of Paul I was captivated, “and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” This is not just another definition, but the very act of love being carried out in the most applicable form. Knowing that love is a fruit of the spirit (Gal 5:22), I look no further before I realize if I want to walk in this manner of love it must be in reliance of the Holy spirit to carry this out in my life. Walking in tune, a simple prayer that allows the spirit into my day to work this love into the very core of my being. A love that Christ has called me to walk in. I John 4:16 “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”
Application:
I John 4:16 ministered greatly to me, I will memorize this verse by tomorrow.
I can assure you if you read this verse in context, these words would not be taken lightly. In the first three verses of chapter 13, Paul is addressing the Corinthians, saying without love all their works are of no meaning. As I read over this section a few times what stuck out to me was how Paul addressed them in first person. As if to note he is not excluded from this. I think often times it is easy to discredit someone’s teaching, when they lay a burden on you that they are not willing to carry out themselves. I think the fact that Paul is willing to include himself in this and actually explain matters as applies to his own life, shows the sincerity and genuineness of what he is trying to reveal to them. This is the same Paul who writes in Romans 12:9 “Let love be genuine.” We should also note that his main motive for addressing this issue is in the misuse of spiritual gifts among this body of believers. He is telling them to examine their motive because without love all work is in vain. I can testify for myself that at first this verse seemed like a simple definition, which is easy to check off as read and mark into the knowledge category of the brain. But as I read the preceding words of Paul I was captivated, “and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” This is not just another definition, but the very act of love being carried out in the most applicable form. Knowing that love is a fruit of the spirit (Gal 5:22), I look no further before I realize if I want to walk in this manner of love it must be in reliance of the Holy spirit to carry this out in my life. Walking in tune, a simple prayer that allows the spirit into my day to work this love into the very core of my being. A love that Christ has called me to walk in. I John 4:16 “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”
Application:
I John 4:16 ministered greatly to me, I will memorize this verse by tomorrow.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Eternal Business
John 8:35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever.
This verse is not saying much more to me then what is already stated. We know that one who denies what Jesus has done will not find eternal life. He will be living as a slave under the law. But if we accept Christ, and die with him, we will also in turn live with him. Romans 6:8-10, “We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again: death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” I think Paul just said it all, death will come for the slave of sin, but Christ will set free those who die with him and they will inherit the eternal kingdom.
Application:
Today I will ask God to remove the blinders that my hardened heart has allowed to stay on. Then I will ask him to reveal sin that I am in bondage to. I know he does not want me to be enslaved, he is faithful and will give me a way out.
This verse is not saying much more to me then what is already stated. We know that one who denies what Jesus has done will not find eternal life. He will be living as a slave under the law. But if we accept Christ, and die with him, we will also in turn live with him. Romans 6:8-10, “We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again: death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” I think Paul just said it all, death will come for the slave of sin, but Christ will set free those who die with him and they will inherit the eternal kingdom.
Application:
Today I will ask God to remove the blinders that my hardened heart has allowed to stay on. Then I will ask him to reveal sin that I am in bondage to. I know he does not want me to be enslaved, he is faithful and will give me a way out.
Slave to Sin?
John 8:34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.” (ESV)
This verse is explaining to the Jews, who in their minds are free from enslavement, that in reality they are slaves to the daily sin they are walking in. Fallen nature means we will walk in sin till we die. We will never get to the point where our lives are free from sin. If we are under the notion that one day our flesh will die then we have a rough road ahead of us. We need to realize it is a daily battle till the day our souls are taken to heaven where we will no longer long to be filled. The closest we can ever get to God here on earth will still not fulfill that longing. I thank God for this daily, if I no longer longed I would no longer have a need. It is not till we realize this fact, that we have been created this way, to never be truly full until that day we are in his physical presence. Once we can walk in that truth, and understand this daily battle that wages war against us, then we can become slaves of righteousness. Romans 6:17-18 “But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.” We need to realize though that through God we can obtain “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.” Once we learn his peace is enough we need to learn to allow it to take over in our lives.
Application:
I daily ask God to not let me grow comfortable, I know he wont cause he has created me to long for his presence. In time this truth will allow his peace to overcome that longing. But I still say “Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die: Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” Or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.” By tomorrow I will memorize Proverbs 30:7-9 as God has brought me back to them daily for a while now.
This verse is explaining to the Jews, who in their minds are free from enslavement, that in reality they are slaves to the daily sin they are walking in. Fallen nature means we will walk in sin till we die. We will never get to the point where our lives are free from sin. If we are under the notion that one day our flesh will die then we have a rough road ahead of us. We need to realize it is a daily battle till the day our souls are taken to heaven where we will no longer long to be filled. The closest we can ever get to God here on earth will still not fulfill that longing. I thank God for this daily, if I no longer longed I would no longer have a need. It is not till we realize this fact, that we have been created this way, to never be truly full until that day we are in his physical presence. Once we can walk in that truth, and understand this daily battle that wages war against us, then we can become slaves of righteousness. Romans 6:17-18 “But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.” We need to realize though that through God we can obtain “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.” Once we learn his peace is enough we need to learn to allow it to take over in our lives.
Application:
I daily ask God to not let me grow comfortable, I know he wont cause he has created me to long for his presence. In time this truth will allow his peace to overcome that longing. But I still say “Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die: Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” Or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.” By tomorrow I will memorize Proverbs 30:7-9 as God has brought me back to them daily for a while now.
What's taking Lordship in your Life?
John 8:33 They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” (ESV)
Whether we realize it or not, we are enslaved to some degree by something in our life that is taking lordship. We might not see it as just that, but reality is that’s the truth. Its your drug of choice, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is literally a drug taking lordship in your life. But it could be work or anything of the world that we allow to take control in how we respond to the daily burdens of life. For the Jews Jesus was talking to, it could have even been their works, their religion, their very way of life for God, that had taken ownership over them before God. A true understanding and abiding in Gods word is our only answer to find freedom in this life on earth. This would involve the power of the spirit guiding and instructing us. I come to this conclusion, the Jews who answered this question have been enslaved their whole lives and they don’t even recognize it. Yet the one thing they say would enslave them is the only thing that would truly set them free. The thought of laying down our rights, our plans, our goals, hopes and dreams at first glance looks scary. At a closer look we would realize that doing those very things is the only way to say to God, my trust is solely in you alone. Once we trust in God to provide all things, which he already has and will, then we will find freedom in our day to day actions.
Application:
Tomorrow to obtain freedom in my walk with God I will lay down coffee for the day.
Whether we realize it or not, we are enslaved to some degree by something in our life that is taking lordship. We might not see it as just that, but reality is that’s the truth. Its your drug of choice, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is literally a drug taking lordship in your life. But it could be work or anything of the world that we allow to take control in how we respond to the daily burdens of life. For the Jews Jesus was talking to, it could have even been their works, their religion, their very way of life for God, that had taken ownership over them before God. A true understanding and abiding in Gods word is our only answer to find freedom in this life on earth. This would involve the power of the spirit guiding and instructing us. I come to this conclusion, the Jews who answered this question have been enslaved their whole lives and they don’t even recognize it. Yet the one thing they say would enslave them is the only thing that would truly set them free. The thought of laying down our rights, our plans, our goals, hopes and dreams at first glance looks scary. At a closer look we would realize that doing those very things is the only way to say to God, my trust is solely in you alone. Once we trust in God to provide all things, which he already has and will, then we will find freedom in our day to day actions.
Application:
Tomorrow to obtain freedom in my walk with God I will lay down coffee for the day.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
What is Truth?
John 8:32 “and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (ESV)
What is the truth? The truth is in Gods word. He says if we simply abide in his word, then in it we shall find truth and that truth shall set us free. Is the truth of Gods word setting us free? Or are we in a constant battle with it. Instead of taking it for face value so often we fight it and twist it into something that it is not. Then we wonder why it has not set us free, once again we are left searching for something to set us free. If we could just slow down from our fast paced self-seeking lifestyle, and allow God to speak to us then we would find that freedom. God has given us all the answers we will ever need in our lives. Knowing this and knowing that his spirit is present as we open his word. We should plead with him, asking him to help us lay down our pride and allow his presence to take over. Then, knowing we are talking with the only one who knows what this day has for us, we should ask God to reveal his truth to us, so that we might walk in this day, free from self. Equipped with his word and spirit to guide, instruct, minister through us and to do his will. We must be sincere in our prayers, asking God to align our will with his. I can assure you the next time you open Gods word, if you are willing to let him, he will be faithful to speak the truth into your life that will set you free. Free to walk in his grace, not in bondage to self, but in a life that is merely one of an ambassador for Christ.
Application:
Today, before I open Gods word I will ask that as I open it he would help me to lay down any of my misconceptions and take his truth for the day.
What is the truth? The truth is in Gods word. He says if we simply abide in his word, then in it we shall find truth and that truth shall set us free. Is the truth of Gods word setting us free? Or are we in a constant battle with it. Instead of taking it for face value so often we fight it and twist it into something that it is not. Then we wonder why it has not set us free, once again we are left searching for something to set us free. If we could just slow down from our fast paced self-seeking lifestyle, and allow God to speak to us then we would find that freedom. God has given us all the answers we will ever need in our lives. Knowing this and knowing that his spirit is present as we open his word. We should plead with him, asking him to help us lay down our pride and allow his presence to take over. Then, knowing we are talking with the only one who knows what this day has for us, we should ask God to reveal his truth to us, so that we might walk in this day, free from self. Equipped with his word and spirit to guide, instruct, minister through us and to do his will. We must be sincere in our prayers, asking God to align our will with his. I can assure you the next time you open Gods word, if you are willing to let him, he will be faithful to speak the truth into your life that will set you free. Free to walk in his grace, not in bondage to self, but in a life that is merely one of an ambassador for Christ.
Application:
Today, before I open Gods word I will ask that as I open it he would help me to lay down any of my misconceptions and take his truth for the day.
Abide in Him
John 8:31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “if you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples” (ESV)
Jesus has just explained to the Jews who he is, in short he gave them his testimony. Now, to those who believed what he had just told them, he tells them his word is the truth and it will set them free. I find it foolish to think that I can continue in my walk without being daily in his word. Often times I will go a day or two without even opening up his word. In John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” I can hardly read that without wanting to keep reading, knowing that the very words I am reading are God speaking to me. But knowing that I still find it a struggle to be in his Word daily. I know it is important and I know it is a desire obtained only through him. What I also know is he promises to abide in us as we abide in him. He never says reject me and I will abide in you. But we have been given this light burden, to abide in him, and yet what does he say John 15:5, “Whoever abides in me and I in him, he is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” The truth will set us free, Jesus is telling us all we need to do is abide in his a Word, if we are truly doing that are actions will go farther than just opening up the bible daily. I wish we took this verse for what it says, often times I feel Christianity today has been turned into a task, into a game of head knowledge, whoever can read the most books will obtain eternal life. But we have been given the book of life, that alone holds the truth of God. I’m not saying those who read other books are going against what the bible says, but if your bible is only a reference to the book your reading, then we have gotten it backwards.
Application:
Today during devotions the only book I will read is my bible. Praying that the spirit of God will guide me to what I need for this day, and will help me to draw out his truth in an applicable way.
Jesus has just explained to the Jews who he is, in short he gave them his testimony. Now, to those who believed what he had just told them, he tells them his word is the truth and it will set them free. I find it foolish to think that I can continue in my walk without being daily in his word. Often times I will go a day or two without even opening up his word. In John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” I can hardly read that without wanting to keep reading, knowing that the very words I am reading are God speaking to me. But knowing that I still find it a struggle to be in his Word daily. I know it is important and I know it is a desire obtained only through him. What I also know is he promises to abide in us as we abide in him. He never says reject me and I will abide in you. But we have been given this light burden, to abide in him, and yet what does he say John 15:5, “Whoever abides in me and I in him, he is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” The truth will set us free, Jesus is telling us all we need to do is abide in his a Word, if we are truly doing that are actions will go farther than just opening up the bible daily. I wish we took this verse for what it says, often times I feel Christianity today has been turned into a task, into a game of head knowledge, whoever can read the most books will obtain eternal life. But we have been given the book of life, that alone holds the truth of God. I’m not saying those who read other books are going against what the bible says, but if your bible is only a reference to the book your reading, then we have gotten it backwards.
Application:
Today during devotions the only book I will read is my bible. Praying that the spirit of God will guide me to what I need for this day, and will help me to draw out his truth in an applicable way.
Monday, February 6, 2012
The Book of Life
John 8:31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “if you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples” (ESV)
Jesus has just explained to the Jews who he is, in short he gave them his testimony. Now, to those who believed what he had just told them, he tells them his word is the truth and it will set them free. I find it foolish to think that I can continue in my walk without being daily in his word. Often times I will go a day or two without even opening up his word. In John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” I can hardly read that without wanting to keep reading, knowing that the very words I am reading are God speaking to me. But knowing that I still find it a struggle to be in his Word daily. I know it is important and I know it is a desire obtained only through him. What I also know is he promises to abide in us as we abide in him. He never says reject me and I will abide in you. But we have been given this light burden, to abide in him, and yet what does he say John 15:5, “Whoever abides in me and I in him, he is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” The truth will set us free, Jesus is telling us all we need to do is abide in his a Word, if we are truly doing that are actions will go farther than just opening up the bible daily. I wish we took this verse for what it says, often times I feel Christianity today has been turned into a task, into a game of head knowledge, whoever can read the most books will obtain eternal life. But we have been given the book of life, that alone holds the truth of God. I’m not saying those who read other books are going against what the bible says, but if your bible is only a reference to the book your reading, then we have gotten it backwards.
Application:
Today during devotions the only book I will read is my bible. Praying that the spirit of God will guide me to what I need for this day, and will help me to draw out his truth in an applicable way.
Jesus has just explained to the Jews who he is, in short he gave them his testimony. Now, to those who believed what he had just told them, he tells them his word is the truth and it will set them free. I find it foolish to think that I can continue in my walk without being daily in his word. Often times I will go a day or two without even opening up his word. In John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” I can hardly read that without wanting to keep reading, knowing that the very words I am reading are God speaking to me. But knowing that I still find it a struggle to be in his Word daily. I know it is important and I know it is a desire obtained only through him. What I also know is he promises to abide in us as we abide in him. He never says reject me and I will abide in you. But we have been given this light burden, to abide in him, and yet what does he say John 15:5, “Whoever abides in me and I in him, he is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” The truth will set us free, Jesus is telling us all we need to do is abide in his a Word, if we are truly doing that are actions will go farther than just opening up the bible daily. I wish we took this verse for what it says, often times I feel Christianity today has been turned into a task, into a game of head knowledge, whoever can read the most books will obtain eternal life. But we have been given the book of life, that alone holds the truth of God. I’m not saying those who read other books are going against what the bible says, but if your bible is only a reference to the book your reading, then we have gotten it backwards.
Application:
Today during devotions the only book I will read is my bible. Praying that the spirit of God will guide me to what I need for this day, and will help me to draw out his truth in an applicable way.
Walking in Freedom
Acts 3:10 And recognized him as the one who sat at the beautiful gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. (ESV)
This verse speaks so true to me and where I am at in my life. The people in the temple, those who have seen him before, some maybe even daily as they entered and left, recognized him and immediately the change in his life. This reminds me of a few instances since I have received Christ into my heart, I have run into friends from the past life I lived. Knowing me before as a drug dealing, 140 pound kid who could barely keep his eyes open long enough to have a conversation. They couldn’t help but do a double take and see if I was really the same person. I know the clarity in my eyes and the peace about my surroundings spoke volumes to each one of them. As I reflect back on this I wonder if my life really reflects someone who is no longer bound by the chains of addiction, am I walking in the freedom Christ has already purchased for me. Or would it just appear that way to someone passing by. John 8:36, “So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Character to me is what you do when you know no one is watching you. When you are all alone, no one there to judge you. Now we all know God is present, but we also know how easy it is to push that truth aside for the time being. The point is to walk in the freedom Christ has called us to. Are we living up to that freedom only when there is a crowd gathered around us? Do we neglect to walk in that freedom in the deepest darkest moments when no when is watching.
Application:
Today I will Abhor what is evil, hold fast to what is good. In other words have an awareness of when no one is around, am I walking in freedom or have I settled for the lie Satan wants to bound me with.
This verse speaks so true to me and where I am at in my life. The people in the temple, those who have seen him before, some maybe even daily as they entered and left, recognized him and immediately the change in his life. This reminds me of a few instances since I have received Christ into my heart, I have run into friends from the past life I lived. Knowing me before as a drug dealing, 140 pound kid who could barely keep his eyes open long enough to have a conversation. They couldn’t help but do a double take and see if I was really the same person. I know the clarity in my eyes and the peace about my surroundings spoke volumes to each one of them. As I reflect back on this I wonder if my life really reflects someone who is no longer bound by the chains of addiction, am I walking in the freedom Christ has already purchased for me. Or would it just appear that way to someone passing by. John 8:36, “So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Character to me is what you do when you know no one is watching you. When you are all alone, no one there to judge you. Now we all know God is present, but we also know how easy it is to push that truth aside for the time being. The point is to walk in the freedom Christ has called us to. Are we living up to that freedom only when there is a crowd gathered around us? Do we neglect to walk in that freedom in the deepest darkest moments when no when is watching.
Application:
Today I will Abhor what is evil, hold fast to what is good. In other words have an awareness of when no one is around, am I walking in freedom or have I settled for the lie Satan wants to bound me with.
All the Sweeter
Acts 3:9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God (ESV)
This verse convicts me of one thing. Why do we wait on God to show up before we boldly claim him, praising him in a simple action like walking. This man got to taste a life without the freedom to get up and move. It brings me back to, you don’t know how good something truly is unless you have a sense of how bad your life was without it. This healing can parallel to every blessing in life. God allows us trials and struggles, loss of loved ones, loss of jobs, bankruptcy, emotional emptiness so that when we call on him and find he alone is enough, we cant help but praise his name. If we only tasted sweet fruit our who lives it would hold no meaning to us. It would just be the norm, but if you spent a whole life eating bitter fruit, then one day someone hands you the sweetest tasting apple you’ve ever had. How much more will that experience make it all the sweeter. God allowed me to taste the things in this world, things that I once though were sweet, until he called me to him, by his grace. On that day I realized how sweet his love really is, the things of this world that were once sweet suddenly turned to bitterness. Psalm 34:8 “oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!” I thank God daily for the things I went through because I know all the more of his goodness.
Application:
I will make a list of the things God has saved me from, the grace that he has extended into my life. Then when I am feeling like life couldn’t get any worse, I will be reminded of the sweetness of the Lord.
This verse convicts me of one thing. Why do we wait on God to show up before we boldly claim him, praising him in a simple action like walking. This man got to taste a life without the freedom to get up and move. It brings me back to, you don’t know how good something truly is unless you have a sense of how bad your life was without it. This healing can parallel to every blessing in life. God allows us trials and struggles, loss of loved ones, loss of jobs, bankruptcy, emotional emptiness so that when we call on him and find he alone is enough, we cant help but praise his name. If we only tasted sweet fruit our who lives it would hold no meaning to us. It would just be the norm, but if you spent a whole life eating bitter fruit, then one day someone hands you the sweetest tasting apple you’ve ever had. How much more will that experience make it all the sweeter. God allowed me to taste the things in this world, things that I once though were sweet, until he called me to him, by his grace. On that day I realized how sweet his love really is, the things of this world that were once sweet suddenly turned to bitterness. Psalm 34:8 “oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!” I thank God daily for the things I went through because I know all the more of his goodness.
Application:
I will make a list of the things God has saved me from, the grace that he has extended into my life. Then when I am feeling like life couldn’t get any worse, I will be reminded of the sweetness of the Lord.
All for His Glory
Acts 3:8 And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. (ESV)
I could not imagine what this moment must have been like for this man. Lame, his whole life, helpless of getting him self from point A to point B. He most likely had never entered the temple, but only seen it from the temple gate. And know here He is, walking and leaping through the temple praising God. If only we took our salvation the same way as the Lame man took this healing. We should be in a daily state of praise to God for his grace, the one who “redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103 4-5. It is easy to wake up and forget that God has done a miracle in you life just in giving you another day to walk in his grace. What I’m saying is don’t forget to give God praise were it is worthy, not just in the physical miracles, but in our daily blessings. Regardless we should be honoring him in all we do and giving him the glory through all our acts.
Application:
Today in my private prayer I will ask and remind God that every act I do is for his glory. Then supplement that prayer throughout the day by several prayers as I go about my daily routine.
I could not imagine what this moment must have been like for this man. Lame, his whole life, helpless of getting him self from point A to point B. He most likely had never entered the temple, but only seen it from the temple gate. And know here He is, walking and leaping through the temple praising God. If only we took our salvation the same way as the Lame man took this healing. We should be in a daily state of praise to God for his grace, the one who “redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103 4-5. It is easy to wake up and forget that God has done a miracle in you life just in giving you another day to walk in his grace. What I’m saying is don’t forget to give God praise were it is worthy, not just in the physical miracles, but in our daily blessings. Regardless we should be honoring him in all we do and giving him the glory through all our acts.
Application:
Today in my private prayer I will ask and remind God that every act I do is for his glory. Then supplement that prayer throughout the day by several prayers as I go about my daily routine.
Right Hand of God
Acts 3:7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. (ESV)
Anytime the bible explains something in detail I think it holds a deeper meaning. What jumped out to me is that Peter took the lame beggar by the right hand. As I think about the right hand and what could be the deeper meaning within, I am reminded back to Peter’s sermon just one chapter earlier in Acts 2:25, he says, “I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken”. Again then in verse 32, “this Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has pored out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing.” Maybe I’m looking way to deep into this, but if we see the very sermon Peter had just preached spoke of the raising of Jesus and therefore (because of that) he is exalted (elevated) at the right hand of God. So what does all this mean to me, I think Peter uses the right hand as a symbolic gesture, knowing that the Lord is always before him, at his right hand and for that he will not be shaken.
Application:
Do I trust God enough to do something radical for him, even if it seems impossible to accomplish? Today I will pray to God and ask him to give me the trust to not be shaken when he wants to use me for his glory.
Anytime the bible explains something in detail I think it holds a deeper meaning. What jumped out to me is that Peter took the lame beggar by the right hand. As I think about the right hand and what could be the deeper meaning within, I am reminded back to Peter’s sermon just one chapter earlier in Acts 2:25, he says, “I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken”. Again then in verse 32, “this Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has pored out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing.” Maybe I’m looking way to deep into this, but if we see the very sermon Peter had just preached spoke of the raising of Jesus and therefore (because of that) he is exalted (elevated) at the right hand of God. So what does all this mean to me, I think Peter uses the right hand as a symbolic gesture, knowing that the Lord is always before him, at his right hand and for that he will not be shaken.
Application:
Do I trust God enough to do something radical for him, even if it seems impossible to accomplish? Today I will pray to God and ask him to give me the trust to not be shaken when he wants to use me for his glory.
Still Small Voice
Acts 3:6 But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” (ESV)
I think in order to understand the fullness of this verse we need to look back at the first two verses of this chapter. Peter and John were going to the temple at the hour of prayer, a task that they most likely did often. Which means they would have passed by the lame beggar, “whom was laid daily at the gate of the temple,” time and time again. So why did they stop this time, I believe it was an act of the spirit. An act that took faith on Peter’s part. A faith obtained only by an inward gazing at the Lord. What I get from this verse is an example of a man who has spent time with the Lord, who can hear his still small voice, who allows God to interrupt his daily routine to carry out an act of faith. I wonder how often we miss out on the opportunity of allowing the Lord to interrupt our busy schedules, to do a work through us. Reading further on in chapter three we see how the healing of the lame beggar opened the door for Peter and John to share the gospel.
Application:
Today I will listen for the still small voice of God. In order to assure this I will start my day off in devotion to the Lord. Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
I think in order to understand the fullness of this verse we need to look back at the first two verses of this chapter. Peter and John were going to the temple at the hour of prayer, a task that they most likely did often. Which means they would have passed by the lame beggar, “whom was laid daily at the gate of the temple,” time and time again. So why did they stop this time, I believe it was an act of the spirit. An act that took faith on Peter’s part. A faith obtained only by an inward gazing at the Lord. What I get from this verse is an example of a man who has spent time with the Lord, who can hear his still small voice, who allows God to interrupt his daily routine to carry out an act of faith. I wonder how often we miss out on the opportunity of allowing the Lord to interrupt our busy schedules, to do a work through us. Reading further on in chapter three we see how the healing of the lame beggar opened the door for Peter and John to share the gospel.
Application:
Today I will listen for the still small voice of God. In order to assure this I will start my day off in devotion to the Lord. Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
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