There is nothing like the presence of the Lord. We need to spend time in His presence and go with His presence. When Moses came down from Mt. Sinai, after being with God for 40 days and nights. His face was radiant and the people saw this radiance. (Ex. 34:29-32). Also, we see that every time Moses met with the Lord, his face became radiant, and the people saw this. They knew he had been with the Lord.
It is important that we spend time in God's presence. When we do this for long periods of time and on a regular basis, people will see a difference in us. We will radiate Christ and be a light to others. Scripture reveals that Moses face did not remain radiant continually, but would shine again and again as He met with God. In the same way, we must meet with God often. We must not be satisfied with past experiences with God, but we must experience Him daily.
It is important to see as well that Moses came before the Lord with unveiled face. He didn't want anything between him and receiving from God. (Exodus 34:33-35) In this same way we must come before the Lord with and open mind and heart, and setting everything aside that might hinder us in receiving His fullness and glory. Its not enough to have a daily devotions. We must spend our time with Him in such a way that brings transformation. This can only be done by our availability and through the Holy Spirit's working. (2 Corinthians 3:17-18)
If we back up a little, we see that Moses desired God's presence and would not move forward without His presence going with him. (33:14-16) As believers God's Holy Spirit is in us and ever present. Yet, this does not automatically translate into His manifest presence. It is God's manifest presence that will distinguish you from other people. Its not looks, clothes, things, work, or our accomplishments that will separate us from the crowd, it is God's manifest presence in our lives. This can only be accomplished through continual communion with Christ and the working of the Holy Spirit as we spend time in His presence.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Truth
Seventy three times Jesus said, "I tell you the truth". Truth is important to Jesus and should be important to us as well. What is truth? Truth is an indisputable fact. Jesus is truth and He speaks and walks in truth.
The world needs a church that stands on the truth that it is only through Christ one can be saved.
The church needs to be convinced:
- God's Word is true.
- Of the purpose and power of God's Word. I Timothy 7:4-
Not only must we convinced of truth, we need to be clear and creative in presenting it, and careful not to compromise it.
Psalms 24:4-5 - "4 Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. 5 Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long"
God is the source of truth and the one who is able to instruct and guide us in all truth.
The world needs a church that stands on the truth that it is only through Christ one can be saved.
The church needs to be convinced:
- God's Word is true.
- Of the purpose and power of God's Word. I Timothy 7:4-
Not only must we convinced of truth, we need to be clear and creative in presenting it, and careful not to compromise it.
Psalms 24:4-5 - "4 Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. 5 Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long"
God is the source of truth and the one who is able to instruct and guide us in all truth.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
The Goverment is on His Shoulders
Isaiah 9:6-7
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from henceforth even forever. The zeal of Jehovah of hosts will perform this.”
How often I have heard this verse and read it. Yet, it is amazing how God shows you new things. What struck me this time in reading this verse is that "the government shall be upon his shoulders." This is a comforting and reassuring thought. It is not on my shoulders. It is not for me to make it happen. I am not in charge. As ministers of God this takes a lot of pressure off of us. So often, we try to carry the burdens of ministry on our own. We think it is dependent on us for success or failure. The only thing God requires of us is to have faith in Him and obey him. The rest of what follows is up to Him. The kingdom is in His hands, and it is in good hands. My prayer Lord is to help us rest in your wisdom, might and peace.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Spirit of Truth
John 16:7, 13-15
“Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you….When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.”
I have said for years that since Satan has been unable to destroy the truth, he decided to bury the truth in a flood of information. We live in that day of misinformation when we often cannot tell what is true and what is error. Our minds and lives are often cluttered with so many bites of trivial information that we don’t have time for that which is most important. The tyranny of the urgent drowns out what is most essential in our lives.
We are in need of the Holy Spirit like never before. Jesus told His disciples that He had to go away so that He could send the Holy Spirit. Jesus is in heaven at the right hand of God making intercession for us, but the Holy Spirit is the one here on earth who dwells within us. Jesus calls Him the Helper, the Paraclete, the one who comes along side us and works on our behalf.
Who do your turn to for help on a day to day, minute-by-minute basis? I have a friend of mine that likes to say that the Holy Spirit is a genius. He is a genius in marriage, family, ministry, business, finances, health and anything else that you are involved in or are challenged by. He can be instantly accessed at any moment or in any situation. He is not limited by geographical, political, economical or cultural limitations. We can become proficient at accessing the recourses of the internet, but how proficient are we at accessing the Holy Spirit? Romans 8:14 says, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” The Holy Spirit is our source of identity in this world. Without Him we are like everyone else around us functioning in the blindness of our limitations.
Jesus goes on to say that through the Holy Spirit we have access to everything that is His, and He has full access to the Father. So, by the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ we have access to everything that is God’s. In the midst of an age of relativity, He will lead us into all truth because He leads us to Jesus, “the truth, the way and the life.” There is no one else like Him, the beginning and the end, the bread of life, the light of the world, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. In the midst of the chaos and uncertainty of our times, we need to tune in and yield to the Holy Spirit as never before to bring order and peace into our lives and our world. Shut out the clutter of life and take time to hear His still quiet voice in your life today.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
The Fragrance of Christ
2 Corinthians 2:14-17
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things?”
No matter who we are, where we are or what we are doing in the world, as believers in Christ we are called by God to be the fragrance of Christ to those with whom we come in contact. One key element to being able to diffuse the fragrance of Christ is our ability to always walk in triumph no matter what is going on around us because Christ has bought for us the victory. The picture Paul gives here is of an army returning victoriously from battle, and as they enter the city, people in celebration would fill the air with the sweet smell released by the burning of spices in the street. To the victorious it was an aroma of life. To the conquered it was an aroma of death.
Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:13) Our ability by the Spirit to be of good cheer in the midst of the chaos around is a sweet aroma that encourages and brings life. Paul and Silas after being beaten and put in chains in prison sang praises to God. The Bible says all those in the prison heard them. In the midst of a terrible situation, the fragrance of Christ diffused throughout the prison leading them into triumph and bringing many to Christ.
The second element to diffusing the fragrance of Christ is to grow in the knowledge of Him in every place. The word “knowledge” here is not just knowing about Christ, but a knowledge that comes from intimate relationship with Him and is life-changing. It means to saturate ourselves with Christ so that His character and nature just naturally diffuse His fragrance in our lives at all times and in all situations. In John 12, Jesus visits the home of Mary and Martha. Martha was busy serving Jesus, Lazarus was at the table eating with Jesus, while Mary was at His feet in worship anointing His feet with “a very costly oil, and the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.” It is out of a life of worship that the fragrance of Christ is diffused wherever we go.
In 2 Corinthians 2, there are two kinds of people, “those being saved and those who are perishing.” Both should smell the fragrance of Christ in us. You can tell you are emanating the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ by the response of those around you. To those who are perishing, “we are the aroma of death” because they hate who we are and what we represent. Hiowever those who are being saved, we are “the aroma of life leading to life.” The aroma of Christ in us, while repelling the world, will attract those who are destined for salvation.
Jesus said, “I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.” (John 15:19-20) Let us be careful that we don’t so blend with the culture that we fail to “diffuse the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.”
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Acting on Our Own
I have been reading in the book of Genesis. A comment made by the Application Study Bible struck me. It is in reference to Adam when he ate the forbidden fruit in Genesis 3.
"Man was separated from God by his desire to act on his own." We often think of sin as separating us from God. Yet, at the root of sin is our desire to act on our own. Maybe you are not committing any of the many sins mentioned in the Bible, but maybe you are acting on your own. We may think that we are pretty good because we are not lying, cheating, stealing or committing adultery. Yet, our relationship and fellowship with God may not be right because we are acting on our own. What we are doing may not be bad, but we are not putting God in what we are doing. We are not being led by His Spirit in all we do. We are just cruising through life, not doing bad, but acting on our own.
Help us Lord Jesus!
"Man was separated from God by his desire to act on his own." We often think of sin as separating us from God. Yet, at the root of sin is our desire to act on our own. Maybe you are not committing any of the many sins mentioned in the Bible, but maybe you are acting on your own. We may think that we are pretty good because we are not lying, cheating, stealing or committing adultery. Yet, our relationship and fellowship with God may not be right because we are acting on our own. What we are doing may not be bad, but we are not putting God in what we are doing. We are not being led by His Spirit in all we do. We are just cruising through life, not doing bad, but acting on our own.
Help us Lord Jesus!
By Faith He Still Speaks
There is a verse that I love. It is Hebrews 11:4. "By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offering. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead."
It is the last part of the verse that strikes me most. "And by faith he still speaks, even though dead." Will the same be said about our lives after we are dead? Will what you do now impact people for God even after you are dead? How many a great man and woman of God have made a continuing positive impact on other peoples lives, even though they are dead? Maybe you can think of some people like that. I know that I can. One of those people was my dad. To this day my dad continues to speak, even though he is dead. Of course there is my mother-in-law Tine Wilkens (Johnson).
God help me to speak, even after I am dead.
It is the last part of the verse that strikes me most. "And by faith he still speaks, even though dead." Will the same be said about our lives after we are dead? Will what you do now impact people for God even after you are dead? How many a great man and woman of God have made a continuing positive impact on other peoples lives, even though they are dead? Maybe you can think of some people like that. I know that I can. One of those people was my dad. To this day my dad continues to speak, even though he is dead. Of course there is my mother-in-law Tine Wilkens (Johnson).
God help me to speak, even after I am dead.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Character Traits of Abraham's Chief Servant
In my daily devotions I am going through the book of Genesis. I was impressed with Abraham's chief servant.
Here are some of the character traits I found in his life.
1) He was a trust worthy servant for the Bible says in Genesis 24:2 that he was in charge of all that Abraham had. This was no little thing because Abraham was wealthy and had much. Can others trust you with everything they have? Abraham found him trust worthy enough to go on an important mission for him which was to bring back a wife for Isaac. Also, believed him to be a man of his word. (Gen 24:9).
2) He believed in the God of Abraham and prayed to him for guidance in the matter of selecting a wife for Isaac. (Gen. 24:12) Do we asking the Lord's guidance in our daily life? He not only prayed, but was attentive to God's response to his prayer. (Gen 24:21) We do not only need to ask God's guidance, but we need to be sensitive and attentive to his answer or response. Sometimes we ask God something, but don't take the time to listen to what he has to say. How often do we talk to someone, but not really pay attention to what they are saying back? I know that I am often guilty of this. Sometime we do the same thing with God.
3) He was concerned about his master. (Gen. 24:12) Are you concerned about those you work for or who are over you? A believers we are not only to be faithful servants, but we should be genuinely concerned for the people we serve.
4) The servant thank the Lord for the answer to his prayer and worshiped God for his kindness and faithfulness. (Gen. 24:26) How much time do you spend in thanksgiving and worship of God for whom he is? We are often quick to ask, but neglect thanking God when he comes through for us.
5) The master would not let anything keep him from fulfilling his mission. (Gen. 24:54-56) He was focused and set on fulfilling his mission. He was in a hurry to complete his mission and didn't want anything to distract him from his duties. What mission or work that God has called you to? Don't let anything distract or hinder you from accomplishing God's purpose for you. I encourage you today to sharpen your focus.
What wonderful lessons we can learn from a man who didn't have the promise of being the father of a great nation. Yet, it didn't stop him from being a great man and a servant of God. As result he played an important role in the promise.
Here are some of the character traits I found in his life.
1) He was a trust worthy servant for the Bible says in Genesis 24:2 that he was in charge of all that Abraham had. This was no little thing because Abraham was wealthy and had much. Can others trust you with everything they have? Abraham found him trust worthy enough to go on an important mission for him which was to bring back a wife for Isaac. Also, believed him to be a man of his word. (Gen 24:9).
2) He believed in the God of Abraham and prayed to him for guidance in the matter of selecting a wife for Isaac. (Gen. 24:12) Do we asking the Lord's guidance in our daily life? He not only prayed, but was attentive to God's response to his prayer. (Gen 24:21) We do not only need to ask God's guidance, but we need to be sensitive and attentive to his answer or response. Sometimes we ask God something, but don't take the time to listen to what he has to say. How often do we talk to someone, but not really pay attention to what they are saying back? I know that I am often guilty of this. Sometime we do the same thing with God.
3) He was concerned about his master. (Gen. 24:12) Are you concerned about those you work for or who are over you? A believers we are not only to be faithful servants, but we should be genuinely concerned for the people we serve.
4) The servant thank the Lord for the answer to his prayer and worshiped God for his kindness and faithfulness. (Gen. 24:26) How much time do you spend in thanksgiving and worship of God for whom he is? We are often quick to ask, but neglect thanking God when he comes through for us.
5) The master would not let anything keep him from fulfilling his mission. (Gen. 24:54-56) He was focused and set on fulfilling his mission. He was in a hurry to complete his mission and didn't want anything to distract him from his duties. What mission or work that God has called you to? Don't let anything distract or hinder you from accomplishing God's purpose for you. I encourage you today to sharpen your focus.
What wonderful lessons we can learn from a man who didn't have the promise of being the father of a great nation. Yet, it didn't stop him from being a great man and a servant of God. As result he played an important role in the promise.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Walking in God's Promises
I am reading about the life of Abraham. God promised Abraham that he would make him a great nation and give him the land of Canaan (promises land). Yet, in order to obtain the promise he had to obey the word of God. He had to walk in the promise. He had to take practical steps to obtain the promise. The steps that the Lord ordained for him.
God commands him to leave his country, friends and family to go into the land of Canaan. (Gen. 12:1). Later on God showed him all the land that would be given to his offspring and God said, "Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you." (Gen. 13:17) Abraham did as the Lord commanded and for the rest of his life, he walked the length and breadth of the land of Canaan. It was a walk of faith. Abraham began walking in the promise of God. In a practical way, he was laying hold of the promise of God. Abraham did not see the fulfillment of the promise in his life. It was made to him, but for his offspring. Yet, I believe firmly that the promise would not have been realized if it hadn't been for Abraham's faith and obedience. Before the people of Israel entered the promise land, it had already been won through Abraham's faith and obedience.
What promises has God given you? What are some practical ways you can walk in the promise? Most of God's promises are conditional, and dependent on our faith and obedience. We can't just sit back and expect God to drop His promises into our laps. Get the mind of the Lord and take the first step, then the second and third. It may look impossible, but all things are possible with God to those whom believe.
Abraham was out numbered in the land. He didn't have any great army. He was only a nomad in the land herding his sheep and live stock. This didn't stop Abraham in believing God and taking hold of the land in his spirit by faith.
God commands him to leave his country, friends and family to go into the land of Canaan. (Gen. 12:1). Later on God showed him all the land that would be given to his offspring and God said, "Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you." (Gen. 13:17) Abraham did as the Lord commanded and for the rest of his life, he walked the length and breadth of the land of Canaan. It was a walk of faith. Abraham began walking in the promise of God. In a practical way, he was laying hold of the promise of God. Abraham did not see the fulfillment of the promise in his life. It was made to him, but for his offspring. Yet, I believe firmly that the promise would not have been realized if it hadn't been for Abraham's faith and obedience. Before the people of Israel entered the promise land, it had already been won through Abraham's faith and obedience.
What promises has God given you? What are some practical ways you can walk in the promise? Most of God's promises are conditional, and dependent on our faith and obedience. We can't just sit back and expect God to drop His promises into our laps. Get the mind of the Lord and take the first step, then the second and third. It may look impossible, but all things are possible with God to those whom believe.
Abraham was out numbered in the land. He didn't have any great army. He was only a nomad in the land herding his sheep and live stock. This didn't stop Abraham in believing God and taking hold of the land in his spirit by faith.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Stay the Course
I have been reading Matthew 26 & 27. There is much in these chapters that detail the arrest, and death of Jesus. The one thing that stuck out to me is the fact that Jesus stayed the course. Despite the sure pain and suffering that He would experience, he went willingly as a lamb to the slaughter. He had every opportunity to escape or deliver himself from the situation he was in. At his arrest he could of led a rebellion, and because of his great popularity among the people could have been very successful. Of course at any time he could of called on twelve legions of angels. Before the Sanhedrin, He could of kept silent, and would have been eventually set free. Before Pilot, He could of spoken, and defended himself and ultimately be set free. Then on the cross, people mocked Him and told him to rescue himself, and he could have done that very thing. Yet, nothing we keep Jesus from staying the course, neither opportunity, coercing, mocking, pride, power, or self'-defense.
God would say to us today, know the mind of Christ for your life, and stay the course that Christ has set before you, no matter what may come your way. We must be careful not to allow pride, self-centeredness, temptation, the influence of others, or any trial keep us from being faithful to what God has called us to.
God would say to us today, know the mind of Christ for your life, and stay the course that Christ has set before you, no matter what may come your way. We must be careful not to allow pride, self-centeredness, temptation, the influence of others, or any trial keep us from being faithful to what God has called us to.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Not A Waste
I recently read the story of the woman who anointed Jesus with perfume. (Matthew 26:6-13) I have read and taught on this story many a time, but it is amazing how God shows you something different that you never noticed before. The phrase that stuck out to me is, "Why this waste?". the disciples saw this action as a waste of money. Money that could have been given to the poor.
Then the Lord spoke to my heart, nothing is wasted on me. We have all done things for the Lord. Often this requires our time, energy and finances. Often it may go unnoticed by others, or even unappreciated by others. Sometimes we do things for the Lord, and we wonder if it is really worth it. It is easy to be discouraged as we serve the Lord. It is especially difficult when we pour our lives out as a drink offering to the Lord, and seemingly there is little reward.
The word of the Lord for you today is that your time, energy and effort, no matter how small, given in the Lord's name (this is worship) is not ignored. It has not gone to waste. God sees our heart and our every act of worship. It is a beautiful thing to him. (Matthew 26:10)
Then the Lord spoke to my heart, nothing is wasted on me. We have all done things for the Lord. Often this requires our time, energy and finances. Often it may go unnoticed by others, or even unappreciated by others. Sometimes we do things for the Lord, and we wonder if it is really worth it. It is easy to be discouraged as we serve the Lord. It is especially difficult when we pour our lives out as a drink offering to the Lord, and seemingly there is little reward.
The word of the Lord for you today is that your time, energy and effort, no matter how small, given in the Lord's name (this is worship) is not ignored. It has not gone to waste. God sees our heart and our every act of worship. It is a beautiful thing to him. (Matthew 26:10)
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Keys to Prosperity
Now I am not a name it claim it kind of guy. I don't agree with much of the prosperity doctrine, but I believe that there is an under lying theme through out the Bible that God provides for His children and loves to give them good gifts. There are many examples of this in the Old Testament and principles taught in the new testament on this.
I would like to give you a number of these key principles.
Psalms 24:1 say that, "the earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world and all who live in it"
The first key is that we need to recognize that God is Lord and make Him Lord of our life. When we do this we will put our confidence in Him. The result will be that we will have peace in our hearts and mind, no longer worrying about our finances. The other result will be that God will honor our faith and provide for us. Also, when we do this, we will no longer try to resolve our financial problems in our own strength. The result, we will no longer tire ourselves in making money. The other result, we will be led by the Holy Spirit in our financial decisions. Also, we will put God above all else and walk up right before Him which will encourage God to provide for our every need.
The second key to prospering as a believer is giving. God promises those who give their tithes and offering will be blessed in a tangible way. (Malachi 3:6-12) Also, God promises to bless those who give to the poor. (Proverbs 22:9) The Bible teaches that the measure we give will determine the measure we receive. (Luke 6:38) Yet, it is not sufficient to give, but we must give with a proper attitude, if not, will not be blessed. (2 Corinthians 9:7; Matthew 6:1)
Another key to prosperity is a spiritual life. Prayer plays an important part in receiving from the Lord. (Matthew 7:8) Accompanied with this prayer there must be faith. Without genuine faith, we shouldn't expect anything from the Lord. (James 1:6-7) James talks about how the prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much. (James 5;16) Also, Psalms 1 talks about the blessings that accompany a righteous man.
There are other practical things that we must apply to our lives to prosper which I don't have time to elaborate on here: faithfulness, creativity, excellence, and strategy.
I would like to give you a number of these key principles.
Psalms 24:1 say that, "the earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world and all who live in it"
The first key is that we need to recognize that God is Lord and make Him Lord of our life. When we do this we will put our confidence in Him. The result will be that we will have peace in our hearts and mind, no longer worrying about our finances. The other result will be that God will honor our faith and provide for us. Also, when we do this, we will no longer try to resolve our financial problems in our own strength. The result, we will no longer tire ourselves in making money. The other result, we will be led by the Holy Spirit in our financial decisions. Also, we will put God above all else and walk up right before Him which will encourage God to provide for our every need.
The second key to prospering as a believer is giving. God promises those who give their tithes and offering will be blessed in a tangible way. (Malachi 3:6-12) Also, God promises to bless those who give to the poor. (Proverbs 22:9) The Bible teaches that the measure we give will determine the measure we receive. (Luke 6:38) Yet, it is not sufficient to give, but we must give with a proper attitude, if not, will not be blessed. (2 Corinthians 9:7; Matthew 6:1)
Another key to prosperity is a spiritual life. Prayer plays an important part in receiving from the Lord. (Matthew 7:8) Accompanied with this prayer there must be faith. Without genuine faith, we shouldn't expect anything from the Lord. (James 1:6-7) James talks about how the prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much. (James 5;16) Also, Psalms 1 talks about the blessings that accompany a righteous man.
There are other practical things that we must apply to our lives to prosper which I don't have time to elaborate on here: faithfulness, creativity, excellence, and strategy.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Saying I Will is Not Enough
As I was reading yesterday, I came across a wonderful parable in Matthew 21:28-32. Jesus gave the following parable to the religious leaders of his day.
"What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.“Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go “Which of the two did what his father wanted?”“The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him."
How often have we said to the Lord, I will, and then we don't do what we have said. It is usually during a moving church service that we say to God I surrender all. It is in the quiet place we often make promises to God that we don't keep. We are often like the son in this parable and are quick to say, yes, but don't follow through.
God is not looking for the willing, but those who will do what he has asked them. What is God asking you to do? What are the scriptures asking us to do? Today is the day to stop saying I will do, but to actually do it. Let us not be like the religious leaders of Jesus' day.
"What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.“Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go “Which of the two did what his father wanted?”“The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him."
How often have we said to the Lord, I will, and then we don't do what we have said. It is usually during a moving church service that we say to God I surrender all. It is in the quiet place we often make promises to God that we don't keep. We are often like the son in this parable and are quick to say, yes, but don't follow through.
God is not looking for the willing, but those who will do what he has asked them. What is God asking you to do? What are the scriptures asking us to do? Today is the day to stop saying I will do, but to actually do it. Let us not be like the religious leaders of Jesus' day.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
The Lord's Prayer
As I read once again this well known prayer in Matthew 6:9-13, I thought I would share a few of my thoughts on it.
Our Father in heaven - Wow! What a way to start off the prayer. We have a spiritual father who is the King of kings and the Lord of lord's. Heaven refers to where is at and His exalted position. Talk about having connections in high places. What's most amazing is the we are His children.
Hallowed be your name - Holy is the name of the Lord. Do we treat His name as holy? Does our attitudes and actions reflect His holy name? The child is a reflection on the Father. When a person looks at a child and watches his attitudes and actions, he will form an opinion of the Father.
Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. - This is not a prayer for future events. This is a prayer for present day action. God wants to bring heaven to earth. He wants what is on earth to line up with what is in heaven. Of course the complete fulfillment of this will not happen until the Father puts everything under the Son in the last days. Yet, the prayer is not, come Lord Jesus, but Lord Jesus be revealed in us in the here and now.
Give us today our daily bread. - Do you depend on God for your daily bread or are you seeking your daily bread in your strength or relying on others for your daily bread? God wants our focus to be on Him for our every need. He wants us to rely on Him only.
Forgive us our debts, as we have also forgiven our debtors. - Christ paid our debt of sin. Are you willing to do the same for another? God gave us grace - unmerited favor. There may be someone in your life who is not worthy of forgiveness, but we need to forgive them anyway. There may be someone who owes us big time, not just financially. God would say, don't try to collect. Let me be your reward.
An lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one? The Bible says that the devil is like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. We can only be delivered from his mighty jaws with the help of God. I know for my own life God has delivered me many a time. It is not always from Satan, more often it is from my self.
Our Father in heaven - Wow! What a way to start off the prayer. We have a spiritual father who is the King of kings and the Lord of lord's. Heaven refers to where is at and His exalted position. Talk about having connections in high places. What's most amazing is the we are His children.
Hallowed be your name - Holy is the name of the Lord. Do we treat His name as holy? Does our attitudes and actions reflect His holy name? The child is a reflection on the Father. When a person looks at a child and watches his attitudes and actions, he will form an opinion of the Father.
Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. - This is not a prayer for future events. This is a prayer for present day action. God wants to bring heaven to earth. He wants what is on earth to line up with what is in heaven. Of course the complete fulfillment of this will not happen until the Father puts everything under the Son in the last days. Yet, the prayer is not, come Lord Jesus, but Lord Jesus be revealed in us in the here and now.
Give us today our daily bread. - Do you depend on God for your daily bread or are you seeking your daily bread in your strength or relying on others for your daily bread? God wants our focus to be on Him for our every need. He wants us to rely on Him only.
Forgive us our debts, as we have also forgiven our debtors. - Christ paid our debt of sin. Are you willing to do the same for another? God gave us grace - unmerited favor. There may be someone in your life who is not worthy of forgiveness, but we need to forgive them anyway. There may be someone who owes us big time, not just financially. God would say, don't try to collect. Let me be your reward.
An lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one? The Bible says that the devil is like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. We can only be delivered from his mighty jaws with the help of God. I know for my own life God has delivered me many a time. It is not always from Satan, more often it is from my self.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
What Do You Hear
What Do You Hear?
Revelations 2:17 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it."' NKJV
Two keys to entering into the promises that are common to all seven churches in Revelation are an ability to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches and the ability to overcome. We live in a world inundated with constant sound, voices from every area pulling upon our attention, drowning out what God is wanting to speak to us to enable us to overcome and come into the abundant life Jesus has provided for us.
In I Kings chapters 17 and 18 there had been no dew nor rain in Israel for three years and there was “severe famine.” God had supernaturally provided for Elijah with ravens that brought him bread and meat and a widow who only had a “handful of flour” and “a little oil jar.” Elijah came into this supernatural provision in famine because of his ability to hear the voice of God in the midst of insurmountable challenges and the courage to obey that voice. But God’s plan was not only to provide for Elijah, but to use Elijah to impact a nation.
In chapter 18, Elijah calls down fire from heaven, kills the prophets of Baal and then in verse 11 makes a startling pronouncement to Ahab: “Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain.” There has not been rain nor dew in three years, there is not a cloud in the sky or even a hint of rain, yet Elijah hears what others do not hear, he hears the sound not of a little rain but the sound of abundance of rain. While Ahab eats and drinks, Elijah prays in what he has heard in the Spirit. Seven times he bows down and prays, six times he sends his servant to look and there is nothing, but the seventh time the servant sees “a cloud, as small as a man’s hand, rising out of the sea.” Elijah leaps into action and outruns Ahab’s chariot to Jezreel in the midst of pouring rain.
To survive, overcome, and lead in today’s world, we need to hear what others do not hear. If all we do is listen to what others say, what we see on the news or read on the internet, magazines or books, we are simply being influenced by voices around us whether good or bad. Romans 10:17 says, “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Our ability to act with faith and confidence even in the midst of drought and famine is rooted in our ability to clearly hear the voice of God and to pray it into reality.
"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat.” God has hidden manna for you to eat today if you will shut off the shouting voices of the world and get into God’s presence. For those who hear and overcome there is also a new name that “no one knows except the one who receives it.” A name in Bible times defined identity. God has a new identity for you that does not come from this world, no one can give it to you, and no one knows it but God. He wants to reveal it to you if you, will hear His voice and respond in faith and obedience.
Revelations 2:17 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it."' NKJV
Two keys to entering into the promises that are common to all seven churches in Revelation are an ability to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches and the ability to overcome. We live in a world inundated with constant sound, voices from every area pulling upon our attention, drowning out what God is wanting to speak to us to enable us to overcome and come into the abundant life Jesus has provided for us.
In I Kings chapters 17 and 18 there had been no dew nor rain in Israel for three years and there was “severe famine.” God had supernaturally provided for Elijah with ravens that brought him bread and meat and a widow who only had a “handful of flour” and “a little oil jar.” Elijah came into this supernatural provision in famine because of his ability to hear the voice of God in the midst of insurmountable challenges and the courage to obey that voice. But God’s plan was not only to provide for Elijah, but to use Elijah to impact a nation.
In chapter 18, Elijah calls down fire from heaven, kills the prophets of Baal and then in verse 11 makes a startling pronouncement to Ahab: “Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain.” There has not been rain nor dew in three years, there is not a cloud in the sky or even a hint of rain, yet Elijah hears what others do not hear, he hears the sound not of a little rain but the sound of abundance of rain. While Ahab eats and drinks, Elijah prays in what he has heard in the Spirit. Seven times he bows down and prays, six times he sends his servant to look and there is nothing, but the seventh time the servant sees “a cloud, as small as a man’s hand, rising out of the sea.” Elijah leaps into action and outruns Ahab’s chariot to Jezreel in the midst of pouring rain.
To survive, overcome, and lead in today’s world, we need to hear what others do not hear. If all we do is listen to what others say, what we see on the news or read on the internet, magazines or books, we are simply being influenced by voices around us whether good or bad. Romans 10:17 says, “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Our ability to act with faith and confidence even in the midst of drought and famine is rooted in our ability to clearly hear the voice of God and to pray it into reality.
"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat.” God has hidden manna for you to eat today if you will shut off the shouting voices of the world and get into God’s presence. For those who hear and overcome there is also a new name that “no one knows except the one who receives it.” A name in Bible times defined identity. God has a new identity for you that does not come from this world, no one can give it to you, and no one knows it but God. He wants to reveal it to you if you, will hear His voice and respond in faith and obedience.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Having a Positive Effect
What kind of effect are you having on the people around you? Are you having a positive or negative effect on them? Are you making their day better or worse?
Matthew 5:13 says, "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men"
Salt brings out the good flavor in food. It has a positive effect on the food. We are to positively effect those around us. We are to bring out the best in a person. What they see in us should be appealing and cause them to desire us or that which is in us, namely, Christ. Or do our attitudes and actions leave a bad taste in others mouths?
Also, salt does not bring attention to itself. Salt is to blend into the food and enhance it. If there is too much salt in the food, it overwhelms the food and has an opposite effect. If we come on too strong to the world, we may overwhelm them and become a bad taste in their mouth. Often when we come on too strong, we end up detracting from God, Him who is in us. They focus on us more than Christ in us.
On the other hand if there is not enough salt, we will not bring the necessary change and positive effect that needs to take place. We must be careful not to water down the Gospel or our walk with Christ. Then the salt loses its saltiness and becomes worthless.
Finally, there are those who don't want the spiritual food no matter how we salt it. They have determined in their heart and mind that they don't like this kind of food. Often because in the past they have had a bad experience with the food or have chosen never to give it a chance.
The Bible says that we should never be tired of doing good and letting our light shine. Let us have a positive affect on our family, friends and everyone that we come in contact with today.
Matthew 5:13 says, "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men"
Salt brings out the good flavor in food. It has a positive effect on the food. We are to positively effect those around us. We are to bring out the best in a person. What they see in us should be appealing and cause them to desire us or that which is in us, namely, Christ. Or do our attitudes and actions leave a bad taste in others mouths?
Also, salt does not bring attention to itself. Salt is to blend into the food and enhance it. If there is too much salt in the food, it overwhelms the food and has an opposite effect. If we come on too strong to the world, we may overwhelm them and become a bad taste in their mouth. Often when we come on too strong, we end up detracting from God, Him who is in us. They focus on us more than Christ in us.
On the other hand if there is not enough salt, we will not bring the necessary change and positive effect that needs to take place. We must be careful not to water down the Gospel or our walk with Christ. Then the salt loses its saltiness and becomes worthless.
Finally, there are those who don't want the spiritual food no matter how we salt it. They have determined in their heart and mind that they don't like this kind of food. Often because in the past they have had a bad experience with the food or have chosen never to give it a chance.
The Bible says that we should never be tired of doing good and letting our light shine. Let us have a positive affect on our family, friends and everyone that we come in contact with today.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Reaching Your Potential in Christ
Genesis 1:27-28 ‘God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”
Genesis 2:7 “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.”
To reach our potential we must recognize our source of life and identity are in God. God formed man’s body from the earth, but the breath of life and what makes us who we are came from God. The day Adam and Eve sinned, they died because they were cut off from the source of life. Their soul man began to degenerate with sin and their body eventually died also. It was like cutting a healthy green tree from its roots. The tree will stay green for a while, but then the leaves will begin to dry and fall off. Eventually the whole tree will die and begin to decay. But through Jesus Christ we have been made spiritually alive and connected back to God.
1 John 4:4 says, “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” Our training, education, five senses and, and life experiences try to keep us connected to the world. We measure ourselves and others by what we see, hear, and feel. It can cause us to worry and fret, feel devalued, measuring ourselves by how we look or what we own, or how we perform. If we are not careful, we even measure our spiritual life and ministry by man’s standards. As long as we see ourselves and others by worldly standards, we are bound to this decaying world. But we are not of the world, we are of God! Those who are of God, overcome the world!
Daniel, who was taken into captivity, rises to become the second in the empire. Joseph, unjustly sold as a slave in Egypt, rises as a slave to be in charge of Potiphar’s whole house. When falsely accused and thrown in prison, he is put in charge of the whole prison and from prison rises directly to be second in Egypt. David, the shepherd boy, kills a lion and a bear, then kills Goliath, and becomes the greatest general in Israel’s history. It was he of whom the people said, “Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” David then becomes the greatest king in Israel’s history.
What was their edge? What enabled them to rise above the injustices of life? It was because God was with them. Daniel, as a youth arriving in Babylon, purposed in his heart not to compromise himself with the Babylonian system. (Daniel 1:8) Three times a day he knelt down to pray to remind himself that he was not a Babylonian, that he was a child of God and that God was his source. (Daniel 6:10) Joseph understood his God-given destiny. David was a man after God’s heart. They all worked hard and were good at what they did, but their edge in life was their relationship with God.
We often relegate the Holy Spirit to ministry, but like Daniel Joseph, and David, the Spirit wants to give us success in every area of our lives. The Holy Spirit is a creative genius, a brilliant educator, ultimate economist, righteous politician, and noble warrior. But we often get so busy and caught up in the world’s way that we fail to hear His still small voice and do things His way. “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” No matter what area or field of life you work in, your edge is your ability to bring the Holy Spirit to bear on what you are doing.
Friday, April 1, 2011
It is how you finish that counts.
I have been reading in Revelation the messages that God gave the seven churches. There is one thing phrase that is repeated to each of the seven churches which is "to him who overcomes". To each person who overcomes they have a special reward from God.
To the church in Ephesus, he will eat from the tree of life in paradise of God. To the church in Smyrna, Christ will give the crown of life. To the church in Pergamum, Christ will give him spiritual food and a new name. To the church in Thyatira, God will give him authority over the nations and the same kind of authority that Christ received from the Father. To the church in Sardis, he will be dressed in white and his name will never be blotted out of the book of life. To the church in Philadelphia, he will be given the right to sit on God's throne.
Yet, all these rewards are dependent on us overcoming. I like how it is said best in Revelation 2:26 - "To him who overcomes and does my will to the end...". God spoke to me clearly, it is not how you begin the race or how you begin the fight that counts. It is how you finish that counts. We must finish well. It is not even important when you began the race or got into the fight, but it is how it ends that counts. Many a servant of the Lord began well, but didn't finish well or never finished at all. We could serve God faithfully for 25 years, but fail to serve Him faithfully to the end. There will be no reward for those who do not finish well. This is a scary thought. Lord Jesus help me to finish will and be faithful to the very end. I will then receive those wonderful blessings that you have promised to all who overcome.
To the church in Ephesus, he will eat from the tree of life in paradise of God. To the church in Smyrna, Christ will give the crown of life. To the church in Pergamum, Christ will give him spiritual food and a new name. To the church in Thyatira, God will give him authority over the nations and the same kind of authority that Christ received from the Father. To the church in Sardis, he will be dressed in white and his name will never be blotted out of the book of life. To the church in Philadelphia, he will be given the right to sit on God's throne.
Yet, all these rewards are dependent on us overcoming. I like how it is said best in Revelation 2:26 - "To him who overcomes and does my will to the end...". God spoke to me clearly, it is not how you begin the race or how you begin the fight that counts. It is how you finish that counts. We must finish well. It is not even important when you began the race or got into the fight, but it is how it ends that counts. Many a servant of the Lord began well, but didn't finish well or never finished at all. We could serve God faithfully for 25 years, but fail to serve Him faithfully to the end. There will be no reward for those who do not finish well. This is a scary thought. Lord Jesus help me to finish will and be faithful to the very end. I will then receive those wonderful blessings that you have promised to all who overcome.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Spiritual Understanding
1. How should we preach the Gospel of Christ? 2:1-4
We should not depend on our knowledge or wisdom. We are to depend on the power of God’s Spirit.
We should not add to or take away from the gospel. We are not to preach the philosophies of men or our
opinion, but proclaim the Word of God. We are to preach in humility, realizing it is not by my power that
others will be saved. We are to focus on the message of the Gospel which is Christ crucified and men’s
need to repent.
2. Why should we preach in this way? 2:5
That they may be saved through God’s power, not yours.
3. Why do you think Paul preached to the Corinthians this way?
1) The people put their confidence in knowledge and wisdom. He didn’t want people to receive the
gospel in their head, but in their heart.
2) He recongnized that we are unable to save people in our power.
3) It is only by the H.S. that people can be saved.
(Acts 14:3; Romans 15:17-19)
4) It is not much talk that will change people lives.
5) He wanted God to get all the glory.
4. Paul refers of a hidden wisdom. What is it? 2:6-10
The gospel or the message of the cross.
5. What searches all things? 2:10
The Holy Spirit
6. How do we come to know God? 2:10-12
By the Holy Spirit
7. Is the Bible just words in a book?
No
8. If no, then what is the Bible? 2:13
It is the Word of God, therefore, spiritual words and spiritual truths.
9. How can we understand theses spiritual words and truth? 2:14
By spiritual discernment which comes by the Spirit of God.
10. Who is the spiritual man? 2:15-3:3
One who has spiritual discernment and not worldly.
11. What must we do to gain spiritual understanding?
Spend time with God and submit to His Spirit.
We should not depend on our knowledge or wisdom. We are to depend on the power of God’s Spirit.
We should not add to or take away from the gospel. We are not to preach the philosophies of men or our
opinion, but proclaim the Word of God. We are to preach in humility, realizing it is not by my power that
others will be saved. We are to focus on the message of the Gospel which is Christ crucified and men’s
need to repent.
2. Why should we preach in this way? 2:5
That they may be saved through God’s power, not yours.
3. Why do you think Paul preached to the Corinthians this way?
1) The people put their confidence in knowledge and wisdom. He didn’t want people to receive the
gospel in their head, but in their heart.
2) He recongnized that we are unable to save people in our power.
3) It is only by the H.S. that people can be saved.
(Acts 14:3; Romans 15:17-19)
4) It is not much talk that will change people lives.
5) He wanted God to get all the glory.
4. Paul refers of a hidden wisdom. What is it? 2:6-10
The gospel or the message of the cross.
5. What searches all things? 2:10
The Holy Spirit
6. How do we come to know God? 2:10-12
By the Holy Spirit
7. Is the Bible just words in a book?
No
8. If no, then what is the Bible? 2:13
It is the Word of God, therefore, spiritual words and spiritual truths.
9. How can we understand theses spiritual words and truth? 2:14
By spiritual discernment which comes by the Spirit of God.
10. Who is the spiritual man? 2:15-3:3
One who has spiritual discernment and not worldly.
11. What must we do to gain spiritual understanding?
Spend time with God and submit to His Spirit.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Wisdom of God
I. The difference between God’s wisdom and men’s. I Corinthians 1:17-25
The wisdom of the world is based on man’s knowledge and understanding. It is limited. Any wisdom that is contrary to God’s word and principles that he has established is human wisdom. Any thinking or action that is contrary to God’s thinking or will is human wisdom. The wisdom of the world puts God on the side, not in the center of our life, and often removes God from our live. The wisdom of the man puts its focus on man and his abilities. The wisdom of man sees man as the final authority and does not accept the revelation of Jesus Christ. The wisdom of this world can’t distinguish between right and wrong.
God’s wisdom is based on God’s knowledge and understanding that is revealed through the Bible and the Holy Spirit. When we have the wisdom of God our thoughts and actions will be lined up with the Bible. When we have the wisdom of God, Jesus Christ will be at the center of our lives. When we have the wisdom of God, we will not depend on our own strength or abilities.
II. What is the wisdom of God for those who are perishing? I Corinthians 1:18
Foolishness
III. What is the wisdom of God for those who are being saved?
It is the power of God.
IV. What are some things that those who don’t have Christ consider foolish?
1) Those that are least in the kingdom of God are the greater.
2) Those who give liberally will become rich.
3) Those that humble themselves will be lifted up.
4) Love your enemies and pray for them.
5) Those who die to self will find life.
V. Who is the power of God and wisdom of God? I Corinthians 1:24
Christ
VI. What is wiser than man’s wisdom? I Corinthians 1:25
God’s foolishness
VII. Are we able to know God through our wisdom? I Corinthians 1:21
VIII. What kind of people does God love to choose and use for His kingdom? I Corinthians 1:26-29
1) Those who are not wise by human standards.
2) Those who are not influential or of noble birth.
IX. What other things does God like to choose?
1) Those things that is foolish according to the world.
2) Those things that is weak.
3) Those things that is lowly.
4) Those things that is despised.
X. Why does God do this?
1) To shame the wise and strong.
2) To bring glory to God and that people might boast in Him alone.
XI. Where does wisdom come from? I Corinthians 1:30
It is from God through Christ.
XII. According to verse 30, what kind of wisdom does God give?
Righteous, holy, and redemptive
XIII. How do we obtain or find this wisdom?
We find it in the Bible with the help of the Holy Spirit and other wise men of God.
XIV. List some things we do as Christians that show that we have God’s wisdom?
1) We don’t steal, cheat, lie, kill, or commit adultery.
2) We don’t worship idols or evil spirits.
3) We love other people as God loves us.
4) We don’t boast in our wisdom or own strength.
5) We put God first in our lives.
The wisdom of the world is based on man’s knowledge and understanding. It is limited. Any wisdom that is contrary to God’s word and principles that he has established is human wisdom. Any thinking or action that is contrary to God’s thinking or will is human wisdom. The wisdom of the world puts God on the side, not in the center of our life, and often removes God from our live. The wisdom of the man puts its focus on man and his abilities. The wisdom of man sees man as the final authority and does not accept the revelation of Jesus Christ. The wisdom of this world can’t distinguish between right and wrong.
God’s wisdom is based on God’s knowledge and understanding that is revealed through the Bible and the Holy Spirit. When we have the wisdom of God our thoughts and actions will be lined up with the Bible. When we have the wisdom of God, Jesus Christ will be at the center of our lives. When we have the wisdom of God, we will not depend on our own strength or abilities.
II. What is the wisdom of God for those who are perishing? I Corinthians 1:18
Foolishness
III. What is the wisdom of God for those who are being saved?
It is the power of God.
IV. What are some things that those who don’t have Christ consider foolish?
1) Those that are least in the kingdom of God are the greater.
2) Those who give liberally will become rich.
3) Those that humble themselves will be lifted up.
4) Love your enemies and pray for them.
5) Those who die to self will find life.
V. Who is the power of God and wisdom of God? I Corinthians 1:24
Christ
VI. What is wiser than man’s wisdom? I Corinthians 1:25
God’s foolishness
VII. Are we able to know God through our wisdom? I Corinthians 1:21
VIII. What kind of people does God love to choose and use for His kingdom? I Corinthians 1:26-29
1) Those who are not wise by human standards.
2) Those who are not influential or of noble birth.
IX. What other things does God like to choose?
1) Those things that is foolish according to the world.
2) Those things that is weak.
3) Those things that is lowly.
4) Those things that is despised.
X. Why does God do this?
1) To shame the wise and strong.
2) To bring glory to God and that people might boast in Him alone.
XI. Where does wisdom come from? I Corinthians 1:30
It is from God through Christ.
XII. According to verse 30, what kind of wisdom does God give?
Righteous, holy, and redemptive
XIII. How do we obtain or find this wisdom?
We find it in the Bible with the help of the Holy Spirit and other wise men of God.
XIV. List some things we do as Christians that show that we have God’s wisdom?
1) We don’t steal, cheat, lie, kill, or commit adultery.
2) We don’t worship idols or evil spirits.
3) We love other people as God loves us.
4) We don’t boast in our wisdom or own strength.
5) We put God first in our lives.
Division in the Corinthian Church
I. What kind of church was Corinth?
A. It was rich spiritually because they had all kinds of gifts and spiritual knowledge. 1:5
Did the Corinthian church receive these spiritual gifts because they were a godly church? 1:4
No, it was by the grace of Jesus Christ.
B. They were well established or rooted in the Gospel. 1:6
C. There was division in the church. 1:10
Why was there division in the church?
1) Not everyone was at the same level spiritually.
2) It was because of pride, jealousy, and fanaticism.
How was a church that had all these spiritual gifts and knowledge have so many problems and division in it?
It is because all the spiritual gifts and knowledge puffed them up.
II. Paul gave some counsel in I Corinthians 1:10.
A. What was it?
All of you agree with one another and be perfectly united in mind.
B. Is this possible? No
C. Explain you response.
Not everyone is led by the Spirit or some are more led than others.
D. How can we be perfectly united?
1) When we are led by the Spirit.
2) When we realize that Christ is our head and we are one family.
III. What is the problem in this passage? 1:11
A. The problem in this passage is fanaticism.
B. What is the soloution?
1) Put you confidence in God, not men.
2) Keep your eyes on Christ.
3) We are all servants of God, doing His work.
A. It was rich spiritually because they had all kinds of gifts and spiritual knowledge. 1:5
Did the Corinthian church receive these spiritual gifts because they were a godly church? 1:4
No, it was by the grace of Jesus Christ.
B. They were well established or rooted in the Gospel. 1:6
C. There was division in the church. 1:10
Why was there division in the church?
1) Not everyone was at the same level spiritually.
2) It was because of pride, jealousy, and fanaticism.
How was a church that had all these spiritual gifts and knowledge have so many problems and division in it?
It is because all the spiritual gifts and knowledge puffed them up.
II. Paul gave some counsel in I Corinthians 1:10.
A. What was it?
All of you agree with one another and be perfectly united in mind.
B. Is this possible? No
C. Explain you response.
Not everyone is led by the Spirit or some are more led than others.
D. How can we be perfectly united?
1) When we are led by the Spirit.
2) When we realize that Christ is our head and we are one family.
III. What is the problem in this passage? 1:11
A. The problem in this passage is fanaticism.
B. What is the soloution?
1) Put you confidence in God, not men.
2) Keep your eyes on Christ.
3) We are all servants of God, doing His work.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Values
In my devotions I came across Luke 16:15. The last part of the verse struck me - "What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight." Here Jesus is talking to the religious leaders of that day. He is addressing their bad attitudes and handling of money. They put great importance on wealth and status.
I thought to myself, the things that are highly valued by God, are they highly valued by me? Do my values match God's values?
What are some of the things that men value and maybe I do but don't have much value in God's eyes? Of course mentioned already is wealth and status. Some others are power or authority, sex appeal or good looks deception, and accomplishment in business. Some possible others would be popularity, a big church or mission work, expensive or nice looking clothes, and approbation.
There may be others I have missed. What do you highly value or see as important? Do they match up to what God values?
God values love, healthy relationships, salvation of souls, humility among other fruits of the Spirit,servant-hood, generosity, purity, truth and obedience to His Word among a few.
Lord help me to value what you value.
I thought to myself, the things that are highly valued by God, are they highly valued by me? Do my values match God's values?
What are some of the things that men value and maybe I do but don't have much value in God's eyes? Of course mentioned already is wealth and status. Some others are power or authority, sex appeal or good looks deception, and accomplishment in business. Some possible others would be popularity, a big church or mission work, expensive or nice looking clothes, and approbation.
There may be others I have missed. What do you highly value or see as important? Do they match up to what God values?
God values love, healthy relationships, salvation of souls, humility among other fruits of the Spirit,servant-hood, generosity, purity, truth and obedience to His Word among a few.
Lord help me to value what you value.
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