John 5:37-40 - "And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, 38 nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. 39 You study[a] the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life."
Life is not found in the Scripture. What a radical statement to make as a teacher of God's Word. Yet, Jesus said it. Eternal life is found only in Jesus Christ. We must have a relationship with the Son to have life.
There are many who know the Scriptures and study them who do not have eternal life. They think in studying them and obeying them brings eternal life. The problem is that they obey the Scripture without coming into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This doesn't mean that there is not life in the Scriptures, but this is contingent on our relationship with Christ.
How does this Scripture relate to us who already have eternal life, study and teach the Word? It reminds us that knowing and even obeying the Scripture is not enough. We need to spend time in God's presence and seeking His face, not seeking a greater knowledge of His Word for knowledge sake.I think that as teachers and preachers of the Word, we must be careful not be so caught up in the doing that we don't sit at Jesus feet to hear is voice. We can study the Scripture, and not hear the Word of the Father for us.
There is many a minister of God who has fallen. One of the reasons is that they were a student and minster of God's Word, but failed to maintain that relationship with the Lord. There focus was on the written Word of God, but not on Jesus, the bread of life.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Saturday, March 17, 2012
The Source of Humility
Numbers 12:3 - (Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.)
Why was Moses so humble? Was it his character? Was he humble in Egypt? Did Moses learn it in the desert after he fled Egypt?
If we look at Exodus 3:11-13; 4:10. Some might say this is humility while in reality it was an inferiority complex. It wasn't until Moses saw the mighty hand of God and spoke with him on the mount Sinai that he found true humility.
True humility comes from an intimate relationship with God. Humility comes from a revelation knowledge of God. Humility comes when we come face to face with God. Humility comes when we see God in all his glory.
Once you have found humility it doesn't necessarily mean that you will keep it. We will lose it when we begin to focus on self. We will lose it when we forget God's majesty and holiness. This is why we daily need to spend time in His presence.
Why was Moses so humble? Was it his character? Was he humble in Egypt? Did Moses learn it in the desert after he fled Egypt?
If we look at Exodus 3:11-13; 4:10. Some might say this is humility while in reality it was an inferiority complex. It wasn't until Moses saw the mighty hand of God and spoke with him on the mount Sinai that he found true humility.
True humility comes from an intimate relationship with God. Humility comes from a revelation knowledge of God. Humility comes when we come face to face with God. Humility comes when we see God in all his glory.
Once you have found humility it doesn't necessarily mean that you will keep it. We will lose it when we begin to focus on self. We will lose it when we forget God's majesty and holiness. This is why we daily need to spend time in His presence.
Friday, March 16, 2012
More than Conquerors
A favorite passage of scripture for many believer is Romans 8:28-38 because it talks about how we are conquerors in God.
We are more than conquerors because:
- God works for the good of those who love him. Wow! We have the God of the all powerful, all knowing, all present God working on our behalf.
- We are justified that we might be conformed to his likeness. We are no longer under condemnation.
- God is with us, no one can stand against us.
- Christ loves us and no one can separate us from His love.
- Christ is interceding for us at the right hand of the father.
Despite knowing these things we doubt these words and become discouraged, often becoming negative in our speech and actions. Lord help us not to dwell on the circumstances around us, but reflect on these words.
We are more than conquerors because:
- God works for the good of those who love him. Wow! We have the God of the all powerful, all knowing, all present God working on our behalf.
- We are justified that we might be conformed to his likeness. We are no longer under condemnation.
- God is with us, no one can stand against us.
- Christ loves us and no one can separate us from His love.
- Christ is interceding for us at the right hand of the father.
Despite knowing these things we doubt these words and become discouraged, often becoming negative in our speech and actions. Lord help us not to dwell on the circumstances around us, but reflect on these words.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Giving out of your Need
In I Kings 17:7-16 there is the story of the widow at Zarephath. There has been many teachings on this portion of scripture concerning faith, obedience and God's provision. I myself have read it many a time, but there is one things that I never noticed is that God commanded Elijah to go to the widow that she might supply him with food. Elijah didn't know that she was destitute, but God did. I find it odd that God knowing this chose a destitute woman to supply Elijah's need? Why?
I believe it is because God wanted to meet the widows need. He wanted to use Elijah to bless her. I find interesting that God had already commanded her to supply Elijah's need. Had the widow already heard from the Lord on this matter? I don't think so, but he made her predisposed.
What would have happened if the woman had not received, believed, and acted on the Word of the God to her? She would have missed out on God's provision. Sometimes, God sends people are way who are in need while we are in need ourselves. It would be easy to ignore their need, but sometimes God calls us to supply another persons need even as we are in need in order that God might meet our need.
The widow shared the little she had according to the command of the Lord. As result, she had enough food for her and the prophet Elijah during three years of drought. Let us be careful to not let our lack hinder us from obeying God and meeting another persons need. This might be the very thing God chooses to give you a financial break through.
We often teach that God gives proportionally to our giving. The more we give the more we get. This is a biblical truth, but not the whole truth. The widow didn't give the prophet much, but her return was great. Yet, God gave proportionally to her giving in that what she gave was a lot compared to what she had. God doesn't look only at the quantity, but takes in consideration the sacrifice made in the giving. A sacrificial giver who obeys the Word of the Lord will always receive a great return on their gift.
In the weeks and months to come when you are presented with a need don't look at what you don't have or your need, but hear the voice of the Lord in that situation and obey Him even if it may require great sacrifice.
I believe it is because God wanted to meet the widows need. He wanted to use Elijah to bless her. I find interesting that God had already commanded her to supply Elijah's need. Had the widow already heard from the Lord on this matter? I don't think so, but he made her predisposed.
What would have happened if the woman had not received, believed, and acted on the Word of the God to her? She would have missed out on God's provision. Sometimes, God sends people are way who are in need while we are in need ourselves. It would be easy to ignore their need, but sometimes God calls us to supply another persons need even as we are in need in order that God might meet our need.
The widow shared the little she had according to the command of the Lord. As result, she had enough food for her and the prophet Elijah during three years of drought. Let us be careful to not let our lack hinder us from obeying God and meeting another persons need. This might be the very thing God chooses to give you a financial break through.
We often teach that God gives proportionally to our giving. The more we give the more we get. This is a biblical truth, but not the whole truth. The widow didn't give the prophet much, but her return was great. Yet, God gave proportionally to her giving in that what she gave was a lot compared to what she had. God doesn't look only at the quantity, but takes in consideration the sacrifice made in the giving. A sacrificial giver who obeys the Word of the Lord will always receive a great return on their gift.
In the weeks and months to come when you are presented with a need don't look at what you don't have or your need, but hear the voice of the Lord in that situation and obey Him even if it may require great sacrifice.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Breaking the Linguistic Barrier
This was something that was taught at a mission conference by David Mareno which I thought was good. He was talking about breaking the linguistic barrier. How often have you gone to a country and unable to speak the language of the people but want to minister Christ to them. Here is how you are able to do this.
1) Worship - Even though they may not understand the words you are saying they will be blessed by your worship because you release the Spirit of God to move in that place.
2) Actions - We have heard it said many times that actions speak louder than words. This is true in a situation when you can not communicate effectively the word of God because of the language barrier. along with this is lifestyle. Your lifestyle will speak volumes.
3) Identification - When people sense that you identify with them, they will open their hearts and lives to you.
4) Love - The most powerful language that crosses all cultural and linguistic barriers in the language of love that is expressed through word, touch and action.
It has been said, preach, preach, preach, and speak when you have to.
1) Worship - Even though they may not understand the words you are saying they will be blessed by your worship because you release the Spirit of God to move in that place.
2) Actions - We have heard it said many times that actions speak louder than words. This is true in a situation when you can not communicate effectively the word of God because of the language barrier. along with this is lifestyle. Your lifestyle will speak volumes.
3) Identification - When people sense that you identify with them, they will open their hearts and lives to you.
4) Love - The most powerful language that crosses all cultural and linguistic barriers in the language of love that is expressed through word, touch and action.
It has been said, preach, preach, preach, and speak when you have to.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Trouble Makers
Acts 17:6 - And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also,"
In the NIV, it says that Paul and Silas were trouble makers, and in the NAS it says they have turned the world upside down.
We are in the last days, we need people like Paul and Silas who will turn the world upside down for Christ. Often these men will be marked as trouble makers because the are going against the trends of the day. When we as believers stand up and declare the word of the Lord, many will not be happy with us. When we condemn what the world is doing, they say we lack tolerance and are trying to push our beliefs on them. This is true. We as believers should not be tolerant of sin. We should exhort people to follow Christ and obey His Word. We don't have to be ugly about it, but we must stand up for the truth and not compromise ourselves, and condemn the evil in this world. We as believers should be different than the world.
Sometimes in the guise of being sensitive to others and accepting of others that we don't take a stand against sin as well as compromise ourselves. Yes, we are to be sensitive to others needs and accepting of others without fear of declaring the Word of the Lord and living a godly life.
Jude 1:22-23 - 22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
As we are trying to save others from the fires of hell, we must be careful that we are not burned. Out of a heart of love and mercy, we need to love the sinner, but hate the sin. We need be careful not to be tolerant of sin other or ourselves. We must whitewash the gospel in the name of sensitivity or compassion.
Let us be movers and shakers for Jesus Christ.
In the NIV, it says that Paul and Silas were trouble makers, and in the NAS it says they have turned the world upside down.
We are in the last days, we need people like Paul and Silas who will turn the world upside down for Christ. Often these men will be marked as trouble makers because the are going against the trends of the day. When we as believers stand up and declare the word of the Lord, many will not be happy with us. When we condemn what the world is doing, they say we lack tolerance and are trying to push our beliefs on them. This is true. We as believers should not be tolerant of sin. We should exhort people to follow Christ and obey His Word. We don't have to be ugly about it, but we must stand up for the truth and not compromise ourselves, and condemn the evil in this world. We as believers should be different than the world.
Sometimes in the guise of being sensitive to others and accepting of others that we don't take a stand against sin as well as compromise ourselves. Yes, we are to be sensitive to others needs and accepting of others without fear of declaring the Word of the Lord and living a godly life.
Jude 1:22-23 - 22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
As we are trying to save others from the fires of hell, we must be careful that we are not burned. Out of a heart of love and mercy, we need to love the sinner, but hate the sin. We need be careful not to be tolerant of sin other or ourselves. We must whitewash the gospel in the name of sensitivity or compassion.
Let us be movers and shakers for Jesus Christ.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Enjoy Long Life
Deuteronomy 6:1-2 - "These are the commands, decrees and laws the LORD your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, 2 so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life"
If we want to enjoy a long life, we need to obey God's commands, decrees and laws. He did not only say that we would have long life, but enjoy the life we have. This is so contrary to what the world tells us and often even our own hearts. The world tells us to do whatever feels good. The world tells us that happiness is found in sex, power, and money. It is found in having fun and partying. It is found in fulfilling the desire of our hearts (flesh), and do whatever we like.
So often as Christians we fall for this propaganda and get sucked into self-centered living, instead of Christ centered living. Yet if we look honestly at the world around us, it is full of pain, turmoil, trouble, despair and suffering. People hate one another or at the very least can't get along. There is fighting and division everywhere. There are people killing themselves and people being killed. This is all brought about because of mans disobedience and unwillingness to submit to God and his decrees. Many peoples lives are cut short due to their sinful ways. Yes their are the wicked who live long, but don't enjoy the long life.
King Solomon in Ecclesiastes 2:4-11, states that he didn't refuse himself any of the pleasures of life, and had more wealth and power than anyone of that time, but he considered it all worthless because it could not satisfy the true inner man.
Man is always trying to fulfill the emptiness in him that only God can fill. Sin and the pleasures of this world satisfy for a brief moment. Their are many temptations and pleasures in this life. Yet, they can not draw us away from God as we remain close to him. It is when our relationship with God is in trouble that we are tempted to fill it with other things.
If we want to enjoy a long life, we need to obey God's commands, decrees and laws. He did not only say that we would have long life, but enjoy the life we have. This is so contrary to what the world tells us and often even our own hearts. The world tells us to do whatever feels good. The world tells us that happiness is found in sex, power, and money. It is found in having fun and partying. It is found in fulfilling the desire of our hearts (flesh), and do whatever we like.
So often as Christians we fall for this propaganda and get sucked into self-centered living, instead of Christ centered living. Yet if we look honestly at the world around us, it is full of pain, turmoil, trouble, despair and suffering. People hate one another or at the very least can't get along. There is fighting and division everywhere. There are people killing themselves and people being killed. This is all brought about because of mans disobedience and unwillingness to submit to God and his decrees. Many peoples lives are cut short due to their sinful ways. Yes their are the wicked who live long, but don't enjoy the long life.
King Solomon in Ecclesiastes 2:4-11, states that he didn't refuse himself any of the pleasures of life, and had more wealth and power than anyone of that time, but he considered it all worthless because it could not satisfy the true inner man.
Man is always trying to fulfill the emptiness in him that only God can fill. Sin and the pleasures of this world satisfy for a brief moment. Their are many temptations and pleasures in this life. Yet, they can not draw us away from God as we remain close to him. It is when our relationship with God is in trouble that we are tempted to fill it with other things.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)