RSS

Dying to self

27 May

Dying to self

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.

Hopefully Memorial weekend you will spend some time reflecting on those who paid the ultimate price for your freedom with their lives. In that same respect we know that God gave us His Son as a sacrifice to pay for our sin with His life. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. In the scripture above, Christ is asking us to lay down our lives for Him. He is not asking us for martyrdom necessarily (but that may come), but asking us to forsake the lusts of the world, and live a life for Him seeking eternal and not temporal pleasure.

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. What is a living sacrifice anyway? A sacrifice is thought of as a death to bestow honor correct? Matthew Henry said, “A living sacrifice, that is, inspired with the spiritual life of the soul. It is Christ living in the soul by faith that makes the body a living sacrifice.” The world and the lusts of it are Satan’s tactics to draw you away from Christ. The list would be long of the idolatry he uses today in our world that places so much value on self pleasure and stuff. But we can move in our relationship with Christ to the point that the “stuff” just does not matter anymore, and what matters is what we feel led to do in honor of Him, and share the joy He brings with those that do not see yet.  Paul said in Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. You can place honor on the one who died for you for eternity, by dying to the lusts of yourself, and placing yourself at His feet for service.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on May 27, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Tags: , , , , ,

Warfare

26 May

Warfare

Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

This morning my mind seemed to be in reflection of what the Memorial Day weekend represents. Those fallen heros that have fought and died for our freedom. I thought of the ultimate war, the war against sin; and how Christ had paid the ultimate price with His life, and won the war for eternity for us over sin. I thought of writing of the defeated enemy Satan and how I believe he does not even understand he is already defeated. He is the great deceiver and liar, and he has ultimately deceived himself. But I thought of the Spiritual War that is still prevalent around us with this defeated foe. Satan still works his evil every day in every way to draw you away from Christ. You can’t see this war, but you do feel the very real effects from it. But through the strength and power of God you can still fight in it.

2 Kings 6:15-17 And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

This is one of my favorite stories in the Bible for it gives us a peek into the unseen Spiritual World that surrounds us at every moment of every day. This gives us a glimpse into the unknown, which affects the known we experience. The two are tied together, but yet since we cannot see the Spiritual one before our eyes, we are tempted to dismiss it. The Spiritual battles are fought on plains that we can only fight through the power of God and His Word. 2 Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. We must fight the sin of pride in believing we can war in the Spirit, and only commit our Spirit to God to fight that war. Our Spirit steep in faith and armed with His Word will realize the battle we are in and follow the leadership of Christ in that battle. Through the training and understanding that comes with time with God in prayer and His Word, we can rest on the assurance of our supreme commander that He will not lead us where He cannot protect us, and that we ultimately win the war.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on May 26, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Tags: , , , , ,

How can I unplug?

25 May

How can I unplug?

Psalm 46:10  Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

I expect if we were all to reflect, we would realize we were in a state of continual motion. At many times it would be bodily, but our society and the pressures of it have our minds constantly in high gear. Our world today is a place of constant contact, 4G immediate answers at our side that breed anxiety and stress on our inner selves. This “busyness” is one of Satan’s greatest weapons, for it keeps us from ever slowing down to seek or spend time with God. Even when I sit down here most mornings the pressures of the day invade and try to steal away my quiet time, and even prayer time with God. Resting is so important that God spent a day doing it after Creation, setting the example for us to follow. Genesis 2:3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.

We all live under these pressures and are expected to perform to these tasks before us in the marketplace of total contact. We never unplug; never disconnecting our minds from our responsibilities at work, or home, or family, or even recreation. We were not designed for this lack of rest by God’s creation; but even from the fall of man into sin we were told our punishment was going to be the toil of the land and labor that came. But the means of rest, God’s provision, is always there in Christ. The inner hope and faith that He brings, is unattainable by the world to be swept away into busyness. Matthew 11:28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Although every day will try to drag you away, you can always return to Him. Take the time when the pressures seem too great to slow down, breath deep, and go to God in prayer and His Word. These will lighten you load, for unknowingly you are casting your load on Him by your actions in these. He can carry the world, and even your world in His hand……..for He created it.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on May 25, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Tags: , ,

Inquiring minds want to know

24 May

Inquiring minds want to know

John 3:1-3 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

I love the story of Nicodemus. He was a leader and sat on the council that investigated John the Baptist. He was held in high regard, but yet he secretly knew that there was something of merit to all he was hearing of this Christ. His faith overcame his pride and he snuck out one night to find Jesus and speak to Him. This was a huge risk, but also a huge step of faith. In his mind, he knew He was Christ, and in his heart he wanted to know more. If the things of God tug at your heart as his, swallow your pride and seek Him also. That is Christ knocking at the door, and only you have the key.

Christ began to explain to him of the acceptance of becoming “born again” by the Spirit to gain access into the kingdom of God. John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. This troubled Nicodemus and his mind has some practical questions to the words Christ spoke. His mind was getting in the way of his faith. Our mind seeks the logical, the things we can see or obtain. The heart moves on faith, and the heart or soul is where the His Spirit lives. It is a battle between mind and spirit. Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. If you feel that stirring in your heart, spend some time in the Gospel of John. You will find Christ there and the keys to eternal paradise as Nicodemus did.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on May 24, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Tags: , , , , ,

The Perfect Word

23 May

The Perfect Word.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on May 23, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

The Perfect Word

23 May

The Perfect Word

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Yesterday I listened to a “self proclaimed” leader in a large denomination refute the Word of God as infallible. Later in the day I heard one of my favorite pastors defend the Word of God. I have shared how I love to spend time with my boys in His Word; teaching them the Word of God. Why would I jeopardize my sons lives leading them possibly astray with false teaching? Everything you need in your life, all the answers to life, are found in God’s Word. You cannot spend time there and not see God, for they are words written by God. There is no other book throughout eternity that can compare. It was given to us for teaching, conviction, correction, comfort, leadership, peace, hope, faith, joy, and LOVE. Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

The Bible was not written by the mind of men, period. If it had been written by the mind of men it would have been an opinion and not the Word of God. These men were inspired, or directed by the Holy Spirit to put the Words down on paper. We cannot seem to grasp that idea, but God spoke to the authors and they wrote what they were told to write. 2 Peter 1:20-21 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. God has written all we will ever need in His Book of Life for all generations. It is called a Living Word for no other book will stir your soul, or even save your soul as this one will. He has nothing to add or nothing to take away for eternity from this Book. In the last sentences in Revelation we are warned against adding or removing from it. Revelation 22:18-19 For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. I trust and believe every word in this Book, enough to trust my children’s lives with it also; and I urge you to spend some time there and pray that you will trust it as I.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on May 23, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Tags: , , , , ,

The Light for your path

22 May

The Light for your path

Jeremiah 29:11-13 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

I had shared my devo yesterday with Russell waiting on his bus. Last night at time for bed he came to me and showed me where he had already started reading in Jeremiah. We spent some time there and I found myself there again this morning. In the verses above, God is reassuring the Jews in captivity of His sovereign plans, and even that the captivity is part of it. Just as today there were false prophets misleading them, but Jeremiah was being lead by the Lord himself in speaking to His people. God had taken them down a path they would not have chosen themselves just as we may find ourselves today. When we find ourselves in those difficulties, where do we turn? To the false prophets of today whom say the reasons we find ourselves in these situations is that we simply do not have enough faith? Turn your ears from them and turn your heart to God.

Wherever you find yourself today God has designed it or allowed it. He can work every situation for good for those that believe in Him (Romans 8:28). The means by which He accomplishes that good is many times out of our line of sight, but when we are on the other side of the turmoil, we see the path He guided us along. Isaiah 55:8-9 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.  You cannot be mis-lead if you are following The Man (Christ), and not a man (prophet). The more time you invest in alone time with God, will allow you to discern the false prophets of this age. Where you find yourself and the situations you are in, is all part of His plan. Do not be lead astray by those preaching the “lack of faith” ministry, but see God alone every day. Jeremiah 33:3 ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’ Alone time with God may lead you to glimpses of that path He has set before you, and the assurances of knowing He will never forsake you there. The time with God is the light you carry on the pathway of life.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on May 22, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Tags: , , , , ,

Your investment in your kiddo’s

21 May

Your investment in your kiddo’s

Deuteronomy 6:2,6-7 that you may fear the Lord your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you, you and your son and your grandson, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.

My life has changed a lot since Dana lost her job a few weeks back. I had settled into patterns with my boys, and spending quality time with them in the Bible. Now I am back to workaholic mode with the start of the cooling season and the additional responsibility of the sole provider. This weekend my 5yr old Dalton was talking about heaven and it has struck me this morning of how I must return to investing that time with them. Nothing in life is as important that how you raise your children, and we must strive to teach our children Deut.6:5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. We cannot do that in only words for they will see right through us, but it is how we live it out. Do we hurriedly go to church on Sunday, only to live for the world without Christ six other days a week? That is teaching them Salvation by works, and that is a pathway to hell.

Ephesians 6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. As a dad I know the power of my words to my boys. I know how I can tear down in a simple sentence saying the wrong thing to a child. I know with my temper that my speech can cut like a sword. I thank God that He has been doing great works in helping me with my temper and speech. Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. The more time you spend with God, the easier it will be to teach your children the ways of God. You will naturally become more like Christ and your spirit will reflect Him to your children. You cannot teach your children what you do not already know yourself. Seek Christ diligently like you never have before, for those you will leave behind are your greatest investment.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on May 21, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Tags: , , , , ,

Grace and Mercy allow us there

20 May

Grace and Mercy allow us there

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

I was discussing with my best friend the other day of how it must have been so hard living before Christ with a heart and the desire to pursue God. All of the Law,  and the rulers of the Law, consistently pointing to the inability to fulfill it’s requirements. It simply would have caused incredible mental strain at “the tasks”. But Christ has come to redeem the world and we can approach God at the Throne of Grace in awe and reverent fear; for Christ sits at his right hand to intercede for us. In the scriptures prior to this the author is speaking of the “rest” that we have in Christ, or even peace and assurance I might add that give us rest.

This scripture is speaking of approaching God in prayer. Matthew Henry said, “Mercy and grace are the things we want, mercy to pardon all our sins and grace to purify out souls.” I believe it was Adrian Rogers who put it, “Mercy is God not giving us what we deserve. Grace is God giving us what we don’t.”  Hebrews 10:19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus. When you are truly needing, truly seeking God, humble yourself and realize how Christ has provided you the pathway to enter into His presence. That humility and reverent awe allow your prayers to be heard, and your heart to be felt when approaching God. There is nothing hidden from God, He knows and sees all, even discerns your heart and thoughts It is through the “lens of the gospel” (Ed Gravely) that you begin to understand your intercessor in Christ, and the ability only He provides to approach God. When you accept Christ, that peace and rest will come with an understanding of your security and ability to approach God.

 

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on May 20, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Tags: , , , , ,

Flee to……

19 May

Flee to……

Psalm 9:9-10 The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.

I pulled an overslept card this morning and got about an extra hours rest. I awoke this morning thinking about two friends specifically and what they are going through. One is going through issues with aging parents, the other with direct illness. Both situations are very hard real life circumstances that they are facing, and they are leaning on God and those praying for them for strength. I received a heart felt email thanking those who were lifting them up in prayer. In a conversation last night the term “stressed but bathed in prayer” was spoken. Those carry a lot of weight, for their strength is found in our Lord and knowing those close to them are praying for them when they need it most. Psalm 31:24 Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the Lord.

When these real life real hard struggles come and you are squeezed, what comes out? What do you flee to? You will flee to something and hopefully it is God. Once you realize your true needs can only be met by the strength in Him, there comes an inner strength and peace. Psalm 37:39 But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble. There is a peace in eternal security that cannot be compared to anything hear that is truly temporary. Temporary does not bring peace, for at some time the temporary will flee also. Inner strength is found in eternal strength, and eternal strength is found only in Christ. That strength is available to you when you realize your need for it, humble yourself and ask for it. That strength will never flee….NEVER.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on May 19, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Tags: , , , , ,

← Older posts
Newer posts →