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Pass it down

11 Aug

Pass it down

Deuteronomy 6:4-9   “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! 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. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

I was sharing a paper I wrote on the Kingdom of God with Russell last night. He read it through, and handed it back to me. “Well dad, I can read all the words, but I just don’t get it”. You could see the puzzlement in his face. I went back through it aloud with him simplifying it as I went to help him understand. You could see the light go on in his eyes; “Nowwwww I see”. It always amazes me how God works explaining His Word to a child. He reveals it’s simplicity to us as we pass it on to them. In that conversion our eyes are many times opened too.

Pride will creep in and make our hearts hard, far from the soft heart as a child. The disciples even wished to know who was going to be the wisest and greatest man in heaven (prideful). Matthew 18:1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Can you see how strongly Christ is speaking to the sin of pride in these scriptures? Many have said that pride is the root of all sin, and pride and humility cannot co-exist. Humility is key in the life of a Christian who sees themselves in the light of sin and the Savior who redeemed them from it eternally.

Spending time with God’s Word and your children can pass them on to eternity. You are able to share with them creation, sin, grace, and hope all in one book. Life lesson after life lesson by the One who created life. Their is nothing you can ever pass on to your children that will exceed their hope in Christ. As you teach them to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength, you also will become encouraged through your Fathers teaching you, as you teach them. He is passing it down to your generation, just as you are passing it down to yours.

 
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Posted by on August 11, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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Comfort Fruit

08 Aug

Comfort Fruit

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

I am struggling, in many ways, on many fronts. I can’t and don’t need to unpack all the details, and my struggles are not above yours I am sure. I have a struggling business that is in the center of my attention, and a school assignment that has brought about a huge case of humility. I am regretting the decisions of my youth, and the lack of education that came as a result. I have never felt so dumb. Where can I turn in these anxiety filled days? Now there is only one thing in my life that brings me comfort and that is seeking God and His Word daily. No substance abuse to numb the pain, but a cure to heal the pain.

Paul in these scriptures was speaking to the Philippians with a heart of thanksgiving and contentment. He found his contentment in Christ, not “stuff” that was held in high regard back then and even today. He was content wherever Christ had him, and he sought to serve Him well there. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. He was truly a focused man, one with eyes only for Christ; and as a result of that realization, every day he sought to draw glory to Christ wherever God had placed him.

Much of my study recently has been on the “fruit” of being a disciple of Christ. This morning as I went to Philippians for a word to encourage me, and I read through the scriptures, I came upon this verse. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. God gave me an encouraging word I did not even know was there, that spoke again of what I had studied last night. That is how He works when you seek your comfort from Him and His Word. He will place just the right words before you, and open your heart and your mind with them as only He can in the only Living Word. These things are only gained by a humble heart that opens the book looking for them. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God…..”

 
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Posted by on August 8, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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Teach me o’ Lord

07 Aug

Teach me o’ Lord

1 John 2:27   But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.

I have been studying on the parable of the True Vine (John 15:1-11). One of the key points of that parable is the term abiding (NKJV) in Christ, or ‘remain in me’ in the NIV version. The term abiding is a consistent state, or state of being. The term abiding is synonymous with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the work He does from within. John 14:16 -17 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever– the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. Matthew Henry spoke of this as a “divine unction”, and of how it does not “supersede ministerial teaching, but surmounts it.”

When you pursue God, and the things of God, as a child of God; His Spirit will open your eyes, heart, and mind to the things of Him. 1 Corinthians 1:21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, 22 who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. The heart that is in consistent pursuit is a heart that is abiding. The revelations that His Spirit shows us in the Word are priceless and only gained through Him. He opens your heart and speaks to your mind, and places teachers in your path for clarity. When you spend time in God’s Word, and He shows you a truth there, be not surprised when a teacher will soon speak of that before you. This is God confirming His revelation through another of His disciples. How will you ever receive those blessings if you don’t have His Spirit abiding in you, and you abiding in His Word?

 
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Posted by on August 7, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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Where He found you

06 Aug

Where He found you

John 21:1-4   After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.

Christ had been crucified and the disciples were torn as what was their next steps. What were they to do with what they had witnessed and been taught over the last couple of years in Christ’s presence. Many of them were fishermen before Christ found them, and in these scriptures they returned to fishing. The popular belief is that they returned to their worldly ways. But they actually were following His instructions. Matthew 26:32 But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.” 28:5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” Could it truly be the backslidden ones were the ones who didn’t join them?

Where were you when Christ sought you out? What were you doing when you felt His call and you answered it humbly? He called you where He can use you. Matthew 4:19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” You do not have to go to seminary to become a disciple for Christ. He can use you at your job, at your home, in your daily routine if you will seek Him daily and His will for your life. You will never know the things He may do in your life if you do not pursue Him, you only claim Him and return to your worldly ways. Your circle of influence is where a work of God can be about Him and not you. When big things press, sit still and wait before making big change. He is with you and using you there, pointing people around you to Him, all the while you are there. Focus on Him, and the rest will fall into place.

 
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Posted by on August 6, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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What is that I hear?

04 Aug

What is that I hear?

James 5:7-8   Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

He came. He died. He arose. He ascended. He is coming back. Do you believe? Do you believe that Christ is going to return to right the wrong of this world; to claim up all of those who believe in Him and take them to eternal paradise with Him? I pray that is where your hope and faith lie, it that security of His return and of His promises. John 14:2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

No matter where your faith lies, you surely must realize the depravity of society today. The list is every growing of sins against God. We are worshiping idols, condoning same sex unions, worshiping other Gods, or even worse the belief that all roads lead to God. This is a blasphemy against God and saying the sacrifice of His Son was of no use. All roads do not lead to God, but He provided the way only through his Son. We are lost without that realization, but freed and redeemed through it. John 3:17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

All through history people have believed and prayed for Christ’s imminent return. Ruth Graham (Rev. Billy Graham’s wife) was quoted, “”If God doesn’t judge America, He’ll have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah.” There is a lot of weight in that statement. When you believe and begin to pursue the things of God you will begin to swim upstream against the world. 1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. The time is drawing near I do believe. Will you be pursuing a worldly life, or have your heart set on the things of God when you stand before Him? Are you ready to stand before Him? Then right your heart towards Him and spread the Good News of Him.

 
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Posted by on August 4, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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It’s ok….I forgive you

03 Aug

It’s ok….I forgive you

Philemon 1:15-19  For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave–a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay–not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides.

Onesimus was a slave that had probably stolen something and ran away from his master. He had run straight into the Apostle Paul, and Paul had led him to Christ. They agreed and understood that Onesimus must return to His master to plea for forgiveness, but under Roman law this could have led to his death. Paul wrote Philemon to plea for his forgiveness and offer to pay for his debt, although he had done nothing to warranty that responsibility. These scriptures are a great analogy of what Christ has done for us. Christ has said of our sins to “put that on my account.”

Forgiveness is always difficult, and the greater the sin against us, the greater the strain of forgiving that sin. We all have been down that painful path most likely. The sin in our lives prompts us to take a prideful stand against a humble heart against forgiveness. Matthew 6:14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. A summary of those scriptures is simply we are forgiven to the amount we forgive. Very tough words in a society filled with selfishness and sin against others. I have pled for forgiveness for those I have sinned against, and those that have sinned against me. God sheds light on these things through the power of the Holy Spirit in your life.

There is a liberation that comes with forgiveness, and a cleansing of the heart. We have all heard of carrying that weight of anger and pain, and how “it is gonna eat you up.”. That weight will drag you down, but the freedom of the release of it will lift you up. Peter had come to Christ asking at what point do we stop forgiving those who sin against us. Matthew 18:21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. Christ simply states that you do not stop forgiving. We may wish ourselves to live a sin free life, but we cannot, and fail daily. We live in His forgiveness every day and must seek to duplicate that ourselves in regards to others. The freedom of forgiveness is one a Christian possesses, and must seek to share daily.

 
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Posted by on August 3, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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Patience

02 Aug

Patience

1 Peter 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love.

Patience in today’s society of immediate satisfaction is a lost word and quality. It has been lost at the touch of a button on keyboards; it has been lost at the selfishness that expediency has brought. In our minds patience has become antiquated, and sadly we have come to believe that in many ways of God. Why can He not deliver on our timetable? Patience is a quality and lesson that God has really been at work on me. I am as guilty or worse in that arena or lack of it. I feel as though I am sitting precariously atop of a wall, ready to leap, and God says sit still and wait on me. If I leap without His consent, most likely it will be a painful fall.

“Testing of your faith” is found only in these two verses in the Bible. The term is used in the purification process of refining coins through the melting off of the impurities. A silversmith is asked how can he tell when the silver has reached purity and he replies that it is easy, for he can see his reflection in it. As Christ tests and purifies you, removing those impurities, He seeks to see His reflection in you also. This is the hard part for this is where patience comes in. Websters defines Patience – bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint, steadfast. James 1:4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Know that God is doing a work in your life through whatever you are facing now. All you are facing now can be used to draw you closer to God, and to draw glory to God through the trial. He is the silversmith stoking the fire to heat the impurities so that he can take them out of your life. He is taking His time and doing it right, for He is wanting to see the reflection of His Son in you. Seek Him and praise Him for the work He is allowing in your life, for you will be a better person and closer to Him as a result of the patience you gained during the process. Patience is a virtue and a Godly character that exemplifies a life abiding in Christ.

 
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Posted by on August 2, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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Woven

31 Jul

Woven

John 15:5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

The parable of John 15 is that of the vine. It speaks of the relationship between the vinedresser (gardener), the vine, and the branch. God is the vinedresser, Christ is the vine, and we are the branch. The verb abide is found 10 times in this parable. What is ‘to abide’ – to remain stable or fixed in a state (Websters). I have also read it in study described as a ‘state of being’, or to stay, or to sink in. But how can we abide in Christ? That word being a verb requires an action correct? That action is found in verse 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. The way to abide is action of obeying.

That action is found in the pursuit of God and the things of God, through prayer and His Word. His Word will begin to shed light into your life, and as your relationship begins to grow you will begin to understand His Will for your life. It is not a life of limitations, but a freedom from the bondages you have endured until He came into your life. God is glorified through you and your changed life because of the testament to others of that freedom and change by following His Word and His Will for your life. Your life will produce fruit as a result of His work through you.  8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

A disciple is a big scary word to some. Your heart has the ability to become a disciple, through the pursuit and abiding in Christ. When you set your heart to follow God, to truly draw near and make a change through the lens of the gospel of Christ, your life will never be the same. It will become a testament to the power of God, the glory of God, and you will truly want to share with others what He has done for you. A disciple simply lives a life of obedience of God’s Will and commandments in a pursuit of that relationship. The fruit is a byproduct of God’s work in their lives. Abiding is clinging to the Vine, and letting the vinedresser direct your path in life. That branch that is intertwined with that vine is your life as a person abiding in Christ.

 
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Posted by on July 31, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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We all have our ‘legion’ he has freed us from

30 Jul

We all have our ‘legion’ he has freed us from

Mark 5:18 And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. 19 However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” 20 And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.

In Mark 5 we are told of the maniac demon possessed madman who Christ healed. He was possessed by a legion of demons (perhaps as many as 6000). His story of woe was one of torment by Satan’s demons and incredible strength. But the day Christ arrived everything changed. The man approached Christ and the demon’s knew Christ and begged for His mercy. They entered a herd of pigs, ran off a cliff and into the sea. An incredible thing to witness for many that did see it happen. They feared Christ and asked Him to leave.

The one who was delivered begged to go with Christ. This is the only one of Christ’s miracles where He told the recipient to go tell others what had happened to him. 19 However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” In my study materials the title is, “How a Madman became a Missionary”. The man went into a area of ten cities (Decapolis) and began to share the miracle of change that Christ had performed in Him. He shared his testimony.

Your testimony may not be of a deliverance from demons, but Christ has done His miraculous work in you, and changed your life from the inside out also.  1 Corinthians 1:6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you. Christ has produced a change, and that change should be evident in your every day life. You should articulate it in your words and your actions as a testament to His miracle in you. What you have experienced before and after in your life He allowed in your life. It all can be used in your testimony to encourage others of the miracle He can perform in their lives also. You too are a miracle living in God’s mercy and grace today. Spread the good news of His work for you to encourage someone today.

 
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Posted by on July 30, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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KP – Key Point

29 Jul

KP – Key Point

John 5:24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.

Christ had just healed a man that had been paralyzed for almost 40 years, then disappeared into the crowd. The man did not know who had healed him, but he was able to pick up his bed and walk. The Jews recognized him, and the only thing they could say to him was to scold him for breaking the Sabbath law of carrying his bed. Almost comically he replied to them “well they guy who healed me told me to carry my bed so I listened to him.” John 5:14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.” Christ warned him to not continue to live in sin.

The scriptures that follow in John 5 are where Christ is claiming His Deity as the Son of God to the Jews. The Jews not only don’t believe Him, but begin to plot to kill Him for these claims. Do you believe? Do you believe that God sent His only Son to earth; to walk the earth in human form, and die as a perfect sacrifice for your sin? There is not a separation between belief in God and the denial of Christ that will allow the gates of heaven to open for you. John 5:26 For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, 27 and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. You cannot have one without the other. That is a false teaching that you will suffer for an eternity for.

Christ was speaking to His disciples at the Last Supper and He told them. John 14:1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.” 5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. 7 “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.” You must believe that God sent His Son to die for you. Acceptance and repentance are the keys to eternity you hold in your humble heart. Without the acceptance of His sacrifice and the repentance of your sins, the doors will be locked. You cannot worship God all your life and deny what He provided for you. But once you realize and accept it, you are eternally guaranteed it.

 
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Posted by on July 29, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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