Submitting to God
We are all undergoing a transforming of the
mind (Rom 12:1-2). It’s not easy, is it? If we’re going to live
differently than the world, we must think differently, and that’s
possible only when our minds are renewed by the Spirit of God. First of
all, you and I need to submit ourselves to God. What does that look
like? Instead of thinking only how we can change for God, consider that
our desire to change is from God because God alone gives us the power to
change by His Spirit. James touched on this somewhat when He said that
God can draw near to us only if we humble ourselves (James 4:6), if we
submit to Him so that the Devil will flee us (James 4:7), but we must
have clean hands and a pure heart (James 4:8), meaning that we must
confess our sins to Him (1 John 1:9). We must also submit ourselves to
one another since we are members of the same family (Eph 5:21) and also
submit to those in authority (1 Pet 2:13; Rom 13:1).
Slaves of Christ
Only God can give us the heart operation that is necessary to respond
to Him by taking out our stony hearts and giving us a heart of flesh
(Ezk 36:26) because we can walk with God only if He sends His Spirit to
live within us (Ezk 36:27). It is useless to try and do this in our own
human strength because we just can’t do it (John 15:5). The irony is
that we were once slaves to sin but now have become slaves to Christ (1
Cor 7:22), and being set free from the slavery of sin, we are now slaves
to God (Rom 6:22). When Christ sets us free from the slavery of sin, we
are absolutely free (John 8:36), and it is the truth about the Son of
God that sets us free (John 8:32). As a slave to God, we should seek to
be an obedient slave from the heart (Eph 6:6) and not out of compulsion,
but the danger is that we must not use our freedom from sin and the
penalty of that sin as a cloak to sin (1 Pet 2:16).
Crucifying the Flesh
Paul saw himself as being crucified to his flesh, and it wasn’t really
he who lived any longer, but Christ who lived in him (Gal 2:20) because
the old man is dead. If you are indeed in Christ, your old body and sin
nature were crucified, and now, instead of being a slave to sin, the old
crucified man is gone. Did you not get the obituary notice and miss the
funeral? At that point, the new man or woman in Christ has been freed
from that bondage for good (Rom 6:6). Anyone who claims to belong to
Christ must crucify or put to death the old flesh nature with all of its
passions and desires (Gal 5:24). When someone comes to the door of your
heart seeking the old man or woman, tell them that he or she has been
put to death and that you can’t even take a message for them; the new
resident who lives here is a new creation in Christ (1 Cor 5:17). If
they’re looking for the old man or woman, tell them to visit the
cemetery.
Conclusion
Jesus Christ has set us free from the
bondage of sin. Here is how I would describe how he did it for me: He
sought me, He caught me, He bought me, He taught me how I ought to be.
Nothing about this is from me, but it’s all about He! I am a slave to
Christ; therefore, I must submit to Him since my old man has been
crucified. Does that make sense? I pray it does.
Monday, May 18, 2015
Your Daily Blessing for 5/18/15
Monday May 18, 2015
Your Daily Blessing
Have patience. All things are difficult before they become easy. You have it in you. Wait it out. When those cursed annoyingly ferocious obstacles come barreling at you...plant your feet. Oh so quietly, yet firmly, say "I'm staying right here." May you be blessed with perseverance and patience to wait it out. Sooner or later it gets easier. Promise.
Your Daily Blessing
Have patience. All things are difficult before they become easy. You have it in you. Wait it out. When those cursed annoyingly ferocious obstacles come barreling at you...plant your feet. Oh so quietly, yet firmly, say "I'm staying right here." May you be blessed with perseverance and patience to wait it out. Sooner or later it gets easier. Promise.
Spiritual Wisdom
The Wise Way
People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank people may cheat you.
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone may destroy overnight.
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, others may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today people will often forget tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough.
Give the world your best anyway.
In the final analysis, It's all between You and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.
by Kent M. Keith
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank people may cheat you.
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone may destroy overnight.
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, others may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today people will often forget tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough.
Give the world your best anyway.
In the final analysis, It's all between You and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.
by Kent M. Keith
Forgive and Forget
"I will forgive their wickedness and will never again remember their sins" (Jer. 31:34).
A group of high-spirited students once played a prank on the principal of their college. The principal overreached and the whole business caused quite an upheaval. Lectures were canceled, there was an emergency staff meeting and punishment was meted out. During the course of the day, the students in question decided to apologize, and asked for a meeting with the principal. After listening to their story and apology, the principal answered, "Gentlemen, I accept your apology and there will be no punishment. The incident will be removed from the record books."
A group of high-spirited students once played a prank on the principal of their college. The principal overreached and the whole business caused quite an upheaval. Lectures were canceled, there was an emergency staff meeting and punishment was meted out. During the course of the day, the students in question decided to apologize, and asked for a meeting with the principal. After listening to their story and apology, the principal answered, "Gentlemen, I accept your apology and there will be no punishment. The incident will be removed from the record books."
We human beings sometimes find it possible to forgive, but we seldom
forget. God both forgives and forgets. God made it possible for the
people of Israel to start over by forgiving and forgetting their
unfaithfulness and disobedience.
Jesus offers you the same forgiveness. He is ready and waiting to let you start over with no record of past wrongs. If you turn back to Him, repent, confess and decide to break with your wicked ways, He accepts your confession and says, "I will never even give this another thought." The record is blank and He puts your sins behind you forever so that you can move on with a clear conscience. You don't need to feel guilty about anything anymore because you are now in the right relationship with God. You are now free to be a new, mature person "in Christ."
Father God, enable me to follow Your example and to forgive and forget. Amen.
Jesus offers you the same forgiveness. He is ready and waiting to let you start over with no record of past wrongs. If you turn back to Him, repent, confess and decide to break with your wicked ways, He accepts your confession and says, "I will never even give this another thought." The record is blank and He puts your sins behind you forever so that you can move on with a clear conscience. You don't need to feel guilty about anything anymore because you are now in the right relationship with God. You are now free to be a new, mature person "in Christ."
Father God, enable me to follow Your example and to forgive and forget. Amen.
Good Can Come from Bad?
I want you to know, my dearest brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News (Phil. 1:12)
When things go wrong in your life, try to remember that often, in some way or another, it happens to all people. The important question is how you react to misfortune, disappointment, and frustration. You can become panic-stricken and complain, "This is it; I've had it!" You can wallow in self-pity and say, "Just look at what happened to me. Why?" Or you could say, "This is a bit of a problem; let me find a way to turn it into something I can use to my advantage, and to the glory of God."
Paul used his exceptional gifts and intelligence to advance the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He traveled far and wide to preach and establish congregations. It was in fact while he was planning more journeys to spread the Good News that disaster struck. He was arrested and locked up. Did this mean it was the end of his mission? Not at all - he started working from prison. He used his time in jail to evangelize the guards and other prisoners and to write letters that help and guide us to this day. What some people saw as a disaster, Paul changed into an opportunity.
Do not allow misfortune to ruin you. Find a way to use it to your own advantage. Give it some serious thought and ask God in prayer what He is telling you through your misfortune. It isn't just a technique of looking for the silver lining to the dark cloud, but must be seen as something God wants you to grab hold of and use to His honor and glory.
Holy God, open my eyes to spot opportunities that You hide in my disappointment. Amen.
When things go wrong in your life, try to remember that often, in some way or another, it happens to all people. The important question is how you react to misfortune, disappointment, and frustration. You can become panic-stricken and complain, "This is it; I've had it!" You can wallow in self-pity and say, "Just look at what happened to me. Why?" Or you could say, "This is a bit of a problem; let me find a way to turn it into something I can use to my advantage, and to the glory of God."
Paul used his exceptional gifts and intelligence to advance the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He traveled far and wide to preach and establish congregations. It was in fact while he was planning more journeys to spread the Good News that disaster struck. He was arrested and locked up. Did this mean it was the end of his mission? Not at all - he started working from prison. He used his time in jail to evangelize the guards and other prisoners and to write letters that help and guide us to this day. What some people saw as a disaster, Paul changed into an opportunity.
Do not allow misfortune to ruin you. Find a way to use it to your own advantage. Give it some serious thought and ask God in prayer what He is telling you through your misfortune. It isn't just a technique of looking for the silver lining to the dark cloud, but must be seen as something God wants you to grab hold of and use to His honor and glory.
Holy God, open my eyes to spot opportunities that You hide in my disappointment. Amen.
Sunday, May 17, 2015
To God the Glory and Praise
May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation - the
righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ - for this
will bring much glory and praise to God (Phil. 1:11).
Most of us have a childlike need to be acknowledged, accepted and even hugged now and again. Sometimes it becomes a childish yearning for prominence and fame. Someone said on occasion, "Even the greatest long for a gentle touch."
Most of us have a childlike need to be acknowledged, accepted and even hugged now and again. Sometimes it becomes a childish yearning for prominence and fame. Someone said on occasion, "Even the greatest long for a gentle touch."
When writing to the
people of Philippi, Paul showered them with praise and appreciation.
They made him happy and were his partners in the gospel. God started a
good work in them and they had a special place in his heart. His deepest
desire was that they would grow to maturity. Everything they had
already achieved and everything that was still to happen through their
faith and good works dare not make them proud of their spiritual
achievements. Their good qualities could be solely attributed to Christ
and the Holy Spirit working in them.
Don't pursue honor and glory for yourself. Don't strive to see your name prominently displayed when you have done something worthwhile for God. Give God the credit and glory. Be prepared to stand aside and let other people praise God for what He did in and through you. Don't destroy Christ's work by your efforts to turn the spotlight on yourself. Thank the Lord that you were able to be involved and give Him all the honor and glory.
Lord my God, let the glory always go where it is due: to You. Amen.
Don't pursue honor and glory for yourself. Don't strive to see your name prominently displayed when you have done something worthwhile for God. Give God the credit and glory. Be prepared to stand aside and let other people praise God for what He did in and through you. Don't destroy Christ's work by your efforts to turn the spotlight on yourself. Thank the Lord that you were able to be involved and give Him all the honor and glory.
Lord my God, let the glory always go where it is due: to You. Amen.
Choices
Busy is a choice.
Stress is a choice.
Joy is a choice.
Choose well. Just for today, challenge yourself to fill your life with less heartache but more joy, less stress but more peace, and less stuff but more contentment.
Stress is a choice.
Joy is a choice.
Choose well. Just for today, challenge yourself to fill your life with less heartache but more joy, less stress but more peace, and less stuff but more contentment.
What do you tell your brother or sister who is living in sin?
Matthew 18:15
If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.
When a Christian Sins
If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.
When a Christian Sins
We cannot judge someone who we consider a brother or sister in Christ
until we’ve first dealt with sin in our own lives (Matt 7:3). But when
grievous sin affects someone in the church and it is serious enough to
affect the fellowship of the church, it must not be ignored. Like leaven
spreads in bread, so sin can easily spread throughout the entire body
unless it is dealt with (Gal 5:9). Jesus tells us the first thing we
must do after we have examined our own life to be sure we’re not living
in sin either. He tells us that we should go to that person first of all
privately (Matt 18:15). This doesn’t mean that we call others in on
this and say, “We need to pray for this brother or sister because
they’re sinning.” That will not help them at all.
Go Together
The next step Jesus tells us is if we can’t get anywhere with them individually, we are to take a brother or sister with us so that the sin is truly worth confronting a fellow believer over (Matt 18:16). It could be that the sin is not really one at all, and it may be something where the Bible is silent, but if it’s not, then taking another person (not more than two) with you might lead to that person repenting. Then the issue can be dropped at that point.
The Last Resort
If the next step in pointing out grievous (and not a grey area) sin doesn’t work, the very unpleasant act must be brought before the entire church (Matt 18:17). Hopefully, it won’t come to that, but our church had an issue recently where we had to take drastic measures and disfellowshipped someone because of ongoing gossip that was unrepented of. This person also kept disrupting services, Sunday school, and church board meetings. We needed to do this because we know that God is a God of order and doesn’t allow for chaos to reign in His church (1 Cor 14:33). This was first bathed in prayer, and after repeatedly speaking with the individual, nothing worked. The person only hardened their heart. To have to put someone out of the church is a very hard thing to do, but it was done so that their spirit might be saved on the Day of the Lord (1 Cor 5:5).
A Closing Prayer
Righteous God, please give us the courage to confront unrepentant sin when we see it affecting the church and threatening to spread throughout the entire body of Christ. I know this is hard, but You say that You discipline every one of us when we need it or we wouldn’t be Your child (Heb 12:6). Give us the courage to do the right thing and what is best for them and the church, and it is in Jesus’ strong name I pray.
Amen
Go Together
The next step Jesus tells us is if we can’t get anywhere with them individually, we are to take a brother or sister with us so that the sin is truly worth confronting a fellow believer over (Matt 18:16). It could be that the sin is not really one at all, and it may be something where the Bible is silent, but if it’s not, then taking another person (not more than two) with you might lead to that person repenting. Then the issue can be dropped at that point.
The Last Resort
If the next step in pointing out grievous (and not a grey area) sin doesn’t work, the very unpleasant act must be brought before the entire church (Matt 18:17). Hopefully, it won’t come to that, but our church had an issue recently where we had to take drastic measures and disfellowshipped someone because of ongoing gossip that was unrepented of. This person also kept disrupting services, Sunday school, and church board meetings. We needed to do this because we know that God is a God of order and doesn’t allow for chaos to reign in His church (1 Cor 14:33). This was first bathed in prayer, and after repeatedly speaking with the individual, nothing worked. The person only hardened their heart. To have to put someone out of the church is a very hard thing to do, but it was done so that their spirit might be saved on the Day of the Lord (1 Cor 5:5).
A Closing Prayer
Righteous God, please give us the courage to confront unrepentant sin when we see it affecting the church and threatening to spread throughout the entire body of Christ. I know this is hard, but You say that You discipline every one of us when we need it or we wouldn’t be Your child (Heb 12:6). Give us the courage to do the right thing and what is best for them and the church, and it is in Jesus’ strong name I pray.
Amen
Sin
OBSERVATION:
Sin will always be judged by God. Consequences from our past sins often come back to haunt us.
Sin brings judgment. Turn away from the sin that you enjoy. Seek help to remove the sin that reoccurs in your life. Don’t let patterns of sinfulness destroy your life; repent and seek Christ’s help.
Sin will always be judged by God. Consequences from our past sins often come back to haunt us.
Sin brings judgment. Turn away from the sin that you enjoy. Seek help to remove the sin that reoccurs in your life. Don’t let patterns of sinfulness destroy your life; repent and seek Christ’s help.
GOOD NEWS FROM GOD! Part 2
Who Is God?
Why we should worship God?
What is God like?
Why we should worship God?
- The true God is the creator of all things. He had no beginning and will never have an end. (Psalm 90:2) He is the Source of the good news found in the Bible. (1 Timothy 1:11) Since God gave us life, we should worship only him. (Read Revelation 4:11)
What is God like?
- No human has ever seen God because he is a Spirit, which means that he is a higher form of life than the physical creatures who live on earth. (John 1:18; 4:24) Nevertheless, we can discern God's personality from the things he has made. For instance, the variety of fruits and flowers tells us of his love and wisdom. The size of the universe tells us of his power. (Read Romans 1:20) We can learn even more about God's personality by reading the Bible. For example, it tells us what God likes and what he does not like, how he treats people, and how he reacts in different situations. (Read Psalm 103:7-10)
- Jesus said: "Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified." (Matthew 6:9) Although God has many titles, he has only one name. In each language, it is pronounced differently. In English it is usually pronounced "Jehovah." But some people pronounce it "Yahweh." (Read Psalm 83:18) God's name has been taken out of many Bibles and replaced with the titles Lord or God. But when the Bible was written, it contained God's name some 7,000 times. Jesus made God's name known when he taught people about God. (Read John 17:26)
- Does widespread suffering mean that Jehovah is a God who does not care about us? Some people claim that he makes us suffer to test us, but this is not true. (Read James 1:13) God has granted man the dignity of free will. Do we not appreciate our freedom to choose to serve God? (Joshua 24:15) But many choose to do bad things to others, so suffering abounds. It saddens Jehovah to see such injustice. (Read 2 Peter 2:9; 3:7, 13.)
- Jehovah invites us to draw close to him by speaking to him in prayer. He is interested in us individually. (Psalm 65:2; 145:18) He is willing to forgive. He recognizes our efforts to please him, even if we sometimes fail. So despite our imperfection, we really can enjoy a close relationship with God. (Read Psalm 103:12-14; James 4:8) Since Jehovah has given us life, we should love him more than we love anyone else. (Mark 12:30) As you express your love for God by learning more about him and doing as he asks, you will draw ever closer to him. (Read 1 Timothy 2:4; 1 John 5:3)
GOOD NEWS FROM GOD! Part 1
What is the Good News?
- What is the news from God? God wants people to enjoy life on earth. He created the earth and everything on it because He loves mankind. Soon He will act to provide a better future for people in every land. He will relieve mankind of the causes of suffering. ( Read Jeremiah 29:11). No government has ever succeeded in eliminating violence, disease, or death. But there is good news. Shortly, God will replace all human governments with His own government. Its subjects will enjoy peace and good health. (Read Isaiah 25:8; 33:24; Daniel 2:44).
- Why is the good news urgent? Suffering will end only when God clears the earth of bad people. (Zephaniah 2:3) When will that happen? God's Word foretold the conditions that now threaten mankind. Current events indicate that God's time to act is close. (Read 2 Timothy 3:1-5).
- What should we do? We should learn about God from His Word, the Bible. It is like a letter to us from a loving father. It tells us how to enjoy a better way of life now and how to enjoy everlasting life on earth in the future. True, some may not like it that you are receiving help to understand the Bible. But the opportunity of a better future is too good to miss. (Read Proverbs 29:25; Revelation 14:6-7).
What is the Kingdom of God?
Would you say it is . . .
"The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed." -Daniel 2:44
"A son has been given to us; and the government will rest on his shoulder." -Isaiah 9:6
WHAT THAT CAN MEAN FOR YOU:
Yes, for at least two reasons:
What will life be like under the rule of God's Kingdom? The Bible answers that question at PSALM 37:29 and ISAIAH 65:21-23.
- something within your heart?
- a figure of speech?
- a government in heaven?
"The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed." -Daniel 2:44
"A son has been given to us; and the government will rest on his shoulder." -Isaiah 9:6
WHAT THAT CAN MEAN FOR YOU:
- A righteous government that can benefit you personally. -Isaiah 48:17-18.
- In a coming new world, life in perfect health and happiness. -Revelation 21:3-4.
Yes, for at least two reasons:
- Jesus showed what God's Kingdom will accomplish. Jesus taught his followers to pray for God's Kingdom to come and for God's will to be done on earth. (Matthew 6:9-10) Jesus demonstrated how that prayer will be answered. While on earth, Jesus fed the hungry, healed the sick, and restored life to the dead! (Matthew 15:29-38; John 11:38-44) As the future Ruler of God's Kingdom, Jesus provided a beautiful preview of what that Kingdom will do for its subjects. -Revelation 11:15
- World conditions confirm that God's Kingdom will soon come. Jesus foretold that just before the Kingdom brings peace to the earth, our world would be plagued with wars, famines, and earthquakes. -Matthew 24:3, 7. We see those very conditions today. So we can be confident that God's Kingdom will soon bring an end to all such problems.
What will life be like under the rule of God's Kingdom? The Bible answers that question at PSALM 37:29 and ISAIAH 65:21-23.
Will suffering ever end?
Would you say . . .
"God . . . will wipe all tears from their eyes, and there will be no more death, suffering, crying, or pain."
-Revelation 21:3, 4 Contemporary English Version
WHAT THAT CAN MEAN FOR YOU:
Yes, for at least two reasons:
TO THINK ABOUT:
Why does God allow suffering? The Bible answers that question at ROMANS 5:12 and 2 PETER 3:9.
- yes?
- no?
- maybe?
"God . . . will wipe all tears from their eyes, and there will be no more death, suffering, crying, or pain."
-Revelation 21:3, 4 Contemporary English Version
WHAT THAT CAN MEAN FOR YOU:
- Assurance that God does not cause our problems. -James 1:13.
- Comfort from knowing that God feels for us when we suffer. -Zechariah 2:8.
- Hope that all suffering will end. -Psalm 37:9-11.
Yes, for at least two reasons:
- God hates suffering and injustice. Consider how Jehovah God felt when his people in Bible times were cruelly mistreated. The Bible says that he was distressed because of "those who were treating them abusively." -Judges 2:18
- God cares for us as individuals. Not only does each person know "his own plague and his own pain" but so does Jehovah! -2 Chronicles 6:29, 30.
TO THINK ABOUT:
Why does God allow suffering? The Bible answers that question at ROMANS 5:12 and 2 PETER 3:9.
God's love never ceases. Never. Though we spurn him. Ignore him. Reject
him. Despise him. Disobey him. He will not change. Our evil cannot
diminish his love. Our goodness cannot increase it. Our faith does not
earn it anymore than our stupidity jeopardizes it. God doesn't love us
less if we fail or more if we succeed. God's love never ceases.
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