Dead and Alive

Rom. 6:11

So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Jesus Christ.

 

The question that I often consider is addressed in Rom. 6, that is:  How can we who died to sin sill live in it? I am amazed at how strong the pull of my flesh is. At times it seems to have a mind of its own. Without a doubt, I know that I am buried with Him by baptism and just as Christ was raised from the dead so have I been raised in newness of life. It sounds so cut and dried! So what is the problem with me?

 

Farther down in the passage it says that my old self has been crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that I would no longer be enslaved to sin. Certainly, I agree that I am no longer a slave to sin, but still sin hangs around more often than it should. It is a far cry from being brought to nothing. How do I get this positional truth to match its practical outworking?

 

In addition when Christ died and was raised, he conquered death and its power. And the same goes for me, death has no dominion over me. When  Christ died, He died to sin, but when he rose again, He lived to God. So I also must consider myself dead to sin and alive to God in Jesus Christ. This truth is glorious! Perhaps the issue is in the considering. Am I thinking enough about this truth? Do I let it become part of my everyday routine? Or do I read this passage and then go about my daily living without taking this great truth with me?

 

The command then follows: Let not sin reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your member to sin as instruments of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your member to God as instruments of righteousness. Now it has gone from considering to living! I must not give sin an edge in my life, but instead I need to be consumed with righteousness. All that I do, say, think, and feel must be an instrument of righteousness. For this great task, I need the grace of God. His grace must be my sufficiency.

 

Father,

I see and understand these great truths. Help me. Strengthen me and fill me with Your power so that I may obey and be Your instrument of righteousness. Tune my ears so that I might hear the voice of Your Holy Spirit and follow His lead.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

 

 



Contrasting Gifts

Rom. 5:17

For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.

 

The eternal state of man hinges on one of two men, in the case of the natural man, Adam, and in the case of the spiritual man, Jesus Christ. When Adam sinned, he brought death to all those who would follow. This was not just his personal family but all mankind for all the years to follow until the end of the age. Similarly, when Jesus Christ paid the just penalty for the sin of all mankind, sins in the past, the present, and the future, He conquered sin and death and brought grace and forgiveness.

 

What  contrasting states are seen in Adam and Jesus! Adam's sin led to condemnation for all men,  but Jesus' righteousness brought justification and life for all men. [And that includes me!] Adam's disobedience made all men sinners, but Jesus' obedience made many righteous. The law [which was to deal with this sin] only increased sin, but where sin increased grace  [which is Jesus Christ] abounded all the more. Though sin reigned in death, grace reigned through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. How glorious is that!

 

Father,

I thank You for sending Jesus to earth to cancel the debt of sin, to transform condemnation into justification and life, to give us grace, a grace that reigns through righteousness giving all who believer eternal life. You have changed my identity and my future. Thank You so much,

In Jesus name,

Amen



Chosen

Mt. 22: 14

For many are called but few are chosen.

 

Jesus is telling another parable about the kingdom of heaven. He compared heaven to a king [The Father] who gave a wedding feast for his son [Jesus]. He sent his servants to call those who were invited, but they refused [Israel-rejecting Jesus and crucifying Him]. A second time, he sent another servant to tell them that the meal was ready and they should come. But sadly they refused, some ignoring and others bringing physical harm to the servant. This angered the king and he sent his troops to destroy the people and burn their city[ judgment]. The king then told his servant that the feast was ready, but those invited were not worthy. So instead the king sent his servants out to the roads where they gathered all they could find, both bad and good [Gentiles]. The wedding hall was filled with guests [wedding feast of the Lamb]. When the king came to look at the guests, he saw one man without a wedding garment [the imputed righteousness of Christ]. The king examined ham and sent his servants to bind him and cast him into outer darkness [lake of fire]. Certainly, many are called, but few are chosen.

 

This parable reminds me of Mt. 7:21-23 where it says that not everyone who calls Jesus Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of the Father will enter. On that day, the day that Jesus calls His own, many will declare they have done mighty works in Jesus name [but not done through the Spirit or in newness of life], but Jesus will say, I never knew you, depart from me, you workers of lawlessness. Harsh! The only one who will go when Jesus calls is the one who is covered by His blood, saved by grace, and sheltered in His righteousness. These are the ones chosen before the foundation of the world.

 

Father,

As I read this parable, I am so thankful that You have chosen me, called me, and I have answered. I look forward to the wedding feast of Your Son, the Lamb. Thank You for clothing me in the right garment. While I wait for this day, grow me so that my daily life will be pleasing to You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Faith

Rom. 4:20-21

No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.

 

What amazing faith Abraham had! He believed without any doubt that God's promise concerning him as the father of many nations, even when he was 100 and Sarah's womb was barren, would come true. Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness. How amazing is grace! That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring-not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all...These verses make me think of Eph. 2:8-9,  for by grace are you saved through faith and not of works lest any man should boast. These are the same 2 components, faith and grace. Truly Abraham was the father of all who believe. But I am amazed when I see how strong his faith was when he predated Jesus Christ. God's gift to him was a gift not only for him but for all generations to have. How wonderful is God's love that He would reach down to man and work a saving miracle in his or her life.

 

Father,

Thank You for Your gifts of faith and grace and for the saving miracle that You have worked in my life. Strengthen my faith so that it wouldn't waver in all the situations that You send my way. 

In Jesus life,

Amen

Circumcision

Rom. 2:28-29

For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical.
But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.

 

The Jews thought that they were set because they had the law and the rite of circumcision, but Jesus said not so. When Jesus said that a Jew was not just an outward process of rules, man-made traditions, and circumcision, they were shocked and outraged. What an affront to their very existence and to their religious beliefs! Sadly, their religion had become something without any involvement of their hearts. Pride ruled in all they did. They disdained anyone who was not a Jew. What a wake-up call was this!

 

Instead of this hypocritical religion, Jesus said that circumcision was a matter of the heart,  by the Spirit and not by the letter. Any praise that resulted was not of men [which they loved] but entirely from God. Jesus told them the truth. He gave them the way, the only way. But time after time they rejected it. Even after Jesus was crucified and the apostles were covering the world with the gospel, they clung to their hypocrisy so much so that Jesus sent men to give the gospel to the Gentiles. Acts 13:46 says, And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. How sad to thrust aside God's gift of eternal life! Not to say that no Jews were saved because they were, but some clung stubbornly to their old ways. I am so thankful that the gospel was given to me. It is my saving grace! However, it is also a warning to me to remember to guard my heart and not get caught up in outward appearance and deeds. My faith is a relationship and not a religion! My church is the body of Christ and not a social or humanitarian organization! Jesus is my Savior and not a heretic or merely a teacher!

 

Father,

I love you and want to follow You as You would have me to do. Grant me to walk worthy of the calling to which I have been called. Spirit, fill me and teach me.

In the name of Jesus,

Amen

Praise

Ps. 47:1-2

Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!

 

Ps. 47 is such a wonderful psalm of praise! Within its clear statements of praise are reasons why He should be praised. Since they were written to Israel, they are not exactly what I would say, but they do provide a framework that I can use to praise Him.

•  First the Lord has subdued peoples and nations under Israel. For us He has conquered Satan and sin. We are no longer in bondage, but are freed to be children and joint heirs with Christ.
• Secondly, He has chosen our heritage for us. For Israel that was to be His chosen people. For believers He has chosen us to be a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession. that we may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. He has transferred us from the domain of darkness to the kingdom of His beloved Son.
• Third, God is the king of all the earth. He has the final word on all existence, on land, and on man.
• Next God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne. He reigns now and will always. One day every knee will bow and acknowledge Jesus as King and Lord.
• Finally the shields of the earth belong to God! He is highly exalted!

Father,

My heart is full of praise! You are my king and You have chosen me. You have transferred me to the kingdom of Your beloved Son! I don't understand why, but I am so very grateful! I praise You!

In the name of the beloved Son,

Amen



Refuge, Strength, and Help

Ps. 46:1

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

 

What a glorious God who is our help, refuge, and strength! If I truly believe this, then I will not fear. That means fear anything: natural disasters, financial reversals, illness, disease, famine, starvation, war, loss of freedom. There are so many things in this life that produce fear especially for the one who does not know or love God. But for the believer,  for those who love God all things work together for good for those who are called according to His purpose. All things in this life are to grow me into conformity to Jesus. They are for my spiritual good not necessarily for my comfort.

 

Certainly, some of those things in life are very painful and bring so much sorrow. But God is there in the midst of whatever life throws at me! He is the one who has ultimate control. Even though man has produced amazing technology, he still cannot control this technology. Instead we have hackers and cyber crime. But who is in ultimate control? God!  Nature reveals His power. He has the final word. 

 

So what do I do in the midst of all this, I must Be still and know that He is God. He will be exalted among the nations. He will be exalted in the earth! Knowing, loving, and serving Him must control all that I do and think.

 

Father,

Teach me to go to You immediately when upsetting things come my way. Full me with Your strength so that I won't stubble but remain faithfully Yours.

In His name,

Amen

A Pleasing Theme

Ps. 45:1

My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the King; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.

 

Great verse! What in my life is a pleasing theme to God? What about my life, my words, my tongue is quick to be pleasing to the King of all Kings? Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of Your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness. What a verse of praise! I know that praise would be the first must for a pleasing theme. Although it shouldn't be a must but an overflowing praise. It should readily and easily flow off my tongue. Praise like this comes from a deep, intimate relationship with God, one where thoughts and actions are following the voice of the Spirit who is bringing my life into conformity with Jesus.

 

Then I would think a pleasing theme for my life would be obedience, this obedience would include confession and repentance. A life seeking such growth would be a pleasing  to God. My theme would also include study of His word so that I can hear the Him speak to me. Right along with that would be my words back to Him which is prayer. But what about service? Should it be included in this pleasing theme? Yes, service is the natural overflow from obedience. Every command in the Word should be a personal message from the king to me.

 

 But without the understanding that all I do is of grace and nothing of myself, my theme would be jumbled, rambling, and non-sensical. It would be totally without merit to God. The only merit I possess is the merit of Jesus Christ, the gospel of grace. Without His grace and strength, my theme would be self-serving and self-loving. Who am I to think that I could do anything to please God apart from His Son and the saving grace He gave me. Praise God for His great love, for His Son who reconciled us to the Father and gave us His grace and Spirit to live for the glory of the Father.

 

Father,

I praise You for Your great gifts. Give me the strength to make my life a pleasing theme to You. Grant me the strength to attain to the unity of faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of Christ.

In His name,

Amen

The Wicked Servant

Mt. 18:35

So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from the heart.

 

What a graphic picture and how very true! A king wished to settle his accounts when a servant who owed 10,000 talents [in our day $6 million] came before him. Since he was unable to pay, the master was ready to sell him, but the servant fell on his knees and implored the master saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything. Out of pity the master released him and forgave the debt. He didn't just give the servant more time, but he wiped away the debt, a debt of epic proportions. Wow!

 

But this same servant who had been forgiven much, found a fellow servant who owed him100 denarii ($12,000). He did not forgive the debt as had been done to him, but instead he seized the man and began to choke him saying, Pay what you Owe. When this fellow servant, fell down and pleaded with him saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay you. He received no forgiveness but was thrown into prison until the debt was paid.

 

Other servants witnessed both transactions, and they went to the king and relayed the information. The wicked servant was summoned to the Master when he said, You wicked servant! I forgave you all the debt because you pleaded with me. And should you not have had mercy on your fellow servant as I had mercy on you. And the master delivered him to the jailers until he should pay his debt.

 

Now for the application. Simply stated: So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from the heart. I am the wicked servant. My debt of sin was so great that I could not pay it. Yet before the Father I received forgiveness of the entire debt the greatest cost. The Master sent His son to take my debt of sin and by shedding His blood He covered my debt. I have been forgiven my sins of infinite proportions! My relief and joy must flow into forgiveness for others. How small am I to withhold forgiveness of others who have already been forgiven by God. So my heart must be one of forgiveness constantly no matter how large or devastating the hurt. Nothing that happens to me in this life is of the proportions of my debt before God.

 

Father,

Give me a heart of forgiveness. Bring to my mind Your great act of love in sending Your Son. Help me to dwell in Your presence constantly.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Truth and Light

Ps. 43:3-4

 

Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling! Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.

 

David is going through a hard time. He wants God to vindicate and defend his cause against ungodly people. Even though that sounds negative, he still knows that he must take refuge in God. But at this moment in time, he feels rejected by God, that God is not hearing or answering his prayers. For me as well, there are times in my life when I wonder what is God doing, when I feel like my prayers are ineffective, or when my faith falters. Certainly I don't have people trying to kill me as did David, but I have huge disappointments, pain, and disease. It is at times like these when situations and circumstances are overwhelming that I cry out to God asking Him to send out His light and truth. It is in His wisdom and light that I can find direction. What a loving God who brings me to His holy hill to His dwelling place! I know that God is my exceeding joy! It is amazing to have joy in pain, in disease, and in disappointment! My mouth must speak the praise of the Lord even in the hard times no matter what they are. There is not a situation so difficult that I should not praise God. It is His grace and strength within me that gives me a heart of praise.

 

Even now I think of Saeed. There are men physically, medically, and mentally damaging his life. His very existence is damaged. Can he praise God even in these circumstances? God must give extra grace for times like these. In my mind it seem so difficult to praise God for such a long time of suffering, pain, and deprivation. But I know God is a God who cares and His children are precious to Him. So I pray for Him that God's grace and strength will be his comfort.

 

Father,

My heart is heavy for Saeed. Comfort his wife and children. Give him strength. If it is your will, brings about circumstances to release him and reunite him with this family. I ask that You would send you truth and light to me today. Help me to see all life through Your perspective. Transform my life so that I may be a living sacrifice to You.

In Jesus name,

Amen  



Close Friends

Ps. 41:9-10

Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who are my bread, has lifted his heel against me. But you O Lord, be gracious to me, and raise me up that I may repay them!

 

It's always rough when a person is betrayed by their close friend or friends. The hurt is much worse. Perhaps they have shared a confidence with others, have joined others who are against you , or have just said they no longer want you for a friend. Whatever it is, the pain is horrible! So where to go for comfort? Do I just buck up and go on? Do I build walls and allow no one into my life? I have been there and there is no comfort in that. I would have to say neither of these options are effective for healing my heart. But when I go to the Lord, He always comforts my heart. Like David, I know that the Lord will always be gracious. He is the Father of all comforts who will comfort me. He has promised and His promises are always true.

 

However, David's next statement is 'ify'. Perhaps in his day it had something to do with the kingdom and it needed to be dealt with. But for me, no vengeance. Vengeance is mine, I will repay says the Lord. My heart must trust Him to take care of all my hurts. He has sovereignly ordered and planned my life for my good, not necessarily for my comfort. What He has planned for my life is to conform me to the image of His Son. Such conformity means so much of my behaviors and thoughts need to be put away and I need to walk in the light and in His love, putting on the works of light and love.

 

But I do identify with David when he said, But this I know that You delight in me...You have upheld me because of my integrity [ which You have given me because of Your Son] and set me in Your presence forever. Blessed be the Lord! How glorious to be in His presence through out eternity. When I compare the pain of a lost friendship to the glories of heaven, I know for a certainty everything pales in the light of heaven!

 

Father,

Thank You for being my comfort when the pain and disappointments are great, when the hurts are overwhelming, and when there seems to be no earthly hope. But You are there with the hope that never dissipates. Thank You for being My God and for delighting in me.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Being a Hindrance

Mt. 16:15-16

He said to them, But who do you say that I am? Simon Peter replied, You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.

 

How important was this statement! Jesus was so pleased that He stated that this fact was revealed to him, not by human flesh, but by the Father in heaven. I wonder how did Peter feel after getting such a positive comment. Certainly, he must have felt some degree of validation, maybe even importance in the circle of disciples.  But that wasn't all. Jesus said  to Peter that He would build His church on this rock, the rock Christ Jesus, the cornerstone. And to Peter He would give the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Not only that but whatever he bound in heaven would also be bound in heaven. Heady comments! What was Peter feeling now?

 

From this time on Jesus told His disciples about going to Jerusalem, suffering, dying and on the third day being raised.. Hard words! I am sure many wondered what would they do without Jesus. How could this be? No doubt  many were speechless. What to say to Jesus? But Peter, with His Father-given revelation, his keys to the kingdom in heaven, and his ability to bind things, pulled Jesus aside and said,  Far be it from You, Lord! This shall never happen to You. Jesus instantly replied, Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man. Oh dear, he has gone from the heights of glory to the depths of sin and shame. I know that the disciples didn't fully understand the things that Jesus was saying to them, but still to contradict, Jesus, the Jesus that Peter had just proclaimed as the Son of God! How fast spiritual victories go to our heads! We can plunge down into the flesh in a flash, in a word! That is why I must never set my mind anywhere but on the things of God. My emotions and dreams must never interfere with the will of God. This takes complete trust.

 

Father,

Give me the strength and the wisdom to chose and to set my mind on the things of God. Help me to rest in Your sovereign plan no matter how hard the particulars are for me. Feeling bad over a situation or even a person is not sufficient cause for me to step in and alter what You have set in place. I need Your strength, Lord. I need You constantly in view.

In His name,

Amen

Guard My Ways

Psalms 39: 1-2

I said, I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue...

 

David wanted to guard his ways especially those regarding his tongue. Many years later James clarifies why this is necessary, why this is something that I should pray every day, and many times throughout the day. James begins by saying, So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze among our members, staining the whole body, a world of unrighteousness. It is a wonder how such small member of my body can cause such a massive amount of trouble. I know when I have spoken without thinking, or have reacted to a situation without seeing it from God's perspective, it has and will continue to turn out badly. Many times the hurt from those words cannot be undone. Earlier in his book, James says, Know this beloved brothers, let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Dealing with the tongue demands utmost diligence! This slowness allows time for us to recall a verse and cry out to God for wisdom.

 

The tongue has the ability to set on fire the entire course of life, and is resistant to any self-control that I might have. Just when I think I have it mastered, it lashes out in anger and ungodliness. Amazingly, those who belong to Jesus can utter words of praise and blessing to God and then utter curses and criticism for our fellow man who are made in the image of God. How strong is my flesh and how constantly selfishness I am!. David was right when he withheld his words being mute and silent in the situation thereby giving himself time to think[slow to speak, quick to listen]. That should be the initial response, but there is a backlash that results from that. David said his heart burned within him. I need not to hold my words back in my on strength, but confess those words and seek godliness. I need to rest in the fact that God is sovereign and all that happens in my life is because of His loving plan and purpose for me. I need not chafe at God for what He has placed in my life, but praise Him continually in all situations.

 

Father,

Replace my ungodly words with words of praise and blessing. Open my eyes to see when my words have crossed over into sin. Give me a heart that is ready to confess, to mourn over my sin, and to turn all frustrations into praise and thanksgiving.

In His name,

Amen

Trials, Dangers, and even Persecutions

Acts 23:11

The following night the Lord stood by him and said, Take courage for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.

 

Paul's life was one of trouble, danger, and excitement. He would boldly testify about Jesus, his resurrection and saving power, and many times that would bring a joyous response from people. But sadly, it often brought a violent response on the part of the Jews. Many times he was secreted out of town to preserve his life. Once he was even left for dead, but his job was not done, so he got up and went where God directed him.

 

In this instance he was in Jerusalem before the council. The temper of the Jews was increasing beginning with slapping Paul on the mouth and ending with the tribune commanding soldiers to take him away for he feared the Jews would tear him to pieces. This would discourage any man, but in Paul's case, he was visited by the Lord who told him to take courage. That was the positive part. He also told him that he would testify in Rome much the same way in Jerusalem. That meant trials and persecutions. But Paul was not deterred. He knew that Jesus was better than anything on earth. In fact, he said, For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. His life belonged 100% to God.

 

Many times people [saved and unsaved] think that to become a Christian means everything will be smooth going and without problems. So untrue! Just look at the life of Paul and then look at the life of Jesus. Jesus said his servants could not be better than their Master. He also said believers should walk in his footsteps, footsteps of suffering, trial, and even heartache. Being a Christian means that  His grace will be sufficient to see you through all that comes your way. What a life this is! It is living life for different reasons and motives. It means living life as a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you many proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.  

 

Father,

Keep me focused on Your grace as I endure what You have ordained for my life. Grow me into conformity with Your Son.

In His name,

Amen

 



Wisdom and Justice

Ps. 37:30

The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. The law of His God is in his heart; his steps do not slip.

 

 

I am covered in the blood of Jesus, and because of that, I have been imputed His righteousness. So certainly this verse applies to me. Is wisdom and justice on my tongue? I also remember the Prov. 31 woman, the law of kindness was on her tongue. An added blessing is that my heart is full of the living word of God. This word has transformed me and made me a new person. It has taken away my bondage to sin and evil. I don't have to let it conquer me. His grace and strength are there for me. I think the word is key to fighting the flesh. God has given me His very great and precious promises to make me a partaker of the divine nature. How glorious is that! The last blessing that this righteous man has is protection from a sovereign God, a God who has established his path and life. He has searched out my path and my lying down. He is acquainted with all my ways. He has hemmed me in behind and before, and laid His hand on me. I agree with David. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, It is high, I cannot attain it. Even more glorious! Certainly, these are reasons to have my mouth filled with praise continually. Praise would make wisdom, justice, and kindness roll off my tongue.

 

Father,

I praise You for seeing my righteousness through the blood of Jesus, for making my words full of  wisdom and justice, and for establishing all my steps. What a wondrous God You are! You are worthy of continual praise. Keep my eyes focused on You so that praise will be my default setting.

I love You, Lord. Thank You for Your indwelling Spirit and Your saving Son, Jesus who gave me His all..

In His name,

Amen

Continual Praise

Ps 34:1

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

 

Oh, if only that were true! Think how my life would look if praise were continually in my mouth! There would be no grouchy days, no unkind words, no bad thoughts,  no stress, no conflict, but all would be peace, thankfulness, and praise. What a life! This is the way God has designed my life to be. Why do I make it so difficult? I know how strong my flesh is; how it seeks to take control, how it seeks to take me down its own path, how it makes hurts monumental, and how it makes pain almost unbearable trying desperately to take my focus off Jesus. Yet I know I am not a slave to this life because I have been raised in newness of life, in resurrection power. My life is truly a Rom. 7 experience. I know that Paul struggled in this way, but how often really? No doubt to him one incident would bring severe grief so that he wouldn't be a repeat offender. I am sure that he didn't struggle on a daily basis as I sometimes do. Do I make excuses for my flesh? When I read Phil. 3: 7-10,  I know that struggling in the flesh would not produce an attitude of counting all as loss for the sake of Christ. It would not count all the things of this world as rubbish. No doubt an attitude of continual praise and thanksgiving would lead to a realization that all the world offers is rubbish and that Christ is more important than anything else.

 

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith-- that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

 

As David said in Ps. 34, Oh magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together...Oh taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints, for those who fear Him have no lack!

 

Father,

I praise You this morning. Give me the grace to praise continually throughout this day. Teach me to live victoriously for You and not be hindered by my flesh.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 



Blessing

Ps. 33:18

 

Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His steadfast love, that He may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in the famine.

 

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen as His heritage. Why is this nation blessed? First, it would be because He is the Creator of all. By His breath all the heavens and the earth and their hosts were made. He controls all nature whether as a force for good or for bad. Many natural disasters are so crippling that some nations never recover from them. Secondly, God says that he brings the counsel of the nations to nothing. He frustrates the plans of the peoples. 

But in contrast, the counsel of the Lord lasts forever with the plans of His heart extending to all generations. Thirdly, the Lord looks on all the children of man. Nothing is hidden from Him or from His plans and purposes. Not only does He see them but He fashioned their hearts. That includes all wickedness and ungodliness. Their plans do not operate outside God's plan. Even though men think they are saved by their armies and their persona strength. It is not so.  But for the believer the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is His love. He will deliver their souls from death and maintain their lives through feminine. The believer waits on the Lord for their help. He is their shield. The result: the believer is glad in Him because he trusts in God's holy name.

 

In conclusion Gods looks on the unsaved but His eye sees the believer. The Lord brings the counsel of the wicked to nothing and frustrates all their plans, but the believer trusts in the Lord. He is their plan! He will deliver! The ungodly nation will have frustration and failure, but the godly nation will have God's blessings. They will have Him as their hope, and He will deliver their souls from death and destruction. On those who fear Him is everlasting life, blessing, and hope.

 

Father,

Thank You for Your eye that looks out for me day by day. I am so blessed because I am Your child. I wait on You. I am glad in You because I trust in Your name. What a bounty of blessing!

In and Through Jesus,

Amen

Blessed

Ps. 32:1-2

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

 

What a blessing indeed! My sins are forgiven. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sin. This is the gospel message through and through. But David goes on from these verses to complete the process.  I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah Sin must be confessed and repentance must follow. As David said, I say too. God is my hiding place. He preserves me from my trouble and surrounds me with shouts of deliverance. Because of this, that is my sins forgiven and I am covered not only by the blood of Jesus. but also by His righteousness, I am truly blessed. When God looks at me, He sees His Son, His blood and His righteousness. David ends the psalm with,  Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! The gospel brings cause for rejoicing. It makes it possible for me to be reconciled with the Father and to be one of His children, and if children, then heirs-- heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ...What a blessing indeed!

 

Father,

My heart is full of gratitude for these great blessings! Thank You! Although I know that my gratitude and my thanks are puny compared to Your great gifts, I still offer to You all my thanks. 

In the name of Jesus who made it all possible,

Amen

Wheat and Weeds

Mt. 13:41-43

The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

 

Jesus had been speaking to his followers in parables, parables which many could not understand including His disciples. They asked Him to explain the parable of the weeds in the field.

• the sower is the Son of Man [Jesus Christ-sowed good seeds in the field]
• the field is the world
• the good seed is the sons of the kingdoms [believers]
• the weeds are the sons of the evil one [Satan, the devil, the prince of the power of the air]
• the enemy who sowed them is the devil [while the sower's men were sleeping]
• the harvest is the close of the age [the weeds cannot be taken out earlier because they would root up the wheat before fully grown. So they must grow together until the harvest. Their faith must be proved genuine and strong when the weeds are removed.]
• the reapers are angels

Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so it will be at the close of the age. Jesus will send His angels to gather all causes of sin and all lawbreakers who are to be thrown in the fiery furnace [eternal judgment]. In this place of unending torment will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, but the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of God. If someone has ears, listen and receive the salvation offered by Jesus. This is a picture of God's activity in the world. The problem is the wheat and the weeds grow side by side. I think many of the weeds, because they are so close to the wheat, have taken on a wheat-like form. So much so that the believers [the wheat] can't tell the difference. I think this parable is a warning to those unsaved, but more so to those who think they are wheat. Listen carefully, examine your heart. Are you real or counterfeit? What a blazing warning and question!

 

Father,

Give me eyes to see how clever the world is at temptation, and give me strength not only to recognize the temptation but to rely on Your grace to resist.

In Jesus name,

Amen



Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation

Ex. 19: 4-6

You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine, and you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.

 

After hearing words like these, You would think Israel would follow their God wholeheartedly. In the same chapter, God came to meet the people in thunder and lightning. Mt Sinai was covered in smoke because the Lord descended on it in fire. As Moses spoke, the Lord answered him in thunder. They witnessed unbelievable power. All the people answered together and said, All that they Lord has spoken we will do.  Yet, we find this is not the case. Many times they grumbled, worshiped other gods, even sacrificed their children on the altars of pagan gods. How could they? Many times I have been blown away by the heinousness of their actions. But really should I be?

 

1 Pet. 2:9-10 says, But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but not you are God's people, once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Many of the same words are used here when He is speaking to the early church, to those saved by grace, to the Gentiles.  I am His possessions and part of a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. How is my track record? Am I obeying 100% of the time? Perhaps I shouldn't be blown away by Israel, but I should look deep within my own heart. God has given me so much. Am I truly grateful and obedient?

 

Father,

I confess my attitude and my actions that have not honored you, the times when I have let my flesh control instead of Your Spirit. Thank You for Your great mercy and grace. Keep growing me so that I can be conformed to the image of Your Son.

In His name,

Amen



Who is God?

Acts 17:24-25

The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all mankind life, and breth, and everything.

 

Paul is talking to the men of Athens who were very religious. Sadly, religion cannot be what God desires. As he was walking to the Areopagus he saw and altar inscribed with, to the unknown god. He used this as an opportunity for share the one, true God. What did he tell them about God?

• He is the Creator of all
• He does not live in temple made by human hands
• He is not served by human hands
• He gave to man life, breath, and everything
• He made from one man every nation of the earth
• He made them so that they would seek God and hopefully find Him
• He is not far from each person
• In Him man lives, moves, and has his being
• We are His offspring
• He is not like gold or silver, or an image formed from man's imagination
• God commands all to repent because He has fixed a day of judgment
• He will judge in righteousness by Jesus who was resurrected from the dead

When the men heard this, some mocked but some men and women believed. Paul's method of relaying salvation was concerned with the nature and character of God. He would no longer be the unknown God. 

 

Father,

Thank You for my salvation and my believing in who You are. Help me to share this message. Open my eyes to the opportunities You have for me. Thank You for Jesus.

In His name,

Amen