Romans 7:25; 8:1
Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! . . . There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
Romans 7:22, 23, pinpoints the battleground for the contest between me and sin: "For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind, and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members."
Where does my desire to do what's right reside? Paul uses the phrase "the inner man," referring to my new self where my spirit and God's Spirit are in union. This is the eternal part of me. And where does sin wage its war to keep me from doing what I really want to do? In the physical members of my body (James 4:1). Sin operates through my flesh, that learned independence that continues to promote rebellion against God. This is the temporal part of me. Where then do these two opponents wage war (Galatians 5:17)? The battleground is my mind. That's why it is so important that we learn how to renew our minds (Romans 12:2) and to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Paul concluded his description of the contest between sin and the new self with the exclamation: "Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?" (Romans 7:24). Notice that he didn't say, "Sinful man that I am !" Wretched means miserable, and there is no one more miserable than the person who has allowed sin to reign in his mortal body. If we use our bodies as instruments of unrighteousness, we give the devil an opportunity in our lives, and he brings only misery.
The good news is that Romans 7:24 is followed by Romans 7:25 and Romans 8:1: "Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! . . . There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." The battle for the mind is a winnable war.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
A Distorted Concept of God
Matthew 7:11
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!
Most people in spiritual conflict have a distorted concept of God. Mentally they know the correct theology or concept of God, but emotionally they feel something different. True concepts of God are filtered through a series of negative experiences to produce false concepts of God. These false concepts must be replaced by truth in order for freedom to be realized.
There was this story of a pastor's wife who came to a counselor for counseling and she told the counselor about her rigidly moral home which was dominated by her demanding mother. The father was a wimp who knew better than to interrupt the mother's outburst against their daughter.
"You really love Jesus, don't you?" the pastor asked the pastor's wife.
"Oh, yes," she responded.
"And you really love the Holy Spirit?"
"Yes, I do."
"But you don't even like God the Father, do you?"
The pastor's wife could only respond with tears. Her concept of the heavenly Father was distorted by the image of her earthly father. She perceived Jesus and the Holy Spirit as actively involved with her, but in her mind God the Father, like her earthly father, just sat around passive and uncaring while she went through torture in her life.
I often ask, "If you performed better, would God love you more?" Most people know the right answer: no. But when I ask if they feel loved by God, most express that they show more love and concern for their own children than they expect God to show for them (see Luke 11:9-13). This is all part of Satan's strategy to raise up thoughts against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:5). If the enemy can keep people from a true concept of God, he can destroy their hope in God.
In application lets try to evaluate ourselves and reflect on our own concept of God. Is our concept of God distorted? Lets pray and ask God to reveal His true self. Lets try to open our minds and release all the distorted concept of the Father or the Son or the Holy Spirit. Allow God to fill us with the real thing. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through me." Let us seek Jesus and walk in His counsel.
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!
Most people in spiritual conflict have a distorted concept of God. Mentally they know the correct theology or concept of God, but emotionally they feel something different. True concepts of God are filtered through a series of negative experiences to produce false concepts of God. These false concepts must be replaced by truth in order for freedom to be realized.
There was this story of a pastor's wife who came to a counselor for counseling and she told the counselor about her rigidly moral home which was dominated by her demanding mother. The father was a wimp who knew better than to interrupt the mother's outburst against their daughter.
"You really love Jesus, don't you?" the pastor asked the pastor's wife.
"Oh, yes," she responded.
"And you really love the Holy Spirit?"
"Yes, I do."
"But you don't even like God the Father, do you?"
The pastor's wife could only respond with tears. Her concept of the heavenly Father was distorted by the image of her earthly father. She perceived Jesus and the Holy Spirit as actively involved with her, but in her mind God the Father, like her earthly father, just sat around passive and uncaring while she went through torture in her life.
I often ask, "If you performed better, would God love you more?" Most people know the right answer: no. But when I ask if they feel loved by God, most express that they show more love and concern for their own children than they expect God to show for them (see Luke 11:9-13). This is all part of Satan's strategy to raise up thoughts against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:5). If the enemy can keep people from a true concept of God, he can destroy their hope in God.
In application lets try to evaluate ourselves and reflect on our own concept of God. Is our concept of God distorted? Lets pray and ask God to reveal His true self. Lets try to open our minds and release all the distorted concept of the Father or the Son or the Holy Spirit. Allow God to fill us with the real thing. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through me." Let us seek Jesus and walk in His counsel.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Living in bondage?
2009
Thursday, February 12
John 8:31-36
Freedom is one of humanity’s most prized possessions. That’s why our national heroes fought the colonists who tried to conquer our land. Their sentiment ignited a revolution and helped bring about the birth of our free nation.
Yet many inhabitants of this land are in captivity. You see, people aren’t simply physical beings; they’re also spiritual. And they can be enslaved spiritually as well as physically.
Jesus said that anyone who commits sin is in bondage to it (John 8:34). He was referring to continuous wrongs that become a lifestyle, even for the believer. Almost anything—including the pursuit of power, money, or relationships—can develop into a pattern of sinful living.
Usually, ungodly habits begin in a way that seems innocent and fulfills a desire or need. For example, a person might justify working too much in order to take care of his family. Over time, he may become desensitized to any guilt he originally felt. As he gradually senses less conviction by the Holy Spirit, the habit becomes a comfort and eventually controls him. Though he may hate it, he is powerless to stop. Ironically, people in this state often say and believe that they could stop the behavior
if they so chose. But they are deceived.
Neither human determination nor effort can overcome the bondage. Yet what man is unable to do, God can achieve (Luke 18:27).
Take an honest look at your life’s motivations. Is there some habit, emotion, or dream that “owns” you? Jesus —and Jesus alone—can set you free.
Thursday, February 12
John 8:31-36
Freedom is one of humanity’s most prized possessions. That’s why our national heroes fought the colonists who tried to conquer our land. Their sentiment ignited a revolution and helped bring about the birth of our free nation.
Yet many inhabitants of this land are in captivity. You see, people aren’t simply physical beings; they’re also spiritual. And they can be enslaved spiritually as well as physically.
Jesus said that anyone who commits sin is in bondage to it (John 8:34). He was referring to continuous wrongs that become a lifestyle, even for the believer. Almost anything—including the pursuit of power, money, or relationships—can develop into a pattern of sinful living.
Usually, ungodly habits begin in a way that seems innocent and fulfills a desire or need. For example, a person might justify working too much in order to take care of his family. Over time, he may become desensitized to any guilt he originally felt. As he gradually senses less conviction by the Holy Spirit, the habit becomes a comfort and eventually controls him. Though he may hate it, he is powerless to stop. Ironically, people in this state often say and believe that they could stop the behavior
if they so chose. But they are deceived.
Neither human determination nor effort can overcome the bondage. Yet what man is unable to do, God can achieve (Luke 18:27).
Take an honest look at your life’s motivations. Is there some habit, emotion, or dream that “owns” you? Jesus —and Jesus alone—can set you free.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Open Our Eyes Lord
1 John 5:14, 15
If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him
Everyday is a spiritual warfare. We have several concerns that we need to pray regarding spiritual warfare. One need relates to the condition of blindness which Satan has inflicted on unbelievers (1 Corinthians 4:3, 4). People cannot come to Christ unless their spiritual eyes are opened. Theodore Epp wrote, "If Satan has blinded and bound men and women, how can we ever see souls saved? This is where you and I enter the picture.
Prayer is a primary weapon in combating spiritual blindness. The apostle John wrote: "If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him" (1 John 5:14, 15). Then he immediately challenged believers to apply this principle by asking God to bring life to unbelievers (verse 16). Our evangelistic strategy must include authoritative prayer that God's light would penetrate satanic blindness.
We also need to pray, as Paul did in Ephesians 1:18, 19, that the eyes of believers may be enlightened to understand the spiritual power, authority and protection which is our inheritance in Christ. As long as Satan can keep us in the dark about our position and authority in Christ, he can keep us stunted in our growth and ineffectual in our witness and ministry. We need to pray for each other continually that Satan's smoke screen of lies will be blown away and that our vision into the spiritual realm will be crystal clear.
If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him
Everyday is a spiritual warfare. We have several concerns that we need to pray regarding spiritual warfare. One need relates to the condition of blindness which Satan has inflicted on unbelievers (1 Corinthians 4:3, 4). People cannot come to Christ unless their spiritual eyes are opened. Theodore Epp wrote, "If Satan has blinded and bound men and women, how can we ever see souls saved? This is where you and I enter the picture.
Prayer is a primary weapon in combating spiritual blindness. The apostle John wrote: "If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him" (1 John 5:14, 15). Then he immediately challenged believers to apply this principle by asking God to bring life to unbelievers (verse 16). Our evangelistic strategy must include authoritative prayer that God's light would penetrate satanic blindness.
We also need to pray, as Paul did in Ephesians 1:18, 19, that the eyes of believers may be enlightened to understand the spiritual power, authority and protection which is our inheritance in Christ. As long as Satan can keep us in the dark about our position and authority in Christ, he can keep us stunted in our growth and ineffectual in our witness and ministry. We need to pray for each other continually that Satan's smoke screen of lies will be blown away and that our vision into the spiritual realm will be crystal clear.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Six Steps to facing problems in obeying God's plan
1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Cast all your anxiety on Him [God] because He cares for you
Let's assume you have sought God's will for a certain direction, and you believe that He has led you to make specific plans. The problem is you are still worried about whether your plans will come about as you have hoped. When I'm facing such situations, I try to follow the six steps described below to limit my anxious feelings.
First, state the problem . A problem well stated is half solved. In anxious states of mind, people can't see the forest for the trees. Put the problem in perspective. Will it matter for eternity? The danger at this juncture is to seek ungodly counsel. The world is glutted with magicians and sorcerers who will promise incredible results. Their appearance may be striking. Their personality may be charming. But they are bankrupt of character. Avoid them (Psalm 1:1).
Second, separate the facts from the assumptions . Since we don't know what's going to happen tomorrow, we make assumptions, and we usually assume the worst. If the assumption is accepted as truth, it will drive your mind to its anxiety limits. Therefore, you must separate assumptions from facts.
Third, determine what you have the right or ability to control . You are responsible for that which you can control, and you are not responsible for that which you can't. Don't try to cast your responsibility onto Christ; He will throw it back.
Fourth, list everything you can do which is related to the situation that is under your responsibility . When people don't assume their responsibility, they turn to temporary cures for their anxiety, like eating, TV, sex or drugs.
Fifth, once you are sure you have fulfilled your responsibility, see if there is any way you can help others . Turning your attention away from your own self-absorption and onto helping people around you is not only the loving thing to do, but it also brings a special inner peace.
Sixth, the rest is God's responsibility , except for your prayer, according to Philippians 4:6-8. So assume your responsibility, but cast your anxiety on Christ.
--
Devotion from Daily in Christ Devotionals
Cast all your anxiety on Him [God] because He cares for you
Let's assume you have sought God's will for a certain direction, and you believe that He has led you to make specific plans. The problem is you are still worried about whether your plans will come about as you have hoped. When I'm facing such situations, I try to follow the six steps described below to limit my anxious feelings.
First, state the problem . A problem well stated is half solved. In anxious states of mind, people can't see the forest for the trees. Put the problem in perspective. Will it matter for eternity? The danger at this juncture is to seek ungodly counsel. The world is glutted with magicians and sorcerers who will promise incredible results. Their appearance may be striking. Their personality may be charming. But they are bankrupt of character. Avoid them (Psalm 1:1).
Second, separate the facts from the assumptions . Since we don't know what's going to happen tomorrow, we make assumptions, and we usually assume the worst. If the assumption is accepted as truth, it will drive your mind to its anxiety limits. Therefore, you must separate assumptions from facts.
Third, determine what you have the right or ability to control . You are responsible for that which you can control, and you are not responsible for that which you can't. Don't try to cast your responsibility onto Christ; He will throw it back.
Fourth, list everything you can do which is related to the situation that is under your responsibility . When people don't assume their responsibility, they turn to temporary cures for their anxiety, like eating, TV, sex or drugs.
Fifth, once you are sure you have fulfilled your responsibility, see if there is any way you can help others . Turning your attention away from your own self-absorption and onto helping people around you is not only the loving thing to do, but it also brings a special inner peace.
Sixth, the rest is God's responsibility , except for your prayer, according to Philippians 4:6-8. So assume your responsibility, but cast your anxiety on Christ.
--
Devotion from Daily in Christ Devotionals
Monday, February 9, 2009
Though We Dont See.
Romans 1:16-17
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith ; as it is written, "BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH."
--
In Scripture, we read that strong faith is essential for facing life’s uncertainties. It prompts us to look beyond our trials to the One who’s promised to guide and sustain us.
As trust in the Lord increases, obedience becomes a higher priority than pleasure or profit. Moses’ life illustrates this—he chose to forsake the advantage of Egyptian royalty in order to be identified with God’s people. Placing his future in the Almighty’s hands, he became the Israelites’ leader and gave precedence to the Lord’s interests over his own.
As devotion deepens, a second outcome is spiritual discernment—believers develop an ability to look beyond the external appearance to see things as God does. The attractiveness of sin will decrease, and its offer of satisfaction will be recognized as false. At the same time, eternal matters will become more valuable to us. Moses left his livelihood of 40 years to become God’s appointed leader. Pursuing the Lord’s plan became more important than anything else in his life. Despite his misgivings and sense of inadequacy, he placed trust in his heavenly Father.
Finally, a growing faith will not permit misunderstandings and criticisms to deter us from pursuing God’s plan. The Hebrew slaves didn’t make it easy for Moses to lead, but his beliefs enabled him to move forward.
The Hebrew leader’s faith became the defining quality of his life. The Lord wants the same to be true for us. By trusting God deeply, we, like Moses, will be able to meet each day’s challenges with courage and determination.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith ; as it is written, "BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH."
--
In Scripture, we read that strong faith is essential for facing life’s uncertainties. It prompts us to look beyond our trials to the One who’s promised to guide and sustain us.
As trust in the Lord increases, obedience becomes a higher priority than pleasure or profit. Moses’ life illustrates this—he chose to forsake the advantage of Egyptian royalty in order to be identified with God’s people. Placing his future in the Almighty’s hands, he became the Israelites’ leader and gave precedence to the Lord’s interests over his own.
As devotion deepens, a second outcome is spiritual discernment—believers develop an ability to look beyond the external appearance to see things as God does. The attractiveness of sin will decrease, and its offer of satisfaction will be recognized as false. At the same time, eternal matters will become more valuable to us. Moses left his livelihood of 40 years to become God’s appointed leader. Pursuing the Lord’s plan became more important than anything else in his life. Despite his misgivings and sense of inadequacy, he placed trust in his heavenly Father.
Finally, a growing faith will not permit misunderstandings and criticisms to deter us from pursuing God’s plan. The Hebrew slaves didn’t make it easy for Moses to lead, but his beliefs enabled him to move forward.
The Hebrew leader’s faith became the defining quality of his life. The Lord wants the same to be true for us. By trusting God deeply, we, like Moses, will be able to meet each day’s challenges with courage and determination.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Call to Obedience
"And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands" (2 John 6).
A distinguished Indian evangelist named Sadhu Chellappa was on a mission trip to a village north of Madras, when in the middle of the night he suddenly sensed God speaking to him: "Leave this house quickly and run away!"
Not exactly a convenient thing to do. But Chellappa was accustomed to accepting even strange instructions from the Lord without debate, so he dressed quickly and ran into the darkness.
After a while, he was in open country. As he passed beneath a large tree, he felt God tell him, "Stay here and start to preach!" Now, even for an experienced evangelist, this was puzzling--because there was no one to be seen. Why did God want him to preach to an empty field in the middle of the night? But he stopped under the tree and began to preach the gospel.
Finally, he reached the point at which he called on his unseen listeners to give their lives to Jesus. He was surprised to hear a voice from the top of the tree and see a man climb down, crying. The man tearfully gave his life to Jesus. When Chellappa asked why he was in a tree out in the middle of nowhere, the man admitted, "I came out here to hang myself."
--
How is your obedience to God? God calls us to be obedient to that small voice inside that can direct us to sometimes do strange things. Jesus was obedient in ALL things.
"For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous" (Rom 5:19).
God can do exceedingly great things through one man or woman who is willing to be obedient to God's voice. Ask for His grace today to be obedient to His voice.
I myself had problems when it comes to obedience, but God is the one who will give us the capability to obey. I accepted God's call as well even if the means and the ends seems blurry. Right now I can say that I am very much blessed and happy with the decision I made three years ago. Obedience is rewarding. Obey now and experience God's presence in your life.
--
Story taken from the book "Who Can You Trust?" by Howard E. Butt, Jr.
A distinguished Indian evangelist named Sadhu Chellappa was on a mission trip to a village north of Madras, when in the middle of the night he suddenly sensed God speaking to him: "Leave this house quickly and run away!"
Not exactly a convenient thing to do. But Chellappa was accustomed to accepting even strange instructions from the Lord without debate, so he dressed quickly and ran into the darkness.
After a while, he was in open country. As he passed beneath a large tree, he felt God tell him, "Stay here and start to preach!" Now, even for an experienced evangelist, this was puzzling--because there was no one to be seen. Why did God want him to preach to an empty field in the middle of the night? But he stopped under the tree and began to preach the gospel.
Finally, he reached the point at which he called on his unseen listeners to give their lives to Jesus. He was surprised to hear a voice from the top of the tree and see a man climb down, crying. The man tearfully gave his life to Jesus. When Chellappa asked why he was in a tree out in the middle of nowhere, the man admitted, "I came out here to hang myself."
--
How is your obedience to God? God calls us to be obedient to that small voice inside that can direct us to sometimes do strange things. Jesus was obedient in ALL things.
"For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous" (Rom 5:19).
God can do exceedingly great things through one man or woman who is willing to be obedient to God's voice. Ask for His grace today to be obedient to His voice.
I myself had problems when it comes to obedience, but God is the one who will give us the capability to obey. I accepted God's call as well even if the means and the ends seems blurry. Right now I can say that I am very much blessed and happy with the decision I made three years ago. Obedience is rewarding. Obey now and experience God's presence in your life.
--
Story taken from the book "Who Can You Trust?" by Howard E. Butt, Jr.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
TRUE LOVE!
Which among these relationships show true love?
Please comment on this and if possible, please explain your answer. Thanks!
1. Not married but live together under the same roof for more than 10 years.
2. Married for more than 10 years, but got separated on the 11th year.
3. Non-Christians married for more than 10 years.
4. Christians married less than a year.
5. Married for more than 10 years, but the same gender.
Any suggestion of a scenario that shows true love? Please post.
Please comment on this and if possible, please explain your answer. Thanks!
1. Not married but live together under the same roof for more than 10 years.
2. Married for more than 10 years, but got separated on the 11th year.
3. Non-Christians married for more than 10 years.
4. Christians married less than a year.
5. Married for more than 10 years, but the same gender.
Any suggestion of a scenario that shows true love? Please post.
Live Free!
"Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life!" Proverbs 3:5-8 MSG
God has planned for each of us to enjoy self-worth, security and a sense of belonging—things we can only experience as we learn to trust him. Life brings challenges, but God does not intend for us to have to face those challenges alone.
Consider this…
No matter what your circumstances … No matter what you have done or what you are feeling inside … God loves you and is waiting for you to trust him—and to be willing to do things his way. You'll soon learn that his way is always the best way.
Prayer
Lord, I'm beginning to realize that I have been trying to exercise control in my life with my own strength. Help me to give up that need for control to you. Help me to trust you and do things your way. My way isn't working. I believe yours will. In Jesus' name... AMEN
God has planned for each of us to enjoy self-worth, security and a sense of belonging—things we can only experience as we learn to trust him. Life brings challenges, but God does not intend for us to have to face those challenges alone.
Consider this…
No matter what your circumstances … No matter what you have done or what you are feeling inside … God loves you and is waiting for you to trust him—and to be willing to do things his way. You'll soon learn that his way is always the best way.
Prayer
Lord, I'm beginning to realize that I have been trying to exercise control in my life with my own strength. Help me to give up that need for control to you. Help me to trust you and do things your way. My way isn't working. I believe yours will. In Jesus' name... AMEN
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Be on your guard, stand firm in faith, be a man of courage, be strong; do everything in love.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Be on your guard. Be ready, be alert. Expect God to be involved, expect Satan to attack. Let the wonder of creation still catch your eye.
Ephesians 6:10-18
God's armor brings victory because it is far more than a protective covering. It is the very life of Jesus Christ Himself. "[P]ut on the armor of light," wrote Paul in his letter to the Romans, "...clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 13:12-14) When you do, He becomes your hiding place, and shelter in the storm--just as He was to David. Hidden in Him, you can count on His victory, for He not only covers you as a shield, He also fills you with His life.
"I am the vine; you are the branches," said Jesus. "If a man abides in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)
Since living in the safety of the armor means oneness with Jesus, we can expect to share His struggles as well as His peace. Remember, God has promised us victory in the midst of trials, not immunity from pain. So "do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you, but rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ..." (1 Peter 4:12-13) Christian heroes who have been tortured for their faith continue to testify to the supernatural strength--even joy--that enables them to endure unthinkable pain.
They affirm with Paul -
"that in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.... For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers.... will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:37-39)
This wonderful truth has become reality to all who believe and follow Jesus. When you put on His armor, His life surrounds you, keeping you safe, close to Himself, and free to be His precious friend and trusted companion. So "put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27) He is your victory!
Stand firm in faith. Be unmoved because you know intimately that of which you believe in. Become biblically literate.
Be a man of courage. Fear is not from God (2 Timothy 1:7), so go your way boldly. The worst that can happen – even death – still ends in victory and glory for the Christian.
Be strong. Physically, yes, let’s take care of ourselves, and present our bodies as holy. But remember that the Lord is the strength of the strong (Ephesians 6:10), and that “when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Do everything in love. Here’s your motivation, because he that doesn’t love doesn’t know God (1 John 4:8), and the world shall know you by your love (John 13:35).
Be on your guard. Be ready, be alert. Expect God to be involved, expect Satan to attack. Let the wonder of creation still catch your eye.
Ephesians 6:10-18
God's armor brings victory because it is far more than a protective covering. It is the very life of Jesus Christ Himself. "[P]ut on the armor of light," wrote Paul in his letter to the Romans, "...clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 13:12-14) When you do, He becomes your hiding place, and shelter in the storm--just as He was to David. Hidden in Him, you can count on His victory, for He not only covers you as a shield, He also fills you with His life.
"I am the vine; you are the branches," said Jesus. "If a man abides in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)
Since living in the safety of the armor means oneness with Jesus, we can expect to share His struggles as well as His peace. Remember, God has promised us victory in the midst of trials, not immunity from pain. So "do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you, but rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ..." (1 Peter 4:12-13) Christian heroes who have been tortured for their faith continue to testify to the supernatural strength--even joy--that enables them to endure unthinkable pain.
They affirm with Paul -
"that in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.... For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers.... will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:37-39)
This wonderful truth has become reality to all who believe and follow Jesus. When you put on His armor, His life surrounds you, keeping you safe, close to Himself, and free to be His precious friend and trusted companion. So "put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27) He is your victory!
Stand firm in faith. Be unmoved because you know intimately that of which you believe in. Become biblically literate.
Be a man of courage. Fear is not from God (2 Timothy 1:7), so go your way boldly. The worst that can happen – even death – still ends in victory and glory for the Christian.
Be strong. Physically, yes, let’s take care of ourselves, and present our bodies as holy. But remember that the Lord is the strength of the strong (Ephesians 6:10), and that “when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Do everything in love. Here’s your motivation, because he that doesn’t love doesn’t know God (1 John 4:8), and the world shall know you by your love (John 13:35).
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Celebrate Life!
Life is a Celebration
How we view our life will make difference in how we live life. If we live our life viewing it from a biblical perspective, it will have deeper meaning than if we see it through a pessimistic view. In Ecclesiastes 11–12, we find Solomon’s ultimate conclusion to his view on life, and the lessons he learned.
1. Life is a stewardship; invest it wisely. Ecclesiastes 11:1–6
Everything in life—not only possessions, but also family, friends, relationships, everything we have—is a gift from God. He entrusted us to manage all of His creation/blessings on His behalf. we don’t own it, but He’s giving it to us for us manage it for Him. we see, the whole of life, Solomon said, is a stewardship, and so we must invest it wisely.
2. Life is a celebration; delight in it. Ecclesiastes 11:7–12:8.
For us to enjoy life and to see it as a celebration, there are three things that we must do—rejoice (11:7–9), remove (11:10–11), and remember (12:1–8). Rejoice in each day. Anticipate every new day as a gift from God, and look forward to literally waking up and unwrapping that wonderful gift each day. Start our day with gratitude. Remove bitterness, false beliefs, bad habits, and unwholesome relationships from our life now before they endanger our future. Remember the constant presence of God. Wherever we go, He is with us and He is watching over us. Remember to obey His Word, to seek His righteousness and His kingdom first—for that is the secret to our success. Remember to place Him first in every decision we make.
3. Life is a school; grow in it. Read Ecclesiastes 12:9–12.
How does God teach us in His school of life? Primarily, it is through His Word. Our textbook is the Bible, and our teacher is the Holy Spirit. There are always new lessons in God’s school. There are always new examinations coming up and every time we think we’ve passed one exam, there is another one on the way. We always have opportunities to grow, progress, and advance.
4. Life is a responsibility; succeed in it. Read Ecclesiastes 12:13–14.
Life is a gift from God. And like any gift, there is an obligation associated with it—an obligation to value it, to cherish it, and to gratefully use it. We need to fear God with a godly fear—an attitude of gratitude, reverence and awe. It is an attitude of love and respect for the poor and the greatness of the giver of the gift.
we may feel that we have been heading in the wrong direction. This is the time; this is the moment for us to get back into the game of life. Begin to see life as a stewardship to be invested wisely. Begin to see it as a celebration to be delighted in. Begin to see it as a school in which we grow. Begin to see it as a responsibility in which to succeed. Jesus Christ lives and prepared everything before us. Lets not put Jesus' preparation in vain. Thank you Jesus!
How we view our life will make difference in how we live life. If we live our life viewing it from a biblical perspective, it will have deeper meaning than if we see it through a pessimistic view. In Ecclesiastes 11–12, we find Solomon’s ultimate conclusion to his view on life, and the lessons he learned.
1. Life is a stewardship; invest it wisely. Ecclesiastes 11:1–6
Everything in life—not only possessions, but also family, friends, relationships, everything we have—is a gift from God. He entrusted us to manage all of His creation/blessings on His behalf. we don’t own it, but He’s giving it to us for us manage it for Him. we see, the whole of life, Solomon said, is a stewardship, and so we must invest it wisely.
2. Life is a celebration; delight in it. Ecclesiastes 11:7–12:8.
For us to enjoy life and to see it as a celebration, there are three things that we must do—rejoice (11:7–9), remove (11:10–11), and remember (12:1–8). Rejoice in each day. Anticipate every new day as a gift from God, and look forward to literally waking up and unwrapping that wonderful gift each day. Start our day with gratitude. Remove bitterness, false beliefs, bad habits, and unwholesome relationships from our life now before they endanger our future. Remember the constant presence of God. Wherever we go, He is with us and He is watching over us. Remember to obey His Word, to seek His righteousness and His kingdom first—for that is the secret to our success. Remember to place Him first in every decision we make.
3. Life is a school; grow in it. Read Ecclesiastes 12:9–12.
How does God teach us in His school of life? Primarily, it is through His Word. Our textbook is the Bible, and our teacher is the Holy Spirit. There are always new lessons in God’s school. There are always new examinations coming up and every time we think we’ve passed one exam, there is another one on the way. We always have opportunities to grow, progress, and advance.
4. Life is a responsibility; succeed in it. Read Ecclesiastes 12:13–14.
Life is a gift from God. And like any gift, there is an obligation associated with it—an obligation to value it, to cherish it, and to gratefully use it. We need to fear God with a godly fear—an attitude of gratitude, reverence and awe. It is an attitude of love and respect for the poor and the greatness of the giver of the gift.
we may feel that we have been heading in the wrong direction. This is the time; this is the moment for us to get back into the game of life. Begin to see life as a stewardship to be invested wisely. Begin to see it as a celebration to be delighted in. Begin to see it as a school in which we grow. Begin to see it as a responsibility in which to succeed. Jesus Christ lives and prepared everything before us. Lets not put Jesus' preparation in vain. Thank you Jesus!
Monday, February 2, 2009
“When you have nothing, anything is possible.”
“When you have nothing, anything is possible.”
This is a year for hope – not despair. Hope or optimism is not about denying reality; it’s about seeing the possibilities for creating a better reality than you currently have.
Yes, I’ve always been an optimistic guy because I really do believe that every problem brings with it the seed of a solution, and I believe that the search for a solution can itself be inspiring and hopeful. If you lose hope, you will not be looking for solutions and will miss them even it they pass right in front of your nose.
More can be gained by focusing on those talents and gifts you know God has given you. Focus on what you’re moving to, not what you’re moving from. Circumstances beyond your control may lead to losing your job and maybe your home – but losing hope is a choice. Remember, “When you have nothing, anything is possible.”
This is a year for hope – not despair. Hope or optimism is not about denying reality; it’s about seeing the possibilities for creating a better reality than you currently have.
Yes, I’ve always been an optimistic guy because I really do believe that every problem brings with it the seed of a solution, and I believe that the search for a solution can itself be inspiring and hopeful. If you lose hope, you will not be looking for solutions and will miss them even it they pass right in front of your nose.
More can be gained by focusing on those talents and gifts you know God has given you. Focus on what you’re moving to, not what you’re moving from. Circumstances beyond your control may lead to losing your job and maybe your home – but losing hope is a choice. Remember, “When you have nothing, anything is possible.”
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