Joshua 6- Simple Obedience to Gods Plan

 ¹⁵Then on the seventh day they rose early at the dawning of the day and marched around the city in the same manner seven times; only on that day they marched around the city seven times.
 ¹⁶At the seventh time, when the priests blew the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, "Shout! For the LORD has given you the city.
...
 ²⁰So the people shouted, and priests blew the trumpets; and when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted with a great shout and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight ahead, and they took the city.

Read More

God seems to have an interesting methodology of doing just about everything.  It is not what would be the most logical to me.  This piece of history is one example where God asked His people to do something out of the ordinary, but when they obeyed, everything was perfect.  The city walls fell, the Israelites were able to storm the city and it was captured.

We need to be prepared to see what God is asking us to do.  It may not make sense to us feeble minded humans, but God is always in control.  He has a plan for our lives.  We simply need to obey Him in all that we do and we will be rewarded with the peace of resting in His plan.

Revelation 14- Presenting the Gospel

⁶ And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, having an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people;  ⁷ and he said with a loud voice, "Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters."

Read More

Sorry for the absence, we have a new foster baby and 6am is my feeding shift.  I hope to continue to write as time permits...

What an amazing scene.  God is coming to the Earth to finish off Satan and judge the entire world.  Yet He has still has directed one of His angels to be presenting the gospel.  The Good News, that Christ died for our sins to take away the eternal punishment we deserve, rose again, just a Scripture had proclaimed for hundreds of years and now is seated a the right hand of God waiting for His Glorious Return.

Lord give me the opportunity to share Christ, and the faith to follow you when that time comes.

I John 4- God's unimaginable love

 ⁹By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.
 ¹⁰In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Read More

What an amazing display of love, Christ sent to earth to die for a world full of sinners and undeserved people.  I think the worst part of this story is the fact that most of those He died for will not believe until His glorious return.  They will continue in sin, hating God with their actions and hearts.

I am so thankful for my salvation!

I John 3- Proof of our love: the Spirit

 ¹³ Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you.
 ¹⁴ We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death.
....
 ²³ This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us.
 ²⁴ The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him We know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.

Read More

I John 2- "So that you may not sin"

 ¹ My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;
 ² and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.
 ³ By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.
 ⁴ The one who says, "I have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him;
 ⁵ but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him:
 ⁶ the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.

Read More

I am so thankful for the finished work of Christ and His continued avocation on my behalf to the Father.  Our sin was completely dealt with on the Cross... past, present and future sin.  Christ, the Perfect Sacrifice, ransomed me from an eternal separation from God. 

To many that doesn't sound like such a bad punishment, separation from God, but consider that longing that unbelievers continue to strive to fill in vain. That is a deep rooted longing that is unknown unless it is revealed by the Holy Spirit.  One day, every knee will bow and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11) and those who have not accepted Christ will understand what that longing was.  And worse yet, there will be nothing they can do to rectify their lives.  They must sit for eternity knowing that they missed the point of their earthly lives.  All the while in permanent punishment for their sin.

Thank you Lord for saving me!  Salvation is an incredible, indescribable and indispensable gift...

I John 1- A high calling

 ⁷but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Read More

II Peter 3- God's incredible patience

 ⁷ But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
 ⁸ But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.
 ⁹ The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

Read More

Although I and my family are ready for the return of Christ, millions are not.  I long for the day that Christ draws the true church to Himself in the clouds.  We will finally be away from the sin filled earth and in His presence!  What an amazing hope we have.  It could happen at any second, but God is waiting for the perfect time. 

His patience for the lost are incomprehensible.  From the time of the Garden of Eden, God has allowed sin to be present in His creation.  Now 6000 to 10,000 years later He is still waiting for the perfect timing for the return of His Son.

II Peter 1- The Power of the Word

 ³ seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.
 ⁴ For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.
 ⁵ Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge,
 ⁶ and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness,
 ⁷ and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.
 ⁸ For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
 ⁹ For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.
 ¹⁰ Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble;
 ¹¹ for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.

Read More

What an incredible Living Book!  God has given us everything we need to live for Him and be lights in this dark world.  Lord help me to love Your Word and grow as you describe in these verses!

I Peter 5- Be on the Alert

 ⁶  Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,
 ⁷  casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
 ⁸   Be of sober spirit, be on the alert your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
 ⁹  But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.
 ¹⁰ After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.

Read More

What a great, succinct way to end a book packed with incredible truth. 

Based on all the previous truths I have shared, Peter says, be humble, trust God, be always prepared for battle, have compassion for your fellow believers because God is performing incredible things in your life!

Thank you Lord for working in me, through me and with me.

I Peter 4- Serve with God's Strength

 ¹⁰ As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
 ¹¹ Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Read More

God has blessed each of us, as believers, with a supernatural gift.  There are many things that can be done by our own strength, but none will compare to the ability God has given if we perform it to His glory, by His strength.

I Peter 3- AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD

 ⁸ To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;
 ⁹ not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.
 ¹⁰ For,
         "THE ONE WHO DESIRES LIFE, TO LOVE AND SEE GOOD DAYS,
         MUST KEEP HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING DECEIT.
    ¹¹ "HE MUST TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD;
         HE MUST SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT.
    ¹² "FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE TOWARD THE RIGHTEOUS,
         AND HIS EARS ATTEND TO THEIR PRAYER,
         BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL."

Read More

Twice in these five verses Peter reminds believer to avoid evil but also to pursue good or a blessing.  I am amazed at the number of times this has shown up since my first recognition of the concept earlier this year. In fact I cannot go more than a few days without reading in The Word a variation of the same concept...

It must be important if God repeats Himself over and over.  I have read the Bible many times cover to cover and not until this year have I been impacted by this concept. 

Thank you Lord for the teaching, make this a reality in my life and help me to be training my children to behave this way too!

I Peter 2- Advertise with our Behavior

 ¹¹ Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul.
 ¹² Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.
 ¹³  Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority,  ¹⁴ or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right.
 ¹⁵ For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.

Read More

I Peter 1- Our Hope

 ¹³ Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
 ¹⁴ As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance,
 ¹⁵ but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior;
 ¹⁶ because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY."

Read More

This passage caught my eye and my heart this morning because of the word "hope".  A guest speaker preached at my church yesterday and brought to light the Greek meaning of the word hope.  He brought to light that the word "hope" is not defined the same as the "hope" we use today... (i.e. "I hope I get an "A" on that test", or "I hope you feel better in the morning."   Something that could go either way, but we have a preference for one.)  In the Greek, this word "hope" means "a settled certainty based on the promises of God."  That is a shortened definition, but get's to point across. 

The hope we have in Christ is Perfect in that it is already settled, our sins are forgiven, our Savior was triumphant over the grave so that we can be sure of our eternal position in Christ..

James 4- Double Action Required

 ⁷ Submit therefore to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you.
 ⁸ Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Read More

I am so taken by how often we see this required double action, this two step process, to continue in righteousness.  God has placed before us the perfect plan for successful living.  I have described this before, but it continues to astound me how often Scriptures are repeated in a slightly different way.

1) Submit to God... pursue righteousness.

2) Resist the devil... flee from evil, hate evil.

We cannot live successful without doing both of these actions...  doing one of the two will always result in failure.

Jame 3- Untamable Tounge

⁵ So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!
 ⁶ And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.
 ⁷ For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race.
 ⁸ But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.
 ⁹ With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God;
 ¹⁰ from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.

Read More

James 2- Faith does not exist without Works

 ¹⁴  What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?
 ¹⁵ If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food,
 ¹⁶ and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and be filled," and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?
 ¹⁷ Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.

Read More

What is the point in all this?  That Faith always produces righteous works!  However, the opposite is not true...Works does not produce Faith and will not even get you close to Heaven.  Salvation alone is God's plan for our eternal dwelling place with Christ.  The only path to salvation is through Faith which comes from God alone.

James 1- The Word, our Yardstick

 ²¹ Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.
 ²² But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.
 ²³ For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror;
 ²⁴ for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.
 ²⁵ But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.

Read More

Some days I have yearned for a personal road-map of life... you know the special book that tells us exactly what God wants us to do each day.  This one needs to be customized so that I can know what jobs to apply for, which home to buy etc.  You know all the hard choices...

The Living Word of God is that book.  Unfortunately it was not customized for Russ Libby, but with the Holy Spirit working in me while I read God's Word, I have every thing I need for life and godliness.  This is the tool with which we are called to measure our lives by.  Yes the bar is high, in fact something unattainable on our own.  That is the reason for Christ!

Hebrews 13- Remember our Pastors

⁷ Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.
...
  ¹⁷ Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.

Read More

The calling to the ministry is amazing and full of trials...  We need to remember that and make sure that we are adding to the blessings and not the trials!

Hebrews 12- God's Discipline Yields Rightousness

⁹ Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live?
 ¹⁰ For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness.
 ¹¹ All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

Read More

Bring on the discipline if that is what it takes to "share in His holiness" and produce "peaceful fruit of righteousness".  I thank God for the learning, growing and changing He has produced in my life.  We must be soft to His will through every situation.  He is sovereign and uses life's situations to train, discipline and mold us.  We are much better off rolling with His teaching than working so diligently to do what we want, and failing.  God has only our best interest in mind and more importantly does all things for His own glory!

Hebrews 11- Pleasing God

 ⁵ By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; AND HE WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE GOD TOOK HIM UP; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God.
 ⁶ And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

Read More

The encouraging Faith Chapter...This verse really stood out to me this morning because I had just heard a similar statement last night during our Churches Summer Series.  The speaker had been impacted as an early believer by the statements found in scripture where different people had "pleased God".   This is another of those statements.  Enoch seems to be a man to study... If you did not notice above it was not a single action that pleased God, but was in a constant state of pleasing God.  Continually... what an incredible testimony to have.

Hebrews 10- Christ's Sacrifice is Final

 ⁵Therefore, when He comes into the world, He says,
         "SACRIFICE AND OFFERING YOU HAVE NOT DESIRED,
         BUT A BODY YOU HAVE PREPARED FOR ME;
    ⁶IN WHOLE BURNT OFFERINGS AND sacrifices FOR SIN YOU HAVE TAKEN NO PLEASURE.
    ⁷"THEN I SAID, 'BEHOLD, I HAVE COME
         (IN THE SCROLL OF THE BOOK IT IS WRITTEN OF ME)
         TO DO YOUR WILL, O GOD.'"
 ⁸After saying above, "SACRIFICES AND OFFERINGS AND WHOLE BURNT OFFERINGS AND sacrifices FOR SIN YOU HAVE NOT DESIRED, NOR HAVE YOU TAKEN PLEASURE in them" (which are offered according to the Law),
 ⁹then He said, "BEHOLD, I HAVE COME TO DO YOUR WILL." He takes away the first in order to establish the second.
 ¹⁰By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Read More

Hebrews 9- Our Calling to an Eternal Inheritance

 ¹¹ But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation;
 ¹² and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.
 ¹³ For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh,
 ¹⁴ how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
 ¹⁵ For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

Read More

Hebrews 8- Christ Heavenly Ministry

 ⁶ But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises.

Read More

What an Awesome God we serve, Who has placed His Son, Christ, as the mediator for each of us.  We are able to go directly to Jesus with our thanksgiving, worries, requests and to seek forgiveness.

Hebrews 7- Christ: Our Hope and Salvation

 ¹⁸ For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness
 ¹⁹ (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.

Read More

Jesus Christ had to come to this earth to save us from our sin because, as Scripture points out repeatedly, the Law made (or can make) NOTHING perfect.  God requires nothing less than perfection!  Being good by our own (or our parents) standard does not even get God's attention.  The only thing our own efforts can produce is sin.

Think about it...  If I work really hard to be good, who am I impressing?  Not God, likely myself, maybe some others... Okay, so what does that produce?  Pride, false confidence, false hope.  No matter what we do on our own, it is doomed to produce sin in our lives!

The only thing which we can confidently place our trust in is Jesus Christ.  That is the Hope being spoken of in vs. 19, through which we can draw near to GOD.  What an amazing concept!  Even though God demands perfection, He has created a path through the "red tape" and enabled us to be forgiven, IF WE DO NOTHING ON OUR OWN, BUT ALLOW CHRIST TO WORK IN US!

Has anything similar been done in all of history?  I doubt it...You deserve eternal death, but if you let Me do everything for you, I will reward you with eternal life in the presence of Christ & God.  ...wow...

Hebrews 4- The Word & Our Christ

 ¹² For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
 ¹³ And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.
 ¹⁴ Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
 ¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.
 ¹⁶ Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Read More

Hebrews 3- Encouragement

 ¹³ But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

Read More

It is an excellent reminder that we need to be encouraging each other.  We have so many opportunities each day to build up or tear down.  I don't think that I take these opportunities often enough to use them to encourage.

Lord, help me to build up whenever possible.  Help me to encourage especially my fellow believers to be running toward you and to be shining stars in this dark world.

Hebrews 2- Help for the Tempted

 ¹⁷ Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
 ¹⁸ For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted..

Read More

What an Amazing God we serve!  He allowed His Son to be tempted while on earth as a man for the express purpose of identification. Not only can we, as believers, identify with the temptation of Christ but because of His perfect reaction to temptation we know He is God.

This verse will be very useful for me while I go through work this week and next.  Lord help me to seek you in thought and deed every minute of the day.  Help me to remember that you are still on the throne and in control of every circumstance You throw my way!

Hebrews 1- LOVE RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HATE LAWLESSNESS

⁸ But of the Son He says,
         "YOUR THRONE, O GOD, IS FOREVER AND EVER,
         AND THE RIGHTEOUS SCEPTER IS THE SCEPTER OF HIS KINGDOM.
    ⁹ "YOU HAVE LOVED RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HATED LAWLESSNESS;
         THEREFORE GOD, YOUR GOD, HAS ANOINTED YOU
         WITH THE OIL OF GLADNESS ABOVE YOUR COMPANIONS."

Read More

Again and again we see the double action to that is directly linked to Godliness.  We must flee from sin, and pursue Christ. 

Lord help me to constantly be pursuing You so that fleeing from sin is my first response, every time. 

Titus 2- Zealous for good deeds

 ¹¹ For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,
 ¹² instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,
 ¹³ looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,
 ¹⁴ who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

Read More

What a great reminder.  Over and over again we see the same message, Deny Ungodliness but Be Zealous for Good Deeds.  It is stated repeatedly with slightly different verbage.  Why?  Because even though we know (head knowledge) that we should run from evil and sprint toward our Savior, we so often don't. 

Titus 1- All Things are Pure

 ¹³ This testimony is true. For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith,
 ¹⁴ not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.
 ¹⁵ To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled.

Read More

As I meditate on this verse I am more than ever encouraged to have a hard conversation.  My wife and I have been praying about a situation where this verse is very applicable.  Over and over the Scriptures (especially the New Testament) are filled with exhortation to be holy, pure, righteous.  We are called by God to set our eyes, minds and hearts on Christ to get through this life on earth.  The focus is always on avoiding evil but setting our course for Christ.

What I see here is  another instance where Believers are encouraged act purely...but all the "questionable" activities are not going to defile you; it will be your mind that tears you away from Christ.  This is no excuse to participate in any activity that is clearly spelled out as sinful in Scripture or even things that you yourself have been convicted about.  "If he knows to do right, but does not do it, to him it is sin"!

However, unless we are not daily in The Word and in Prayer, we cannot accidentally fall into evil.  We can be negligent in our belief and relationship with Christ, which will cause temptation, but no accidental demon possession.  Christ is more powerful than Satan.  I know the end of the story, Christ is victorious and Satan is in chains forever!

II Timothy 4- Fulfill Your Ministry

 ² preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.
 ³ For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires,
 ⁴ and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.
 ⁵ But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Read More

one of Paul's last statements to Timothy was to "fulfill your ministry".  We are each gifted with something and are all called to serve the Body of Christ.  I think Paul was reminding Timothy that no mater how difficult situations were or would become we still have a calling.

For this day and age, I think it may be better interpreted, regardless of how busy you are, we have a calling that we need to be actively engaged in.

II Timothy 3- Profit of Scripture

 ¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
 ¹⁷so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

Read More

I was encouraged this morning by this second verse (v17).  Many times I have heard messages or exhortation on verse 16, but I was reminded that the second verse holds the action.  It is our calling, what we need to do with the Knowledge and Change God has performed in us, through Scripture.

"So that the man of God may be adequate" [...complete... competent... thoroughly] "equipped for every good work."

What a reminder of how important the Word of God is.  This is our training.  This is how we are disciplined in living.  I pray that God would soften my heart to hear what He is teaching me each day, so that I can competently, thoroughly, completely and adequately do His will.

 ²¹ Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
 ²² Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

Read More

These letters from Paul are chock full of incredible short reminders to live a Godly life.  But something that He continues to point out is to "Flee [evil]...and Pursue righteousness".  It is not just the removing yourself from the bad situations, but we must run to God, His Word and fall on our knees!

Lord, help me to pursue YOU!

II Timothy 1- Power, Love & Discipline

 ⁶ For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
 ⁷ For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

Read More

I Timothy 6- Flee from the things of this world

 ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
 ¹¹ But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.
 ¹² Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Read More

I love vs 11... "Flee from these things,...and pursue...  What a great reminder that it is not only shunning the evil things of this world but (and I think more importantly) pursue Christ, fight the fight, obey our calling!  If we are busy doing these things we will supernaturally Hate Evil (Proverbs 8:13). 

If we can focus on "righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness" fleeing from evil things of this world will be our first instinct!

Lord, help me to Hate Evil and Pursue Christ!

I Timothy 5- How to Encourage Others Toward Godliness

 ¹ Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers,
 ² the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity.

Read More

This verse comes at perfect timing in life (as they often do, it is as if God were in control of everything!) as I am considering how to point out some error in a fellow believers thinking.

Lord help me to be humble and speak only what You would have me...

I Timothy 4- Be an Example

 ¹² Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.
 ¹³ Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching.

Read More

What an amazing section of Scripture... When I was younger I would look a the first part of this verse for encouragement, now that I am not so insecure about my age I love the content of the rest of the verses as well.

Help me to be an example for those around me.  Whether that is at home, work or in the community.  I want my actions, speech and thoughts to exemplify Christ wherever I go.  This morning I also noticed the internal portion of this verse, "love, faith and purity" all all internal.  Only Christ really knows what is happening in my heart.  Help me to serve Christ with all of my actions and thoughts!

I Timothy 2- Authority and the Gospel

 ¹ First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,
 ² for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
 ³ This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
 ⁴ who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
 ⁵ For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
 ⁶ who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.

Read More

I was convicted about this passage... At times I think less than Highly about those in authority, from everyday figures to our President.  But what I am missing is that God has placed them in authority, it was by His Power that they are over me and I in a submissive position. 

After reminding us to pray for our leaders, Paul tells us that it is pleasing to God.  Then interestingly, Paul threw in the gospel.  Not only are we to respect, pray for and be THANKFUL for those in authority, we see that God desires that all come to a saving knowledge of Christ's work. 

Lord, give our leaders wisdom in their work today.  I pray that You would direct those around them to be a light for You, so that one day You may take hold of their hearts and draw them to Yourself!

Thank You for my salvation!

I Timothy 1- More than enough

¹⁴ The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

Read More

I am so thankful that Christ selected me.  This verse struck a chord with me this morning... God poured out His grace on me ABUNDANTLY!!! That mean far more than what was required just to save me, just to get me into Heaven, just to wash away my sin, but FAR MORE, enough to fill me up and run over spilling into other peoples lives.

Thank You Lord, for saving my soul, and thank You for allowing my life to impact others and drive them to You!

II Thessalonians 2- Selected by God

 ¹³ But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.
 ¹⁴ It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Read More

What an amazing concept that God, knowing who we were, selected us to be part of His Church.

II Thessalonians 1- Separation from God

 ⁶ For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you,
 ⁷ and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire,
 ⁸ dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
 ⁹ These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,
...

Read More

Paul was encouraging the Believers at this church with the fact that God is the final Judge.  He knows all the affliction His people have endured and plans to give justice.  Godly (righteous, pure, holy & just) judgment is severe.  Vs 9 above tells of the severity, to be eternally separated for the presence of God and His power.  The eternal fact is the most unsettling, but we know Hell will be a horrible place of pain, hatred and agony, forever.

God has a standard of HOLY PERFECTION, period.  We all must be judged according to perfection, an none of us alone even come close.  Thank God for His salvation plan, Jesus Christ.  Even though none of us come close to the standard set out by God, He has provided for us to be viewed as Holy.  God send Jesus to remove all the sin we commit in our lives and because of that we can be judged as Holy, if only we place our faith in Christ.

I Thessalonians 5- Pastor Appreciation

 ¹² But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction,
 ¹³ and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. 

Read More

This chapter had much to say about right living... But I was immediately struck by these two verses.  Our pastors (and leadership team) work diligently for one goal, to train others in the saving knowledge of Christ and train believers to serve as God has called them.  There is probably more to it than that, but trying to boil it all down succinctly was kinda tough...

I am thankful that I attend a fellowship of believers, where the Bible is preached.  There is no holds barred... They teach on sin, they teach on Salvation, they confront the hard issues and stand "their" ground (actually it is the Truth of Scripture).  They encourage, exhort and discipline when necessary.  But regardless of the situation they drive us back to The Word.

We need to remember how hard our pastors work, and encourage them whenever we can.  More than anything, we need to pray that our Pastors will continue to fight the good fight and follow Christ's calling. 

I Thessalonians 4- Rapture

 ¹³But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.
 ¹⁴For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.
 ¹⁵For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.
 ¹⁶For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
 ¹⁷Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.
 ¹⁸Therefore comfort one another with these words.

Read More

I Thessalonians3- Engouragment

 ⁶ But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you,
 ⁷ for this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith;
 ⁸ for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord.

Read More

What a blessing it is to encourage others by our faith.  Trials are difficult circumstances that God uses to train, discipline and grow us.  They are part of normal life, everyone of us goes through different types for various reasons.  BUT one thing is certain, that even trials are part of God's will.

Is your faith encouraging to those who know you?  What can you do to encourage others with your  faith?

I Thessalonians 2- Pleasing God, not men

 ⁴ but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts.

Read More

Putting the things of this world in the eternal perspective really helps me understand what is important in life.  Yes, things are not going well at work, but what does God want me to do?  Continue to serve Him in everything I say, think or do.  God is sovereign!  There is nothing that is out of His control.  What others think about us is far less important than what God knows about us.

I Thessalonians 1- In Tribulation with Joy

 ⁵ for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.
 ⁶ You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit,

Read More

These two verses provide tons of encouragement and direction, but I will only scratch the surface. 

1) The gospel is Powerful!

2) We are to prove what the gospel has done in our lives, with actions.

3) We should be imitators of Christ!

4) We are to be filled with Joy even during trials and tribulation. This is only made possible with Christ, through the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Colossians 4- Our Speech

  ⁵ Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.
 ⁶  Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.

Read More

  Definitely a challenging statement... in stressful situation or times of discomfort it is easy to get distracted from what is really important.  God has called us to be ambassadors of Him in this world.  We need wisdom in what to say and how to say it.  Some people are difficult to talk to, they always seem to be picking a fight, but that doesn't mean we should engage them.

Give me wisdom Lord.  Help me always to be a light for You.

Colossians 3- Chosen by God

 ¹² So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;
 ¹³ bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
 ¹⁴ Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
 ¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.
 ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
 ¹⁷ Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Read More

This entire section is filled with Truth and instruction on how to live a Christ-like life.  But what really stands out to me is that God chose us...God, the infinite, omniscient, matchless One, who knows everything about each of us, still chose us.  In fact He not only chose us, but He chose to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to die in our place.

Think about that... God asked His Son to take all the filthy, vial, disgusting sin of mankind and bear it while being the sacrifice so that we could spend ETERNITY in heaven with God and our Risen Savior!

Colossians 1-Kicking and screaming

 ¹³For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,
 ¹⁴in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Read More

What a picture of salvation, although unexpected.  We all think of salvation as an "awakening" or "accepting Christ" and there are definitely some similarities to those actions.  Verse 13 portrays the event quite differently.  Before Christ we were all wondering around with no ability to chose anything except for what sin to commit next.  In fact, before Christ, we could not do anything "good" according to God's standards.  That is utter darkness.

Then we are "transferred" into the kingdom of light, Jesus Christ's realm, what we know as salvation.  I remember a message preached several years ago where my pastor dissected this term "transferred".  What struck me was that this term is actually used of moving people AGAINST THEIR WILL!  He used the term "deported, kicking and screaming".  Talk about a vivid analogy.  God in His infinite wisdom knew what was best for us and moved us against our natural will.

Thank you God for you amazing plan!  Help me to share it with everyone I meet.

Philippians 4- Content

 ¹¹ Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
 ¹² I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
 ¹³ I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Read More

What an encouragement.  I have been blessed beyond measure, yet I still find myself at times looking for more.  Paul is reminding us that we have been filled with the power, through Christ, to live contentedly wherever He has placed us.  That means when God is blessing with plenty of money, after a pay cut, after a lost job or any time. 

We must remember that God is in control.  There is nothing that happens that is outside of His watchful eye.  His plans are not always the same as mine, but His plans are always better. 

The final verse (v13) reminds us that on our own we are hopelessly lost to be discontent, at times even in the best situations, without Christ who gives us strength.  That is our selfishness.

Are you content in Christ today?  Are you living your life to the fullness that you have been called to?

Philippians 3- Perfect in Christ

12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.

13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,

14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Read More

What a prize, what a goal, what a calling: to be made in perfect Christ likeness.  That is our unattainable goal here on earth, yet we strive to allow the Holy Spirit to work within us and begin the transformation through His power.  What an majestic God we serve, who can transform a person like me, into perfection.

Thank You Lord for my salvation!  Give me strength, humility and power to walk in Your ways and to live Christ in every thing I do...

Philippians 2- Relationships with other believers

1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,

2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.

3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;

4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,

...

Read More

I was reminded of a relationship to a coworker I have by this passage. I work with another believer who I often have a difference of opinions with. These are work related, not theological, mostly unimportant topics. However, this verse brings me back to the root of the matter... I'll repeat the verses now, because they are so clear they need no interpretation or explanation (emphasis mine):

"make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,..."

Wow! Lord help me to love You and bring glory to You and Your Son.  I am dependent on You alone to make this change in me...

Philippians 1- Worthy of the Gospel

27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

Read More

This verse is definitely one that we all need to act out. These believers were encouraged to be known for their firm stance in on the gospel in which they were of one mind. The Christian community in general is not known for this. Unbelievers see the "church" as a splintered group of factions, that do nothing but fight among ourselves.

I really appreciate this verse because it gives us individual instruction "conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ", as well as how we should behave as a community.

Does your community know you (and your church) as one that is "standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel"?

Ephesians 6- Slaves (employees) of Christ

5 Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ;

6 not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.

7 With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, ...

Read More

When I read this and other related passages, I am reminded that my work is not all futile as Solomon proclaimed in Ecclesiastes. Regardless of my position, title compensation level or status, I am still here for one reason; To serve Christ and bring Him glory.

As these verses indicate, bringing Christ glory with my job is done by working diligently, and with devotion. My actions are viewed by believes, unbelievers and even heavenly beings. What I do is proof of Christ's saving power in my life.

It is important to note that later on in this same chapter Paul is reminding us that we need to be dependent on God's power to enable us, not our own:

"10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might."

Ephesians 5- Make the most of your time

15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,

16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil.

17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit...

Read More

This section of scripture came with perfect timing.  I have been trying to be effective in accomplishing my job, but progress has been slow.  There are so many legitimate things that require my attention, that I have very little time left to do the truly important things in my position.

We have been called to "...do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,
 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve" (Colossians 3:23-24).  When I am not effective, I am not serving Christ as I should.  My work related activities are a direct reflection of what Christ has done in me.

Are you displaying Christ in your work?  Lord help me to make the most of the time you have given me!

Ephesians 3- Strengthend to know God's love

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,

15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name,

16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man,

17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,

19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.

Read More

Lord, help me to be motivated to serve you in everything. Help me to meditate on your Scripture. Use your Spirit to teach me. Remind me to be prayerful. Draw me close to You. I am nothing on my own, so strengthen me so that I may serve You.

Ephesians 2- Even our faith is a gift from God

4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,

5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

...

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;

9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

Read More

This is a great reminder that everything is truly from God.  Vs. 8 is one of my favorite passages because it clearly states that even the Faith required for me to believe in God's incredible plan has been gifted to me.  None of salvation is based on what I can do, but solely on what God has done.

Help me to be humble and trust that You are in control.

Ephesians 1- God works all things according to His will

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,

4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him In love

5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,

6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace

8 which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight

9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him

10 with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him

11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,

12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.

13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation--having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,

14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory.

 Read More

How incredible a passage.  I really wanted to copy the entire chapter in here.  Anyway, look at vs. 11... My wife was just telling me not to worry about the things at work, because ultimately God has a plan for my life.  It doesn't matter what decisions are made, NOTHING will take God by surprise.  He has a plan for me and if I allow Him to lead me I will be in His will!

Galatians 6- Boasting Only in Christ

14 But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Read More

My continual prayer is that I would be humble.  I have learned over the years that Pride is one of my sinful attitudes that I must constantly be watching, praying about and held accountable to.  I always viewed pride as arrogance, and I wasn't arrogant.  So I didn't think I had to worry about pride.  But the more I saw myself struggling with sin especially in professional relationships, God helped me understand these sins were based on the basic belief that I was better, smarter, more articulate or whatever. 

Now, I pray every day as I am heading to work, "Lord give me humility and help me to be a great Ambassador for Christ".  It has changed how I interact with my coworkers and boss.  It is still a struggle.  I am constantly reminded by the Holy Spirit, that I may not have all the answers, or that I just need to listen.

This section of Scripture reminds me that I do have one thing to be "proud" about...that God sent His Son to die in my place.  Jesus was the only acceptable sacrifice for all the despicable things that I have done.  Thank you Lord that you first loved me!

Galatians 5- Walk by the Spirit

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.

17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.

18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.

Read More

What an amazing picture. If we walk by the Spirit, we will not have an opportunity to pursue the things of this world. We should be so taken by what Christ has done in us, that we run to Him.

Paul brings us back to the Law here. The entire book of Galatians was written to counter the false teaching that we, as believers, must continue to keep the whole Old Testament Law. Paul is trying to instruct that we are saved by FAITH. It is only through the free gift of Salvation that we can be redeemed. Christ's death was the only acceptable sacrifice to God that could pay for our sin!

How incredible...

I am reminded by vs. 17 about the analogy of removing air from a container. What is the most complete way to remove air from a container? Fill it with something water! That is true for us if "air" is our sinful nature and the "water" is God's Spirit.

Are you allowing God to fill you?

Galatians 4- Heirs

3 So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world.

4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law,

5 so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

6 Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!"

7 Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.

Read Only
What an incredible picture of adoption. We are lost in this world. We have on one looking out for our good. We wander around in desperation, trying to make sense of this life, to no avail. Then Christ takes hold of our lives. We discover that He is our redeemer! And when we receive that by Faith, we become adopted sons(and daughters) of God, with full rights to the fullness of His inheritance.

Galatians 3- Salvation by Faith Alone

5 So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?

6 Even so Abraham BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.

7 Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are (K)sons of Abraham.

8 The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, "ALL THE NATIONS WILL BE BLESSED IN YOU."

9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer.

10 For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO DOES NOT ABIDE BY ALL THINGS WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF THE LAW, TO PERFORM THEM."

11 Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, "THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH."

12 However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, "HE WHO PRACTICES THEM SHALL LIVE BY THEM."

13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us--for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE"--

14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Read More

Galatians 2- Crucified with Christ

20 I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Read More

What a privilege we have that our flesh has been crucified. We no longer need to obey the fleshly desires. We must live by faith to experience God's power of transformation.

Galatians 1- Seeking God's Favor

10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.

Read More

We are called to be imitators of Christ. Our examples for how to live like Christ include the apostles, like Paul. Now I look at this section of scripture and when I apply it to myself I am seeing the importance of doing everything for Christ's glory.

It would be easy to take this verse out of context and say that I do not have to please men (like my boss, local authorities, etc), however it is important that we understand this in regard to teaching false doctrine. I must do what my boss asks me (unless it is illegal, or against my convictions) because in doing so I am serving Christ!

This verse is about not changing the Gospel message. It is about protecting the important doctrine of Justification by faith, not works.

The book will go on to talk about the futility of the Old Testament Law. And as we see in Scripture time and again, the Law only brings proof that we are insufficient on our own and NEED CHRIST TO SAVE US!

II Corinthians 13- Our weakness, God's Strength

3 since you are seeking for proof of the Christ who speaks in me, and who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you.

4 For indeed He was crucified because of [our] weakness, yet He lives because of the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, yet we will live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.

Read More

Thank God for His power. If everything were up to us, all we could possibly do it fail. We have to know this: in comparison to God's perfection every action we have is flawed. There is nothing we can do apart from Him that will bring Him Glory.

Now if that first paragraph is true, how amazing is it that God sent His Son, our Lord Jesus the Christ, to be our ransom?

II Corinthians 10- God's Approval

17 But HE WHO BOASTS IS TO BOAST IN THE LORD.

18 For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends.

Read More

What a great reminder that we should be more concerned about what God wants in our lives than ourselves. We need to be humble. We need to give God the glory for anything good that has happened in life. It is truly only through Him that we are changed, only through Him we can do any good.

Lord, please help me to be humble. Help me to seek Your will only.

II Corinthians 9- Cheerful Giving

6 Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

7 Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Read More

This is the second chapter on giving from II Corinthians. This is truly important to God. Giving, whether it is our time, money or skills, is one of our opportunities to worship the Holy God who created us and everything in this world. The amazing thing is that God continues to provide for all that we need, even if we give sacrificially. That is giving to the point we feel it. It impacts our lives in a real way, not just giving what is left over at the end of the month.

Are you using the money, time and abilities that God gave you for the right things?

II Corinthians 7- Repentance

9 I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us.

10 For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.

Read More

This is a great picture of the true repentance of salvation, but it is also the appropriate response to discipline. The discipline was never meant to break down, or discourage, but to wake us up out of our selfishness. To remind us that God is in control of every circumstance in life and that He has our best in mind. When we can escape the sinful, selfish tendencies we able to move beyond the discipline to see that we have Salvation!

Lord help me respond to Your Word in a manner that always brings me back to a thankful, humble attitude which will easily follow You in whatever you ask.

II Corinthians 6- Protecting Our Ministries

3 giving no cause for offense in anything, so that the ministry will not be discredited,

4 but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses,

Read More

Paul as his fellow ministers worked hard in every aspect of life to ensure those evaluating their lives for legitimacy would only see nothing but proof of God's work in them. That required many times persecution, beatings and hunger (see following verses). However, they had one goal: To show Christ's work in transforming them into servants of God.

They ensured all things to present the saving work of Christ and make sure it was not discredited. We have the same responsibility today in our daily lives. Do we live up to the persecution of Paul's day? NO. But we have many opportunities to ruin our testimony. People will be rude to us, they will take our parking spot, cut us off in traffic and some will try to push us to the edge.

How are you "giving no cause for offense in anything, so that the ministry will not be discredited"?

II Corinthians 4- God's Treasure

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;

8 we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing;

9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
...
17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,

18while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Read More

Paul is pointing out that although we have been blessed beyond measure with salvation, we are replaceable. We will not be here forever, and all that God has done thorough us, is strictly that, GOD WORKING IN US. Not anything that we have done.

Then Vs. 8-9 talk about all the trials of life, when things are not going "our way". Then then end of the chapter Vs.17-18 remind us of the purpose of the trials. They have been allowed to influence our lives to continue to build the stockpile of treasure God has stored in us.

Salvation is incredible enough to marvel at continually, but we see here that God is building us up to become an acceptable sacrifice to Him one day when we see His face in Heaven!

Maranatha! (what?)

II Corinthians 3- Our Futility

4 Such confidence we have through Christ toward God.

5 Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God,

6 who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Read More

While reading this passage I was encouraged that we can have confidence (as sinful as we continue to be while on earth) about our standing with God (vs 4).  But as I read the associated notes in my study Bible this is what I found about the Law:

"The letter kills in two ways: 1) it results in a living death.  Before Paul was converted, he thought he was saved by keeping the law, but all it did was kill his peace, joy and hope; and 2) it results in spiritual death.  His inability to truly keep the law sentenced him to eternal death.  Only Jesus Christ through the agency of the Holy Spirit can produce eternal life in one who believes."

So, not only is the law simply a measuring stick, but it's only purpose is to point our our inadequacy.  All our efforts are complete futility when measured up to God's standard.  That is the reason for Christ.  He is the only way to a relationship with God.

Now, back to vs.4...  Christ's death on the Cross for our sins gives us the ability to be reconciled, and because God Holy Word declares it, we have confidence through Christ! 

II Corinthians 2- Tough Love

4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not so that you would be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have especially for you.

Read more

If have read I Corinthians you will understand the "tough love" Paul needed to use with this church. Everything was done with incorrect heart attitude from taking the Lord's Supper to sexual sins. And the Corinthians were okay with it...

That is why Paul had to step in and correct their behavior. It didn't feel good at the time, but as Paul describes in this verse it was all in love. It was obvious that Paul spent much time in prayer and anguish over the situations, but his ultimate goal was to drive the Corinthians back to Christ.

Lord help me to use discipline appropriately and only in a pure and loving manner... but help me not to ignore to sin.

II Corinthians 1- Comforted to Serve

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,

4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Read More

What an encouragement to all of us who are being afflicted by circumstances we are in. The message here is that God will comfort us even at our most down-trodden times. Later in this chapter Paul was talking about being tormented to the point of wishing for death (vs 8). This is as low as you can get, but he reminds us that God will not leave you out to dry, but will comfort us to the point that we can even encourage others!

Thank You Lord for continually reminding me to have an out word focus and to serve others!

I Corinthians 16- Always Be Ready to Serve

13 Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

14 Let all that you do be done in love.

Read More

Verse 13 is a command to be ready for any circumstance. But vs 14 is the descriptor in that is tells us how we should behave in "all that you do", in everything. What does it mean to do everything in love? We just read a few chapters ago:

4 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant,
5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered,
6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;
7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never fails;...

To me that sounds a lot like serving. Serving God, serving Christ, serving family, friends. How about co-workers, your boss, the grocery store clerk, the bank teller? There truly is no limitation here. We were called to serve others and in so doing, share the Gospel of Christ!

What would the world think of Christians if we were known for serving? What would they think about Christ's saving grace? Are you serving those around you as Christ would?

I Corinthians 15- Our Sure Hope

52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

54b "DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory.

55 "O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?"

56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law;

57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.

Read More

What an incredible time it will be when Christ returns for His bride... It could be any moment! What a day that will be, finally made perfect in every way. Eternity with Christ in Heaven. Worshiping constantly, ever in adoration. No opportunity to sin, only perfect living in holiness. Thank you Lord Jesus for the victory! Maranatha!

I Corinthians 14- Encouragement and Edification

24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all;

25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you.

Read More

The prophesy here I have found is referring to the role of the pastor/teacher in our day. They encourage, exhort others to good works, proclaim the Truth, share what God has been teaching them from the Word and correct behavior/thinking at times. God does not want confusion or disorganization to characterize the Church. He left us here to be a light in the darkness so He requires that we have a good report among believers and un-believers alike.

I Corinthians 13- Called to Show Our Love

4 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant,

5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered,

6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;

7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Love never fails;...

Read More

I have a small note written in the margin of my Bible next to this section of scripture. It simply reads "Love is show in ACTION". It doesn't matter if you are showing love to you God, your spouse, your children, your friends, your coworkers or your neighbors. It will only be clearly communicated if it is displayed in our every action. That is a challenging statement, but "I can do all thing through Him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13).

We must lean on Him for strength and perseverance to successfully show Love in all our actions. Thank you Lord for the Spirit's power, Strength and incite! We are so blessed to be saved, how can we not show our love in return?

I Corinthians 12- Encouraged to Power

18 But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.
...
25 so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.

26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

Read More

God's perfect plan for where I should be, how I should serve and what my gifts are is amazing. I haven't always known what I should do to serve, but He is always presenting me opportunities. I am nearly always blessed when I give up "my plan" to do what He is asking. It is especially comforting to know that God has placed me "just as He desired".

Lord help me to be soft to your prompting...but help me also to be more empathetic. Vs. 26 reminds me to pay more attention to those around me and celebrate with them, or work with them through tough times.

When was the last time you suffered with a sufferer?

I Corinthians 10- Encouraged to Power

12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.

13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

Read More

How incredible a promise... NO Temptation is beyond what we can endure through God's Power. I have always been encouraged by vs 13, because it is a promise that there is a way of escape from sin. The only time it is not very encouraging is after I fail in my walk and sin. This verse reminds me that I am the only one to blame for my sin. It reminds me that I was not depending on the Spirit to give me strength to endure or even find that way of escape.

Even in those times though disappointed in myself, I see the hope that God will help in future times of temptation. I am reminded that the next time I face the temptation I can be victorious, but only if I lean on Christ's Power.

Thank you Lord for you willingness to save, and transport us from this dark world. Thank you for the ability to endure all trials and temptation if we lean on you!

I added in one additional verse this morning..."let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall". Lord help me to be humble, and even in times of victory remind me to fully depend on your provision to get me through the next trial!

I Corinthians 9- Finishing Strong

27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

Read More

Discipline...in every sense of the word is not comfortable. There is the discipline we give (or receive) aimed at correcting our actions. This is typically a consequence for poor behavior, or incorrect attitudes. The other discipline, the one Paul is referring to, is much longer in duration and can be more difficult, more painful, more selfless, more Christlike...

But look at the goal, "I myself will not be disqualified". He is not talking about salvation here, it is his testimony to the world & Christ's followers. God has placed strict guidelines on those in Leadership of Christ's Church, and one slip-up can disqualify. I don't think Paul is talking about his personal loss here, but it is obvious from the context that Paul wants more than anything to have people commit their lives to Christ and grow in Him.

Where do you need more discipline? What are you doing to train your body & mind for Christ? Lord help me to finish strong!

I Corinthians 8- Causing Others to Stumble?

12 And so, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ.

13 Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble.

Read More

This passage is a great reminder that we have a responsibility for our actions including how they are viewed by other people. Christian Liberties are an interesting topic... Most of them are cultural, as I see it. In Paul's day it was meat sacrificed to idols, today it could be drinking. There are plenty to chose from really, but what is important here is that we are conscious of how our actions are view.

If someone sees my actions and in turn forms a negative opinion about me, the Church or most importantly Christ, I have done a disservice to my Lord and Savior! That is exactly the opposite of what God left me here on earth to do. I need to be sharing Christ and living my life for Him.

Is there anything you do that could detract from Christ? We better be praying about those activities...