The Psalms
Psalms 45-47 Thursday: Job 31-32
Friday: Jeremiah 17-21
Saturday: Mark 11-12
Psalms 45
1
My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
2
Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.
3
Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty.
4
And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.
5
Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; whereby the people fall under thee.
6
Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.
7
Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
8
All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.
9
Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.
10
Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house;
11
So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him.
12
And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.
13
The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.
14
She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.
15
With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king's palace.
16
Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth.
17
I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever.
Psalms 46
1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2
Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
4
There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
5
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
6
The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
7
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
8
Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
9
He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
10
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
11
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Psalms 47
1
O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.
2
For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.
3
He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.
4
He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.
5
God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.
6
Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.
7
For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.
8
God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.
9
The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
CHRIST'S ADMONITION
CHRIST'S ADMONITION
1 Corinthians 4:14-21
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+4:14-21
Dear Father, king of the ages,
I am proud to be your child, and I want to listen carefully to
your admonition. Help me to listen to you through the words of my
spiritual fathers in the faith, your apostles. May I imitate them!
Remind me of their ways in Christ. From them and through them may
I learn that the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in
power.
Come to me, Lord, to chasten me and change me. But please show
your love in a spirit of gentleness, rather than with the fierce
rod of your anger.
I renounce all egotistical thinking and all arrogant talk. I turn
my heart and mind toward you and submit my life! You, Father, are
my God, my Lord, my Savior! You are worthy of all my love and
obedience.
In the name of Jesus I submit to your authority and ask your
blessings to continue forever. Amen.
1 Corinthians 4:14-21
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+4:14-21
Dear Father, king of the ages,
I am proud to be your child, and I want to listen carefully to
your admonition. Help me to listen to you through the words of my
spiritual fathers in the faith, your apostles. May I imitate them!
Remind me of their ways in Christ. From them and through them may
I learn that the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in
power.
Come to me, Lord, to chasten me and change me. But please show
your love in a spirit of gentleness, rather than with the fierce
rod of your anger.
I renounce all egotistical thinking and all arrogant talk. I turn
my heart and mind toward you and submit my life! You, Father, are
my God, my Lord, my Savior! You are worthy of all my love and
obedience.
In the name of Jesus I submit to your authority and ask your
blessings to continue forever. Amen.
The Cross
The Cross
Recently I found myself humming an old, but familiar song. I’m sure you’ll remember it: “I am persuaded; Lord to love you; I have been changed to bless Your Name; I am constrained, by this great gospel, Forever to worship Thee…”.
As I eventually began to sing the song out loud (I refuse to accept that singing is not one of my gifts), I couldn’t help but think about the words. “I am constrained by this great gospel.” That line surely isn’t popular in this new decade.
Think about it. Words like…
Sacrifice
Self Control
Submission to a higher authority
Saying ‘no’ when everything and everyone else says yes
…in the culture that we live in, these virtues are not only unpopular, they are almost obsolete. As a matter of fact, someone living their life by a moral compass is often criticized and laughed at by people in their social circle.
Let me give you an example. Have you heard of the popular pop singing group the “Jonas Brothers?” Although I am not completely familiar with their music, I remember hearing that these young men had committed themselves to staying abstinent until marriage. Whether or not they are sticking to their commitment is irrelevant. What is interesting to me is the fact that these young men were the ongoing fodder for many comedians for quite a while. As a matter of fact, a popular comedian went so far as to suggest that these young men were impotent because “why else would someone wait until marriage to have sex?”
In other words, why on earth would someone exercise self restraint by choice?
Can I be transparent with you? One of my biggest concerns is that in my effort to stay culturally sensitive, I might risk becoming spiritually distant and watered down. Am I alone?
I feel a special connection to people that probably won’t walk into the church doors. And many of those persons, to be frank, can’t understand most church folk.
To be honest, I am what someone would consider ‘church folk’ and at times I can’t understand us.
Sometimes we can be so spiritually minded that we are no earthly good. Do you know what I’m talking about? Some of us can’t hold a conversation about anything unless it has ‘thus’ and ‘thou’ included. But at the same time, as I obey my life calling, to reach those persons disconnected to the church, I can’t compromise the Way of the Lord. I have to remember that principles of self denial are crucial to our walk with Christ, regardless of what messages we are being bombarded with daily.
I have several mentors in the Word of God, and the Apostle Paul is near the top of the list. He addresses this very issue (for me at least) in 1 Corinthians 6:12-20. This is what I hear when I read it “Robin, just because the culture tells you that it’s okay for you to do it, doesn’t mean you have to do it. Girl you were purchased with a price and the price wasn’t cheap. Act like it!”.
Are you like me? Is your heart turned towards those that for whatever reason aren’t turned towards the church?
If so, stand with me as I recommit to being…
…culturally sensitive, yet spiritually transformed.
…Relevant and spiritually sound.
…real while spiritually submitted.
Because what would it matter if we gained the world, but lost our souls? (Matthew 15:26)
Recently I found myself humming an old, but familiar song. I’m sure you’ll remember it: “I am persuaded; Lord to love you; I have been changed to bless Your Name; I am constrained, by this great gospel, Forever to worship Thee…”.
As I eventually began to sing the song out loud (I refuse to accept that singing is not one of my gifts), I couldn’t help but think about the words. “I am constrained by this great gospel.” That line surely isn’t popular in this new decade.
Think about it. Words like…
Sacrifice
Self Control
Submission to a higher authority
Saying ‘no’ when everything and everyone else says yes
…in the culture that we live in, these virtues are not only unpopular, they are almost obsolete. As a matter of fact, someone living their life by a moral compass is often criticized and laughed at by people in their social circle.
Let me give you an example. Have you heard of the popular pop singing group the “Jonas Brothers?” Although I am not completely familiar with their music, I remember hearing that these young men had committed themselves to staying abstinent until marriage. Whether or not they are sticking to their commitment is irrelevant. What is interesting to me is the fact that these young men were the ongoing fodder for many comedians for quite a while. As a matter of fact, a popular comedian went so far as to suggest that these young men were impotent because “why else would someone wait until marriage to have sex?”
In other words, why on earth would someone exercise self restraint by choice?
Can I be transparent with you? One of my biggest concerns is that in my effort to stay culturally sensitive, I might risk becoming spiritually distant and watered down. Am I alone?
I feel a special connection to people that probably won’t walk into the church doors. And many of those persons, to be frank, can’t understand most church folk.
To be honest, I am what someone would consider ‘church folk’ and at times I can’t understand us.
Sometimes we can be so spiritually minded that we are no earthly good. Do you know what I’m talking about? Some of us can’t hold a conversation about anything unless it has ‘thus’ and ‘thou’ included. But at the same time, as I obey my life calling, to reach those persons disconnected to the church, I can’t compromise the Way of the Lord. I have to remember that principles of self denial are crucial to our walk with Christ, regardless of what messages we are being bombarded with daily.
I have several mentors in the Word of God, and the Apostle Paul is near the top of the list. He addresses this very issue (for me at least) in 1 Corinthians 6:12-20. This is what I hear when I read it “Robin, just because the culture tells you that it’s okay for you to do it, doesn’t mean you have to do it. Girl you were purchased with a price and the price wasn’t cheap. Act like it!”.
Are you like me? Is your heart turned towards those that for whatever reason aren’t turned towards the church?
If so, stand with me as I recommit to being…
…culturally sensitive, yet spiritually transformed.
…Relevant and spiritually sound.
…real while spiritually submitted.
Because what would it matter if we gained the world, but lost our souls? (Matthew 15:26)
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Reigning in Life through Christ
Reigning in Life through Christ
For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:17)
The Lord wants us to grow in the magnificent blessing of living victoriously through Him. Having a triumphant Christian walk can only be realized from a developing acquaintanceship with the Lord, because we are only able to "reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ."
Significant spiritual issues are set against a victorious life: "By the one man's offense death reigned through the one." Because of Adam's sin, spiritual deadness rules over the family of man. The enemy of men's souls uses this deadness to dominate and destroy lives. Elsewhere, Jesus likened him to a thief. "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy" (John 10:10).. This is why lives, households, and nations experience such deadly defeats and crushing failures. A tyrant dictator, "death," dominates all lives that are only born once in Adam. They can only draw upon Adam's fallen, sinful, inadequate life source.
A new and greater resource is needed and is found in Christ. "Much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ." These heavenly provisions are "much more" than is needed to replace the defeats of Adam with the victories of Christ. The resources are two-fold: "abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness."
One of these two is possessed by every believer in Christ: "the gift of righteousness." This is the righteousness of the Lord Jesus, given to us by faith. That allows us to stand accepted before a holy God: "found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith" (Philippians 3:9). Every believer has this gift, but not every believer is victorious. Thus, the key variable is to be receiving "abundance of grace." Every Christian has been the recipient of grace. Yet, many of God's people do not live day by day by grace. They walk according to the flesh, thereby drawing upon Adam's natural bankrupt resources.
Remember, living by grace involves humility and faith. God "gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6). Likewise, through Jesus, "we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand" (Romans 5:2).
Lord God of grace, the reign of death has certainly assailed my life, bringing defeat and failure. Teach me to draw upon the abundant measures of Your grace, that I might reign in life, living victoriously, through Your Son, Christ Jesus, Amen.
For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:17)
The Lord wants us to grow in the magnificent blessing of living victoriously through Him. Having a triumphant Christian walk can only be realized from a developing acquaintanceship with the Lord, because we are only able to "reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ."
Significant spiritual issues are set against a victorious life: "By the one man's offense death reigned through the one." Because of Adam's sin, spiritual deadness rules over the family of man. The enemy of men's souls uses this deadness to dominate and destroy lives. Elsewhere, Jesus likened him to a thief. "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy" (John 10:10).. This is why lives, households, and nations experience such deadly defeats and crushing failures. A tyrant dictator, "death," dominates all lives that are only born once in Adam. They can only draw upon Adam's fallen, sinful, inadequate life source.
A new and greater resource is needed and is found in Christ. "Much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ." These heavenly provisions are "much more" than is needed to replace the defeats of Adam with the victories of Christ. The resources are two-fold: "abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness."
One of these two is possessed by every believer in Christ: "the gift of righteousness." This is the righteousness of the Lord Jesus, given to us by faith. That allows us to stand accepted before a holy God: "found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith" (Philippians 3:9). Every believer has this gift, but not every believer is victorious. Thus, the key variable is to be receiving "abundance of grace." Every Christian has been the recipient of grace. Yet, many of God's people do not live day by day by grace. They walk according to the flesh, thereby drawing upon Adam's natural bankrupt resources.
Remember, living by grace involves humility and faith. God "gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6). Likewise, through Jesus, "we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand" (Romans 5:2).
Lord God of grace, the reign of death has certainly assailed my life, bringing defeat and failure. Teach me to draw upon the abundant measures of Your grace, that I might reign in life, living victoriously, through Your Son, Christ Jesus, Amen.
Monday, March 29, 2010
EVERYTHING IS YOUR GIFT
EVERYTHING IS YOUR GIFT
1 Corinthians 4:6-7
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+4:6-7
Dear Father,
Help me to live according to your Holy Scriptures. That is why I
pray to you in their very words. I want to be conformed to your
will, for you will what is best for me. Help me not to be puffed up
against my brothers and sisters in Christ. For who sees any
difference in me. We all have been freely justified by your grace,
forgiven of our sins.
What have I that I have not been given? I cannot boast of anything
as if it were not a gift. Whatever I am or have, Father, you have
given. I would not be addressing this prayer to you if you had not
called me to be your servant, your child, and your warrior in
prayer.
Thank you for calling me. Thank you for all your gifts. You are so
gracious, so kind, so bountiful, so wonderful. My God, let me walk
humbly with you all my days.
In the name of Jesus, who calls us to his own kingdom and glory.
Amen.
1 Corinthians 4:6-7
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+4:6-7
Dear Father,
Help me to live according to your Holy Scriptures. That is why I
pray to you in their very words. I want to be conformed to your
will, for you will what is best for me. Help me not to be puffed up
against my brothers and sisters in Christ. For who sees any
difference in me. We all have been freely justified by your grace,
forgiven of our sins.
What have I that I have not been given? I cannot boast of anything
as if it were not a gift. Whatever I am or have, Father, you have
given. I would not be addressing this prayer to you if you had not
called me to be your servant, your child, and your warrior in
prayer.
Thank you for calling me. Thank you for all your gifts. You are so
gracious, so kind, so bountiful, so wonderful. My God, let me walk
humbly with you all my days.
In the name of Jesus, who calls us to his own kingdom and glory.
Amen.
The New Covenant of Grace: A Covenant of Relationship
The New Covenant of Grace: A Covenant of Relationship
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace…But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 1:7; 2:13)
The ultimate blessing of the new covenant of grace is that it allows people to develop an intimate relationship with the true and living God. We began our personal history greatly separated from God: "you who once were far off." How could we ever comprehend the "vast relational distance" that our sins brought between us and the Lord? We could not relate to God. We could not talk to Him or enjoy His presence. We were "without Christ…having no hope and without God in the world" (Ephesians 2:12). Therefore, we were "alienated from the life of God" (Ephesians 4:18). Then, "according to the riches of His grace," we found "forgiveness of sins," as Jesus shed His blood unto death to pay the redemption price. "In Him we have redemption through His blood."
Now, the entire picture is drastically changed. "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." We are no longer alienated from God. "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" (Ephesians 2:19). We are now members of God's family. We are His beloved children. "And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, 'Abba, Father!'" (Galatians 4:6). By the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, we cry out intimately to the Lord God as our "Heavenly Papa!" "You received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God" (Romans 8:15-16). As we cry out "Abba," the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us, gives us a deep internal, spiritual confirmation that we truly are God's children.
Our heavenly Father wants to build a close relationship with us, His children. He wants us to know His love. "The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us" (Romans 5:5). Also, God wants us to respond in love to Him. " We love Him because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19). He wants us to call upon Him, that He might respond to us. "Call to Me, and I will answer you" (Jeremiah 33:3). He wants us to empty our heart unto Him. "Pour out your heart before Him" (Psalm 62:8). By God's grace, the way for intimacy is now open to us.
Dear Abba, Father, I thank You for washing away my sins. I praise You for bringing me close to You. I desire to grow in intimacy with You. Help me to see Your love more clearly, that I might respond in stronger love to You. Remind me to cry out to You consistently and to pour out my heart honestly, all by the blood of Christ, Amen.
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace…But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 1:7; 2:13)
The ultimate blessing of the new covenant of grace is that it allows people to develop an intimate relationship with the true and living God. We began our personal history greatly separated from God: "you who once were far off." How could we ever comprehend the "vast relational distance" that our sins brought between us and the Lord? We could not relate to God. We could not talk to Him or enjoy His presence. We were "without Christ…having no hope and without God in the world" (Ephesians 2:12). Therefore, we were "alienated from the life of God" (Ephesians 4:18). Then, "according to the riches of His grace," we found "forgiveness of sins," as Jesus shed His blood unto death to pay the redemption price. "In Him we have redemption through His blood."
Now, the entire picture is drastically changed. "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." We are no longer alienated from God. "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" (Ephesians 2:19). We are now members of God's family. We are His beloved children. "And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, 'Abba, Father!'" (Galatians 4:6). By the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, we cry out intimately to the Lord God as our "Heavenly Papa!" "You received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God" (Romans 8:15-16). As we cry out "Abba," the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us, gives us a deep internal, spiritual confirmation that we truly are God's children.
Our heavenly Father wants to build a close relationship with us, His children. He wants us to know His love. "The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us" (Romans 5:5). Also, God wants us to respond in love to Him. " We love Him because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19). He wants us to call upon Him, that He might respond to us. "Call to Me, and I will answer you" (Jeremiah 33:3). He wants us to empty our heart unto Him. "Pour out your heart before Him" (Psalm 62:8). By God's grace, the way for intimacy is now open to us.
Dear Abba, Father, I thank You for washing away my sins. I praise You for bringing me close to You. I desire to grow in intimacy with You. Help me to see Your love more clearly, that I might respond in stronger love to You. Remind me to cry out to You consistently and to pour out my heart honestly, all by the blood of Christ, Amen.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
THE PROPER TIME FOR JUDGMENT
THE PROPER TIME FOR JUDGMENT
1 Corinthians 4:5
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+4:5
Dear Father, who drives away all the darkness,
Keep me from passing judgment before the proper time, before the
Lord comes, for he will bring to light the things now hidden in
darkness and will disclose the purposes of every person's heart,
including mine. And so everyone will receive appropriate
commendation from you.
Let me be concerned about "this day" and "that day." Let me do my
best to serve you "this day" - today, that I may stand before you
on "that day" - your day of reckoning!
It is by Jesus' authority and in his name that I offer up this
prayer. Amen.
1 Corinthians 4:5
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+4:5
Dear Father, who drives away all the darkness,
Keep me from passing judgment before the proper time, before the
Lord comes, for he will bring to light the things now hidden in
darkness and will disclose the purposes of every person's heart,
including mine. And so everyone will receive appropriate
commendation from you.
Let me be concerned about "this day" and "that day." Let me do my
best to serve you "this day" - today, that I may stand before you
on "that day" - your day of reckoning!
It is by Jesus' authority and in his name that I offer up this
prayer. Amen.
He Did That For Me
He Did That For Me
Alan Riley
Theologians have a fancy phrase for it... they call it "Substitutionary Atonement." What it means in plain English is that Jesus died on the cross paying the penalty for sin. From the beginning of the church, there has been a clear understanding of what Christ's death on the cross meant. It was not simply the unjust murder of an influential if somewhat unorthodox Jewish teacher on a Passover weekend. It was the only begotten Son of God willingly giving up His life to pay the price for sin. Your sin. My sin.
But for any truth to be a life-changing one, we must come to the place where it moves from being simple fact to being a truth that we embrace with our entire being. It is one thing to know that Jesus died for you, but another thing altogether for the full weight of that truth to become painfully clear to you. Someone once said this process involves making the 18-inch journey from your head to your heart.
I remember when I was 17 years old and a brand new Christian, so excited about my new-found faith. It was the Easter season, so the old movie "King of Kings" was on TV. When the movie showed the crucifixion, I was deeply moved as I saw Him beaten and mocked. As Jesus said, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do," tears began to roll down my face. How could they have done this to Jesus? Why would they want to crucify Him? Why didn't He call down angels to destroy them all and save Him?
It was then for the first time in my walk with the Lord I clearly sensed the Holy Spirit speak to my heart, as clearly as if I had heard it audibly. Just five simple words that pieced my heart like a knife: "I did this for you."
For the first time the full weight of that truth hit me like a ton of bricks. It was my sin that put Him there. He suffered and He died in my place. He did that for me.
Many years later I was reminded of that experience again, as I saw someone else experience the same thing. We went with a group from church to see the film "The Passion of the Christ." I wept along with most everyone in the theatre as I watched a much more true to life depiction of Jesus' suffering and death. As we were leaving the theatre, I noticed a member of our church - a 92 year-old retired physician who walked with two canes - make his way to a seat in the lobby and begin sobbing loudly. Several of us walked over to him. No one said anything for a few moments. The doctor struggled to regain enough composure to speak. When he finally did, he cried out through his tears, "That was for me!"
How long has it been since the reality of God's grace and forgiveness reduced you to tears? When was the last time you wept over your sin and what it cost the Lord Jesus? For most of us it has been way too long.
I encourage you to get caught up - again, as if for the first time - in the awe and wonder of the fact that the only begotten Son of God would give His life for you.
Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life... my all.
Alan Riley
Theologians have a fancy phrase for it... they call it "Substitutionary Atonement." What it means in plain English is that Jesus died on the cross paying the penalty for sin. From the beginning of the church, there has been a clear understanding of what Christ's death on the cross meant. It was not simply the unjust murder of an influential if somewhat unorthodox Jewish teacher on a Passover weekend. It was the only begotten Son of God willingly giving up His life to pay the price for sin. Your sin. My sin.
But for any truth to be a life-changing one, we must come to the place where it moves from being simple fact to being a truth that we embrace with our entire being. It is one thing to know that Jesus died for you, but another thing altogether for the full weight of that truth to become painfully clear to you. Someone once said this process involves making the 18-inch journey from your head to your heart.
I remember when I was 17 years old and a brand new Christian, so excited about my new-found faith. It was the Easter season, so the old movie "King of Kings" was on TV. When the movie showed the crucifixion, I was deeply moved as I saw Him beaten and mocked. As Jesus said, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do," tears began to roll down my face. How could they have done this to Jesus? Why would they want to crucify Him? Why didn't He call down angels to destroy them all and save Him?
It was then for the first time in my walk with the Lord I clearly sensed the Holy Spirit speak to my heart, as clearly as if I had heard it audibly. Just five simple words that pieced my heart like a knife: "I did this for you."
For the first time the full weight of that truth hit me like a ton of bricks. It was my sin that put Him there. He suffered and He died in my place. He did that for me.
Many years later I was reminded of that experience again, as I saw someone else experience the same thing. We went with a group from church to see the film "The Passion of the Christ." I wept along with most everyone in the theatre as I watched a much more true to life depiction of Jesus' suffering and death. As we were leaving the theatre, I noticed a member of our church - a 92 year-old retired physician who walked with two canes - make his way to a seat in the lobby and begin sobbing loudly. Several of us walked over to him. No one said anything for a few moments. The doctor struggled to regain enough composure to speak. When he finally did, he cried out through his tears, "That was for me!"
How long has it been since the reality of God's grace and forgiveness reduced you to tears? When was the last time you wept over your sin and what it cost the Lord Jesus? For most of us it has been way too long.
I encourage you to get caught up - again, as if for the first time - in the awe and wonder of the fact that the only begotten Son of God would give His life for you.
Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life... my all.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
The Books of Poetry
The Books of Poetry
Job 29-30 Friday: Jeremiah 12-16
Saturday: Mark 9-10
Sunday: I Corinthians 13-14
Job 29
1
Moreover Job continued his parable, and said,
2
Oh that I were as in months past, as in the days when God preserved me;
3
When his candle shined upon my head, and when by his light I walked through darkness;
4
As I was in the days of my youth, when the secret of God was upon my tabernacle;
5
When the Almighty was yet with me, when my children were about me;
6
When I washed my steps with butter, and the rock poured me out rivers of oil;
7
When I went out to the gate through the city, when I prepared my seat in the street!
8
The young men saw me, and hid themselves: and the aged arose, and stood up.
9
The princes refrained talking, and laid their hand on their mouth.
10
The nobles held their peace, and their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth.
11
When the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me:
12
Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him.
13
The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.
14
I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem.
15
I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame.
16
I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out.
17
And I brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth.
18
Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand.
19
My root was spread out by the waters, and the dew lay all night upon my branch.
20
My glory was fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand.
21
Unto me men gave ear, and waited, and kept silence at my counsel.
22
After my words they spake not again; and my speech dropped upon them.
23
And they waited for me as for the rain; and they opened their mouth wide as for the latter rain.
24
If I laughed on them, they believed it not; and the light of my countenance they cast not down.
25
I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one that comforteth the mourners.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Job 30
1
But now they that are younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock.
2
Yea, whereto might the strength of their hands profit me, in whom old age was perished?
3
For want and famine they were solitary; fleeing into the wilderness in former time desolate and waste.
4
Who cut up mallows by the bushes, and juniper roots for their meat.
5
They were driven forth from among men, (they cried after them as after a thief;)
6
To dwell in the cliffs of the valleys, in caves of the earth, and in the rocks.
7
Among the bushes they brayed; under the nettles they were gathered together.
8
They were children of fools, yea, children of base men: they were viler than the earth.
9
And now am I their song, yea, I am their byword.
10
They abhor me, they flee far from me, and spare not to spit in my face.
11
Because he hath loosed my cord, and afflicted me, they have also let loose the bridle before me.
12
Upon my right hand rise the youth; they push away my feet, and they raise up against me the ways of their destruction.
13
They mar my path, they set forward my calamity, they have no helper.
14
They came upon me as a wide breaking in of waters: in the desolation they rolled themselves upon me.
15
Terrors are turned upon me: they pursue my soul as the wind: and my welfare passeth away as a cloud.
16
And now my soul is poured out upon me; the days of affliction have taken hold upon me.
17
My bones are pierced in me in the night season: and my sinews take no rest.
18
By the great force of my disease is my garment changed: it bindeth me about as the collar of my coat.
19
He hath cast me into the mire, and I am become like dust and ashes.
20
I cry unto thee, and thou dost not hear me: I stand up, and thou regardest me not.
21
Thou art become cruel to me: with thy strong hand thou opposest thyself against me.
22
Thou liftest me up to the wind; thou causest me to ride upon it, and dissolvest my substance.
23
For I know that thou wilt bring me to death, and to the house appointed for all living.
24
Howbeit he will not stretch out his hand to the grave, though they cry in his destruction.
25
Did not I weep for him that was in trouble? was not my soul grieved for the poor?
26
When I looked for good, then evil came unto me: and when I waited for light, there came darkness.
27
My bowels boiled, and rested not: the days of affliction prevented me.
28
I went mourning without the sun: I stood up, and I cried in the congregation.
29
I am a brother to dragons, and a companion to owls.
30
My skin is black upon me, and my bones are burned with heat.
31
My harp also is turned to mourning, and my organ into the voice of them that weep.
Job 29-30 Friday: Jeremiah 12-16
Saturday: Mark 9-10
Sunday: I Corinthians 13-14
Job 29
1
Moreover Job continued his parable, and said,
2
Oh that I were as in months past, as in the days when God preserved me;
3
When his candle shined upon my head, and when by his light I walked through darkness;
4
As I was in the days of my youth, when the secret of God was upon my tabernacle;
5
When the Almighty was yet with me, when my children were about me;
6
When I washed my steps with butter, and the rock poured me out rivers of oil;
7
When I went out to the gate through the city, when I prepared my seat in the street!
8
The young men saw me, and hid themselves: and the aged arose, and stood up.
9
The princes refrained talking, and laid their hand on their mouth.
10
The nobles held their peace, and their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth.
11
When the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me:
12
Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him.
13
The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.
14
I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem.
15
I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame.
16
I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out.
17
And I brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth.
18
Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand.
19
My root was spread out by the waters, and the dew lay all night upon my branch.
20
My glory was fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand.
21
Unto me men gave ear, and waited, and kept silence at my counsel.
22
After my words they spake not again; and my speech dropped upon them.
23
And they waited for me as for the rain; and they opened their mouth wide as for the latter rain.
24
If I laughed on them, they believed it not; and the light of my countenance they cast not down.
25
I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one that comforteth the mourners.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Job 30
1
But now they that are younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock.
2
Yea, whereto might the strength of their hands profit me, in whom old age was perished?
3
For want and famine they were solitary; fleeing into the wilderness in former time desolate and waste.
4
Who cut up mallows by the bushes, and juniper roots for their meat.
5
They were driven forth from among men, (they cried after them as after a thief;)
6
To dwell in the cliffs of the valleys, in caves of the earth, and in the rocks.
7
Among the bushes they brayed; under the nettles they were gathered together.
8
They were children of fools, yea, children of base men: they were viler than the earth.
9
And now am I their song, yea, I am their byword.
10
They abhor me, they flee far from me, and spare not to spit in my face.
11
Because he hath loosed my cord, and afflicted me, they have also let loose the bridle before me.
12
Upon my right hand rise the youth; they push away my feet, and they raise up against me the ways of their destruction.
13
They mar my path, they set forward my calamity, they have no helper.
14
They came upon me as a wide breaking in of waters: in the desolation they rolled themselves upon me.
15
Terrors are turned upon me: they pursue my soul as the wind: and my welfare passeth away as a cloud.
16
And now my soul is poured out upon me; the days of affliction have taken hold upon me.
17
My bones are pierced in me in the night season: and my sinews take no rest.
18
By the great force of my disease is my garment changed: it bindeth me about as the collar of my coat.
19
He hath cast me into the mire, and I am become like dust and ashes.
20
I cry unto thee, and thou dost not hear me: I stand up, and thou regardest me not.
21
Thou art become cruel to me: with thy strong hand thou opposest thyself against me.
22
Thou liftest me up to the wind; thou causest me to ride upon it, and dissolvest my substance.
23
For I know that thou wilt bring me to death, and to the house appointed for all living.
24
Howbeit he will not stretch out his hand to the grave, though they cry in his destruction.
25
Did not I weep for him that was in trouble? was not my soul grieved for the poor?
26
When I looked for good, then evil came unto me: and when I waited for light, there came darkness.
27
My bowels boiled, and rested not: the days of affliction prevented me.
28
I went mourning without the sun: I stood up, and I cried in the congregation.
29
I am a brother to dragons, and a companion to owls.
30
My skin is black upon me, and my bones are burned with heat.
31
My harp also is turned to mourning, and my organ into the voice of them that weep.
ALL THINGS ARE OURS
ALL THINGS ARE OURS
1 Corinthians 3:16-20
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+3:16-20
Dear Father, who loves to dwell with man,
Thank you for dwelling within our spirits, for making us your holy
temple!
Help us not to be deceived or to deceive ourselves. Let us be seen
as foolish to the world, let us be fools for you, that we may be
truly wise. For the wisdom of the world is pure folly in your eyes.
For it is written, "He catches the wise in their craftiness," and
"The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile." So
don't ever let us boast of men, or of ourselves. Don't let us be
impressed with Ph.D.'s, or millions of dollars, or glamor or fame,
or titles a mile long, or recognition banquets.
Give us humility, in the blessed name of Jesus. Amen.
1 Corinthians 3:16-20
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+3:16-20
Dear Father, who loves to dwell with man,
Thank you for dwelling within our spirits, for making us your holy
temple!
Help us not to be deceived or to deceive ourselves. Let us be seen
as foolish to the world, let us be fools for you, that we may be
truly wise. For the wisdom of the world is pure folly in your eyes.
For it is written, "He catches the wise in their craftiness," and
"The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile." So
don't ever let us boast of men, or of ourselves. Don't let us be
impressed with Ph.D.'s, or millions of dollars, or glamor or fame,
or titles a mile long, or recognition banquets.
Give us humility, in the blessed name of Jesus. Amen.
Power of Praise
Power of Praise
Dr. Frederick K.C. Price
The sacrifice of praise is the sacrifice God wants our "holy priesthood" to offer! How do we do that? With our mouths, by making a joyful noise to the Lord, speaking forth His praises, telling forth and extolling God's goodness.
First Peter 2:1 says: "Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking..."
You cannot praise the Lord and speak evil at the same time. Jesus said you cannot get sweet water and bitter water out of the same fountain. You cannot have evil speaking and praise for the Lord coming out of your mouth at the same time.
The Apostle Paul said that there is nothing unclean of itself (Romans 14:14). He was speaking about ceremonial uncleanness in reference to the Jew. Under the Old Covenant, there were certain animals that were classified as clean and unclean. Unclean animals were never to be used in sacrifices to Jehovah God. It was not that the animals were dirty, it was just a distinction that God made between certain animals.
But Paul said there is nothing unclean of itself, except to that man who thinks it is unclean. All things are made by God and they are to be received with thanksgiving. Let's go back to First Peter, and cover some other things concerning who we are in Christ Jesus.
First Peter 2:6-9: Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, "Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame." Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone, and A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense. They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
This is why we shout, this is why we clap our hands, because we have been called out of darkness into His light. Many of us, before we were born again, walked in darkness for many years. There wasn't anything to shout about in the dark. But, praise God, we are in the light now, and there is a whole lot to shout about, because we are getting to see all the things we could not see when we were in the dark.
First Peter 2:10: "...who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy."
There is a two-fold priesthood we are involved in under the New Covenant. First of all, we are a holy priesthood. The holy priesthood offers up spiritual sacrifices and praises. In other words, we extol and tell about the goodness of God. We praise His name, and we give Him honor and glory in verbal ways. Now the royal priesthood, on the other hand, deals with the things concerning God by His Word.
The holy priesthood function is our personal, private extolling and exalting of the Lord. We can also do that publicly, but it is primarily for our personal and private worship. In our royal priesthood function, we extol and present the things of God and the things of Christ through the Word of God--it is the manifestation that comes through the Word.
Dr. Frederick K.C. Price
The sacrifice of praise is the sacrifice God wants our "holy priesthood" to offer! How do we do that? With our mouths, by making a joyful noise to the Lord, speaking forth His praises, telling forth and extolling God's goodness.
First Peter 2:1 says: "Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking..."
You cannot praise the Lord and speak evil at the same time. Jesus said you cannot get sweet water and bitter water out of the same fountain. You cannot have evil speaking and praise for the Lord coming out of your mouth at the same time.
The Apostle Paul said that there is nothing unclean of itself (Romans 14:14). He was speaking about ceremonial uncleanness in reference to the Jew. Under the Old Covenant, there were certain animals that were classified as clean and unclean. Unclean animals were never to be used in sacrifices to Jehovah God. It was not that the animals were dirty, it was just a distinction that God made between certain animals.
But Paul said there is nothing unclean of itself, except to that man who thinks it is unclean. All things are made by God and they are to be received with thanksgiving. Let's go back to First Peter, and cover some other things concerning who we are in Christ Jesus.
First Peter 2:6-9: Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, "Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame." Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone, and A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense. They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
This is why we shout, this is why we clap our hands, because we have been called out of darkness into His light. Many of us, before we were born again, walked in darkness for many years. There wasn't anything to shout about in the dark. But, praise God, we are in the light now, and there is a whole lot to shout about, because we are getting to see all the things we could not see when we were in the dark.
First Peter 2:10: "...who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy."
There is a two-fold priesthood we are involved in under the New Covenant. First of all, we are a holy priesthood. The holy priesthood offers up spiritual sacrifices and praises. In other words, we extol and tell about the goodness of God. We praise His name, and we give Him honor and glory in verbal ways. Now the royal priesthood, on the other hand, deals with the things concerning God by His Word.
The holy priesthood function is our personal, private extolling and exalting of the Lord. We can also do that publicly, but it is primarily for our personal and private worship. In our royal priesthood function, we extol and present the things of God and the things of Christ through the Word of God--it is the manifestation that comes through the Word.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
ESCAPING DOOM
ESCAPING DOOM
1 Corinthians 3:14-15
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+3:14-15
Dear Father, designer of destiny,
Even if I am not the best quality, you can save me myself - but I
don't want to escape doom by a hairsbreadth. I want to fulfill all
the potential you have placed within me and do all the good you
have planned for me to do.
Help me, Father, through the example of the Lord Jesus to be
everything that you want me to be, to do everything you want me do,
and to live my life at the peak of quality. Make all of us into
what you want us to be, for such is our blessedness.
Let me be a blessing to other people, that they may see your Son
living in me and may give glory to you.
In the blessed name of Jesus I ask. Amen.
1 Corinthians 3:14-15
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+3:14-15
Dear Father, designer of destiny,
Even if I am not the best quality, you can save me myself - but I
don't want to escape doom by a hairsbreadth. I want to fulfill all
the potential you have placed within me and do all the good you
have planned for me to do.
Help me, Father, through the example of the Lord Jesus to be
everything that you want me to be, to do everything you want me do,
and to live my life at the peak of quality. Make all of us into
what you want us to be, for such is our blessedness.
Let me be a blessing to other people, that they may see your Son
living in me and may give glory to you.
In the blessed name of Jesus I ask. Amen.
Friday, March 19, 2010
VERSE:
VERSE:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such
there is no law.
-- Galatians 5:22-23
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Galatians+5:22-23&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
A lot of different religious groups will give you all sorts of
ways to know whether or not you have the Holy Spirit. Jesus has one
simple answer: "by their fruit you will know them." Paul gives us
the definition of holy fruit -- LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE,
KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS and SELF-CONTROL. Now
why not repeat them out loud and ask the Lord to make this fruit
yours in full measure?
PRAYER:
Abba Father, through the Spirit I call upon you. Please fulfill
in me the character you possess. I want to exhibit the qualities of
your child, Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such
there is no law.
-- Galatians 5:22-23
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Galatians+5:22-23&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
A lot of different religious groups will give you all sorts of
ways to know whether or not you have the Holy Spirit. Jesus has one
simple answer: "by their fruit you will know them." Paul gives us
the definition of holy fruit -- LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE,
KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS and SELF-CONTROL. Now
why not repeat them out loud and ask the Lord to make this fruit
yours in full measure?
PRAYER:
Abba Father, through the Spirit I call upon you. Please fulfill
in me the character you possess. I want to exhibit the qualities of
your child, Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
An Answered Prayer
An Answered Prayer
Bonnie St. John
And he said unto me, 'My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.' Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV) In the church I attend, the pastor always stops at one point in the service to ask the congregation if we have praises or requests to share. It seems that every Sunday, there are people who ask us to join them in praying for a friend or family member struggling with some sort of physical ailment.
"Please pray for my Aunt Jenny who was in a car accident last week. Pray that she won't have to have her leg amputated."
"My friend at work, his son has cancer. Please pray for healing and courage."
"My wife has macular degeneration. Her eyesight is slowing fading. Pray that the doctors can stop the spread of the disease."
We all want these physical calamities to be healed so that our loved ones do not have to suffer the pain, the discomfort, and the long-term, day-to-day indignities of life with a disability. No one would wish a physical disability on anyone else. We pray that God could give our loved one an easier life.
My mother must have felt this way when the doctor told her, shortly after I was born, that my right leg would not grow normally.
"I recommend that you amputate the leg as soon as possible," he told her.
My mother prayed that there would be another solution besides disfiguring her baby--a baby who looked so fragile and so perfect. She actively searched for any alternatives. She fitted me with orthopedic braces and shoes. She consulted doctor after doctor. But most of all, she continued praying.
When I reached age five, she finally capitulated to the inevitable and agreed to let go of my emaciated limb.
Should she conclude that her prayers were not answered? Should all of us who pray every Sunday for healing, remission, and miracle cures be disappointed with God when things don't go the way we think they should?
If only my mother could have known how things would turn out! How could she have any idea that her one-legged daughter from San Diego would become the first African-American to win Olympic or Paralympic medals in ski racing, of all sports!?!
Yes, you heard that right: a black, one-legged girl who grew up in San Diego with no snow turned into a world class ski racer winning two bronze medals and the silver for overall performance in the 1984 Paralympics in Innsbruck, Austria - and made African-American history in the process. My "disability" has opened so many doors and created so many opportunities for me that I couldn't possibly describe them all here. As just one example, I have been invited to be a part of the official Presidential delegation to Vancouver for the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Paralympics! I will once again have the honor of representing my country at the Olympics, 26 years after my performance as an athlete.
So many of us enjoyed watching the perfection of human physical performance in Winter Olympic competition in Canada, but fewer people are aware that the Paralympics are beginning, in the same Vancouver ice rinks, ski slopes and bobsled runs, on March 12th. While the athletes are far less perfect--missing arms and legs, paralyzed and blind--their performances are perhaps more astoundingly poignant and beautiful for that very reason.
At disabled sports competitions, I have always felt as though I have stumbled upon a place where Jesus has recently passed through. Looking around you, it seems that miraculous healing has occurred. Blind racers ski at 50 miles per hour around the red and blue gates, paralyzed men in low-profile sleds aggressively play hockey, and women with no arms speed by on Nordic skis. These extraordinary people have not just escaped their fate of disability, but stand as incredible examples of our ability, with faith, to transcend disability itself.
"My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."
If you want to see the hand of God at work, go online and watch the Paralympic events if you can't get them through your local TV provider. You will be amazed. And, you will be reminded of what God can do in your life, if you will give up your "brokenness" to Him.
Now, I work as a full time inspirational writer, speaker, and trainer...boasting of my disabilities and how God has shown his strength in my weakness. Indeed, "I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Every day, know that your prayers will be answered - even if that answer is sometimes not the answer you would have preferred. Perhaps you or a loved one may have to endure more than you think you can. But if you will put your suffering on the altar and let Him take control, conquering your challenges can be not only proof of His strength, but a shining light to others who stand in need.
Bonnie St. John
And he said unto me, 'My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.' Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV) In the church I attend, the pastor always stops at one point in the service to ask the congregation if we have praises or requests to share. It seems that every Sunday, there are people who ask us to join them in praying for a friend or family member struggling with some sort of physical ailment.
"Please pray for my Aunt Jenny who was in a car accident last week. Pray that she won't have to have her leg amputated."
"My friend at work, his son has cancer. Please pray for healing and courage."
"My wife has macular degeneration. Her eyesight is slowing fading. Pray that the doctors can stop the spread of the disease."
We all want these physical calamities to be healed so that our loved ones do not have to suffer the pain, the discomfort, and the long-term, day-to-day indignities of life with a disability. No one would wish a physical disability on anyone else. We pray that God could give our loved one an easier life.
My mother must have felt this way when the doctor told her, shortly after I was born, that my right leg would not grow normally.
"I recommend that you amputate the leg as soon as possible," he told her.
My mother prayed that there would be another solution besides disfiguring her baby--a baby who looked so fragile and so perfect. She actively searched for any alternatives. She fitted me with orthopedic braces and shoes. She consulted doctor after doctor. But most of all, she continued praying.
When I reached age five, she finally capitulated to the inevitable and agreed to let go of my emaciated limb.
Should she conclude that her prayers were not answered? Should all of us who pray every Sunday for healing, remission, and miracle cures be disappointed with God when things don't go the way we think they should?
If only my mother could have known how things would turn out! How could she have any idea that her one-legged daughter from San Diego would become the first African-American to win Olympic or Paralympic medals in ski racing, of all sports!?!
Yes, you heard that right: a black, one-legged girl who grew up in San Diego with no snow turned into a world class ski racer winning two bronze medals and the silver for overall performance in the 1984 Paralympics in Innsbruck, Austria - and made African-American history in the process. My "disability" has opened so many doors and created so many opportunities for me that I couldn't possibly describe them all here. As just one example, I have been invited to be a part of the official Presidential delegation to Vancouver for the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Paralympics! I will once again have the honor of representing my country at the Olympics, 26 years after my performance as an athlete.
So many of us enjoyed watching the perfection of human physical performance in Winter Olympic competition in Canada, but fewer people are aware that the Paralympics are beginning, in the same Vancouver ice rinks, ski slopes and bobsled runs, on March 12th. While the athletes are far less perfect--missing arms and legs, paralyzed and blind--their performances are perhaps more astoundingly poignant and beautiful for that very reason.
At disabled sports competitions, I have always felt as though I have stumbled upon a place where Jesus has recently passed through. Looking around you, it seems that miraculous healing has occurred. Blind racers ski at 50 miles per hour around the red and blue gates, paralyzed men in low-profile sleds aggressively play hockey, and women with no arms speed by on Nordic skis. These extraordinary people have not just escaped their fate of disability, but stand as incredible examples of our ability, with faith, to transcend disability itself.
"My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."
If you want to see the hand of God at work, go online and watch the Paralympic events if you can't get them through your local TV provider. You will be amazed. And, you will be reminded of what God can do in your life, if you will give up your "brokenness" to Him.
Now, I work as a full time inspirational writer, speaker, and trainer...boasting of my disabilities and how God has shown his strength in my weakness. Indeed, "I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Every day, know that your prayers will be answered - even if that answer is sometimes not the answer you would have preferred. Perhaps you or a loved one may have to endure more than you think you can. But if you will put your suffering on the altar and let Him take control, conquering your challenges can be not only proof of His strength, but a shining light to others who stand in need.
SUPERNATURAL WISDOM
SUPERNATURAL WISDOM
1 Corinthians 2:11-16
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+2:11-16
Dear Father, giver of your Holy Spirit,
All praises to your blessed name, to you, our God! You have
disclosed incredibly wonderful things to us through your Spirit,
for your Spirit searches everything, even the deep things within
you.
No one comprehends your thoughts except your Spirit, just as no
other person truly knows my thoughts as my own spirit does.
But, all thanks to you, we have not received the spirit of the
world but you have given us your very own Spirit, that we might
understand the gifts bestowed on us by you.
In the name of Jesus I give you thanks for the supernatural wisdom
you have bestowed on me by reason of my faith. Amen.
1 Corinthians 2:11-16
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+2:11-16
Dear Father, giver of your Holy Spirit,
All praises to your blessed name, to you, our God! You have
disclosed incredibly wonderful things to us through your Spirit,
for your Spirit searches everything, even the deep things within
you.
No one comprehends your thoughts except your Spirit, just as no
other person truly knows my thoughts as my own spirit does.
But, all thanks to you, we have not received the spirit of the
world but you have given us your very own Spirit, that we might
understand the gifts bestowed on us by you.
In the name of Jesus I give you thanks for the supernatural wisdom
you have bestowed on me by reason of my faith. Amen.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
GOD'S SECRET WISDOM
GOD'S SECRET WISDOM
1 Corinthians 2:6-10
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+2:6-10
Dear Father, revealer of secret wisdom,
Thank you for revealing to us what has been hidden, the wisdom
which you decreed before the ages concerning our salvation and
glorification. None of the rulers of this age understood this or
they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory.
Thank you, Father, that you intend to glorify us along with your
Son, Jesus.
But you, O gracious God, have told us your secret - you mean to
give us all things in glory with the Lord of Glory! As it is
written, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him," you have disclosed
to us through your Spirit.
Thank you for this precious promise! Thank you for this hope!
Thank you for your love!
In the name of Jesus, by his authority and according to his will,
I lift up this petition. Amen.
1 Corinthians 2:6-10
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+2:6-10
Dear Father, revealer of secret wisdom,
Thank you for revealing to us what has been hidden, the wisdom
which you decreed before the ages concerning our salvation and
glorification. None of the rulers of this age understood this or
they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory.
Thank you, Father, that you intend to glorify us along with your
Son, Jesus.
But you, O gracious God, have told us your secret - you mean to
give us all things in glory with the Lord of Glory! As it is
written, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him," you have disclosed
to us through your Spirit.
Thank you for this precious promise! Thank you for this hope!
Thank you for your love!
In the name of Jesus, by his authority and according to his will,
I lift up this petition. Amen.
GOD'S SIMPLE MESSAGE
GOD'S SIMPLE MESSAGE
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+2:1-5
Dear Father, God of all true wisdom, power, and glory,
When I set about to share your Good News about Jesus with other
people, keep me from using lofty concepts or high-sounding words.
Let me speak of nothing except Christ and him crucified.
Help me to understand that it is okay for me to show my own
weakness, fear, and trembling. Let my words demonstrate your Spirit
and power, so that the faith which germinates will rest not in my
wisdom but in yours.
In the name of Jesus, by his authority, and according to his will
I lift up this petition to you. Amen.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+2:1-5
Dear Father, God of all true wisdom, power, and glory,
When I set about to share your Good News about Jesus with other
people, keep me from using lofty concepts or high-sounding words.
Let me speak of nothing except Christ and him crucified.
Help me to understand that it is okay for me to show my own
weakness, fear, and trembling. Let my words demonstrate your Spirit
and power, so that the faith which germinates will rest not in my
wisdom but in yours.
In the name of Jesus, by his authority, and according to his will
I lift up this petition to you. Amen.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
THE ATTITUDE OF CHRIST
THE ATTITUDE OF CHRIST
1 Corinthians 1:10-13
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+1:10-13
Dear Father, to whom I owe full obedience,
Let my attitude be the same as that of Christ Jesus, who made
himself nothing and obeyed you, even in the matter of dying.
May I humbly and obediently exalt Jesus, even as you have exalted
him and given him a name that is above every name, that every knee
should bow and every tongue confess - to your glory, our God and
our Father.
In the name of Jesus Christ, the source of our unity and
salvation, I ask these things. Amen.
1 Corinthians 1:10-13
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+1:10-13
Dear Father, to whom I owe full obedience,
Let my attitude be the same as that of Christ Jesus, who made
himself nothing and obeyed you, even in the matter of dying.
May I humbly and obediently exalt Jesus, even as you have exalted
him and given him a name that is above every name, that every knee
should bow and every tongue confess - to your glory, our God and
our Father.
In the name of Jesus Christ, the source of our unity and
salvation, I ask these things. Amen.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
My Part Is Prayer
My Part Is Prayer
Lisa Birch
I've heard it before, and I've even struggled with the thought myself.
"If God knows everything, then why should I pray?"
This reminds me of one part of my journey through Purpose Driven Life when Rick Warren wrote three simple words: Love spells T-I-M-E.
If I claim to love someone, I make it a priority to spend time with that person. Prayer is time with God. Asking, thanking, praising, listening, and just feeling his presence in prayer is all time well spent with him. But it doesn't stop there.
Whether I pray by myself, with one partner, or in a room full of people, there's no getting away from time alone with God because his spirit is always with me. His word says he'll never leave, you know. And his word is guaranteed.
In fact His love for us is the most powerful love to ever exist in all of time and eternity.
With a love of that magnitude pointed directly at me, how could I choose not to sow into the relationship? To sincerely engage? To give what I can to make it flourish and grow? That spiritual growth can't happen without the communication act of prayer.
Yes God knows everything, even before we think, speak or experience it. He's almighty and all-knowing.
But he's also very personal.
And he desires our time through prayer.
Lisa Birch
I've heard it before, and I've even struggled with the thought myself.
"If God knows everything, then why should I pray?"
This reminds me of one part of my journey through Purpose Driven Life when Rick Warren wrote three simple words: Love spells T-I-M-E.
If I claim to love someone, I make it a priority to spend time with that person. Prayer is time with God. Asking, thanking, praising, listening, and just feeling his presence in prayer is all time well spent with him. But it doesn't stop there.
Whether I pray by myself, with one partner, or in a room full of people, there's no getting away from time alone with God because his spirit is always with me. His word says he'll never leave, you know. And his word is guaranteed.
In fact His love for us is the most powerful love to ever exist in all of time and eternity.
With a love of that magnitude pointed directly at me, how could I choose not to sow into the relationship? To sincerely engage? To give what I can to make it flourish and grow? That spiritual growth can't happen without the communication act of prayer.
Yes God knows everything, even before we think, speak or experience it. He's almighty and all-knowing.
But he's also very personal.
And he desires our time through prayer.
The Psalms
The Psalms
Psalms 36-38 Thursday: Job 25-26
Friday: Jeremiah 1-6
Saturday: Mark 5-6
Psalms 36
1
The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.
2
For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.
3
The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good.
4
He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil.
5
Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.
6
Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.
7
How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.
8
They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
9
For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.
10
O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.
11
Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.
12
There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Psalms 37
1
Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
2
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
3
Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
4
Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
5
Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
6
And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
7
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
8
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
9
For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.
10
For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.
11
But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
12
The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.
13
The LORD shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.
14
The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.
15
Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
16
A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
17
For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous.
18
The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.
19
They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
20
But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.
21
The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.
22
For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.
23
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
24
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
25
I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
26
He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
27
Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
28
For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
29
The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.
30
The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.
31
The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.
32
The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.
33
The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.
34
Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.
35
I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.
36
Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.
37
Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.
38
But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.
39
But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.
40
And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Psalms 38
1
O lord, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
2
For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore.
3
There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin.
4
For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me.
5
My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness.
6
I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long.
7
For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh.
8
I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart.
9
Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee.
10
My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me.
11
My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off.
12
They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.
13
But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.
14
Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs.
15
For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.
16
For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.
17
For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me.
18
For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.
19
But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.
20
They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.
21
Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me.
22
Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.
Psalms 36-38 Thursday: Job 25-26
Friday: Jeremiah 1-6
Saturday: Mark 5-6
Psalms 36
1
The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.
2
For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.
3
The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good.
4
He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil.
5
Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.
6
Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.
7
How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.
8
They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
9
For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.
10
O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.
11
Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.
12
There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Psalms 37
1
Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
2
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
3
Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
4
Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
5
Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
6
And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
7
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
8
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
9
For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.
10
For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.
11
But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
12
The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.
13
The LORD shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.
14
The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.
15
Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
16
A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
17
For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous.
18
The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.
19
They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
20
But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.
21
The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.
22
For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.
23
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
24
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
25
I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
26
He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
27
Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
28
For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
29
The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.
30
The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.
31
The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.
32
The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.
33
The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.
34
Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.
35
I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.
36
Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.
37
Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.
38
But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.
39
But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.
40
And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Psalms 38
1
O lord, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
2
For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore.
3
There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin.
4
For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me.
5
My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness.
6
I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long.
7
For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh.
8
I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart.
9
Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee.
10
My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me.
11
My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off.
12
They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.
13
But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.
14
Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs.
15
For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.
16
For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.
17
For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me.
18
For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.
19
But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.
20
They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.
21
Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me.
22
Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.
UNITED IN CHRIST
UNITED IN CHRIST
1 Corinthians 1:10-13
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+1:10-13
Dear Father, the one and only God of your one holy people,
Help me never to be part of any division within the body of
Christ. Let me be perfectly united in mind and heart with all who
follow you. Help me not be some kind of -ite, -ist, or -anian. Keep
me from misplacing my loyalties with this man or that!
Christ, of whom I am part, is not divided. He is of one mind. So
let me and all his people be together and in agreement. Let us be
like-minded, having the same love, one in spirit and purpose.
Help us do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in
humility help us count each other better than ourselves. Let us
look out for the interests of each other, not just our own.
In the name of Jesus Christ, the Source of our unity and
salvation, I ask these things. Amen.
1 Corinthians 1:10-13
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Corinthians+1:10-13
Dear Father, the one and only God of your one holy people,
Help me never to be part of any division within the body of
Christ. Let me be perfectly united in mind and heart with all who
follow you. Help me not be some kind of -ite, -ist, or -anian. Keep
me from misplacing my loyalties with this man or that!
Christ, of whom I am part, is not divided. He is of one mind. So
let me and all his people be together and in agreement. Let us be
like-minded, having the same love, one in spirit and purpose.
Help us do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in
humility help us count each other better than ourselves. Let us
look out for the interests of each other, not just our own.
In the name of Jesus Christ, the Source of our unity and
salvation, I ask these things. Amen.
Monday, March 8, 2010
BLESSINGS OF THE FAITHFUL
BLESSINGS OF THE FAITHFUL
Romans 16:1-27
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+16:1-27
Dear Father, my strength,
I bless you for the multitudes of believing people who have gone
before me, for those named in the Bible whose examples of love and
loyalty to you I would like to imitate.
Help me to be a helper, to work hard and to be approved like they
were. Never let me be among those who create dissensions and
difficulties, in opposition to the doctrine of your word.
Help me be wise about what is good and guileless about what is
evil, that through you Satan can be crushed under my feet.
Let the grace of the Lord Jesus be with me.
O God, be my strength! To you, the only wise God, be glory
forevermore.
In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Romans 16:1-27
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+16:1-27
Dear Father, my strength,
I bless you for the multitudes of believing people who have gone
before me, for those named in the Bible whose examples of love and
loyalty to you I would like to imitate.
Help me to be a helper, to work hard and to be approved like they
were. Never let me be among those who create dissensions and
difficulties, in opposition to the doctrine of your word.
Help me be wise about what is good and guileless about what is
evil, that through you Satan can be crushed under my feet.
Let the grace of the Lord Jesus be with me.
O God, be my strength! To you, the only wise God, be glory
forevermore.
In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
STRIVING TOGETHER
STRIVING TOGETHER
Romans 15:30-33
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+15:30-33
Dear Father, giver of joy and refreshment,
Help us strive together in our prayers, by our Lord Jesus Christ
and the love of the Spirit, for every person who is proclaiming
your word in difficult circumstances and places.
Be with them. Deliver them from their enemies. Let them find full
acceptance among your holy people. Let them find joy and
refreshment in their company.
In the name of Jesus we ask, praying with all our hearts that
Israel according to the flesh will come to faith in your Son. Amen.
Romans 15:30-33
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+15:30-33
Dear Father, giver of joy and refreshment,
Help us strive together in our prayers, by our Lord Jesus Christ
and the love of the Spirit, for every person who is proclaiming
your word in difficult circumstances and places.
Be with them. Deliver them from their enemies. Let them find full
acceptance among your holy people. Let them find joy and
refreshment in their company.
In the name of Jesus we ask, praying with all our hearts that
Israel according to the flesh will come to faith in your Son. Amen.
The Epistles
The Epistles
I Corinthians 7-8 Monday: Genesis 48-50
Tuesday: I Samuel 11-15
Wednesday: Psalms 36-38
1 Corinthians 7
1
Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
2
Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
3
Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.
4
The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.
5
Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.
6
But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.
7
For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.
8
I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, it is good for them if they abide even as I.
9
But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.
10
And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:
11
But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.
12
But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.
13
And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.
14
For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.
15
But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.
16
For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?
17
But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.
18
Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.
19
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.
20
Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
21
Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.
22
For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.
23
Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
24
Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.
25
Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.
26
I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.
27
Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.
28
But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.
29
But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;
30
And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;
31
And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.
32
But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:
33
But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.
34
There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.
35
And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.
36
But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.
37
Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.
38
So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.
39
The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
40
But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Corinthians 8
1
Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
2
And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
3
But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
4
As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
5
For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
6
But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
7
Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
8
But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
9
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of your's become a stumbling block to them that are weak.
10
For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
11
And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
12
But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
13
Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
I Corinthians 7-8 Monday: Genesis 48-50
Tuesday: I Samuel 11-15
Wednesday: Psalms 36-38
1 Corinthians 7
1
Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
2
Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
3
Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.
4
The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.
5
Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.
6
But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.
7
For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.
8
I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, it is good for them if they abide even as I.
9
But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.
10
And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:
11
But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.
12
But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.
13
And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.
14
For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.
15
But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.
16
For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?
17
But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.
18
Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.
19
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.
20
Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
21
Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.
22
For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.
23
Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
24
Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.
25
Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.
26
I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.
27
Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.
28
But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.
29
But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;
30
And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;
31
And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.
32
But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:
33
But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.
34
There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.
35
And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.
36
But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.
37
Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.
38
So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.
39
The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
40
But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Corinthians 8
1
Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
2
And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
3
But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
4
As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
5
For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
6
But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
7
Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
8
But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
9
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of your's become a stumbling block to them that are weak.
10
For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
11
And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
12
But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
13
Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
GENEROSITY TOWARD ISRAEL
GENEROSITY TOWARD ISRAEL
Romans 15:25-29
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+15:25-29
Dear Father, God of Israel,
Give us generous hearts toward the Jewish people throughout the
world. "They are Israelites, and to them belong the sonship, the
glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, the
promises, and the patriarchs; and of their race, according to the
flesh, is the Christ."
We know that "as regards the gospel, they are enemies of God" for
our sake, but "as regards election, they are beloved for the sake
of their forefathers." According to your word we who are not Jews
are in debt to them. Since we have come to share in their spiritual
blessings, put it into our hearts to share sympathy and our
material blessings with them.
Help all of us come to share in the fullness of the blessing of
Christ. In the name of Jesus we ask, praying with all our hearts
that Israel according to the flesh will come to faith in your Son.
Amen.
Romans 15:25-29
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+15:25-29
Dear Father, God of Israel,
Give us generous hearts toward the Jewish people throughout the
world. "They are Israelites, and to them belong the sonship, the
glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, the
promises, and the patriarchs; and of their race, according to the
flesh, is the Christ."
We know that "as regards the gospel, they are enemies of God" for
our sake, but "as regards election, they are beloved for the sake
of their forefathers." According to your word we who are not Jews
are in debt to them. Since we have come to share in their spiritual
blessings, put it into our hearts to share sympathy and our
material blessings with them.
Help all of us come to share in the fullness of the blessing of
Christ. In the name of Jesus we ask, praying with all our hearts
that Israel according to the flesh will come to faith in your Son.
Amen.
GENEROSITY TOWARD ISRAEL
GENEROSITY TOWARD ISRAEL
Romans 15:25-29
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+15:25-29
Dear Father, God of Israel,
Give us generous hearts toward the Jewish people throughout the
world. "They are Israelites, and to them belong the sonship, the
glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, the
promises, and the patriarchs; and of their race, according to the
flesh, is the Christ."
We know that "as regards the gospel, they are enemies of God" for
our sake, but "as regards election, they are beloved for the sake
of their forefathers." According to your word we who are not Jews
are in debt to them. Since we have come to share in their spiritual
blessings, put it into our hearts to share sympathy and our
material blessings with them.
Help all of us come to share in the fullness of the blessing of
Christ. In the name of Jesus we ask, praying with all our hearts
that Israel according to the flesh will come to faith in your Son.
Amen.
Romans 15:25-29
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+15:25-29
Dear Father, God of Israel,
Give us generous hearts toward the Jewish people throughout the
world. "They are Israelites, and to them belong the sonship, the
glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, the
promises, and the patriarchs; and of their race, according to the
flesh, is the Christ."
We know that "as regards the gospel, they are enemies of God" for
our sake, but "as regards election, they are beloved for the sake
of their forefathers." According to your word we who are not Jews
are in debt to them. Since we have come to share in their spiritual
blessings, put it into our hearts to share sympathy and our
material blessings with them.
Help all of us come to share in the fullness of the blessing of
Christ. In the name of Jesus we ask, praying with all our hearts
that Israel according to the flesh will come to faith in your Son.
Amen.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
VERSE:
VERSE:
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my
ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your
thoughts.
-- Isaiah 55:8-9
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Isaiah+55:8-9&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
No matter how hard we try to perceive the awesomeness of God, he
is still God and we are not. We must forever remember that the
original, and still primary, sin was to try to become like God in
terms of knowledge and understanding. We are to know God, but we
can never fully know everything about him. We are to take on his
character, but we cannot approach his majesty, righteousness, or
holiness on our own. This is both exciting and frustrating. But,
the promise remains that one day we will be like him and see him as
he is (1 John 3:1-3) and know fully even as we are fully known (1
Corinthians 13:11-12).
PRAYER:
Tender Shepherd, thank you for being so patient with me when I
cannot fully understand and appreciate your holy and transcendent
character. Thank you for sending Jesus so I can know you better and
trust you to know me better than I know myself. I look forward to
seeing you face to face when Jesus comes to bring me home. Until
that day, please know I love you. In the name of Jesus I offer my
thanks and praise. Amen.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my
ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your
thoughts.
-- Isaiah 55:8-9
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Isaiah+55:8-9&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
No matter how hard we try to perceive the awesomeness of God, he
is still God and we are not. We must forever remember that the
original, and still primary, sin was to try to become like God in
terms of knowledge and understanding. We are to know God, but we
can never fully know everything about him. We are to take on his
character, but we cannot approach his majesty, righteousness, or
holiness on our own. This is both exciting and frustrating. But,
the promise remains that one day we will be like him and see him as
he is (1 John 3:1-3) and know fully even as we are fully known (1
Corinthians 13:11-12).
PRAYER:
Tender Shepherd, thank you for being so patient with me when I
cannot fully understand and appreciate your holy and transcendent
character. Thank you for sending Jesus so I can know you better and
trust you to know me better than I know myself. I look forward to
seeing you face to face when Jesus comes to bring me home. Until
that day, please know I love you. In the name of Jesus I offer my
thanks and praise. Amen.
Monday, March 1, 2010
WALKING IN LOVE
WALKING IN LOVE
Romans 14:13-16
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+14:13-16
Dear Father, to whom all will bow,
Help me not pass judgment on others or despise them. Let me look
to myself in view of the fact that I will have to give an account
for my own self.
You have said, "As I live every knee shall bow to me, and every
tongue shall give praise to God." Let me praise you now before the
day of your judgment. Let my praise be willing and not forced.
Help me never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of
a brother or sister in Christ, and especially of some young person.
Don't let me injure anyone by exercising my rights. Let me rather
walk in love toward. Don't let my right to do something cause the
ruin of one for whom Christ died. Do not let what is good to me be
evil spoken of.
In the name of Jesus I ask for the love and wisdom to so live.
Amen.
Romans 14:13-16
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Romans+14:13-16
Dear Father, to whom all will bow,
Help me not pass judgment on others or despise them. Let me look
to myself in view of the fact that I will have to give an account
for my own self.
You have said, "As I live every knee shall bow to me, and every
tongue shall give praise to God." Let me praise you now before the
day of your judgment. Let my praise be willing and not forced.
Help me never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of
a brother or sister in Christ, and especially of some young person.
Don't let me injure anyone by exercising my rights. Let me rather
walk in love toward. Don't let my right to do something cause the
ruin of one for whom Christ died. Do not let what is good to me be
evil spoken of.
In the name of Jesus I ask for the love and wisdom to so live.
Amen.
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