Romans 13:14 Instead, clothe yourself with the Presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don't let yourself think about ways to indulge in your evil desires.
The second part of that verse came to life for me a few days ago. It flashed neon as it passed by my eyes and went into my mind. It seems so simple all of a sudden. Why do I walk around angry at work, grumpy and lashing out? Because I am thinking about the unfairness, what others do or don't do, the inefficiency or erroneous ways things are done or not done. "Why are they doing it this way? "Why did they not...." "Why are they asking us to do that, we have so much else to do?" On and on, thoughts (and yes, those thoughts lead to words of complaint) like these plague my mind, stirring up anger and frustration. And what are the evil desires these thoughts lead to? Angry outbursts, less than stellar attitude, showing annoyance, impatience, hurtful words. A very poor witness for Jesus.
How about we go down another area that invades my thinking quite often...unhealthy food. "Oh, I didn't eat much today, it's just a package of cupcakes." "I'm so aggravated, I need this junk food." Or a personal favorite lately, "I really need this extra coffee, coffee gives me comfort." And so gluttony and addiction reign. And what do these thoughts lead to? Unhealthy lifestyle, feeling sick and tired, irritability, sleeplessness. I can't live for the Lord 100% if I struggle to get through the day because I don't feel great.
These are my areas where I dwell on thoughts to indulge my evil desires. What are yours? If we go back to the first part of that verse we see the solution. Instead of thinking about all the things that lead us astray and put us on the wrong path, we are to be reminding ourselves we are clothed with the very Presence of Jesus Christ. We are clothed in His righteousness, filled with His Holy Spirit. The way Paul wrote this verse tells us it is a choice. Our choice to clothe or not to clothe ourselves with the Presence of the Lord. We can walk clothed in His Presence or walk according to un-renewed thoughts that claim our attention. The Bible tells us to renew our minds. Ephesians 4:23-24 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
I can keep this simple. When I start to go down the angry, hungry, rabbit hole, I remind myself that I am clothed in Jesus. Simple, because I know that the thoughts that go in that direction are not what Jesus would be thinking. I may not have a hundred Bible verses memorized, but I can remember that I am with Jesus. That's enough to get the thoughts going back in the right direction.
Romans 12:21 Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. Another way to change the channel of our negative thoughts...do something good. Be a blessing. Stop those thoughts right in their tracks by saying something kind, stopping to help, giving a prayer of thanksgiving...What would Jesus do was a big saying some years back. Ask ourselves that question and then do it!
Lord, our struggle starts in our minds. We mull over the wrong around us, the wrong done to us, maybe even the wrong that we do, instead of focusing on the love You have for us and others. We forget that we are in Your Presence and act like we are the only ones that matter. We let negative thoughts dictate our actions because we let them dwell in our hearts and minds, feeding them, making them stronger and stronger until they explode and send our witness crashing down. Help us! I know I cannot do this alone and I cannot do this in my own strength. I submit my mind to You Lord and ask You to renew it right now. I pray for all of us...We are Your children and we want to act like it! Teach us to bring every thought to You, rejecting those that don't line up with Your ways and Your heart. Father, I think most of us a desperate for this change and we cry out to You. Help us to walk in newness of life, putting on Christ for all the world to see. In His holy and precious Name, amen.
Check your thinking.
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Thursday, February 20, 2020
He's Already There
I am doing a weekly journal. It focuses on one Scripture for the week. This weeks Scripture is Deuteronomy 31:8 The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Whatever situation or place in life we find ourselves in at the moment, God's already there. It is no surprise to Him. He isn't outside of the trouble or calamity or storm we are facing. He is right there with us, and always has been and always will be. We need not fear or become discouraged...our Lord and Savior has already seen this season in our life and knows how He plans to use it for our blessing and the blessing of others. Our job is to trust. When we trust we enter His rest and we can face our trials with peace and hope. Even the most painful, tumultuous, blackest tribulations we go through, the Lord goes before us, stands with us and brings us through.
Don't lose hope. Don't give up. God already knows all about this trial. He knows. He loves. And He carries. These words are easy to type. Harder to live. I've been in darkness and come through. I know there will be storms ahead...and I am praying that I will live out these words then. I am praying that all of us will know His hands are holding us no matter what we have to endure.
Psalm 90:2 Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God.
Thank You Lord, You know the end from the beginning. Carry us through, give us a strong enduring faith. It's so good to know that nothing about our lives surprises You. It's all in Your plan for our good. Help us to trust You, to know and believe and rest in Your love, Your kindness, and Your wisdom. Lord, it's not easy when our heart is broken, our bodies tired and our spirits weak, but maybe just knowing You have already seen our lives from start to finish, knowing You not only have gone before us, but also walk beside us can bring peace to our hearts no matter what the circumstances. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Carry these verses with you today. Let them work the peace that passes understanding through your heart.
Whatever situation or place in life we find ourselves in at the moment, God's already there. It is no surprise to Him. He isn't outside of the trouble or calamity or storm we are facing. He is right there with us, and always has been and always will be. We need not fear or become discouraged...our Lord and Savior has already seen this season in our life and knows how He plans to use it for our blessing and the blessing of others. Our job is to trust. When we trust we enter His rest and we can face our trials with peace and hope. Even the most painful, tumultuous, blackest tribulations we go through, the Lord goes before us, stands with us and brings us through.
Don't lose hope. Don't give up. God already knows all about this trial. He knows. He loves. And He carries. These words are easy to type. Harder to live. I've been in darkness and come through. I know there will be storms ahead...and I am praying that I will live out these words then. I am praying that all of us will know His hands are holding us no matter what we have to endure.
Psalm 90:2 Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God.
Thank You Lord, You know the end from the beginning. Carry us through, give us a strong enduring faith. It's so good to know that nothing about our lives surprises You. It's all in Your plan for our good. Help us to trust You, to know and believe and rest in Your love, Your kindness, and Your wisdom. Lord, it's not easy when our heart is broken, our bodies tired and our spirits weak, but maybe just knowing You have already seen our lives from start to finish, knowing You not only have gone before us, but also walk beside us can bring peace to our hearts no matter what the circumstances. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Carry these verses with you today. Let them work the peace that passes understanding through your heart.
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
United Scripture
One of the many joys and benefits of staying in God's Word is the connections you see when you read it. I mean, you're reading a chapter in one book and come across a verse that lights up with a connection to another verse you read in the past....it's like something clicks and clarifies in your mind fitting right into where you are that day. God makes His Word flow together, alive and working in our hearts. I had that happen last week as I worked through the book of James for our Bible study on Sunday mornings.
James 1:5-6 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.
Hebrews 11:6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him
God answers the prayer for wisdom for those who ask in faith, sincerely seeking His face.
Hebrews 11:6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.
Micah 6:8 No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
Deuteronomy 10:12 And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul.
Clear instruction on pleasing our Father. Have faith, walk humbly, love mercy, serve and love Him with all your heart and soul, in awe and reverence. I see these principles as our fence posts that should encase our lives. If we stay in these boundaries, our lives will reflect Jesus and bring blessing to ourselves and others, as well as glory to God. Now to get to that place where I don't go outside the fence!
James 1:19-21 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. 21 So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.
Micah 6:8 No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
When we walk in humility and act mercifully following after righteousness, we fulfill the commands given in James 1:19-21.
James 2:13 There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when He judges you.
Luke 6:31 Do to others as you would like them to do to you.
Matthew 18:33 Shouldn't you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you.
Do unto others! How do I want to be treated? Do I not want mercy and kindness when I make a mistake? Do I not want others to overlook my shortcomings, be understanding? Wouldn't I prefer stand in the light of God's mercy rather than His judgment. I don't want my faults under a spotlight, but would rather receive a forgiving embrace. Well, then I need to extend the same thing to others.
James tells us in 2:14, What good is it dear brothers and sisters,if you say you have faith but don't show it by your actions. Our behavior needs to reflect the faith we claim. And these verses show us what that faith is supposed to look like.
Lord, so often we fall short of the Biblical standard. So often we need Your mercy. Thank You. Help us to walk in Your ways and reflect Your character. Thank You for Your Word and the way it flows together to mold our hearts and lives into the holy people You desire us to be. Let us be quick to hear Your voice and even quicker to obey. Keep us in Your Word, give us a love for it, a craving for it. Let it come alive in our hearts and lives. In Jesus Name. Amen
Study these verses. Let them transform you!
James 1:5-6 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.
Hebrews 11:6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him
God answers the prayer for wisdom for those who ask in faith, sincerely seeking His face.
Hebrews 11:6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.
Micah 6:8 No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
Deuteronomy 10:12 And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul.
Clear instruction on pleasing our Father. Have faith, walk humbly, love mercy, serve and love Him with all your heart and soul, in awe and reverence. I see these principles as our fence posts that should encase our lives. If we stay in these boundaries, our lives will reflect Jesus and bring blessing to ourselves and others, as well as glory to God. Now to get to that place where I don't go outside the fence!
James 1:19-21 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. 21 So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.
Micah 6:8 No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
When we walk in humility and act mercifully following after righteousness, we fulfill the commands given in James 1:19-21.
James 2:13 There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when He judges you.
Luke 6:31 Do to others as you would like them to do to you.
Matthew 18:33 Shouldn't you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you.
Do unto others! How do I want to be treated? Do I not want mercy and kindness when I make a mistake? Do I not want others to overlook my shortcomings, be understanding? Wouldn't I prefer stand in the light of God's mercy rather than His judgment. I don't want my faults under a spotlight, but would rather receive a forgiving embrace. Well, then I need to extend the same thing to others.
James tells us in 2:14, What good is it dear brothers and sisters,if you say you have faith but don't show it by your actions. Our behavior needs to reflect the faith we claim. And these verses show us what that faith is supposed to look like.
Lord, so often we fall short of the Biblical standard. So often we need Your mercy. Thank You. Help us to walk in Your ways and reflect Your character. Thank You for Your Word and the way it flows together to mold our hearts and lives into the holy people You desire us to be. Let us be quick to hear Your voice and even quicker to obey. Keep us in Your Word, give us a love for it, a craving for it. Let it come alive in our hearts and lives. In Jesus Name. Amen
Study these verses. Let them transform you!
Thursday, February 13, 2020
God's Love Never Changes
God's love never stops. It never changes. It doesn't leave us or forsake us. It never lets go. Who needs to hear that today?
Romans 8:35-39 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
New song alert. I heard a new song by Elevation Worship, featuring Tauren Wells...and it put me in mind of these verses. What wonderful promises and surety we have in Jesus Christ!
Let's remind ourselves often how loved we are!
Lord, how truly blessed Your children are! A love that never leaves, a love that is always surrounding us, a love that is eternal and holds us forever! Amazing, wonderful love.
Think on God's love today. Receive it as you think about it. You can say out loud..."Lord I know You love me, I receive that love and thank you for it." Or something akin to that.
Romans 8:35-39 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
New song alert. I heard a new song by Elevation Worship, featuring Tauren Wells...and it put me in mind of these verses. What wonderful promises and surety we have in Jesus Christ!
Let's remind ourselves often how loved we are!
Lord, how truly blessed Your children are! A love that never leaves, a love that is always surrounding us, a love that is eternal and holds us forever! Amazing, wonderful love.
Think on God's love today. Receive it as you think about it. You can say out loud..."Lord I know You love me, I receive that love and thank you for it." Or something akin to that.
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Repentance, Continued
One of the greatest parables Jesus told, the one that speaks to and as spoken to millions upon millions of hearts is the story of the prodigal son. Here we see an ungrateful, uncaring, selfish young man ask his father to give him his inheritance now. At that time, asking a living parent to give you the inheritance due you was akin to telling them you wish they were already dead. Can you imagine the hurt and sorrow this young man caused his father? I can just picture the hurt in his eyes when he realized his son cared more for the dad's money than the dad himself. Couple that with what the Father knew the young man would do with the money, knowing the pain and disappointment it would bring his son....this man must have been devastated.
But that's not the end of the story! Eventually the son realizes the disgusting consequences his decision has brought him, and he turns toward home again. And in case you've never seen this part when reading....the father was looking for him, waiting for him...because when he saw the son far off, he ran to greet his wayward child. I don't believe the dad just happened to see his child down the road. He was watching and waiting for the son's return. Here we get the happily ever after. The father clothes him in the finest robe, gives him a ring, some new shoes and throws a massive party!
So right after I finished the repentance entry last week I read one of my devotionals. And I bet you can guess what it was on...yup, repentance! God sure does press His point when He knows how important it is for us. The opening statement from this devotion was from Isaiah 61:10....For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness....
You see our heavenly Father is just like the dad in the parable. He awaits our return, ready to clothe us in His own righteousness, ready to welcome us back with open arms and open heart to celebrate our coming home.
No matter how far down we sink, no matter how far away we've run....God still watches for us to turn back to Him. His love never ceases. He doesn't ask us to hate ourselves, to do some great acts of penance...He asks us to come. Turn and return to Him. His arms are always open.
I love this story. I've been the prodigal. I've been a selfish, uncaring, angry, low living, doing anything but following Jesus kind of person. Now, I can wallow in the regret of that life....or I can rejoice that I am made new, clothed in Jesus' own righteousness. 2 Corinthian 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. And when I slip into (or even sometimes jump into) sin now, I can quickly repent and come back to my Father's loving arms. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Maybe this stuff is basic for some. But I need to hear it. I need to be reminded of how loved I truly am. I need to remember what I was and how much was done for me. I need to be lifted up, reminded my guilt has been washed away, I need not live in the filth of regret. Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. Hallelujah! We are forgiven.
To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. 12 The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. 13 “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. 14 About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. 15 He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. 16 The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything.
17 “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, 19 and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’ 20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ 22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.
Lord, thank You for repentance...You work it in our hearts. Thank You for forgiveness, you offer it so freely because of love. Thank You for the righteousness You have given, You brought it with Your blood....we are so beyond blessed...I have no words. Thank You!!
Meditate on the verses here that speak to your heart. Let His love and forgiveness wash over your soul today.
But that's not the end of the story! Eventually the son realizes the disgusting consequences his decision has brought him, and he turns toward home again. And in case you've never seen this part when reading....the father was looking for him, waiting for him...because when he saw the son far off, he ran to greet his wayward child. I don't believe the dad just happened to see his child down the road. He was watching and waiting for the son's return. Here we get the happily ever after. The father clothes him in the finest robe, gives him a ring, some new shoes and throws a massive party!
So right after I finished the repentance entry last week I read one of my devotionals. And I bet you can guess what it was on...yup, repentance! God sure does press His point when He knows how important it is for us. The opening statement from this devotion was from Isaiah 61:10....For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness....
You see our heavenly Father is just like the dad in the parable. He awaits our return, ready to clothe us in His own righteousness, ready to welcome us back with open arms and open heart to celebrate our coming home.
No matter how far down we sink, no matter how far away we've run....God still watches for us to turn back to Him. His love never ceases. He doesn't ask us to hate ourselves, to do some great acts of penance...He asks us to come. Turn and return to Him. His arms are always open.
I love this story. I've been the prodigal. I've been a selfish, uncaring, angry, low living, doing anything but following Jesus kind of person. Now, I can wallow in the regret of that life....or I can rejoice that I am made new, clothed in Jesus' own righteousness. 2 Corinthian 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. And when I slip into (or even sometimes jump into) sin now, I can quickly repent and come back to my Father's loving arms. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Maybe this stuff is basic for some. But I need to hear it. I need to be reminded of how loved I truly am. I need to remember what I was and how much was done for me. I need to be lifted up, reminded my guilt has been washed away, I need not live in the filth of regret. Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. Hallelujah! We are forgiven.
To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. 12 The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. 13 “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. 14 About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. 15 He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. 16 The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything.
17 “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, 19 and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’ 20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ 22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.
Lord, thank You for repentance...You work it in our hearts. Thank You for forgiveness, you offer it so freely because of love. Thank You for the righteousness You have given, You brought it with Your blood....we are so beyond blessed...I have no words. Thank You!!
Meditate on the verses here that speak to your heart. Let His love and forgiveness wash over your soul today.
Thursday, February 6, 2020
Repentance, From Mom
Before we get all the wonderful benefits of the verses from Tuesday...we need to repent of our sins. We need to realize the necessity of a Savior. Heaven and Hell are real. There are only two options. Accept Jesus' sacrifice on our behalf and step into the glories and joy of Heaven for eternity, or deny our need, deny His sacrifice, deny Who He is and what He has done and fall into the eternal suffering of Hell. Blunt? Yes. True? Yes. Repentance brings a change of heart...brings us into the kingdom of Christ. Repentance brings a turning away from our own ways and into obedience to God...we grow, we mature, we shine.
Matthew 3:1-2 In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, 2 “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.
Matthew 4:17 17 From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”
Repentance is a decision that results in a change of mind, which in turn leads to a change of purpose and action. There is no birth into the kingdom without the salvation that comes from turning from sin to Christ. Acts 3:19 Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.
There is no growth in the kingdom without obedience to Jesus' commandments and a childlike responsiveness that yields to the teaching of God's Word. James 1:21-25 21 So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. 22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.
There is no lifelong increase of fruit as a citizen of the kingdom without a willingness to accept the Holy Spirit's correction and guidance. Ephesians 4:30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
Mark 1:14-15 Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God’s Good News. 15 “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”
John 3:1 There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. 2 After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.” 3 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” 4 “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?”
5 Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.7 So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.” 9 “How are these things possible?” Nicodemus asked. 10 Jesus replied, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don’t understand these things? 11 I assure you, we tell you what we know and have seen, and yet you won’t believe our testimony. 12 But if you don’t believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Mans, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life. 16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
2 Chronicles 7:14 14 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.
Acts 2:38-41 38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”
From me.
Repentance is the start of our Christian life. It also reflects our walk with the Lord, in that we agree with Him when we sin and we confess that sin as wrong. It is part of the "working out our salvation with fear and trembling" mentioned in Philippians 2:12. We work with the Holy Spirit to learn what pleases God and we walk in obedience to His leading. Not only does this glorify God, but it brings us joy, peace and growth. And I'm all for joy, peace and growth in my life. Repentance is a good thing. It's not something to fear, and it's not something to weight us down with guilt and condemnation. It's meant to turn us to a beautiful freedom that only comes with obedience to Jesus.
Thank You Lord for working repentance out in our hearts! We pray for our friends and families, and all who read this who need to make the first step in repentance....accepting You as Lord and Savior. Help us to be a light by leading lives that show the fruit of repentance. In Jesus' saving Name. Amen.
Repent!
Matthew 3:1-2 In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, 2 “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.
Matthew 4:17 17 From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”
Repentance is a decision that results in a change of mind, which in turn leads to a change of purpose and action. There is no birth into the kingdom without the salvation that comes from turning from sin to Christ. Acts 3:19 Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.
There is no growth in the kingdom without obedience to Jesus' commandments and a childlike responsiveness that yields to the teaching of God's Word. James 1:21-25 21 So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. 22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.
There is no lifelong increase of fruit as a citizen of the kingdom without a willingness to accept the Holy Spirit's correction and guidance. Ephesians 4:30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
Mark 1:14-15 Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God’s Good News. 15 “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”
John 3:1 There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. 2 After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.” 3 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” 4 “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?”
5 Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.7 So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.” 9 “How are these things possible?” Nicodemus asked. 10 Jesus replied, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don’t understand these things? 11 I assure you, we tell you what we know and have seen, and yet you won’t believe our testimony. 12 But if you don’t believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Mans, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life. 16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
2 Chronicles 7:14 14 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.
Acts 2:38-41 38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”
From me.
Repentance is the start of our Christian life. It also reflects our walk with the Lord, in that we agree with Him when we sin and we confess that sin as wrong. It is part of the "working out our salvation with fear and trembling" mentioned in Philippians 2:12. We work with the Holy Spirit to learn what pleases God and we walk in obedience to His leading. Not only does this glorify God, but it brings us joy, peace and growth. And I'm all for joy, peace and growth in my life. Repentance is a good thing. It's not something to fear, and it's not something to weight us down with guilt and condemnation. It's meant to turn us to a beautiful freedom that only comes with obedience to Jesus.
Thank You Lord for working repentance out in our hearts! We pray for our friends and families, and all who read this who need to make the first step in repentance....accepting You as Lord and Savior. Help us to be a light by leading lives that show the fruit of repentance. In Jesus' saving Name. Amen.
Repent!
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Open Doors
Exodus 12:1-7 While the Israelites were still in the land of Egypt, the Lord gave the following instructions to Moses and Aaron: 2 “From now on, this month will be the first month of the year for you. 3 Announce to the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each family must choose a lamb or a young goat for a sacrifice, one animal for each household. 4 If a family is too small to eat a whole animal, let them share with another family in the neighborhood. Divide the animal according to the size of each family and how much they can eat. 5 The animal you select must be a one-year-old male, either a sheep or a goat, with no defects. 6 “Take special care of this chosen animal until the evening of the fourteenth day of this first month. Then the whole assembly of the community of Israel must slaughter their lamb or young goat at twilight. 7 They are to take some of the blood and smear it on the sides and top of the door frames of the houses where they eat the animal. (The need for a sacrifice-a shadow of what was to come)
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. (Our acceptance of the sacrifice)
Ephesians 3:17a Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. (Christ's response to our acceptance)
Hebrews 7:26-27 26 He is the kind of high priest we need because he is holy and blameless, unstained by sin. He has been set apart from sinners and has been given the highest place of honor in heaven. 27 Unlike those other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices every day. They did this for their own sins first and then for the sins of the people. But Jesus did this once for all when he offered himself as the sacrifice for the people’s sins. (Jesus alone is the perfect sacrifice, our eternal high priest)
Hebrews 4:14-16 14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (Results!)
Open doors. We open the door to Jesus by accepting His sacrifice, applying His shed blood to the doors of our heart, He comes in and abides with us and the door to God's throne is made wide open. It's all connected! It's all amazing! And it's all because of Jesus.
This is one of the things I love about the Holy Spirit. It starts with one verse and then other verses start exploding in my head....the connections form and the Lord completes the picture of His love, salvation and grace. Amazing! This is what comes from being in God's Word, we understand more, we see more and we grow more. We see more reasons to be thankful, more reasons to worship.
I am so eternally grateful for and I stand in awe of Your salvation. Your ways amaze and thrill me when I see them hooked together. Looking back through the millennia to the first Passover, to the final sacrificial Lamb Jesus Christ and know that You planned all along the way to salvation...the way for me to be saved, like the Word tells us before the beginning of the world, Jesus was to be our ransom. (I Peter 1:20). Before the beginning of the world You chose to save us (Ephesians 1:4). A simple thank You never feels like enough. There is none like You!
Think about these Scriptures!
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. (Our acceptance of the sacrifice)
Ephesians 3:17a Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. (Christ's response to our acceptance)
Hebrews 7:26-27 26 He is the kind of high priest we need because he is holy and blameless, unstained by sin. He has been set apart from sinners and has been given the highest place of honor in heaven. 27 Unlike those other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices every day. They did this for their own sins first and then for the sins of the people. But Jesus did this once for all when he offered himself as the sacrifice for the people’s sins. (Jesus alone is the perfect sacrifice, our eternal high priest)
Hebrews 4:14-16 14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (Results!)
Open doors. We open the door to Jesus by accepting His sacrifice, applying His shed blood to the doors of our heart, He comes in and abides with us and the door to God's throne is made wide open. It's all connected! It's all amazing! And it's all because of Jesus.
This is one of the things I love about the Holy Spirit. It starts with one verse and then other verses start exploding in my head....the connections form and the Lord completes the picture of His love, salvation and grace. Amazing! This is what comes from being in God's Word, we understand more, we see more and we grow more. We see more reasons to be thankful, more reasons to worship.
I am so eternally grateful for and I stand in awe of Your salvation. Your ways amaze and thrill me when I see them hooked together. Looking back through the millennia to the first Passover, to the final sacrificial Lamb Jesus Christ and know that You planned all along the way to salvation...the way for me to be saved, like the Word tells us before the beginning of the world, Jesus was to be our ransom. (I Peter 1:20). Before the beginning of the world You chose to save us (Ephesians 1:4). A simple thank You never feels like enough. There is none like You!
Think about these Scriptures!
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