Tonight's Scripture Reading: Philippians 1:27
While in prison, Paul wrote about the attitude a Christian should have. He’s telling us that no matter what we go through, we are to respond with a Christ-like attitude. Philippians 2:5 “Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ” Ephesians 5:1 “be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children” Children love to imitate what they see and hear. We are children of God and are to imitate Christ’s behavior. How can we accomplish gaining this attitude?
Remain Patient, Hopeful, and Humble:
Jesus maintained a perfect attitude, He prayed about everything and worried about nothing. We need to seek God’s guidance about everything in our lives. Jesus’ attitude was never to become defensive, discouraged, or depressed. His goal was to please his Father rather than himself. While confronted with trials, He was patient, while suffering, He was hopeful, while being blessed, He was humble.
1Peter 2:23 “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”
What Was Jesus’ Attitude?:
He practiced Selflessness, humility, and service. Philippians 2:3-4 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” Our attitude should reflect one that focuses on the needs and interests of others. It’s difficult and not natural to us. When Christ came into the world, He established a whole new attitude toward relationships with others.
In Matthew chapter 20 the disciples were arguing about who was to be greatest in his kingdom. Jesus said...
Matthew 20:25-28 “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave-- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”
Jesus is teaching us that when we become preoccupied with our own stuff, it can cause conflicts with others. God wants us to have an attitude of serious, caring involvement in the concerns of others.
Ephesians 4:22-24 “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness”
God is in control of our lives. Every time we try to control our circumstances, our future, and the people around us, we’re trying to play god. He wants us to become like Him but by taking on His values, His attitudes, and His character Vs. 23-24 “be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness”
God’s Goal For Us:
God’s ultimate goal is the transformation of our minds into the attitude of godliness. He wants us to grow spiritually, to become like Christ. He doesn't want us to loose our personalities or become mindless clones. He wants us to become "Christ like". Being Christ like is all about transforming our mind.
Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will”
He wants us to have the mindset of the Beatitudes of Jesus. Read Matthew 5:1-12
He wants us to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
He wants us to live by the principals of love. Read 1Corinthians 13:4-13
2Peter 1:5-8 “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self‑control; and to self‑control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
If we read and follow God’s word we can change our attitude. When we become Christ like, people take notice. When they take notice, they see Christ in us and usually want that peace we have. What is your attitude like?
Monday, January 31, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Trusting In God
Tonight's Scripture Reading: Daniel 3:13-27
The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Three men defying king Nebuchadnezzar. Thrown into a fiery furnace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego provide believers today with strong and lasting lessons. Tonight we look at the story and the lessons we can learn.
Defying King Nebuchadnezzar:
For their refusal to obey the king’s decree, three charges were brought against them.
1.) They paid no heed to the king and his commands
2.) They did not serve the king’s gods
3.) They refused to worship the golden statue the king himself
The penalty for their actions was death. Their response to the king was unbelievable …
Daniel 3:15-18 "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up"
Their Faith In God:
Faith in God, extraordinary faith. Their response confirmed three things:
1.) Their unwavering conviction of God
2.) Their confidence in God
3.) Their faith was strong
Their acknowledgment of God over the world’s most powerful king resulted in God’s supreme power being revealed to unbelievers. Their faith demonstrates that God is able to deliver us from our own problems and trials.
As believers, we know that God is able to deliver us. However, He does not always do so. Romans 5 tells us that God may allow trials and difficulties in our lives to build our character, strengthen our faith, or for other reasons unknown to us. We may not always understand the purpose of our trials, but God simply asks that we trust Him—even when it is not easy. Job at his worst was able to say:
Job 13:15 “Though He may slay me, yet will I hope in Him.” Now that's FAITH in God, a man who trusted God.
God does not guarantee that we will never suffer or experience death. He does promise to be with us always. We should learn that in times of trial and persecution, our attitude should reflect that of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
Daniel 3:18 “But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up"
These are some of the most courageous words ever spoken. Would you have been able to say them?
Matthew 10:28 “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell”
Even if Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had to suffer a horrible, painful death in a burning oven, they refused to abandon God and worship an idol. Many believers through out time who suffered martyrdom have uttered those words Jesus spoke.
Nebuchadnezzar See’s Jesus:
Nebuchadnezzar was amazed that the fire did not destroy them. He was even more amazed that he saw a fourth person with them. Daniel 3:25 (NKJV) "Look!" he answered, "I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God"
When we “walk by faith” (2 Corinthians 5:7). There will be times of fiery persecution. We can be sure that “He is with us” (Matthew 28:20) He will “sustain us” (Psalm 55:22) He will ultimately deliver us. He will save us, eternally.
Matthew 25:46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
What Should We Learn From These Three Men?:
We will never be able to bring the world to Christ if we act like the world. Reveal to the unsaved a higher power, a greater purpose, and a superior morality. If we are put before the fiery furnace, reveal the One who can deliver us from it. Remember the words of Paul:
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal”
When experiencing sickness, persecution, or pain, be comforted in knowing this life is not the end. There is life after death. This is His promise to all those who love and obey Him. Knowing that we will have eternal life with God should enable us live above the pain and suffering we endure. John 14:23 “Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” Do you trust God? Can you face trials and tribulations with God? How strong is your faith? Strong enough to endure the fiery furnace? I pray that you will consider how much you really trust in God this week. Till next week I pray that you will be Blessed and grow in your relationship with God.
The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Three men defying king Nebuchadnezzar. Thrown into a fiery furnace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego provide believers today with strong and lasting lessons. Tonight we look at the story and the lessons we can learn.
Defying King Nebuchadnezzar:
For their refusal to obey the king’s decree, three charges were brought against them.
1.) They paid no heed to the king and his commands
2.) They did not serve the king’s gods
3.) They refused to worship the golden statue the king himself
The penalty for their actions was death. Their response to the king was unbelievable …
Daniel 3:15-18 "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up"
Their Faith In God:
Faith in God, extraordinary faith. Their response confirmed three things:
1.) Their unwavering conviction of God
2.) Their confidence in God
3.) Their faith was strong
Their acknowledgment of God over the world’s most powerful king resulted in God’s supreme power being revealed to unbelievers. Their faith demonstrates that God is able to deliver us from our own problems and trials.
As believers, we know that God is able to deliver us. However, He does not always do so. Romans 5 tells us that God may allow trials and difficulties in our lives to build our character, strengthen our faith, or for other reasons unknown to us. We may not always understand the purpose of our trials, but God simply asks that we trust Him—even when it is not easy. Job at his worst was able to say:
Job 13:15 “Though He may slay me, yet will I hope in Him.” Now that's FAITH in God, a man who trusted God.
God does not guarantee that we will never suffer or experience death. He does promise to be with us always. We should learn that in times of trial and persecution, our attitude should reflect that of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
Daniel 3:18 “But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up"
These are some of the most courageous words ever spoken. Would you have been able to say them?
Matthew 10:28 “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell”
Even if Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had to suffer a horrible, painful death in a burning oven, they refused to abandon God and worship an idol. Many believers through out time who suffered martyrdom have uttered those words Jesus spoke.
Nebuchadnezzar See’s Jesus:
Nebuchadnezzar was amazed that the fire did not destroy them. He was even more amazed that he saw a fourth person with them. Daniel 3:25 (NKJV) "Look!" he answered, "I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God"
When we “walk by faith” (2 Corinthians 5:7). There will be times of fiery persecution. We can be sure that “He is with us” (Matthew 28:20) He will “sustain us” (Psalm 55:22) He will ultimately deliver us. He will save us, eternally.
Matthew 25:46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
What Should We Learn From These Three Men?:
We will never be able to bring the world to Christ if we act like the world. Reveal to the unsaved a higher power, a greater purpose, and a superior morality. If we are put before the fiery furnace, reveal the One who can deliver us from it. Remember the words of Paul:
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal”
When experiencing sickness, persecution, or pain, be comforted in knowing this life is not the end. There is life after death. This is His promise to all those who love and obey Him. Knowing that we will have eternal life with God should enable us live above the pain and suffering we endure. John 14:23 “Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” Do you trust God? Can you face trials and tribulations with God? How strong is your faith? Strong enough to endure the fiery furnace? I pray that you will consider how much you really trust in God this week. Till next week I pray that you will be Blessed and grow in your relationship with God.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Handing God Your Problems
Tonight's Scripture Reading: Psalm 55:22 and 1 Peter 5:7
Last week we looked into knowing God’s will. We discussed running into road bumps along the way. How are we going to over come these road bumps? Our two scripture readings tell us how. Both the Old and New Testaments address this problem the same way, they tell us God knows problems and worries are inevitable in life. These two verses contain several amazing truths 1) God will sustain us 2) He will never let us fall 3) He cares for us. Let’s look into scripture and see how we can turn our problems and worries over to God.
Our Strength and Support:
God declares both His ability and His willingness to be our strength and support—mentally, emotionally and spiritually. He is willing and able to take everything that threatens to overwhelm us and use it for His and our benefit.
His promise: 2 Corinthians 9:8 “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work”
Even when we doubt Him, He is still working for our good and His glory. He has also promised that He will not allow any trial or tribulation to be so bad we cannot bear it. He will always provide an escape.
1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
He will not let us fall, He promised. Psalm 55:22 “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” Our strength, our support.
He Cares for Us:
God gives us the motivation behind His other promises. Our God is not cold or uncaring, He is our loving heavenly Father whose heart is tender toward His children. Jesus reminds us that just as a father would not deny his children, so God has promised to give us “good gifts” when we ask Him.
Matthew 7:11 “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
The Lord reveals to us through His Word how to over come. How?
1) Rejoice in our problems because God will use them to our benefit. “Knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope” Read Romans 5:3-4
2) See our worries as an opportunity to practice. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths”
3) Reverse our anger by obeying. Ephesians 4:32 “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you”
4) Deal with any sinful feelings by believing and acting on truth. 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.”
All of our problems can be dealt with through simple faith in God's Word. He Cares For Us.
Putting it in God’s Hands:
God is larger than any problem we may have. Realization of this brings victory. Everyone suffers, temptation is common to man.
1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
Do not let Satan deceive us into thinking that all our problems are our fault, all our worries will come true, all our anger condemns us, or that all our guilt is from God.
If we do sin. Confess, and seek forgiveness. God forgives and cleanses. Don't be ashamed, take God at His Word, that He does forgive and cleanse. No sin is so heavy that God cannot lift it from us.
Feelings come from thoughts. We can't change how we feel however we can change how we think. This is what God wants us to do.
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things”
Colossians 3:2 “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things”
True, Noble, Right, Pure, Lovely, Admirable, Excellent, Praiseworthy. Set your minds on things above. As we change how we think, our feelings of guilt leaves us.
Each day, take one step at a time. Pray for God's Word to guide us. Read God's Word, meditate on God's Word. Change our way of thinking. When the problems, trials and tribulations come, turn it over to Christ. There’s no secret to it, it's simple. Ask Jesus to take our burden of our sin and be our Savior. Submit to Jesus as our Lord in our day-to-day living. He will shoulder our problems for us. Till next week Be Blessed...
Last week we looked into knowing God’s will. We discussed running into road bumps along the way. How are we going to over come these road bumps? Our two scripture readings tell us how. Both the Old and New Testaments address this problem the same way, they tell us God knows problems and worries are inevitable in life. These two verses contain several amazing truths 1) God will sustain us 2) He will never let us fall 3) He cares for us. Let’s look into scripture and see how we can turn our problems and worries over to God.
Our Strength and Support:
God declares both His ability and His willingness to be our strength and support—mentally, emotionally and spiritually. He is willing and able to take everything that threatens to overwhelm us and use it for His and our benefit.
His promise: 2 Corinthians 9:8 “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work”
Even when we doubt Him, He is still working for our good and His glory. He has also promised that He will not allow any trial or tribulation to be so bad we cannot bear it. He will always provide an escape.
1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
He will not let us fall, He promised. Psalm 55:22 “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” Our strength, our support.
He Cares for Us:
God gives us the motivation behind His other promises. Our God is not cold or uncaring, He is our loving heavenly Father whose heart is tender toward His children. Jesus reminds us that just as a father would not deny his children, so God has promised to give us “good gifts” when we ask Him.
Matthew 7:11 “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
The Lord reveals to us through His Word how to over come. How?
1) Rejoice in our problems because God will use them to our benefit. “Knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope” Read Romans 5:3-4
2) See our worries as an opportunity to practice. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths”
3) Reverse our anger by obeying. Ephesians 4:32 “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you”
4) Deal with any sinful feelings by believing and acting on truth. 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.”
All of our problems can be dealt with through simple faith in God's Word. He Cares For Us.
Putting it in God’s Hands:
God is larger than any problem we may have. Realization of this brings victory. Everyone suffers, temptation is common to man.
1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
Do not let Satan deceive us into thinking that all our problems are our fault, all our worries will come true, all our anger condemns us, or that all our guilt is from God.
If we do sin. Confess, and seek forgiveness. God forgives and cleanses. Don't be ashamed, take God at His Word, that He does forgive and cleanse. No sin is so heavy that God cannot lift it from us.
Feelings come from thoughts. We can't change how we feel however we can change how we think. This is what God wants us to do.
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things”
Colossians 3:2 “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things”
True, Noble, Right, Pure, Lovely, Admirable, Excellent, Praiseworthy. Set your minds on things above. As we change how we think, our feelings of guilt leaves us.
Each day, take one step at a time. Pray for God's Word to guide us. Read God's Word, meditate on God's Word. Change our way of thinking. When the problems, trials and tribulations come, turn it over to Christ. There’s no secret to it, it's simple. Ask Jesus to take our burden of our sin and be our Savior. Submit to Jesus as our Lord in our day-to-day living. He will shoulder our problems for us. Till next week Be Blessed...
Monday, January 10, 2011
The Road We Travel
Scripture Reading: Romans 12:2
How do we know which direction God wants us to go? Is it my will or God’s will? Do I need to wait longer? What does the Bible have to say about the will of God? There are two keys to knowing God's will 1) Make sure what you are asking for or considering doing is not something the Bible forbids 2) Make sure it will glorify God and help you grow spiritually
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
The only decision God does not want us to make is the decision to sin or resist His will. God wants us to make choices that are in agreement with His will. Knowing God’s will is sometimes difficult. Many people want God to tell them specifically what to do, where to work, where to live, who to marry, etc. God rarely gives information that direct and specific. God allows us to make choices regarding those things.
If you know that what your asking for is scriptural and it glorifies God and He still is not giving it to you most likely, it’s not God’s will for you to have what you are asking for or, you just need to wait a while longer for it. God allows us to make choices.
How Do I Know What God’s Will Is For Me?
If you are walking closely with the Lord. Truly desiring His will for your life. God will place His desires in your heart. The key is wanting God’s will, not your own.
Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart”
If the Bible does not speak against it. If it can genuinely benefit you spiritually. Then the Bible gives you “permission” to make decisions and to follow your heart. If you truly seek God’s will with a humble spirit and an open mind, He will reveal His will to you.
Is Fate Or Destiny Involved In My Decision Making?
In Acts 9, Jesus appears to Saul with an interesting statement Vs. 5-6 "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." Jesus had a plan for Saul. Saul had been painfully resisting it. Exercising our freedom against God’s plan can be painful. Sometimes we don't want to do God’s will and it’s painful.
Later, Jesus tells Saul that a man named Ananias would come to visit. Then Jesus tells Ananias !! (Vs. 11-12) Jesus had a pre-arranged plan for Ananias as well. Ananias didn’t want to visit Saul (Vs. 13-14) He could have been like Jonah and run the other way, but had he done this, God would have had a “fish” prepared to bring him back. Ananias obeyed (verse 17) The result, Saul’s Salvation, Exercising our freedom to follow God’s plan brings blessings.
James 4:2 “You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God”
The Bible teaches that God is in charge. He has given us the freedom to obey or disobey Him. God blesses the obedient, and He is patient with those who disobey.
God has a plan for our lives. It includes our happiness and His glory, in this world and in heaven. Those who accept Christ have accepted God’s plan. After that, it’s a step-by-step following of God’s plan for us. We must pray for His will to be done (Matthew 6:10) your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven And something just as important, avoid the temptation of sin.
Psalm 119:59 “I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.”
Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Which road are you going to travel? Are you going to make right biblical choices? Are you going to seek what God wants for you? God has a plan but it’s up to us to follow the road He has directed us to follow. I pray that you have a Blessed week and follow the road that God has chosen for you.
How do we know which direction God wants us to go? Is it my will or God’s will? Do I need to wait longer? What does the Bible have to say about the will of God? There are two keys to knowing God's will 1) Make sure what you are asking for or considering doing is not something the Bible forbids 2) Make sure it will glorify God and help you grow spiritually
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
The only decision God does not want us to make is the decision to sin or resist His will. God wants us to make choices that are in agreement with His will. Knowing God’s will is sometimes difficult. Many people want God to tell them specifically what to do, where to work, where to live, who to marry, etc. God rarely gives information that direct and specific. God allows us to make choices regarding those things.
If you know that what your asking for is scriptural and it glorifies God and He still is not giving it to you most likely, it’s not God’s will for you to have what you are asking for or, you just need to wait a while longer for it. God allows us to make choices.
How Do I Know What God’s Will Is For Me?
If you are walking closely with the Lord. Truly desiring His will for your life. God will place His desires in your heart. The key is wanting God’s will, not your own.
Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart”
If the Bible does not speak against it. If it can genuinely benefit you spiritually. Then the Bible gives you “permission” to make decisions and to follow your heart. If you truly seek God’s will with a humble spirit and an open mind, He will reveal His will to you.
Is Fate Or Destiny Involved In My Decision Making?
In Acts 9, Jesus appears to Saul with an interesting statement Vs. 5-6 "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." Jesus had a plan for Saul. Saul had been painfully resisting it. Exercising our freedom against God’s plan can be painful. Sometimes we don't want to do God’s will and it’s painful.
Later, Jesus tells Saul that a man named Ananias would come to visit. Then Jesus tells Ananias !! (Vs. 11-12) Jesus had a pre-arranged plan for Ananias as well. Ananias didn’t want to visit Saul (Vs. 13-14) He could have been like Jonah and run the other way, but had he done this, God would have had a “fish” prepared to bring him back. Ananias obeyed (verse 17) The result, Saul’s Salvation, Exercising our freedom to follow God’s plan brings blessings.
James 4:2 “You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God”
The Bible teaches that God is in charge. He has given us the freedom to obey or disobey Him. God blesses the obedient, and He is patient with those who disobey.
God has a plan for our lives. It includes our happiness and His glory, in this world and in heaven. Those who accept Christ have accepted God’s plan. After that, it’s a step-by-step following of God’s plan for us. We must pray for His will to be done (Matthew 6:10) your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven And something just as important, avoid the temptation of sin.
Psalm 119:59 “I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.”
Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Which road are you going to travel? Are you going to make right biblical choices? Are you going to seek what God wants for you? God has a plan but it’s up to us to follow the road He has directed us to follow. I pray that you have a Blessed week and follow the road that God has chosen for you.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
The Battle Is God’s
Scripture Reading: Joshua 6:1-5,16,20
A victory without a fight. This new year you will go through trials, tribulations, and problems. How are you going to handle these times? God has a plan. The fight is God’s not ours. We live in a spiritual world and a spiritual battle is on going. How are we going to overcome these troubling times ahead?
Listen to God:
Joshua 6 tells us about Jericho. The first city that needed to be captured to get to the Holy Land. God came to Joshua and gave him instruction on how the city would be delivered to him (Vs. 2-5) What did Joshua do? Did he listen or did he allow his flesh to make decisions?
Vs 6 “So Joshua son of Nun called the priests and said to them, "Take up the ark of the covenant of the Lord and have seven priests carry trumpets in front of it.” Joshua listened to God.
The battle is God’s, not ours. Joshua obeyed God and was delivered the city of Jericho as God had promised. If God gives us a plan, follow it. A right relationship with God brings us closer to Him. When we read our scriptures daily, pray, ask for direction, and praise God always, we can shout and let God fight the battle.
Spiritual Battle:
Ephesians 6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
In the heavenly realms, forces of evil in the heavenly realms. That's right it's God’s battle, not ours. We can win without a fight. We can win if we give it to God. We have already won the battle through Jesus Christ.
1John 4:4 “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” Victory through Jesus Christ without a fight. Praise God for that.
Satan is our enemy, Satan causes afflictions not God. God may allow Satan to put us through our troubles. Why? To get us to turn to Him, to rely on Him, to seek His direction. To have faith and victory without a fight. Seek God, listen to God, stand firm, and shout. Vs 5 “When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the people will go up, every man straight in.” A loud shout or a great shout. What does that mean? The word great shout means full of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit tore down the walls of Jericho. God wants us to turn our afflictions over to Him.
God is the answer. Turn your troubles you are going to have this new year over to Him. Through prayer, reading, and most of all being still. Reflect on what Joshua did. Be quiet, march, praise and worship, obey, and victory will come. Have a Blessed new year. What is your resolution? To follow God? I pray it is.
A victory without a fight. This new year you will go through trials, tribulations, and problems. How are you going to handle these times? God has a plan. The fight is God’s not ours. We live in a spiritual world and a spiritual battle is on going. How are we going to overcome these troubling times ahead?
Listen to God:
Joshua 6 tells us about Jericho. The first city that needed to be captured to get to the Holy Land. God came to Joshua and gave him instruction on how the city would be delivered to him (Vs. 2-5) What did Joshua do? Did he listen or did he allow his flesh to make decisions?
Vs 6 “So Joshua son of Nun called the priests and said to them, "Take up the ark of the covenant of the Lord and have seven priests carry trumpets in front of it.” Joshua listened to God.
The battle is God’s, not ours. Joshua obeyed God and was delivered the city of Jericho as God had promised. If God gives us a plan, follow it. A right relationship with God brings us closer to Him. When we read our scriptures daily, pray, ask for direction, and praise God always, we can shout and let God fight the battle.
Spiritual Battle:
Ephesians 6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
In the heavenly realms, forces of evil in the heavenly realms. That's right it's God’s battle, not ours. We can win without a fight. We can win if we give it to God. We have already won the battle through Jesus Christ.
1John 4:4 “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” Victory through Jesus Christ without a fight. Praise God for that.
Satan is our enemy, Satan causes afflictions not God. God may allow Satan to put us through our troubles. Why? To get us to turn to Him, to rely on Him, to seek His direction. To have faith and victory without a fight. Seek God, listen to God, stand firm, and shout. Vs 5 “When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the people will go up, every man straight in.” A loud shout or a great shout. What does that mean? The word great shout means full of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit tore down the walls of Jericho. God wants us to turn our afflictions over to Him.
God is the answer. Turn your troubles you are going to have this new year over to Him. Through prayer, reading, and most of all being still. Reflect on what Joshua did. Be quiet, march, praise and worship, obey, and victory will come. Have a Blessed new year. What is your resolution? To follow God? I pray it is.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Jesus’ Ministry
Tonight we are going to look into the ministry of Jesus Christ. We have just finished celebrating His birth. This evening we are going to look at how Jesus moved the world, how His ministry spread and how it continues to grow today. We are going to look into scripture and history to get our answers. Who was He? Where was He from? When did He start His ministry? Is there historical evidence besides scriptures? Pay attention as we search for the answers.
Did Jesus Exist?
Typically, most ask for evidence “outside of the Bible”. Many say the Bible cannot be considered a source of evidence for the existence of Jesus.The New Testament contains hundreds of references to Jesus Christ. There are those who date the writing of the Gospels to the second century A.D. Even if this were true, writings less than 200 years after events took place are considered very reliable evidence.
The majority of scholars (Christian and non-Christian) will agree that the Epistles of Paul (at least some of them) were in fact written by Paul in the middle of the first century A.D. Less than 40 years after Jesus' death. In terms of ancient manuscript evidence, this is extraordinarily strong proof of the existence of a man named Jesus in Israel in the early first century A.D.
What about historical evidence?
Tacitus, considered one of the more accurate historians of the ancient world, mentioned: superstitious “Christians” (from Christus, which is Latin for Christ), who suffered under Pontius Pilate during the reign of Tiberius.
Suetonius, chief secretary to Emperor Hadrian, wrote that there was a man named Chrestus (or Christ) who lived during the first century (Annals 15.44).
Flavius Josephus is the most famous Jewish historian. In his Antiquities he refers to James, “the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ.”. There is a controversial verse (18:3) that says, “Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man. For he was one who wrought surprising feats....He was [the] Christ...he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him.”
One version reads: “At this time there was a wise man named Jesus. His conduct was good and [he] was known to be virtuous. And many people from among the Jews and the other nations became his disciples. Pilate condemned him to be crucified and to die. But those who became his disciples did not abandon his discipleship. They reported that he had appeared to them three days after his crucifixion, and that he was alive; accordingly he was perhaps the Messiah, concerning whom the prophets have recounted wonders.”
Julius Africanus quotes the historian Thallus in a discussion of the darkness which followed the crucifixion of Christ (Extant Writings, 18)
Pliny the Younger, in Letters 10:96, recorded early Christian worship practices including the fact that Christians worshiped Jesus as God and were very ethical, and he includes a reference to the love feast and Lord’s Supper.
The Babylonian Talmud (Sanhedrin 43a) confirms Jesus' crucifixion on the eve of Passover and the accusations against Christ of practicing sorcery and encouraging Jewish apostasy.
Lucian of Samosata, a second-century Greek writer wrote: Jesus was worshiped by Christians, introduced new teachings, and was crucified for them. He also said: Jesus' teachings included the brotherhood of believers, the importance of conversion, and the importance of denying other gods. Christians lived according to Jesus’ laws, believed themselves to be immortal, and were characterized by contempt for death, voluntary self-devotion, and renunciation of material goods.
The list goes on, overwhelming evidence for the existence of Jesus Christ. Secular and Biblical. The greatest evidence that Jesus existed? Thousands of Christians, including the twelve apostles, were willing to give their lives as martyrs for Jesus Christ. People will die for what they believe to be true, but no one will die for what they know to be a lie. So, what did this man named Jesus have to say?
His Ministry:
Luke 3:1 “In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar-when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene-” John the Baptist began his ministry in the 15th year of Tiberius’ reign (29 AD).
Jesus began His ministry shortly thereafter at the age of thirty Luke 3:23 “Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph, the son of Heli,”
We need to put on our thinking caps on and use a little math to answer how long and when Jesus started His ministry.
Christ was crucified the day before Passover. “three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:38-40) Was resurrected before sunrise on a Sunday. In order for Christ to have been crucified the day before Passover and resurrected on a Sunday three days and three nights later, Passover would have had to fall on a Friday, Christ was crucified on a Thursday. According to the apostle John, Jesus attended at least three Feasts of Passover during the time of His ministry: one in John 2:23, another in John 6:4 and the Passover of His crucifixion in John 11:55-57.
The Rosetta Calendar online conversion service was used to establish which days of the week Passover fell upon between the years 29 AD and 37 AD. Remember we need to convert from the Gregorian calendar to the Hebrew calendar.
Passover of 29 AD fell on a Sunday, 30 AD fell on a Thursday, 31 AD fell on a Tuesday, 32 AD fell on a Monday, 33 AD fell on a Friday, 34 AD fell on a Tuesday, 35 AD fell on a Monday, 36 AD fell on a Friday, and Passover of 37 AD fell on a Thursday (April 18th).
Christ was in the grave for three days and three nights and resurrected on Sunday. We can narrow down the year of Christ’s crucifixion to one of two possibilities: 33 or 36 AD. A prophecy from the book of Daniel seems to favor the earlier date of 33 AD.
Read Daniel 9:24-26. Seven sevens + 62 sevens = 69 sevens. 69 seven-year periods would pass from the decree to rebuild Jerusalem until the coming of the Messiah. The Messiah would be “cut off” and the city and temple would be destroyed again. A 70th seven-year period would follow.
March 30th, 33 AD was exactly 5 days before Passover on April 3rd, 33 AD. According to John’s Gospel, the Triumphant Entry took place 5 days before Passover: (John 12:1, 9-13) “Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus. The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: ‘Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! The King of Israel!’"
March 30th, 33 was the Triumphal Entry, the day Christ presented Himself to the nation of Israel as their Messiah, the first time in His entire ministry that He allowed Himself to be publicly proclaimed as the Messiah (Matthew 21:8-16; Luke 19:37-40; Matthew 16:13-20; Mark 8:27-30; 9:9-10; Luke 9:18-21; John 6:14-15). He was crucified four days later, the day before Passover. Within one generation Titus razed Jerusalem and destroyed the temple. Fulfilling yet another prophesy.
From these points, we believe that Jesus’ ministry lasted about three and a half years. From sometime around 29 AD until the spring of 33 AD. A short period of time, with a huge message. Jesus’ ministry was short but look at what it became. The Messiah, the living God. How can one man do such wonders and not be the Messiah? I pray you have Jesus Christ in your heart and that you have a personal relationship with Him.
Did Jesus Exist?
Typically, most ask for evidence “outside of the Bible”. Many say the Bible cannot be considered a source of evidence for the existence of Jesus.The New Testament contains hundreds of references to Jesus Christ. There are those who date the writing of the Gospels to the second century A.D. Even if this were true, writings less than 200 years after events took place are considered very reliable evidence.
The majority of scholars (Christian and non-Christian) will agree that the Epistles of Paul (at least some of them) were in fact written by Paul in the middle of the first century A.D. Less than 40 years after Jesus' death. In terms of ancient manuscript evidence, this is extraordinarily strong proof of the existence of a man named Jesus in Israel in the early first century A.D.
What about historical evidence?
Tacitus, considered one of the more accurate historians of the ancient world, mentioned: superstitious “Christians” (from Christus, which is Latin for Christ), who suffered under Pontius Pilate during the reign of Tiberius.
Suetonius, chief secretary to Emperor Hadrian, wrote that there was a man named Chrestus (or Christ) who lived during the first century (Annals 15.44).
Flavius Josephus is the most famous Jewish historian. In his Antiquities he refers to James, “the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ.”. There is a controversial verse (18:3) that says, “Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man. For he was one who wrought surprising feats....He was [the] Christ...he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him.”
One version reads: “At this time there was a wise man named Jesus. His conduct was good and [he] was known to be virtuous. And many people from among the Jews and the other nations became his disciples. Pilate condemned him to be crucified and to die. But those who became his disciples did not abandon his discipleship. They reported that he had appeared to them three days after his crucifixion, and that he was alive; accordingly he was perhaps the Messiah, concerning whom the prophets have recounted wonders.”
Julius Africanus quotes the historian Thallus in a discussion of the darkness which followed the crucifixion of Christ (Extant Writings, 18)
Pliny the Younger, in Letters 10:96, recorded early Christian worship practices including the fact that Christians worshiped Jesus as God and were very ethical, and he includes a reference to the love feast and Lord’s Supper.
The Babylonian Talmud (Sanhedrin 43a) confirms Jesus' crucifixion on the eve of Passover and the accusations against Christ of practicing sorcery and encouraging Jewish apostasy.
Lucian of Samosata, a second-century Greek writer wrote: Jesus was worshiped by Christians, introduced new teachings, and was crucified for them. He also said: Jesus' teachings included the brotherhood of believers, the importance of conversion, and the importance of denying other gods. Christians lived according to Jesus’ laws, believed themselves to be immortal, and were characterized by contempt for death, voluntary self-devotion, and renunciation of material goods.
The list goes on, overwhelming evidence for the existence of Jesus Christ. Secular and Biblical. The greatest evidence that Jesus existed? Thousands of Christians, including the twelve apostles, were willing to give their lives as martyrs for Jesus Christ. People will die for what they believe to be true, but no one will die for what they know to be a lie. So, what did this man named Jesus have to say?
His Ministry:
Luke 3:1 “In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar-when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene-” John the Baptist began his ministry in the 15th year of Tiberius’ reign (29 AD).
Jesus began His ministry shortly thereafter at the age of thirty Luke 3:23 “Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph, the son of Heli,”
We need to put on our thinking caps on and use a little math to answer how long and when Jesus started His ministry.
Christ was crucified the day before Passover. “three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:38-40) Was resurrected before sunrise on a Sunday. In order for Christ to have been crucified the day before Passover and resurrected on a Sunday three days and three nights later, Passover would have had to fall on a Friday, Christ was crucified on a Thursday. According to the apostle John, Jesus attended at least three Feasts of Passover during the time of His ministry: one in John 2:23, another in John 6:4 and the Passover of His crucifixion in John 11:55-57.
The Rosetta Calendar online conversion service was used to establish which days of the week Passover fell upon between the years 29 AD and 37 AD. Remember we need to convert from the Gregorian calendar to the Hebrew calendar.
Passover of 29 AD fell on a Sunday, 30 AD fell on a Thursday, 31 AD fell on a Tuesday, 32 AD fell on a Monday, 33 AD fell on a Friday, 34 AD fell on a Tuesday, 35 AD fell on a Monday, 36 AD fell on a Friday, and Passover of 37 AD fell on a Thursday (April 18th).
Christ was in the grave for three days and three nights and resurrected on Sunday. We can narrow down the year of Christ’s crucifixion to one of two possibilities: 33 or 36 AD. A prophecy from the book of Daniel seems to favor the earlier date of 33 AD.
Read Daniel 9:24-26. Seven sevens + 62 sevens = 69 sevens. 69 seven-year periods would pass from the decree to rebuild Jerusalem until the coming of the Messiah. The Messiah would be “cut off” and the city and temple would be destroyed again. A 70th seven-year period would follow.
March 30th, 33 AD was exactly 5 days before Passover on April 3rd, 33 AD. According to John’s Gospel, the Triumphant Entry took place 5 days before Passover: (John 12:1, 9-13) “Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus. The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: ‘Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! The King of Israel!’"
March 30th, 33 was the Triumphal Entry, the day Christ presented Himself to the nation of Israel as their Messiah, the first time in His entire ministry that He allowed Himself to be publicly proclaimed as the Messiah (Matthew 21:8-16; Luke 19:37-40; Matthew 16:13-20; Mark 8:27-30; 9:9-10; Luke 9:18-21; John 6:14-15). He was crucified four days later, the day before Passover. Within one generation Titus razed Jerusalem and destroyed the temple. Fulfilling yet another prophesy.
From these points, we believe that Jesus’ ministry lasted about three and a half years. From sometime around 29 AD until the spring of 33 AD. A short period of time, with a huge message. Jesus’ ministry was short but look at what it became. The Messiah, the living God. How can one man do such wonders and not be the Messiah? I pray you have Jesus Christ in your heart and that you have a personal relationship with Him.
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