Today's topic is about having a personal relationship with God. It is very important build your relationship with God daily. There are many ways that you can strengthen your relationship; by prayer, meditation, worship, helping others, being brutally honest with yourself and God, by being there for someone who is in a struggle or hard situation, by keeping yourself pure and many others. The most important of these is to have a daily conversation with God.
I will provide you with scripture from the Old and New Testament's of God's word that will help you to understand what it means to build a relationship with God. All scripture and study materials are taken from my Quest Study Bible. My hopes are that God reveals something to you and you are able to apply it to your life.
The Old Testament:
Psalm 32:8-9
8.I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will council you and watch over you.
9.Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.
This scripture gives a graphic image that looks at human response, not God's methods. This scripture implies that we can be as stubborn as mules. It does not imply that God forces us in any way to go against our will. Verse 8 in this Psalm shows us that God will offer us instruction and council, not spiritual coercion. God wants a relationship with us and all we have to do is want one with Him. God wants our willing trust and obedience. At the same time, however, God is still sovereign, all-knowing and all-powerful.
We as Christians need to must maintain conversation with our Lord so that He can guide us. We also need to help others who struggle develop their relationship.
Psalm 107:33-43
33.He turned rivers into a desert, flowing springs into a thirsty ground, 34.and fruitful into a salt waste, because of the wickedness of those who lived there.
35.He turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs; 36.there He brought the hungry to live, and they founded a city where they could settle. 37.They sowed fields and planted vineyards that yielded a fruitful harvest; 38.he blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased, and he did not let their herds diminish. 39.Then their numbers decreased, and they were humbled by oppression, calamity and sorrow; 40.he who pours contempt on on nobles made them wander in trackless waste. 41.But he lifted the needy out of their affliction and increased their families like flocks. 42.The upright see and rejoice, but all the wicked shut their mouths. 43.Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the Lord.
This scripture shows a familiar pattern in the relationship between God and His people: His people repent; God forgives and blesses them; his people become spiritually comfortable and apathetic and eventually sin against God; God sends judgment; his people repent. This psalm describes this cycle very well, demonstrating God's great patience with us. He judges us to bring us back to Him.
The last verse says that whoever of us is wise, we should step back and think of the ways that God has tried to develop a relationship with us. He wants us to see the ways He is there for us so we will quit being stubborn and be there with Him, communicating always.
Jeremiah 22:16
16.He defends the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me? Declares the Lord.
Is it not enough to help the poor and needy? We must not confuse the "evidence" of a relationship with God with the "means" to having that relationship. Throughout scripture we find that it is by faith alone that we receive forgiveness, salvation and personal relationship with God. One evidence that we know God intimately is the desire to follow God's will. So the answer to the question is NO. It takes a lot more to know God than just helping the poor and the needy. Those things are great, but they are expected of us, as Christians, by God.
The New Testament:
Matthew 19:21
21.Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell all your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasures in heaven. Then come, follow me."
Jesus was in no way saying that in order to gain eternal life we need to sell all our possessions.He is saying that it only takes one thing to block a relationship with God. We can become spiritually hindered if we depend on material possessions. We can also block our relationship with God by being to wrapped up in ourselves; the way we looks or how great we are at a certain thing. We must not become conceded.
Luke 18:22-30
22.When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
23.When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth. 24.Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! 25.Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to9 enter the kingdom of God."
26.Those who heard this asked, "Who then can be saved?"
27.Jesus replied, "What is impossible with man is possible with God."
28.Peter said to him, "We have left all we have to follow you!"
29."I tell you the truth," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God 30.will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life.
What do we have to give up to gain eternal life? Jesus was not saying that we have to become poor to gain eternal life. He was saying that it only takes one thing to block a relationship with God. Again Jesus is talking about material things and possessions. We sometimes get so wrapped up in the things of this world. Jesus is trying to tell us that our treasures in heaven are so much greater than anything we can possess on earth.
Jesus uses the example of the camel having an easier time getting through the eye of a needle than a rich man getting into heaven. In some translations the word camel was thought to mean rope. By this example Jesus is again telling us that by being wrapped so much into our materials in this world, we lack the spiritual tools needed to enter God's kingdom. Wealth is very dangerous to our spiritual lives.
All of these scriptures have specific instructions, from Jesus, about maintaining our personal relationship with God. They talk of how we can build, sustain, maintain and excel our relationship with God. God is always there for us when we need Him. It is crucial for us to be there right with Him.
I really hope that this post today has helped someone in some way develop their relationship with God. I hope that others were able to learn a little more about Jesus and His Father. I love you all and pray that God blesses you and tour families many times over!
Followers of Jesus
For any Christian. Filled with scripture and great ways to apply God's word into our everyday life. Please feel free to discuss.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
The Cross and Resurrection
As we approach this Easter holiday I wanted to do a study on the Cross and The Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. All of scriptures and materials are taken from the Quest study Bible. My hope is that I can help you to better understand the prophecy and fulfillment of the Cross and the Resurrection.
The Prophecy in the Old Testament:
Psalm 16:8-11
8. I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
9. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure,
10. because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
11. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
In verse 10 of this psalm David says that the Lord will not abandon him to the grave, nor will he let the Holy One see decay. Many believe that David was talking about Jesus, The Holy One, being resurrected.
Psalm 22:1,16-18
1.My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?
16.Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet.
17.I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me.
18.They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.
In verse 1 of this Psalm David uses the same words as Jesus used on the cross. I verse 16 God uses Davids poetic allusions to foreshadow Christ being nailed to the cross. He also talks about the people that were present at the Cross and how they made horrible remarks to Jesus and tore His cloths and were waging on them.
Isaiah 53:5,7-9
5.But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
7.He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was lead like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shears he is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
8.By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgressions of my people he was stricken.
9.He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.
Verse 5 of Isaiah chapter 53 shows us how Jesus would suffer so that we could be healed, free and forgiven from our sins. The verse talks of Jesus being pierced. This is a prophecy of the Cross. Verse 7-9 talk of how Jesus was persecuted, ridiculed and afflicted and how He remained quiet through it all. The verses talk about how Jesus would be taken away because of man's unrighteous judgment. Isaiah talks about how they were going to send Jesus to die without pure reason. Jesus was not deceitful nor was He violent.
Jesus' prophecies of His own death and Resurrection in the New Testament:
Matthew 26:27-29
27.Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. 28.This is my blood of the covenant. which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29.I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom."
Jesus talked of His body and His blood being a covenant with His followers. Jesus was telling His disciples that He was going to die as a sacrifice for the worlds sin and that the blood that would be poured out from Him would wash away the worlds sins and be the ultimate sacrifice, a new covenant with God. Before Jesus' death the way that man was forgiven was through burnt offerings and animal sacrifices. Jesus tells us at the last supper that He would be the living sacrifice and that if we ask Him for forgiveness He will wash our sins with his blood, the blood of the true lamb. Jesus also tells the disciples that He would not drink or eat with them again until they met in His Father's kingdom. Jesus foretold His death on the Cross.
Matthew 27:51-52 The moment Jesus died on the cross
51.At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. 52.The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53.They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy place and appeared to many people.
In verse 51 Matthew tells of the curtain of the temple tearing from top to bottom. The large blue, purple and scarlet curtain separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, an inner room which symbolized God's presence. It was in fact the barrier that separated the people from God. When God supernaturally tore the curtain he showed very dramatically that Christ's death had given people access to God. At the time of Jesus' death God raised holy people of the time along with Jesus from the dead. Most believe God was foreshadowing that all faithful will be raised.
Matthew 28:1-10 The Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ
1.After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2.There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3.His appearance was like lightning, and his cloths were white as snow. 4.The guards were so afraid of him they shook and became like dead men.
5.The angel said to the woman, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6.He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place were he lay. 7.Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."
8.So the woman hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy,and ran to tell his disciples. 9.Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10.Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."
Matthew 28:16-20 The disciples see Jesus after His Resurrection known as the great commission
16.Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17.When they saw him they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18.The Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. 19.Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20.and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
It says in this scripture that when the disciples saw Jesus, for the first time after the resurrection, that some of them had doubts. They were so startled by they event of the resurrection that Jesus had to show many convincing proofs to them that He was indeed alive. Jesus states that He now has full authority of heaven and earth. Some people wonder why Jesus did not fix all of the worlds wrongs at that point. The earth's wrongs do not result from a lack of power or concern on the Lord's part, but from human rebellion against His authority. Eventually Jesus will bring a full and final end to life's injustice. One day everyone will stand before Jesus' authority.
Jesus tells his disciples to go and make disciples of nations. Jesus is speaking not only to His disciples, but also to us as disciples. He wants us to constantly be spreading his Word and making new saints of others. By sharing in the ministry of disciple-making , we submit to the authority of Christ. Individuals may have different roles and abilities, but all of Jesus' disciples can have a part in calling others to follow Christ.
Soon after saying these words Jesus ascended into heaven. Though physically absent, he remains with believers in a spiritual sense. It is His spiritual presence within that strengthens and encourages believers. Those who trust in Jesus will find Him with them no matter where they are or what problems they face.
Luke 24:36-53 Jesus appears to His disciples and Ascension from the view Luke
36.While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."
37.They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38.He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39.Look at my hands and feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have."
40.When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41.And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" 42.They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43.and he took it and ate it in their presence.
44.He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.
45.Then he opened their minds so they could understand the scriptures. 46.He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47.and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48.You are witnesses of these things. 49.I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
50.When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51.While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52.Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53.And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.
Jesus' resurrected body was of flesh and bone, but was also different than that if man. He was able to appear and disappear even behind locked doors. His resurrected body was of different order. It was the glorified body of the resurrection.
When Jesus took on the form of human flesh, Jesus restricted himself to the laws of nature: He had to eat, drink and rest. To get somewhere he walked. But with his resurrected body his self imposed limitations were lifted. it was as normal for Jesus to use the characteristics of His spiritual body as it is for a bird to fly or for a fish to breathe water.
Seeing the resurrected Christ before them, the disciples saw the Old Testament writings in a whole new light. The Spirit gave them insight from what they had seen and experienced so that what had been foretold by the prophets took on a whole new meaning. Now they could read the Old Testament with the benefit of hindsight and discover Jesus as its fulfillment.
The Father also promises here the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The great comforter to come at Pentecost.
My hope are that you were able to learn a little more of how the Cross and the Resurrection were foretold and fulfilled by Jesus. During the days of Good Friday through Easter Sunday, ask yourself, What can I give as a sacrifice for the Lord? Think about what He went through for all of us. I love you all and pray that you and your families are blessed this holiday.
The Prophecy in the Old Testament:
Psalm 16:8-11
8. I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
9. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure,
10. because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
11. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
In verse 10 of this psalm David says that the Lord will not abandon him to the grave, nor will he let the Holy One see decay. Many believe that David was talking about Jesus, The Holy One, being resurrected.
Psalm 22:1,16-18
1.My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?
16.Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet.
17.I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me.
18.They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.
In verse 1 of this Psalm David uses the same words as Jesus used on the cross. I verse 16 God uses Davids poetic allusions to foreshadow Christ being nailed to the cross. He also talks about the people that were present at the Cross and how they made horrible remarks to Jesus and tore His cloths and were waging on them.
Isaiah 53:5,7-9
5.But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
7.He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was lead like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shears he is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
8.By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgressions of my people he was stricken.
9.He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.
Verse 5 of Isaiah chapter 53 shows us how Jesus would suffer so that we could be healed, free and forgiven from our sins. The verse talks of Jesus being pierced. This is a prophecy of the Cross. Verse 7-9 talk of how Jesus was persecuted, ridiculed and afflicted and how He remained quiet through it all. The verses talk about how Jesus would be taken away because of man's unrighteous judgment. Isaiah talks about how they were going to send Jesus to die without pure reason. Jesus was not deceitful nor was He violent.
Jesus' prophecies of His own death and Resurrection in the New Testament:
Matthew 26:27-29
27.Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. 28.This is my blood of the covenant. which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29.I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom."
Jesus talked of His body and His blood being a covenant with His followers. Jesus was telling His disciples that He was going to die as a sacrifice for the worlds sin and that the blood that would be poured out from Him would wash away the worlds sins and be the ultimate sacrifice, a new covenant with God. Before Jesus' death the way that man was forgiven was through burnt offerings and animal sacrifices. Jesus tells us at the last supper that He would be the living sacrifice and that if we ask Him for forgiveness He will wash our sins with his blood, the blood of the true lamb. Jesus also tells the disciples that He would not drink or eat with them again until they met in His Father's kingdom. Jesus foretold His death on the Cross.
Matthew 27:51-52 The moment Jesus died on the cross
51.At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. 52.The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53.They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy place and appeared to many people.
In verse 51 Matthew tells of the curtain of the temple tearing from top to bottom. The large blue, purple and scarlet curtain separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, an inner room which symbolized God's presence. It was in fact the barrier that separated the people from God. When God supernaturally tore the curtain he showed very dramatically that Christ's death had given people access to God. At the time of Jesus' death God raised holy people of the time along with Jesus from the dead. Most believe God was foreshadowing that all faithful will be raised.
Matthew 28:1-10 The Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ
1.After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2.There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3.His appearance was like lightning, and his cloths were white as snow. 4.The guards were so afraid of him they shook and became like dead men.
5.The angel said to the woman, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6.He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place were he lay. 7.Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."
8.So the woman hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy,and ran to tell his disciples. 9.Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10.Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."
Matthew 28:16-20 The disciples see Jesus after His Resurrection known as the great commission
16.Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17.When they saw him they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18.The Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. 19.Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20.and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
It says in this scripture that when the disciples saw Jesus, for the first time after the resurrection, that some of them had doubts. They were so startled by they event of the resurrection that Jesus had to show many convincing proofs to them that He was indeed alive. Jesus states that He now has full authority of heaven and earth. Some people wonder why Jesus did not fix all of the worlds wrongs at that point. The earth's wrongs do not result from a lack of power or concern on the Lord's part, but from human rebellion against His authority. Eventually Jesus will bring a full and final end to life's injustice. One day everyone will stand before Jesus' authority.
Jesus tells his disciples to go and make disciples of nations. Jesus is speaking not only to His disciples, but also to us as disciples. He wants us to constantly be spreading his Word and making new saints of others. By sharing in the ministry of disciple-making , we submit to the authority of Christ. Individuals may have different roles and abilities, but all of Jesus' disciples can have a part in calling others to follow Christ.
Soon after saying these words Jesus ascended into heaven. Though physically absent, he remains with believers in a spiritual sense. It is His spiritual presence within that strengthens and encourages believers. Those who trust in Jesus will find Him with them no matter where they are or what problems they face.
Luke 24:36-53 Jesus appears to His disciples and Ascension from the view Luke
36.While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."
37.They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38.He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39.Look at my hands and feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have."
40.When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41.And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" 42.They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43.and he took it and ate it in their presence.
44.He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.
45.Then he opened their minds so they could understand the scriptures. 46.He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47.and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48.You are witnesses of these things. 49.I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
50.When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51.While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52.Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53.And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.
Jesus' resurrected body was of flesh and bone, but was also different than that if man. He was able to appear and disappear even behind locked doors. His resurrected body was of different order. It was the glorified body of the resurrection.
When Jesus took on the form of human flesh, Jesus restricted himself to the laws of nature: He had to eat, drink and rest. To get somewhere he walked. But with his resurrected body his self imposed limitations were lifted. it was as normal for Jesus to use the characteristics of His spiritual body as it is for a bird to fly or for a fish to breathe water.
Seeing the resurrected Christ before them, the disciples saw the Old Testament writings in a whole new light. The Spirit gave them insight from what they had seen and experienced so that what had been foretold by the prophets took on a whole new meaning. Now they could read the Old Testament with the benefit of hindsight and discover Jesus as its fulfillment.
The Father also promises here the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The great comforter to come at Pentecost.
My hope are that you were able to learn a little more of how the Cross and the Resurrection were foretold and fulfilled by Jesus. During the days of Good Friday through Easter Sunday, ask yourself, What can I give as a sacrifice for the Lord? Think about what He went through for all of us. I love you all and pray that you and your families are blessed this holiday.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
IF YOU ARE FEELING IMPATIENT
Here are some scriptures from the Old and New Testament's for time that you might feel yourself becoming impatient and want peace. All scriptures are taken from the Quest NIV study Bible.
Old Testament
Psalm 27:13-14
13.I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14.Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Waiting for the Lord suggests trust in God's goodness and His timing. God sees things different than we do, which means that answers to our prayers might not come as quickly as we might think they should. God's time is different than our time. God new our whole lives before we were even born. We need to put our whole trust, 100%, in the Lord and He will give us patience.
Psalm 37:7,9
7.Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
9.For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.
There is a lot of evil in this world. At times we may be a witness to someone doing wrong, evil. God wants us to trust in Him to take care of the things we cannot change. He will remove the evil in the last days at the final judgment. We are to be set apart, sanctified. We need to focus on Jesus and He will work on us as individuals and in turn take care of those who are doing evil.
New Testament
Romans 2:7
To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.
Paul is not telling us how we can earn eternal life. There is no way eternal life can be earned. It is a true gift from God. He is basically saying that we reap what we sow, that our actions have consequences. By complete surrender to God's will we will be blessed with the gift of eternal life. If we choose to keep in the path of sin we will pay the price of eternal damnation. God expects us to do good as follower. We are called to be saints!
1 Timothy 1:16
But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus must display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.
Hebrews 6:12
We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but every0ne to come to repentance.
There are many times in our lives that we become impatient. These scriptures all follow the same ideas. By surrendering to Christ and confessing Him Lord, by opening your heart to the Spirit of God, we become a new creation. Of course at times we will still feel overwhelmed. Those are the times we need to talk to God and ask Him to take the issue. He will take it and work it out and you will feel peace. He is a great God!
We need to remember that God does things in His time and for His will, not ours. That goes along with surrender. It must be 100% for God to take a hold. Once He does we become a new person, more Christ-like. We begin to desire Godly things instead of earthly things. We begin to love all and not some of the time. We desire to help others know God. We become Christians!
I really hope that you enjoyed these scriptures and that you were able to take something with you. I love you all and hope to have more soon. May the grace of God bless you and your families!
Old Testament
Psalm 27:13-14
13.I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14.Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Waiting for the Lord suggests trust in God's goodness and His timing. God sees things different than we do, which means that answers to our prayers might not come as quickly as we might think they should. God's time is different than our time. God new our whole lives before we were even born. We need to put our whole trust, 100%, in the Lord and He will give us patience.
Psalm 37:7,9
7.Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
9.For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.
There is a lot of evil in this world. At times we may be a witness to someone doing wrong, evil. God wants us to trust in Him to take care of the things we cannot change. He will remove the evil in the last days at the final judgment. We are to be set apart, sanctified. We need to focus on Jesus and He will work on us as individuals and in turn take care of those who are doing evil.
New Testament
Romans 2:7
To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.
Paul is not telling us how we can earn eternal life. There is no way eternal life can be earned. It is a true gift from God. He is basically saying that we reap what we sow, that our actions have consequences. By complete surrender to God's will we will be blessed with the gift of eternal life. If we choose to keep in the path of sin we will pay the price of eternal damnation. God expects us to do good as follower. We are called to be saints!
1 Timothy 1:16
But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus must display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.
Hebrews 6:12
We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but every0ne to come to repentance.
There are many times in our lives that we become impatient. These scriptures all follow the same ideas. By surrendering to Christ and confessing Him Lord, by opening your heart to the Spirit of God, we become a new creation. Of course at times we will still feel overwhelmed. Those are the times we need to talk to God and ask Him to take the issue. He will take it and work it out and you will feel peace. He is a great God!
We need to remember that God does things in His time and for His will, not ours. That goes along with surrender. It must be 100% for God to take a hold. Once He does we become a new person, more Christ-like. We begin to desire Godly things instead of earthly things. We begin to love all and not some of the time. We desire to help others know God. We become Christians!
I really hope that you enjoyed these scriptures and that you were able to take something with you. I love you all and hope to have more soon. May the grace of God bless you and your families!
Monday, February 28, 2011
IF YOU ARE SEEKING GOD'S DIRECTION
Many of us go through life trying to do everything we can to be successful on our own. When things are going badly we start to look to God for direction, asking Him to fix the mess we got ourselves into. Why only when things are going badly? God is always there for us whether good or bad. If we begin to look for God to direct our lives now, when things are good, He will never fail us. Since He will never fail us or leave us, we won't find ourselves in the bad situations too often. Of course, we will always go through trials and tribulations. God uses them to build us and make us who we are. Here are some scriptures from the New Testament that will help you in building your relationship with God in order for Him to direct you.
Romans 12:1-3
1.Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. 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.
3.For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
Ephesians 5:15-17
15.Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, 16.making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17.Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lords will is.
Colossians 1:9-14
9.For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10.And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11.being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12.giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13.For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14.In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
James 1:5-8
5.If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6.But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like the wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7.That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8.he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
As Christians we will endure pain. We begin to find satisfaction in becoming what God has created us for, His purpose and will. Soon after we will find purpose in life and avoid pain at all cost. We can serve God's will by simply obeying Him and honoring Him in our lives. Toss away the old way of thinking and let Him transform your mind and give you peace and overflowing joys. By doing this we will begin to see God's will for us more and more. God may not lay it all out for you, but He sure will give you spiritual principles and situations in life that you can use them. Just maybe it isn't for us to know the actual plan? Who is to say? God, not you or me, and only God! We should always be aware of where we think we are in our spiritual self with God. It is very important not to let ourselves become filled with pride. "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6) True self-worth comes from accepting who we are in Christ and understanding that God loves us as we are. We can also ask God for an understanding of who He is and what He is doing with the trials in our lives. We can pray that He may give our spiritual eyes sight and to soften our hearts to get a greater understanding. It is very important that, after you pray for these things you get right back into God's word so that He may guide you. You must sit in quiet so that He may answer you.
I really hope that you were able to grab on to something in this post today. These scriptures have helped me greatly in my journey to know God. I love you all. I hope and pray that it is God's will for me to continue posting His word. God Bless you and your families! Grace be with you all!
Romans 12:1-3
1.Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. 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.
3.For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
Ephesians 5:15-17
15.Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, 16.making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17.Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lords will is.
Colossians 1:9-14
9.For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10.And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11.being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12.giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13.For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14.In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
James 1:5-8
5.If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6.But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like the wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7.That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8.he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
As Christians we will endure pain. We begin to find satisfaction in becoming what God has created us for, His purpose and will. Soon after we will find purpose in life and avoid pain at all cost. We can serve God's will by simply obeying Him and honoring Him in our lives. Toss away the old way of thinking and let Him transform your mind and give you peace and overflowing joys. By doing this we will begin to see God's will for us more and more. God may not lay it all out for you, but He sure will give you spiritual principles and situations in life that you can use them. Just maybe it isn't for us to know the actual plan? Who is to say? God, not you or me, and only God! We should always be aware of where we think we are in our spiritual self with God. It is very important not to let ourselves become filled with pride. "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6) True self-worth comes from accepting who we are in Christ and understanding that God loves us as we are. We can also ask God for an understanding of who He is and what He is doing with the trials in our lives. We can pray that He may give our spiritual eyes sight and to soften our hearts to get a greater understanding. It is very important that, after you pray for these things you get right back into God's word so that He may guide you. You must sit in quiet so that He may answer you.
I really hope that you were able to grab on to something in this post today. These scriptures have helped me greatly in my journey to know God. I love you all. I hope and pray that it is God's will for me to continue posting His word. God Bless you and your families! Grace be with you all!
Friday, February 25, 2011
THE BLOOD OF CHRIST
Matthew 26:26-29
26.While they were eating, Jesus took bread , gave thanks, and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body."
27.The he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. 28.This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29.I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom."
The bread reminds Jesus' followers of His body, being the sacrifice for our sin. The wine reminds His followers of the Blood of Christ and its saving effects.
The question that comes to mind is, "why would Jesus say He would not drink again? The reason is, Jesus knew that He was going to die. That the food and drink He was partaking in would be His last. But when He returns, He will be in perfect fellowship with His followers. Even now, we as Christians, celebrate the Last Supper not only to remember the crucifixion but also the return of our savior Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 9:11-28
11.When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. 12.He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. 13.The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14.How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
15.For this reason Christ is mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance - now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.
16.In the case of a will, it is necessary t o prove the death of the one who made it, because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living. 18.This is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood. 19.When Moses had proclaimed every commandment of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves, together with water, scarlet wool and branches of hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll of all the people. 20.He said, "This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep." 21.In the same way, he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies. 22.In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
23.It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24.For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence. 25.Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place with blood that is not his own. 26.Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27.Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28.so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
A "greater and more perfect tabernacle" is the tabernacle in heaven. The difference between an earthly and heaven tabernacle could be compared to a picture of a house and the real house.
To fully understand how blood can wash away sin you would have to be familiar with rituals from the Old Testament. In Jewish rituals and sacrifices blood was seen as a divine transaction. Life was exchanged for death and purity was exchanged for sin.
The new covenant was like a will. A will is a contractual arrangement that goes into effect upon the death of the will-maker. Christ made a new covenant with his people, like a will, went into effect upon is death. The teaching of The New Testament is based on the fulfillment of the new covenant. Christians now benefit from his covenant through intimacy with God and permanent forgiveness.
Sin was an irreversible affront to God's holiness. The only solution to sin was the death penalty. When blood, signifying life, was poured out, it signified that a life was given up. In The Old Testament the deaths of animals fulfilled this standard of justice. In The New Testament, Jesus' blood fulfilled the requirement of sin, satisfying God's justice so we could be forgiven.
Although Jesus has done everything necessary to do away with sin, we as sinners still must allow his work to take effect in our lives. Because our human nature is infected with sin and because we live in a sinful world, we will have to deal with our sin throughout our lives. The tyranny of sin is broken when we confess, repent and find forgiveness through faith in Jesus.
We are at war daily with evil in the world and trying to fight our own sinful natures. We must, as Christians, arm ourselves daily with the weapons the Lord has given us. We can fight satan and his temptations with scripture. He will flee at the mention of the name Jesus. Jesus sacrificed himself for us so that we may be forgiven for the wrongs we commit. His blood will wash us if we have faith. We must sacrifice ourselves daily to become holy. Holy is to be sanctified, set apart from the evil desires of the world. The question I leave you with today is, Jesus gave His blood for us to be saved, What will you give to Jesus to be saved?
I love you all and hope something today helped. God bless you and your families!!
26.While they were eating, Jesus took bread , gave thanks, and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body."
27.The he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. 28.This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29.I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom."
The bread reminds Jesus' followers of His body, being the sacrifice for our sin. The wine reminds His followers of the Blood of Christ and its saving effects.
The question that comes to mind is, "why would Jesus say He would not drink again? The reason is, Jesus knew that He was going to die. That the food and drink He was partaking in would be His last. But when He returns, He will be in perfect fellowship with His followers. Even now, we as Christians, celebrate the Last Supper not only to remember the crucifixion but also the return of our savior Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 9:11-28
11.When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. 12.He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. 13.The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14.How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
15.For this reason Christ is mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance - now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.
16.In the case of a will, it is necessary t o prove the death of the one who made it, because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living. 18.This is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood. 19.When Moses had proclaimed every commandment of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves, together with water, scarlet wool and branches of hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll of all the people. 20.He said, "This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep." 21.In the same way, he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies. 22.In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
23.It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24.For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence. 25.Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place with blood that is not his own. 26.Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27.Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28.so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
A "greater and more perfect tabernacle" is the tabernacle in heaven. The difference between an earthly and heaven tabernacle could be compared to a picture of a house and the real house.
To fully understand how blood can wash away sin you would have to be familiar with rituals from the Old Testament. In Jewish rituals and sacrifices blood was seen as a divine transaction. Life was exchanged for death and purity was exchanged for sin.
The new covenant was like a will. A will is a contractual arrangement that goes into effect upon the death of the will-maker. Christ made a new covenant with his people, like a will, went into effect upon is death. The teaching of The New Testament is based on the fulfillment of the new covenant. Christians now benefit from his covenant through intimacy with God and permanent forgiveness.
Sin was an irreversible affront to God's holiness. The only solution to sin was the death penalty. When blood, signifying life, was poured out, it signified that a life was given up. In The Old Testament the deaths of animals fulfilled this standard of justice. In The New Testament, Jesus' blood fulfilled the requirement of sin, satisfying God's justice so we could be forgiven.
Although Jesus has done everything necessary to do away with sin, we as sinners still must allow his work to take effect in our lives. Because our human nature is infected with sin and because we live in a sinful world, we will have to deal with our sin throughout our lives. The tyranny of sin is broken when we confess, repent and find forgiveness through faith in Jesus.
We are at war daily with evil in the world and trying to fight our own sinful natures. We must, as Christians, arm ourselves daily with the weapons the Lord has given us. We can fight satan and his temptations with scripture. He will flee at the mention of the name Jesus. Jesus sacrificed himself for us so that we may be forgiven for the wrongs we commit. His blood will wash us if we have faith. We must sacrifice ourselves daily to become holy. Holy is to be sanctified, set apart from the evil desires of the world. The question I leave you with today is, Jesus gave His blood for us to be saved, What will you give to Jesus to be saved?
I love you all and hope something today helped. God bless you and your families!!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
ANXIETY
Today's topic is Anxiety because so many of us face this issue in our daily lives. Here are some scriptures that will help to give a new light in situations where you might feel that everything is falling apart.
The Old Testament
Psalm 94:17-19
17.Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.
18.When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O Lord, supported me.
19.When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.
This part of Scripture talks of a person so close to giving up, so close to death because of their problems. They talk about the Lord giving them help. God is His strongest at our weakest points. He will comfort us with His Spirit when we are in need of Him. He will bring our soul joy when we lean on Him in times of trouble.
Ecclesiastes 2:22-25
22.What does a man get for all the toil and anxious striving with which he labors under the sun? 23.All his days his work is pain and grief; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is meaningless.
24.A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, 25.for without him, who can eat or find employment?
This Scripture basically comes down to "Contentment." Sometimes we think all the work we do is meaningless. We decide to, "live life to the fullest," "work hard and play hard." We decide we will do whatever God enables us to do. We often find that simple pleasures fail to satisfy us. Contentment comes through a life of faith and obedience. If your not receiving joy in what you are doing, pray that God will guide you and that He will give you joy and peace. If you are living to please God you will receive the fruits of His Spirit.
The New Testament
Luke 12:22-34
22.Then Jesus said to his disciples. "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23.Life is more than food, and the body more than cloths. 24.Consider the Ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable are you than birds! 25.Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 26.Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
27.Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28.If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29.And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30.For the pagan world runs after all such things, and you Father knows that you need them. 31.But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
32.Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33.Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourself that will not wear out, a treasure in Heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34.For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
In this Scripture Jesus is giving us an open invitation to rest in the loving arms of the Father. We often cross the line and fret when we should trust. When we constantly focus on ourselves instead of God we violate Jesus' principle. Jesus tells us here not to worry about anything. He names things we often wory about; food and clothing. We often get caught up worrying about jobs, dating and money. Jesus tells us to seek the kingdom and all else will be provided. Lean on God and seek Him and you will be blessed by Him in ways you could never of imagined.
Philippians 4:4-9
4.Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5.Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6.Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. 7.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
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 praise worthy - think about such things. 9.Whatever you have learned or recieved or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
We should always rejoice in the Lord. When we have issues in our lives we should be praying to God about those issues. If we present those issues to God, being thankful, He will give our minds and hearts peace over the issue and resolve it in His time. Paul is saying in this scripture that thoughts of temptation and dicouragement can come into our lives unannounced. We can discipline ourselves, making consious choices to contemplate good things. Reading Bible verses, for example, or listing God's attributes can get us on the right track.
Hebrews 13:5-6
5.Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
6.So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
This and many other Scriptures say, "The Lord is my helper, he will never leave nor forsake you." This is so true!
There are so many times throughout my past when I was anxious. There were times when I felt there was no hope, no purpose and no point. Since I have found Jesus to be my savior I have learned to lean on Him when I have doubts or when I don't know why or what to do in certain situations. An answer always comes in one form or another. Those times in my past when I was the most anxious, I was so wrapped up in myself and the questions; "why is this happening to me?," "what am I going to do now?," "How am I going to get through this?," "How will I pay for this?" I was forgetting to pray and to keep helping others in their times of need. I was down right "selfish." I was going no where fast.
Today I have peace and Joy. I have some medical issues that sometimes try to get me down, but I have a relationship with God. He helps me through my daily struggles and gives me the strength to keep helping others. As long as I remember to lean on Him, I have peace and joy. If I begin to get anxious, I go into a quiet room and pray for God to help. He is always there and has never failed.
Next time you feel anxious or if you feel it now. Stop! Go into a quiet place and pray for God's help. I guarentee in one way or another He will always be there for you. I love you all and hope you were able to grab a hold of something today. God Bless you and your families!
The Old Testament
Psalm 94:17-19
17.Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.
18.When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O Lord, supported me.
19.When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.
This part of Scripture talks of a person so close to giving up, so close to death because of their problems. They talk about the Lord giving them help. God is His strongest at our weakest points. He will comfort us with His Spirit when we are in need of Him. He will bring our soul joy when we lean on Him in times of trouble.
Ecclesiastes 2:22-25
22.What does a man get for all the toil and anxious striving with which he labors under the sun? 23.All his days his work is pain and grief; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is meaningless.
24.A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, 25.for without him, who can eat or find employment?
This Scripture basically comes down to "Contentment." Sometimes we think all the work we do is meaningless. We decide to, "live life to the fullest," "work hard and play hard." We decide we will do whatever God enables us to do. We often find that simple pleasures fail to satisfy us. Contentment comes through a life of faith and obedience. If your not receiving joy in what you are doing, pray that God will guide you and that He will give you joy and peace. If you are living to please God you will receive the fruits of His Spirit.
The New Testament
Luke 12:22-34
22.Then Jesus said to his disciples. "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23.Life is more than food, and the body more than cloths. 24.Consider the Ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable are you than birds! 25.Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 26.Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
27.Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28.If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29.And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30.For the pagan world runs after all such things, and you Father knows that you need them. 31.But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
32.Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33.Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourself that will not wear out, a treasure in Heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34.For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
In this Scripture Jesus is giving us an open invitation to rest in the loving arms of the Father. We often cross the line and fret when we should trust. When we constantly focus on ourselves instead of God we violate Jesus' principle. Jesus tells us here not to worry about anything. He names things we often wory about; food and clothing. We often get caught up worrying about jobs, dating and money. Jesus tells us to seek the kingdom and all else will be provided. Lean on God and seek Him and you will be blessed by Him in ways you could never of imagined.
Philippians 4:4-9
4.Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5.Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6.Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. 7.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
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 praise worthy - think about such things. 9.Whatever you have learned or recieved or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
We should always rejoice in the Lord. When we have issues in our lives we should be praying to God about those issues. If we present those issues to God, being thankful, He will give our minds and hearts peace over the issue and resolve it in His time. Paul is saying in this scripture that thoughts of temptation and dicouragement can come into our lives unannounced. We can discipline ourselves, making consious choices to contemplate good things. Reading Bible verses, for example, or listing God's attributes can get us on the right track.
Hebrews 13:5-6
5.Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
6.So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
This and many other Scriptures say, "The Lord is my helper, he will never leave nor forsake you." This is so true!
There are so many times throughout my past when I was anxious. There were times when I felt there was no hope, no purpose and no point. Since I have found Jesus to be my savior I have learned to lean on Him when I have doubts or when I don't know why or what to do in certain situations. An answer always comes in one form or another. Those times in my past when I was the most anxious, I was so wrapped up in myself and the questions; "why is this happening to me?," "what am I going to do now?," "How am I going to get through this?," "How will I pay for this?" I was forgetting to pray and to keep helping others in their times of need. I was down right "selfish." I was going no where fast.
Today I have peace and Joy. I have some medical issues that sometimes try to get me down, but I have a relationship with God. He helps me through my daily struggles and gives me the strength to keep helping others. As long as I remember to lean on Him, I have peace and joy. If I begin to get anxious, I go into a quiet room and pray for God to help. He is always there and has never failed.
Next time you feel anxious or if you feel it now. Stop! Go into a quiet place and pray for God's help. I guarentee in one way or another He will always be there for you. I love you all and hope you were able to grab a hold of something today. God Bless you and your families!
Monday, February 21, 2011
LOVE
Today's topic is Love. Some Scriptures from the Old testament and the New testament to see what God and Jesus said about Love. Under each Scripture will be some study points.
The Old Testament:
Leviticus 19:18
"Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord."
Leviticus 19:34
"The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, you were aliens in Egypt. I am the Lord your God."
Deuteronomy 6:1-5
1.These are the commands, decrees and the laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, 2.so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. 3.Hear, O Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your fathers, promised you.
4.Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5.Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
God's love for Israel did not depend on their obedience to the law. He initiated the covenant with them before they obeyed, and he still cared for them when they disobeyed. However, the blessings and the curses were dependent upon their obedience to the law.
The New Testament
Mark 12:28-34
28.One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, ''Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"
29."The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one. 30.Love the Lord our God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31.The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
32."Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33.To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."
34.When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.
1 Corinthians 13:1
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
This scripture is talking about spiritual gifts and love. Love is a fruit of the Spirit. It is love that unifies the church. The gifts of the Spirit are like the tools that accomplish the the purpose of love, building up the body. Love controls the use of gifts, they are not to divide the church, nor are they to be used to gain personal recognition. With love the gifts are a genuine service to the church.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
4.Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5.It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. 6.Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7.It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 John 4:7-21
7.Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8.Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9.This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10.This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son is an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11.Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12.No one has ever seen God: but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
13.We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14.And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15.If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. 16.And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 17.in this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. 18.There is no fear in love. But perfect loves drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
19.We love because he first loved us. 20.If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 21.And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
To live in God is to remain in God. We are to remain in a relationship with God, like it is told through biblical love. Jesus was and is an example of a life lived and breathed love. He gave himself and calls us to do the same. True love is more than a feeling. It is a consistent attitude of giving ourselves to God and to others.
God loves us unconditional. No matter what we have done in our past he loves us the same. God wishes that all would be saved. He gave his Son to die for the worlds sins. Do you have children? Could you imagine the love you have for your own children and then imagine giving that child to be a sacrifice for the sins of others. It is a really hard thing to imagine. How many of us would? That there can tell you how powerful God's love is for us.
As long as we remember to give ourselves to God everyday and to treat our fellows as we want them to treat us, we are obeying the most important commands of our Lord. Of course we will still sin. We are all sinners, every last one, but we are forgiven through the blood of Jesus. Ask for forgiveness and change what causes you to sin. Look for ways to help someone in need. Not for personal gain, but because it is right. I love you all and hope you were able to grab onto something here today. God Bless you and your families!
The Old Testament:
Leviticus 19:18
"Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord."
Leviticus 19:34
"The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, you were aliens in Egypt. I am the Lord your God."
Deuteronomy 6:1-5
1.These are the commands, decrees and the laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, 2.so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. 3.Hear, O Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your fathers, promised you.
4.Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5.Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
God's love for Israel did not depend on their obedience to the law. He initiated the covenant with them before they obeyed, and he still cared for them when they disobeyed. However, the blessings and the curses were dependent upon their obedience to the law.
The New Testament
Mark 12:28-34
28.One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, ''Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"
29."The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one. 30.Love the Lord our God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31.The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
32."Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33.To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."
34.When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.
1 Corinthians 13:1
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
This scripture is talking about spiritual gifts and love. Love is a fruit of the Spirit. It is love that unifies the church. The gifts of the Spirit are like the tools that accomplish the the purpose of love, building up the body. Love controls the use of gifts, they are not to divide the church, nor are they to be used to gain personal recognition. With love the gifts are a genuine service to the church.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
4.Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5.It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. 6.Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7.It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 John 4:7-21
7.Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8.Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9.This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10.This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son is an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11.Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12.No one has ever seen God: but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
13.We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14.And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15.If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. 16.And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 17.in this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. 18.There is no fear in love. But perfect loves drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
19.We love because he first loved us. 20.If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 21.And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
To live in God is to remain in God. We are to remain in a relationship with God, like it is told through biblical love. Jesus was and is an example of a life lived and breathed love. He gave himself and calls us to do the same. True love is more than a feeling. It is a consistent attitude of giving ourselves to God and to others.
God loves us unconditional. No matter what we have done in our past he loves us the same. God wishes that all would be saved. He gave his Son to die for the worlds sins. Do you have children? Could you imagine the love you have for your own children and then imagine giving that child to be a sacrifice for the sins of others. It is a really hard thing to imagine. How many of us would? That there can tell you how powerful God's love is for us.
As long as we remember to give ourselves to God everyday and to treat our fellows as we want them to treat us, we are obeying the most important commands of our Lord. Of course we will still sin. We are all sinners, every last one, but we are forgiven through the blood of Jesus. Ask for forgiveness and change what causes you to sin. Look for ways to help someone in need. Not for personal gain, but because it is right. I love you all and hope you were able to grab onto something here today. God Bless you and your families!
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