There are times when life gets hard and other things take precedence over blogs...
Right now I've got 2 loved ones who are facing serious illness. My grandma and my adopted mom.
What's hard for me is that these 2 women have affected my life in profound ways. And the thought of losing one or both of them is a bit overwhelming at times. But I try to focus on the Lord and pray.
I need to be in the Word more. As I've fallen behind in my reading. I pray the Lord will draw me near to him.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Friday, July 13, 2007
I Cor 5--What to do with sinners in the body
There was sexual sin among the Corinthians. Corinth was a port city--very wealthy and full of all kinds of temptations. As you can see on the map, Corinth is located at the point where the land masses come to at point in the middle. There was a one mile strip of land where the boats could not go through. At firs they carried the boats across this strip of land. But later they dug a canal. Quite an amazing feat!
This was a very lucrative business for the Corinthians. And because all kinds of people were there on business, sin abounded. Many of the rebukes from Paul were related to the sexual impurity that was prevalent.
One such judgment was on a man who was committing adultery with his step-mother. Paul passed judgement of the sinner. And the church was asked to do the same.
I think in the day that we live in, we tend to tolerate all kinds of sin in the name of not judging others. But Paul did not let sin continue in the body without addressing it. Of course, confronting sin should be done with the utmost humility and kindness and spoken in much love with the intent on bringing a brother or sister back to fellowship and right standing before the Lord. After all we all tend to have blind spots. And is it not kinder to tell someone that that they are in sin than to allow that sin to destroy and hurt them and others?
When you are gathered together (assembled in church), along with my spirit with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, deliver the sinner to Satan for the destruction of the flesh (sickness, even death) that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
Sin affects the whole church body. It should be purged from the body.
When you are gathered together (assembled in church), along with my spirit with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, deliver the sinner to Satan for the destruction of the flesh (sickness, even death) that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
Sin affects the whole church body. It should be purged from the body.
I Cor 4--Faithful stewards, Praise, What we do
It is required of a steward to be found faithful.
This is an interesting verse. We live in such a time that many feel that they can just say a Sinner's Prayer and then live how they want and sin how they want without consequence. After all, their sins are forgiven. But this verse seems to suggest that it is required of true believers to be found faithful.
Judge nothing before the time. The Lord will bring to light hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the heart. Each one's praise will come from God.
We should be looking to please the Lord, not men. Oh how often, I fail at this. For me, it's not so much that I want men's praise, as much as I fear their hurtful and unkind reactions. I do so want to be "liked." But I know I must get over this and desire the Lord's praise and pleasure! For only then will I be truly fulfilled.
We shouldn't be trying to make affiliations (Paul or Apollos). We are Christ's and He is the head.
Paul rebukes the Corinthians for being self-satisfied that they had already achieved spiritual greatness. We should be humble and that is not so hard when we focus on Christ's righteousness and our own sinfulness. And the cross. Or is it? Why do I fail so miserably thinking that I'm doing great one week--only to fail the next. Help me to be humble, dear Lord.
Paul urges the Corinthians to imitate him. Going back to v 12, we find that they should be working with own hands, blessing those who revile, enduring persecution, being made filth.
Working with hands--This reminds me of the old saying, "Idle hands are the devil's plaything." Certainly keeping busy with your hands will keep one from too much mischief.
Blessing those who revile you--Oh how difficult it is to bless those who are hurting you! But by God's strength it can be done.
Enduring persecution--I tend to be one who avoids persecution. I just want to be liked. But I'm realizing more and more that it is more important to obey the Lord and follow His ways and be faithful to speaking the truth in love than it is to be liked. I pray the Lord will continue to help me here.
Being made filth--Living in humility. Thinking of others as more important than myself. Someday I'd like to read CJ Mahaney's book Humility. Sounds like a good one!
The kingdom of God is not in word but in power.
Spiritual character is measured not by the impressiveness of words, but in the power of the life. It's easy to say things, but much harder to do. I find that I often times fail at implementing new behaviors and attitudes. But I think it's just as important to get up, dust myself off, and continue. I'll never succeed if I don't try. And I know the Lord will help me as I continue to pursue Him. I pray my life will be more than just words, but be an example of God's power in my life. For I know I can do nothing on my own.
This is an interesting verse. We live in such a time that many feel that they can just say a Sinner's Prayer and then live how they want and sin how they want without consequence. After all, their sins are forgiven. But this verse seems to suggest that it is required of true believers to be found faithful.
Judge nothing before the time. The Lord will bring to light hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the heart. Each one's praise will come from God.
We should be looking to please the Lord, not men. Oh how often, I fail at this. For me, it's not so much that I want men's praise, as much as I fear their hurtful and unkind reactions. I do so want to be "liked." But I know I must get over this and desire the Lord's praise and pleasure! For only then will I be truly fulfilled.
We shouldn't be trying to make affiliations (Paul or Apollos). We are Christ's and He is the head.
Paul rebukes the Corinthians for being self-satisfied that they had already achieved spiritual greatness. We should be humble and that is not so hard when we focus on Christ's righteousness and our own sinfulness. And the cross. Or is it? Why do I fail so miserably thinking that I'm doing great one week--only to fail the next. Help me to be humble, dear Lord.
Paul urges the Corinthians to imitate him. Going back to v 12, we find that they should be working with own hands, blessing those who revile, enduring persecution, being made filth.
Working with hands--This reminds me of the old saying, "Idle hands are the devil's plaything." Certainly keeping busy with your hands will keep one from too much mischief.
Blessing those who revile you--Oh how difficult it is to bless those who are hurting you! But by God's strength it can be done.
Enduring persecution--I tend to be one who avoids persecution. I just want to be liked. But I'm realizing more and more that it is more important to obey the Lord and follow His ways and be faithful to speaking the truth in love than it is to be liked. I pray the Lord will continue to help me here.
Being made filth--Living in humility. Thinking of others as more important than myself. Someday I'd like to read CJ Mahaney's book Humility. Sounds like a good one!
The kingdom of God is not in word but in power.
Spiritual character is measured not by the impressiveness of words, but in the power of the life. It's easy to say things, but much harder to do. I find that I often times fail at implementing new behaviors and attitudes. But I think it's just as important to get up, dust myself off, and continue. I'll never succeed if I don't try. And I know the Lord will help me as I continue to pursue Him. I pray my life will be more than just words, but be an example of God's power in my life. For I know I can do nothing on my own.
I Cor 3--Carnal, Essential Doctrine, True Wisdom
Paul describes the Corinthians as being carnal. They were characterized by envy, strife, and divisions. They were being immature. They seemed to be worried about insignificant details and factions (reputations & associations). I am of Apollos. I am of Cephas. I am of Paul.
Sounds a bit like the modern-day church doesn't it. I belong to this church. I belong to that one. I am so privileged to have friends from many different churches. Oh sure, we don't agree doctrinally on every point. But as long as we have the 5 essentials, and we are seeking to love and serve the Lord, then unity can exist, because "we are of Christ."
So what are those 5 essential doctrines:
1. Inerrancy of the Bible
2. The Diety of Christ--this includes the Trinity, and the Hypostatic Union (Christ is fully God and fully man.)
3. Salvation by Grace through Faith
4. The Resurrection of Christ
and
5. The Gospel
Our foundation must be Jesus Christ. Then we are to build on that foundation. There are many materials that we can choose to use-- gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, and straw. But when we come to the Judgment Seat of Christ, the quality of our work will become clear, for it will be revealed by fire. If it endures, that person will receive a reward. If it burns, he will suffer loss but will still be saved.
A few years ago, our family took a trip with our church to Greece and Rome to follow in the Footsteps of Paul. We stopped in Corinth. And one of my vivid memories was that of the Bema seat. Imagine a marble stage with steps going up. The floor of that stage is several feet about your head. And upon that stage is a seat where the Governor would sit and pronounce judgment. I can imagine laying on my face waiting for my King to judge my works. And I hope to have some that last. But I fear that many will be burned to ashes because of wrong motives and attitudes (seeking my own glory instead of God's glory, complaining, wanting man's praise and not God's, unwillingness and disobedience in my heart, pride, and many other disrespectful attitudes toward God and my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.) Oh Lord, I pray I'll have something left! Help me to glorify you with my life!
The Wisdom of the world is foolishness with God.
How much of what we call wisdom today is the wisdom of this world? I'm afraid to even guess. But so much of what we learn today in our modern world of instant information is foolishness. Opinions change from day-to-day. One study says that this food is harmful, another says it's OK for you to have it in moderation, and another says it is beneficial. Parenting advice is child-centered. We are inundated with commercial advertisements for the latest and greatest of every product possible that can improve your life. And frankly the church is no different. We try to make the Gospel less offensive by stripping it of the power it has to save sinners! And we pick and choose messages so that the least number of people will be offended. We so need God's wisdom! And yet most people don't even read their Bibles. According to a Gallop poll from 2000, the percentage of Americans who read the Bible at least once a week is 37%. And I'd venture to guess that the percentage has gone down in the last 7 years. How can we possible know Wisdom if we never read it for ourselves?
Sounds a bit like the modern-day church doesn't it. I belong to this church. I belong to that one. I am so privileged to have friends from many different churches. Oh sure, we don't agree doctrinally on every point. But as long as we have the 5 essentials, and we are seeking to love and serve the Lord, then unity can exist, because "we are of Christ."
So what are those 5 essential doctrines:
1. Inerrancy of the Bible
2. The Diety of Christ--this includes the Trinity, and the Hypostatic Union (Christ is fully God and fully man.)
3. Salvation by Grace through Faith
4. The Resurrection of Christ
and
5. The Gospel
Our foundation must be Jesus Christ. Then we are to build on that foundation. There are many materials that we can choose to use-- gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, and straw. But when we come to the Judgment Seat of Christ, the quality of our work will become clear, for it will be revealed by fire. If it endures, that person will receive a reward. If it burns, he will suffer loss but will still be saved.
A few years ago, our family took a trip with our church to Greece and Rome to follow in the Footsteps of Paul. We stopped in Corinth. And one of my vivid memories was that of the Bema seat. Imagine a marble stage with steps going up. The floor of that stage is several feet about your head. And upon that stage is a seat where the Governor would sit and pronounce judgment. I can imagine laying on my face waiting for my King to judge my works. And I hope to have some that last. But I fear that many will be burned to ashes because of wrong motives and attitudes (seeking my own glory instead of God's glory, complaining, wanting man's praise and not God's, unwillingness and disobedience in my heart, pride, and many other disrespectful attitudes toward God and my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.) Oh Lord, I pray I'll have something left! Help me to glorify you with my life!
The Wisdom of the world is foolishness with God.
How much of what we call wisdom today is the wisdom of this world? I'm afraid to even guess. But so much of what we learn today in our modern world of instant information is foolishness. Opinions change from day-to-day. One study says that this food is harmful, another says it's OK for you to have it in moderation, and another says it is beneficial. Parenting advice is child-centered. We are inundated with commercial advertisements for the latest and greatest of every product possible that can improve your life. And frankly the church is no different. We try to make the Gospel less offensive by stripping it of the power it has to save sinners! And we pick and choose messages so that the least number of people will be offended. We so need God's wisdom! And yet most people don't even read their Bibles. According to a Gallop poll from 2000, the percentage of Americans who read the Bible at least once a week is 37%. And I'd venture to guess that the percentage has gone down in the last 7 years. How can we possible know Wisdom if we never read it for ourselves?
I Corinthians 1-2
God is faithful by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Notice that it is God who is faithful and has called us into fellowship with His Son. And if He has called us, then He will keep us! What blessed assurance that brings. Knowing that it is not up to me, but to my gracious heavenly Father!
The message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing
The Jews requested a sign and it became a stumbling block to them.
Greeks seek wisdom and instead the message is foolishness.
John MacArthur wrote a wonderful book on this topic called Hard to Believe: The High Cost and Infinite Value of Following Jesus. I'd highly recommend this book. What Jesus did was not some simple task. He was crucified in the most inhumane way imaginable. According to Cicero, respectable Greeks should not even mention the word. It was a horrific death! And yet Jesus died in that way for the joy set before Him and in obedience to the Father. Oh how I wish I had more obedience!
But back to the verses, it is foolishness to those who are perishing. Why would an innocent man suffer such a horrific death for mankind. After all to the average person, they are not that bad. In fact, they are pretty good. But not by God's standards! And because we are totally depraved, wicked, evil, lawbreakers and have committed high treason against the King of the Universe, He has every right to punish us eternally. But by His grace, He has chosen to provide a way of escape from the Judgment to Come. We will all face judgment. And how will you fare? Are you good enough to get into heaven? Will the Great, Holy, and Just God of the Universe overlook your overt and prolific transgressions of His law? Look into your heart and see what's there.
But we preach Christ crucified.
If Christ was not crucified, then we would have no hope! He died to pay the penalty for our sin. He is the propitiation (satisfaction of God's wrath) for our sin. You see, a wise and good judge can't just let lawbreakers go free. He must punish the guilty for their crimes. Otherwise, he would not be good. And because God knew that we could not pay the fine ourselves, He sent Jesus to pay our fine for us.
We can't come to God by human wisdom. It is all up to God. He opens our eyes to see.
And so there is nothing in us that makes us in our fallen state want to know God. He opens our eyes to see. And then gives us a choice. Will you repent and believe?
I Corinthians 2
Paul did not come with excellence of speech. His speech and preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom.
This gives me hope as I share my faith. I don't have to be eloquent or perfect in knowing all the arguments I may face. I just do it by faith.
Faith should not be in wisdom of men but in power of God.
My faith is not in man's wisdom, but in the power of God, and there is no one that is more powerful!
Notice that it is God who is faithful and has called us into fellowship with His Son. And if He has called us, then He will keep us! What blessed assurance that brings. Knowing that it is not up to me, but to my gracious heavenly Father!
The message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing
The Jews requested a sign and it became a stumbling block to them.
Greeks seek wisdom and instead the message is foolishness.
John MacArthur wrote a wonderful book on this topic called Hard to Believe: The High Cost and Infinite Value of Following Jesus. I'd highly recommend this book. What Jesus did was not some simple task. He was crucified in the most inhumane way imaginable. According to Cicero, respectable Greeks should not even mention the word. It was a horrific death! And yet Jesus died in that way for the joy set before Him and in obedience to the Father. Oh how I wish I had more obedience!
But back to the verses, it is foolishness to those who are perishing. Why would an innocent man suffer such a horrific death for mankind. After all to the average person, they are not that bad. In fact, they are pretty good. But not by God's standards! And because we are totally depraved, wicked, evil, lawbreakers and have committed high treason against the King of the Universe, He has every right to punish us eternally. But by His grace, He has chosen to provide a way of escape from the Judgment to Come. We will all face judgment. And how will you fare? Are you good enough to get into heaven? Will the Great, Holy, and Just God of the Universe overlook your overt and prolific transgressions of His law? Look into your heart and see what's there.
But we preach Christ crucified.
If Christ was not crucified, then we would have no hope! He died to pay the penalty for our sin. He is the propitiation (satisfaction of God's wrath) for our sin. You see, a wise and good judge can't just let lawbreakers go free. He must punish the guilty for their crimes. Otherwise, he would not be good. And because God knew that we could not pay the fine ourselves, He sent Jesus to pay our fine for us.
We can't come to God by human wisdom. It is all up to God. He opens our eyes to see.
And so there is nothing in us that makes us in our fallen state want to know God. He opens our eyes to see. And then gives us a choice. Will you repent and believe?
I Corinthians 2
Paul did not come with excellence of speech. His speech and preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom.
This gives me hope as I share my faith. I don't have to be eloquent or perfect in knowing all the arguments I may face. I just do it by faith.
Faith should not be in wisdom of men but in power of God.
My faith is not in man's wisdom, but in the power of God, and there is no one that is more powerful!
II Thes 3--Faithful & Loving God, Work
The Lord is faithful who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.
I love the fact that God is my protector. I used to think that the devil was always out to get me and that every bad thing that happened to me was a result of the devil behind every bush. And it is true that he is out to get me, but he doesn't have free access to me. The Lord allows certain things in my life to teach me and to help me to grow. To build character so to speak. My 1 year old daughter runs to me (or her daddy) when she needs protection. May I be quick to run to my Savior as well.
May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and the patience of Christ
It seems odd to hear people talk of God as a hateful and harsh dictator. And perhaps I used to think that as well. But as I read the Word, I find the Father to be so very loving. Yes, He chastises His children and sometimes quite harshly. But it is for their benefit and according to His sovereign plan. And oh how sweet is the patience of Christ. I can not tell you how many times He has patiently put up with me and my slowness to understand and my disobedient and prideful nature. But I am so very grateful that He hasn't given up on me. And He won't ever. May my heart rest in God's love and Christ's patience toward me.
Withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition you received from us.
This again is talking about a brother who is in sin. We are to withdraw from him with the hope that he will turn from his sin and back to the straight and narrow path. It is for his benefit, not to be hurtful or unkind.
If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.
I think my boys have missed a lunchtime or 2 because of this verse. But they know that if they don't work, neither shall they eat. Fortunately, their tummies are great motivators for them to get moving and start working harder. And food is quickly provided as soon as the work is complete. I believe it was John Smith of the Jamestown settlement that had the policy that if the settlers did not work, they would not eat. And the settlement was the first to survive and thrive. Work is a part of being in a family. We are a team and each person is needed for the team to do well. And even my little K. is starting to help by picking up her toys.
For some don't work and are busy bodies. They should work in quietness and eat their own bread.
I'm reminded of the old saying, "Idle hands are the devil's playthings." Many bad things happen when we are idle.
Do not grow weary in doing good.
This is a favorite verse, especially in childrearing and homeschooling. And it is repeated in Galatians 6:9. There are times when I am discouraged or frustrated with the fruit in my children's lives. But I pray that as I continue on in this journey of motherhood and continue to seek the Lord for wisdom that He will capture my children's hearts. And in due season, I will reap what I've sown in their lives.
I love the fact that God is my protector. I used to think that the devil was always out to get me and that every bad thing that happened to me was a result of the devil behind every bush. And it is true that he is out to get me, but he doesn't have free access to me. The Lord allows certain things in my life to teach me and to help me to grow. To build character so to speak. My 1 year old daughter runs to me (or her daddy) when she needs protection. May I be quick to run to my Savior as well.
May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and the patience of Christ
It seems odd to hear people talk of God as a hateful and harsh dictator. And perhaps I used to think that as well. But as I read the Word, I find the Father to be so very loving. Yes, He chastises His children and sometimes quite harshly. But it is for their benefit and according to His sovereign plan. And oh how sweet is the patience of Christ. I can not tell you how many times He has patiently put up with me and my slowness to understand and my disobedient and prideful nature. But I am so very grateful that He hasn't given up on me. And He won't ever. May my heart rest in God's love and Christ's patience toward me.
Withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition you received from us.
This again is talking about a brother who is in sin. We are to withdraw from him with the hope that he will turn from his sin and back to the straight and narrow path. It is for his benefit, not to be hurtful or unkind.
If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.
I think my boys have missed a lunchtime or 2 because of this verse. But they know that if they don't work, neither shall they eat. Fortunately, their tummies are great motivators for them to get moving and start working harder. And food is quickly provided as soon as the work is complete. I believe it was John Smith of the Jamestown settlement that had the policy that if the settlers did not work, they would not eat. And the settlement was the first to survive and thrive. Work is a part of being in a family. We are a team and each person is needed for the team to do well. And even my little K. is starting to help by picking up her toys.
For some don't work and are busy bodies. They should work in quietness and eat their own bread.
I'm reminded of the old saying, "Idle hands are the devil's playthings." Many bad things happen when we are idle.
Do not grow weary in doing good.
This is a favorite verse, especially in childrearing and homeschooling. And it is repeated in Galatians 6:9. There are times when I am discouraged or frustrated with the fruit in my children's lives. But I pray that as I continue on in this journey of motherhood and continue to seek the Lord for wisdom that He will capture my children's hearts. And in due season, I will reap what I've sown in their lives.
II Thes 1-2--Last Days, Sanctification
II Thes. 1
Paul gives thanks to God because:
1. Your faith grows exceedingly
2. Your love abounds toward each other
3. Your patience and faith in persecutions and tribulations
Paul was kicked out of Thessalonica fairly quickly. But he heard reports of the church. And the reports were encouraging to him. Their faith was growing. Their love for each other was growing. And their patience in the midst of persecution was unwavering.
Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with mighty angels in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God and those who do not obey the Gospel.
This describes a far different Jesus than the one who loves everybody.
II Thes 2
That Day will not come unless the falling away comes first and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition who opposes and exalts himself above that which is called God or that is worshipped so that he sits as God.Then the lawless one will be revealed. The Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth.The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan with all power signs and lying wonders and unrighteous deception.
More verses about the end times. I really need to study this more. But as far as I can understand at the moment, there will come a falling away in the church. I'm guessing that it will be a turning away from the true gospel. And that is already happening. And this lawless one with power from Satan himself will perform with signs and lying wonders and unrighteous deception. And people will willingly believe. We need to be so careful in these days. There are so many men who profess to be godly, but are not teaching rightly from the Scriptures. I don't know much myself and I need to grow in knowledge of the Lord. Miracles alone are not enough to prove that someone is of God, we must listen to the message and see if it lines up with Scripture.
God will send them (those who do not love truth/unbelievers/have pleasure in unrighteousness) strong delusion to believe lie.
God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the spirit.
Another verse on election. God chose us for salvation from the beginning. And He will sanctify us by the spirit. If we are not growing in the Lord and being sanctified, we really must ask the question--Are we really saved?
Stand fast. May God establish you in every good word and work.
It is God who establishes the good words and work we are to do. I just need to be obedient to do it. Increase my love and desire for you, dear Lord! So that my heart will be more obedient!
Paul gives thanks to God because:
1. Your faith grows exceedingly
2. Your love abounds toward each other
3. Your patience and faith in persecutions and tribulations
Paul was kicked out of Thessalonica fairly quickly. But he heard reports of the church. And the reports were encouraging to him. Their faith was growing. Their love for each other was growing. And their patience in the midst of persecution was unwavering.
Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with mighty angels in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God and those who do not obey the Gospel.
This describes a far different Jesus than the one who loves everybody.
II Thes 2
That Day will not come unless the falling away comes first and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition who opposes and exalts himself above that which is called God or that is worshipped so that he sits as God.Then the lawless one will be revealed. The Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth.The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan with all power signs and lying wonders and unrighteous deception.
More verses about the end times. I really need to study this more. But as far as I can understand at the moment, there will come a falling away in the church. I'm guessing that it will be a turning away from the true gospel. And that is already happening. And this lawless one with power from Satan himself will perform with signs and lying wonders and unrighteous deception. And people will willingly believe. We need to be so careful in these days. There are so many men who profess to be godly, but are not teaching rightly from the Scriptures. I don't know much myself and I need to grow in knowledge of the Lord. Miracles alone are not enough to prove that someone is of God, we must listen to the message and see if it lines up with Scripture.
God will send them (those who do not love truth/unbelievers/have pleasure in unrighteousness) strong delusion to believe lie.
God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the spirit.
Another verse on election. God chose us for salvation from the beginning. And He will sanctify us by the spirit. If we are not growing in the Lord and being sanctified, we really must ask the question--Are we really saved?
Stand fast. May God establish you in every good word and work.
It is God who establishes the good words and work we are to do. I just need to be obedient to do it. Increase my love and desire for you, dear Lord! So that my heart will be more obedient!
I Thes 5--Christ is coming! Words to Live By
The Day of the Lord comes as a thief in the night. When they say "peace and safety", they shall not escape.
It is important that we keep watchful! For Jesus could come back at any moment. Am I anticipating that it could happen today? Unfortunately, I find too often that I'm wrapped up in the happenings of today and what's happening tomorrow and never even stop to consider that He could come back today. I wonder how different my life would be if I lived everyday with that kind of anticipation. Lord, help me to remember! Help me to seek to live as if you were coming back today!
Let us (Christians) watch and be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
It is important that we keep watchful! For Jesus could come back at any moment. Am I anticipating that it could happen today? Unfortunately, I find too often that I'm wrapped up in the happenings of today and what's happening tomorrow and never even stop to consider that He could come back today. I wonder how different my life would be if I lived everyday with that kind of anticipation. Lord, help me to remember! Help me to seek to live as if you were coming back today!
Let us (Christians) watch and be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
So what shall we do as we anticipate the Lord's coming? Put on the breastplate of faith and love and the helmet of hope of salvation. My faith is in His righteousness and the propitiation for my sins. My love is for the Lord Jesus and because of my love for Him, I should love others more and more. And my hope is in His promises that if I repent and trust in Him, I will be saved from the wrath of God and made an heir to the Kingdom of God.
Recognize those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you (pastors). Esteem them very highly in love.
I thank God for our pastor! He has the heart of a true shepherd and I praise God for how we are all growing in the Lord! I can't imagine how difficult it is to be a pastor. But I know God's grace is there when you need it and for the calling that He's given.
Be at peace among yourselves:
Oh, how we tend to fuss and argue with one another over trivial things. Lord, help your children to get along. I'm reminded of my own children and how they fuss and argue over little things that they should overlook. I pray for my brothers and sisters at church that we would all be at peace among ourselves. I cherish the unity we share. But I know how wily the devil is. Protect us, dear Lord.
Words to live by:
Warn those who are unruly (Those who are out of line.)
Comfort the fainthearted (Those engulfed in worry/fear)
Uphold the weak
Be patient with all.
Don't render evil for evil to anyone
Always pursue what is good for yourself and for all
Rejoice always
Pray without ceasing (persistent and regularly)
Give thanks in everything
Do not quench the Spirit (sin)
Do not despise prophesies (MacArthur says scripture. But I'm not sure about that.)
Test all things
Hold fast what is good
Abstain from every form of evil.
I think I would do well to memorize this list. If I did all that, I know the Lord would be glorified. And that is my goal.
May God sanctify you completely. He who calls you is faithful and also will do it
Another verse on perseverance of the saints. It is God who sanctifies His elect, and because He is faithful, he will preserve them to the end.
I Thes 2-4--Fruitfulness, Love One Another
I'm combining my notes from I Thes. 2, 3 and 4 into one post.
I Thes. 2/3
Paul talks of how he was separated from the Thessalonians, why he is authentic and his message is authentic. In other words, why they should believe him and his message over others. Paul is encouraged by their faith in spite of his short time with them.
I Thes. 4
Paul encourages the Thessalonians to abound more and more- to be more and more fruitful.
We have a little peach tree that was so fruitful this year. The branches were hanging to the ground with all of the fruit! We gave bushels of peaches away and ate plenty ourselves!! It was a good reminder to me to be fruitful and to continue to be more and more fruitful.
We have another peach tree right next to that one that has fruit that never gets ripe. I hope my life is not that that little tree. Seeming to bear fruit that never gets ripe.
For this is the will of God--that you should abstain from sexual immorality.
God did not call us to uncleanness, but to holiness.
Another verse on personal holiness. It saddens me to think of how many people out there think they are Christians and continue to wallow in sin. I pray that will examine themselves in light of the Scriptures to see if they are truly in the way before it is too late.
Love one another--increase more and more.
Loving your brothers and sisters in Christ is evidence of your salvation according to I John. I'm so grateful for the brothers and sisters that He's brought into my life and I pray that I will love them more and more.
I don't have earthly siblings that I'm close to, but I watch my dear children and see the love they have for one another. They don't always agree. And yes there is conflict when fleshly desires prevail, but they do love and learn from one another. I need my Christian brothers and sisters. They help me along this life and point me towards Christ. I hope for them that I do the same.
Aspire to lead a quiet life (don't generate conflict), to mind your own business, to work with your own hands, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside and that you may lack nothing.
I think these verses speak for themselves--being busy in the Lord and not in other people's business. I often think that "ignorance is bliss." And I'm a certified conflict-avoider. Not that that's a good way to handle things either. But I continue to grow in this area. Praise you, Jesus!
The rest of this chapter was about eschatological stuff which I've never really studied much. Although I need to so that I can understand it better.
I Thes. 2/3
Paul talks of how he was separated from the Thessalonians, why he is authentic and his message is authentic. In other words, why they should believe him and his message over others. Paul is encouraged by their faith in spite of his short time with them.
I Thes. 4
Paul encourages the Thessalonians to abound more and more- to be more and more fruitful.
We have a little peach tree that was so fruitful this year. The branches were hanging to the ground with all of the fruit! We gave bushels of peaches away and ate plenty ourselves!! It was a good reminder to me to be fruitful and to continue to be more and more fruitful.
We have another peach tree right next to that one that has fruit that never gets ripe. I hope my life is not that that little tree. Seeming to bear fruit that never gets ripe.
For this is the will of God--that you should abstain from sexual immorality.
God did not call us to uncleanness, but to holiness.
Another verse on personal holiness. It saddens me to think of how many people out there think they are Christians and continue to wallow in sin. I pray that will examine themselves in light of the Scriptures to see if they are truly in the way before it is too late.
Love one another--increase more and more.
Loving your brothers and sisters in Christ is evidence of your salvation according to I John. I'm so grateful for the brothers and sisters that He's brought into my life and I pray that I will love them more and more.
I don't have earthly siblings that I'm close to, but I watch my dear children and see the love they have for one another. They don't always agree. And yes there is conflict when fleshly desires prevail, but they do love and learn from one another. I need my Christian brothers and sisters. They help me along this life and point me towards Christ. I hope for them that I do the same.
Aspire to lead a quiet life (don't generate conflict), to mind your own business, to work with your own hands, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside and that you may lack nothing.
I think these verses speak for themselves--being busy in the Lord and not in other people's business. I often think that "ignorance is bliss." And I'm a certified conflict-avoider. Not that that's a good way to handle things either. But I continue to grow in this area. Praise you, Jesus!
The rest of this chapter was about eschatological stuff which I've never really studied much. Although I need to so that I can understand it better.
I Thes 1--Election
I Thessalonians 1
Paul give thanks for the Thessalonians. He mention them in his prayers and remembers their works, labor and patience.
I pray that the fruit of my life will pleasing to the Lord and a blessing to others. And patience would continue to grow. I still have far to go in this area, but I see growth and I am encouraged!
Knowing your election by God
God initiates our election. He is the one who first loves and foreordained. But once was the veil is removed, the choice becomes ours. This is also known unconditional election. My sweetie likes to put it like this. Once God opens our eyes to our true state, then it's like choosing between filet minon and a plate of dung. You can still choose the latter, but why would you?
One Christmas, we did a devotional with the boys that was neat. On Christmas morning, we gave them each a little piece of coal in it. Then we read Psalm 51 where David repents of his sin with Bathsheba. He says, "Against you and you alone have I sinned." As they held the coal, it got all over their hands and everything they touched was dirtied. And that it was our sinful lives are like. But Jesus died to pay the price for our sin if we will repent and trust in Him. And then we put the choice before them in this analogy--Would you rather choose a piece of dirty coal or Christmas morning?
Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
There is a wrath to come! So many teach that God is so loving that He wouldn't send someone to Hell. And many believe they are good enough to get to heaven. Are you sure? Take this test to find out.
Paul give thanks for the Thessalonians. He mention them in his prayers and remembers their works, labor and patience.
I pray that the fruit of my life will pleasing to the Lord and a blessing to others. And patience would continue to grow. I still have far to go in this area, but I see growth and I am encouraged!
Knowing your election by God
God initiates our election. He is the one who first loves and foreordained. But once was the veil is removed, the choice becomes ours. This is also known unconditional election. My sweetie likes to put it like this. Once God opens our eyes to our true state, then it's like choosing between filet minon and a plate of dung. You can still choose the latter, but why would you?
One Christmas, we did a devotional with the boys that was neat. On Christmas morning, we gave them each a little piece of coal in it. Then we read Psalm 51 where David repents of his sin with Bathsheba. He says, "Against you and you alone have I sinned." As they held the coal, it got all over their hands and everything they touched was dirtied. And that it was our sinful lives are like. But Jesus died to pay the price for our sin if we will repent and trust in Him. And then we put the choice before them in this analogy--Would you rather choose a piece of dirty coal or Christmas morning?
Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
There is a wrath to come! So many teach that God is so loving that He wouldn't send someone to Hell. And many believe they are good enough to get to heaven. Are you sure? Take this test to find out.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Colossians 4--Prayer, Witnessing
Masters give your bondservant what is just and fair.
Continue earnestly in prayer being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.
Walk in wisdom toward unbelievers redeeming the time.
I continue to seek the Lord for help in this area--to have more of a heart for the Lost and to have more boldness to witness for Him. I pray He will help me to overcome my fears
Let your speech always be with grace seasoned with salt so that you know how to answer.
I need to stop worrying about results and learn to love the Lord more. Perfect love casts out fear.
Continue earnestly in prayer being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.
Walk in wisdom toward unbelievers redeeming the time.
I continue to seek the Lord for help in this area--to have more of a heart for the Lost and to have more boldness to witness for Him. I pray He will help me to overcome my fears
Let your speech always be with grace seasoned with salt so that you know how to answer.
I need to stop worrying about results and learn to love the Lord more. Perfect love casts out fear.
Colossians 3--Submission, Lord-pleasers
Wives submit to own husband.
My testimony here is sobering. I used to be proud that I was soooo submissive. But 3 years ago the Lord got my attention and showed me that I wasn't as submissive as I thought I was. Long story short, my sweetie wanted another child and in my heart I was all done. Well...the Lord won and I'm so glad He did because now I have my sweet K. (15 months old)
Husbands love wives--do not be bitter.
One thing that I know for sure is that my sweetie loves me. He's the best!!
Children obey your parents in all things for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.
Bondservants obey masters, not with eyeservice as man pleasers but in sincerity of heart.
I think this could apply to employees. That they should work for their employers with sincerity of heart, not just giving lipservice (external service).
Whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not to man.
It's good to remember that we should do everything for the Lord and not man. I know I have much to learn here. But I hope to see growth in this area.
My testimony here is sobering. I used to be proud that I was soooo submissive. But 3 years ago the Lord got my attention and showed me that I wasn't as submissive as I thought I was. Long story short, my sweetie wanted another child and in my heart I was all done. Well...the Lord won and I'm so glad He did because now I have my sweet K. (15 months old)
Husbands love wives--do not be bitter.
One thing that I know for sure is that my sweetie loves me. He's the best!!
Children obey your parents in all things for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.
Bondservants obey masters, not with eyeservice as man pleasers but in sincerity of heart.
I think this could apply to employees. That they should work for their employers with sincerity of heart, not just giving lipservice (external service).
Whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not to man.
It's good to remember that we should do everything for the Lord and not man. I know I have much to learn here. But I hope to see growth in this area.
Friday, July 6, 2007
Colossians 3--Put off and Put on
Set mind on things above not on things on the earth.
I'm reminded of this verse in Philippians 4:8:
Put to death:
--fornication
--uncleanness
--passion
--evil desires
--covetousness
--idolatry
The wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience.
Another verse on habitual sin.
Put off:
--Anger
--Wrath
--Malice
--Blasphemy
--Filthy language
--Do not lie
Elect--holy and beloved
Put on:
--tender mercies
--kindness
--humility
--meekness
--long-suffering
--bearing with one another
--forgiving one another
I'm reminded of this verse in Philippians 4:8:
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,Keeping my mind on things above is not always easy though. I find myself succumbing to the things of the world often--schedule for the day, what's going on with the children, what food needs to be planned and cooked, what school needs to be done. Of course in and of themselves, these are not bad things, but too often I find myself just thinking on these kinds of things and mulling over them instead of just focusing on the Lord. I hope to get better in this area.
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is
excellent or praiseworthy–think about such
things.
Put to death:
--fornication
--uncleanness
--passion
--evil desires
--covetousness
--idolatry
The wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience.
Another verse on habitual sin.
Put off:
--Anger
--Wrath
--Malice
--Blasphemy
--Filthy language
--Do not lie
Elect--holy and beloved
Put on:
--tender mercies
--kindness
--humility
--meekness
--long-suffering
--bearing with one another
--forgiving one another
Above all
--put on love
--Let peace of God rule in your hearts
--be thankful
--let the word dwell in you
--Teach and admonish in songs, hymns and spiritual songs
--Sing with grace in your hearts
Colossians 2--Daily Conduct, Salvation is His alone
As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith.
Our daily conduct should be centered around Christ and what He has taught us, and we should be growing in holiness. This is not to say that we won't fall. But that we can look back on our Christian lives and see that we have grown in Him.
To walk means to live a life patterned after HIS! This is so different from what those who teach that we can go on living like we want and still be a Christian teach.
In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh.
Through Christ our hearts have been circumcised. The desire for only sin has been cut off and there is a desire for righteousness. I believe that this also directly relates to perseverance of the saints. If God has circumcised out hearts, can we be uncircumcised?
And you being DEAD in trespasses and uncircumcision of your flesh, HE has made alive...having forgiven you all trespasses having wiped out the handwriting that was against us. He has taken it out of the way having nailed it to the cross.
This relates to total depravity in that we were dead. There was absolutely no life in us to choose Him. It was God who made us alive and forgave us ALL our trespasses. He wiped out all the debts that we owed. And He alone will get all the glory for saving sinners such as I.
Praise you Jesus!! I cannot imagine how long of a list you have against me. But I'm so grateful that I am yours and that through You, I have been granted mercy and have been reconciled to God.
Our daily conduct should be centered around Christ and what He has taught us, and we should be growing in holiness. This is not to say that we won't fall. But that we can look back on our Christian lives and see that we have grown in Him.
To walk means to live a life patterned after HIS! This is so different from what those who teach that we can go on living like we want and still be a Christian teach.
In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh.
Through Christ our hearts have been circumcised. The desire for only sin has been cut off and there is a desire for righteousness. I believe that this also directly relates to perseverance of the saints. If God has circumcised out hearts, can we be uncircumcised?
And you being DEAD in trespasses and uncircumcision of your flesh, HE has made alive...having forgiven you all trespasses having wiped out the handwriting that was against us. He has taken it out of the way having nailed it to the cross.
This relates to total depravity in that we were dead. There was absolutely no life in us to choose Him. It was God who made us alive and forgave us ALL our trespasses. He wiped out all the debts that we owed. And He alone will get all the glory for saving sinners such as I.
Praise you Jesus!! I cannot imagine how long of a list you have against me. But I'm so grateful that I am yours and that through You, I have been granted mercy and have been reconciled to God.
Colossians 1--Once was lost, Now I'm found
And you who were once alienated and enemies by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled...through His death to present you holy and blameless and above reproach in His sight if you continue in the faith grounded and steadfast.
In this verse, I find the essence of my salvation. I once was alienated from God and His enemy because of my wicked works. I was a traitor to all of His ways and there was nothing in me that desired God. I was dead in my transgressions.
BUT....
Jesus did it all. He reconciled me to God by the blood that He shed on Calvary. He chose me before the foundation of the world. I don't know why. There was absolutely nothing about me that was lovable. But for some reason, He picked me. And I am eternally grateful!
And not only has He cleaned me from all past unrighteousness, but He continues to cleanse me and perfect me. Not that I will obtain pure righteousness in this life. But when I see Him face to face in His glory, the process of sanctification will be complete.
Those who continue in the faith are truly His. They are true believers and WILL be saved from the judgment to come. God alone knows a man's heart and knows if he is truly one of His elect. But I believe that those who are truly His will persevere, because He will sustain them. This does not mean that they can consistently and habitually sin. For the Bible would say that those who profess Christ, but continue in such a lifestyle are not truly His. We must examine our hearts to see what our response to sin is.
I like this analogy about a swimming pool. One man falls into the pool, but gets out and has remorse that he has fallen into the pool. He is disgusted that he fell into it and purposes in his heart not to fall again. His response to the sin is one of anguish and sorrow that He has sinned against a holy God. But another man purposefully dives into the pool of sin. He enjoys it and doesn't care about the consequences or that it is an offense to a Holy God. This is no true believer--no matter what this man professes.
In this verse, I find the essence of my salvation. I once was alienated from God and His enemy because of my wicked works. I was a traitor to all of His ways and there was nothing in me that desired God. I was dead in my transgressions.
BUT....
Jesus did it all. He reconciled me to God by the blood that He shed on Calvary. He chose me before the foundation of the world. I don't know why. There was absolutely nothing about me that was lovable. But for some reason, He picked me. And I am eternally grateful!
And not only has He cleaned me from all past unrighteousness, but He continues to cleanse me and perfect me. Not that I will obtain pure righteousness in this life. But when I see Him face to face in His glory, the process of sanctification will be complete.
Those who continue in the faith are truly His. They are true believers and WILL be saved from the judgment to come. God alone knows a man's heart and knows if he is truly one of His elect. But I believe that those who are truly His will persevere, because He will sustain them. This does not mean that they can consistently and habitually sin. For the Bible would say that those who profess Christ, but continue in such a lifestyle are not truly His. We must examine our hearts to see what our response to sin is.
I like this analogy about a swimming pool. One man falls into the pool, but gets out and has remorse that he has fallen into the pool. He is disgusted that he fell into it and purposes in his heart not to fall again. His response to the sin is one of anguish and sorrow that He has sinned against a holy God. But another man purposefully dives into the pool of sin. He enjoys it and doesn't care about the consequences or that it is an offense to a Holy God. This is no true believer--no matter what this man professes.
Colossians 1--Christ is First!
He is the image of the invisible God, firstborn of all creation.
In Christ, we see an image of God. He is God, but He came in the flesh. This blows my mind. It is hard for my finite mind to handle that the God who can fit the span of the universe in the palm of his hand came to earth as a baby. But when we look at Christ we see God.
By Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible.
All things were created through Him and for Him.
He is eternal. He existed before anything else. And everything is held together by Him.
He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning the firstborn from the dead that in all things He may have preeminence
He is the leader of the church. He was the first to rise from the dead. He is first in everything.
Lord, I pray that my life will reflect you as being first. Not my own desires. Help me to glorify you in everything!
In Christ, we see an image of God. He is God, but He came in the flesh. This blows my mind. It is hard for my finite mind to handle that the God who can fit the span of the universe in the palm of his hand came to earth as a baby. But when we look at Christ we see God.
By Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible.
All things were created through Him and for Him.
Christ created everything in heaven and on earth. Everything we see and everything that is invisible. And everything was created for Him.
He is before all things and in Him all things consistHe is eternal. He existed before anything else. And everything is held together by Him.
He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning the firstborn from the dead that in all things He may have preeminence
He is the leader of the church. He was the first to rise from the dead. He is first in everything.
Lord, I pray that my life will reflect you as being first. Not my own desires. Help me to glorify you in everything!
Colossians1--Focusing my Prayer
As I pray for others I want to remember these verses
For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and long suffering with joy;giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.
And remember to pray
1. That they would be fruitful. They would increase in good deeds as evidence of the change Christ has made in their hearts.
2. That they would increase in knowledge of God.
3. That they would be strengthened and empowered by God to live a godly life.
4. That they would joyfully give thanks to the Lord in everything.
For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and long suffering with joy;giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.
And remember to pray
1. That they would be fruitful. They would increase in good deeds as evidence of the change Christ has made in their hearts.
2. That they would increase in knowledge of God.
3. That they would be strengthened and empowered by God to live a godly life.
4. That they would joyfully give thanks to the Lord in everything.
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