Today I let my faith in Sovereign God sustain me! He is able! When the trials come, He is there! When you are totally helpless, He is there! When you want to run and hide because you are paralysed with fear, He is there! Trust in Him is so worth everything! God is here for you if you will but trust Him with your all! We really have no control at all. We are forever in His care whether you want to admit it or not, the choice is yours, to believe in His supremacy! He will keep you in good times and bad. He will build your faith through trials and He will use you to tell of the joy you have in Him as He leads you through them! You will have peace in the midst of the worst times! You will praise His name for He is merciful and good!
God, thank You for the faith You have given me. I meditate on Your good word night and day. When I awake, I think on the words You have given us to guide us and I know You love us. Lord, I pray for the ones who do not know You intimately and ask for their eyes to be opened to the wonder of You. Amen
James 1:2-5 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Definition of steadfastness: loyalty in the face of trouble and difficulty
Definition of trust: assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something
Definition of faith: belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence
We all will face trials with or without God. I can promise that if You trust Jesus Christ in all things, He will give you peace and joy that the world will not be able to understand.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Romans 9:33 As it is written: "See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."
Heb.11:1-3 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Are You Just Called Or Are You Chosen?
Matt. 22:14 ESV For many are called, but few are chosen."
When I read this verse this morning for about the 10th time, I was just astounded! It really sunk in what it meant! Only some will except Jesus even though they have been called by Him to be His! I got a really sick feeling in my gut because people, like me who are saved by grace, may not have ever really listened to this verse. It will effect the way we look at people. It is possible to know about Jesus but not except Him and follow Him. Lord, I pray for eyes to be opened to Your word today, for we may not have a tomorrow. Today is the day of salvation. Amen
Lord, Your word says: Rev.22:17 KJ And the Spirit and the bride say ,Come. And let him that heareth say ,Come . And let him that is athirst come . And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
This is a general call of repentance to all who hear the gospel, we who respond are the chosen.
God's internal call or effectual call is a supernatural drawing to Him.
John 6:44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.
Although we are chosen to enter the kingdom, it is only because of the grace of God and His drawing of us to Himself, that allows us the privilege to enter His presence .
Definition of grace: God’s unmerited favor,-unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification
I would like to say one thing about grace. While grace is free, with it comes a responsibility of repentance. We must try to live a holy life and when we fail, go on our knees and ask for forgiveness.
Titus 2:11-12, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;"
Lord, help me follow Your commands and help me to teach others. Lord God, forgive us when we fail You. Amen
When I read this verse this morning for about the 10th time, I was just astounded! It really sunk in what it meant! Only some will except Jesus even though they have been called by Him to be His! I got a really sick feeling in my gut because people, like me who are saved by grace, may not have ever really listened to this verse. It will effect the way we look at people. It is possible to know about Jesus but not except Him and follow Him. Lord, I pray for eyes to be opened to Your word today, for we may not have a tomorrow. Today is the day of salvation. Amen
Lord, Your word says: Rev.22:17 KJ And the Spirit and the bride say ,Come. And let him that heareth say ,Come . And let him that is athirst come . And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
This is a general call of repentance to all who hear the gospel, we who respond are the chosen.
God's internal call or effectual call is a supernatural drawing to Him.
John 6:44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.
Although we are chosen to enter the kingdom, it is only because of the grace of God and His drawing of us to Himself, that allows us the privilege to enter His presence .
Definition of grace: God’s unmerited favor,-unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification
I would like to say one thing about grace. While grace is free, with it comes a responsibility of repentance. We must try to live a holy life and when we fail, go on our knees and ask for forgiveness.
Titus 2:11-12, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;"
Lord, help me follow Your commands and help me to teach others. Lord God, forgive us when we fail You. Amen
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
February Bible Reading
Date Old Testament New Testament
February 1 Exodus 27, 28 Matthew 21:23-46
February 2 Exodus 29, 30 Matthew 22:1-22
February 3 Exodus 31, 32, 33 Matthew 22:23-46
February 4 Exodus 34, 35, 36 Matthew 23:1-22
February 5 Exodus 37, 38 Matthew 23:23-39
February 6 Exodus 39, 40 Matthew 24:1-22
February 7 Leviticus 1, 2, 3 Matthew 24:23-51
February 8 Leviticus 4, 5, 6 Matthew 25:1-30
February 9 Leviticus 7, 8, 9 Matthew 25:31-46
February 10 Leviticus 10, 11, 12 Matthew 26:1-19
February 11 Leviticus 13 Matthew 26:20-54
February 12 Leviticus 14 Matthew 26:55-75
February 13 Leviticus 15, 16, 17 Matthew 27:1-31
February 14 Leviticus 18, 19 Matthew 27:32-66
February 15 Leviticus 20, 21 Matthew 28:1-20
February 16 Leviticus 22, 23 Mark 1:1-22
February 17 Leviticus 24, 25 Mark 1:23-45
February 18 Leviticus 26, 27 Mark 2
February 19 Numbers 1, 2 Mark 3:1-21
February 20 Numbers 3, 4 Mark 3:22-35
February 21 Numbers 5, 6 Mark 4:1-20
February 22 Numbers 7 Mark 4:21-41
February 23 Numbers 8, 9, 10 Mark 5:1-20
February 24 Numbers 11, 12, 13 Mark 5:21-43
February 25 Numbers 14, 15 Mark 6:1-32
February 26 Numbers 16, 17 Mark 6:33-56
February 27 Numbers 18, 19, 20 Mark 7:1-13
February 28 Numbers 21, 22 Mark 7:14-37
February 29 Numbers 23, 24, 25 Mark 8:1-21
February 1 Exodus 27, 28 Matthew 21:23-46
February 2 Exodus 29, 30 Matthew 22:1-22
February 3 Exodus 31, 32, 33 Matthew 22:23-46
February 4 Exodus 34, 35, 36 Matthew 23:1-22
February 5 Exodus 37, 38 Matthew 23:23-39
February 6 Exodus 39, 40 Matthew 24:1-22
February 7 Leviticus 1, 2, 3 Matthew 24:23-51
February 8 Leviticus 4, 5, 6 Matthew 25:1-30
February 9 Leviticus 7, 8, 9 Matthew 25:31-46
February 10 Leviticus 10, 11, 12 Matthew 26:1-19
February 11 Leviticus 13 Matthew 26:20-54
February 12 Leviticus 14 Matthew 26:55-75
February 13 Leviticus 15, 16, 17 Matthew 27:1-31
February 14 Leviticus 18, 19 Matthew 27:32-66
February 15 Leviticus 20, 21 Matthew 28:1-20
February 16 Leviticus 22, 23 Mark 1:1-22
February 17 Leviticus 24, 25 Mark 1:23-45
February 18 Leviticus 26, 27 Mark 2
February 19 Numbers 1, 2 Mark 3:1-21
February 20 Numbers 3, 4 Mark 3:22-35
February 21 Numbers 5, 6 Mark 4:1-20
February 22 Numbers 7 Mark 4:21-41
February 23 Numbers 8, 9, 10 Mark 5:1-20
February 24 Numbers 11, 12, 13 Mark 5:21-43
February 25 Numbers 14, 15 Mark 6:1-32
February 26 Numbers 16, 17 Mark 6:33-56
February 27 Numbers 18, 19, 20 Mark 7:1-13
February 28 Numbers 21, 22 Mark 7:14-37
February 29 Numbers 23, 24, 25 Mark 8:1-21
Monday, January 31, 2011
God's Transforming Mercy and His Perfect Patience
Thanks to Deric for this blessed teaching! God, Your word is good!
1 Tim.1:15-16 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.
Definition of transforming: to change in character or condition
In spite of Pauls' severe persecution of Christians, God used him for His purpose. God, in His perfect patience, can change hearts and use anyone for His glory.
Gal.1:15-16 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone
So no matter what your past may be, God will use it for His glory and His purpose. Some people have gone through horrors that the rest of us can only imagine. God uses that testimony to reach people who may have had similar experiences. God wants not one to perish! He has a loving patience toward us that we do not deserve.
Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
God's sovereign mercy: Romans 9:15-16 For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.
God's power in our being a convert: definition of convert: to transform, change from lack of faith to faith
1 Peter1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
God's power through His church:
1 Cor.12:18-27 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
God's power and our hope: Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
1 Cor.15:55-57 "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rev.21:3-6 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.
God gave Paul a passion for evangelism in spite of his past. We, the Christ Followers, are here for God's holy purpose. That purpose is to let God's word transform the world. We do this by showing God's love to all people. Look around you, there is someone waiting to hear of the hope that is in Christ Jesus!
Lord, prepare us for Your purpose. Teach us to love the world. Prepare their hearts for Your word. Amen
1 Tim.1:15-16 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.
Definition of transforming: to change in character or condition
In spite of Pauls' severe persecution of Christians, God used him for His purpose. God, in His perfect patience, can change hearts and use anyone for His glory.
Gal.1:15-16 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone
So no matter what your past may be, God will use it for His glory and His purpose. Some people have gone through horrors that the rest of us can only imagine. God uses that testimony to reach people who may have had similar experiences. God wants not one to perish! He has a loving patience toward us that we do not deserve.
Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
God's sovereign mercy: Romans 9:15-16 For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.
God's power in our being a convert: definition of convert: to transform, change from lack of faith to faith
1 Peter1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
God's power through His church:
1 Cor.12:18-27 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
God's power and our hope: Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
1 Cor.15:55-57 "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rev.21:3-6 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.
God gave Paul a passion for evangelism in spite of his past. We, the Christ Followers, are here for God's holy purpose. That purpose is to let God's word transform the world. We do this by showing God's love to all people. Look around you, there is someone waiting to hear of the hope that is in Christ Jesus!
Lord, prepare us for Your purpose. Teach us to love the world. Prepare their hearts for Your word. Amen
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Lord, You Are Real and Truly in Control
It is hard when you witness someone who is out of control, whether it is with drugs, alcohol, excessive spending or what ever sin they have been captivated by. You ask God to intervene. Without knowing the implications of what you ask, but knowing God is always in control and sees what we do not see, you trust in Him. And then it begins, His teaching, His ways. You are intimately involved in the changing of someones life!
God give us strength to be quite and listen. To totally trust in You and Your gift of complete peace and Your gift of a new life in You. Amen
It is hard to watch someone on a collision course with sin. You have been there and done that and know it has no good end. But, you must stand back and pray for God to work His will in the lives of the lost and the saved ones whose faith is not mature.
We are His: Ps.24:1 The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein
God's wisdom to the redeemed: 1 Cor.:6-16 Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him"-- these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. "For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
His mercy: Ps.107:8-21 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things. Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and in irons, for they had rebelled against the words of God, and spurned the counsel of the Most High. So he bowed their hearts down with hard labor; they fell down, with none to help. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart. Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he shatters the doors of bronze and cuts in two the bars of iron. Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction; they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!
God makes no mistakes:
God give us strength to be quite and listen. To totally trust in You and Your gift of complete peace and Your gift of a new life in You. Amen
It is hard to watch someone on a collision course with sin. You have been there and done that and know it has no good end. But, you must stand back and pray for God to work His will in the lives of the lost and the saved ones whose faith is not mature.
We are His: Ps.24:1 The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein
God's wisdom to the redeemed: 1 Cor.:6-16 Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him"-- these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. "For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
His mercy: Ps.107:8-21 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things. Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and in irons, for they had rebelled against the words of God, and spurned the counsel of the Most High. So he bowed their hearts down with hard labor; they fell down, with none to help. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart. Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he shatters the doors of bronze and cuts in two the bars of iron. Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction; they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!
God makes no mistakes:
He Maketh No Mistake
My Father's way may twist and turn,
My heart may throb and ache,
But in my soul I'm glad I know
He maketh no mistake.
My heart may throb and ache,
But in my soul I'm glad I know
He maketh no mistake.
My cherished plans may go astray,
My hopes may fade away,
But still I'll trust my Lord to lead,
For He doth know the way.
My hopes may fade away,
But still I'll trust my Lord to lead,
For He doth know the way.
Though night be dark and it may seem
That day will never break,
I'll pin my faith, my all in Him,
He maketh no mistake.
That day will never break,
I'll pin my faith, my all in Him,
He maketh no mistake.
There's so much now I cannot see,
My eyesight's far too dim;
But come what may, I'll surely trust
And leave it all to Him.
My eyesight's far too dim;
But come what may, I'll surely trust
And leave it all to Him.
For by and by the mist will lift
And plain it all He'll make;
Through all the way, though dark to me,
He made not one mistake.
And plain it all He'll make;
Through all the way, though dark to me,
He made not one mistake.
(A. M. Overton)
Did You Agree to Work for that Wage?
Are you one of those people who always worries about whether someone else makes more than you do working the same job that you work? Take heart friend because that has been a sin for many, even hundreds of years ago.
Matt.20:1-16 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and to them he said, 'You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.' So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, 'Why do you stand here idle all day?' They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You go into the vineyard too.' And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.' And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.' But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?' So the last will be first, and the first last."
Lord, You are so wise. We do need to be reminded of our sin. Forgive us when we are so ungrateful. Amen
Matt.20:1-16 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and to them he said, 'You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.' So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, 'Why do you stand here idle all day?' They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You go into the vineyard too.' And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.' And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.' But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?' So the last will be first, and the first last."
Lord, You are so wise. We do need to be reminded of our sin. Forgive us when we are so ungrateful. Amen
Thursday, January 27, 2011
The Bow in the Clouds
Did you ever stop to think why when you see a rainbow, you have this overwhelming feeling of happiness and peace? God made the rainbow as a covenant between us and Him, that He would never again destroy all living creatures by flood.
Gen.9:11-17 I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth." And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth." God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth."
He created us for His purpose! He is Lord over all!
Rev.4:11 "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."
1 Cor.8:5-6 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth--as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"-- yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
Romans 11:36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
Gen.1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
You will be without excuse if you don't except Him!
Romans 1:18-23 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.
It is in our human makeup to do the right things, even if we make the choices not to do them. Call it a conscience or what ever you like. We know it is wrong to steal, murder, lie etc. Definition of conscience: the inner sense of what is right or wrong in one's conduct or motives, impelling one toward right action
Lord, thank You for rainbows. We are without excuse if we deny You. We need You and we praise You. Amen
Gen.9:11-17 I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth." And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth." God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth."
He created us for His purpose! He is Lord over all!
Rev.4:11 "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."
1 Cor.8:5-6 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth--as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"-- yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
Romans 11:36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
Gen.1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
You will be without excuse if you don't except Him!
Romans 1:18-23 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.
It is in our human makeup to do the right things, even if we make the choices not to do them. Call it a conscience or what ever you like. We know it is wrong to steal, murder, lie etc. Definition of conscience: the inner sense of what is right or wrong in one's conduct or motives, impelling one toward right action
Lord, thank You for rainbows. We are without excuse if we deny You. We need You and we praise You. Amen
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