Is.40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.
Is.41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Is.40:13-21Who has measured the Spirit of the LORD, or what man shows him his counsel? Whom did he consult, and who made him understand? Who taught him the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding? Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as the dust on the scales; behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust. Lebanon would not suffice for fuel, nor are its beasts enough for a burnt offering. All the nations are as nothing before him, they are accounted by him as less than nothing and emptiness. To whom then will you liken God, or what likeness compare with him? An idol! A craftsman casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and casts for it silver chains. He who is too impoverished for an offering chooses wood that will not rot; he seeks out a skillful craftsman to set up an idol that will not move. Do you not know? Do you not hear? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
Is.40:28-31 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Lord, there is none like You! You made all things and through You all things exist! Forgive us and show mercy but teach us the truth! Amen
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
The Hope of Glory
Col.1:27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
The gift from God through His Son: Our reconciliation to God
Col.1:13-14 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Col.1:15-20 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
Definition of preeminent: supreme; above or before others; superior; surpassing
The gift from God through His Son: Our reconciliation to God
Col.1:13-14 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Col.1:15-20 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
Definition of preeminent: supreme; above or before others; superior; surpassing
A Light For the Nations
Is.42:5-7 Thus says God, the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it: "I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.
Why have we been created? Are we here only to indulge our every desire? What will we take with us when we go into eternity? God's word says in 1 Timothy, you come with nothing and you leave with nothing. So then, why do we waste our time and energy on material possessions?
1Tim.6:8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
What does covet mean? It means to crave, desire, wish for, something belonging to another.
This is one of God's commandments, You shall not covet.
Ex.20:17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's."
Do you understand why God has commanded this?
James :14-15 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
Desiring another persons possessions leads to stealing, murder, and all manner of other crimes!
Lord, deliver us from the desire for material possessions. May we ever be mindful that all things come from You. Amen
Why have we been created? Are we here only to indulge our every desire? What will we take with us when we go into eternity? God's word says in 1 Timothy, you come with nothing and you leave with nothing. So then, why do we waste our time and energy on material possessions?
1Tim.6:8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
What does covet mean? It means to crave, desire, wish for, something belonging to another.
This is one of God's commandments, You shall not covet.
Ex.20:17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's."
Do you understand why God has commanded this?
James :14-15 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
Desiring another persons possessions leads to stealing, murder, and all manner of other crimes!
Lord, deliver us from the desire for material possessions. May we ever be mindful that all things come from You. Amen
Friday, October 7, 2011
Saved A Wretch Like Me
Romans 7:24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?
Definition of wretch: a miserable person, a base, despicable, or vile person
I am speaking of the condition of the soul here, not the person, because sometimes the lost seem fine and indifferent to their real circumstance!! You may have the wealth of the world, but what about your human frailty needs, your disappointments, loss of friends and family, sickness, your own impending death and your soul's eternity?
Who God is:
Is.33:22 For the LORD is our judge; the LORD is our lawgiver; the LORD is our king; he will save us.
What God has done through His Son:
Phil. 2:3-11 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Who we are:
Is.64:8 But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.
Eph.5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
What we think we are:
Rev.3:17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing,
What we really are:
Rev. 3:17 not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
Lord, I am so convicted by Your Words. Forgive the sinner that I am, and mold me to be who I am meant to be. Lord, You are so good!! Amen
Definition of wretch: a miserable person, a base, despicable, or vile person
I am speaking of the condition of the soul here, not the person, because sometimes the lost seem fine and indifferent to their real circumstance!! You may have the wealth of the world, but what about your human frailty needs, your disappointments, loss of friends and family, sickness, your own impending death and your soul's eternity?
Who God is:
Is.33:22 For the LORD is our judge; the LORD is our lawgiver; the LORD is our king; he will save us.
What God has done through His Son:
Phil. 2:3-11 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Who we are:
Is.64:8 But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.
Eph.5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
What we think we are:
Rev.3:17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing,
What we really are:
Rev. 3:17 not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
Lord, I am so convicted by Your Words. Forgive the sinner that I am, and mold me to be who I am meant to be. Lord, You are so good!! Amen
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Bondage
What is bondage? State of being bound, servitude, slavery
I think many of us are appalled at the very mention of this word! Not being free is a horrible thing. Most often we think of bondage as being held against our will, by another, but it is sometimes a lot more subtle. We are under the bondage of sin and do not even give it a second thought. When we are addicted to alcohol or drugs, we are under bondage. When we have to keep buying things we don't need, we are under bondage and have bought into the lie that material things make you happy.
1 Tim.6:7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.
Slave to sin:
John 8:34 Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.
2 Peter 2:19 They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.
Now I will comment on the act of bondage against another, also known as slavery. Slavery is in the bible from a very early time. One of the most notable stories of bondage is the Israelites and Pharaoh and how God raised up Moses to lead the Israelites out of bondage to the promised land.
Ex.3:10-14 Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt." But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?" He said, "But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain." Then Moses said to God, "If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' what shall I say to them?" God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And he said, "Say this to the people of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'"
Many times Moses asked Pharaoh to let God's people go but God hardened his heart. God sent ten plagues to Egypt to show His power to the Israelites and the Egyptians.
Ex.10:3 So Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh and said to him, "Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, 'How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, that they may serve me.
Finally, after the death of all the firstborn, human and animal, Pharaoh let God's people go!
Ex.12:30-32 And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he and all his servants and all the Egyptians. And there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where someone was not dead. Then he summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said, "Up, go out from among my people, both you and the people of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as you have said. Take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone, and bless me also!"
Bondage of the world:
Eph.6:5-9 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.
Eph.6:10-12 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
There is freedom in Christ!
Gal.5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Satan wants to keep your focus on things and not people. Christ wants you to love people in His name!
Lord, help us to keep Your Word in our hearts so that we may love the nations for You. Amen
I think many of us are appalled at the very mention of this word! Not being free is a horrible thing. Most often we think of bondage as being held against our will, by another, but it is sometimes a lot more subtle. We are under the bondage of sin and do not even give it a second thought. When we are addicted to alcohol or drugs, we are under bondage. When we have to keep buying things we don't need, we are under bondage and have bought into the lie that material things make you happy.
1 Tim.6:7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.
Slave to sin:
John 8:34 Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.
2 Peter 2:19 They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.
Now I will comment on the act of bondage against another, also known as slavery. Slavery is in the bible from a very early time. One of the most notable stories of bondage is the Israelites and Pharaoh and how God raised up Moses to lead the Israelites out of bondage to the promised land.
Ex.3:10-14 Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt." But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?" He said, "But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain." Then Moses said to God, "If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' what shall I say to them?" God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And he said, "Say this to the people of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'"
Many times Moses asked Pharaoh to let God's people go but God hardened his heart. God sent ten plagues to Egypt to show His power to the Israelites and the Egyptians.
Ex.10:3 So Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh and said to him, "Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, 'How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, that they may serve me.
Finally, after the death of all the firstborn, human and animal, Pharaoh let God's people go!
Ex.12:30-32 And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he and all his servants and all the Egyptians. And there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where someone was not dead. Then he summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said, "Up, go out from among my people, both you and the people of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as you have said. Take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone, and bless me also!"
Bondage of the world:
Eph.6:5-9 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.
Eph.6:10-12 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
There is freedom in Christ!
Gal.5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Satan wants to keep your focus on things and not people. Christ wants you to love people in His name!
Lord, help us to keep Your Word in our hearts so that we may love the nations for You. Amen
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
This Mystery Is Profound
Eph.5:32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.
1Tim.3:16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
Eph.6:16-20 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Romans 16:25-27 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith-- to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.
1 Cor.15:3-4 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,
The mystery of the gospel is clearly summed up by saying Christ came to save sinners by the power of God the Father. He was born of a virgin. He, who knew no sin, became sin and died on a cross! He was the only acceptable, one time payment for our sin! He is alive to intercede for us and sits beside God the Father. He is coming again to conquer death and sin! Come quickly Lord Jesus! Amen
1Tim.3:16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
Eph.6:16-20 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Romans 16:25-27 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith-- to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.
1 Cor.15:3-4 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,
The mystery of the gospel is clearly summed up by saying Christ came to save sinners by the power of God the Father. He was born of a virgin. He, who knew no sin, became sin and died on a cross! He was the only acceptable, one time payment for our sin! He is alive to intercede for us and sits beside God the Father. He is coming again to conquer death and sin! Come quickly Lord Jesus! Amen
Monday, October 3, 2011
For The Lord Has Spoken
God's victory:
Is.25:8 He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken.
Judgement on the whole Earth:
Is.24:3 The earth shall be utterly empty and utterly plundered; for the LORD has spoken this word.
Our hope:
Is.26:3-4 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.
Heb.10:12-14 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.
God working in man:
Is.26:8-9 In the path of your judgments, O LORD, we wait for you; your name and remembrance are the desire of our soul. My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me earnestly seeks you. For when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.
Most high God, You will judge the whole Earth. Show us mercy as we trust in Christ for our salvation. Help us teach the nations that You are the true and living God. You Word has power and we will praise You for the work You do in people's lives. Let us boldly speak of the salvation that comes from trusting Christ as Lord. Amen
Is.25:8 He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken.
Judgement on the whole Earth:
Is.24:3 The earth shall be utterly empty and utterly plundered; for the LORD has spoken this word.
Our hope:
Is.26:3-4 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.
Heb.10:12-14 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.
God working in man:
Is.26:8-9 In the path of your judgments, O LORD, we wait for you; your name and remembrance are the desire of our soul. My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me earnestly seeks you. For when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.
Most high God, You will judge the whole Earth. Show us mercy as we trust in Christ for our salvation. Help us teach the nations that You are the true and living God. You Word has power and we will praise You for the work You do in people's lives. Let us boldly speak of the salvation that comes from trusting Christ as Lord. Amen
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