Old Things--New Things Dec.31

Old Things—New Things

“Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence.” 

[2 Cor.5:17, GWT].

What was the old way of living?

One view of life says there are three main motivators:

1)   Wanting to be a part of the crowd.

2)   Pleasurable sexual activity at all costs.

3)   Self-interests stimulators.

in Christ, these get changed from:

1)   Wanting love from crowd to loving God toward group.

2)   Selfish sexual pleasure to Christlike creativity.

3)   Self-centered drive to other centered, innovative persuaders.

The old things have passed and become new.

Idols Dec.30

Idols

“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” [1 Jo. 5:21, NKJV].

What is an idol today?

The Amplified Bible expands on the concept of idols when it adds to the verse, “false gods, from anything and everything that would occupy the place in your heart due God, from any sort of substitute for Him that would take first place in your life.”

We are to be careful how we love who and what.

Every Christian Significant Dec.29

Every Christian Significant

“Instead, as we lovingly speak the truth, we will grow up completely in our relationship to Christ, who is the head. He makes the whole body fit together and unites it through the support of every joint.” [Eph.4:15-16, GWT].

Just as every body part, like joints, fit together, all believers are joined together like one body or family.

We all have our important part.

No Complete Failure Dec.28

No Complete Failure

“Nevertheless, He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good . . .” [Acts 14:17, NKJV].

Whatever work we attempt for the kingdom of God, we have to remember: that we may gather where others have sown or we may sow for others to gather.

Regardless, God is never without His witness here on earth. We may not do all we can, but if we are trying to glorify God with Biblical intent, He will not count us failures.

Eternal Hope Dec.27

Eternal Hope

“You, oh Lord, are my refuge! You have made the most high your home, No harm will come to you . . . he will put his angels in charge of you to protect you in all your ways.” [Ps.91:9-11, GWT].

The psalmist is looking out on a scene of much failure but reminding us of eternal hope.

In a day of multiple crises, we are still to live as people of hope.

A Questionable Question Dec.26

A Questionable Question

In the book of John 5:1-9 is a situation when Jesus asks a man if he wants to be healed. The man had been an invalid for 38 years.

What kind of question was that?

As you review the scripture, evidently the man had excuses for not getting healed, like someone else always got ahead of him while dipping in the healing waters of a pool.

So, Jesus asks him as he does us: Are you willing to give up any excuses and become totally well?

Thankfully, the man said yes---and so should we.

Total Surrender Dec.25

Total Surrender

“The love of God invades me,

The peace of God pervades me,

The will of God persuades me,

I am totally His.”

    E.S. Jones

Earthly Calamities Dec.24

Earthly Calamities

I can show you a child who is mentally ruined because of a mother’s drug use.

I know a young man whose intelligence would have sent him far but brutality of war crushed his mind.

I know a man who made a fortune but at sixty, a crooked partner wiped him out.

I know a woman who was forced to an abortionist and then her man left her.

I know parents who placed their little blind girl in foster care because they could no longer cope.

Jesus did not show us how to explain all catastrophes of earth. He did show us how to bear the thought of them.

“Then Jesus said, Father forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.” [Luke 23:34, GWT].

God Cares Dec.23

God Cares

“Through his glory and integrity he has given us his promises that are of the highest value. Through these promises you will share in the divine nature because you have escaped the corruption that sinful desires cause in the world.” [2 Pe.1:4, GWT].

Dwight L. Moody, in his book Heaven, said, “I do not believe there has ever been a tear shed for sin since Adam’s fall in Eden to the present time, but God has witnessed it.”

If there is any sigh or cry that comes from a burdened heart today, God will hear it.

Two Traits from Above Dec.22

Two Traits from Above

“Since you were brought back to life with Christ, focus on the things that are above---where Christ holds the highest position.”

[Col.3:1, NIV].

1)   Wisdom, the ability to know when to speak and when to be quiet.

2)   Mercy, the practice of forgiving the non-deserving.

Believe and Pray Dec.21

Believe and Pray

There is not much that indicates we are to wait passively by before the Spirit of God can move in our lives. We are to reach out in faith and accept what gifts the Spirit can offer.

“Jesus said to them . . . That’s why I tell you to have faith that you have already received whatever you pray for, and it will be yours.”

[Mark 11:22-24, GWT].

“. . . Our faith will be regarded as the basis of our approval of God--each of us who believe in the one who brought Jesus, our Lord, back to life.” [Ro.4:24, GWT].

The scripture is not some deceptive mind game promoting something that isn’t so. The promise is the practice of faith turns to a fact of the resurrection and the fact turns to our emotional well-being and our well-being turns to character building as prayer is answered.

How Holy Spirit Works Dec.20

How Holy Spirit Works

“The Apostles had a single purpose as they devoted themselves to prayer. They were joined by some women, including Mary (the mother of Jesus), and they were joined by his brothers.”

[Acts 1:14, GWT].

The Holy Spirit blesses when the right relationships occur.

How is the Holy Spirit given to those who ask?

1)   A time happens of drawing near by knowing God’s word.

2)   A nearness leads to a mutual self surrender.

3)   Out of self surrender, a faith emerges.

4)   Trust continues to grow as constant adjustment of character occurs.

A Call to the Beyond Dec.19

A Call to the Beyond

“Now dear children, live in Christ. Then, when he appears we will have confidence, and when he comes we won’t turn from him in shame.”  [1 Jo. 2:28, GWT].

As believers, our calling is continually to the beyond, the transcendence, the going beyond ourselves.

Life remains comforting to know to whom and where we belong. 

Growth after Death Dec.18

Growth after Death

“Dear friends, now we are God’s children. What we will be isn’t completely clear yet. We do know when Christ appears we will be like him because we will see him as he is.” [I Jo. 3:2, GWT].

Heaven is eternity and a very long time. Will we keep growing throughout heaven?

In our Christian growth, do we start in heaven where we left off here?

Could it be that we may only take to heaven what we have learned from here?

In God’s economy, every individual will continue growth where supposed to be. God is not slack concerning His promises.

No Church in Heaven Dec.17

No Church in Heaven

An amazing scripture reveals there is no church in heaven as we know it.

“The twelve gates were twelve pearls . . . the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. I did not see a temple in the city, because the lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.”

[Rev. 21: 21-22, NIV].

Can you imagine our arriving in heaven and walking through a pearled gate into a realm where there is no structure as we know it?

We enter a realm where God, Jesus and Spirit are all around, a dimension of no boundaries, no physical hurts or pleasures, only unlimited spiritual bodies that can stand in the unending presence of God Almighty.

We may need an eternity to adjust.

Satan Can Never Be Saved Dec. 16

Satan Can Never Be Saved

Some people just think if Satan could be saved then all the problems would go away. Everyone could just go to heaven and all would be happy. God is God, why can’t He do that?

Yes, God is God and can do whatever he wants.

And yet: “But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin.” [Mk.3:29, NIV].

The damning action is in the word blaspheme.

It means to curse, censure, and swear against.

In the very beginning, Genesis 3:1-4, when the serpent lied to Eve and basically accused God of lying, he swore against the heavenly Father and caused a curse upon humanity.

Jesus’ sacrifice broke the curse for humanity, but not Satan because God cannot contradict Himself by going against Mark 3 truth.

Comfort in Knowing Dec.15

Comfort in Knowing

“Oh Lord, you have examined me and know me,

You alone know when I sit down and when I get up,

You read my thoughts from far away,

You watch me when I travel and when I rest,

You are familiar with all my ways,

Even before there is a single word on my tongue, you know all about it Lord.” [Psalm 139:1-4, GWT].

Relax in the comfort that God truly knows us and accepts us anyway.

Self Condemnation Dec.14

Self Condemnation

“Whenever our conscience condemns us, we will be reassured that God is greater than our conscience and knows everything.”

[1 John 3:20, GWT].

God is not as interested in putting us to shame as He is in bringing us full salvation.

Jesus bore the shame of the cross and cancelled any condemnation by conquering death.

So, believers should trust his grace and not live by disapproval and self fault finding.

Seek the Light Dec.13

Seek the Light

“But if we live in the light in the same way that God is in the light, we have a relationship with each other. And the blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from every sin.” [1 John 1:7, GWT].

Jesus is the one who illuminates all wisdom and understanding for his followers. That is the light that shows our way in every situation when we look for it. And the amazing truth exists that all believers are in a fellowship one to another.

Those believers who do not get along with each other are not seeking the proper light.

First Step---Temptation Dec.12

First Step—Temptation

“And coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives . . . When He came to the place He said to them, Pray that you may not enter temptation.” [Luke22:39-40, NKJV].

Granted, temptation is not sin.

So the tendency is to think temptation then is ok. No. The problem is temptation is just the first step toward sin action, not away from it.

Jesus is saying to replace any temptation with a conscious and active prayer life. When praying, thinking and dwelling on Christ, temptation has no chance.

The gap between earnest prayer and worldly events lets in a temptation exposure.

Seeking Versus Assuming Dec.11

Seeking versus Assuming

“And I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be open to you.” [Luke 11:9, NKJV].

Because we are believers, we sometimes assume God knows our desires and He does because He is all knowing.

But sometimes, He wants us to seek His way in the world of activity.

In those instances, seeking out values assuming. 

Safe in Christ Dec.10

Safe in Christ

“I am now trusting you to God and to his message that tells how kind he is. That message can help you grow and can give you the inheritance that is shared by all God’s holy people.”

[Acts 20:32, GWT].

Being a believer does not always keep us from harm, but we have the promise of the message of the good news in Christ. 

We have the promise of kingdom growth that is good as any of who are considered the holy saints.

Trust in God’s kindness.

Receiving Grace Dec.9

Receiving Grace

“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” [Acts 20:24, NKJV].

The scripture is teaching us that an individual needs to learn how to accept God’s grace, how to receive it because it gives hope and joy to finish your purpose in this life.

God’s grace provides us knowledge, humility, energy, and hope for fallen world.

Every believer has a purpose, a kind of ministry to a hurting world.

Stand Firm Dec.8

Stand Firm

“If you declare that Jesus is lord, and believe that God brought him back to life, you will be saved. By believing you receive God’s approval, and by declaring your faith you are saved. Scripture says, Whoever believes in him will not be ashamed.” [Ro, 10:9-11, GWT].

The verse says, “You ARE saved” when you have declared Jesus, believed he came back from the dead, and expressed your faith. We receive God’s approval whether we earn it or not.

The result is we should confess Christ with our mouths before humanity ever chance we get.

Judging Too Soon Dec.7

Judging Too Soon

The Apostle Paul makes an important point when he says,

“Therefore, don’t judge anything before the appointed time. Wait until the Lord comes. He will also bring to light what is hidden in the dark and reveal people’s motives. Then each person will receive praise from God.”   [1Cor.4:5, GWT].

One of the ways the lord comes now is with the Holy Spirit influence. Let the Holy Spirit do any cross examining when it comes to people’s motives.

Is Sin Really Bad? Dec.6

Is Sin Really Bad?

“Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.” [John 3:20, NIV].

Why is sin so bad?

1)   Sin tricks us; tastes good going in, then turns bitter which means it changes our values, what we hold important.

2)   Sin changes the center of our being. We tend to turn against anything that doesn’t please us.

3)   Sin twists any God given talents toward selfish goals.

All of the above lead to a deadening of one’s spirit.

No Escape Dec.5

No Escape

“. . . Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees which is hypocrisy . . . For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known.” [Luke 12:1-2, NKJV].

The Pharisees were people who thought they could hide certain immoral ideas. They could represent any person who tries to go against a moral universe.

The truth is Jesus is the reality that permeates morality. In other words truth is grounded in the whole universe so that no one can get away with breaking reality without negative consequences.

The universe is made for us to harmonize with it, not go against its principles. In this sense, God nor the universe will trick us. It is we who try to trick them.

Amazing Revelation Dec.4

Amazing Revelation

“This is the written account of Adam and his descendants.

When God created humans,

He made them in the likeness of God.

He created them male and female.

He blessed them and called them humans when he created them.”

[Genesis 5:1-2, God’s Word Translation, GWT].

“He (Jesus) created all things in heaven and in earth, visible and invisible.” [Col. 1:16, GWT].

An amazing truth comes to us . . . that since we are made in the image of God and Jesus made all things . . . when Jesus came to earth, he was actually us in the form of what we ought to be.

More Treasures Dec.3

More Treasures

“But gather and heap up and store for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust nor worm consume and destroy, and where thieves do not break through and steal.” [Mt 6:20, AMPBT].

Other treasures stored and searched for in heaven:

1)   Jesus love that soothes and heals.

2)   Kindness allowing others to get the credit.

3)   Peace that rests in God’s abundance.

By giving yourself to Christ in humility, reserves the revelation and permission to ask.

Heavenly Treasures Dec.2

Heavenly Treasures

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.” [Col.3:1, NKJV].

The Amplified translation interprets the above as “seeking heavenly treasures.”

Is there anything more precious than gold? Are there rich treasures in heaven we can seek and find?

Yes, there are because, for example, genuine peace is golden.

Since the Colossians verse states Jesus being on the right hand of the Father, heavenly treasures come through him. There remains richness in:

1)   Specific traits of Jesus, like his kind of love.

2)   Hope for the believer; we belong to heaven.

3)   Joy greater than happiness, an ecstasy beyond our imagination.

Possessions Dec.1

Possessions

“From the fullness of his grace, we have all received one blessing after another.” [John 1:16, NIV].

Some theologians might say that God has to limit our possessions in order to teach us humility.

There may be some benefit in that, however, God is bigger than that approach for at least two reasons.

1)   The fullness of His Grace is beyond our imagination. We can trust his largeness.

2)   His grace actually gives us a sense of humbleness and a sense of enough possessions, at the same time, when we keep the faith.

Anything beyond is again His Grace extended.

Openness to Believers Nov.30

Openness to Believers

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective,” [James 5:16, NIV].

It is difficult today to know who and where to make any formal confession.

But I do think part of the intent of this scripture is to encourage believers to be open and honest with each other. Sometimes that is painful but also necessary.

We should also do honesty with a prayerful attitude, not one of condemnation or corrective goals. Leave sin forgiveness in the hands of the Holy Spirit.

Delight in Christ Nov.29

Delight in Christ

“You on the Lord rely,

So safe shall you go on;

Fix on His work your steadfast eye,

So shall your work be done.

No profit can you gain

By self-consuming care;

To Him commend your cause,

His ear attends the softest prayer.”

       --John Wesley

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” [Psalm 37:4, NIV].

Remember My Promise Nov.28

Remember My Promise

When through the deep waters, I call you to go,

The rivers of woe shall not you overflow.

For I will be with you, your troubles to bless,

And sanctify to you your deepest distress.

[Unknown author]

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me (Jesus).” [John 14:1, NIV, my parenthesis.]

D.L.Moody's Chart Nov.27

D.L. Moody’s Chart

Something to think about.

EARTH   HEAVEN

Gold       Jesus

Lands     Angels

Houses   Dead Friends

Pleasure Crowns

Honor     Tree of Life

Business  River of life

Dress      Harps

Rum       Song/Psalms

Fast Horses [cars] Purity

“My Father’s house has many rooms. . .” [John 14:2, NIV, 2011].

Have a Need? Nov.26

Have a Need?

As a believer, do you have a need?

Take on an armful of trust today because---

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” [Phil. 4:19, NIV, 2011].

Wow! “according to the riches of his glory.”

Amazing!

Giving All Nov.25

Giving All

“And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” [Luke 14:27, NIV, 2011].

“In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciple.” [Luke 14:33, NIV, 2011].

Cross bearing is not always easy to interpret these days.

One of my teachers said maybe we should look at the Cross of Calvary with Jesus on it and ask him if we could help carry one of the little crosses he has hanging on the big one.

Sometimes we not only have to carry a special kind of cross, but also be engaged in a discipleship that is willing to give all we can.

Give something away today.

Outrun God Nov.24

Outrun God

I’m concerned too many believers are trying to run ahead of God with their decision making.

“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.” [Mt.10:24, NKJV].

Today, wait on the instructions from the Lord and Master.

Remarkable Daughters Nov.23

Remarkable Daughters

“. . . stayed at the house of Phillip the evangelist, one of the Seven. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.” [Acts 21: 8-9, NIV].

Phillip was one of the original seven ministers (deacons) chosen who were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 6).

Notice his amazing children.

Never underestimate God’s power with daughters or women.

Faith in Non-Answer Nov.22

Faith in Non-answer

I know, many persons wonder why God is not clearer in answered prayer.

Many responses have been made about the subject.

But I still like to cling to:

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us . . .” [2Pe.3:9, NKJV].

And sometimes, living with the non-answer grows our faith in ways we do not realize until some time has passed.

Keep the faith.

Which Door? Nov.21

Which Door?

There are many doors in life: my glass embedded front door,

swinging kitchen door, door of birth, and door of death.

Someone may enter through your front door- - -

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” [John 10:10, NKJV].

But most significant door let in a Savior.

Eyes of the Heart Nov.20

Eyes of the Heart

“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints . . .” [Eph.1:18, NIV].

What gives glory to God?

His Son, Creation, the Gospel, Redemption, Love and every believer, all magnify His glory.