Senses Symbolic of God Sept.29

Senses Symbolic of God

We can view the senses, what God created in humans, as symbolic of God’s representations.

Taste sweet candy: Kindness of God.

Smell smoky fragrance: Holy Spirit.

Hear the wind: prayer.

See the sun light: God’s light of revelation.

Feel hand shake: God touching the heart.

Five Senses Sept.28

Five Senses

Did Adam and Eve have 5 senses before they sinned in the garden?

“And the Lord God commanded the man, saying , ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat’ . . .” [Gen.2:16-17, NKJV].

In a sense, yes, because I’m not sure you can eat without tasting.

So it seems to me, originally, God gave us the senses as a blessing. But when Adam and Eve sinned, the senses then became a potential avenue for trouble as they became more sensitive to the negative side of life.

First Man in Space Sept.27

First Man in Space

April 12, 1961, Major Yuri Gagarin rode the nose cone of a space ship around the earth and returned to Russian soil. He was acclaimed by the world as the first man in space.

But in Acts 1:9, “After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.”

Jesus was the first man in space and is first in all things.

When Waiting in Line Sept.26

When Waiting in Line

Much of our lives is waiting for something: A train, a line in a store, a drive through food establishment.

So, instead of floating there with aggravating thoughts, try using that time to say praise or prayer to Heavenly Father.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” [Phil.4:6, NIV].

Does Jesus Weep for Us? Sept.25

Does Jesus Weep for Us?

One of the most powerful scriptures in the Bible: “Jesus wept.”

And the circumstance was about the dying of one he loved.

“Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it.” [Jo.11: 35; 38, NKJV].

He still weeps for those He loves.

Believe in the Impossible Sept.24

Believe in the Impossible

In trying to do God’s will, we always try to work things out partly on our own. As believers, if we maintain all intelligence and resources, we will never be able to be good enough on our own.

But that’s ok because: “Jesus said, the things that are impossible for people to do are possible for God to do.” [Luke18:27, GWT].

Relax in Christ. Let Him control.

Take a Breath Sept.23

Take a Breath

“Brothers and sisters, be patient until the Lord comes again . . .” [James 5:7, GWT].

Breathe in Jesus; breathe out corruption.

Eternal Charge Account Sept.22

Eternal Charge Account

Someone said that love was often like an itch you can’t quiet reach and scratch.

The saying not so with God the Father.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son . . .” [Jo.3:16, NASB].

Along with the love comes an eternal credit account:

“Blessed Is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account.” [Ro.4:8, NASB].

More Church Dynamic Sept.21

More Church Dynamic

As Christians, we can no longer blame any weapons used against us.

“In addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one.” [Eph.6:16, NASB].

We can no longer blame circumstances from enemies.

“But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” [Ro.8:37, NASB].

We can no longer blame people running out of resources.

“So then let no one boast in men, for all things belong to you.” [1Cor.3:21, NASB].

The church needs to quit blaming and start aiming more accurately.

Making Church Dynamic

Making Church Dynamic

How can we help our church be more dynamic?

We can no longer just blame Satan.

Jesus said, “Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall injure you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.” Luke 10:19-20, NASB].

We can no longer blame God.                                                         

“Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you.” [Mt.7:7, NASB].

Blamesmanship no longer counts.

A Christian's Poverty Sept.19

A Christian’s Poverty

There was a ruling in Scotland for those who struggled in poverty. If people could prove a pedigree, they could potentially claim some inheritance and live in a castle.

This may be a picture of many church members today who trail in poverty when the riches of Christ are available.

“If we are his children, we are also God’s heirs . . .” [Ro.8:17, God’s Word Translation, GWT].

We need to daily remember our pedigree.

Irony of God's Love Sept.18

Irony of God’s Love

“For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you; that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread;” [1Cor.11:23, NKJV].

The very night Jesus was betrayed He displayed the Father’s patience with us and showed His unbending loyalty.

We can yield ourselves to Jesus whose love not even betrayal could squash.

Personal Search Sept. 17

Personal Search

“Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.” [1Cor.14:12, NKJV].

As Christians, serving a church, one approach to seek change:

1.   Get focused on one project to complete.

2.   Know specifics where you are going with details.

3.   Plan in terms of growth instead of goals.

4.   Enjoy ambiguity by enjoying the journey; don’t worry about the destination so much.

Let joy abound in the search and grow. Leave results to God.

Christian Cell Renewal Sept.16

Christian Cell Renewal

Every part of a Christian’s body can grow toward the kingdom of God.

“For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.” [2Cor.4:11, NKJV].

The Main Energy Sept.15

The Main Energy

Some of the strongest energies are stored in people:

Jealousy has dethroned kings.

Rebellion has broken the heart of God.

Hate has destroyed nations and human lives.

God provides a contrast:

Unselfishness helps others more than ourselves.

Obedience makes a person like Apostle Paul or woman Dorcas.

Love can stop wars and rage; can change nations.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” [Jo.10:10, NIV].

The Right Key Sept.14

The Right Key

Just think--- Turn one simple key of any kind and you enter a completely different world:

        Lock to a house.

Lock to a business.

Lock to a school.

Lock to an auto.

Lock to a gun cabinet.

Lock to a pasture gate.

Lock to a safe.

Lock to the mind’s eye.

Lock to a heart.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door; I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” [Rev.3:20, NKJV].

We hold the key to the door.

Never Defeated Sept.13

Never Defeated

One of the strongest senses is smell. Stories have been told of persons who felt defeated actually smelled bad.

We have the promise to overcome because we possess the aroma of His knowledge.

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge.” [2Cor.2:14, NKJV].

As Christians, we are never truly defeated.

New Vitality Sept.12

New Vitality

Is it normal for any person who is grounded in Christ and has the same Spirit within as Christ, to remain constantly defeated? Is it normal for us to be without joy, rest, or power?

“Jesus answered . . . whoever drinks of the water I shall give him will never thirst. But the water I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” [Jo. 13-14, NKJV].

New strength and vigor come from drinking the water of Jesus.

Teachable Sept.11

Teachable

We must never avoid a learning situation.

“He who is often reproved and hardens his neck will suddenly be destroyed and that without remedy.” [Prov. 29:1, NKJV].

Share Hope Sept. 10

Share Hope

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” [2Pe.3:15, NIV].

It is hard to give hope if you are not feeling hope. Stay elert.

A Claim Spet.9

A Claim

How many of you would by a magnificent house and never go claim it?

That which God has purchased, He will claim and possess.

“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness.” [2Pe2:9, NIV].

Gossip Sept.8

Gossip

Gossip becomes slander and slander becomes a defamation of another’s personality.

“For I am afraid that when I come . . . I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.” [2Cor.12:20, NIV].

Someone said there were three types of slander or gossip:

1.   Shirt button type---always popping off.

2.   Vacuum cleaner---always picking up dirt.

3.   Ointment type---always rubbing something in.

I think Apostle Paul would call these;

1.   Quarreling---popping off.

2.   Slander/gossip---picking up dirt.

3.   Jealousy---rubbing it in.

Unchanging Promise Sept 7

Unchanging Promise

When we become tired, discouraged or ill, God never intends for us to be without comfort or hope. For what God has planned, He WILL perform.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest—I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls. [Mt.11:28, AMBT].

Our Lawyer Sept.6

Our Lawyer

When we fail, and we will, Jesus is our eternal lawyer.

“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the righteous One.” [1Jo.2:1, NIV].

Atonement Sept.5

Atonement

A famous British preacher said that if anyone really knew what atonement meant, it would be Barabbas in the New Testament who was released at the crucifixion as a substitute for Jesus. [Mt.27:20]

Atonement means just as Jesus took the place of Barabbas at the crucifixion, Jesus takes our place for payment of Sin.

“For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh.” [Ro.8:3, NKJV].

Jesus remains our substitute throughout eternity.

God's Position Sept.4

God’s Position

“Search me, oh God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties.” [Psalm 139:23, NKJV].

The Psalmist appeals to God---not as theologian or philosopher, but trusts in the moral and spiritual value of the Father’s everlasting trustworthiness.

God’s permanent position is to know us and we should know Him.

Heart Search Sept.3

Heart Search

“Then one said to Him, Lord, are there few who are saved?”

Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” Lk.23:23-24, NKJV].

On a given day, one of Jesus’ followers asked how many would be saved. I’m not sure the man understood, but “strive you for the narrow gate” may not just refer to finding salvation, but how one listens to God.

Jesus was trying to get the people to really hear Him through the parabolic teachings and many were missing the point.

With the act of accepting Jesus as Christ, The process of salvation pivots upon how we then listen and hear the Holy Spirit leading us through the narrow gate of understanding.

God's Intent Sept.2

God’s Intent

“Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.” [Mt.21:43, NKJV].

We have to pay special attention today for our nation.

The above scripture may have referred to the U.S. being formed in the very beginning as a nation who is supposed to maintain the freedom to spread Jesus’ Gospel and Kingdom of heaven.

Your Personal Crosses Sept.1

Your Personal Crosses

“Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” [Mk.10:21, NKJV].

Taking up your personal cross may not mean you sell all like the rich young man. And you may never actually be nailed to a cross, but you may have to endure other subtle crosses like:

1.   A word said about you not true.

2.   A life-long physical malfunction.

3.   A mate who does not agree with you spiritually.

4.   Some other worker getting credit and praise for your ideas.

5.   Some dream or ambition you could never fulfill.

We do not always understand but these and others are when we give thanks for God’s magnificent Grace that sees us through.